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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

School Safety

Last week’s tragic shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School shook our entire community. A student was seriously injured after a classmate brought a firearm into the school - an incident that put students, teachers, and families across Montgomery County on edge and forced a lockdown as first responders rushed in.

My heart is with the student who was injured, their family, and every student, educator, and staff member who experienced that fear firsthand.

Our response cannot stop at thoughts and prayers. We must take meaningful action to keep our schools safe.

For too long, we have debated school safety policies while incidents continue to occur. The reality is clear: we need multiple, layered, and practical safety measures that protect and support school communities. That includes trained, vetted School Resource Officers (SROs) full-time in our high schools.

I have long advocated for bringing SROs back into Montgomery County Public Schools full-time as part of a comprehensive safety strategy - one that includes prevention, early intervention, and rapid response when emergencies occur. SROs are not a standalone solution, but they are a critical component because they establish relationships and are able to de-escalate tensions.

This is not an either/or proposition. We can and should have a full SRO program while continuing to increase investment in mental health supports, violence prevention programs, and safety infrastructure so every student, educator, staff member, and family member feels safe and supported. This is critical to the learning and development needed for educational success. We can do this while treating all students - regardless of their race, background, or ethnicity - with dignity, respect, and fairness. 

I will continue working with my Council colleagues, MCPS leadership, and our community to ensure we take the steps necessary to create and preserve safe school environments for every individual. After last week's incident, MCPS has provided this resource for students seeking mental health support.

Supporting Local Farms and Strengthening The Ag Reserve 

Bill 7-26 would remove red tape for farmers and agricultural producers in Montgomery County, like at this Agricultural Reserve vineyard

Protecting Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve and supporting our local farmers has always been a top priority for me. That’s why I recently joined Council President Natali Fani-González and Vice President Marilyn Balcombe to introduce legislation that removes unnecessary red tape and makes it easier to do the business of farming in our County.

The bill clarifies that core agricultural activities include not just planting and harvesting, but also the business, administration, and management work required to run a farm — as well as processing farm products to prepare them for market.

By clearly defining these activities, the bill fixes a frequent problem in our law that ensures farms are not subjected to commercial permitting standards that were never intended for agricultural operations. This gives our farmers the consistency and predictability they need to operate, grow, and remain economically viable — while preserving the character and purpose of the Agricultural Reserve for generations to come.

Our agricultural community is part of what makes Montgomery County special — and I will continue working to ensure our policies support, not hinder, the families and small businesses who steward this land. Look out for the public hearing on this bill set for March 10 starting at 9:30 a.m.

Celebrate Black History Month

I am looking forward to joining Minds In Motion Child Care for their 19th Annual Black History Month Celebration this Friday evening at Watkins Mill High School.

This annual event is a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate Black history, culture, and the incredible contributions of local students, educators, and leaders. 

The program will feature student performances, poetry, dance, and community voices — all centered on honoring the richness and impact of Black history here in Montgomery County and beyond.

Events like this reflect the very best of District 7 — community-driven, youth-centered, and rooted in celebrating our shared history and diversity.

🗓 Friday, February 20

🕖 7:00–9:00 PM

📍 Watkins Mill High School Auditorium

Admission is free and dinner will be provided. I hope to see many of you there for what promises to be a powerful and uplifting evening.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you!

Councilmember Dawn Luedtke speaking at the early February press conference on the new public campaign to recognize signs of human trafficking.

In The Community...

"Look Before You Book"

I joined County Executive Marc Elrich, advocates, and our public safety community to help kick off the County's new "Look Before You Book" campaign to increase awareness of safe massage and wellness services. We can stop human trafficking by looking for the signs. Check out the information for more.

Breeze Thru the Trees 5k & Fun Run 

Breeze Thru the Trees is back! Grab your friends, family, and neighbors for an energizing way to welcome spring at this 5K race and one-mile fun run through the beautiful Ruppert Nurseries on Sunday, March 22. This community event supports the Children’s Opportunity Alliance.

New Grant Program to Support Local Farmers 

Montgomery County has launched a new Food Aggregation Grant Program to help connect small, local farms with schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other institutional buyers — strengthening our regional food system and expanding market opportunities for farmers. By shortening supply chains and investing in local agriculture, this program will help keep more of our food and revenue local while improving access to fresh, nutritious food for our community.

Ride on Transit Advisory Group (TAG) - Now Recruiting 

Ride On is currently seeking applicants for its Transit Advisory Group (TAG) and is encouraging participation from high school students, seniors, people with disabilities, and bilingual residents. TAG members serve two-year terms and meet three times per year to provide input on Ride On service and help improve transit for our community. This is a great opportunity to share your perspective and help shape the future of public transportation in Montgomery County — and students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Interested residents can apply online.

Free Tax Preparation for Income-Eligible Residents 

Montgomery County’s Community Action Agency is offering free tax preparation through April 9 for households earning $69,000 or less through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Certified preparers can help complete and file 2025 federal and state returns at multiple in-person locations across the County and through virtual appointments. Services are also available for taxpayers filing with ITINs, with application assistance offered at select sites. If you or someone you know could benefit from this free service, I encourage you to schedule an appointment and take advantage of this opportunity to save money and ensure your taxes are filed accurately and on time. 

Montgomery County Rec Spring Registration is open!

Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s spring programs opens Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 a.m. for County residents, with senior programs opening at 9 a.m. and non-resident registration beginning February 20. From sports and fitness to arts, aquatics, and therapeutic recreation, there are hundreds of programs for residents of all ages to stay active, try something new, and build community this spring. I encourage families to review the digital Spring Guide and register early, as popular classes fill quickly. Financial assistance is also available through the Rec Assist program for eligible residents.

RespectFest 2026 - Save the Date

Mark your calendars for RespectFest 2026, a weeklong series of activities promoting respect, inclusion, and community connection from March 8–15, culminating in an in-person celebration on Sunday, March 15 from 1–4 PM at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. This free event will feature performances, workshops, a resource fair, games, activities, and free food, with opportunities for students to earn SSL hours throughout the week. RespectFest is a great opportunity for young people and families to connect with community resources and celebrate what brings us together.

If you would like to get in touch, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you!