Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) opens its doors Monday to a larger student body than last year and more than enough bus drivers to staff its routes.
The district is “nearly fully staffed for teachers and fully staffed for bus drivers,” according to Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight Tuesday. “This is truly a significant accomplishment.”
A bench of drivers also is available to drive bus routes when needed, she said.
During the previous school year, bus routes sometimes were combined, and administrators forced to fill in to deal with inadequate staffing of drivers.
Board of Education President Karla Silvestre said this school year’s class includes 164,000 students. There were 160,554 students last school year.
The new school year marks the opening of the Cabin Branch Elementary School in Clarksburg.
Also new are staff members filling such positions as middle school math coaches and athletic trainers. The trainers are tasked with keeping student athletes safe, McKnight said.
MCPS begins this year with an all-out effort to increase student attendance. All Together Now: In Schools Together, Learn Together, Achieve Together is the name of MCPS’ attendance action plan.
(1/2) We're ALL IN this together 🤝
As we begin a new school year, let's highlight the immense significance of student attendance in shaping your child's success in their learning and life.#ALLTOGETHERNOW pic.twitter.com/txjH7IbVnX
— MCPS (@MCPS) August 22, 2023
