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MCPS Neighbor to Neighbor

MCPS Neighbor to Neighbor is an opportunity for members of our community to participate in small-group discussions on important topics in Montgomery County Public Schools. Neighbor to Neighbor discussions will focus on a variety of topics throughout the school year. 

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TOOLKIT ON THE MCPS OPERATING BUDGET

step1

Gather a group and choose a location

Everyone is invited to host a Neighbor to Neighbor discussion. It can take place during a PTA meeting; a brown bag lunch at a local business or non-profit; or in the home of a neighbor or family member The group size is up to the host, but make sure everyone has a chance to participate.

Choose a location that, preferably, has internet access so those in attendance can view the budget charts, documents and video that are part of this toolkit. If an internet-ready site isn’t available, print the charts and documents in advance and make copies. If you need an off-line copy of the video, just email pio@mcpsmd.org.

step2

Watch the video and review documents

This video will give you a broad overview of the MCPS operating budget process, where the money comes from and how it is spent. This video, combined with the Budget Charts and Budget Documents below should provide a foundation for your discussion. If you have other budget-related questions, email pio@mcpsmd.org and we will try to get you an answer as quickly as possible.

Budget Charts

Budget Documents

Helpful Links

 
 
 

step3

Have your conversation

It’s time to begin your discussion. Below are a few questions to get the conversation started but this N2N conversation should focus on the areas of the budget that matter most to you and those in your group. Make sure to appoint a discussion leader and a note taker, and take a few pictures of your discussion to share with the MCPS community.

Conversation starter questions:  

  • What knowledge and skills are important for our students to have in order to be ready for college and the work place? What other skills do our students need to be successful in the 21st century?
  • In what areas is MCPS doing a good job? What areas should MCPS target for improvement?
  • Given limited funding, where should MCPS most focus its resources?
step4

Share your thoughts

Please email your notes and any pictures you want to share to pio@mcpsmd.org.You do not have to provide the names of everyone in your group, but the name and contact information for the host would be helpful. Please do not mention the names of specific children in your notes.

All notes will be shared with the Board of Education and the Superintendent as they prepare their budget recommendation for next school year. Pictures may be posted on the Neighbor to Neighbor website and other MCPS resources.

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have a question about Neighbor to Neighbor, call the Department of Public Information and Web Services at (301) 279-3853 or email pio@mcpsmd.org.