Superintendent recommends asking for $21.6 million in local funding

FACT CHECK:  In the article below, Superintendent Thomas Taylor says "none of the key personnel" are still with MCPS.  That is FALSE.  Superintendent Taylor has hired former MCPS Associate Superintendent of Operations back as the MCPS Chief of Staff.  The MCPS Associate Superintendent of Operations is a key person in the Capital Budget process. 

******************************** 

MCPS error leads to $39.3 million state aid shortfall for Woodward High construction

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is facing a $39.3 million shortfall in funding for the ongoing construction of Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville due to its state aid calculation errors in 2021, but won’t lose out on state funding in the long run, district staff said Thursday. 

To close the funding gap, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor is recommending to the school board that $17.7 million be reallocated from other district projects and also asking the County Council to provide an additional $21.6 million for the project. 

“I want to make it clear that this issue was entirely MCPS’ fault,” Taylor said at a school board work session on Thursday. “We are working to correct it, and though this will not have a net negative impact on state construction revenues over the long run, it does have an impact on these projects and I’m sorry for that.” ...

...At Thursday’s work session, Taylor said “none of the key personnel” involved in the erroneous submission to the state are still working for MCPS... 

MCPS error leads to $39.3 million state aid shortfall for Woodward High construction

Maryland education leaders commit to improve communication to keep students safe

Baltimore (WBFF) — State education leaders say they are committed to improving the lines of communication to help keep your children safe in school.

This after a Project Baltimore investigation found an MS-13 gang member and now convicted murderer, Walter Martinez, attended two Maryland public schools and no one in the schools knew.

For more than a month, Fox45 News has been trying to speak with Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael Lopez. DHS oversees the state’s foster care system. Project Baltimore would like to ask Lopez about the lack of communication that allowed Martinez to attend Lansdowne High School in Baltimore County and then Edgewood High School in Harford County, in late 2022...

Maryland education leaders commit to improve communication to keep students safe

Former MCPS Teacher Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft from Rockville Dance Studio

Erin Kelly, a former Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teacher, pled guilty Tuesday to theft of more than $100,000.

She also pled not guilty embezzlement, a misdemeanor. The theft charge is a felony.

The Rockville resident is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7. She could be sentenced to up to 20 years and a $25,000 fine.

Kelly, 41, has been on leave from her position as an Odessa Shannon Middle School team leader for alternative programs, following her indictment by a grand jury for allegedly embezzling $161,000 from a dance studio in Rockville...

Former MCPS Teacher Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft from Rockville Dance Studio - Montgomery Community Media

WUSA9: Montgomery Co. Public Schools loses out on $39M in funding due to a submission error

The multi-million-dollar loss was due to an error in the Montgomery County Public Schools submission for aid in the Charles W. Woodward Project.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Montgomery County Public Schools has lost more than $39 million in funding due to a submission error, according to a letter from Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor.

The 288-page letter outlines a recommended capital budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and includes suggestions on how the district can make up for the huge loss in state aid...

...Janis Sartucci, a member of Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County wants to know how an almost 40-million-dollar mistake slipped through the cracks.

“There are multiple steps and lots of people involved in approving these construction contracts. This isn’t just someone making a minor error. And, who suffers? The community, schools, this 17 million could be going to other needs in our system.” Sartucci, said...

MCPS loses out on $39M in funding due to a submission error | wusa9.com

Board of Education Ignores Transportation Audit Financial Warnings, instead sets up Committee and includes former BOE member who abused MCPS credit card.

The Parents' Coalition filed a Maryland Public Information Act request for the members of the new Board of Education committee on transportation.  

Below is the list of members of this new committee.  It is unclear what this committee is supposed to do as the CESO Audit was very clear on the immediate steps that the Board of Education should be taking with regard to the unsustainable financial issues in the MCPS Department of Transportation.  Setting up a random committee was not one of the steps recommended by the CESO Audit. 

~Included on the Committee is former Board of Education member Chris Barclay who was found to have used his Board of Education credit card for personal expenses.  

At this link is a list of the people Mr. Barclay took out to eat using his Board of Education credit card.

FYI:  The Board of Education members were forced to permanently cut up their credit cards after this scandal.  

~Also listed as being on the Committee is the name of a MCPS administrator referenced in the Beidleman scandal last year.  

Nothing about this committee is in compliance with the immediate recommendations of the CESO Audit.   

Board of Education Transpor... by Parents' Coalition of Montg...

Marc Elrich on @MCPS: "I don't think...you're gonna find a lot of waste and abuse..."

October 28, 2024 

FY26 Community Conversation Operating Budget Forum - Virtual (7-8:30 pm)

Julius West Middle School evacuated due to carbon monoxide leak

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Officials said Julius West Middle School in Rockville was evacuated following a carbon monoxide leak on Monday.

In a post on the X platform, Pete Piringer with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services said crews were called to the middle school on Great Falls Road around 11:30 a.m. for a carbon monoxide alarm...

 https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/montgomery-county/julius-west-middle-school-evacuated-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak/

@mcps Chief of Staff Essie McGuire Approved a Woodward HS Contract using Non-Prevailing Wages in 2021

 

In 2021, Essie McGuire was the MCPS Associate Superintendent of Operations.  In that capacity she reviewed the Award of Contract for the Project Site Work at the Woodward High School site.  

The Resolution submitted to the Montgomery County Board of Education was brief, but clearly stated that the "project was bid to include both prevailing and non-prevailing wages." 

Using non-prevailing wages means the contracts would not be complying with Maryland procurement law.  

Woodward High School's project was attempting to use Maryland's Built to Learn (BTL) funding.  The BTL funding information sheet makes clear that complying with Maryland's prevailing wage law is required. 

EM approved this Resolution for presentation to the Board of Education.  In 2021, EM was Essie McGuire, MCPS Associate Superintendent for Operations.

Today, Essie McGuire has been hired back by Superintendent Thomas Taylor to work as MCPS' current Chief of Staff. 

Mom of murdered student files wrongful death suit against Montgomery County Public Schools

The mother of an 11th-grader who was killed in 2022 filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools on Wednesday, arguing the school system failed to protect her son from bullying.

Alexis Jones-McDaniel, the mother of Jailyn Jones, sued MCPS, the Montgomery County Board of Education and the county itself in federal court.

“Not only did Northwest High School fail to protect Jailyn Lawrence Jones in any way, MCPS made informed decisions and took steps which actively increased the danger to and created new dangers Jailyn could not abate,” the complaint states...

...At the new school, the complaint states, Jones “was placed in classes with the same students by whom he had been bullied and had conflict at Clarksburg High School.”..

Mom of killed student sues Montgomery County Public Schools

FYI: Maryland's Prevailing Wage Law

 Overview - Prevailing Wage for State Funded Construction Contracts

Overview
In government contracting, a prevailing wage is defined as the hourly wage, usually benefits and overtime, normally paid to the majority of workers, laborers, and mechanics within a particular area. Prevailing wages are established by regulatory agencies, such as government, for each public works trade and occupation, as well as by State Departments of Labor or their equals.

Annual Survey
The Prevailing Wage Unit compiles a list of registered contractors, contractor's associations and labor organizations who will be notified electronically when to voluntarily participate in the annual Prevailing Wage Rate Survey. The Commissioner encourages all interested groups to voluntarily electronically submit data detailing wage rates paid to workers on various types of construction in all localities in Maryland.

The Prevailing Wage Unit conducts an annual survey of wages paid throughout the State during the months of September and October. Contractors, subcontractors, trade associations, and labor groups who wish to participate in the survey must register with the Prevailing Wage Unit in order to be notified when the survey begins and ends. If you would like to be notified when the survey period begins, please register online. If you have not registered prior to the beginning of the survey period, you may still register online and participate in the survey at any time between September 1st and October 31st.

Prevailing Wage Law
The Prevailing Wage law regulates the hours of labor, rates of pay, conditions of employment, obligations of employers and duties of certain public officials under contracts and subcontracts for public works in Maryland.

Services Covered Under The Prevailing Wage Law
The Prevailing Wage law applies to a construction project valued at $250,000 or more if either of the following criteria are met:

1. the contracting public body is a unit of State Government or an instrumentality of the State, and there is any State funding for the project; or
2. the contracting public body is a political subdivision, agency, person or entity (such as a county) and the State funds 25% or more of the project including school construction.

Please see the State Finance and Procurement Article for more information regarding Services Covered Under the Prevailing Wage Law...

Overview - Prevailing Wage for State Funded Construction Contracts - Division of Labor and Industry

MCPS Superintendent reveals loss of $39.3 million in state aid due to submission error

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — 7News has learned an error in the school system‘s submission for state aid could negatively impact school improvement projects.

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor made the admission in a letter that was part of his recommended capital budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

In the letter addressed to the school board, he wrote about the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)...

MCPS Superintendent reveals loss of $39.3 million in state aid due to submission error

7News hears from Md. company that objects MCPS' diesel, electric bus contracts

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — 7News took a closer look at an Appellate Court of Maryland document that instructs the State Board of Education to remand to the Montgomery County Board of Education for an administrative review of the MCPS electric bus procurement contract.

“We challenged it with a protest and that has escalated to October 2024,” Luis MacDonald, President of Autoflex Fleet told us.

The action was in response to a complaint filed by his Baltimore-based company.

MacDonald explained he was denied the original Montgomery County Public Schools electric bus contract due to flaws in the vendor evaluation and scoring process.

He told 7News favoritism was given to the selected vendor Highland Electric Fleets...

7News hears from Md. company that objects MCPS' diesel, electric bus contracts

@mocoboe Board of Education Consent Agenda is for Unanimous Votes. Superintendent Taylor & BOE Silvestre put purchase of 70 Diesel School Buses on Consent Agenda.

The Montgomery County Board of Education has responded to the ABC7 news report on their purchase of 70 diesel school buses for MCPS by saying:

“Consent agenda items are routine business items that are grouped together to be approved with a single vote. The purpose of a consent agenda is to efficiently address standard administrative and operational responsibilities of the administration that require Board approval...."

But the Board of Education's HANDBOOK (shown below) explains that Consent Agenda items are for unanimous votes.  How did Superintendent Thomas Taylor and Board of Education President Karla Silvetre know in advance that the elected Board of Education members would unanimously vote in favor of this controversial purchase?  

 

 

2024 Board of Education Han... by Parents' Coalition of Montg...

WBAL: 27 Juvenile Offenders are on GPS Monitoring in Montgomery County

11 News Investigates examines process DJS follows when it comes to monitoring juvenile offenders

Data obtained by 11 News Investigates shows how many juveniles are monitored across Maryland

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-djs-juvenile-services-gps-monitoring-process-data/62640283

Maryland Open Meetings Act: "discussions about sole-source contracts and modifications of a contract that has already been awarded seldom fall within the exception."

The Montgomery County Board of Education has claimed that the Maryland Open Meetings Act allowed them to discuss the purchase of 70 diesel school buses from a single vendor in a Closed Session.  

Here's what the actual Maryland Open Meetings Act Manual has to say about that discussion:

The Montgomery County Board of Education had not put out a RFP for this procurement, was not evaluating competitive offers, and has purchased from the local dealer for the last few years and from the distributor for decades.  

Proterra Bus/Phoenix Motorcars Safety Recall [Risk of Fire] Does this include @mcps @mocoboe Electric School Buses?

MCPS electric school buses have a Proterra engine.  IF Montgomery County had a public school system with an open and transparent Board of Education and Superintendent, parents and school bus drivers would immediately know if any of the MCPS electric school buses are impacted by this safety recall. 

But this is Montgomery County, so don't hold your breath.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Background: On September 5, 2024, Phoenix informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect affecting Proterra 800V Catalyst (Model Year 2019-2021) and Proterra ZX5 (Model Year 2020-2022) transit buses with a certain electrical and software architecture and of their intent to recall the affected vehicles (NHTSA Recall No.: 24V-655). These buses were produced between December 14, 2019 - November 8, 2021, and July 21, 2020 - January 31, 2023, respectively.

According to the information provided by Phoenix to NHTSA, the electrical connectors and terminals at one rooftop passthrough at issue in this recall are toward the maximum current limit that the terminals are rated for, with radiator fans running at 100 percent speed. Over time and with higher ambient temperatures, this circuit design can result in excessive heat at the terminals and, eventually, the melting of “wedge locks,” which could result in a thermal event, increasing the risk of a fire. Software updates were previously released as a technical service bulletin, and Phoenix will redeploy this bulletin as the recall remedy. Per Phoenix, the update will limit the radiator fan speed to 80 percent, which reduces the load of each fan by approximately 46 percent and reduces the temperature at each terminal by approximately 71 percent above ambient without degrading performance of the cooling system. Phoenix will provide this software remedy free of charge to owners of vehicles within the recall population. Version 4.10.2 or above contains the remedy, and this version can be referenced on the vehicle's dashboard...

FTA Safety Advisory 24-1 Proterra Bus Phoenix Motorcars Safety Recall (dot.gov)

Proterra Engines in use in MCPS Electric School Buses

The specifications for the first round of electric school buses in use in Montgomery County Public Schools shows that the buses were to have PROTERRA engines.  

‘Taxpayers deserve better’: Local taxpayers league wants more oversight of Montgomery Co. schools contracts

It’s time to hit the brakes on a $160 million contract that Montgomery County Public Schools has with an electric bus vendor. That’s the way Montgomery County Taxpayer’s League President Esther Wells sees it.

Wells was alarmed by information provided by MCPS officials on Monday where they revealed that they’re in the middle of negotiations with an electric school bus vendor whose failures to deliver buses on time led to added millions in expenditures by the school system.

Regarding the school system’s contract talks with Highland Electric Fleets, Wells said, “Why are we renegotiating with them? We should take a pause or we should stop negotiations until we’re able to resolve the current contract.”

Wells was referring to some of the statements that Chief of District Operations for MCPS Dana Edwards shared regarding how the school system had “invoiced” Highland Electric for $1.5 million over the delays in delivery of buses and operational issues...

‘Taxpayers deserve better’: Local taxpayers league wants more oversight of Montgomery Co. schools contracts - WTOP News

Montgomery County school board approves $13.9M diesel bus purchase in closed session

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A representative from the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education confirmed the board approved a multi-million dollar contract for the purchase of 70 diesel buses on Oct. 10. But there’s concern about how the approval was handled.

“It’s absolutely horrifying that a purchase of the size was conducted in a closed session,” said Janis Sartucci of the Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County.

7News obtained documents that show the acquisition of additional diesel buses was discussed at a Sept. 26 closed school board session...

Montgomery County school board approves $13.9M diesel bus purchase in closed session (wjla.com)

Student allegedly assaults staff member with laptop at Northwest High School

Man was conscious, ‘having trouble breathing,’ according to police radio transmissions

A Montgomery County Public Schools student allegedly assaulted a Northwest High School staff member by striking him in the head with a laptop Monday, according to police radio transmissions.

Around 11:53 a.m. Monday, police responded to the report of an assault at the school at 13501 Richter Farm Road in Germantown, according to the transmissions...

Student allegedly assaults staff member with laptop at Northwest High School | MoCo360

Former First Grade Teacher Indicted on Felony Drug Charges

 

Sarah Katherine Magid, a former first-grade teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), was indicted Thursday on felony drug charges and ordered held without bond.

Magid, 34, of Burtonsville, was arrested in August following the March 23 death of a Washington, D.C. man from fentanyl toxicity. She is not charged in the man’s death.

She is charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, which is a felony, as well as five other drug charges. A scheduling hearing is set for Oct. 18.

Magid was taken into custody without incident following a search of her home by Montgomery County Police and special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA).

According to a previous police report, Montgomery County police detectives and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration specialists learned that the victim was in Montgomery County “in the days leading up to their death” and that a person identified as Sarah had been in contact with him.

Magid remains on leave from the school district, according to a spokesperson. She is listed in the staff director as unassigned in human resources and development.

https://www.mymcmedia.org/former-first-grade-teacher-indicted-on-felony-drug-charges/

Reminder: BOE Candidate Forum this evening in person! 7pm W. Gude Drive, Rockville

Reminder the BOE Candidate Forum is this evening at 15 W. Gude Drive, Rockville, right off the Rockville Pike. Plenty of free parking. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and other co-sponsors. Please attend. This is a critical election.

TONIGHT: October 9th, 2024, Tour New MCPS High School Building ***Northwood/Woodward (11211 Old Georgetown) ***

Come take a tour and attend a community meeting at Northwood/Woodward (11211 Old Georgetown) Wednesday, October 9, 2024, cafeteria. This is an opportunity to hear updates from @MCPS @mcpnews @cmkatestewart and more. You can pre-submit a question:https://t.co/Dhgi5ChlY9 pic.twitter.com/jrM1kSi5f9

— 2D Commander (@2dCommander) October 8, 2024

‘Worst part of day is recess': Elementary school awaits new playground

Several parents say Montgomery County Public Schools removed unsafe playground equipment from an elementary school but have been slow to replace it, leaving students with little to do during recess.

Parents are often looking for ways to keep their kids active. One said that’s been a challenge for her third grader at East Silver Spring Elementary School this schoolyear.

She said the school hasn’t had a playground since April.

“That leads to maybe more behavioral challenges in the classroom when they can’t get their wiggles out,” she said.

“My son comes back and says the worst part of the day is recess, which is pretty sad for a third grader,” Liz Osborn said.

Parents like Osborn even came out of pocket donating almost $200 worth of play equipment to the school. She said it shouldn’t have reached this point...

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/worst-part-of-day-is-recess-elementary-school-awaits-new-playground/3728170/

Applications Open for MCPS Virtual Program for Students With Medical Needs

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has opened applications for a new virtual learning program designed for students with long-term medical needs.

The school system had a virtual academy—the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA)—which was closed this year. According to MCPS, eliminating the academy was a decision made due to a lack of budget funding. The school board approved the operating budget with cutbacks in June.

According to MCPS, the new program is meant to provide synchronous and asynchronous virtual education for students who cannot attend school in-person for up to a year due to medical conditions. The application form has space to specify a physical or mental health condition. Applicants have to submit medical verification from a practitioner...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/applications-open-for-mcps-virtual-program-for-students-with-medical-needs/

The Reign of the Yellow School Bus Is Over

The reign of the yellow school bus is officially over. According to data from the National Household Travel Survey, more American students aged 5-17 arrived at and departed from school by private vehicle than all other means combined...

The Reign of the Yellow School Bus Is Over (strongtowns.org)

Former MCPS Director Eric Minus: 5 Principles for Protecting Your Professional Brand

Remember The Washington Post's stories about the issues surrounding former MCPS principal Joel Beidleman?  

There was this part of the coverage that discussed how former MCPS Director Eric Minus handled reports: 

...The Post’s initial story disclosed that then-Director of School Support and Improvement Eric Minus, Beidleman’s boss, contacted Farquhar teachers about reports that Beidleman had called middle school students “hos and thots” (derogatory terms for supposedly promiscuous women) at two assemblies in 2018. When teachers tried to tell him about other misconduct, they said Minus waved them off and asked to stick to the question at hand...

https://wapo.st/3TIi5En

A year later on LinkedIn:  

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7236710374937427968/

Board of Education Funds Private School with Wing of MCPS School, Classrooms, Principal, School Buses and More [No Bid Funding]

Please note the report below is from a June 2018 document.  The funding for this no bid, private school is not disclosed in the Board of Education's annual public Operating Budget document. June of 2018 is the most recent information the public has for the Board of Education's funding of this private school.  

The image to the left shows a wing of Sligo Middle School in Silver Spring with the Saturday School awning permanently installed.  The private school uses the Sligo Middle School address as their business address.  

Source:  George B Thomas Learn Academy 190409.pdf (boarddocs.com)

Superintendent Thomas Taylor Not Available to Discuss $1.5M @mcps @mocoboe

Montgomery Co. Council questions MCPS on shortcomings of electric school bus contract

“What we’re looking at here is a failure at every level,” Janis Sartucci of the Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County told 7News.

“What’s needed now is a dedicated inspector general for Montgomery County Public Schools,” she said.

7News requested an interview with MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor to find out what he’s doing to correct the problem.

MCPS Public Information Officer Liliana Lopez told us he wasn’t available...

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-electric-school-bus-contract-costs-maryland-students-transportation-mismanagement-inspector-general-report-wasteful-spending-concerns