Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:


Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, released the following statement related to the serious allegations regarding a Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) principal detailed in The Washington Post today.

I am deeply disturbed by the The Washington Post’s article released this morning related to allegations regarding a MCPS principal. The allegations are serious and concerning, and must be thoroughly, impartially and comprehensively investigated. MCPS should be clear with the County Council and the public about how this matter will be investigated and ensure that community members are aware of how they can report experiences that may be relevant to the investigation.


Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

A Washington Post article released this morning alleges that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”


American University President Sylvia Burwell will be stepping down from the position following this upcoming school year after six years at the school. The news was shared by the University in a memorandum earlier this week. The full memorandum can be seen below followed by a video from Burwell making the announcement:

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our gratitude to President Sylvia Burwell for her dedicated leadership and service to the American University community. For the past six years, during some of the most consequential times in higher education and our broader world, Sylvia provided bold direction, personal caring, and an optimistic vision for American University. As she prepares to step down in June 2024, we will commemorate the many achievements during her tenure while continuing our vital work to building American University’s great future.


Montgomery County Public Schools (MPCS) and MedStar Health are announcing a new partnership to enhance the school system’s sports medicine program for scholastic athletics. Ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 school year, a newly-formed team of 12-month certified athletic trainers hired by MPCS has already begun working in all 25 of the county’s high schools. Their goal is to provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes across all athletic programs.

“We are very excited to launch our innovative sports medicine program, which includes a full-time certified athletic trainer in each of our 25 high schools,” said MCPS Systemwide Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Sullivan. “Thanks to the commitment to safety from our school leaders and partnership with the region’s largest health system, MedStar Health, we now have medical professionals on staff to assist with the assessment and treatment of student-athlete injuries, prevention, rehabilitation, and more.”


Phylicia Rashad will be stepping down as dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at the end of this upcoming school year (2023/24). A reason for her impending departure was not provided, but Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick announced her decision and praised her work at the school since arriving in 2021. Rashad is perhaps best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992) and is an accomplished actress having appeared on various television shows, Broadway productions, and movies through the years. The full statement by Howard’s President can be seen below:

“Dear Howard University Community, I am writing to express my deep thanks and gratitude to Dean Phylicia Rashad of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, as she has informed me that she will be stepping down as dean at the end of her term following the 2023-2024 academic year.


Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is delighted to introduce Ms. Edith Lozada as the newly appointed Spanish Communications Specialist and Spanish Language Public Information Officer within the MCPS Department of Communications.

With a wealth of experience in the field of communication, Ms. Lozada brings with her an impressive track record as an Emmy Award-winning Bilingual Media Producer, driven by a passion for immersive storytelling and community-centered programming. Her academic journey includes acquiring a Bachelor’s in Mass Media Communication from the University of Puerto Rico.


MCPS Athletics has announced that it is excited to launch an enhanced sports medicine program for the 2023-24 school year. Included in the program are full-time, 12-month certified athletic trainers in each high school and a partnership with MedStar Health.

Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program.


The Maryland Park Service graduated 33 young Marylanders from the Conservation Jobs Corps after four weeks of job training, conservation education, hard work, and fun. A celebration and ceremony was held August 1 at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County with the Acting Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service, Ranger Angela Crenshaw, as the keynote speaker.

The Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps is a summer program that provides opportunities for youth ages 14-17 and young adults ages 18-20 to complete hands-on projects throughout Maryland’s State Parks. They engage in tasks that benefit communities and public lands while learning about public service and stewardship, and participate in exciting outdoor activities, including camping and wildlife observation.


As MCPS prepares for the first day of tryouts and practices on August 9, 2023, here is is some important information for the fall sports season. High School Fall Sports Registration:

Registration for high school fall sports is available through ParentVUE. Tryouts and practices for high schools start on August 9, 2023; details regarding tryout/practice logistics are available through the local school and team(s). Systemwide resources are available on the MCPS Athletics webpage.


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