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The Council recently held an oversight meeting with the Office of the Inspector General, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) leaders and the Board of Education to discuss the handling and investigation process related to complaints of misconduct by MCPS employees. The meeting focused on the findings of the OIG’s latest report on MCPS complaint processing and the failures in the promotion of a former MCPS principal outlined in the Jackson Lewis report. We learned some important information during the committee meeting, including an update that, as of July 2023, the OIG hotline has received 92 complaints related to MCPS, accounting for 40% of the hotline’s total complaints. The inspector general identified several recommendations the school system should take to improve processes, and MCPS leaders shared a few corrective actions that have already been taken.
Yet, many unanswered questions remain and the Council will continue pushing for answers and demonstrated accountability from the school system. We will continue working with the Board of Education and the inspector general to ensure that identified deficiencies are addressed in a comprehensive manner. In the coming weeks, the inspector general will meet with MCPS and the school board to discuss additional measures that need to be completed to fulfill the OIG’s recommendations. On April 23, the board will receive an update on the ongoing investigation process and efforts that are being done to tackle the issues identified in the OIG report. The Council’s joint Audit and Education and Culture Committee will meet again immediately following the April 23 update and the Education and Culture Committee will routinely follow up with the Board and MCPS. The ongoing check-ins that the inspector general will be conducting with MCPS and the follow up committee meetings will be essential to ensuring that the school system makes the changes needed in the workplace to create a culture of trust for educators and staff. Our schools are our most indispensable public resource, and we must ensure that there is a culture of accountability and transparency at MCPS so that every student, staff member and educator is safe, supported, and in the best position to succeed.
I have spent five years working to strengthen the Office of the Inspector General, and together with my Council colleagues, added two investigator positions devoted to providing additional oversight for our public school system last year. I appreciate the OIG for their ongoing work and am proud to have helped lead the charge for additional capacity within the Office of Inspector General.
At the center of these efforts is prioritizing the well-being and success of our students and staff. We must demand a school system that immediately addresses concerns as soon as they are identified, fully investigates all complaints, and provides a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and work. Our students, families, educators, and county taxpayers deserve no less.
The Council passed a zoning measure I spearheaded that will streamline processes to support a variety of local businesses, including home-based businesses focused on child care and health and wellness. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 23-11 would take certain uses that are conditional and make them limited, as well as combine other uses to streamline applications that are reviewed by the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearing (OZAH). This is a commonsense reform that will streamline bureaucratic processes and help cut unnecessary red tape to support a variety of local businesses.
Other measures I’ve sponsored and the Council has supported include ZTA 21-09, which reduced regulatory review processes by 75% for priority biohealth facilities, and ZTA 22-02, which streamlined processes to help biohealth facilities build and expand in urban areas including North Bethesda and Silver Spring. I also recently introduced ZTA 23-02 with Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, which would significantly reduce the time it takes to produce new mixed income housing communities. I will continue working on efforts to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses seeking to grow and expand in Montgomery County.
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I was honored to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at events this month, including the annual Lunar New Year celebration at Westfield Montgomery, hosted by the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, and the Council’s commemoration with leaders from the AAPI communities. May the Year of the Dragon bring luck, success and good fortune.
The Council kicked off Black History Month in early February with our annual commemoration. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Arts,” and the Council’s celebration included a video screening that shined a light on local artists and educators who are sharing and preserving their culture through art, dance and education. ICYMI, watch the video tribute here.
You can participate in events throughout the County honoring Black History Month, including the Montgomery County Public Library’s Black History Month event series.
Montgomery County Recreation hosts a variety of recreation classes, programs and activities throughout the County that promote healthy and active lifestyles. Classes and activities are available for people of all ages and abilities. Registration for the Spring season began Feb. 12 for County residents. Register for Spring programming.
The Council presented a proclamation this February recognizing Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month. Did you know: one in three teens will experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. This is an issue that not only impacts the individual, but also impacts parents, teachers, friends and the community. During Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month, we come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships. If you or someone you know may be a victim of teen dating violence, information and free resources are available for victims and their families.
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.
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