Board of Education Update:
May 22, 2026

At its May 21 business meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education tackled a heavy agenda shaping the upcoming school year, centered on solutions for a $36 million budget gap and the introduction of a temporary voluntary staff retirement incentive. The Board also approved an adjustment to student meal prices and finalized critical new guardrails for educational technology and AI in the classroom.

The Board was also proud to celebrate its community during this meeting, honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Pupil Personnel Worker Week, alongside recognizing the 2026 School Counselors of the Year.

FY 2027 Budget | Open Lunch Policy | Educational Technology | Policysetting | Meal Prices | Celebrations

Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget: Initial Reconciliations

The Board reviewed the structural adjustments required to close a $36 million budget gap resulting from the Montgomery County Council's final funding allocation.

The Board is working to ensure that necessary cuts are as far from classrooms and direct instruction as possible.

To help address this shortfall and manage shifting student enrollment, MCPS is offering a voluntary retirement incentive to eligible employees. This strategy is designed to increase operational savings across both the FY27 and FY28 fiscal cycles, while freeing up positions for other staff members who may be displaced by budget reductions.

• 10-Month Employees: $10,000 incentive.
• 12-Month Employees: $12,000 incentive.
• Key Dates: Submissions are due by Friday, June 5, with a retirement effective date of July 1.

Next Steps: The Board will review all feedback and the administration's proposals before taking final action on the FY 2027 operating budget at its June 4 meeting.

MCPS Administration Recommended Budget Presentation

Watch the May 21 Board Meeting & Budget Discussion

Board Takes No Action on Policy JEF (Open Lunch Policy)

The Board debated proposed changes to Policy JEF (Open Lunch Policy). The Board considered a recommendation from the Policy Management Committee to rescind the policy and leave open lunch oversight to the discretion of the Superintendent. However, the motion to send this proposal out for public comment failed to pass.

A subsequent motion to return the policy to the committee for language revisions also failed. As a result, the Board took no action, and the policy remains unchanged.

What this means for families:

• No Changes to Lunch Practices: Open lunch practices at all schools remain exactly as they are right now.
• No Public Comment Period: The policy is not entering a public comment period.
• Status Quo Remains: Policy JEF remains on the books as written.

Policy IGS: Educational Technology & AI Guidelines Approved

Following months of public feedback and committee review, the Board took final action to approve amendments to Policy IGS (Educational Technology).

The updated policy establishes clear, districtwide expectations for how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can be used safely and responsibly in classrooms. Revisions focus heavily on:

• Data Privacy & Cybersecurity: Strengthening protections around student data.
• Equitable Access: Ensuring all students have balanced access to digital learning tools.
• Teacher-Led Classrooms: Reaffirming that teachers remain the primary decision-makers regarding technology integration.
• Balanced Screen Time: Encouraging age-appropriate technology use, including dedicated “screen-free” learning opportunities for elementary students.

Next Steps: MCPS will continue vetting AI tools before they enter classrooms and will roll out staff training focused on responsible AI integration and identifying AI-generated misinformation.

Read the Full Policy IGS Document

Policy BFA: Streamlining the Policy-Setting Process

The Board approved revisions to Policy BFA, which governs how district policies are developed, reviewed, and updated.

These changes aim to make the policymaking process more transparent and accessible for families. Revisions include:

• Clarifying exactly how public feedback is incorporated into final policies.
• Strengthening expectations for reviewing whether existing policies are meeting their goals.
• Making it easier for the public to track policy timelines, revisions and historical changes.

Read the Full Policy BFA Document

FY27 Student Meal Price Adjustment Approved

To address rising food, labor and operational costs, the Board approved a $0.30 increase to student breakfast and lunch prices for Fiscal Year 2027.

District officials noted that this adjustment is necessary to maintain the financial stability of the school nutrition program, while continuing to provide high-quality student meals that meet strict federal nutritional standards.

Watch the May 21 Board Meeting & Meal Price Decision

Celebrations and Recognitions

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

This May, the Board is proud to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The contributions of the AAPI community are essential, and the story of our country is incomplete without them. Board Member Julie Yang recognized representatives from the League of Educators for Asian American Progress, the Executive Director of the Asian American Health Initiative, and educators from Calcutta University. In addition, the Board recognized students LEEAP scholarship recipients, Jonathan Ta, Chloe Kim and Raven Miralles, as well as Principal Darshan Jain of Darnestown Elementary School. We thank you all for your hard work and achievements, which beautifully exemplify the past, present and future of Asian American advocacy.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May marks Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the vast and diverse contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our nation's history. Since the founding of the United States and before, Jewish Americans have played an invaluable role in civic life, including government, education, science, business, the arts and community service. Board Member Laura Stewart recognized the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Montgomery County Jewish Educators Alliance, the Jewish Social Service Agency and Temple Beth Ami at the meeting, highlighting their indelible and vital presence in Montgomery County and the country at large.

Teacher Appreciation Week

This year, the National PTA selected "Magic" as the theme for National Teacher Appreciation Week. The tireless dedication, service and inspiration that teachers share daily with their students and colleagues create an invisible layer of support that touches hearts and minds, what else to call this but magic? Board Member Natalie Zimmerman recognized Charles Silberman of Rolling Terrace Elementary School, Sergio Cabrera of Mill Creek Towne Elementary School, and MCEA President David Stein and Vice President Danillya Wilson. Though they could not be present, the Board also recognized Julee Lipsman of Great Seneca Creek Elementary School, Jeannette Cruz of Wheaton High School and Daniel Stein of Northwood High School. The Board of Education remains deeply grateful to our teachers for guiding the next generation of students and preparing them for continual success.

Pupil Personnel Worker Week

Board President Grace Rivera-Oven recognized the week of May 11–15 as Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) Week at MCPS. Pupil Personnel Workers are an integral part of the fabric that makes MCPS work every single day; they are the dedicated educators on the front lines helping families navigate attendance challenges, food insecurity, housing instability and mental health needs. We deeply value every PPW who works to improve the lives of our students and families throughout the school year and beyond.

Celebrating the 2026 School Counselor of the Year Award Winners

The Board was proud to celebrate our 2026 School Counselors of the Year: Laurene Moreland from Bethesda Elementary School, Latisha Nelson from Lakelands Middle School, and Stephanie Powell from Wheaton High School. Their courage to advocate and commitment to service do not just prepare MCPS students for the future; they make our schools better right now. This celebration reflects the Board of Education’s core value of Equity, honoring dedicated educators who work tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the guidance, mental health support and academic encouragement to shape their own journeys.