Dr. Aaron Poynton, the president of the Harford County Board of Education, announced his resignation Thursday, saying the workload was impeding "important aspects" of his life. 

His resignation comes just after Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson was put on administrative leave during an investigation following allegations that school property was stolen from him during a conference in 2024. 

According to Poynton's statement, his decision to resign "was not influenced by the recent challenges facing the district." 

"Service on the Board of Education is a volunteer role that nevertheless requires a substantial and growing time commitment," he said. "With the added responsibilities of the presidency, the workload has increased to a level that has effectively become more than a full-time role." 

Poynton continues his statement, saying that he is scheduled to begin a new Chief Executive Officer role, which will require his full attention and travel outside of the county. 

"In light of these commitments, I have concluded that I can no longer fulfill the duties of this position at the level of focus and availability it deserves," Poynton said. 

His resignation is effective immediately. 

Harford County Board President Pat Vincenti called the timing of Poynton's resignation "suspicious." He hopes that information, along with any other details, will be revealed during the investigations.

Harford County Superintendent under investigation 

Superintendent Bulson was put on administrative leave with pay on Wednesday after allegations stemming from a 2024 National School Board Association Conference that he attended in New Orleans. 

Some county leaders began calling for his resignation after an alleged non-emergency call made to the New Orleans Police Department surfaced. 

During the call, Bulson reported that he let an unknown woman into his hotel room, who later stole several items, totaling $8,000. WJZ is still working to authenticate the call made in New Orleans, Harford County school board members were attending the conference.

Initial allegations claimed that the stolen items were school-owned property. However, on Wednesday, Board President Poynton told WJZ that an internal review found no student data was compromised. 

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said that alleged call speaks for itself and that no investigation is necessary.

"To me, the termination doesn't need an investigation," Cassilly said. :His own words were there, his failure to show leadership at a critical juncture, we don't need an investigation." 

Cassilly says he has no reason to believe that other board members, including Poynton, were involved in the April incident.

In a statement, Poynton said he just accepted a new job, and could not keep up with the responsibilities of both positions…adding in part, "I recognize that this decision comes at a time of turbulence for Harford County Public Schools. However, I want to be clear that my decision was not influenced by the recent challenges facing the district."

But given the timing of Poynton's resignation, Vincenti is not so sure.

[[sot]]

6:50- *Do you find the timing of this at all suspicious?* Yes. But, I mean, I listened to it, it went in one ear and one out the other, because I just think that timing is the issue, yes.

[[track]]

He says he's hoping that information, along with any other details, will be revealed during the investigations….

But right now, both county leaders agree—the focus needs to be on moving forward, appointing a new school board member, and doing right by our students.

[[sot]]

8:55- It is a moral obligation to us to make sure that this doesn't happen again, whatever happened.

[[sot]]

4:02- Dr. Bolson's only proper options were to offer an immediate and compelling explanation for his conduct or to offer his resignation, and Dr. Bolson chose instead to simply remain silent, and that is not a leader's option.

[[Ashley]]

Cassilly will appoint a new school board member, which will then be approved by the county council.

The board of education will then choose who will replace Poynton as board president.

In a statement, HCPS says the support the investigation, and will work with the council and the board in appointing a new member.

Meanwhile right now, no timeline on when these investigations will be complete.

Dr. Dyann Mack, the county's deputy superintendent, is serving as acting superintendent.