County Boards of Education and Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners - Vacancy Procedures - Alterations

SB 595 changes how Maryland county school boards and Baltimore City’s school board fill vacant elected and appointed positions. If a vacancy occurs 55 or more days before the primary election filing deadline, the board must hold an election at the next general election. If a vacancy happens within 54 days of that deadline, or if no qualified candidates file, the board must appoint a replacement within 60 days through a public process: advertising the vacancy, reviewing candidate resumes, conducting livestreamed interviews, and holding a public vote. This bill directly affects school board members and residents in all Maryland counties and Baltimore City by standardizing vacancy procedures.