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MCPS boundary study draws questions from Martin's Additions residents; feedback deadline July 15
Summary
An MCPS representative told the Village of Martin's Additions council that four initial options would redraw multiple feeder patterns as the district reopens and repurposes high schools; residents were urged to submit feedback by July 15 and to copy board members when communicating concerns.
Juliana Manasseh Horowitz, a Silver Creek Middle School parent and member of the Silver Creek boundary study committee, told the Village of Martin's Additions council on June 26 that Montgomery County Public Schools has released four initial options for redrawing high‑school boundaries tied to reopening and expanding several high schools, including the reopening of Woodward High School and the opening of Crown High School.
"This boundary study, all of the options basically affect all the schools," Juliana said, adding that MCPS is using four criteria—facility utilization, student demographics, geographic proximity (including walk zones and transportation access), and assignment stability—when evaluating options. She said the district will release additional options in September and the superintendent will then prepare a recommended plan for the Board of Education, which is expected to vote in late 2026.
Why it matters: Residents in Martin's Additions and adjacent neighborhoods could see their children assigned to different high schools beginning fall 2027, when changes take effect for freshmen and sophomores. Juliana emphasized transportation and stability concerns for lower‑income families and urged the village and PTSA leaders to coordinate outreach in English and Spanish so all affected households can comment.
Key details: Juliana said MCPS initially announced options and is collecting open‑ended survey feedback, and she recommended copying board members and the superintendent when submitting letters so elected members see constituent concerns. She reiterated schedule milestones told to the council: first‑round feedback is due July 15; additional options will be published in September; the superintendent will issue a recommendation late 2026 and the board will hold hearings before voting.
Council response and next steps: Council members asked about timing, the proximity of Woodward versus BCC for students, and whether MCPS would consider open enrollment or regional academic programs. Juliana said open enrollment in the broad sense is not part of this boundary effort, though regionalization of some academic programs is being studied separately. The council and residents were advised to submit letters before July 15 and again after the September release if needed.
Closing: The village manager said staff will circulate the MCPS survey link and publicize the July 7 meeting with school board chair Julie Yang so residents may raise concerns directly with the board’s leadership.
