§ 3-1402

(a) The State Board may remove a member of the county board for any of the following reasons:

(1) Immorality;

(2) Misconduct in office;

(3) Incompetency;

(4) Willful neglect of duty; or

(5) Failure to attend, without good cause:

(i) At least 75% of the scheduled meetings of the board in any 1 calendar year; or

(ii) Three consecutive scheduled meetings of the board.

(b) Before removing a member, the State Board shall send the member a copy of the charges against the member and give the member an opportunity within 10 days to request a hearing.

(c) If the member requests a hearing within the 10–day period:

(1) The State Board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 days after the State Board sends the member a notice of the hearing; and

(2) The member shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly before the State Board in the member’s own defense, in person, or by counsel.

(d) A member removed under this section has the right to a de novo review of the removal by the Circuit Court for Worcester County.