Delegate Stein urges quarterly budget reports and vendor disclosure for Baltimore County schools

Delegate Stein, sponsor of HB1257, told the delegation the bill is intended to make Baltimore County Public Schools' budget information more accessible to the public by requiring quarterly budget-to-actual reports, easier access to vendor contract awards and more detailed reporting on smaller capital projects.

"I feel this bill would improve public accessibility to the school system's budget and improve transparency," Stein said, noting that many large documents are already online but that easier, routinely updated summaries would help employees, parents and taxpayers understand fiscal progress through the year.

Kelly Olds, speaking for the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), testified in support and said transparency reduces harmful conjecture about the school system's finances. Stein acknowledged some requested data already exists in budget appendices and said he trimmed redundant requirements from the bill.

Delegates asked whether the data are already produced for internal audiences and whether the bill includes enforcement for missed postings; Stein said much of the information is available to the board but the bill does not impose penalties if reports are not posted and that compliance could be revisited in future legislation.

No vote was taken at the hearing.