Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight submitted an Action Plan Update that was released Monday to ensure that personnel with abuse or sexual harassment complaints filed against them are not promoted until properly vetted.
The update follows a request by the Board of Education for a corrective action plan after Dr. Joel Beidleman, who currently is on administrative leave, was promoted from Farquhar Middle School principal to Paint Branch High School principal despite numerous complaints levied against him.
Under the new regulations, no employee under active investigation is eligible for promotion. An updated email retention policy now requires emails to be stored and saved for three years, beginning Feb. 12.
Anonymous complaints will be reviewed, which was not the case when Beidleman was up for promotion. A hotline for complaints also will be instituted. A software tracking system will keep track of all complaints filed.
Stacey Ormsby was chosen as MCPS’ acting director in the Department of Compliance and Investigations. Other staff with legal and investigative experience were added to that office.
The proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes a $500,000 line item for the hiring of experts in investigations and compliance, according to the update.
Another of McKnight’s recommendations involves workgroups that will support staff in such areas as harassment, sexual harassment and workplace bullying.
Also in the area of employee support, McKnight included the establishment of a workgroup that would focus on enhancing safety and security in schools and offices.
When it comes to promotions, future plans include enhancing and expanding background and screening checks, creating a more rigorous interview process with more stringent documentation and record keeping.
The supervisory staff will have to undergo sexual harassment, misconduct and bullying training and learn how to report complaints.
Between Feb. 12 and March 15, MCPS will survey students, staff and families on MCPS’ climate and culture.
According to McKnight’s update, some corrective actions already have taken place, including the strengthening the Department of Compliance and Investigations.
“Together, my team and I examined, analyzed, and rethought the MCPS landscape. Additionally, we modeled a new approach that sought to draw on the rich and diverse insights, perspectives, and expertise of stakeholders from across the MCPS community,” McKnight wrote in the Action Plan Update.
