Aug 31

Aug 31 Montgomery County Pushes Back Against Hogan Call For Schools To Fully Open

Joint Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council Regarding Governor Larry Hogan's Announcement About the Opening of Schools

Says Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich: “Montgomery County, like other school districts in the State, spent months planning for opening the school year virtually. It did consider a hybrid in-person and virtual learning approach, but after reviewing the situation and consulting with public health experts and others, decided to teach virtually. We support Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) decision, which was based on data and science and was made to keep our children, teachers and education professionals safe.

“We are dismayed and perplexed that Governor Hogan made this announcement just days before students return to school. MCPS has been proactive and deliberate in its approach in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in our schools. We understand the importance of getting our kids back in the classroom, but how we do that has far-reaching implications for the entire community,” the Elrich Administration said in a statement.

Switching plans for a school system with 165,000 students and 24,000 staff cannot happen overnight. MCPS has outlined a blended virtual learning model that, when the time is right, will be implemented. Until that time, we request that the Governor support our local school system and its deliberative approach to educating children in the face of this pandemic.