The community wants leadership change at the Harford County school board

HARFORD, Md. — “It’s time for this board to replace the superintendent,” says one parent.

Monday night, when the Harford County School Board held its monthly board meeting, dozens of people signed up to speak, many of them calling for change on the board after a student died at Joppatowne High School.

“We have to have a safe environment for the kids, and that’s not being done really well,” says another parent.

Many of them blame the superintendent for not taking better safety precautions before the shooting and not having enough lockers for all students to store their bags and school supplies.

“A fish rots from the head down; in this case, the boss is Mr. Bulson; the rot has already spread to others, so I’m begging you to save yourselves and get your head out before it catches you too,” says Gary Johnson.

But while many parents called for the superintendent’s resignation, Harford County teachers and principals voiced their support for Dr. Sean Bulson.

“I’ve been here 20 years in Harford County; I’ve been through five or six superintendents, and let me say this: You’re probably the most effective superintendent I’ve worked with,” says Heather Tucci, a teacher at Edgewood Middle School.

“Under your leadership we began practicing safety drills on such a large scale and increased security measures in our schools,” says Mr. Ronald Wooden, principal of Old Post Road Elementary.

Last week, school board member Diane Alvarez and vice president Melissa Hahn called on Dr. Buslon to resign, but some people think women should resign.

“What is disgusting are those who are exploiting this tragedy and the trauma of the shooting to advance a political agenda.”

Greg Johnson, a teacher at Joppatowne High School who was there when the shooting happened, says he wants to see the county come together to find solutions instead of blaming the school board or principal.

He says people should focus on the bigger issue, which he says is a lack of funding.

“We are not getting what we need to support our schools financially; so where do you expect us to improve safety?” says Greg Johnson.

The board president, along with other Harford County board members, expressed their support for the superintendent and agreed to shift their focus to creating a safety plan for the school system moving forward.