HCPS Parents and Guardians: Please Complete BOE 360 Superintendent Annual Evaluation Survey
The following message has been sent to all parents and guardians via email. A phone call and reminder email will be sent May 20 and May 27, 2025, respectively. Please note, participants MUST submit verification that they have a current student enrolled in HCPS to participate in the survey.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the Board of Education of Harford County, we want to remind you that your participation is requested in the first 360 Superintendent Annual Evaluation Survey, led by Dr. Aaron Poynton, President of the Board of Education (on behalf of the Board) in collaboration with Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson.
Your voice is vital in helping us assess and strengthen leadership effectiveness across the school system. This short survey—designed to take five (5) minutes or less—will provide valuable insights into how HCPS is progressing in key areas aligned to the Board’s top three priorities:
- Academic Achievement (focus on math, reading, and language arts)
- Improving School Environment (emphasis on attendance and safety)
- Increasing Community and Parental Trust (through partnerships and transparency)
To learn more about the strategic goals and data informing this evaluation, the following resources are available to review:
Important Information About the Survey:
The survey will remain open through Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:45 p.m.
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results, all parents and guardians completing the survey will be required to enter the 6-digit Student ID of one currently enrolled child. This is the same 6-digit number used for Food & Nutrition services and can be found on report cards or progress reports. You may also look it up at Registration.hcps.org.
While responses will include identifying details to prevent duplicates or fraudulent responses, individual identities will remain confidential and will not be linked to specific survey responses.
This evaluation survey is one of several tools the Board uses to assess the superintendent. It will not be used in isolation, but rather to support continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
Follow the instructions below to participate in the survey:
- To complete this survey, log in to Online Registration/Online Forms by entering your email and password at https://registration.hcps.org/
- If you do not remember your password, click the “Forgot your Password?” link and follow the prompts to reset it.
- Once logged in, the survey can be accessed from the dashboard.
- Click on the 360 Superintendent Annual Evaluation Survey! In the blue box (See screenshot below for details).
- To complete the survey, parents and guardians will be required to enter a 6-digit Student ID at the end of the survey, before clicking the Submit button.
- The 6-digit Student ID is displayed to the right of the student name on your dashboard.
- If you do not see your student(s), please verify and/or change the email address on file for that student by logging into your HAC account and clicking the registration tile.
If you do not yet have an online registration account with HCPS, please enroll using the “Create an account here” button at the bottom of the page.
- You must create the account using the email address on file at the school.
- To verify and/or change the email address on file, log into your HAC account and click the registration tile.
Thank you for your time and continued partnership in supporting student success at HCPS.
Dr. Aaron Poynton
President, Board of Education of Harford County
5/13/2025 3:39 PM
Notice of Public Participation BOE Business Meeting May 19, 2025
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PARTICIPATION
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
OPEN SESSION: 5:00 PM – 5:05 PM
This meeting will be conducted virtually with no public attendance due to the brief nature of this meeting
and the logistical issues regarding allowing public attendance in advance of the 6:00 PM meeting.
*The only item the Board will consider during this open meeting is consideration of meeting in a closed session.
CLOSED SESSION: 5:05 PM – 5:55 PM
BUSINESS MEETING: 6:00 PM – ADJOURNMENT
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid fashion and public attendance will be permitted as explained below:
DOORS WILL OPEN AT 5:55 PM AND THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 PM
The Board of Education of Harford County will hold a hybrid Business Meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Board Room of the A.A. Roberty Building with Board Members, staff, and presenters in attendance both virtually and in-person. Seats will be available on a first come-first served basis. The meeting will be streamed live and archived for later viewing on the HCPS Website.
Public Comment Participation Call-In and In-Person Process
Individuals or groups recognized by Harford County Public Schools (i.e. – PTAs, unions, and other school system stakeholders) wishing to speak on an agenda item or to comment on an education-related matter not on the agenda may request to do so by sending an email to publiccomment@hcps.org or calling 410-588-5347.
Call-In Registrations must be received by 12:00 PM on Monday, May 19, 2025. All fields on the registration form must be completed.
- First and Last name / if speaker is a Group Representative, then please state the name of the Group
- Local Address
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Agenda item or subject your Public Comment pertains to
- Will you provide in-person or virtual Public Comment
- Registration forms are limited to one (1) per person
*Failure to provide complete information as required above will void the request to provide Public Comment.
- Registered virtual speakers will receive an email from HCPS with a Call-in Phone # and a Conference ID #.
- Registered speakers are required to call-in and enter the conference ID# at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 19, 2025.
- Important: If you are unable to take your phone off mute, you may need to dial *6.
- If you are admitted from the virtual lobby to the meeting, you will be greeted by an HCPS staff member when it is time to begin your public comment. Expected hold time in the virtual lobby may vary based on number of registered speakers. The maximum wait time in the lobby is 30 minutes; should you be disconnected please call back.
- "Request to Appear Before the Board" cards will be available for in-person attendees prior to the Board Meeting for sign-up and must be submitted prior to the opening of the meeting.
The Board has authorized public comment in accord with its policy Public Participation at Board Open Meetings or Public Hearings and as summarized below:
- Each speaker shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes for individuals and five (5) minutes for individuals representing groups. Speakers must state his or her name, and, if representing a group, must identify the group he or she represents. If a speaker identifies themselves as a representative of a group, then only one (1) representative from the group may provide comment for the identified group.
- The Board presiding officer may reduce the amount of time allocated to each speaker if allocating 3 minutes to each speaker will impede the Board’s ability to complete scheduled business.
- Topics such as personnel matters, pending appeals, specific student disciplinary matters or which constitute commercial solicitations are not permitted.
- Disparaging comments, personal attacks, and inflammatory remarks about specific schools, personnel, any person, or group are not permitted. Speakers who engage in these comments will be reminded of the rules and the Board reserves the right to remove the speaker. In addition, public comment is an opportunity for members of the community to address the Board of Education. Please direct your comments to the Board and not to other members of the public in the audience.
- All public comments submitted will be part of the records maintained by the Board office.
Speakers are reminded that public comments are considered public information and,
as such, are subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.
5/13/2025 11:30 AM
An Important Safety message from Dr. Bulson
The following was sent to all contacts via email on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.:
In less than a week, five Harford County public schools have been impacted by fake bomb threats. These threats appear to be part of a larger trend of hoaxes targeting schools across multiple jurisdictions. While law enforcement has determined these threats are not credible, every single one demands a full investigation and immediate response to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
These are not harmless pranks. These threats disrupt learning, create real fear and anxiety, and force schools into crisis mode. They affect the mental well-being of our students and staff. In a time when every threat must be taken seriously, it is critical that people understand hoax threats like these will not be tolerated. When threats are made, school operations are interrupted, support services are diverted, and valuable instructional time is lost. Law enforcement and emergency resources, which could be responding to actual emergencies in our community, are pulled away to respond to fake threats.
While we hope these threats are not coming from someone within the HCPS community, anyone responsible for making or distributing them will face serious consequences. If the person responsible is a student, they will be disciplined in accordance with the HCPS Student Code of Conduct. They may also face criminal charges and prosecution under state law. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those responsible and will not hesitate to take action.
Please use this as an opportunity to reflect with your student. Talk to them about how serious this is. Talk to them about the damage these actions cause, not just to school schedules, but to people’s safety, trust, and mental health. Make it clear that “joking” about violence or threats has consequences that are both immediate and severe.
Thank you for your continued support, patience, and partnership as we work together to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Sean Bulson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Harford County Public Schools
5/12/2025 4:00 PM
Important Message from HCPS: Dangerous Social Media Challenge
The following message is being sent to all contacts at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025 via phone and email:
Good evening. This is Jillian Lader, Manager of Communications for Harford County Public Schools, calling with an important announcement. There is a social media trend encouraging students to put objects like paperclips, or lead from pencils into the USB ports of their school device. This action can cause toxic chemical release if the battery is compromised, explosions, and more. Please speak with your child about the severity of these actions. There is a serious potential for physical harm to themselves and classmates. In addition, please discuss the disruption to the instructional day, financial cost for repair as the intentional damage will void any pre-paid device coverage, and the fact that disciplinary action will be taken. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and partnership to ensure our students do not participate in this dangerous social media challenge.
5/8/2025 5:00 PM
Citizens Advisory Committees
The following communication was sent to all contacts on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. via email, text message and push alert:
The Board of Education of Harford County is seeking applicants for membership on several Citizen Advisory Committees. Membership is open to all Harford County residents, including those who do not have a student in the school system.
Each committee meets regularly or as needed and makes recommendations to a staff coordinator who serves as a designee to the Superintendent of Schools. New members are confirmed to the respective committee during a summer Board of Education business meeting and will serve a one-, two-, or three-year term. Regular attendance is important to maintain the effectiveness of each committee. Any member who misses fifty percent or more of scheduled meetings in a twelve-month period may be considered for removal.
The committees include Career and Technical Education (CTE), Family Life Education, and Gifted Education. The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is open to any parent or community member interested in supporting the needs of students with disabilities—no formal application is required. The Parent Advisory, Advocacy, and Action Council (PAAAC) does not have current openings and is not accepting applications at this time.
Interested parties should complete an application available on the Board of Education webpage at www.hcps.org. Information requested includes the name of the committee you are applying for, your contact information, and background details such as community involvement, occupation, education, and your reasons for wanting to serve.
The deadline to apply is May 23, 2025.
5/2/2025 2:00 PM
HCPS Open Enrollment for Benefit Eligible Employees Opens May 1, 2025
The following message was sent to all HCPS employees on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via phone call, email and text message:
Open Enrollment for the 2025-2026 plan year will begin Thursday, May 1, 2025, and will close on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
All benefits-eligible employees who are interested in adjusting their benefits must do so before the deadline. If you are planning to keep your current benefits plan, no action is required. However, employees who plan to contribute to a flexible spending account, even if they were enrolled in one for the 2024-2025 plan year, must complete an active enrollment before May 20, 2025.
New for the 2025-2026 plan year:
-
Pet insurance is now available. Beginning July 1, 2025, HCPS employees and retirees may enroll in MetLife Pet Insurance. This voluntary, 100% employee-paid benefit offers customizable plans, with up to 90% reimbursement for eligible expenses, and access to 24/7 live vet chat. For details or to get a quote, visit metlife.com/getpetquote.
For more information about HCPS benefits offerings, please review the Benefits Reference Guide, available on Benelogic, SharePoint, and the HCPS website, to ensure you take full advantage of the programs available to you.
If you have any questions, please contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.
5/1/2025 5:00 PM
You Mind Matters: A family Wellness Night
The following message was sent to all contacts on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email and text message:
On May 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., you’re invited to Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium for the fourth annual Your Mind Matters: A Family Wellness Night. The event, hosted by Harford County Public Schools, the Office on Mental Health/Core Service Agency of Harford County, Inc., University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, and the Harford County Health Department, is a FREE family event with fun activities for everyone!
Some of the activities include a petting zoo, crafts, axe throwing, a bounce house, rock climbing wall, a photo booth, family resource vendors, and so much more.
Free transportation is being offered to and from Ripken Stadium from select depots throughout Harford County. A schedule is attached to this email.
The event will be held rain or shine. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting www.harfordmentalhealth.org. In past years, the event has reached capacity, so we encourage you to register early to reserve your spot.
5/1/2025 11:40 AM
HCPS 2024-2025 Calendar Update!
Per the 2024-2025 HCPS School Calendar, the last day of school was originally scheduled for June 12, 2025. With 5 inclement weather day closures this year, HCPS was scheduled to make up those days on June 13, 16, 17, 18 and 20, making June 20, 2025, the last day of school for students. Given the scheduled closure June 19, HCPS submitted a one-day waiver request of the 180-day calendar requirement to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to allow HCPS to end school on Wednesday, June 18.
At the April 29 MSDE Board meeting, with the state superintendent’s endorsement, the state board approved our waiver request.
HCPS last day of school for students will be Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The last professional development day for staff is Friday, June 20, 2025.
*Joppatowne High School’s last day for students will be an early dismissal on Friday, June 20, due to an additional closure earlier this school year.
More calendar information for this and next school year, is available here. PLEASE NOTE: if any additional closures are required prior to the last day of school, additional adjustments will be made to the calendar.
4/29/2025 9:34 AM
Event Security Reminder
The following message was sent to all contacts on Thursday, April 24, 2025, via phone call, email, text message and app push alert
Thank you to all who have attended recent Harford County Public Schools events and cooperated with our updated safety procedures. As we continue working to enhance the safety of students, staff, and visitors, we are sharing important reminders about two key safety measures in place at HCPS events:
- Bag Policy at Middle and High School Events
Since September 17, 2024, all spectators attending athletic or other large events on middle and high school campuses have been required to follow the HCPS clear bag policy.
Approved bags include:
- One clear tote bag (no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”, with a logo not exceeding 4.5” tall by 3.4” wide)
- Resealable clear plastic bags (up to one gallon)
- Small clutch bags (non-clear, no larger than 4.5” x 8.5”)
- Medically necessary and diaper bags (subject to search; infant must be present)
- Seat cushions and blankets (must be carried, not placed in a bag)
All other bags will be denied at entry. For full details and visual examples, visit the HCPS Athletics page or see the attached PDF.
- Weapons Detection System Use at Events
This school year, Harford County Public Schools began using OpenGate weapons detection systems at select events. These systems are used during HCPS-sponsored events and are not currently part of everyday school entry procedures.
All event attendees, students, staff, and visitors of all ages must go through the detection system when it is in use. Please follow staff instructions as we work together to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
Click here to view a video to learn more about the OpenGate system.
We appreciate your continued partnership in keeping HCPS events safe and welcoming for our entire community.
4/24/2025 5:00 PM
Open Gate Security System
The following communication was sent to all contacts Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email and phone call:
Harford County Public Schools will begin utilizing Open Gate weapons detection systems in our schools over the next several weeks. They will primarily be seen and used at high schools and can also be moved to middle and elementary schools, as needed.
Click here to watch a video explaining the Open Gate Weapons Detection System.
Please note that when the system is set up and in use, visitors of any age, staff, and students, will need to go through the system. Please be prepared to follow staff instructions as we all work to ensure the safety of our schools.
3/18/2025 5:00 PM
Summer School Canceled
The following communication was sent to all contacts on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email, phone call and text message:
As we work to develop a sustainable and responsible budget for the upcoming fiscal year, adjustments are being made to align resources with available funding. As such, Harford County Public Schools can NOT offer summer school sessions for 2025. This cancelation includes Elementary and Middle summer school sessions, as well as the High School credit recovery summer program.
This does NOT impact Extended School Year (ESY) for students receiving special education services per their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This program is federally mandated and will continue as planned.
For more information about the FY26 budget, click here.
3/13/2025 5:00 PM
Cell Phone Policy Reminder
The following communication was sent to all contacts on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. via email:
In March 2024, the Board of Education of Harford County updated the Cell Phone Policy for Harford County Public Schools, in order to better support student success by minimizing distraction. You can view this policy here.
The policy is in place and being enforced at all schools.
We appreciate the support of our entire Harford County Public Schools community in reinforcing these expectations. Please take a moment to watch this short video explaining why this policy is so important.
Thank you for helping us create and foster a focused and productive learning environment!
3/11/2025 12:00 PM
Important Calendar Update for Joppatowne High School
The following message is being sent via email and phone to all Joppatowne High School community members on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.:
This is an important calendar update for students, families, and staff at Joppatowne High School.
On December 19, 2024, Joppatowne High School was closed to allow students and staff to attend services for Ms. Niesha Jones, our beloved Community Schools Specialist. HCPS is required to submit a waiver request to MSDE for any unscheduled closure of a single school. The State Superintendent then determines whether to waive the 180-day student instruction requirement. Their decision dictates whether HCPS must make up the missed instructional time.
The request to waive the day from the 180-day requirement was denied. To comply with Maryland law, Joppatowne High School will now be open for instruction one day after the last scheduled day of school for students attending other HCPS schools. Please note that this additional instructional day, for JOHS students ONLY, will follow a three-hour early dismissal schedule.
Key Dates (as of Friday, February 28, 2025):
• Last day of school for all HCPS students: Friday, June 20, 2025
• Additional instructional day for JOHS students: Monday, June 23, 2025 (three-hour early dismissal)
• JOHS staff: Will remain for the remainder of the previously scheduled professional development day
Please note: If additional systemwide closures occur due to inclement weather, these dates will be adjusted accordingly.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we ensure Joppatowne High School meets the state calendar requirements.
2/28/2025 4:30 PM
MSDE Special Education Survey
The following communication was sent Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to select parents and guardians via phone call, email, and text message:
Parents and guardians of students receiving special education and related services are asked to complete the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services. Surveys were mailed by MSDE no later than February 14, 2025, and should be in your mailbox soon if you have not already received it. Please return your completed survey in the provided envelope by May 30, 2025. If you did not receive a copy of the survey in the mail from MSDE, you can complete the survey online at https://www.mdparentsurvey.com. Additional information is in your survey packet and on the website.
Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in Harford County Public Schools. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other students across the State of Maryland.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
2/20/2025 5:00 PM
Kindergarten Registration Opens March 7, 2025
The following communication was sent to all contacts on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email, phone call, text message, and push alert.
Harford County Public Schools kindergarten registration, and applications for kindergarten early entrance, and advanced placement to first grade for the 2025-2026 school year, will be available Friday, March 7, 2025.
- Kindergarten registration can be completed online on March 7, 2025.
- Applications for early entrance to kindergarten will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.
- Applications for advanced placement to first grade will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.
*Printed applications will be available at each elementary school on March 7, 2025.*
Note: Prekindergarten applications will be available later this spring. Details will be released as soon as possible.
Due to state law, prekindergarten and kindergarten instruction are not permitted to be virtual. This means prekindergarten and kindergarten registration is not available at Swan Creek School.
Please share this information in your community as we try to ensure families who may not be connected to HCPS are aware that these important applications and registrations will be available March 7, 2025.
Additional registration information is available here.
2/5/2025 5:00 PM
Kindergarten Registration Opening Soon
The following message was sent to all contacts on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via phone call, email, text message and push alert.
Harford County Public Schools kindergarten registration, and applications for kindergarten early entrance, and advanced placement to first grade for the 2025-2026 school year, will be available Friday, March 7, 2025.
- Kindergarten registration can be completed online on March 7, 2025.
- Applications for early entrance to kindergarten will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.
- Applications for advanced placement to first grade will be available to print online and submit a hard copy. To submit your application, follow the directions on the cover sheet of the printed application.
*Printed applications will be available at each elementary school on March 7, 2025.*
Note: Prekindergarten applications will be available later this spring. Details will be released as soon as possible.
Due to state law, prekindergarten and kindergarten instruction are not permitted to be virtual. This means prekindergarten and kindergarten registration is not available at Swan Creek School.
Please share this information in your community as we try to ensure families who may not be connected to HCPS are aware that these important applications and registrations will be available March 7, 2025.
Additional registration information is available here.
2/5/2025 5:00 PM
HCPS 2025-2026 Color-Coded Calendar Available Online
The 2025-2026 Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Color-Coded Calendar is available online.
You can view all available calendar information here.
1/10/2025 2:19 PM
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