Harford County Public Schools is facing an unprecedented leadership crisis following the sudden resignation of its Board of Education president, Dr. Aaron Poynton. His departure on January 8 came just one day after Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson was placed on paid administrative leave, leaving the district in a state of uncertainty.
The events were triggered by the public release of a 911 call from New Orleans, in which a caller identifying himself as Sean Bulson reported a theft. The Maryland Inspector General for Education has since launched an investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Harford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson is on paid administrative leave.
- Board of Education President Dr. Aaron Poynton resigned a day later.
- The actions follow the release of a 911 call from a work trip to New Orleans.
- The Maryland Inspector General for Education is now investigating the situation.
A Rapid Unraveling
The situation escalated quickly over a matter of days, beginning with the publication of a police recording on January 6. The audio, obtained from the New Orleans Police Department, features a caller who identifies as Sean Bulson reporting a theft that occurred on April 6, 2024.
The caller stated that he was in the city for a work-related conference. He reported that a woman he let into his hotel room allegedly stole property valued at $8,000, including a laptop and phones, around 2:00 in the morning.
Following the audio's release, calls for an investigation grew from local and state officials. On January 7, the Harford County Board of Education placed Dr. Bulson on paid administrative leave. The very next day, Dr. Aaron Poynton announced his resignation as president of the board.
Board Member Expresses Concern
The fast-moving events have left members of the school community seeking answers. Harford County Board of Education member Diane Alvarez described the last few days as chaotic and stressed the need for transparency.
"If he (Bulson) made a mistake, he needs to admit it," Alvarez stated, adding, "I think he needs to come clean with whatever happened. If he doesn't have anything to hide, he shouldn't hide it."
Alvarez also voiced concern over the potential impact on students and the community. She believes the superintendent, as the leader of the school system, owes the community an explanation.
"I'm concerned about our children first," she said. "How this is going to impact the children because they're seeing the same information."
Timeline of Key Events
- April 6, 2024: A 911 call is made in New Orleans reporting a theft. The caller identifies as Sean Bulson.
- January 6, 2024: The audio recording of the call is made public.
- January 7, 2024: Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson is placed on paid administrative leave.
- January 8, 2024: Board of Education President Dr. Aaron Poynton resigns.
Questions of Notification and Accountability
A significant point of contention for some board members is when they were made aware of the incident. Alvarez noted that she was not informed about the April 2024 police report until she received an email from the media on January 5, nearly nine months after the event occurred.
"If there was a 911 call during that trip that our only employee, I mean, the superintendent is our only employee - we should have been informed," Alvarez explained. This raises questions about the district's internal reporting protocols and the board's oversight responsibilities.
The Maryland Inspector General for Education, Rick Henry, is reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the New Orleans trip and the subsequent fallout. The school district has not yet officially confirmed that the person on the 911 call is Superintendent Bulson.
The incident in question occurred while Dr. Bulson was scheduled to be in New Orleans for a work conference. Sources have also confirmed that the now-resigned Board President, Dr. Aaron Poynton, was also in New Orleans during the same period in April 2024.
Leadership Vacuum and Path Forward
In his resignation statement, Dr. Poynton cited an increased workload and a desire to focus on his family and professional duties as the reasons for his departure. He stated his resignation was not connected to the recording.
With Dr. Bulson on leave and Dr. Poynton's resignation, the district's leadership structure has been significantly altered. The Board of Education now faces the task of navigating this crisis while ensuring the continuity of operations for thousands of students and staff.
Dr. Dyann Mack has been appointed as the interim Superintendent to manage the district's day-to-day functions. The board will convene for its next meeting with a new dynamic, tasked with addressing the public's concerns and charting a path forward amidst the ongoing investigation.
As the community awaits the findings of the Inspector General, the focus remains on maintaining stability within the school system and restoring public trust in its leadership.
