A Smarter, Simpler Plan to Boost Student Achievement

Students thrive when schools stay focused on what works. MCPS’ redesigned School Improvement Plan (SIP) for 2025–2026 makes sure every school is laser-focused on helping all students succeed.

What’s new:

• Student-first focus: Aligns directly with Goal 1 of the MCPS Future Ready Strategic Plan — ensuring every student shows high academic achievement and growth.
• One-page format: Clear, concise, and user-friendly.
• Stronger alignment: Tied to key state measures from the Maryland School Report Card (like math, ELA, and school climate).
• Built by schools, supported by the district: Principals led the design, with support and resources from central services.

Transparency counts:

All school improvement plans will be posted online so families and communities can see how their schools are working to improve. The Board looks forward to future updates about how the new SIP is working for schools.

What matters most:
Simpler plans, stronger support, and a shared focus on what matters most — student growth. This is how MCPS is making every school a place where all students can succeed.

Watch the Board’s discussion on the new SIP.

Students First in MCPS’ Future Plans

The Board believes students in Montgomery County deserve the best start and the strongest finish. MCPS’ 2026-2030 Strategic Plan fully aligns with The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - a combination that is reshaping education so every child is ready for kindergarten, meets college and career goals, and learns from well-supported, highly qualified teachers.

How MCPS is stepping up:
The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan includes targeted measures to track and improve:

• Kindergarten readiness
• Teacher recruitment, diversity, and career growth
• Early achievement of college and career standards

What’s new with the Blueprint:
The Maryland State Department of Education and the Blueprint Accountability & Implementation Board are now working more closely together to ensure school systems like MCPS get clear, consistent guidance on how to deliver Blueprint goals. MCPS leaders will meet with state officials this fall to review progress, highlight challenges, and plan next steps. 

More opportunities for every student:
Better planning, smarter tracking, and strong partnerships mean more opportunities for every MCPS student. Progress will be public on the Maryland Report Card — so stay tuned.

Watch the presentation for all the details on how MCPS’ Strategic Plan and the Blueprint are putting students first.

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 July 24

The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold a business meeting Thursday, July 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.