MCPS community update for February discusses COVID-19 management, equity, and new superintendent

COVID-19 Information

According to the update, the number of recorded positive COVID-19 cases has decreased greatly throughout the county. All bus routes have been successfully covered since Jan. 21. The county has hired more substitutes, so there are fewer unfilled substitute positions. 

Spectator limitations for extracurricular events have also been eased. Fifty percent of facility capacity can now be used to accommodate spectators in all indoor extracurricular events instead of the previous 25 percent cap. 

No MCPS schools were scheduled to transition to a 10-day virtual learning period this week. 

Still, MCPS is continuing to take precautions against COVID-19. Masks are still required in all indoor facilities, and the county plans to distribute 190,000 rapid test kits to staff and students by the end of March. Staff and students are to report positive results on the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Tool. 

Initiatives for Equity and Well-Being 

In March, all students in grades 4-12 will take an anonymous survey to provide the county with information on how to better address racial and systemic barriers in MCPS. Students will watch a video before taking the survey, and parents who do not want their children to complete the survey must fill out a form prior to the date of its administration. The date of administration will be determined individually by schools. More information regarding the county’s ongoing review of policy and practice in regards to race, referred to as the Antiracist System Audit, can be found here. 

According to MCPS, The Board of Education and Montgomery County Council have recently engaged numerous key stakeholders in conversation regarding mental health and student safety. Stakeholders include 230 students from middle and high schools across the county, high school principals, advisory groups and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services staff. The group will bring proposals for the Board of Education's consideration on Feb. 24.

Permanent Superintendent 

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Dr. Monifa McKnight was named permanent superintendent of MCPS, making her the first female and second Black superintendent of the county. McKnight is currently serving as the interim superintendent of MCPS and will move into her permanent position on July 1, 2022.