MoCo Government Archives - Page 131 of 247

Statement From Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass Regarding WaPo Article on MCPS Principal

Published August 14, 2023 at 4:55PM | Updated August 14, 2023 at 6:26PM

On Friday, August 11, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Paint Branch High School Principal Dr. Joel Beidleman had been reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and detailed 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.”

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass released the following statement on Monday, August 14: “I am deeply disturbed by the Washington Post’s detailed reporting alleging an MCPS principal created a hostile and unsafe workplace. The public needs to know who was aware of this information and why it was not promptly investigated. As we prepare for a new school year, we must ensure that students and teachers feel safe, welcome and respected in the classroom.”

County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 12, 2023 at 10:58AM

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 Update: Unemployment Rate of 1.5 Percent in June Was County’s Lowest in More Than 30 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published August 11, 2023 at 5:41PM

Dear Friends,

Over the last four years, and even during COVID19, we have been focused on supporting existing businesses, encouraging others to expand here and incubating new ones.

Statement From Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, Chair of the Education and Culture Committee, Regarding Serious Allegations Related to MCPS Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 11, 2023 at 3:33PM | Updated August 11, 2023 at 4:05PM

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.

Montgomery County Will Hold a Virtual Hearing to Consider an Application Seeking Permanent Closure of Westbard Ave at River Rd

By MCS Staff

Published August 10, 2023 at 2:55PM | Updated August 20, 2023 at 7:25AM

Pursuant to Section 49-62 of the Montgomery County Code (2014) as amended, the County Executive or his Designee shall conduct a virtual Public Hearing via the internet-based platform known as Zoom on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM, to consider an application from 5500 Westbard Avenue Block Civic Association (the “Applicant”), for the permanent closure of a public right of way at the northwestern terminus of Westbard Avenue at River Road in the Westbard area of Bethesda. The Applicant is requesting permanent closure of the public right of way from all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles, at the intersection. The petition also requests that a temporary closure remain in place until a permanent closure can be installed.

Completion of this registration form will include you in a mailing list to receive an invitation to participate in the Hearing. If you require special accommodations, please contact Tiara McCray at (240) 720-7862 or [email protected]. Registration for this Public Hearing will close on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

MoCo Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles Announces Her Run For Congress

By MCS Staff

Published August 10, 2023 at 2:42PM

Today via social media, former Gaithersburg City Councilmember and current Montgomery County Councilmember, Laurie-Anne Sayles, announced her run for Congress. The full announcement and additional information on Sayles can be seen below:

“Today, I’m announcing my run for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District because Washington needs to work for us — for families in Garrett County to Gaithersburg and everywhere in between. We’ve got a lot of work to do as a country, and I get the job done.

Children’s Business Fair Returns to Downtown Rockville on Saturday, Aug. 19

By Patrick Herron

Published August 9, 2023 at 4:31PM

Per Montgomery County: The Third Annual Montgomery County Children’s Business Fair will return to Rockville Town Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, to display the works and ideas of more than 55 young entrepreneurs. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

The fair is back after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The event was founded Tameka Montgomery of the Raising Entrepreneurs Podcast and a senior executive at the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Free Homebuying Seminar Sponsored by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to be Held Online on Thursday, Aug. 17

By Patrick Herron

Published August 9, 2023 at 4:30PM

Per Montgomery County: A free online home buying seminar sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. The seminar will be led by Bill Rozek from Embrace Home Loans.

Mr. Rozek will cover many topics that could lead to getting approved to purchase a home.

Montgomery County’s Community Action Board Is Accepting Applications for Its Training Program That Teaches Participants How to Advocate for Policy Change

By Patrick Herron

Published August 9, 2023 at 4:23PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s Community Action Board (CAB) is now accepting applications to participate in its free, eight-month Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) training program that teaches participants how to effectively advocate for policy change. Applications are due Friday, Aug. 18.

The board is the governing body for the Community Action Agency (CAA), Montgomery County’s Federally designated anti-poverty agency. The CAA is part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.

County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is Seeking Student Applicants for her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council

By Patrick Herron

Published August 8, 2023 at 1:58PM

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is launching the second cohort of her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council and is looking for a new group of students to apply. Applicants must live in Montgomery County and be in grades 7-12 and older than 13 to be eligible. Applicants must commit to meeting in person and virtually once every two weeks at 5:30 p.m. on Monday from September—December. The sessions will focus on Councilmember Sayles’ S.M.A.R.T. agenda to strengthen 21st-century education, make a living more affordable, advance local food production, revitalize the economy and tackle climate change.

“I am pleased that interest has grown to continue the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, which exposes more youth to my S.M.A.R.T. agenda and the process of policymaking at the Montgomery County Council. The perspectives reflected in our Youth Advisory Council represent the ethnic and geographic diversity of the student population in our County.”

Triple Grammy Award Winner Dee Dee Bridgewater Will Headline Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Sat., Sept. 9

By Patrick Herron

Published August 7, 2023 at 11:37AM

Per Montgomery County: Three-time Grammy^® Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will headline the 18th annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The free festival will take place from 3-10 p.m. Bridgewater will take the mainstage at 8:30 p.m. Veterans Plaza is located at the corner of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, adjacent to the Silver Spring Civic Building.

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival is a free event. Restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines surround the festival site. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation and to bring a blanket and/or low back lawn chairs for seating. The festival site is a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro Station.