MCPS and County Teams Wrap Up Efforts to Open Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) continues to address some areas of persistent icing to complete recovery and are working diligently to ensure the safety of students and staff. It remains true that certain limited areas still require attention.

With a system of 211 schools, making decisions regarding delays and closures is complex, as it requires careful consideration of multiple factors. When making decisions, it's important to note that schools require treatment on parking lots, and crews have been actively working on recovery efforts. Conditions can vary significantly across different areas of the county, which adds complexity to the process. Additionally, we must factor in the 1,300 bus routes, which collectively cover more than 100,000 miles each school day, as well as the safety of students waiting at 13,024 bus stops in potentially hazardous conditions.

Snow and mobile crews from MCPS and Montgomery County are doing everything they can to clear affected zones. If you are still experiencing ice and snow conditions in your neighborhood, please call the Montgomery County line at 311 within the County or 240-777-0311. 

For more information on how these decisions are made, visit the MCPS Emergency Closures webpage: MCPS Emergency Closures.

To ensure you receive timely notifications, please update your contact details via the ParentVUE link on the MCPS Community Tech Support website.

Learn more about the color codes.
MCPS Operating Status Inclement Weather, 2024-2025

Join Us for Operating Budget Public Hearings

Superintendent Thomas Taylor has proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system. 

The Board of Education will hold the following public hearings and work sessions on the budget:

• 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; Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
• Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget website

Student Opportunities

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.

Apply to the Rales-O’Neill Scholarship

Applications for the Rales-O’Neill Scholarship, offered by the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation (MCPSEF), are open now for high school seniors. The scholarships provide $10,000 toward future studies and will be awarded to two hundred students.

Applications must be submitted by Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. For more information on eligibility and rules, visit the MCPSEF website.

SMOB Candidate Filing Period

Students interested in running for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) must file nomination materials by Thursday, Jan. 23. Students are eligible to run for the SMOB if they are a current Grade 10 or Grade 11 student, enrolled in an MCPS high school, and a Montgomery County resident. Candidate nomination forms can be found on pages 31-32 of the SMOB Election Protocols. Completed forms should be scanned and emailed to Shella Cherry, director, Student Leadership & Extracurricular Activities. More information

MLK Week of Service: Jan. 18-26, 2025

MCPS is partnering with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) to promote acts of kindness and service during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Week of Service on Jan. 18-26, 2025.

Some secondary school projects may qualify for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, in line with MCPS SSL guidelines.

The MCVC will also host service events on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19. Registration is required for these opportunities via the MCVC website: www.montgomeryserves.org.

MCPS and the MCVC aim to inspire kindness and community service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events

The Special Education Resource Fair: Set for 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the auditorium at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. This event is open to all parents who have children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). MCPS families can learn more from community organizations about after-school activities, summer programs and tutoring.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair: Will be held from 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). This event offers an opportunity for students in Grades 8 through 12 and their parents/guardians to meet with representatives from more than 50 HBCUs and participate in workshops. More information

FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at USG, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. More information