FY 23 Approved Budget Book

AN OVERVIEW OF HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND

elected to a fifteen year term. Circuit Courts are the highest common law and equity courts of record exercising original jurisdiction within Maryland. Each has full common law and equity powers and jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases within its county. All the additional powers and jurisdiction conferred by the Maryland Constitution and by law, except where jurisdiction has been limited or conferred exclusively upon another tribunal by law (Code Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, sec. 1-501). The Circuit Courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction. Their jurisdiction is very broad but generally covers major civil cases and more serious criminal matters. Circuit Courts also may decide appeals from the District Court of Maryland and certain administrative agencies, as well as hearing domestic violence cases. Cases may involve juries or sometimes are heard by a judge only. The State of Maryland appropriates funds for the salaries of all Circuit Court Judges, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and all employees of the Clerk’s Office. Harford County funds the cost of the Judges’ staff, juror fees, Juvenile Court, and certain Court related functions.

OUTSIDE AGENCIES

A number of agencies, though independent from Harford County Government, receive the major portion of their operating funds from the County. The County funds appropriated to these agencies represent significant portions of the County’s Operating and Capital Budgets. Article VIII, Section 811 of the County Charter defines each of these agencies as “a subordinate element of government…including…when so specified, all offices, departments, institutions, boards, commissions, and corporations which receive or disburse County funds.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Harford County Board of Education was established under the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland to have perpetual existence and be a body politic and corporate of the State of Maryland. It is empowered and required to maintain a reasonably uniform system of public schools designed to provide quality education and equal educational opportunities for all youth. Per Senate Bill 629, effective July 1, 2009, the Board of Education was changed from a fully appointed Board to an elected-appointed Board consisting of six elected members and three members appointed by the Governor of the State of Maryland for four-year terms to be phased in over a period of time. There is also a student representative to the Board who serves a one-year term while a high school senior. This student is elected by the Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils. The Board of Education appoints the Superintendent of Schools for a four year term. The Superintendent acts as the Executive Officer of the Board as well as Secretary and Treasurer. The Superintendent is responsible for the Administration of the Harford County Public School System which consists of fifty-three schools, thirty-two elementary, nine middle, nine comprehensive high, one technical high, a special education school serving students with disabilities, and an Alternative Education Program. There is a 245 acre Harford Glen Outdoor Education Center.

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