CUMBERLAND — Local officials Wednesday talked of Robert “Bob” Farrell’s contributions and commitment to Allegany County Public Schools in the past several years.
Farrell, president of the Allegany County Board of Education, reportedly died Tuesday night.
Details of his death were not immediately available.
Farrell was elected to the school board in November 2017 and served consecutive terms since then.
According to the ACPS website, Farrell, a retired Maryland State Police officer, and his wife lived in Flintstone.
“He taught at the (Center for Career & Technical Education) in the criminal justice program for a number of years before filling the role of security supervisor at the Board of Education Central Office,” the website stated. “Since then, Bob has fully retired and he remains passionate about the educational system and the overall safety of the children.”
BOE member Tammy Fraley served with Farrell since he was first elected.
“I was shocked to hear of the passing of Bob early this morning,” Fraley said. “He was preparing to go to Annapolis for a meeting at the end of this week.”
Farrell was “an integral part of bringing back interest in the agricultural programs across the county,” she said.
“I am sad and know this … will have a great effect on many (people) across our county,” Fraley said.
Crystal Bender, vice president of the school board, said Farrell “had become a dear friend” in the past few years.
“We worked well together on the board and talked through many difficult times together,” Bender said. “It will be hard to move on without him. I send my condolences to his family and friends.”
School board member Lori Lepley said Farrell was a great friend and colleague.
“Becoming an elected member of the (BOE) was daunting, but he was always willing to talk to me and answer questions,” Lepley said. “He excelled in his role as president and cared very much for the community he served. We definitely lost an important part of our board, our community, and our family. He will be dearly missed.”
Max Green, recently elected to the five-member school board, said he was “just beginning to work with” Farrell.
“But it was already evident how deeply he cared about our students and how committed he was to fostering collaboration for the success of our schools and community,” Green said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the Farrell family and to everyone who knew Bob as a friend or colleague. His lifelong dedication to public service was truly admirable, and his unique perspective as a (BOE) member will be greatly missed.”
School board member David Bohn did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
The school system “suffered a tremendous loss” with Farrell’s passing, ACPS Superintendent Jeff Blank said.
“Throughout his many years as a board member, his leadership has been instrumental in helping guide our school system,” Blank said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Allegany County Board of Commissioners President Dave Caporale said Farrell’s commitment to education and collaborative spirit were appreciated.
“We thank him for his service to the community through the years,” Caporale said.
“His sudden passing leaves a profound void, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.”
VacancyAccording to the Allegany County Public Schools Board of Education handbook, the Maryland governor “shall appoint a new member to fill any vacancy of an elected member’s position on the board for the remainder of that term and until a successor is elected and qualifies.”
That happened locally in 2019 after the school board passed a resolution that asked the state board to remove member Wayne Foote from the panel.
At that time, Gov. Larry Hogan appointed Edward Root, an adjunct professor at Frostburg State University and previously FSU’s dean of the school of education, to replace Foote.
In the November general school board election, which featured two open seats on the five-member board with four candidates running, Bender and Green placed first and second, respectively.
Fraley came in third place.
She was first elected to the board in 2016 and reelected in 2020.
According to the ACPS website, Fraley is a member of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and served as the organization’s president in 2020.