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Board of Education Update:
March 27, 2026

At its March 26 meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved new school boundaries and a regional plan for secondary programs, including reopening Charles W. Woodward High School, expanding Northwood and Damascus high schools, and relocating Thomas S. Wootton High School to Crown Farm. The Board also approved the scope for a countywide study of elementary school boundaries, adopted a weekly middle school support time, reviewed the Thomas S. Wootton High School After-Action Report, and approved the 2026–2027 virtual learning plan for inclement weather. Celebrations included Women’s History Month, the Month of the Military Child, National School Social Work Week, and state championship swim and dive teams, highlighting student achievement, leadership and community impact across Montgomery County.

Board of Education Advances Transformative Plan for School Boundaries and Student Opportunities

The Montgomery County Board of Education has taken a decisive step to transform how students access high-quality learning opportunities, approving new school boundaries and a regional framework for secondary programs designed to prepare all students for success. The plans were approved by a Board majority. The Board views this as the best fiduciary decision for the district, balancing efficiency, equity and opportunity for every student.

The approved plan is ambitious and interconnected: it includes reopening Charles W. Woodward High School, expanding Northwood and Damascus high schools, relocating Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm site, and organizing the district into six regions for secondary programs. This regional model ensures students have consistent access to high-interest programs closer to home, aligned with demand, workforce trends and student choice.

Board members shared statements explaining their reasoning ahead of the vote, highlighting the urgency and importance of the decisions before them. Brenda Wolff, Vice President of the Board, emphasized moving forward: “For seven years, there have been promises made … We will not let perfection be the enemy of progress.” Grace Rivera-Oven, President of the Board, underscored the responsibility to students: “Some people have asked for more time, but more time will not change the reality we are confronting … Our students cannot wait any longer.”

To ensure accountability and transparency, the resolution adopted by the Board will require the superintendent to provide regular updates on secondary program implementation starting in 2026–2027 and continuing through full rollout in 2030–2031. Updates will include accomplishments, challenges, budget implications, key metrics, such as curriculum development, teacher recruitment and student access, as well as any recommended adjustments to keep the plan on track.

Implementation of the new boundaries and regional programs model will begin in the 2027–2028 school year. MCPS will focus on clear communication with families, refining program offerings, hiring school leadership and preparing school communities for a smooth transition.

The Board also approved the launch of a countywide elementary and middle school boundary study, which may include school consolidations or closures. This study will be designed to help MCPS maximize its operational efficiency, balance uneven school utilization, and address declining enrollment. While it may generate strong community reactions, the Board is committed to a deliberate, data-driven and community-informed process.

Learn more about the Superintendent’s recommendation here and the adopted resolutions below. Watch a recording of the Board meeting where the resolutions were adopted.

Read the Resolutions

Board Reviews Thomas S. Wootton High School After-Action Report

The Board received a presentation on the Thomas S. Wootton High School After-Action Report, commending staff for their thorough and honest assessment of the Feb. 9 incident. In a collaborative discussion, members highlighted the importance of strengthening communication systems to ensure more reliable initial reporting and requested a shift toward larger, high-capacity reunification sites that utilize digital "scan-out" technology for a smoother parental experience. Additionally, the Board emphasized formalizing the "trusted adult" model systemwide and requested a clear timeline for these strategic improvements to ensure they remain a priority during ongoing budget and planning sessions.

Middle School Update: New Dedicated Support Time

In a significant move to bolster student success and equity, the Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously passed the Dedicated Student Support Time Item introduced by the Student Member of the Board, Anuva Maloo. The resolution asks for a standardized, weekly "Advisory Period" across all MCPS middle schools.

What This Means for Students:

Guaranteed Time: A weekly blocked time dedicated to student needs.
Flexible Support: Students can use this time to seek academic help, dive deeper into subjects they love, or explore high school opportunities.
Clear Schedules: To ensure everyone can plan ahead, schools would provide a quarterly schedule outlining these dedicated sessions.

By formalizing this time, MCPS aims to increase student agency and ensure that every middle schooler, regardless of which building they attend, has the support necessary to succeed. The Superintendent will review the program's impact after one year, with the potential to expand the model to high schools in the future. Read the memorandum.

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

Meet your finalists for the 49th Student Member of the Board (SMOB)!

In this candidate forum, Leul Dawit and Reemey Ghermay face off to share their visions for MCPS. From tackling AI in classrooms and school safety to fixing infrastructure and expanding student rights, see which candidate will best represent your voice on the Board of Education.

Watch the full video to hear:

Q&A: Their take on the $3.7 billion budget and school walkouts.
The Lightning Round: Favorite school rivalries and the best cafeteria food.
Closing Arguments: Why they believe they deserve your vote.

Election Day is Wednesday, April 22. Watch now and be an informed voter!

Important Reminder: MCPS School Year Calendar Update

The Board is pleased to share that the Maryland State Department of Education has granted a waiver, allowing our school year to officially end on June 18. Despite several weather-related closures this winter, the adjusted calendar remains in full compliance with state law, exceeding the required 1,080 instructional hours for elementary and middle school students and 1,170 hours for high school students.

Preparing for Virtual Weather Days

At the March 26 Board business meeting, members discussed and approved the 2026–2027 inclement weather virtual learning plan. Board members praised the plan’s emphasis on maintaining instructional continuity during emergency closures, while also highlighting the importance of equitable technology access and clear communication for families. Several members noted the value of the asynchronous transition period, which provides flexibility for students and staff to adjust to sudden weather disruptions without losing instructional time. Although some questions were raised about the plan’s impact on specialized programs, the consensus was that it plays a key role in reducing the need for makeup days at the end of the school year.

For more details on the proposed structure and implementation of this program, read the full 2026–2027 Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Plan.

Celebrations and Recognitions

Women’s History Month

Board Vice President Brenda Wolff recognized Women’s History Month, honoring the trailblazing women who have shaped public education and advanced equity and opportunity for all. Christine “Tina” Clarke was celebrated for her lifelong commitment to justice, from joining the NAACP at age 13 to nearly 30 years of service as a public health advisor, earning her induction into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. Maryland State Delegate Bonnie Cullison was also honored for her leadership in public health, education and equity across Maryland, as she prepares to retire in 2027, leaving a lasting legacy of service and impact.

Month of the Military Child

Board Member Laura Stewart recognized the Month of the Military Child, honoring the resilience and strength of military-connected students and their families. Representatives from Glen Haven Elementary School, including school leaders, staff and the McCowin, Marshall and Bailey families, were acknowledged for their service and support. The Board also celebrated the school’s Purple Star designation, reflecting its commitment to ensuring military-connected students feel supported, valued and included throughout the year.

National School Social Work Week

Board Member Karla Silvestre recognized National School Social Work Week, highlighting the essential role social workers play in supporting students, families and schools. In alignment with this year’s theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” the Board honored Victoria L. Eells, Lisa W. Conlon, Margaret E. Flagg, Sheena Hihn and Christina Hicken for their dedication, leadership and commitment to uplifting students and strengthening school communities.

State Champions of Swim and Dive

Board President Grace Rivera-Oven celebrated Montgomery County’s state championship swimming and diving teams from Walter Johnson High School, Winston Churchill High School and Poolesville High School. The teams were recognized for their exceptional performances, including undefeated seasons, record-breaking achievements and multiple state titles. Their dedication, perseverance and excellence reflect the highest level of student-athlete achievement and bring pride to the entire community.

Upcoming Meetings

Thursday, April 16, Board Work Session (12:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, April 28, Committee on Special Populations (10:00 a.m.)

Thursday, April 30, 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: March 27, 2026