Board of Education Update:
 October 23, 2026

At its October 22 meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) addressed key actions and strategic updates shaping the future of MCPS. The Board voted to approve the comprehensive 2027–2028 Program of Study, and discussed courses, sequences, and pathways available to students. Additionally, MCPS staff presented the First Quarterly Update on Student Academic Performance, detailing early diagnostic benchmark results across reading and mathematics. Under Board New Business, the Student Member of the Board (SMOB) introduced a proposal to recognize the Ethiopian New Year on the official school calendar. 

Program of Study Approval | Academic Performance Data | Public Comment Policy | Board New Business | EdTalk | Upcoming Meetings |

APPROVAL OF SCHOOL YEAR 2027–2028 PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Board formally approved the Superintendent’s recommendations for the 2027–2028 Program of Study, introducing districtwide standards to ensure equitable access to rigorous coursework across all high schools.

Key Details:

Updated Course Categories & GPA Weighting: Course definitions have been updated to create clear distinctions between On-Level (0.0 added weight), Honors (0.5 added weight), and Advanced-Level courses—including AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment (1.0 added weight).

Criteria-Based Auto-Enrollment: Student interest remains the top priority for course selection. To expand access, students meeting specific academic criteria (such as earning a B or higher in the previous general course, passing state assessments, or demonstrating AP potential) will be auto-enrolled into Honors or Advanced courses without requiring teacher recommendations.

Expansion of AP Capstone Diploma: To ensure opportunities are available across all regions, the AP Capstone program (AP Seminar and AP Research) will be expanded to all high schools that do not currently offer the full IB Diploma Programme.

Regional Center Programs & Course Alignment: Approximately 550 new courses were activated—primarily supporting six regional center programs in areas like the arts, STEM, and Career Connected Learning—while roughly 475 outdated or duplicate course listings were inactivated.

Read the approved School Year 2027-2028 Program of Study. 

FIRST QUARTERLY UPDATE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE DATA

MCPS leadership presented Fall 2026 baseline data in reading and mathematics, highlighting student growth and strategies to strengthen instruction. Board members emphasized the need for clearer data, targeted interventions, and measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Early Literacy (DIBELS): 61.2% of K–3 students met foundational reading benchmarks. Despite gains among several student cohorts, disparities remain for Emergent Multilingual Learners and students receiving special education services.

Mathematics (mCLASS & MAP-M): Initial mCLASS Math results showed 51.9% of K–5 students meeting or exceeding benchmarks. In middle school, MAP-M results ranged from 27.7% in Grade 6 to 51.2% in Grade 8, prompting questions about student performance and the transition from elementary to middle school.

Board Feedback and Next Steps: Board members requested more detailed, school-level and multi-year data disaggregated by grade and student demographics. They called for concrete strategies to address persistent achievement gaps, particularly among Black and Latino students, and evidence of which instructional supports are improving outcomes. Members also stressed the need for timely family communication, actionable at-home learning resources, and continued monitoring of interventions. Administration outlined plans for stronger classroom instruction, targeted student supports, teacher coaching, and more comprehensive student progress reports for families.

Watch the presentation provided by MCPS staff to the Board. 

POLICIES OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Board of Education is currently seeking public feedback on two draft policies. Community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit comments before the November 6, 2026 deadline.

Policy IPD (Travel Study Programs, Field Trips, and Student Organization Trips): Establishes guidelines and standards for educational travel, off-site study programs, and student trips.

Policy BLB (Rules of Procedures in Appeals and Hearings): Outlines procedural rules governing appeals and hearings before the Board.

How to Share Your Input:

Review the full policy drafts and submit online feedback forms on the MCPS Policies for Public Comment webpage.

BOARD NEW BUSINESS: ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR CALENDAR RECOGNITION

Student Member of the Board Leul Dawit introduced a resolution (Item 8.2) to add Enkutatash (the Ethiopian New Year) to the official MCPS school calendar starting in the 2027–2028 school year.

What to Know:

Calendar Listing Only: The resolution proposes explicitly recognizing Enkutatash on the public district calendar to highlight and honor the cultural background of Montgomery County's large Ethiopian community.

No Impact on School Days: This proposal is strictly for calendar recognition and awareness—it does not create a school closure, non-instructional day, or altered operating schedule.

Next Steps: As a New Business item, the resolution will lay on the table for Board review and future discussion.

In Case You Missed It …

Beverly Farms, Somerset and Travilah elementary schools were named 2026-2027 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools, recognizing the schools’ exceptional performance on state and national assessments, as well as their success in closing achievement gaps among student groups as compared to the state average. Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools honored 23 exemplary schools throughout the state, 12 of which were public schools. Read more and watch how the schools announced the news to their students.

NAVIGATING MCPS HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS & CENTER PROGRAMS

Big changes are coming to MCPS high school admissions.

If you have an 8th grader, navigating high school program choices can feel overwhelming. Tune into the latest EdTalk to get clear, straightforward answers about the new MCPS Center Programs.

Join BOE President Grace Rivera-Oven as she talks with program leaders Anjali Wells and Jeannie Franklin about the four-year academic pathways available in your region and how your student can apply this year.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, October 27, Capital Budget and CIP Hearing #2 *Virtual* (5:00 p.m.)

Monday, November 2, Capital Budget and CIP Work Session #2 (10:00 a.m.)

Monday,November 9, Committee on Special Populations (9:00 a.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