The Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) conducted a business meeting on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. During the meeting, the Board appointed a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) superintendent of schools; heard an Office of Human Resources and Development initiatives update; discussed recommended positions on educational legislation; took tentative action on a Board policy; and heard an update on MCPS operations.

The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board website. Watch the meeting recording.

Conditional Appointment of the Superintendent of Schools

The Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Monifa B. McKnight as superintendent of MCPS. Dr. McKnight, who currently serves as interim superintendent, will assume the role on July 1, 2022, contingent upon contract negotiations and approval by the state superintendent of schools.

Read the press release.

Watch the MCPS Moment.

Office of Human Resources and Development Initiatives Update

MCPS staff shared an update on recruitment efforts and initiatives. This includes updates on strategic recruiting, progress on “grow your own” initiatives, new principal network seminars, leadership recruitment and new Cohort Inspire updates, and an update on three new career pathways that support MCPS staff.

Read the memorandum to the Board.

View the PowerPoint presentation.

Recommended Legislative Positions

The Board received an update on bills supported under their priority platform and took a position on bills around data disaggregation, election recalls, excused student absences and gun legislation. The Board voted unanimously to support HB0425/SB0387, legislation to ban the sale, purchase or ownership of ghost guns in Maryland.

Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities

The Board voted to put Board Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities, out for public comment. The revised policy includes criteria that acknowledge that naming a school or facility for an individual is a commitment of public resources and a high honor that should be reserved for ideals, core values, and commitments expressed in Board policies, including Policy ACA, Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency, and equitably represent the diversity of Montgomery County.

Read the memorandum to the Board.

View the PowerPoint presentation.

MCPS Operations Update

MCPS staff shared updates around COVID-19 impacts; recruiting substitute teachers; transportation; and well-being, safety and security. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now providing case investigators to provide COVID-19 follow-up for MCPS students and staff. MCPS has hired more substitutes and is seeing fewer unfilled substitute positions. MCPS has served all school bus routes since January 21, 2022. Staff also shared the revised vision for well-being, safety, and security. This plan, Creating School Culture Rooted in Safety and Equity, includes developing a collaborative shared vision, with enhanced structures and processes, to build the capacity of staff and law enforcement partners to support safe and equitable schools.

Recognitions

The Board approved the following recognitions:

• Educators Who Earned Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2021
• National School Counseling Week
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Administrative Appointments

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

Erika L. McCrea, currently coordinator, Pre-K Programs, Division of Early Childhood, Title I Programs, Recovery Funds, Office of Teaching, Learning, and Schools, as supervisor, Assessment and Data Management, Office of Shared Accountability

Cavena J. Griffith, currently principal intern, Whetstone Elementary School, as principal, Gaithersburg Elementary School #8

Future Meeting

The Board is scheduled to hold its next business meeting on Thursday, February 24, 2022. The agenda is subject to change. Please check the Board website and meeting calendar for further information.

About the Board of Education

The Board is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected countywide but run at-large or from the Board district in which they reside.  Montgomery County Board of Education: Ms. Brenda Wolff, president; Ms. Karla Silvestre, vice president.  Members: Dr. Judith Docca, Mrs. Shebra L. Evans, Ms. Lynne Harris, Dr. Scott Joftus, Mrs. Rebecca Smondrowski, and Ms. Hana O’Looney, student member.  Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, interim superintendent of schools and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 240-740-3030.