Board confirms three administrative appointments

The Montgomery County Board of Education on Sept. 4 unanimously approved three administrative appointments recommended by Superintendent Monifa (Doctor) Taylor.

Superintendent Taylor introduced the candidates and said the appointments would expand leadership capacity in equity, special education and transportation. The board voted to confirm Malaika A. Brown as executive director in the Division of Equity and Organizational Development; Jada Langston as director in the Department of Special Education Services; and Anthony F. Tucci as director in the Division of Transportation Services. The board recorded a motion and second for each appointment and the actions were approved "unanimous with those present," according to the meeting record.

Why it matters: The confirmations place central-office leaders in posts that the superintendent said will shape district policy and operations for the coming school year. Brown was described as a 20-year MCPS employee whose background includes classroom teaching and roles in curriculum development; Langston was introduced as a five-year MCPS administrator who most recently served as principal at the John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents; Tucci was described as a 16-year MCPS employee with experience in transportation management and budgeting.

Details provided at the meeting show the board followed its routine appointment process: Superintendent Taylor presented each candidate, the board moved and seconded approval, and members raised hands to indicate unanimous support among those present. The meeting transcript records the superintendent introducing each candidate and the board chair calling for and recording votes.

Board response and next steps: The board offered brief congratulations following each vote. No amendments, conditions or dissent were recorded in the meeting transcript. The appointees were joined in the meeting by family members and supporters invited forward when the superintendent introduced them.

Votes at a glance - Malaika A. Brown — Motion to approve recommended appointment as executive director, Division of Equity and Organizational Development; outcome: approved ("unanimous with those present"). - Jada Langston — Motion to approve recommended appointment as director, Department of Special Education Services; outcome: approved ("unanimous with those present"). - Anthony F. Tucci — Motion to approve recommended appointment as director, Division of Transportation Services; outcome: approved ("unanimous with those present").

No roll-call vote listing individual yes/no votes was recorded in the public transcript; the clerk announced unanimous approval among members present.