Board of Education Update:
 October 9, 2026

At its October 8 meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) discussed several issues shaping the future of MCPS, including declining enrollment, school boundaries, academic programs, and opportunities for students. MCPS presented its proposed approach to studying potential elementary and middle school closures and consolidations, with multiple opportunities for families and communities to provide input over the coming months. The Board also reviewed draft calendars for the 2027–28 and 2028–29 school years and received updates on proposed changes to local and regional Programs of Study, including new Center Programs and expanded access to specialized programs across the county. In addition, the  Board  recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month and highlighted resources available to students and families. In this newsletter, you’ll also find a new EdTalk explaining the Center Programs and application process, along with the first episode of MCPS Around the Table, celebrating Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month through food, culture, and conversation.

Elementary & Middle School Boundary Study | Draft 2027–28 & 2028–29 School Calendars | Local Program of Study & Regional Programs | MCPS Center Programs | EdTalk | Domestic Violence Awareness Month | MCPS Around the Table

ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL BOUNDARY STUDY, CLOSURES & CONSOLIDATIONS

MCPS has begun outlining how it will study potential elementary and middle school closures and consolidations as the county continues to experience declining enrollment.

Here’s what to know:

• Why now? The district is looking at changing enrollment patterns and how school buildings are being used, with the goal of making sure resources are distributed fairly and schools remain the right size for their communities.

• What will MCPS consider? Factors established by Board Policy and Maryland regulations, including but not limited to, enrollment trends, building age and condition, transportation, paired schools, and racial composition.

• Community input: Families and community members will have multiple opportunities to weigh in. Two rounds of engagement are planned, with 4 virtual and 6 in-person sessions per round. The first round is October 19–November 2, 2026, followed by another round November 30–December 11, 2026.

• What happens next? The Superintendent’s recommendations are expected February 4, 2027. Public hearings will then follow in February, March, and April, with a final Board decision scheduled for April 15, 2027.

Read more about what to know and watch the presentation provided by MCPS staff to the Board. 

DRAFT 2027–28 & 2028–29 SCHOOL CALENDARS

The Board is looking ahead to the next two school years, reviewing draft calendars that could give families and staff more certainty about important dates.

A few things to watch:

• Planning ahead: MCPS is considering adopting calendars two years at a time, giving families and staff more advance notice of school start and end dates, winter break, spring break, and other important dates.

• State requirements: The draft calendars meet recently updated MSDE requirements, including at least 180 instructional days, required instructional hours, and completing student make-up days before Juneteenth.

• Snow days and other closures: The proposals build in spring make-up days, with an authorized virtual-learning option available if extreme weather results in additional closures.

• Have a say: Public feedback will be collected throughout October and November 2026, with final adoption expected at the Board’s November 19, 2026 business meeting.

LOCAL PROGRAMS OF STUDY & REGIONAL PROGRAMS

MCPS shared updates to its middle and high school Programs of Study, with a focus on strengthening what’s available at local schools and making regional programs more consistent and accessible.

What this means for families:

• Middle school: MCPS has paused implementation of MSDE’s requirement for 60 minutes of daily mathematics instruction.

• High school: Proposed changes would make course pathways easier to follow, provide greater teacher continuity, create common registration tools, and establish clearer definitions for On-level, Honors, AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment courses.

• Regional programs: MCPS is proposing six defined regions to expand access to specialized programs, including STEM, Medical Exploration, Leadership, Arts, and Global Learning.

Watch the presentation to the Board.

Want to Learn More About the New Center Programs?

If your student is in 8th grade, you may be wondering what the new MCPS Center Programs mean and what options will be available to your family.

EdTalk: The MCPS Center Programs
Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven talks with Anjali Wells, Coordinator in the Department of Academic Programs, and Jeannie Franklin, Director in the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services, about the new Center Programs. They explain how 8th grade students can apply to a variety of four-year academic high school programs available in their region.

Watch the EdTalk episode

STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Board of Education and MCPS staff recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with Board members and staff wearing purple to show their support. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness, supporting those impacted by domestic violence, and creating a community where people feel safe speaking up and seeking help.

MCPS partners with Montgomery County programs, including the Family Justice Center and Choose Respect Montgomery, to connect students and families with advocacy, safety planning, and healthy-relationship resources.  For immediate support, the Montgomery County Crisis Center is available 24/7 at 240-777-4000, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.

We encourage everyone to learn more, speak up, and continue standing together in support of survivors.

MCPS AROUND THE TABLE: CELEBRATING LATINO-HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Welcome to the first episode of MCPS Around the Table!

In this special Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month Edition, the Montgomery County Board of Education celebrates the cultures, traditions, and flavors that enrich our MCPS community.

The MCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) showcases a selection of Latino-Hispanic-inspired dishes featured in our schools — including a new dish coming soon to MCPS menus.

Then, Grace Rivera-Oven, President of the Montgomery County Board of Education, and Karla Silvestre, At-Large Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, head into the kitchen to make empanadas alongside the creator of MasPanadas. As they prepare the dish together, they talk about the culture, traditions, and stories that make food such an important part of our communities.

From the meals served in our schools to the traditions passed down through generations, MCPS Around the Table brings people together through food, culture, and conversation.

Watch the first episode of MCPS Around the Table: Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month Edition and join us around the table!

Upcoming Meetings

Thursday, October 15, Capital Budget and CIP Preliminary Presentation and Work Session #1 (10:00 a.m.)

Thursday, October 22, Board Business Meeting (4:00 p.m.)

Monday, October 26, Capital Budget and CIP Hearing #1 (5:00 p.m.)

The Board is offering live simultaneous Spanish interpretation for all monthly Board Business Meetings and Work Sessions on MCPS cable channels and YouTube. Additionally, in-person attendees can request interpretation services for any meeting.  Requests must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. We’re excited to make our meetings more accessible and keep our community connected!

Stay Connected

Engage with us through public hearings and public comment. 

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Email us at boe@mcpsmd.org