After Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight said she was given no justification for the school board challenging her position, the teachers union called out “serious problems with her leadership.”
McKnight released a statement Monday, saying school board officers want her to “step away” from her role, and she said she was given “no justification for their request.” She stated, “I will defend my reputation.”
In a statement Monday, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) said, “We understand that Dr. McKnight is claiming the board is offering no reasons for this decision. However, we –like the rest of the public—are aware of serious problems with her leadership.”
“In the wake of the Washington Post exposé of sexual harassment and bullying by an MCPS principal, new revelations increasingly indicate that the superintendent has been more concerned with protecting herself and her close associates than with doing right by front-line staff and students.” MCM included the full statement from the union below.
The school system has recently come under the scrutiny of investigations surrounding Dr. Joel Beidleman — currently on administrative leave — who was promoted to Paint Branch High School principal despite numerous sexual harassment complaints against him.
Following McKnight’s statement Monday, the school board released its own, stating, “The Board is aware of Dr. McKnight’s recent statement to the media regarding her employment. The Board continues to fulfill its role as an employer. This is a personnel matter and in alignment with laws related to personnel matters, we, as her employer will not be providing further comment at this time.”
And at the start of a school board meeting for a budget worksession Tuesday morning, Board President Karla Silvestre emphasized “that the board is focused on conducting the business of the school system.”
“This morning, we will discuss and analyze the operating budget. We have over 160,000 reasons to remain focused on the work. The board is absolute in our resolve to serve the interests of our students, staff and families,” Silvestre said.
County Council President Andrew Friedson issued a statement Tuesday, noting the school board has the authority to decide personnel matters related to superintendent.
Friedson stated, “The Council anticipates the release of the Office of Inspector General’s report, which will provide the Council and residents with a thorough and impartial evaluation and make recommendations on policy and procedure changes at MCPS. Upon receipt of the report, the Council’s Audit and Education and Culture committees will immediately hold joint oversight meetings that will be open to the public.”
Councilmember Evan Glass, who was council president at the time The Washington Post broke the story about Beidleman, stated on X, “This is why I called for an independent investigation from the beginning – to learn the truth. The Inspector General is working on another report, the contents of which will finally bring the needed transparency & accountability.”
Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the council’s Education and Culture Committee, stated, “I am aware of the multiple news reports alleging that Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight was asked to step down by members of the Montgomery County Board of Education. While this is a personnel matter with the Board, Dr. McKnight should be afforded due process, as with any employee.”
The full statement from MCEA is as follows:
“We’ve learned today that the Montgomery County Board of Education has called for the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight. We understand that Dr. McKnight is claiming the board is offering no reasons for this decision. However, we –like the rest of the public—are aware of serious problems with her leadership.
In the wake of the Washington Post exposé of sexual harassment and bullying by an MCPS principal, new revelations increasingly indicate that the superintendent has been more concerned with protecting herself and her close associates than with doing right by front-line staff and students.
The superintendent’s overseeing body, the board, is no doubt aware of confidential information that caused them to determine this drastic step is necessary. In declaring open war with the board, Dr. McKnight threatens to further damage not only her own future, but also the board’s efforts to restore the public’s trust in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Right now, educators and the students we serve are the ones bearing the brunt of this disturbing chaos. We need to put out this fire and get back to the work of educating our young people.”
