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Board of Education Update:
February 6, 2026

At its February 5 work session, the Board of Education reviewed high school boundary recommendations, a countywide elementary boundary study, and a new Pre-K–12 math plan. February also marks Black History Month, and the Board honored the legacy of Black history in Montgomery County, reflecting on educational roots at Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church. At its January 22 business meeting, the Board approved updates to the 2026–2027 school calendars and summer school tuition rates, adopted fiscal and investment policy changes, reviewed 2026 legislative positions, and celebrated student and school achievements.

Black History Month: Honoring Montgomery County’s Legacy

Watch Video

Black History Month is here, a time to celebrate the courage, creativity, and enduring impact of Black individuals and communities in Montgomery County and beyond.

This month, the Board of Education invites you to reflect on the stories that laid the foundation for generations of learning, leadership and community. We begin at Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, built in 1924 by freed slaves and their descendants. Long before formal schools existed, this church served as a beacon of education, empowerment and opportunity, with walls that echoed the determination and dreams of those who came before us.

Join us in watching Echoes of the Ancestors, a tribute to the roots that shaped our past, the lessons that guide our present, and the inspiration that will carry us forward. Let us honor their legacy not only by remembering it, but also by carrying it into action in our schools, neighborhoods and hearts.

Superintendent Proposes Boundary Adjustments and Future High School Plans

Superintendent Thomas Taylor has presented his boundary recommendations, including a modified Option B for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School and a modified Option H for the relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School. The Board of Education is now reviewing these recommendations and continuing to gather community input.

Community members are encouraged to submit testimony and participate in upcoming public hearings :

Public Hearing #1 – Crown/Damascus: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Public Hearing #2 – Woodward/Northwood: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Work Session #2: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Public Hearing #3 – CIP: Monday, March 9, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Public Hearing #4 – CIP: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Work Session #3: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM

The Board will take final action with a vote scheduled for March 26.

Watch the presentation at the February 5 work session.

MCPS Proposes Countywide Elementary Boundary Study to Address Enrollment Shifts

MCPS has proposed a countywide elementary school boundary study to the Board of Education, citing declining enrollment, underused elementary and middle school buildings, and long-term fiscal pressures. While high schools do remain over capacity this year, they will not starting in the fall of 2027. MCPS projects nearly 20,000 excess seats at the elementary and middle levels by 2032, leading staff to recommend studying possible consolidations, boundary adjustments and school models.

Recommended timeline:

Spring 2026: Board approves study scope after public hearings
May 2027: Board decides on potential school consolidations
May 2028: Board adopts final boundary assignments
August 2029: New boundaries take effect for the 2029–30 school year

Public engagement will occur throughout the process to ensure transparency and community input. Learn more.

New Pre-K–12 Math Pathway

MCPS presented a plan to modernize math instruction from Pre-K through Grade 12, including an Integrated Algebra pathway, 60-minute daily K–8 math blocks, and a multi-tiered system of support to prepare students for advanced coursework and future careers.

The Board discussed the plan, raising concerns about early implementation challenges, the need for robust teacher training, dedicated elementary intervention time, and clear, transparent reporting for families. Members also emphasized protecting student schedules so increased math time does not reduce access to electives or specialized programs.

View the MCPS presentation.

Board Adopts Technical Amendments to 2026–2027 School Calendars

In its Jan. 22 business meeting, the Board approved technical amendments to the adopted 2026–2027 school year calendars to better balance instructional days across marking periods. The changes convert the previously scheduled non-instructional day on Sept. 11, 2026, into a regular school day for students and staff, and shift a non-instructional day from April 21, 2027 to April 22, 2027.

As a result, marking period lengths were adjusted for traditional and innovative schools, while maintaining the total number of instructional days.

Traditional Calendar / Innovative Calendar

2026 Summer School Tuition Rates Approved

The 2026 Summer School Program fees have been approved by the Board. This year’s plan focuses on academic recovery, credit acceleration, and support for students in Title 1 schools and special education services.

2026 Summer Tuition Rates

The approved fees include tiered options to ensure programs remain accessible:

Program Level	Full Tuition	Tier 1 Reduced	Tier 2 Reduced
High School	$364.25	$145.75	$102.00
Middle School	$100.00	$40.00	$28.00

These programs are designed to keep students on track for graduation while building foundational skills for post-secondary success following the MCPS Future Ready Strategic Plan.

Updated Fiscal Oversight (Policy DAA)

The Board has officially adopted amendments to Board Policy DAA, Fiscal Responsibility and Control. This updated effort focuses on safeguarding public funds through:

Enhanced Oversight: New internal controls ensure resources are managed with maximum integrity.
Proactive Monitoring: The superintendent will now provide monthly analytical reports to identify and address budget concerns early.
Strict Standards: Clearer protocols are in place for budget transfers and the use of supplemental funds.
Community Input: The final policy reflects feedback gathered from students, staff and the public.

Modernizing Investment Strategies (Policy DIG)

Efficiency and safety are the drivers behind the newly approved updates to Board Policy DIG, Operating Fund Investments. Key highlights include:

Priority-Based Investing: All investments must now meet strict criteria for prudence, safety, liquidity and market return.
Centralized Management: MCPS will consolidate cash balances to improve administration and pricing efficiency.
Ethics and Risk Control: The policy strengthens conflict-of-interest regulations and prohibits borrowing money solely for investment purposes.

Securing Retirement Funding (Policy GIG)

To ensure long-term sustainability for staff benefits, the Board approved updates to Board Policy GIG, Funding Retirement/Pension System. Significant changes include:

Strategic Oversight: Assets are managed by a Board of Investment Trustees to ensure they are used solely for participant interests.
Actuarial Rigor: Annual valuation reports from credentialed firms will now guide budget recommendations and funding percentages.

Legislative Update: Board Positions on 2026 Education Bills

The Montgomery County Board of Education has reviewed several key bills from the 2026 legislative session. The Board has adopted the following positions to advocate for students, staff and the MCPS community:

Bills Supported with Amendments

HB 14: Bullying & Harassment Reporting – Support with an amendment to align the public reporting timeline with state verification processes to ensure data accuracy.
HB 64: Education Funding Task Force – Support with a request to clarify that the task force analyze funding for specific student populations (e.g., Special Education and English Learners) in addition to general enrollment growth.
HB 102: Military Families Advance Enrollment – Support with amendments to ensure special education services begin immediately once the student is physically present at the school, in full alignment with state and federal laws.
HB 128 / SB 299: Therapy Dogs in Schools – Support with an amendment to change the requirement to "permit" rather than "require" local boards to allow therapy dogs. This change recognizes the potential benefit of therapy dogs with regard to student and staff mental wellbeing, while preserving the local control of school systems across the state.

Bills Supported

HB 340: School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact – Support for joining an interstate compact to reduce employment barriers for school psychologists. This allows professionals from member states (such as West Virginia and Delaware) to practice in Maryland easily, addressing critical staffing shortages.

HB 160: Prohibiting Confederate Naming – Support for the statewide prohibition of naming public property after Confederate figures, affirming the Board’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
HB 288/SB 218: State Superintendent Emergency Authority – Support granting the State Superintendent authority to declare education-related states of emergency during prolonged disruptions.
HB 326: Anonymous Reporting System – Support for establishing a state-administered system for students and staff to anonymously report safety concerns.
HB 352: Fine Arts Grant Flexibility – Support for allowing schools in high-poverty areas to use specific grant funding to support fine arts instructional programs going forward. Currently, the ability to use the funds for this purpose is only permissible through 2027.

Opposed Legislation

SB 158: Safe Alternative Routes Report – The Board voted to oppose this bill (5 in favor of opposition, 3 abstentions) due to its significant fiscal impact, and unreasonable liability concerns regarding walking routes outside of school control.
Preserving Local Autonomy – The Board is also opposing several mandates to preserve local decision-making, including HB 73 (Swimming curriculum), HB 163 (Personal electronic device policies), SB 51 (Video cameras in special education classrooms), and HB 140 & HB 355: (State Mandates on Board Vacancies & Curriculum).

Detailed discussions of these bills can be viewed in theJan. 22 meeting and the Feb. 5 meeting.

Nominations Open for Distinguished Service to Education Honors

The Board of Education is accepting nominations for its 2026 Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education, which celebrate individuals, groups and businesses that have made a lasting impact on the educational experience within the county. Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Business Partner

Community Partner

School Service Volunteer

Student Service Award

Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, March 9.

Learn more.

Celebrations and Recognitions from Board Business Meeting January 22, 2026

International Day of Education

Board Member Karla Silvestre recognized International Day of Education, highlighting education as a fundamental human right and a driver of equity and opportunity. The Board honored Daniel Yip for his leadership in advancing inclusive practices and expanding access to high-quality instruction for multilingual learners.

Maryland Blue Ribbon School – Diamond Elementary School

Board Member Julie Yang recognized Diamond Elementary School for earning the Maryland Blue Ribbon School designation, honoring its academic excellence and success in closing achievement gaps. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Diamond’s achievement reflects the dedication of its educators, students, and families and a strong culture of inclusion.

Maryland Blue Ribbon School – Wilson Wims Elementary School

Board President Grace Rivera-Oven recognized Wilson Wims Elementary School as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School, celebrating its strong academic performance, inclusive school culture, and commitment to student success. The honor reflects intentional leadership and a legacy rooted in equity and community.

Muslim American Heritage Month

The Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor celebrated Muslim American Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans and reaffirming MCPS’ commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Community leaders Jewru Bandeh, Samira Mohammad Hussein, and Mumin Barre were recognized for their leadership, advocacy, and service to students, families, and communities across MCPS.

Upcoming Meetings

Tuesday, February 10, Fiscal Management Committee (5:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, February 11, Board Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement (6:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, February 18, Strategic Planning Committee (10:00 a.m.)

Thursday, February 19, Board Business Meeting (4:00 p.m.)

Stay Connected

Engage with us through public hearings and public comment.

Email us at boe@mcpsmd.org

Email us: boe@mcpsmd.org

Board of Education Update: February 6, 2026