Board of Education Update:
JUNE 26, 2026

At its June 25 meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education celebrated a year of remarkable student achievement while advancing several initiatives focused on accountability, transparency, and community engagement.

Highlights included recognition of the Class of 2026, which earned more than $437 million in scholarships, continued academic gains across the district, expanded summer meal access for students, updates to strengthen financial oversight, and the appointment of new student and community leaders who will help shape the future of MCPS.

School Year Recap | Financial Oversight | Ethics Panel | Student Leadership | Summer Meals | Celebrations

MCPS Celebrates a Year of Student Success and Future Readiness

Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor highlighted a year of strong academic achievement and student success across MCPS.

Notable accomplishments included:

• 12,937 graduates in the Class of 2026
• More than $437 million in scholarships earned
• Over 2 million community service hours completed
• Continued growth on Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments
• Expanded dual enrollment opportunities
• Record participation in the Seal of Biliteracy program

Looking ahead, MCPS will continue focusing on academic excellence, student conduct, transparency, and accountability through its Future Readiness strategic plan.

Read the full 2025–2026 School Year Recap presentation.

New Audit Charter Strengthens Accountability

The Board approved an Internal Audit Unit Charter, strengthening the independence of the team responsible for reviewing finances and operations across MCPS.

The charter reinforces the audit unit's authority, independence, and responsibility to report directly to the Board. For students, families, staff, and taxpayers, this means stronger oversight, improved accountability, and greater transparency in how resources are managed across the school system.

Watch the Board's discussion and vote on the Internal Audit Unit Charter.

Board Selects New Ethics Panel Member

The Board addressed an upcoming vacancy on the Ethics Panel, which plays an important role in maintaining ethical standards and public trust. The panel reviews financial disclosure statements, advises on ethics matters, and investigates complaints related to the Board's ethics policies.

Following a public application process, the Board appointed Brian J. Sonfield to a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

Appointment of Student Member to Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement

The Board appointed student representatives to the Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement for the 2026–2027 school year.

This committee advises the Board on improving communication and engagement with families and community members. During the upcoming year, the committee will provide feedback on districtwide engagement efforts and the elementary boundary study.

Following a competitive application process, Alexsia Robinson and Natalie Mendoza were selected to serve alongside community representatives and bring student perspectives to these important discussions.

Learn more about the Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement.

Forty-Ninth Student Member of the Board to be Installed July 6

Leul Dawit, a rising junior at Northwood High School, will be installed as the 49th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) on July 6.

During his term, Dawit plans to focus on strengthening communication between students and county leadership, ensuring student concerns are heard and addressed, and expanding opportunities for student advocacy across Montgomery County.

He succeeds Anuva Maloo, a 2026 graduate of Montgomery Blair High School, whose service to students and the community will be recognized during the installation ceremony.

The ceremony will take place on July 6 at 4:00 p.m. at 15 W. Gude Drive. It is open to the public with limited seating and will also be livestreamed on the MCPS website and broadcast on Comcast Channel 34, Verizon FIOS Channel 36, and RCN Channel 89.

Free Summer Meals Program to Support Over 12,000 Students

Thousands of Montgomery County children will receive free, nutritious meals this summer through the MCPS Summer Food Service Program.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program provides meals at no cost to children 18 and under, as well as eligible individuals with disabilities. More than 100 meal sites will operate across the county, with MCPS preparing and delivering meals throughout the summer.

Families may also qualify for Maryland SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit that provides $120 per eligible child and can be used alongside other assistance programs.

• Free meals for children 18 and under
• More than 100 locations across Montgomery County
• Service began June 23
• Additional support available through Maryland SUN Bucks

For meal locations and eligibility information, visit the Summer Meals website.

Celebrations and Recognitions

Mark Mann Excellence Award

Each year, the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award is given to teachers who are dedicated to academic excellence, positive human relations, and community outreach. This year, Board member Karla Silvestre recognized the recipient of this award: our very own Brandi K. Overton, principal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. She is the embodiment of what this award represents: nurturing equity and student achievement, fostering student talent, and expanding the school’s outreach towards the larger MLK Jr. Middle School community. The Board recognizes and honors Ms. Overton for her astounding leadership in receiving the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award.

Honoring our Schools and Students The 2026 Cappies Nominee's

The theater is an excellent avenue for our students to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration skills. The 2026 Cappies of the National Capital Area Gala award honors students who lend their unique voices and talents both on and off the stage. This year, Board member Laura Stewart recognized four of the high schools that were nominated for the awards – Clarksburg HS, Albert Einstein High School, Quince Orchard High School, and Walt Whitman High School. Stewart also recognized the two winners of the award: Ryan Sawyer Robbins of Walt Whitman High School for winning the Cappies Award for Vocalist in a Male Role; and Timo Silberman of Quince Orchard High School for winning the Cappies Award for Comic Actor in a Musical.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month, celebrating the vast and diverse LGBTQIA+ community – its accomplishments and history – both in the U.S. and around the world. During this week’s Board meeting, Board president Grace Rivera-Oven recognized MoCo Pride Center for their outstanding work of advocacy, outreach, education, and visibility. Phillip Alexander Downie, the Chief Executive Officer, and Makeda Richardson, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, were honored by the Board for their efforts in honoring and protecting the LGBTQIA+ community of Montgomery County.