On February 2, the Montgomery County Board of Education (BOE) and Dr. Monifa McKnight mutually agreed to part ways. Now, Montgomery Perspective reports that McKnight was paid $1.3 million. “That includes $1,183,250 in wages, $30,000 in attorney fees, $20,225 in deferred compensation, $18,525 for a tax sheltered annual annuity plan and $48,000 for an annual annuity.” Additional information on the separation agreement can be found in the Montgomery Perspective article and the separation agreement has been published by the Washington Post.
After the separation with Dr. McKnight, the Board noted that its “priorities moving forward include upgrading and ensuring compliance with internal policies, procedures, and operations; improving internal and external communications and outreach; and most importantly, supporting schools in providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.”
On February 6th, Dr. Monique Felder was appointed interim MCPS Superintendent by the Montgomery County Board of Education. Dr. Felder brought 32 years of experience in public education, including as superintendent for Orange County Public Schools in North Carolina. Prior to her superintendency, she served as the Chief Academic Officer for Metro Nashville Public Schools (TN), as an executive director for Prince George’s County Public Schools (MD), and as a teacher, the Director of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, and Director of the Interventions Network for MCPS.
Earlier this month, the Board of Education announced it is launching a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. It was announced that the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates, along with:
- A website that has been launched to provide information about the search process. The website features a feedback form, allowing users to express their priorities regarding the next superintendent.
- A comprehensive survey made available to students, staff and the community to further identify the desired characteristics of the next superintendent.
- Three in-person town halls the first week of April, hosted by The Board
- April 2, 2024-Seneca Valley High School, 6:00 p.m.
- April 3, 2024-Richard Montgomery High School, 6:00 p.m.
- April 4, 2024-Wheaton High School, 6:00 p.m.
- A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.