Maryland’s House Bill 116 is a new proposal aimed at giving families more visibility into how their school systems make decisions—especially when it comes to contracts, partnerships, and agreements that affect students. If you’ve ever wondered who your school system is working with or how money is being spent, this bill is designed to make that information easier to find.
Here’s what it means for you as a parent.
The Big Idea: More Transparency in School System Deals
School systems regularly enter into agreements—everything from curriculum purchases to technology contracts to partnerships with outside organizations. Right now, it can be hard for parents to see those agreements unless they file a public information request. For years, school systems have used MOUs to partner with activist organizations and contract with secret vendors to bypass the procurement process.
HB 116 changes that by requiring school systems to report and publicly post many of these agreements.
What Types of Agreements Are Covered?
The bill focuses on three categories:
- Procurement contracts (purchases of goods or services)
- Memoranda of understanding (MOUs) (formal partnerships)
- In‑kind service agreements (services provided without direct payment)
These agreements can influence everything from classroom materials to student programs to school operations.
Who Has to Report?
The bill applies to:
- County boards of education
- County superintendents
- Individual public schools
- The State Board of Education
- The State Superintendent
In other words, every major decision‑making body in Maryland’s public school system.
What Will Parents Be Able to See?
Two major transparency tools are built into the bill:
1. Annual Statewide Report
Each year, the State Superintendent must publish a report listing:
- Every contract and MOU entered into by each school system
- The total amount the contract requires the school system to pay
- How much was actually paid in the previous year
This gives parents a statewide view of spending and partnerships.
2. Public Posting on School System Websites
Local school systems must post agreements online:
- By September 1, 2026: All agreements from July 2025–June 2026
- Starting July 1, 2026: Every new agreement must be posted within 30 days
This means parents won’t have to dig or file requests—they can simply check their district’s website.
What Won’t Be Posted?
The bill protects sensitive information. Agreements will not be posted if they contain:
- Information prohibited from disclosure by law
- Information allowed to be withheld under public records rules
This ensures student privacy and legal confidentiality remain intact.
Why Parents Might Care
HB 116 gives families:
- A clearer picture of how school dollars are spent
- Insight into outside organizations working with their schools
- More accountability from school leadership
- A way to stay informed without navigating bureaucracy
