MCPS News

Planning for the Future: Data, Dialogue and Community Voice

Posted On September 24, 2026

Enrollment in MCPS is declining for the first time in more than 40 years. As a result, some schools have more available space than they need, while other communities are still growing. That means it’s time to take a thoughtful, countywide look at how we are using our schools and facilities and plan for a better future for all students.

Why does this matter? Using our schools and limited resources effectively means putting more of what matters most where students need it: strong instruction, great programs and the services and supports that help every student thrive. It helps us deliver an excellent student experience in every school.

The important thing to know: this work will happen in two distinct phases, over two years.

This year = closures & consolidations. Next year = boundaries.

Phase 1: Review the Data and Make a Recommendation for School Closures and Consolidations — 2026–2027

This school year, MCPS will review elementary and middle schools across the county and develop a clear, transparent framework for considering possible school closures and consolidations. The goal is to review schools against that framework and determine whether — and which — school closures or consolidations should be recommended by the superintendent to the Board of Education.

No countywide boundary study is happening during this phase.

How will decisions about closures and consolidations be made?

We know that the possibility of a school closing or consolidating with another school raises important questions for families. No decisions have been made, and this is not a process in which a list of schools has already been determined. The work begins with the data, the criteria and community input.

An independent consultant will help MCPS develop a decision-making framework aligned with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Board of Education Policy FAA, Educational Facilities Planning, and MCPS Regulation FAA-RA, Educational Facilities Planning. The framework will consider multiple factors and a broad range of data about our schools, facilities, students and communities — not simply enrollment or the number of available seats.

Just as important, families and communities will be part of the process before a recommendation is made. This fall’s engagement will help inform the metrics and criteria used for decision-making and provide opportunities to discuss the student experience, community priorities and the tradeoffs that come with decisions of this magnitude. The process is designed to include broad outreach and input from affected communities and a variety of viewpoints.

After that work is completed, the superintendent will develop and publicly present a recommendation to the Board of Education. Families and community members will then have another formal opportunity to participate through public hearings and written testimony before the Board makes a final decision.

Phase 2: Countywide Boundary Study — 2027–2028

Next school year, after Phase 1 is complete and MCPS has determined the appropriate number and configuration of schools for the size of our student body and the resources available, MCPS will begin a countywide boundary study for elementary schools and boundary adjustments for affected middle schools.

That will be a separate process, with its own public information sessions, development of boundary options, multiple rounds of community feedback, the superintendent’s recommendation, public hearings and a final decision by the Board of Education.

And there is time to do this carefully and well: Any changes resulting from this two-year process are planned to begin with the 2029–2030 school year.

Your voice is absolutely part of each phase — and it comes before a recommendation is made.

Families, staff, students and community members will have multiple opportunities across the county to participate, with in-person and virtual sessions designed to make it as easy as possible for people to join. You are welcome to attend more than one, but each session will cover the same information. 

• Round 1: Oct. 19–Nov. 2
• Round 2: Nov. 30–Dec. 10

Round 1

Color Code: Green = Virtual Meeting; Blue = In-Person Meeting

Round 2

Color Code: Green = Virtual Meeting; Blue = In-Person Meeting

There is a lot of work — and a lot of conversation, community outreach and engagement — to come. We know these decisions matter deeply to families and communities, and we will not rush them. We will share the data, explain the criteria, listen to our communities and make sure families can see how the process moves from information and engagement to a recommendation and, ultimately, a public decision by the Board of Education.