Board of Education Update

At its April 16 work session, the Montgomery County Board of Education reviewed a range of issues shaping the 2026–2027 school year, including proposed calendar adjustments, updates on school safety and security, a newly proposed policy for background screening employees and potential changes to student meal prices. The Board also discussed the M.E.C.C.A. Business Learning Institute as part of its ongoing review of the charter school.

Also in this update: a new EdTalk episode highlighting women leaders in education and information on the upcoming Student Member of the Board (SMOB) election.

Read the Board of Education Update: April 17, 2026

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En la sesión de trabajo del 16 de abril, el Consejo de Educación del Condado de Montgomery revisó una variedad de temas que darán forma al ciclo escolar 2026–2027. Entre estos figuran los ajustes propuestos al calendario, actualizaciones sobre seguridad escolar, una nueva política propuesta para la verificación de antecedentes de empleados y posibles cambios en los precios de las comidas estudiantiles. El Consejo también tocó el tema del Instituto de Formación Empresarial M.E.C.C.A. como parte de su revisión continua de la escuela chárter.

También en esta actualización: un nuevo episodio de EdTalk que destaca a mujeres líderes en educación e información sobre la próxima elección del miembro estudiantil del Consejo (SMOB).

Lea la actualización del Consejo de Educación: 17 de abril de 2026

Montgomery County Board of Education Seeks Community Leaders and Communication Experts to Join Advisory Committee

Montgomery County community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement are invited to apply to join the Board of Education Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, a key initiative designed to deepen collaboration between the Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) and the community.

This advisory committee will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives. By partnering directly with the school system, committee members will help bolster and amplify the district’s communication strategies and ensure that all voices are heard on vital issues impacting our schools and communities.

For 2026-2027, the committee's focus will be on the launch of a countywide elementary and middle school boundary study. 

The Board is specifically seeking individuals skilled in communicating with and engaging diverse communities. Community leaders who are passionate about building strong, collaborative partnerships would be valuable to the committee’s work. The committee's goal is to expand the reach and impact of district communications, ensuring that all communities — particularly those directly affected by the committee’s focus — are actively involved and informed.

The Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement will meet throughout the year. Members are volunteers who will serve a one-year term, with the Board's vice president serving as the committee's standing representative.

If you're ready to make a difference by contributing to the future of community engagement in Montgomery County, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please complete and submit the application form by Friday, May 1. 

For more information, visit the Advisory Committee on Communication and Engagement webpage.

Celebrations

Women’s History Month
Board Vice President Brenda Wolff honored trailblazing women who have advanced public education, equity and opportunity. Christine “Tina” Clarke was recognized for a lifetime of advocacy and public health service, earning induction into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. Maryland State Delegate Bonnie Cullison was also celebrated for her leadership in public health, education and equity, as she prepares to retire in 2027.

Month of the Military Child
Board Member Laura Stewart recognized military-connected students and families for their resilience and strength. A local elementary school community, including staff and military families, was highlighted for its support, along with its Purple Star designation for creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

National School Social Work Week
Board Member Karla Silvestre highlighted the vital role of school social workers in supporting students and families. In line with this year’s theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” several social workers were honored for their dedication, leadership and commitment to strengthening school communities.

State Champion Swim and Dive Teams
Board President Grace Rivera-Oven celebrated county high school swim and dive teams for their outstanding achievements, including undefeated seasons, record-breaking performances and multiple state titles. Their excellence reflects the highest level of student-athlete success and community pride.

Middle School Update: New Dedicated Support Time

In a significant move to bolster student success and equity, the Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously passed the Dedicated Student Support Time Item introduced by the Student Member of the Board, Anuva Maloo. The resolution asks for a standardized, weekly "Advisory Period" across all MCPS middle schools.

What This Means for Students:

• Guaranteed Time: A weekly blocked time dedicated to student needs.
• Flexible Support: Students can use this time to seek academic help, dive deeper into subjects they love, or explore high school opportunities.
• Clear Schedules: To ensure everyone can plan ahead, schools would provide a quarterly schedule outlining these dedicated sessions.

By formalizing this time, MCPS aims to increase student agency and ensure that every middle schooler, regardless of which building they attend, has the support necessary to succeed. The Superintendent will review the program's impact after one year, with the potential to expand the model to high schools in the future. Read the memorandum.