MCPS

Monifa McKnight Named New Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

This morning, Dr. Monifa McKnight was named as the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools.

McKnight has served as acting/interim superintendent the past eight months after being appointed the position on June 1, 2021. McKnight will move from her interim position into the permanent role as superintendent this summer, according to MCPS.

“While I know these times pose incredible challenges, I am confident that we will meet them. This is a community of strength & caring, a community of great diversity and deep resolve. Working together there is no challenge we cannot meet,” says Dr. McKnight.

In January, the Montgomery County Education Association, a teachers union comprised of 14,000 members, passed a resolution of no confidence when it came to MCPS’ ability to handle the COVID-19 crisis.

Prior to being named the Deputy Superintendent of MCPS, Dr. McKnight served as the Chief School Management and Instructional Leadership Officer for the Howard County Public School System.

She was previously the Director for Secondary Leadership Development Programs for MCPS and also served as the principal of Ridgeview Middle School, where she received the Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year award.

Dr. McKnight is the first woman and second African-American to lead MCPS.