By Adam Pagnucco.
This is the most sweeping question I asked.
Question: What is MCPS’s biggest problem and what would you do to fix it?
Lynne Harris, At-Large (Incumbent): I think the biggest need is for systemwide implementation – in all areas of work and all Offices, Departments and Divisions – of progress and quality assurance monitoring that is baked into the work, Standard Operating Procedure, focused on the work of teaching and learning, with a culture of proactive collaboration, instead of defensiveness and blame.
Rita Montoya, At-Large: MCPS’ biggest problem is a lack of community trust. This lack of trust has negative impacts on budget allocations; hiring and retention of administrators, educators, and support staff; and enrollment and family engagement. All of this adversely impacts student advancement, achievement and success. If elected, I will model accountability, leadership, oversight, and transparency to rebuild trust in MCPS by students, families, educators, staff, administrators, community members and elected officials. I will work and collaborate with others towards the timely and accessible release of vital information. I will work to establish open lines of communication with local and state elected officials as well as community partners to ensure a collaborative approach to improving MCPS.
Brenda Diaz, District 2: MCPS’s significant challenge is the poor learning environment cultivated by limitations imposed by the Board of Education and Central Office. Reports of increased disruptive behavior and assaults among students underscore the urgency to restore a safe and immersive learning atmosphere. A critical evaluation of the Student Code of Conduct will examine the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in addressing violence. Additionally, my plan proposes reinstating School Resource Officers (SROs) in consultation with MCAAP, recognizing diverse viewpoints. Transferring qualified Central Office staff to schools aims to reduce class sizes, prioritizing resources for direct student support. This strategy reflects responsible resource allocation to enhance learning environments. To improve teacher morale and retention, open forums and one-on-one meetings will provide opportunities for teachers to voice their experiences and concerns. Instances of mistreatment, such as the Beidelman incident, will not be tolerated. Overall, the plan aims to address disciplinary issues, enhance safety, allocate resources effectively, and support teacher well-being, with the ultimate goal of revitalizing students’ passion for learning.
Natalie Zimmerman, District 2: MCPS is currently facing an accountability crisis. MCPS has processes in place to hold teachers accountable through the Peer Assistance and Review Program within the Professional Growth System. This system could be replicated for every employee in the district. It is our job to hold each other accountable. Accountability does not only come from the top down, but from all directions. All educators in MCPS should be given opportunities for high-quality professional development to build capacity and leadership, which will in turn increase their accountability. If we fix the accountability problem, we will be in a better position to support and educate students in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Shebra Evans, District 4 (Incumbent): In my opinion, improving outcomes for students is the most important issue. The Board has directed the superintendent to use every board meeting to discuss how MCPS is progressing on improving outcomes for students in math and literacy. The transitional years (grades 3, 6, and 9) are our focus. The school system is not serving all students well. Having ongoing discussions at the board table to look at data and identify problems and/or acknowledge successes will be important. Additionally, it will be important to further improve the communication infrastructure to build more trust and improve the ways in which families receive pertinent information. Recent events have highlighted the need for improvements in the Department of Compliance and Investigation (DCI). Mistakes were made. Corrections are underway for creating a standard procedure for receiving and handling complaints, including anonymous complaints. There is someone with extensive legal and investigative experience overseeing and implementing the changes in DCI. A new electronic system will be used to track and monitor all cases. These are just a few examples of the very important work currently in motion. I am committed to my work on the board and will ensure we carry out the remainder of the recommendations and keep the community apprised with regular updates.
Laura Stewart, District 4: My priority is addressing students’ basic needs so they can reach their potential—whether those needs are educational, physical, or emotional. To improve outcomes, MCPS must reform systems and structure from the top down. For example, human resources failed to provide a safe environment for employees, which in turn affects our classrooms. I would also suggest family and student navigators to help break through MCPS bureaucracy. A needs assessment should be performed across all schools so that resources are targeted appropriately.
We should triage by focusing resources on third grade literacy in order to set up kids for success, as the Black and Brown Coalition covered at their town hall. There is research that shows reading proficiency can also improve other skills like math. I would ask MCPS to deploy intervention teams to schools that show either large numbers of children not meeting reading benchmarks or schools that show a very large gap between the socioeconomic and racial groups. We should include after school and engaging summer learning opportunities through nonprofits and other county resources. At the secondary level, we must provide more targeted teacher and principal support, high quality tutoring, and wrap around services to help close opportunity gaps.
Next: experience with budgets.
Prior questions: boundary review, grading policy, electric bus contract.