The Montgomery County Board of Education on July 10 adopted a resolution asking the superintendent to review local-preference procurement practices and return to the board with options for consideration.

The measure, amended at the meeting to clarify that proposals are for the board’s consideration rather than for immediate implementation, asks staff to examine how other agencies structure local‑preference rules and to report back with options. The board voted to amend the draft and then to adopt the resolution as amended.

Why it matters: supporters said the request signals that the school system should explore ways to support Montgomery County businesses as the local economy recovers. Opponents and some board members urged caution, noting potential costs and implementation burdens that could reduce dollars available for schools.

Board discussion focused on several practical issues. Board member Montoya noted that MCPS already does business with local Montgomery County and Maryland firms and that informal practice may already favor local vendors on some contracts. She and others raised the possibility that smaller vendors can bid higher while ramping up services, which could increase costs for the system. Montoya also emphasized the cost and staff time required to conduct a disparity study and to stand up a new office to administer preferences.

Chief Financial Officer Yvonne Alfonso Windsor told the board the system can consider local preferences in ways that minimize new costs, for example for smaller purchases under the $25,000 threshold that do not require board approval. She said MCPS could explore options such as targeted support for small or niche vendors and funding of some contracts through grants.

Superintendent Taylor said MCPS already operates a disadvantaged and minority‑owned business program and publicly tags such awards. He said the resolution would invite the system to explore “what might be” with input from subject‑matter experts and would let the board set priorities if it wants the system to make this an explicit focus.

The resolution references existing legal frameworks the board must follow, including the Annotated Code of Maryland (Education Article §5‑1‑12) and applicable state procurement rules. The board did not adopt new procurement rules at the meeting; it asked staff to return with options for the board’s consideration.

What’s next: staff will review procurement practices in other agencies, estimate costs and staffing needs for any new program, and present options to the board for future consideration.