During a recent Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding student safety, educational equity, and the need for improved communication from school officials.

Matthew Swiebel, representing the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA), highlighted the alarming statistic of 223 school shootings in the U.S. this year, including two in Montgomery County. He emphasized the necessity for a clear communication strategy from school administrators to parents regarding safety protocols, including a detailed explanation of the school code of conduct and the new directive requiring student IDs in high schools.

The meeting also addressed the educational disparities among Title 1 schools. Swiebel pointed to Salem Avenue Elementary, which boasts a 41.7% reading proficiency rate among its fifth graders, contrasting sharply with the 89% of MCPS Title 1 schools that fall below this benchmark. He urged MCPS to learn from successful practices at Salem Avenue to enhance literacy rates across the district.

Samuel Center, an eighth-grade student, shared his experiences in special education, expressing feelings of isolation and inadequate academic challenges compared to mainstream peers. He called for better integration and support for students with disabilities, highlighting the need for equitable treatment and resources.

Victoria Hill raised alarms about the lack of emergency communication infrastructure in elementary schools, stating that without immediate funding for safety measures, the schools remain vulnerable to potential tragedies. She criticized the board for allocating no funds to address these critical safety issues.

Several parents advocated for the reinstatement of the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA), which had provided essential support for students with unique needs, including those with chronic health issues. They argued that the closure of the MVA has left many students without adequate educational options, urging the board to consider reestablishing this virtual learning environment.

The meeting concluded with a call for accountability from school leaders, as community members expressed frustration over perceived neglect and lack of responsiveness to their concerns. The testimonies underscored a collective demand for immediate action to ensure the safety and educational equity of all students in Montgomery County.