Cassilly Talks Budget With School Board, Harford County Schools To Receive Security Upgrades

HARFORD COUNTY - At his first visit to the school board since taking office on December 5, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly addressed the Board of Education on Monday regarding the school system’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2024.

The board of education received the largest share of the county’s yearly budget. In 2023, the $1.2 billion budget, over $324 million, was allocated to HCPS, more than a quarter of the total.

“We share the same mission,” Cassilly said at the meeting. “This is to ensure that Harford’s next generation has the knowledge and skills that they need to be successful in their lives and as members of our community.”

According to Cassilly, the FY 2024 budget has yet to be finalized and will be based on revenue projections, expenses, and the county’s overall economic outlook.

During the meetings, the board approved Andrew Renzulli as Harford County Public Schools’ curriculum, instruction, and assessment director. Renzulli has worked for HCPS for 28 years and obtained his master’s degree in education at Towson University.

Additionally, the board approved a $299,754 contract requested by the school system’s procurement department on behalf of the safety and security department. The money will be used to upgrade intercom door stations, door card readers, and desktop microphones, as well as pay for on-site training for staff members using the new equipment.

The conversions will be made at these schools:

Bel Air High, C. Milton Wright High, Deerfield Elementary, Edgewood High, Emmorton Elementary, Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary, Joppatowne Elementary, Meadowvale Elementary, North Bend Elementary, Prospect Mill Elementary, Ring Factory Elementary, and William S. James Elementary.