By Adam Pagnucco.
With new permanent Superintendent Thomas Taylor due to assume his position imminently, MCPS Interim Superintendent Monique Felder has informed school employees of several changes among central office personnel. The question here is whether these changes were requested by Taylor or are being carried out without his input and/or consent. In any case, the timing is interesting.
Felder’s memo to staff is reprinted below.
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From: Montgomery County Public Schools <MontgomeryCountyPublicSchools@mcpsmd.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Subject: Key Personnel and Operational Changes in Central Services – Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Dear MCPS Principals and all Staff,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding leadership assignments in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Central Services. As of Friday, June 14, 2024, Chief Operating Officer Brian Hull is no longer with MCPS. I thank Mr. Hull for his service to the students and staff of our school district. Due to this change, the key functions of the Chief Operating Officer have been reassigned and we will move forward with the following organizational changes:
Ms. Ivon Alfonso Windsor will serve as Acting MCPS Chief Financial Officer and will oversee the Office of Finance and the Office of Facilities Management, which manages all construction and renovation projects throughout the district.
Ms. Dana Edwards, Chief of District Operations, under the direction of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, continues in her role and will oversee various district operational functions including the Department of Labor Relations, Division of Appeals, Student Welfare and Compliance Unit, Department of Transportation, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management and Department of Materials Management. This continuity in leadership ensures a smooth transition and stability in our operations.
Under Dr. Peter Moran, the Office of School Support and Well-Being is returning to its former title of the Office of School Support and Improvement, effective July 1, 2024. This title change more directly reflects the office’s work in supporting school performance.
I recognize that leadership transitions may be challenging. However, it is an essential responsibility of a superintendent to ensure district operational structures are organized to support schools and staff throughout MCPS. Any other key leadership changes that may be identified will be communicated to staff as those determinations are made.
Should you have questions, you may contact my office or Dr. Henry Johnson, acting chief of staff (henry_r_johnson@mcpsmd.org).
Your commitment to our staff, students, communities, and the continued excellence of Montgomery County Public Schools continues to be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
In service to children,
Monique Felder, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools