MCPS Board of Education calls for the resignation of current superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight

Mcknight

Photo: The MCPS Board of Education called for the resignation of superintendent Monifa McKnight.

The MCPS Board of Education called for the resignation of superintendent Monifa McKnight.

MCPS' Board of Education has called for the resignation of superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight, throwing MCPS leadership into uncertainty. 

On Monday, Jan. 22, McKnight released a statement indicating her desire to fight for her position. "I will defend my reputation and my decades-long commitment to the students and families of MCPS, and will demand that any considerations of my role as superintendent are made through a fair, legitimate, and legal process," McKnight said.

This demand comes amidst concerns over her handling of widespread sexual harassment allegations against former MCPS principal Joel Biedelman. According to an investigation by Moco360, the Board promoted Biedelman to the Paint Branch HS principal position with McKnight's recommendation despite high-level officials in her administration being aware of these allegations several weeks prior. McKnight was aware of the allegations yet failed to disclose them to the board until the Washington Post published an exposé which resulted in Biedelman's immediate placement on administrative leave. 

The Board responded in a letter published the same evening. “This is a personnel matter and in alignment with laws related to personnel matters, we, as her employer will not be providing further comment at this time," the statement read.

The MCPS Teachers' Union put out a statement in support of McKnight's removal. “In declaring open war with the board, Dr. McKnight threatens to further damage not only her own future, but also the board’s efforts to restore the public’s trust in Montgomery County Public Schools,” the letter said.