Harford County school board president Aaron Poynton resigned Thursday, one day after Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson was put on administrative leave. In a message to Harford County Public Schools parents and guardians, Poynton said his decision to step down “was no t influenced by the recent challenges facing the district,” rather he cited personal and professional responsibilities for his resignation. “Service on the Board of Education is a volunteer role that nevertheless requires a substantial and growing time commitment,” Poynton said. “With the added responsibilities of the presidency, the workload has increased to a level that has effectively become more than a full-time role. As a result, I have found myself increasingly stretched and unable to give appropriate attention to other important aspects of my life, including my family and my professional responsibilities.” Poynton said he is scheduled to begin a chief executive officer position with a new employer next week, which will no longer allow him to dedicate the time needed for the volunteer role of school board president. “This role will require my full-time attention and frequent extended travel outside of Harford County,” he said. “In light of these commitments, I have concluded that I can no longer fulfill the duties of this position at the level of focus and availability it deserves.” The board president’s resignation comes amid questions about school-owned property that was allegedly stolen from superintendent Bulson while he was attending the National School Board Association Conference in New Orleans in 2024. On Wednesday, Bulson was put on administrative leave with pay. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dyann Mack will serve as the school system’s acting superintendent. However, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly has called for Bulson’s resignation or termination. Poynton’s full message to parents and guardians is copied below: Dear HCPS Parents and Guardians, It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the students, staff, and communities of Harford County. Working alongside each of you in support of public education has been deeply meaningful, and I am proud of the dedication this Board has shown to our schools, educators, and families. Service on the Board of Education is a volunteer role that nevertheless requires a substantial and growing time commitment. With the added responsibilities of the presidency, the workload has increased to a level that has effectively become more than a full-time role. As a result, I have found myself increasingly stretched and unable to give appropriate attention to other important aspects of my life, including my family and my professional responsibilities. I recognize that this decision comes at a time of turbulence for Harford County Public Schools. However, I want to be clear that my decision was not influenced by the recent challenges facing the district. For several months, I have been in discussions with a new employer regarding a Chief Executive Officer role, and I am scheduled to begin that position next week. This role will require my full-time attention and frequent extended travel outside of Harford County. In light of these commitments, I have concluded that I can no longer fulfill the duties of this position at the level of focus and availability it deserves. With that in mind, I have no choice but to resign from my position on the Harford County Board of Education, effective today. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served and for the trust placed in me by my fellow Board members, HCPS, and by the community. I will continue to support Harford County Public Schools and its mission from a distance, and I wish the Board and the district continued success in the important work ahead. With respect and appreciation, Aaron Poynton ...read more read less