Students, teachers and foundation urge board to keep Harford Glen amid budget cuts

Dozens of public commenters, including students, former campers, teachers and organizers, urged the Harford County Board of Education on June 22 to preserve Harford Glen, the district’s long‑running environmental education center, and other student‑facing programs threatened in the FY27 review.

Students described Harford Glen as a formative, hands‑on learning experience that exposes fifth‑graders to stream ecology, wildlife observation and outdoor leadership; alumni and staff said the overnight camp builds resilience and practical skills students do not get in classroom settings. The Harford Glen Foundation and other local nonprofits described fundraising, volunteer support and program partnerships that the foundation said would not replace the program if district funding were removed.

Several speakers noted Harford Glen has been embedded in Harford County Public Schools curriculum since 1980 and that this year about 3,000 students attended the residential program. Teachers and counselors recounted the camp’s social‑emotional benefits and asked trustees to protect the overnight and day programming. The foundation’s vice president described capital projects it has funded (greenhouse replacement, equipment donations) and urged collaborative solutions instead of cuts.

Public commenters also raised broader budget priorities: music and arts, athletics, school safety liaison positions and support staff. District staff and board members listened and said the administration will incorporate public feedback into deliberations ahead of the board’s scheduled vote on the budget June 29.

The board did not make a final decision on the Harford Glen program at the meeting; trustees asked finance and school staff to continue seeking options to preserve student‑facing programs while addressing the budget shortfall.