Superintendent’s Releases FY 2026 Recommended Operating Budget

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On Dec. 18, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented the Recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget request to the Board of Education. The request includes  multi-year corrective measures MCPS is taking to live up to its legacy of excellence. The district’s needs are extensive and the proposal transparently outlined a plan to address challenges that have built up over time.

Dr. Taylor proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for FY 2026, designed to stabilize the school system and prioritize resources for student learning and school support. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system. 

More information on the proposed FY 2026 budget

Watch the full presentation.

The Board of Education will now hold public hearings and work sessions on the budget. The timeline:

• Public Hearings: Thursday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
• Work Sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 14, Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
• Board Approval: Tentative adoption of operating budget scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
• Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Resources Presented at the Budget Event

• Presentation Slides

• Budget Summary Sheet

• High-level reorganization chart

• Equity Add-on Model Estimates

The full Recommended FY 2026 Operating Budget Book will be posted online by Friday, Dec. 20.

New Website Provides Details on Upcoming MCPS Boundary Study

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In preparation for the opening of Crown High School, the expansion of Damascus High School and the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School in the 2027-2028 school year, MCPS is conducting a boundary study. This study will help determine new attendance areas and address overcrowding at some schools.

Visit the dedicated website to find detailed information, FAQs and updates on the process. Learn how these changes will impact MCPS students and families.

BOE Seeking Comment for New Policy on Investigations of Allegations of Employee Misconduct

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comment for Policy GCB, Investigation of Allegations of Employee Misconduct, a new policy, developed to comply with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General to establish the Board’s core principles guiding MCPS investigations of employee misconduct, and the purpose and approach MCPS shall take to investigating misconduct. The policy also emphasizes expectations for employee conduct, currently stated in regulations and the employee handbook.

The policy has been available for comment since Dec. 10, 2024, and the public comment period will remain open through Feb. 3, 2025.

Review the draft policy.

Submit comments.

Save A Student Summit Set for Jan. 4

Secondary students are invited to the Save A Student Summit from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, in the Walter Johnson High School auditorium. This event will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the impact of opioid and fentanyl use, train on how to use Narcan in an overdose emergency, receive a Narcan kit, and learn about the winners from the recent Speak Up, Save A Life PSA contest. Students can earn three Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. RSVP.

Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.

Apply for Educational Foundation Student Scholarships and Awards

Calling all seniors! Apply today for the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation’s (MCPSEF) Student Scholarships and Awards. The awards are open to students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals and face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an MCPS senior.
• Graduate with the Class of 2025.
• Plan to pursue education after high school.

Applications are open through Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. For questions, email here or call 240-740-3216.

Schedule An Open House Visit at Maryland Independent Colleges, Universities

Several Maryland independent colleges and universities are opening their doors to prospective students beginning in January. Some are also offering campus tours. Be sure to schedule your open house visit! Among them: Hood College, Loyola University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Mount St. Mary’s University, Stevenson University, Goucher College, Notre Dame University of Maryland, Washington Adventist University and Washington College. 

See the full list.

South Asian American Families Invited to Complete Survey by Jan. 31

The Maryland Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs is asking families of South Asian descent to complete a survey on their experiences and perspectives on education. This feedback will help the commission develop initiatives and strategies to better support students, families and educators in the South Asian American community.

Families are asked to complete the survey by Friday, Jan. 31.

Francis Scott Key Middle Schooler Combines STEM and Storytelling in Chemistories

Maya Mourshed, a student at Francis Scott Key Middle School, combines her passion for science and storytelling in her debut book, Chemistories. The collection brings elements of the periodic table to life with unique personalities and challenges. A creative writer from a young age, Mourshed has been published by the Society of Young Inklings and is also an illustrator. She is currently working on a new book focused on math. Read more.

KID Museum Offers Programs for MCPS Students and Families

KID Museum is offering a variety of opportunities this winter and spring for students, including after-school programs and holiday break sessions. What’s coming up:

• Teen Innovator Program: This free program for middle and high school students provides hands-on maker skills, career exploration and life skills development.
  Application Deadline: Friday, Dec. 20. Apply.

• School’s Out, KID Museum Is Open!: On Dec. 30-31, full-day programs for kindergarten through 8th graders. Register: Dec. 30, Dec. 31.

• New After-School Programs: Starting in January, KID Museum will offer a range of after-school classes at its Bethesda Metro Center and Davis Library locations, including:

• Mini Makers (Pre-K)
• Robotics Playground (K-1st Grade)
• Cardboard Engineering (2nd-4th Grade)
• Game Makers Lab (5th-7th Grade)
  Register Now: Sign up here.

Some programs have a fee. Financial assistance is available upon request. More information is available on KID Museum’s website.