The Montgomery County Board of Education issued a letter updating the Montgomery County Council’s Education and Culture Committee, confirming their intent to address community concerns for a “transparent, thorough, fair and expeditious process.” The full letter can be seen below:
“Dear Councilmembers Jawando, Albornoz, Mink,
The purpose of this communication is to further update you on the Board of Education’s decisions to address the conduct recently reported by the Washington Post.
As we shared in our letter to you last week and at a press conference on August 22, 2023, the Board has continued to communicate with the Montgomery County Inspector General and the Maryland Inspector General for Education on how to best structure the investigation into the allegations at William Farquhar Middle School. The Board has heard the concerns of the community regarding the investigation and is committed to a transparent, thorough, fair and expeditious process.
Recently, the Board has asked the Montgomery County Inspector General and the Maryland Inspector General for Education to investigate the reported allegations. The Inspectors General reiterated what they have previously stated, that subsequent to the conclusion of the fact-finding investigation surrounding the promotion of Joel Beidleman, they will evaluate the appropriate next steps for their offices. As independent agencies they are charged with determining what investigations they undertake, when they begin those investigations and the scope of those investigations.
The Board will continue engaging with the Inspectors General as the first phase of the investigation is concluded. We appreciate our continued dialogue and you partnership as we steer the school system through this difficult time. We will continue to update you as to timelines, findings and reforms.
Sincerely,
Karla Silvestre, President, Montgomery County Board of Education”