The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education (BOE) advanced their study on elementary and middle schools around the county on Oct. 8. This study is a result of the largest drop in enrollment in the county, excluding the 2020-21 school year, in over 40 years.
The district has stated the decline in enrollment is in part due to declining birth rates and other demographic factors. “Our resources are limited,” acting chief operations officer Andrea Swiatocha said at a BOE meeting on Oct. 8. “We need to make sure that we are using our funding, staff and facilities where they have the greatest impact for students.”
The decline in enrollment has prompted questions by the district regarding the possibility of closing and consolidating some elementary and middle schools. The district has suggested that if elementary or middle schools are not at sufficient capacity, the closure or consolidation of these schools could save the district millions of dollars in operational costs…