Board of Education

Forty-Eighth Student Member of the Board to be Installed July 1

Anuva Maloo, Montgomery Blair High School Junior, will be installed as the 48th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) July 1. 

During her term, Ms. Maloo plans to focus on five key areas: educational opportunities, school safety, mental health resources, representation, and infrastructure. She is dedicated to ensuring all student voices are heard through her SMOB Advisory Council, social media, email, and an anonymous feedback form.

Ms. Maloo succeeds Praneel Suvarna, a 2025 graduate of Clarksburg High School. The Board will recognize Suvarna’s service at the July 1 ceremony.

The SMOB installation ceremony will take place July 1, 4:00 p.m. at 15 W. Gude Drive. The ceremony is open to the public, with limited seating. It will also be livestreamed on the MCPS website and broadcast live on Comcast Channel 34, Verizon FIOS Channel 36, and RCN Channel 89.

Board Requests Key Data to Shape Future of Academic Programs

Earlier this year, MCPS began a comprehensive review of our secondary academic programs. The purpose is simple: we want every student—no matter where they live—to have fair access to strong academic programs that prepare them for life after graduation.

This process is still underway.

At the June 24 Board of Education meeting, MCPS staff gave an update on the review. This was their best thinking at this point in the process. A full proposal is expected to be shared with the Board later in the 2025–2026 school year. In the meantime, we’ll continue to gather input, refine ideas, and engage with the community.

The Board emphasized that final decisions must be guided by data. They asked for a current program analysis and more information about the potential impact of the proposed changes, including costs, staffing needs, and transportation logistics. That data will be shared at future Board meetings.

We also understand that change—even when it's meant to improve things—can bring up questions or concerns. That’s why we’re committed to a careful, open, and transparent process. We won’t rush it.

Montgomery County Board of Education to Dedicate Board Room in Honor of Patricia O’Neill on July 23

The Montgomery County Board of Education will formally dedicate its Board room at 15 W. Gude Drive in honor of the late Patricia O’Neill, celebrating her remarkable legacy of service to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the broader community.

The dedication event will take place at 5:00 p.m. on July 23, and will include remarks from current Board of Education members, as well as family, friends, and colleagues who worked alongside Mrs. O’Neill during her more than two decades of public service.

In February, the Board officially named the space the Patricia O’Neill Board of Education Room, in recognition of Mrs. O’Neill’s 23 years of distinguished service—the longest tenure of any Board member in MCPS history. Throughout her time on the Board, she served as president five times and vice president six times, championing policies that expanded access and opportunity for all students.

“Patricia O’Neill was a fierce advocate for students and a tireless leader whose passion for education transformed our school system,” said Board President Julie Yang. “Naming this room in her honor ensures that her commitment to equity, learning, and community will live on.”

Mrs. O’Neill also played key roles beyond the Board, serving as vice-chair of the MCPS Educational Foundation and on numerous state and national education committees. Her leadership helped shape education policy in Maryland and across the region.

The Patricia O’Neill Board of Education Room will continue to be a place where meaningful decisions about the future of MCPS are made—a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to making every student's future brighter.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony and join in honoring a legacy defined by leadership, service, and a deep love for Montgomery County’s students.

The Montgomery County Board of Education to Hold Business Meeting Tuesday, June 24

The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold a business meeting Tuesday, June 24 at 15 W Gude Drive, Rockville. Details, including the meeting agenda, are available on our website.

The meeting will be cablecast live on Comcast Channel 34 (HD 1071), Verizon Channel 36, RCN Channel 89 and the MCPS website.