During a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding safety and infrastructure issues within local schools, particularly focusing on the Northwood and Kennedy clusters.

One speaker highlighted ongoing frustrations about delays in a project at Woodward, emphasizing a lack of transparency and accountability from both the Hess company and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The speaker urged officials to investigate the root causes of these delays, stressing that the community deserves better outcomes.

Claire Bullock, representing the Kennedy cluster, addressed the board about the pressing needs of families new to the American public school system. She underscored the challenges these families face, including transportation, childcare, and food scarcity, while expressing gratitude for the support from community health centers in tackling issues like the fentanyl epidemic.

Bullock also raised serious safety concerns at Kennedy High School, referencing a past incident involving a student threatening others with a knife. In response to escalating safety issues, a community meeting was held, resulting in a report estimating $400,000 in necessary upgrades for security measures, including enhanced surveillance systems and access controls. Despite previous assurances regarding safety improvements, Bullock expressed disappointment over the lack of progress and the continued presence of unaddressed maintenance issues within the school.

The meeting underscored a collective call for immediate action to address safety and infrastructure needs, reflecting the community's commitment to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all students.