Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) chose Dr. Monifa McKnight as the first woman and the second person of color to be its superintendent beginning July 1 at a salary of $320,000.
Board of Education members unanimously voted for McKnight, who had been serving as interim and deputy superintendent since Superintendent Jack Smith retired to help take care of his grandchild.
Since taking office, she has dealt with a myriad of issues besides the day-to-day education of 160,000 at 210 schools. Decreasing test scores following virtual learning, violence in school and at sporting events, emotional and behavioral issues, a shortage of teachers, school bus operators and support staff and a teacher’s union that overwhelmingly supported a vote of no confidence.
