Board of Education

Montgomery County Board of Education’s 48TH Student Member Begins Term

The Montgomery County Board of Education formally installed its 48th Student Member of the Board (SMOB), Anuva Maloo, on July 1.

 A passionate advocate and student leader, Ms. Maloo brings years of experience in student government and community engagement. She has served as her school’s class president, the workshop deputy for the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association, and the founder and president of the NEC and DCC Advocacy Coalition. She also serves as outreach director for the Yellow Foundation, a global nonprofit supporting youth in poverty.

Ms. Maloo’s term will focus on five core pillars: expanding educational opportunities, improving school safety, increasing access to mental health resources, promoting representation, and addressing infrastructure needs. She is committed to making student voices central to Board decisions and encourages all students to get involved—whether through their school’s SMOB Advisory Council representative, direct contact via email or social media, or an always-open anonymous feedback form.

Outside of her advocacy work, Ms. Maloo enjoys creating art, running, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. She is still exploring her future path but remains steadfast in her goal to stand up for others and champion equality.

Ms. Maloo believes the Student Member of the Board plays a vital role in ensuring that the lived experiences and voices of MCPS’s 150,000+ students are heard. She hopes to use her platform to inspire others to speak up and get involved—because, as she puts it, “Even when it feels small or unnoticed, it truly does matter in the end.”

The SMOB is a voting member of the Board of Education. Montgomery County is one of only two counties in Maryland to give this position full voting rights. The SMOB can vote on matters related to collective bargaining, capital and operating budgets, school closings, school reopenings, and school boundaries. However, the SMOB cannot vote on negative personnel actions.

Being a SMOB requires time and responsibilities outside the school day. While it is an unpaid position, there is compensation. The SMOB earns student service learning hours and one honors-level social studies credit as well as $25,000, which can be taken as a scholarship, a stipend, or a combination of both.

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 Work Session Thursday, July 10

The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold a work session Thursday, July 10 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.