Board of Education Update:
November 8, 2024
The Board of Education began the annual budget process by outlining their priorities for the superintendent’s recommended operating budget. The Board also approved math curriculum and pilot courses for the 2025-26 school year.
The Board also held a work session Friday, November 8, to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and Capital Budget after hosting two public hearings on the topics. The Board will take final action on this topic Thursday, November 21. You can watch a recording of the work session to learn more.
Ensuring Excellence: Budget Priorities for Student Achievement and Safety
The process of creating and approving the operating budget for the fiscal year 2026 is in progress. Guided by the goals and priorities established by the Board, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor is working on his budget plan, which he will present to the Board of Education in December.
The Board aims to be good stewards of county resources and recognizes the current fiscal situation. Board President Karla Silvestre framed the discussion, “Our goal is to end up with a budget that prioritizes the high levels of achievement this school system is known for, ensuring both equity and academic excellence across all schools, and keeping our students safe.”
The Board shared the following budget priorities with Dr. Taylor and the public:
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Improved math and literacy performance for all students
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Safety of our students
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Wellbeing support for students and staff
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Resources that support college and career readiness
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Equitable access to programs across the county
As the budget process continues, there will be opportunities for the public to participate. The Board will hold work sessions and public hearings in January. It is expected the Board will adopt an operating budget in February, which will be presented to the Montgomery County Council for consideration.
Watch the presentation on budget priorities.
Board Approves New Learning Opportunities
The Board approved one new high school pilot course and moving a slate of pilot courses to active at middle and high schools for the 2025-2026 school year. This work aligns with the Board’s annual priority to support a thorough and comprehensive examination of MCPS’ curriculum and graduation requirements.
The following recommendations from the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs were approved for the 2025-2026 school year:
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One new non-core high school pilot course - Hip Hop Poetics and Rhetoric: Exploring the Golden Age of Hip Hop at Montgomery Blair High School.
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Seven courses becoming active at select high schools:
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Color Guard at James Hubert Blake High School and Northwood High School
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Holocaust Studies at Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School
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Global Climate Change at Northwood High School and Walter Johnson High School
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Principles of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Design (AIVR) at Northwood High School
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Ethnic Studies at Poolesville High School
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Mindfulness for Teens at Thomas S. Wootton High School
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Muslim Global Experiences at Col. Zadok Magruder High School
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Three courses becoming active at select middle schools:
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Literature in the Humanities 7/8 at Eastern Middle School
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Science of Sports and Recreational Activities (SSRA) at Kingsview Middle School
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Technical Theater for Middle School at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School
Students are actively involved in the pilot course process. Student interest and advocacy help identify topics for new pilot courses. Pilot courses are evaluated based on participation as the annual program of studies is developed. Learn more about these pilot courses and the process by watching the presentation.
Board Approves Continued Use of Math Curricula
The Board, focused on the district’s efforts to improve student achievement in math, approved the continuation of Eureka Mathematics and Illustrative Mathematics as the core mathematics curricula for MCPS.
These curricula provide high-quality materials that meet educational standards and help students develop strong math skills. They focus on making students think critically about math and using it in real-life situations. The programs also include tools to identify where students might be struggling and resources to help them improve. By using these curricula consistently, students can build on what they’ve learned before, and teachers can improve their teaching methods for better results.
Learn more by watching the presentation.
New Human Capital Management System Coming in December
MCPS is updating its Human Resources Information Systems with a modern, cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform in December. The new system will be more efficient and user-friendly. Staff shared an update on the transition plan and how this new system will benefit employees and retirees. Watch the presentation to find out more.
Upcoming Meetings
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November 14, Thursday - Policy Management Committee
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November 18, Monday - Fiscal Management Committee
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November 21, Thursday - Capital Improvement Program Decisions Meeting
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December 2, Monday - Board Member Swearing In Ceremony
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December 5, Thursday - Business Meeting
Visit our webpage to view agendas, meeting materials, and watch live or recordings.
Opportunities for Engagement
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