Closely divided Baltimore County lawmakers decided this morning not to back a plan to add elected members to the local school board, likely dooming the legislative effort this year.

The county's delegates had narrowly endorsed a similar proposal earlier this month, though County Executive James T. Smith opposed it. Sen. Bobby A. Zirkin had sought a "hybrid" school board of eight appointed and seven elected members as a way to add new voices to a board that is now selected by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Baltimore County and the city are two of just four unelected school boards in the state. Legislation to add elected members to the city school board also failed this year after the House delegation voted against it.