[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6156525,"mediaKeyId","5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d","parentId",5469561,"title","MCPS students urge changes to implementation of \"return to rigor\" regulation; board, superintendent promise review and supports","audioSeconds",2363,"startMs",2353000,"endMs",4716000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d&start=2353&end=4716","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d/thumbnail_2353000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6156525/Maryland/MCPS-students-urge-changes-to-implementation-of-return-to-rigor-regulation-board-superintendent-promise-review-and-supports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156525-7990b9d8121f295015405b31708bc599/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447588&Signature=bFtfIe1eS33qKZSUu90ygRuMePN8ZEIENOtbxtqFEI6~ZofPWqoBCf7raCmPOt7i3dDgQXtdA88nJfBxYzkvte4b~TB5vhbvqQaBIA1a4UvqFG6WfaSd1nboNeugoV0NMSgiM7fOGohZpMEyhEf-rjp-mCOm4cFhNVOh35Rft2d2t2j~D5uYmpegkKt~6yhzKCOAdgRHV-~~pjiPSF9yIvT25APPzrypTQAI6Y9HQ4H-4gyrpqCg-Uu4xr-aG-AGDqqeCV-iixYs3DUzktNLN7ToI4jkuJTza9cw3igtWO1A6OyuEi-m5W4Jm3j7Xizh4f08BC8-RMjkI4wYV2mb6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County Public Schools","date","2025-07-25T03:37:09.55Z","article","Students filled most public‑comment seats at the July 24 Montgomery County Board of Education meeting to press for clearer communication and more mental‑health supports after MCPS changed its grading and reporting regulation, which the administration calls a \"return to rigor.\" Claire Lee, a rising sixth grader from Cabin John Middle School, and dozens of high‑school students told the board the rollout felt sudden and left students unprepared for course selection and for how changes would affect GPAs and college planning.

Leila Ramanathan, a rising sophomore at Poolesville High School, told the board: \"When the news broke in regards to the new grading policy, I immediately heard protests from within my community. ... Students deserve a chance to discuss and understand why the grading policy is changing before it's passed.\" Several other students — including Arvair Ghani, Zora Vielen, Mackenzie Smallwood, Marshall Friedman, and Peter Boiko — described anxiety, depression, and uncertainty tied to the timing and communication of the change.

Dr. Taylor, who led the administration's response during the meeting, said: \"Our grading policy has actually not changed. Our regulation has changed, and the board itself has actually not voted on any change that impacts grading or reporting because that's something that our administration does, not something that the board of education is responsible for.\" He said the administration heard student testimony and will track implementation data, asking the board and community to monitor effects after the first and second marking periods.

Students and several board members asked for concrete steps the district will take to reduce harms during implementation. Suggestions during public comment and board discussion included expanded mental‑health outreach, clearer communications directly to students (not only to families), expanded on‑ramps and redo opportunities for coursework, and more visible supports for students who need time or recovery after crises. Student speakers repeatedly asked that student voice be meaningfully included in decisions that affect grading and reporting.

Board members acknowledged the emotional testimony and urged families and students to use available supports. Several members and Dr. Taylor said administration will provide follow‑up reports and that the policy committee should consider whether the district should publish proposed regulation changes for public comment in future cycles.

Next steps announced at the meeting included continuing implementation with monitoring metrics, additional community engagement this fall, and board committee review of how regulations (distinct from policies) are developed and communicated. The board did not take a vote on grading policy or regulation at the meeting; Dr. Taylor emphasized that the regulatory change is being implemented by administration and that the board will continue oversight and request data on student outcomes and mental‑health indicators.

Ending: Board members invited student advocates to continue submitting concrete recommendations; the next public comment opportunity was announced for August 21.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education - Board Business Meeting - 7/24/25","oneSentenceSummary","Students filled most public‑comment seats at the July 24 Montgomery County Board of Education meeting to press for clearer communication and more mental‑health supports after MCPS changed its grading and reporting regulation, which the administration calls a \"return to rigor.\"","taxTitle","Montgomery County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",38270,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6156515,"Board appoints two administrators, recognizes August as \"Get Ready for Kindergarten\" month",275,1662000,1937000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d&start=1662&end=1937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6156515/Maryland/Board-appoints-two-administrators-recognizes-August-as-Get-Ready-for-Kindergarten-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156515-31dfa87904d52da70b001df2fa430c53/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447588&Signature=e1o8mWQwxtjrfcYX~lkuN3fxTvanX-j81fPTmNaNdHB9~G-VQOoNW0qXw4tqnMYE52tf9qWrfhSs3HyZBdn7Yk0uh~o7Luwc1uXC3CvFpsIbim5K6robkBEcFewwxUrHy22cHcvmc-Udlmu-YcVR3EmkrJznpNYJOjseFU8ngA55u1qYHqyhvwZQHatcs6LHqF0gMVIjPskqDINzd3XfI-i9oXPi7krc4zdIBFTimMEaX9nnCIFhfvcPc6rxBkdPH8tdQfnOcOfEkhTZoLfDCAmoeUJajUL5Wy~94ZT-tPmSrWvQulTVXmmM0hy1JbdGFgx0akjro1y2HCND2~c0Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously approved two administrative appointments and adopted a resolution recognizing August 2025 as \"Get Ready for Kindergarten\" during its July 24 business meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Taylor presented the appointments. He described James P. Duffy's 17 years with Montgomery County Public Schools in facilities roles — from mechanic to maintenance and operations manager — and recommended him for director of the Department of Facilities Management. \"Mister Duffy looks forward to stepping into the role of the director to support the growth and unity of all of the division, for the facilities team, and ensuring that all stakeholders are supported and served in a timely manner with open and transparent communication,\" Dr. Taylor said. The board approved the appointment by unanimous raise‑of‑hands vote.

The board also approved the appointment of Steven J. Austin as supervisor of payroll in the Employee and Retiree Services Center. Dr. Taylor said Austin has been with MCPS five years and has served as a payroll specialist in the division of the controller; the board voted unanimously to confirm his appointment.

The board adopted a resolution recognizing August 2025 as Get Ready for Kindergarten month, which the administration said is intended to raise awareness about preparing children and families for the transition to kindergarten. The resolution highlights kindergarten readiness supports, inclusive early learning, family engagement, and transition activities including the district's planned transition day for kindergarten, sixth and ninth graders. The resolution passed unanimously.

Ending: The board placed the items on the consent agenda and forwarded copies of the adopted resolution to the family of a recently deceased MCPS colleague; the board acknowledged community and staff recognitions before moving to the boundary and program presentation.","The Montgomery County Board of Education on July 24 unanimously approved two administrative appointments — James P. Duffy as director, facilities management and Steven J. Austin as supervisor of payroll — and adopted a resolution recognizing August 2025 as \"Get Ready for Kindergarten\" month.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6156520,"MCPS unveils 6‑region program model and refined boundary engagement; officials promise phased rollout and more data",1139,5961000,7100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d&start=5961&end=7100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469561-48e35dca97186cb7f11b18b0c55e1f5d/thumbnail_5961000.jpg","/articles/6156520/Maryland/MCPS-unveils-6region-program-model-and-refined-boundary-engagement-officials-promise-phased-rollout-and-more-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156520-fced4e1eeb46754c96f1311d2ba693c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447588&Signature=JnjOJFL1WZXrOh2qvxQx4TFuc5Pv8Dn2ImJHxg~xKtlw7-Sh6N89ZMmwN0JJSFXIzIB1IrSb9axtpcZ79DYoy8McXuDKPcMIyoUVASDRhqlkK0Cd32c7Pwha1IiOd9SRYoe4IZhmxwZjxe4woezpmi01KQ8vfu9-kKEQmqqRwcfASFzqxut7mHdLAyEFa09BPvPjgqkoC0iYSazBBKvQfPTdy6Y~zQnQL2RzgE~WlnjwAwVGcYtb-jvS8mNZagTjIycicWaH3UySVOD9jqV4XAP5RlpaeK3L3loVW5BONWpNgUxTIjcLCTapvBFCIxmAyjL3Y5f9K2yPWauLQUahhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County Public Schools staff presented an updated boundary study and recommended program realignment at the board's July 24 business meeting, proposing a six‑region model for high‑school programs intended to expand access and reduce reliance on a small number of countywide programs.

Superintendent Dr. Taylor and staff said the work aims to \"ensure that all students, regardless of ZIP code, have equitable access to high quality enriched programming.\" Chief Operations Officer Adnan Mamoun and Chief Academic Officer Nikki Porter summarized summer community engagement, including targeted outreach and over 10,000 survey responses across studies introduced this spring (about 6,300 responses for the Woodward study and about 4,300 for the Crown study), and previewed next steps: refining options in September, a superintendent recommended option in December, board public hearings in February–March, and a final boundary decision in March 2026.

Porter detailed program recommendations that would replace some countywide models with regional programs designed to be closer to students' homes. She said staff narrowed an initial list to five program themes (medical sciences and health care; STEM; International Baccalaureate/humanities and languages; leadership, public service and education; visual and performing arts/design/communications) and recommended that certain career‑technical hubs (for example, Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Seneca Valley) continue to serve students from multiple regions because of their unique facilities. Porter and colleagues cited several markers of imbalance in the current system: the Global Ecology program at Poolesville receives roughly 800 applicants for about 90 seats and Richard Montgomery's IB program drew more than 1,000 applicants for 125 seats; staff also reported wide disparities in transportation resources (staff cited 24 buses serving one countywide program compared with a single bus for another program).

Officials described a multi‑year phased implementation: students already enrolled in centrally managed programs or consortium assignments would be allowed to finish (legacy cohorts); the recommended start for regional admissions would be for the ninth‑grade cohort entering in fall 2027 (class of 2031), with full system transition by the 2030–31 school year. Staff said they will preserve local seats at host schools, create centralized admissions with both criteria‑ and interest‑based pathways, build on career and CTE alignment with Maryland's CTE revisions, and develop on‑ramps and off‑ramps so students can join or leave programs after ninth grade.

Public commenters raised neighborhood integrity and safety concerns tied to proposed boundary options (for example, residents of Stonebridge/Stone Mill and Bradley Hills expressed opposition to assignments that would move students away from nearby schools or require crossings of hazardous roadways). Alexander Verstein, speaking for Stonebridge residents, said of the plan: \"This proposal contradicts the board's own stated goals, geographic proximity, community integrity, safety, equity, and emotional well‑being. ... This plan splits Stonebridge in half.\" Bradley Hills PTA representatives and nearby parents cited projections of new housing and asked staff not to worsen overcrowding in nearby clusters.

Board members asked for more public data and modeling (asset maps, transportation routing, phased fiscal scenarios and split‑articulation maps). Staff committed to additional community outreach, more detail on program placement and costs in August/September updates, and further discussion in the policy committee about public input on regulations and implementation oversight.

Ending: Staff will synthesize feedback this summer, release refined options in September, and provide cost, transportation and program‑placement details ahead of a superintendent recommendation in December.","At the July 24 board meeting MCPS staff presented updated boundary study outreach and a recommended 6‑region model to replace some countywide programs, citing equity, transportation, and facility‑use goals. The plan proposes a phased transition beginning with ninth graders in fall 2027 and final regional rollout by 2030–31.","actionData","errors"]

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MCPS students urge changes to implementation of "return to rigor" regulation; board, superintendent promise review and supports

Board appoints two administrators, recognizes August as "Get Ready for Kindergarten" month

MCPS unveils 6‑region program model and refined boundary engagement; officials promise phased rollout and more data