Council Reacts to Superintendent’s Resignation; Calls for Public Updates

After learning that Dr. Monifa McKnight was no longer Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), members of the County Council members issued a statement calling on the Board of Education to keep the community in the loop.

BOE members and McKnight announced Friday that they ‘mutually agree to separate,” effective immediately.

Councilmember Dawn Luedtke wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the council and the community need “a detailed and public explanation of the school system’s failures in the matter of Joel Beidleman.”

Beidleman, who no longer is employed by MCPS, was the subject of numerous bullying, harassment and sexual harassment complaints and yet still was promoted from principal at Farquar Middle School to Paint Branch High School.

The announcement that McKnight no longer was superintendent came with no explanation or answers, Luedtke tweeted. She vowed to continue ensuring that the council “use all appropriate measures to pursue these answers. Anything less would be a disservice to the public.”

In its joint statement, members of the county council noted that McKnight led MCPS since 2021 “through critical and difficult times.”

“We are confident that the Board of Education will work collaboratively with an interim superintendent to maintain continuity of operations for students and their families throughout the search and appointment process,” the members wrote.

“While the Council has no official role in the selection of a superintendent, we encourage the Board of Education to provide regular public updates as it navigates this leadership change.”

Council Vice President Kate Stewart also tweeted out her reaction. “Over the course of the last year, a great deal has come to light that has led to the erosion of trust with the school system. As we move forward, it is imperative that we center next steps on supporting our MCPS students and educators.”

Reactions Posted on Social Media

Related Post

McKnight ‘Declaring Open War With The Board,’ Says Teachers Union

Write a Comment

Related Articles