Board of Education Update:
August 22, 2025

The Board approved the 2026 Legislative Platform titled Purposeful Policy. Unleashed Potential. Members also discussed progress on secondary boundary studies and plans to expand regional academic programs based on community feedback. An updated capital projects framework was presented to guide future school renovations. The Board celebrated “Get Ready for Kindergarten Month” with College Gardens Elementary families, highlighting early education. Additionally, they approved the new collective bargaining agreement with MCAAP for 2025–2028.

Board of Education Kicks Off “Get Ready For Kindergarten Month” with Special Celebration

The Montgomery County Board of Education took center stage on Aug. 21, leading a joyful celebration to mark Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. With students, families, educators, and community partners in attendance, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood education and the importance of starting strong.

Joined by incoming kindergarten students and families from College Gardens Elementary School, as well as educators and community partners, the Board highlighted the critical transition into kindergarten and the important role  families  and communities play  in school readiness and success.

“Today is more than a ceremony—it’s a milestone for children, families, and our community,” said Board President Julie Yang. “Kindergarten is the first step in a lifelong journey of learning. It’s where curiosity takes root, where friendships bloom, and where the joy of asking questions begins.” 

The celebration underscored the Board’s continued focus on equitable access to early learning, family support, and a smooth, joyful start for every child.

2026 Legislative Platform Prioritizes Equity, Flexibility, and Future Readiness

The Board approved its 2026 Legislative Platform, Purposeful Policy. Unleashed Potential., which outlines the district’s advocacy priorities for the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly. Grounded in the MCPS strategic plan, Future Ready: A Bold Vision for Every Student’s Success, the platform reflects the Board’s commitment to equity, access, and student-centered policy.

The platform focuses on four key areas:

• A periodic review of high school graduation requirements to better align with modern student needs

• A needs-based model for AP/IB exam funding to ensure equitable access and long-term sustainability

• Greater flexibility in how Community Schools funding is used

• Changes to instructional time laws, allowing districts to meet either 180 days or 1,080 hours

Additional advocacy areas include teacher preparation, graduation rate reporting, and school safety policy updates.

What it means for students and families:
The platform supports policies that directly impact students, such as increasing schools' ability to provide academic services at Community Schools,  equitable funding of AP/IB exams, and ensuring graduation requirements reflect the realities of today’s learners. These changes aim to strengthen the educational experience while making the most of available resources.

What’s next:
The Board will meet with our elected officials to share more about what these priorities mean for the school system during the Legislative Summit on Sept. 15 at Richard Montgomery High School.

Watch the Aug. 21 Board meeting and stay up to date at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe.

Board of Education and MCAAP: A New Chapter Signed and Sealed

The Board approved the new collective bargaining agreement with the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) for the 2025–2028 school years. Ratified by MCAAP members on May 30, 2025, the agreement updates contract language to ensure fair and equitable working conditions, promote transparency, and support professional excellence.

Dr. Christine Handy, President of MCAAP, celebrated the agreement as a milestone for collaboration and progress:

“This contract reflects true collaboration between MCAAP and MCPS. It establishes clear expectations, improves key processes like staffing and sick-leave payouts, and most importantly, protects the well-being and best interests of our members. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we truly work together.”

The agreement also addresses reclassification procedures, workload concerns, and provides enhancements to stipends and supplements, representing a comprehensive effort to support school administrators and principals.

Board Discusses Progress on Secondary Boundary Studies and Program Expansion

MCPS shared updates on Future Ready Secondary Boundary Studies and Program Analysis. This initiative supports equitable access to high-quality secondary education and aligns with MCPS’s Strategic Plan.

Key highlights included:

• Progress on boundary studies tied to the 2027–2028 opening of Crown and Woodward High Schools and the reopening of Northwood High School.

• An overview of community feedback received so far and how it’s informing updated boundary options.

• A preview of expanded academic program recommendations, including proposed regional magnet-like programs in six zones across the county, covering themes like Medical Science, Engineering, International Baccalaureate, Performing Arts, and more.

• Emphasis on proximity, efficient school building use, safe transportation, and minimizing disruption for families were guiding principles.

• Continued outreach is planned through events, surveys, and school-based communications to gather additional community input before final recommendations are made.

The Board is expected to receive a final recommendation in early 2026, with new boundaries and programs launching gradually starting in the 2027–2028 school year.

More information and engagement opportunities will be shared with families throughout the fall.

To learn more, read the presentation.

Framework for Prioritizing Capital Projects

MCPS has released a revised framework to guide how capital projects are prioritized across the district. The plan replaces the former Key Facility Indicators (KFIs) with the Facility Condition Index (FCI) as the central metric, offering a more data-driven and transparent process. The framework also incorporates additional criteria such as building utilization, educational adequacy, and student needs to ensure a holistic approach. With more than half of MCPS schools over 25 years old, the plan outlines a 20-year strategy focused on renovations, renewals, and replacements to modernize infrastructure and improve learning environments. Community input and engagement remain key pillars of the process.

Learn more by reading the presentation or visiting the new website for facility condition assessments.

Recognizing What Matters: Board Champions Health and Heritage

The Board approved the recognition of several key observances that support the well-being, inclusion and engagement of the school community. These include International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and National Recovery Month (September), both aimed at raising awareness about substance use prevention and support. The board also proclaimed National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 7–13), including World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10), to highlight mental health resources and reduce stigma.

Additional recognitions include International Literacy Day (Sept. 8), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), and National Arts in Education Week (Sept. 14–20), each honoring the importance of literacy, cultural heritage and the arts in student success.

To honor community involvement, the board declared Sept. 26 as National School Parent Group Appreciation Day, celebrating the vital role of parent volunteers in supporting students and schools.

Upcoming Meetings

Thursday, September 4:  Board Work Session

Stay Connected

Engage with us through public hearings and public comment. 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and X 

Email us at boe@mcpsmd.org