Montgomery County Public Schools is continuing its first round of community engagement meetings as part of its study of potential elementary and middle school closures and consolidations.
MCPS emphasized in a recent update that no schools have been selected for closure or consolidation, no recommendations have been made and no decisions have been predetermined.
The current round of meetings is intended to help families, staff and community members understand why the district is conducting the study, review enrollment and other available data, ask questions and provide initial feedback.
MCPS also addressed questions surrounding the locations selected to host the meetings. According to the school system, meeting sites were chosen to provide opportunities for participation across Montgomery County and should not be interpreted as an indication that the host school or surrounding community is being considered for closure or consolidation.
The study is expected to unfold in multiple stages. The fall meetings focus on the reasons behind the study, available information and initial community feedback. A second round of engagement planned for early December will focus on the criteria and considerations that could eventually be used to develop recommendations.
MCPS acknowledged that community members are entering the process with different levels of information. Some participants have requested more detailed data about individual schools, student demographics and the factors that could be considered, while others are attending meetings to learn about the study for the first time.
“Not every question can be answered at this early stage, but the questions being raised will help inform the work ahead,” MCPS stated. Any recommendations that eventually emerge from the study would be required to go through the public process before being considered by the Montgomery County Board of Education.
MCPS also reiterated that any changes resulting from the study will not take effect during the 2027-2028 school year, leaving additional time for the study, public engagement and planning.
Additional community meetings remain scheduled as part of the first round of engagement. Information about the study, frequently asked questions, the process and opportunities to provide feedback are available through the study’s website. Additional information about engagement opportunities can be found here.
