Calls for new leadership and greater accountability dominated public comment at a Harford County Board of Education meeting Monday night, the first county forum since allegations surfaced involving Superintendent Sean Bulson.

About six speakers urged the board to act amid renewed scrutiny of the district. The controversy centers on a 911 call Bulson allegedly made in April 2024 while attending a conference in New Orleans, reporting the theft of about $8,000 from his hotel room.

“The superintendent is your employee,” resident Del Sellers told the board. “I would like to think things are going to change, but I have been back in the county for four years and it’s just been a hot mess all four years and nothing seems to be getting better.”

Suzie Scott, chair of the Harford chapter of Moms for Liberty, said she plans to move to Pennsylvania with her two grandchildren after realizing “what a hot mess the county is.”

Board member Carol Mueller suggested the board attend a free retreat to resolve internal differences and become a more effective governing body. Community member Gary Johnson was opposed to the idea, saying, “The board doesn’t need a retreat — it needs to be replaced.”

Harford County Public Schools teacher Crystal Rufenacht said the past week has been difficult for staff. “It’s been a challenge to stay focused on the work,” she said. “It’s disheartening knowing all of the incredible things taking place that aren’t the focus.”

Board members want to regain focus

Board members acknowledged the controversy has been a distraction. Board Vice President Lauren Paige said the district is “navigating uncharted waters” and asked for patience as the process unfolds. She said two independent investigations are underway and that findings will be shared “appropriately and transparently.”

“Our obligation is to lead with a steady hand, not with fear, speculation or emotion, but with clear responsibility and to a firm commitment to what is right that includes taking allegations seriously, ensuring proper processes are followed and protecting both the integrity of this district and the rights of all individuals involved,” she said.

Last week, a 911 call allegedly made by Bulson in April 2024 to New Orleans Police was posted to social media. In it, the caller reports a theft of about $8,000 from his hotel room by an unknown Black woman in a green dress after he fell asleep. The same day of the call, Bulson was in New Orleans attending a professional education conference.

Bulson was placed on paid administrative by the board during a closed meeting session last week, while the investigations move forward. Dyann Mack was appointed as interim superintendent.

On Monday, an investigation by the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education found that no Harford schools property was stolen from Bulson’s room during that 2024 conference. The school issued laptop and phone that Bulson reported stolen were returned to him days later after hotel staff recovered the items from his room, according to the document.

The board will meet again on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the A.A. Roberty Building in Bel Air.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.