Kathryn Marie Carmello

Harford County Public Schools Board Member Kathy Carmello, died unexpectedly due to complications during heart surgery on Monday, December 23, 2019.

Mrs. Carmello began her term on the Board this year (2019), representing Councilmanic District C. Her election to the Board follows her retirement from Harford County Public Schools in 2017. Mrs. Carmello served as the charter school coordinator, involved in writing the first charter school policy and application for the state of Maryland; she served as a member of the Harford County Council Budget Advisory Board, the Harford County Core Service Agency, and the Harford County Health Planning Commission. In addition to the efforts Mrs. Carmello made on behalf of Harford County, she was the Legislative Chair for the Maryland Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) and a member of the Chesapeake Cancer Alliance. Mrs. Carmello retired from HCPS as the Governmental Relations Liaison, spending time advocating in Annapolis for the students and families of Harford County. Prior to her 15-year career in Harford County Public Schools, Mrs. Carmello was a prominent member of the PTA. She served as the president of the Bel Air High School PTSA as well as vice president at Bel Air Middle School and Ring Factory Elementary School PTA’s.

“Kathy led a life of public service and then, following her retirement, made the commitment to continue her service to the community as an elected official on the Harford County Board of Education,” said Superintendent of Schools Sean Bulson. “Kathy was a passionate advocate for students and staff. All of us in the Harford County Public Schools are deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Carmello, and, on behalf of all of us, I extend my sincere condolences to Kathy’s family and friends.”

Mrs. Carmello earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked for a tobacco industry international and research group as a legislative analyst prior to starting her career with HCPS. Her experience in varied fields and commitment to knowing all aspects of the legislative process, regulations, and policy changes illustrated why she was an invaluable member of the Board.

“Kathy’s experience in the school system was essential to the operations of the school board,” said Board of Education President Jansen Robinson. “She was well-versed in the school system, but more importantly, was an advisor, and confidante. Mrs. Carmello’s dedication to Harford County Public Schools will be greatly missed.”

Spending time in Annapolis advocating for students and families, Mrs. Carmello became well known throughout the state. “I was saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. We worked together for many years in Annapolis when she covered the legislature for the Harford County Board of Education,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “We will miss her leadership on the Board, and we pray for her family during this difficult time.”

Mrs. Carmello leaves behind her husband 42 years, Ed Carmello, daughter, Kristen MacBride and son-in-law David MacBride, sons, Michael Carmello and daughter-in-law Amy, Andrew Carmello and daughter-in-law Kelly, Nick Carmello and daughter-in-law Angelique; grandchildren, Grace, Juliana, Avery James, Nathan, Isabella, Olivia, Lilianna, Marena, Jesse, Brynn, Jaxton, Kinsley and Kane.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-MD Chapter, 100 Painters Mill Road, Suite 800, Owings Mills, MD 21117 or Chesapeake Cancer Alliance, c/o Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, 520 Upper Chesapeake Drive, Suite 405, Bel Air, MD 21014 or www.chesapeakecanceralliance.org.