In a decisive move underscoring the importance of integrity in public office, the Harford County Board of Education voted unanimously on February 9, 2026, not to renew the contract of Superintendent Sean Bulson, effectively ending his tenure amid growing public outrage.

The board also confirmed it had previously decided in a closed session to invoke a unilateral termination clause in Bulson's contract, allowing for his immediate separation while paying out the remainder through June 30, 2026, when the agreement was originally set to expire. This action came after weeks of scrutiny over Bulson's conduct, reflecting conservative values of fiscal responsibility and moral accountability in taxpayer-supported roles.

Bulson, who had served as superintendent of Harford County Public Schools since 2018, earned an annual salary of $293,220, making him one of the highest-paid education officials in the region. His compensation, drawn from public funds, has drawn criticism as the district grapples with budget constraints and calls for better resource allocation toward classrooms rather than administrative overhead.

Beyond his local role, Bulson held prominent national ties, including serving as a Governing Board member of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, since 2022, and being elected to its Executive Committee for a three-year term starting July 1, 2024.

He was also recognized as Maryland Superintendent of the Year in 2023, advancing him as a nominee for AASA's national award.

The controversy erupted in early January 2026 following revelations about a 2024 trip to New Orleans for a work-related education conference. Audio from a non-emergency 911 call obtained by media outlets revealed that on April 6, 2024, a caller identifying himself as Sean Bulson reported a theft from his hotel room at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. According to the call, Bulson had invited an unknown Black woman wearing a green dress into his room around 2 a.m.

He claimed to have fallen asleep, only to wake and discover approximately $8,000 worth of items missing, including a wallet, two phones, an Apple Watch, an iPad, and a laptop. The incident, apparently occurring during a taxpayer-funded trip, raised immediate questions about judgment and potential misuse of public resources.

A subsequent report from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education (OIGE), released on January 12, 2026, clarified that no state-issued devices were stolen, deeming the matter a "personal" issue.

However, the episode triggered disciplinary action and Bulson's placement on paid administrative leave in mid-January. Public officials, including Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, swiftly called for Bulson's resignation or termination, citing a violation of public trust. Maryland Representative Lauren Arikan echoed these demands, emphasizing the need for leaders who uphold conservative principles of personal responsibility.

The board's unanimous decision not to renew Bulson's contract followed mounting pressure from parents, elected leaders, and community members during public meetings.

Interim Superintendent Dyann Mack has been appointed to steer the district forward, with the focus now on restoring confidence in Harford County's public schools.

This case serves as a reminder that public servants must be held to the highest standards, ensuring taxpayer dollars support ethical leadership dedicated to students' success rather than personal missteps.