MCPS

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announces the launch of its innovative Attendance Action Plan, “ALL TOGETHER Now: In School Together, Learning Together, Achieving Together.” This multifaceted initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism and promote consistent attendance among students across the district. By implementing data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, MCPS aims to reduce barriers to school attendance and empower students and families.

The Attendance Action Plan is built on a Theory of Action, which states that through a collaborative and data-driven approach, MCPS can effectively tackle chronic absenteeism and create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student attendance, MCPS is also addressing culture and climate issues identified in the MCPS Antiracist System Audit, further emphasizing its commitment to equity and inclusion.

At MCPS, our primary goal is to equip students with the necessary tools, skills and knowledge to thrive in their future college, career and community endeavors. We are excited for the opportunities this new school year presents for all students. As a system, we have identified priorities and key investments to fully support our educators, our schools and most importantly, our students. Our focus on student academic achievement and social-emotional and physical safety supports are foundational to an inspiring learning environment.

Supporting each student’s educational journey is the focus of our MCPS staff, no matter their role in this great district.

MCPS must fulfill its duty to protect its employees through a truly independent investigator, one with extensive experience in victim-focused sexual misconduct investigations and one that does not have a pre-existing relationship with the district. We encourage the public to join us in calling for a truly independent investigation, and for MCPS to work with us on reforming their policies so that this never happens again.

Given the scale and scope of allegations employees provided to MCPS, an investigation needs to focus on why MCPS management failed to protect staff and instead promoted the principal. MCPS has now chosen to conduct a second investigation of their complaints using a firm that specializes in protecting management from sexual harassment claims, not in ensuring safe working conditions for employees.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will be hosting a press conference to introduce a comprehensive Attendance Action Plan titled “ALL TOGETHER Now: In School Together, Learn Together, Achieve Together / Attendance Action Plan” This multifaceted initiative aims to address a significant problem faced by school systems across the country – student attendance in school.

During the press conference, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight and MCPS Staff will unveil the Attendance Action Plan, which encompasses various strategies and interventions to promote consistent attendance and enhance student learning outcomes. The plan focuses on fostering a collaborative effort among students, parents, educators, and the wider community to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed academically. Chronic Absenteeism is defined as 18 or more days absent in a school year without permission (10%).

The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) President, Jennifer Martin, has released a statement in response to the allegations made against an MCPS principal. The full statement by the head of the teacher’s union can be seen below:

“The recent exposure of allegations against a principal in MCPS shines a light on the school system’s failure to fulfill its fundamental duty of protecting staff, students, and the school community from bullying and harassment. When members raised their concerns to us, I met with them, and provided guidance and assistance from union staff to again bring their complaints to MCPS management’s attention.