Families pack school board meeting over MCPS boundary changes
Montgomery County parents voice concerns over possible school boundary changes
Dozens of families spoke out about proposed boundary changes at a Montgomery County School Board meeting Thursday night after another proposal seems to have popped up recently. FOX 5's Homa Bash was there as residents voiced their concerns.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Dozens of families spoke out about proposed boundary changes at a Montgomery County School Board meeting Thursday night as the school board voted to approve the district’s proposed $2.7 billion capital improvement plan.
What we know:
The boundary study has been a point of contention in Montgomery County schools for months now as parents and families weigh four options presented by the district.
It’ll change where thousands of students go to middle and high school in the coming years.
The goal is to relieve overcrowding and utilize the new Crown High School in Gaithersburg.
But a few weeks ago, families learned that another option could be at play — using Crown as a holding school instead of opening it as planned, so schools like Wootton High could undergo renovations.
Wootton High School was dropped from the proposed capital improvement plan that the board approved Thursday night.
Dr. Taylor is asking for $2.7 billion in total this time — a $1 billion increase from last year.
What they're saying:
Parents tell FOX 5 DC they are passionate about changes to boundaries because it can change everything from where their kids go to school, programs they’re in — to property values.
Parents who want Crown to open and be used as scheduled tell me they’re disappointed — and say it seems like the district tried to sneak in the proposal without anyone noticing.
"Well, someone noticed, and the news spread like wildfire," said MCPS parent Monica Bassi. "The whole community has organized — we’ve activated — and we’re doing everything we can to make sure that an underserved city like Gaithersburg, in terms of academic resources, does not get left behind again."
Wootton High School’s PTA president says they can’t wait years for repairs and mold remediation — they need help right now.
"Our teachers, our students are suffering today," said Wootton High School PTA president Brian Rabin. "They’re in an unhealthy environment. We would leave our homes if they were in that condition."
What's next:
The board voted to approve the proposed capital improvement plan — now it gets sent to the county executive and eventually the county council.
The process is far from over, though, and there will be more public hearings before any final decisions are made on the capitol improvement plan.
The final decision on whether Crown will be a holding school — or Wootton will get added to the CIP — will come in the spring.