Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) provided updates Thursday on several major school boundary studies and long-term facilities planning during a Board of Education work session, outlining possible changes that could affect dozens of schools across the county.
The Board of Education is expected to take final action on the boundary studies on March 26. If approved, any changes would begin with the 2027-2028 school year.
District leaders reviewed updated options tied to two major planning efforts: the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School and the potential relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm site. Officials said the proposals aim to balance enrollment, make better use of school buildings and strengthen geographic alignment so students attend schools closer to home where possible.
Under the Woodward and Northwood proposal, MCPS would reopen Charles W. Woodward High School and expand Northwood High School while adjusting several school boundaries to balance enrollment. One change highlighted during the discussion would reassign Wheaton Woods Elementary School to the Woodward High School cluster to help balance enrollment between Woodward and Wheaton high schools.
Across the study area connected to that proposal, 47 elementary schools are included. According to MCPS, 28 schools would see no changes to their middle or high school assignments, three would change middle school only, eight would change high school only and eight would change both middle and high school assignments.
A second major proposal involves relocating Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm site and expanding Damascus High School. The recommendation is a modified version of an earlier option that district officials say incorporates community feedback.
Within that study area, 59 elementary schools are included. MCPS said 28 schools would see no reassignment, 17 would change middle school only, five would change high school only and nine would change both middle and high school assignments. District leaders emphasized that many families would not see changes to their school assignments under the proposals.
MCPS also outlined how boundary changes would be phased in to reduce disruption for students. Under the proposed approach, current 8th graders would remain at their middle schools, while 6th and 7th graders would transition during the 2027-2028 school year. At the high school level, juniors and seniors would remain at their current schools until graduation, with full implementation expected by the 2029-2030 school year.
Transportation and walkability questions were also raised during the discussion. MCPS officials noted that middle and high school students may be expected to cross controlled intersections when traveling to school, which is already common in many parts of the county.
Planners also addressed concerns about walking distances to the potential Crown Farm high school site, noting that new sidewalks and trail connections are planned. At the farthest point within the non-transportation zone, the walk is estimated to take about 30 minutes at a typical pace.
Beyond the boundary studies, district leaders discussed the possibility of a future countywide elementary school boundary study. MCPS enrollment has declined since its 2019 peak and is projected to drop by roughly 15,000 students over the next decade, which could lead to some schools having excess space while others remain crowded.
A potential countywide study could examine ways to balance enrollment, address non-contiguous boundaries and evaluate whether some schools should be consolidated or repurposed. A possible timeline discussed during the meeting would place decisions on potential consolidations in 2027, with any changes implemented in the 2029-2030 school year.
Board members also reviewed questions related to the district’s Capital Improvements Program. MCPS has requested a $2.79 billion six-year capital plan, while the County Executive’s recommended budget is about $652 million lower. If approved by the County Council, the lower funding level could delay or remove some projects, including replacement projects for Sligo Creek Elementary School and Sligo Middle School, as well as upgrades at Piney Branch, Burning Tree, Cold Spring and Highland View elementary schools.
At the same time, several major projects remain on track, including the Damascus High School project, Eastern Middle School, a new Alternative Education facility and systemwide investments in HVAC systems, roofs, technology and school security upgrades.
District leaders also said construction costs, particularly for HVAC systems, have increased significantly in recent years, making it more challenging to keep pace with facility improvements.
The Board of Education will continue reviewing the proposals and public feedback before voting on the boundary studies later this month.
