Montgomery County Public Schools outlines transportation needs for new high school boundaries

Montgomery County Public Schools is taking significant steps to address overcrowding in high schools and improve equitable access to educational programs. During the Board of Education meeting on August 21, 2025, officials outlined plans to open two new high schools and implement a regional model for school boundaries, which aims to enhance community engagement and feedback.

The proposed changes are designed to align with Board Policy FAA and respond to community input gathered during previous engagement sessions. Key priorities include minimizing bus ride lengths, maintaining safe walk zones, and ensuring that neighborhoods are close to schools. The board emphasized the importance of these factors in the next round of boundary options, which will be shared with the community in September through virtual and in-person meetings.

Transportation logistics were a major focus, with officials presenting maps that illustrate current bus routes for high school magnet programs. The transportation team is preparing for the additional needs that will arise from opening the new schools, estimating the requirement for up to 25 new bus routes for traditional services and 10 for special education by the 2029-2030 school year.

As the new boundaries and regional model are implemented, officials anticipate some initial challenges, including the need for multiple routes to accommodate students transitioning to new schools. However, they expect that as the grandfathering of students is phased out, transportation services will become more efficient, ultimately leading to better resource utilization.

The board is committed to ongoing communication with families, utilizing various outreach methods to ensure that the community is informed and engaged throughout this transition. The anticipated changes are seen as a crucial step toward creating a more equitable and accessible educational environment for all students in Montgomery County.