BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Board of Education has overturned a censure imposed on Baltimore County school board member Maggie Litz Domanowski, who was reprimanded earlier this year for her conduct during a budget discussion.
The decision, announced at the state board’s meeting Tuesday, reverses a 7-4 vote by the Baltimore County Board of Education in March that censured Domanowski for what some members described as “rude and disrespectful conduct” toward Superintendent Myriam Rogers during a Jan. 28 meeting. The resolution alleged Domanowski used a “tone and manner that was perceived as uncivil and aggressive” while questioning Rogers about the proposed $3 billion fiscal 2026 budget.
Domanowski, who represents District 3 and is running for reelection in 2026, appealed the censure, arguing her questions about budget line items, including what she believed was a 50% cut to a College and Career Readiness program, were part of her duty to ensure accountability. The state board’s letter, quoted on Domanowski’s campaign website, described her manner as “calm and professional,” stating that upholding the censure would “sidetrack local boards from governing on important educational matters.”
“I believe a wrong has been corrected, allowing us to move forward,” Domanowski wrote on her website, expressing hope that the board would not appeal the decision and would refocus on students. She did not respond to requests for further comment.
The reversal drew mixed reactions. Baltimore County Board Chair Jane Lichter said in a statement that the board accepts the state’s decision but remains committed to upholding “respect, professionalism, and integrity.” District 5 board member Julie Henn praised the reversal, calling it “a win for students, families, and our community” and commending Domanowski for “asking questions, standing up for accountability, and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”
The censure stemmed from a heated exchange during the January meeting, where Domanowski pressed Rogers on budget details and objected to being interrupted by Vice Chair Robin Harvey, who cited time limits. Domanowski publicly apologized to Rogers for any discomfort caused, insisting her intent was not aggressive. She noted receiving only two emails from the public disapproving of her conduct, while supporters, including state Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga, called the censure an “overreaction” and “bullying,” arguing it stifled legitimate debate.
Community response to the censure was divided. The Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition launched a petition to revoke the censure, claiming it punished Domanowski for doing her job. Conversely, a group called Concerned Community Members for Civil Discourse supported the board’s initial action, citing disruptive behavior at meetings.
Some board members had expressed reservations about the censure. Rod McMillion, a board member, said he was uncomfortable “judging and disciplining a peer,” while Christina Pumphrey favored handling the matter privately. Efforts to reconsider the censure at subsequent meetings failed to gain enough votes.
The state board’s decision closes a contentious chapter for the Baltimore County school board, which oversees a district grappling with challenges like chronic absenteeism and declining student achievement. Domanowski, a mother of three students in the system, has vowed to continue advocating for higher academic standards and transparency.
“We do not observe any behavior that was rude and disrespectful,” the state board’s decision stated, according to Domanowski, reinforcing her stance that her questioning was within her role.
The Baltimore County Board of Education did not indicate plans to appeal the state’s ruling.
