Baltimore Lawmakers Propose Bill for Inspector General Oversight in Schools

Two state lawmakers from Baltimore County are set to introduce legislation in January aimed at expanding the authority of the Baltimore County Council to include oversight of the county’s public school system. The proposed bill, prefiled for the upcoming legislative session, will be sponsored by Sen. Carl Jackson, a Democrat, and Del. Ryan Nawrocki, a Republican.

The legislation would provide the council with the legal authority to extend the inspector general’s oversight to Baltimore County Public Schools, although it would not require the council to do so. If passed, the earliest the measure could come into effect is 2027.

At a news conference held in Annapolis, Jackson emphasized that the intention of the bill is not to assign blame or cast doubt. “This is about building a stronger, more accountable school system, one where independence and transparency is the standard, not an aspiration,” he stated.

In fiscal 2026, nearly $2.4 billion of Baltimore County’s total budget of $4.78 billion was allocated to the school system. This significant funding underscores the importance of effective oversight in ensuring proper management and accountability within the schools.

Currently, the school system operates an independent Office of Internal Audit, which conducts audits and investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and unlawful acts. However, the reports generated by this office are limited in their distribution, being provided only to the superintendent, legal counsel, the chief human resources officer, and the chief auditor, as dictated by board policies.

This legislative initiative is not the first of its kind. In 2021, then-Sen. Kathy Klausmeier and Del. Eric Ebersole, both Democrats, attempted to introduce similar legislation with backing from then-Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr..

The proposed bill represents an ongoing effort to enhance the accountability and transparency of the educational system in Baltimore County, reflecting a growing commitment to ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of students and the community as a whole.

As the legislative session approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this proposal evolves and its potential implications for the governance of Baltimore County’s educational institutions.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.