Following Maryland’s adoption of new math standards, MCPS told the board it will adopt an integrated pre‑K through Algebra 2 progression, require 60 minutes of daily K–8 math instruction, run a K–8 curriculum RFP, and expand MTSS supports; staff acknowledged a heavy implementation lift and committed to professional learning and parent communication.
The board unanimously approved two administrative appointments recommended by Superintendent Dr. Taylor: Keith Sutton as director of Systemwide Equity and Dr. Tamara Hewlett as director of Curriculum Development and Instruction.
The board voted unanimously to support House Bill 340, which would create an interstate licensure compact for school psychologists and ease recruitment by enabling reciprocity between participating states, staff said.
Superintendent Dr. Taylor presented recommendations to reopen Woodward High, expand Northwood and relocate Wootton to Crown Farm (a modified Option H); staff set public hearings and a March 26 decision date. Dozens of public commenters, Wootton families and industry groups urged the board to reject Option H, citing walkability, transportation costs and long-term capacity risks.
Students, youth organizers and community groups told the board that suspensions have spiked and disproportionately affected Black, Latino and special-education students, urging restoration of restorative justice coach stipends and clearer implementation of restorative practices.
WABA and parents urged faster Safe Routes to School planning, cluster coordinators described HVAC and maintenance failures and called for preventative funding, and multiple community speakers asked the board to open Crown High School as a permanent school and preserve local feeder patterns.
At a virtual public hearing on the superintendent's recommended FY27 operating budget, community members urged the Board of Education to protect special education resource teachers, restore pupil personnel workers and restorative justice stipends, and preserve the Innovative School Year program while asking for clearer staffing and facilities plans.
Officials presented a multi‑year budget sketch that ties proposed staffing standards to thousands of new FTEs and tens of millions in compensation and benefits, and reported a modest net boost in state aid after local match requirements.
Montgomery County Public Schools leaders proposed a phased, multi‑year staffing‑standards plan aimed at more consistent, equity‑driven allocations across elementary, middle and high schools. The plan ties staffing intensity to schools’ 'farms' tiers, sets grade‑level ratios (examples: K tier‑3 1:18, kindergarten base 1:23) and phases implementation from FY27 through 2031.
At its Jan. 26 meeting the Board of Education voted to support several state bills (mostly with amendments), opposed one infrastructure bill as written, approved final policy amendments to fiscal and pension policies, and confirmed two administrative appointments.
