Maryland School Board Candidates Face Tax Lien Review

Three candidates for local office in Maryland have active or past tax liens on record that voters can now verify.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Administration

Gouache-painted illustration of a heavy metal desk stamp on a polished wooden desk, representing local administrative oversight and fiscal accountability. — A review of Maryland Judiciary records reveals three school board candidates with active or past state tax liens between 2021 and 2025. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should a candidate's history of tax liens affect your trust in their ability to manage schools?

A review of court records identifies three Maryland school board candidates who have faced state tax liens between 2021 and 2025. The candidates running for office in Montgomery, Baltimore, and Allegany counties include individuals with both active and satisfied debt filings.

Why it matters

Understanding the financial history of those seeking local office provides transparency regarding the candidates' management of personal and tax obligations. These records reflect how potential public officials interact with state financial systems.

Brenda Diaz faces two liens totaling $9,906.91, and Darren Badillo has two unresolved liens totaling $6,486.33. Lori Lepley previously had an $8,159.02 lien filed, which has since been satisfied.

The players

Brenda Diaz

A school board candidate in Montgomery County with two outstanding state tax liens related to a property in Gaithersburg.

Darren Badillo

A school board candidate in Baltimore County who currently has two unresolved state tax liens on file.

Lori Lepley

An Allegany County school board candidate who previously held a tax lien that has since been satisfied following a credit dispute.

Capital News Service

An independent news organization that conducted this investigation by reviewing public court records.

The details

Capital News Service cross-referenced candidate identities against the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and Records Portal. These liens represent formal legal claims against individuals by the state due to unpaid tax liabilities or, in one instance, a denied tax credit appeal. Voters can track the status of these court records by searching the public judiciary database for specific case numbers associated with each candidate.

2021: A $5,247.46 tax lien was filed against Brenda Diaz.
2022: Brenda Diaz had a $4,659.45 tax lien filed against her property in Gaithersburg.
August 2022: Lori Lepley had an $8,159.02 tax lien filed, which was subsequently satisfied.
November 2023: Darren Badillo had a $5,629.19 tax lien filed against him.
February 2025: A $857.14 tax lien was filed against Darren Badillo.

The Home Front

Property-related financial disputes often arise from complications with state-level tax incentive programs like the Historic District Tax Credit. Navigating these requirements remains a significant part of the financial administrative landscape for homeowners in the state.

Voters can verify the current status of these or other public records by visiting the official state judiciary database. If you are reviewing candidates for local office, check the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal to confirm the most recent filings for your district.

The takeaway

Financial transparency remains a key component of evaluating local representation. Residents can stay informed by checking public databases to verify the status of legal filings or tax obligations linked to candidates in their specific districts.