ELKTON, MD — The Cecil County Executive, Danielle Hornberger, recently filed an ethics complaint against Jeffrey A. Lawson, the Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools (CCPS). The allegations are of his involvement in improper political activities beginning in early 2024 and misuse of taxpayer resources for political purposes.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Lawson, in his position as CCPS Superintendent and Executive Officer of the Cecil County Board of Education, was aware of and directed the use of public resources for political objectives during official school meetings and activities.
The ethics complaint outlines violations of numerous codes and policies, including the Maryland Code for Education, Cecil County Ethics Code, and various CCPS policies and procedures. The codes and policies cited revolve around ethics regulations, conflicts of interest, use of school property, equipment, or materials, use of technology resources, distribution of materials from non-profit agencies, and lobbying.
The complaint alleges that various administrators of CCPS unethically used electronic communication channels under CCPS’s jurisdiction, including the school’s email distribution lists and social media accounts. The purpose was to allegedly push one-sided political viewpoints.
Furthermore, there is evidence of the widespread distribution of explicit political print materials in at least three public schools. A particular publication containing multiple paid campaign advertisements for certain local candidates was reportedly found in these schools.
The complaint gives a detailed account of a political rally attended, promoted, and endorsed by CCPS officials, including the Superintendent. A taxpayer-funded public school bus from Cecil County reportedly provided transportation to the rally. The complaint alleges that local candidates for public office gave political speeches in front of CCPS students at this rally.
Before filing this complaint, County Executive Hornberger received numerous grievances from CCPS parents and guardians. They expressed deep concerns about the alleged misuse of taxpayer resources and improper conduct.
“CCPS families deserve better,” expressed Hornberger. “Parents should not have to worry about their children being exposed to the personal political ideologies of school officials. This pattern of conduct has undermined our faith in the Superintendent’s leadership and he should be held accountable for this breach of public trust.”
The ethics complaint was filed with the Superintendent himself, according to Maryland laws. The State law “authorizes the State Board to superintend the activities of local boards of education to keep them within the legitimate sphere of their operations.” The State Board, the Maryland Inspector General for Education, the Maryland State Board of Education, and the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office are investigating the complaint.
All public officials in the State of Maryland are governed by either state or local ethics rules. This crucial case will likely set a precedent and may shape how these important guidelines are enforced. As public scrutiny grows, it underlines the importance of transparency, proper conduct, and accountability amongst those in charge of our schools.
In an era where every decision has far-reaching implications, it is clear that even actions that may seem insulated within the confines of a school district can stir statewide, possibly national discussions. The upcoming developments in this case will not only affect Cecil County but may also influence the way we perceive the intersection of education, politics, and ethics.
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