District 7A Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki released a statement after the Board of Education,, passed its FY27 budget with ineligible member.
On February 24, the Board approved a $2.5 billion budget by a 7–4 vote, the exact number required for passage.
But earlier that same day, one board member filed to run for state office, immediately disqualifying herself under Maryland law, which clearly prohibits school board members from being candidates for elected office.
“When the people running our schools can’t follow the law, it sends exactly the wrong message,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga.
“You don’t get to ignore clear legal requirements just because it’s convenient. This wasn’t a technicality; it was the deciding vote on a $2.5 billion budget. The Board needs to fix it and take a lawful vote.”
Delegate Ryan Nawrocki added, “The law here isn’t optional, and there’s clear precedent to prove it. If you’re not legally serving, you don’t get to vote, especially on something this significant. Taxpayers deserve a process they can trust.”
Delegates Szeliga and Nawrocki are calling on the Baltimore County Board of Education to immediately revisit and re-vote on the FY27 budget, ensuring that every vote cast is both legal and legitimate.