By Adam Pagnucco.
After this year’s round of high school and middle school redistricting along with a new regional program framework, MCPS is proceeding to analyze potential closures of elementary schools and middle schools. That will be followed by studying new boundaries for those schools. This is a herculean task for the school district that will surely draw strong opinions.
In an email to parents earlier today, MCPS laid out its process for gathering input on these decisions. The process includes a calendar of virtual and in-person engagement events. The email is reprinted below.
*****
Planning for the Future: Two Phases, Plenty of Opportunities to Participate
Enrollment in MCPS is declining for the first time in more than 40 years. As a result, some schools have more available space than they need, while other communities are still growing. That means it’s time to take a thoughtful, countywide look at how we are using our schools and facilities, and plan for a better future for all students.
As part of that work, MCPS needs to consider whether to close and consolidate some elementary and middle schools. We will begin now with a careful review of data and meaningful community engagement around the decision making framework and the metrics and factors that should be considered.
We recognize that conversations about school closures and consolidations will be difficult for students, families, staff and communities. We are absolutely committed to approaching this work with care, transparency and empathy, while keeping students’ needs at the center of every decision.
Why does this matter? Using our schools and limited resources effectively allows us to put more of what matters most where students need it: strong instruction, great programs and the services and supports that help every student thrive. Schools that are not too big and not too small help us deliver an excellent student experience in every school.
The important thing to know: this work will happen in two distinct phases, over two years.
This year = closures & consolidation decisions. Next year = boundary decisions.
Phase 1: Review the Data and Make Decisions — 2026–2027
This school year, MCPS will review elementary and middle schools across the county, examining enrollment, building utilization, capacity, transportation, program models and other factors. The goal is to determine which schools the superintendent should recommend to the Board of Education for closure and consolidation.
No countywide boundary study is happening during this phase.
Phase 2: Countywide Boundary Study — 2027–2028
After Phase 1 is complete and MCPS has the right number of schools for the size of our student population, MCPS will begin a countywide boundary study for elementary schools and boundary adjustments for affected middle schools.
Your voice is absolutely part of the entire process. Families, staff, students and community members will have multiple opportunities to learn about the data, ask questions and provide feedback on metrics and factors. Two rounds of engagement sessions are planned, with in-person and virtual options:
- Round 1: 19–Nov. 2
- Round 2: 30–Dec. 10
- See the full schedule and locations below.
This is the beginning. There is a lot of work and opportunity for conversations to come. Implementation of Phase 1 and 2 (closures, consolidations, and boundaries) will begin in the 2029-2030 school year.
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org