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
To those who plotted 2 get rid of Sup McKnight this is not the end,but the beginning of scrutiny of you especially BOE members who took no responsibility 4 JB. It will all come out!What goes around comes around. What you did will not be forgotten, nor will you be trusted again. https://t.co/bhIkRZ4xpX
— Jeanette Dixon (@dixon_jeanette) February 2, 2024
My statement on MCPS and Superintendent Dr. McKnight agreeing to part ways: pic.twitter.com/V8uqkRHO1V
— Councilmember Dawn Luedtke (@dawn_luedtke) February 2, 2024
My statement on the departure of Dr. Monifa McKnight from Montgomery County Public Schools. pic.twitter.com/tHHOYHynj1
— Jheanelle Wilkins (@JheanelleW) February 3, 2024
Today the Montgomery County Board of Education and Dr. Monifa McKnight have mutually agreed to separate, immediately. I look forward to working with MCPS to provide a world-class education for every student, and a place where every teacher and staff feels proud to work for.
— Natali Fani-González (@NataliFGonzalez) February 2, 2024
We respect the BoE and Dr. McKnight’s mutual agreement to separate today. Public schools are our most indispensable resource. As @MCPS navigates through this leadership transition, we must ensure that educational outcomes, workplace culture, and public trust are at the forefront. https://t.co/WrNTnj5BhK
— Councilmember Andrew Friedson (@Andrew_Friedson) February 3, 2024
While the Board of Education and Dr. McKnight have parted ways, this change cannot disrupt the critical work ahead.
I will continue to focus on transparency, accountability and reform to ensure students, teachers, & staff have the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed. https://t.co/s5smIA67mO— Councilmember Will Jawando (@CMJawando) February 3, 2024
What drama in MoCo! All of this focus on Dr. McKnight stepping down and zero focus on elected officials responsible for oversight and accountability that have lots of words and proclamations and little action, though they can do much. I hope local reporting will shift focus soon
— Dr. Jennifer Reesman (@jenreesman) February 2, 2024
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