BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PARTICIPATION
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PARTICIPATION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026
OPEN SESSION: 5:00 PM – 5:05 PM
This meeting will be conducted virtually. 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
Registered speaker’s allotted time shall be limited to no more than
three (3) minutes for both individuals and individuals representing groups.
The Board of Education of Harford County will hold a hybrid Business Meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, 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 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, October 26, 2026. 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, October 26, 2026.
- 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 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.
10/20/2026 2:35 PM
Advanced Placement Test Registration
The following message was sent to parents and guardians of students in grades 9 - 12 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, via email and text message:
The registration window for AP exams is open from Monday, October 5, 2026, until Friday, November 6, 2026. The cost of the exam during this window is $104 per test for students in grades 9 and 10. Students in grades 11 and 12, and those who qualify for free and reduced meals, can register for free.
Students who register after November 6, 2026, will be charged a late fee. No registrations are permitted after March 5, 2027.
You can register your student, and make payments, through Total Registration.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your school’s AP coordinator.
10/8/2026 5:30 PM
Inclement Weather Season Reminders
The following message was sent to all contacts on Wednesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via email, phone call, and text message:
Here are a few important things to remember for the inclement weather season! HCPS utilizes the following schedule changes when needed.
CLOSURES:
Please note: Closures need to be made up. HCPS will utilize inclement weather days that are already built into the school year. The first 3 inclement weather days that require a closure will be made up on March 1, June 1, and April 12, 2027 (in that order). If we do not use these make up days, schools and offices will be closed.
After the first 3 inclement weather days, HCPS may have Virtual Instruction on any additional closures due to inclement weather. The Inclement Weather Learning Plan for Systemwide Closures 2026-2027 includes more information about what students will do on Virtual Instruction days. Depending on the severity and timing of the event, HCPS may determine that a traditional closure, delayed opening, or early dismissal is more appropriate.
DELAYS:
Please note: 2- and 3-hour delays do not need to be made up; when schools are open, it counts towards the state mandated 180-day school year.
With a delay, take your students' normal schedule, and add the delay time to adjust your schedule. For example, if you normally arrive at the bus stop at 6:30 a.m., on a 2-hour delay, arrive at the bus stop at 8:30 a.m. and on a 3-hour delay, arrive at the bus stop at 9:30 a.m.
*Early Learner and Learning Together preschool programs do NOT meet when schools are delayed 2- or 3-hours for inclement weather.*
When schools are delayed, every effort will be made to make a reassessment by 6:45 a.m. for a 2-Hour Delay, and by 7:45 a.m. for a 3-Hour Delay. Following the reassessment, communication will ONLY be made if there is another change to the operating schedule.
The decision to dismiss early for inclement weather will be made as close to 9:30 a.m. as possible for any variation of time for an early dismissal, whether 1-, 2-, or 3-hours early.
*If schools have an unexpected early dismissal, ALL contacts, including emergency contacts listed for each student, will be contacted to ensure an adult is aware that the student will be home early that day.
Where will this information be posted?
As soon as the Communications Office is made aware of operational changes due to inclement weather, written messages will be posted, followed by direct messages. Order of posts:
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HCPS website
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HCPS App push notification
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Phone, email, and text message (these can occur as early as 5:00 a.m.; please set your ringers accordingly!)
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Social media
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Local media outlets
10/8/2026 5:00 PM
FY28 Budget Survey
The following item was included in the Wednesday Wire on Wednesday, October 8, 2026:
Please complete the FY28 Budget Survey by October 23, 2026. Survey results will be considered by Superintendent Dr. Mack as she develops her recommendations for the FY28 Budget.
You can complete the survey by clicking here.
10/8/2026 11:00 AM
2027-2028 FAFSA Now Open: Free Help Available for Harford County Families
The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Completing the FAFSA is the first step for students to apply for federal financial aid for college, including grants, work-study, and student loans.
Whether your family is completing the FAFSA for the first time or just needs a refresher, free help is available this school year.
Fall Information Sessions
Harford Community College (HCC) will host four financial aid and FAFSA information sessions this fall. These sessions are a great opportunity for students and families to get their questions answered and learn more about paying for college.
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Wednesday, October 14, 6 to 8 p.m. Financial Aid Information Session, Harford Community College, CWC 198. Register here
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Monday, November 2, 6 to 8 p.m. FAFSA Information Session, North Harford High School. Register here
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Thursday, November 5, 6 to 8 p.m. FAFSA Information Session, Aberdeen High School. Register here
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Thursday, November 5, 6 to 8 p.m. FAFSA Information Session, Joppatowne High School. Register here
January FAFSA Completion Days
In January, staff versed in financial aid will visit several high schools during the school day to help students complete the FAFSA one on one. Evening sessions will follow to help parents and families complete the FAFSA and answer any questions.
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Date
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Time
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Location
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Session
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January 12, 2027
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8 to 10 a.m.
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Joppatowne High School
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Student FAFSA Completion
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January 13, 2027
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8 to 10 a.m.
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Aberdeen High School
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Student FAFSA Completion
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January 14, 2027
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8 to 10 a.m.
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Aberdeen High School
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Student FAFSA Completion
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January 19, 2027
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8 to 10 a.m.
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Havre de Grace High School
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Student FAFSA Completion
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January 19, 2027
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6 to 8 p.m.
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Havre de Grace High School
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Evening Family FAFSA Assistance
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January 21, 2027
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6 to 8 p.m.
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Aberdeen High School
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Evening Family FAFSA Assistance
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January 25, 2027
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8 to 10 a.m.
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North Harford High School
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Student FAFSA Completion
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January 25, 2027
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6 to 8 p.m.
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North Harford High School
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Evening Family FAFSA Assistance
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January 26, 2027
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6 to 8 p.m.
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Joppatowne High School
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Evening Family FAFSA Assistance
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Students and families can complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. For more information, contact your student's school counselor.
9/28/2026 10:22 AM
Harford Glen Open House for 5th Grade Families
The following message was sent to all 5th grade families on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via email and text message:
This year, your student will participate in the Fifth-Grade Residential Outdoor Education Program at Harford Glen Environmental Education Center. This program is an integral part of their Environmental Stewardship Unit in Science.
Before your child's experience, you are invited to attend an Open House at Harford Glen. These sessions are self-guided and last approximately 30 minutes. Harford Glen staff will be available to answer questions.
The first Open House is on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Click here to see a full listing of all open house dates and times.
If Harford County Public Schools closes schools for any of the scheduled dates, the Open House will be canceled.
For more information about Harford Glen, click here.
9/3/2026 5:00 PM
Board of Education of Harford County Signs Superintendent Contract with Dr. Dyann R. Mack
On June 22, 2026 the Board of education of Harford County Board formally approved and signed the contract for Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) with Dr. Dyann R. Mack, marking a significant milestone for the school system and the community it serves.
During the Board’s meeting, members also presented Dr. Mack with a special proclamation recognizing her historic achievements and deep-rooted connection to Harford County. Dr. Mack is the first graduate of Harford County Public Schools to return as Superintendent, the first graduate of Joppatowne High School to serve in the role, and the first Black Superintendent in HCPS history.
“Dr. Mack’s journey from HCPS student to Superintendent is both inspiring and historic,” said Board of Education President Lauren Paige. “Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of our schools, our students, and our community. We are proud to welcome her into this role and confident in her vision for the future of Harford County Public Schools.”
Dr. Mack’s appointment underscores HCPS’s commitment to fostering leadership from within and celebrating excellence across the district. In accepting the proclamation, Dr. Mack expressed gratitude and a strong commitment to continuing the work of strengthening HCPS for all students.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as Superintendent of the school system that helped shape me,” said Dr. Mack. “I am deeply grateful to the Board for their trust and to this community for its support. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and ensure every student is Ready by Design.”
The Board’s proclamation highlights not only Dr. Mack’s professional accomplishments but also the significance of representation and the powerful message her leadership sends to current and future students across Harford County.
Dr. Mack will begin her tenure July 1, 2026, as Superintendent under the newly signed contract, working in partnership with the Board of Education, HCPS staff, students, families, and the broader community, to advance the district’s mission and goals.
6/24/2026 6:50 AM
2026-2027 School Year Calendar UPDATE
The following message will be shared in the Wednesday Wire on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with all families:
On April 27, 2026, the Board of Education of Harford County approved updates to the 2026–2027 school calendar to better plan for inclement weather days.
Three days during the school year—March 1, June 1, and April 12, 2027—have been set aside as potential inclement weather makeup days (in that order). These replace the previous plan of adding makeup days to the end of the school year. *If no weather-related school closures occur before these dates, schools and offices will be closed on those days.
This change follows a resolution from the Maryland State Board of Education, which requires school systems to build inclement weather makeup days into the school year rather than placing them at the end. The state also allows up to three additional inclement weather days to be handled through virtual instruction, for a total of six possible makeup days (three in-person and three virtual).
Making these changes allows HCPS to remain eligible to request a calendar waiver from the state, if needed, and ensures the school system is able to consider virtual instruction as an option for inclement weather. As soon as details regarding potential use of virtual instruction for inclement weather become available, the details will be shared with the HCPS community.
As a result of this update, the last day of school for students in kindergarten through grade 11 will be an early dismissal on Thursday, June 17, 2027.
The full, updated 2026–2027 school calendar is available here. En Español.
4/28/2026 1:16 PM
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