County school board candidates discuss budgets, school security in forum

 ...District perception  

One question about the perception of MCPS spurred conversations around student and school performance and the reason for declining trust in the district.  

Harris blamed unfavorable perceptions of MCPS on only bad news being reported, noting the school system is struggling with similar challenges that other districts also are facing, like the increased needs of students that require more educational resources.  

“We are very honestly struggling to meet the needs of the current generation of learners,” Harris said. “This is a school system that is still trying to catch up to reality.”  

Diaz said she would empower all teachers to give students the grades they deserve and eliminate grade inflation.  

Evans said the district and board members needed to be out in the community more so people can understand what’s going on in the district. “We have some wonderful legislators that have put forth [the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future] that is going to allow us to ensure that our teachers are paid more,” said Evans, noting the 2021 landmark education reform legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly. 

Montoya said she still believed in the quality of the school district but added that test scores and safety incidents are creating concerns among families.  

“So I think that when we talk about addressing these issues, what we’re talking about is rebuilding that trust,” Montoya said. “[To] spend wisely, invest in proven approaches, to close the gap and have a healthy balance between mental health support and adequate law enforcement coverage.”..

County school board candidates discuss budgets, school security in forum   | MoCo360