Dozens of speakers urge Harford County board to keep Hartford Glen, music and magnet transportation
June 29, 2026 | Harford County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland
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At least 40 community members used the public-comment hour at the Harford County Board of Education meeting on June 29 to urge the board to protect Hartford Glen, elementary instrumental-music programs, magnet transportation and swimming opportunities from proposed budget reductions.
Students spoke first, recounting hands-on science, bird banding, and teamwork experiences at Hartford Glen that they said shaped their interest in science and leadership. "Hartford Glen is more than just a place where 5th graders go to spend the night," one student said, describing capstone projects and opportunities to work with experienced field researchers.
Educators and retirees emphasized the cognitive and social benefits of early music instruction. Susan Hopkins, a retired instrumental-music teacher with more than four decades in the system, told the board that playing an instrument "is basically a full body workout for your brain" and urged continued funding for elementary programs.
Several parents and program advocates framed magnet-transportation decisions as an equity issue: without buses, they said, access to magnet programs favors families with flexible transportation options and undermines the county’s intent to bring diverse students together. Marybeth Cochran, an educator of nearly 30 years, told the board that county-provided transportation is "the equalizer."
Speakers also raised concerns about central-office compensation and budget transparency; one commenter referenced testimony at a June 1 meeting alleging large percentage increases in central-office salaries over several years and urged a detailed, public budget.
Board members repeatedly thanked speakers, highlighted the volume of engagement and said the administration and the board will continue collaborative work on the FY27 reconciliation. After public comment the board approved the FY27 budget package, including several items speakers had urged the board to preserve.
Students spoke first, recounting hands-on science, bird banding, and teamwork experiences at Hartford Glen that they said shaped their interest in science and leadership. "Hartford Glen is more than just a place where 5th graders go to spend the night," one student said, describing capstone projects and opportunities to work with experienced field researchers.
Educators and retirees emphasized the cognitive and social benefits of early music instruction. Susan Hopkins, a retired instrumental-music teacher with more than four decades in the system, told the board that playing an instrument "is basically a full body workout for your brain" and urged continued funding for elementary programs.
Several parents and program advocates framed magnet-transportation decisions as an equity issue: without buses, they said, access to magnet programs favors families with flexible transportation options and undermines the county’s intent to bring diverse students together. Marybeth Cochran, an educator of nearly 30 years, told the board that county-provided transportation is "the equalizer."
Speakers also raised concerns about central-office compensation and budget transparency; one commenter referenced testimony at a June 1 meeting alleging large percentage increases in central-office salaries over several years and urged a detailed, public budget.
Board members repeatedly thanked speakers, highlighted the volume of engagement and said the administration and the board will continue collaborative work on the FY27 reconciliation. After public comment the board approved the FY27 budget package, including several items speakers had urged the board to preserve.
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