Ethics Commission expected to discuss this issue in early January.
Frederick, Md (KM) Two members of the Frederick County Council are requesting an opinion from the Ethics Commission regarding a vote on a Board of Education vacancy.
School Board member Ken Kerr was recently elected to the House of Delegates from District Three, and must resign from the Board of Ed because the Maryland Constitution prohibits an individual from simultaneously holding two elected offices. Kerr says he will step down from the Board of Education.
His replacement will be chosen by the County Executive, and must be approved by the Council. Because they are employed as teachers in the school system, Councilmembers Jerry Donald and Jessica Fitzwater have asked the Ethics Commission whether they can vote on a potential nominee to the Board of Education. The Ethics Commission is expected to hold an Administrative Function (non-public meeting) in January to consider this request, and issue a written opinion after that.
Four years ago, Councilmembers Donald and Fitzwater requested an Ethics Commission opinion on whether they can vote on the county’s budget, which includes funding for the School System. At that time, the Ethics Commission cleared the way for both of them to vote on the county’s budget, including education funding.
By Kevin McManus