Board of Education Update: October 23, 2024
his week, the Board of Education discussed the district’s strategies for improving math performance among students who receive special education services and Emergent Multilingual Learners. Looking to the future, the Board also heard reports on the strategic planning process and the 2025-26 school year calendar.
Improving Math Performance: Strategies for All Students
If you’ve been keeping up with our updates, you know the Board has made improving student performance in math a top priority this year. Students who receive special education services and Emergent Multilingual Learners often face challenges in meeting math standards. To help these students succeed in math, we need a well-rounded approach.
District leaders explained that this approach focuses on understanding math and the needs of students who receive services. It's important to regularly analyze data and adjust teaching methods to make sure these strategies effectively support students' learning and progress.
This important work doesn't just take place in the classroom. Involving the community in discussions helps raise awareness, encourages responsibility, and promotes teamwork. All of these factors are essential for making real improvements in students' math skills.
What is MCPS doing to improve outcomes for students receiving services?
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Providing professional learning for educators that focuses on the specific needs of students - giving educators the tools and strategies they need to be effective.
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Districtwide guidelines and support for teachers to work together and to use data to inform instruction - ensuring all students’ needs are met.
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Using specific language techniques in math lessons - making the classroom more welcoming for everyone.
To find out how we support diverse learners’ success with math, watch the full presentation.
Calendar Conversations
Creating a school year calendar is an important and complex task that affects students and staff. At the October 22 meeting, MCPS staff presented two draft options for the 2025-2026 school year calendar for the Board to discuss and consider.
How are the scenarios similar?
Both draft calendars have 181 instructional days and include a new Student Transition Day, which is a non-instructional day.
How are they different?
The length of winter break (8 days or 10 days) and the last day of school for students (June 17, 2026 or June 22, 2026).
How were the calendar scenarios developed?
The calendar development team followed Board Policy IDA and engaged with students, staff, and community members in a way that considered everyone’s cultural background. They gathered feedback through surveys, focus groups, and committees.
What’s a Student Transition Day? That’s New.
A Student Transition Day has been identified for August 25, 2025. This is a districtwide non-instructional day that focuses on making students feel connected to their school and to make the start of the school year smoother.
What happens next?
Public comment and feedback on the scenarios is happening now! Share your thoughts today using this form.
On November 14, the Board’s Policy Management Committee will review feedback and discuss the calendar scenarios.
On December 5, the Board will adopt a 2025-26 school year calendar.
I want to know more.
We hoped you’d say that. To learn more about the calendar development process and the two proposed scenarios for next year, watch the presentation. You can also see the two proposed calendar scenarios in this document (pdf).
MCPS Updates on New Strategic Plan
This year, we're developing the Strategic Plan that will guide MCPS’ work through 2026-2030. Staff shared an update with the Board that included findings from Phase 1 and next steps.
In Phase 1, engagement with a diverse group of MCPS students, staff, and community members generated feedback on:
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Key skills students need
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Necessary changes
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Major challenges facing MCPS
Phase 2, which runs through December, will focus on a root-cause analysis of Phase 1 themes, set goals for the new plan, and explore strategies for progress.
Staff also launched the 2026-30 Strategic Plan webpage, a central hub for public updates and engagement throughout the planning process. We encourage the public to follow the process and participate in engagement opportunities when they are available.
The year-long process to develop a strategic plan builds on insights from the Antiracist System Audit and follows the culturally responsive policies in Board Policy ABA.
The Board’s Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Brenda Wolff, collaborates with the superintendent on recommendations for MCPS's direction. The Committee's role includes long-term visioning, performance monitoring, and outreach. The Board will receive regular updates during the planning process and will approve the plan in 2025.
To learn more about Phase 1 feedback and its impact on planning, watch the presentation.
Upcoming Meetings
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October 24, Thursday - Facilities and Boundaries Preliminary Presentation and Work Session
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November 4 - Monday - Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearing #1
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November 6 - Wednesday - Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearing #2
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November 7 - Thursday - Business Meeting
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November 8 - Friday - Facilities and Boundaries Work Session
Visit our webpage to view agendas, meeting materials, and watch live or recordings.
Opportunities for Engagement
Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearings, November 4 and 6, are opportunities for the public to share their voice. These public hearings are set to hear testimony regarding the Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2026 Capital Budget and Amendments to the FY 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. Speaker sign-ups open October 24 at noon. To learn more and sign up to speak, visit our website.
The public is encouraged to engage with the Board. Learn about the ways to participate on our website.
Stay Connected
Email us at boe@mcpsmd.org
Email us: boe@mcpsmd.org