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Board of Education Update:
February 24, 2026

At its February 19 Business Meeting, the Board of Education tentatively adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, approved technical amendments to the 2025–2026 school calendar, and reviewed its positions on important 2026 education legislation. The Board also celebrated student leadership and achievement, highlighting the SMOB Nominating Convention, the opening of the Patricia B. O’Neill Student Art Gallery, and recognitions for Black History Month, National School Counselors Week, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Career and Technical Education Month, showcasing the creativity, dedication, and impact of students and community partners across Montgomery County.

Tentative Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget

The Montgomery County Board of Education tentatively adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, a $3.78 billion investment that focuses on core classroom needs and essential student services. The budget includes $139.7 million to honor negotiated agreements with our dedicated staff and makes a major commitment to Special Education.

This tentative budget will now move to the County Executive and County Council for review, with final adoption by the Board scheduled for June 25, 2026. Key upcoming dates include:

March 13, 2026: County Executive releases FY 2027 Budget Recommendations
April 2026: County Council Budget Public Hearings
May 21, 2026: County Council action on the County's FY 2027 Operating Budget
June 25, 2026: Board of Education final adoption

Watch the Board of Education meeting to learn more about the FY 2027 budget and next steps.

Technical Amendments to the Adopted 2025-2026 School Year Calendars

The Board has approved technical amendments to the 2025–2026 school year calendar. Friday, March 20, 2026, will remain a non-instructional day for professional development and will not be used as a make-up day for weather-related closures.

The state currently requires a minimum of 180 instructional days. Due to weather-related closures, the last day of school for students will be adjusted. The designated make-up days are June 18, June 22, June 24 and June 25, 2026. In addition, given the weather-related closure on Monday, February 23, June 26 will also serve as a make-up day.

View the amendments to see the updated calendar.

Legislative Update: Board Positions on 2026 Education Bills

The 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 1192 / SB 645: State Board of Sign Language Interpreters – Membership and Licensing – Support with amendments to establish an education-specific licensure category for K–12 interpreters. Requested amendments also include clear transition provisions to protect current employees, flexibility in qualification equivalencies, and sufficient implementation time to mitigate recruitment risks and ensure service continuity for students.
HB 704 / SB 586: Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program – Support with Amendment (Adequate School Funding). The Board requests additional funding, noting that the proposed $10 million is insufficient to cover statewide eligibility and may not provide additional resources for MCPS.
HB 807: Teacher Preparation Programs – English Language Learner Competency – Support with Amendment (Increased Advocacy). The Board requests replacing all references to "English Language Learner" with "Multilingual Learner" to better reflect the student population.

Bills Supported

HB 490 / SB 311: Education – The Blueprint for Maryland's Future – Revisions – Support for revisions that reduce administrative burden by eliminating technology reporting, protecting compensatory education funding, and expanding teacher licensure options to address shortages. The bill also provides flexibility for dual enrollment and wraparound services, and delays National Board Certification requirements for principals for five years.
SB 646: Public School System Contracts – Prohibited Provisions – Support for streamlining contract negotiations by prohibiting and voiding unfavorable contract terms, ensuring better protection for school systems in vendor agreements.
HB 936: Montgomery County Public Schools – Local Food Procurement – Support for a measured approach to increasing food procurement from local farms and invasive species providers. This allows MCPS to set attainable goals and develop plans for local food integration with maximum operational flexibility.

Opposed Legislation

Preserving Local Autonomy – The Board is opposing several mandates to preserve local decision-making and prevent unfunded administrative requirements, including:

HB 948 (Grading Rubrics) – This bill would prohibit certain grading rubrics, interfering with local grading policies and academic autonomy.
HB 943 / SB 592 (Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement) – While the Board values financial literacy, it opposes state-mandated graduation requirements that limit local curriculum flexibility.
HB 755 & HB 525 (Student Personal Electronic Device Policies) – The Board seeks to maintain local control over student device policies rather than follow a one-size-fits-all state mandate.
SB 375 (Artificial Intelligence Training Program Requirement) – The Board opposes the mandatory nature of this training program, advocating for local determination of professional development needs.

Detailed discussions of these bills can be viewed in the Feb. 19 meeting.

Who Will Become MCPS’ 49th Student Member of the Board?

On February 11, over 400 student delegates from MCPS middle and high schools gathered at Watkins Mill High School for the SMOB Nominating Convention, where the race to become the district’s 49th Student Member of the Board heated up. From eight talented candidates, Leul Dawit (Northwood High School) and Reemey Ghermay (Walter Johnson High School) emerged as finalists, each bringing impressive leadership experience from student government, community initiatives and regional student organizations. The SMOB election will be held on Wednesday, April 22.

Watch our video recap to see the excitement, speeches and announcement of the finalists in action!

Celebrations and Recognitions

Patricia B. O’Neill Student Art Gallery Opening

Board members celebrated the official opening of the Patricia B. O’Neill Student Art Gallery. Visitors to the Board offices can enjoy the pieces created by MCPS students. A proclamation honored Patricia O’Neill’s 23 years of dedicated service to MCPS and her unwavering commitment to equity, opportunity and excellence for every student. The first installation, featuring artwork from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, reflects her deep belief in elevating student voice, creativity and achievement while continuing her lasting legacy of service. Can’t visit in person? Explore the gallery online and experience these exceptional student creations.

African American History Month

Board Vice President Brenda Wolff recognized African American History Month, honoring the legacy of Black excellence and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice in our schools and communities. The Board highlighted the importance of acknowledging structural inequities while celebrating leaders whose service strengthens opportunity and inclusion. Brandon Conway and Benjamin Lewis of Burtonsville Elementary School, Nicholas Bassey of MCCPTA and Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton were recognized for their leadership and commitment to advancing educational equity and community engagement.

National School Counselors Week

Board Member Karla Silvestre recognized National School Counselors Week. This time highlights the vital role school counselors play in supporting academic achievement, career planning, and student well-being. The Board honored Miriam Peska, Dr. Jennifer Jones, Stephanie Powell, Debbie Velazquez and Dr. Karen D. Crews for their leadership and dedication to strengthening comprehensive school counseling services across MCPS.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Board President Grace Rivera-Oven recognized Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of promoting safe, healthy and respectful relationships for young people. Judge Marielsa Bernard, founder of Choose Respect Montgomery; Debbie Feinstein, Chief of the Special Victims Division in Montgomery County; and Shannon Babe-Thomas, Executive Director of Community Bridges, were honored for their leadership and advocacy in equipping teens with the knowledge, resources and support needed to build safe and healthy relationships.

Career and Technology Education Month

Board Members Julie Yang and Laura Stewart recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrating the impact of CTE programs in preparing students for college, careers and lifelong success. The Board honored Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery; Dr. Anne Khademian of Universities at Shady Grove; Dr. Jermaine Williams of Montgomery College; Steven Boden of the CTE Foundation; representatives of the Montgomery County Collaboration Board; and school leaders Dr. Irina LaGrange, Principal of Quince Orchard High School, and Mr. Kevin D. Yates, Acting Principal of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Their collective leadership and partnership expand meaningful career pathways and strengthen workforce opportunities for MCPS students.

Black History Month: Honoring Montgomery County’s Legacy

Celebrate Black History Month with three inspiring episodes from the Montgomery County Board of Education: Echoes of the Ancestors explores the legacy of Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church and the roots of Black education. The Making of a Legacy honors Carver High School and the students who navigated desegregation, carrying forward their community’s values. Leading for the Future features Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton reflecting on leadership, representation, and opening doors for the next generation. Join us to celebrate history, honor achievements, and be inspired by the stories shaping Montgomery County’s past, present and future.

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.

Upcoming Meetings

Monday, February 23	Spring Facilities and Boundaries Hearing #1 (5:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, February 24	Committee on Special Populations (12:00 p.m.) Spring Facilities and Boundaries Hearing #2 (5:00 p.m.)
Thursday, February 26	Policy Management Committee (3:00 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 24, 2026