The Montgomery County Board of Education (BOE) and School Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight mutually agreed to separate, effective Friday, according to a statement sent out by the BOE.
McKnight issued a lengthy statement Friday, explaining that she always has been committed to children and their educational needs. “However, in life, things change,” she wrote.
“Effective today, after careful reflection, prayer, and willingness to demand fairness, I have reached a mutually agreed separation with the Board of Education,” she wrote.
In the past several months, there has been a distraction and her focus ended up turned away from the children she agreed to serve, she wrote.
Her statement went on to list the many things she is proud of since taking over as superintendent.
“For every student that I inspired and served, continue to be and do your best. For every staff member, remember your “why” to fill your cup daily; and to our parents, thank you for entrusting me to serve your children. It was an honor to do so,” she wrote.
Neither McKnight nor BOE members mentioned what, if any, financial package she received to step away from her contract.
“The Board is grateful to Dr. McKnight for her many years of service to MCPS and public education. We wish her well in her next chapter,” their statement noted.
A national search for her replacement will begin “in the coming days.” An interim superintendent will be named Feb. 6. That person is expected to remain in that position throughout the rest of the school year.
Immediately, Brian Hull, chief operating officer, will serve as acting superintendent. He took the reins recently when McKnight was out sick.
McKnight, whose salary was $320,000, has been under fire following three reports severely criticizing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for the way administrators handle complaints and promotions.
Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), the teachers union, has been at odds with McKnight for her dealings with teachers during COVID and what the members consider a lack of support when complaints are filed.
The way the district handles complaints came to light following a Washington Post exposé of sexual harassment and bullying by an MCPS principal. Joel Beidleman, a former principal at Farquar Middle School who was promoted to principal at Paint Branch High School but no longer works for MCPS, was accused of bullying and harassing teachers, according to an earlier statement from MCEA.
McKnight went public recently, stating that the BOE had asked her to resign. She vowed to fight, noting she was given no justification for the dismissal request.
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