Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight and Board of Education (BOE) President Karla Silvestre both vowed Tuesday that an investigation into former Principal Joel Beidleman will be unbiased and independent and that the results will be made public.
Despite numerous staff complaints that when Beidleman led Farquhar Middle School, he sexually harassed and verbally abused staff, he was promoted and received a salary increase, according to a Washington Post investigation. The BOE elevated Beidleman to Paint Branch High School Principal following what MCPS called an investigation of the allegations.
The BOE recently hired the law firm Jackson Lewis for a two-part investigation on the matter. The first part concerns how Beidleman was promoted and whether there were any failures by MCPS during his review.
The second part concerns possible Title 9 violations, which involve sex-based discrimination in school.
“The Board is appalled by what has been alleged,” Silvestre said, adding MCPS will “try to find a way forward” that includes accountability.
“The Board has heard your concerns and is committed to a thorough, fair and transparent process that leads to a better and stronger school system,” she said.
