ANNAPOLIS, MD—Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga on Thursday called for the immediate rescinding of Resolution 2025-02, which censures Board of Education of Baltimore County Member Maggie Domanowski. The Delegates say the censure was imposed following what the Board described as “rudeness” during a budget hearing that was a legitimate expression of concern over the nearly $3 billion budget, “a sum that demands serious scrutiny, not theatrical politeness.”
“This ridiculous censure should not stand. School Board member Maggie Domanowski was simply doing her job by asking the tough questions on behalf of taxpayers and parents,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki. “At a time when Baltimore County’s schools are grappling with serious issues like chronic absenteeism, declining student achievement, and student discipline, the Board should be focusing on solutions, not silencing voices that challenge the status quo.”
The censure comes at a time of growing concerns about the state of Baltimore County Public Schools. Chronic absenteeism has exceeded 50% in some elementary schools, and classroom discipline has deteriorated to the point where it has made national headlines. The Delegates say that, instead of addressing these urgent problems, the Board has chosen to punish a member for engaging in what should be a robust debate.
Delegate Kathy Szeliga echoed these concerns, stating, “Public service is about debate, disagreement, and passionate arguments. This is the essence of democracy. Just last week, in the Maryland House of Delegates, a member made deeply offensive comments on the floor about Elon Musk and Republicans, but we didn’t silence him. Why should the Baltimore County School Board choose to silence one of its own for asking legitimate questions?”
The two Delegates stressed that the censure was not necessary at all, especially after Mrs. Domanowski’s apology, which was offered both publicly and privately.
“This is not about manners; this is about substance. After listening to the recording, Maggie Dominowski’s tone was not out of line, yet she apologized. The budget deserves real debate, not censorship,” said Nawrocki.
The two Delegates are calling on the Baltimore County School Board to immediately rescind the censure and refocus its efforts on the critical issues affecting students.
“We need a school board that is ready to tackle the real problems facing our children, not one that uses fake issues to shut down members and stifle the voices calling for accountability,” said Szeliga.
“Baltimore County’s children deserve better,” Nawrocki concluded. “It’s time for the Board to put the needs of our students first and stop playing politics with their futures.”
Do you value local journalism? Support NottinghamMD.com today.
