MCPS outlines parallel secondary program analysis and boundary study; emphasizes broader, multilingual engagement

District staff updated the Montgomery County Board of Education on April 10 about two parallel long‑range efforts: a districtwide secondary program analysis to evaluate placement and access to countywide and regional programs, and a boundary study tied to planned school openings and reopenings in 2027.

Superintendent Monifa Taylor said the studies will align timelines and principles and that staff will provide repeated updates to the board as community engagement proceeds. Nikki Hazel, chief academic officer, explained the program analysis will begin with secondary schools and examine regional and countywide criteria programs (magnet), lottery programs, career and technical education (CTE) and accelerated course access. The goal is to improve equitable access, consider industry and community needs, and reassess resource efficiency.

Angela McLean (assistant to the associate superintendent) described the timeline: the district has convened an “opportunity to design” community project team that will recommend a framework of programs to be available to all secondary students. Broad community surveys and meetings will inform that team. Staff expects a plan by the end of the calendar year.

On the boundary study, MCPS officials said they are opening Crown and reopening Woodward in 2027 and have already held introductory meetings and two virtual sessions. Staff outlined the policy factors guiding boundary decisions — demographics, geographic proximity, assignment stability and facility utilization — and described survey work to identify where additional outreach is needed. The planned schedule: initial options to the community in May–June, refinement in July–August, further refinement and community feedback in September, superintendent recommendation in October–November and a December update.

Communications and family‑engagement staff said they are shifting leadership of engagement to in‑house teams, will provide interpretation and accessible venues, publish chunked slide materials and FAQs, and create multiple ways to review and comment (in‑person events, drop‑in support sessions, and an online interactive option). Staff also said meeting locations will be chosen for transit access and parking and that the district will track the geographic origin of survey responses to ensure representative outreach.

Board members asked for participant lists, demographic breakdowns of respondents and evidence of language‑specific outreach. Several board members emphasized the need to reach civic associations, homeowners’ groups and families who typically do not attend traditional meetings. Staff promised a May update with more detail on engagement and participation metrics.

Ending: Staff will return in May with a more detailed engagement plan and participation data. The board emphasized transparency, accessible language, and culturally responsive outreach as central to both projects.