Safety is a Priority in Montgomery County Public Schools

Dear Montgomery County Public Schools Families,

Hello. I am Marcus Jones, and I am honored to be on Team MCPS. I join the school system not as your former county police chief but as a lifelong safety professional dedicated to enhancing and improving MCPS safety and security. My approach is one that respects and values the diverse needs of our schools and I believe that community collaboration is key to our success. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to the professional values of safety and respect, and I bring these with me as your MCPS safety officer.

I understand that transitioning from a police department to a school system requires a different approach—one that emphasizes collaboration and attentiveness to the unique needs of our educational community. I am committed to integrating national and federal best practices for K-12 school security while leveraging my knowledge, relationships, and long-standing association with our community. 

While safety is everyone’s responsibility, recent school and staff climate surveys pointed to concerns about safety across the district. I look forward to supporting our new superintendent’s vision for a safer MCPS. And I am excited to work with our district leaders who have been working to improve policies, procedures, and safety countermeasures, as well as supports, for student behaviors we want to see. You will hear more about this work in the coming weeks. 

The district wide strategic school safety and security work for 2024-2025 is so important that it makes this an exciting time to join Team MCPS. I am eager to meet members of the greater MCPS community, hear your concerns, and work with you to ensure our schools remain safe environments where every student can thrive.

Sincerely,

Marcus Jones
Chief of Security and Compliance
Montgomery County Public Schools