Proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget Spreadsheet Available

Earlier this week, Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor released an expanded version of the Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget spreadsheet. This document represents a commitment to increased transparency in the budgeting process and is available online for the Montgomery County community here.

The updated spreadsheet builds upon the budget initially shared on Dec. 18, and provides greater detail of budget changes across various areas of the proposed operating budget. The budget is organized by the following categories: school revenue, changes to the base budget, non-discretionary requirements, non-discretionary requirements with Blueprint and discretionary expenditures. Each line item has exhibits which provide further details. 

The Montgomery County Board of Education is hosting community meetings to explain the MCPS budget process. Join Board President Julie Yang and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor for a presentation and Q&A about the 2026 operating budget and how it reflects the Board's priorities. 

Community Meetings Schedule:

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Seneca Valley High School (RSVP)

• Tuesday, Jan. 28 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Paint Branch High School (RSVP)

• Thursday, Jan. 30 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Virtual Meeting (RSVP)

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

• Public Hearings: Today, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27.

• Work Sessions: Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30.

The Board will tentatively adopt the operating budget at its business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, with final adoption expected at its business meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

Read more and learn more about the proposed FY 2026 budget on this website.   

Working Together to Create a Safe and Welcoming School Community

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

• The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.

• Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

• Immigration Resources for students and families 

• MCPS Immigration webpage with more resources

Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

• Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

BOE Seeks Comment on Workforce Excellence Policy

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comment for Policy GAA, Workforce Excellence, an updated policy, developed to build thoughtful, strategic and continuous professional growth processes for MCPS employees. The policy prioritizes effective onboarding and skill development for an employee's current position, as well as planning for skill development for career growth within MCPS. These strategies draw out and build employees’ skills, retain talent and increase MCPS capacity to respond imaginatively to unfamiliar or challenging situations—all hallmarks of a resilient organization. 

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

Review Policy GAA.
Submit comments.

The Board is also seeking public comment on 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. This comment period has been available since Dec. 10, 2024, and is also open through Feb. 3, 2025.

Review Policy GCB.
Submit comments.

Summer RISE Student Registration Now Open

Student registration for Summer RISE 2025 is open until Feb. 18. 

Summer RISE offers a hands-on, career-based learning experience with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer.

Participating students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 23 through July 25. This program allows students to:

• Explore careers and workplace expectations.

• Develop essential professional and technical skills.

• Make informed college and career decisions.

• Build a network of mentors to guide their career paths.

To learn more, join one of our Student & Parent/Guardian Information Sessions or visit www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org.

Registration closes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Wootton High School Student Goes Viral with Music, Breaking Barriers

Max Nguyen, a junior at Thomas S. Wootton High School, gained viral attention after his impromptu performance of "Stick Season" was shared by musician Noah Kahan on Instagram, reaching over 2 million followers. Born with cerebral palsy, Nguyen has overcome physical challenges to pursue music, starting with piano as a form of therapy and later learning guitar with the help of a supportive teacher. Now a passionate musician and aspiring biomedical engineer, Nguyen is using his experience to inspire others, creating guitar lessons for beginners and performing at local gigs. Read the full story of his inspiring journey!

Marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month

The following events are open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per event.

Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day Webinar
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration and Extermination Camp
Thursday, Jan. 30, 5-6:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer 

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The Struggle for Black Freedom: Black Communities in Montgomery County Post Civil War to Today
Featuring Celeste Winston, Author of How to Lose the Hounds: Maroon Geographies and a World Beyond Policing
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer

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MoCo History Day Competition Looking for Judges

Calling community members and would-be historians: local students need your help! The 2025 Montgomery County History Day competition will be held on Saturday, March 8.

Middle and high school students have been conducting research, diving into primary sources and creating presentations. The competition is seeking volunteers at least 18 years old and older to serve as judges in evaluating student work. The goal is to encourage and foster a passion for history.

The event is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 8 at Sligo Middle School, 1401 Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. Prior experience is not necessary. Sign up to be a judge.

Students selected to represent their schools compete at the county event; top entries chosen by the judges advance to the Maryland History Day state contest at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in May.

For more information, email Kelli Champagne, pre-K–12 social studies content specialist, or Abbie Lamb, teacher at Walt Whitman High School.

Don’t Miss …

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

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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

Upcoming Student Events and Opportunities

The 2025 Gaithersburg Book Festival’s annual poetry contest is open for submissions. This year’s theme is “Civic Duty.” This contest is open to high school students. The deadline is midnight on Friday, Feb. 21. First, second, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $250, $100, $50 and $25, respectively. Winners will be announced at the festival on Saturday, May 17. 2025 GBF Poetry Contest Flyer

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is holding its annual poster contest to increase awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate, and to vote online to determine the winners in the spring. The deadline is Friday, April 4.

2025 Sustainability Poster Contest Entry Form
Contest Guidelines

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Student Service Learning (SSL) Opportunities in January

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Summer Camp Registration Opens Tuesday, Jan. 21: Montgomery County Recreation is hosting safe, fun and exciting summer camps. Camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for county residents. Explore the digital program guide ahead of registration day.

Applications are being accepted for 2025 Rec Assist, which provides eligible residents the opportunity to receive a scholarship for recreation programs. For more information about summer camp registration, visit the website or call 240-777-6840.