Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly is making a renewed effort to fill a vacant seat on the Harford County Board of Education following the abrupt resignation of former Board President Aaron Poynton last month. Poynton’s resignation came just one day after Superintendent Sean Bulson was placed on leave, creating a significant vacancy in the board.
Initially, Cassilly nominated Terri Kocher, a former Board of Education member, to take Poynton’s place, but the full County Council rejected this nomination, which left Cassilly expressing his frustration.
On February 3, Cassilly announced his second nomination, selecting Liliana Norkaitis for the position. Norkaitis, a resident of Bel Air and currently serving as Vice Chair of the Harford County Commission for Women, has demonstrated her commitment to education and governance by actively putting herself forward as a candidate for elected office.
Cassilly expressed confidence in Norkaitis, stating, “Considering all applicants, Liliana alone demonstrated her interest in serving on the school board by putting herself forward as a candidate for an elected position. She will bring experience in government, fiscal conservatism, and a fresh voice to our public schools.” He urged the council to support Norkaitis’ appointment, especially as the school board is poised to make critical decisions regarding the renewal of the superintendent’s contract.
This new nomination reflects Cassilly’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Harford County, and Norkaitis’ background suggests she could be an asset in navigating the challenges ahead. The decision from the County Council regarding her appointment will be closely watched by community members and educators alike.