Parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, are voicing strong opposition to proposed changes in school boundaries, arguing the plans could worsen economic and racial segregation. Dozens gathered at the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) headquarters in Rockville to protest four proposals designed to accommodate two new high schools and alleviate overcrowding.
The core of the dispute centers on claims that the proposed maps would concentrate students from lower-income families into schools on the county's east side, while leaving wealthier schools on the west side largely untouched. The school board must finalize a new map by March 2025 for implementation in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Key Takeaways
- MCPS has introduced four proposals to redraw high school boundaries ahead of the opening of two new schools.
- Parents argue the plans will increase the concentration of poverty in East County schools.
- Proposals would reportedly not increase the number of low-income students at affluent schools like Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walt Whitman High.
- A final decision on the new boundaries is required by March 2025 for the 2027-2028 school year.
Why School Boundaries Are Being Redrawn
The boundary adjustment process was initiated by Montgomery County Public Schools to manage student population growth and prepare for the opening of two new facilities: Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville and Crown High School in Gaithersburg. These new schools are intended to ease significant overcrowding across the district.
According to MCPS, the goal of the boundary study is to create attendance zones for the new schools while also balancing enrollment in surrounding high schools. The district presented four distinct options to the public for feedback. The Board of Education has set a firm deadline of March 2025 to adopt a final plan, ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff ahead of the 2027-2028 academic year.
The East-West Divide
Montgomery County has long faced a well-documented economic divide between its eastern and western regions. The western part of the county, including areas like Bethesda and Potomac, is generally more affluent with higher property values and more resources. The eastern side, including areas like Silver Spring and Wheaton, is more economically and racially diverse, with a higher concentration of families requiring public assistance.
Parents Allege Increased Segregation
During a recent gathering, parents from the eastern part of the county expressed frustration, stating the proposals fail to address existing inequities and, in some cases, make them worse. A primary concern is the distribution of students who qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS), a federal indicator of poverty within a school population.
Critics of the plans say the maps would increase the concentration of FARMS-eligible students at high schools in Silver Spring. In contrast, they point out that highly-resourced schools in wealthier areas, such as Bethesda-Chevy Chase High and Walt Whitman High, would not see a corresponding increase in their FARMS populations under the current proposals.
“It’s very clear that our county is very segregated, that kids on the Eastside do not have the same access and resources and are not prioritized,” said Anh Lam-Viera, a parent from the Woodside area.
Karin Fleschner, who moved to the county in 2004, noted the disparities are already apparent in everyday school life. “Look at sports, when our kids play in the rich areas, or in the wealthier areas, they always lose!” she said, urging the board to “Listen to the kids who need the most support.”
Concerns Over Resources and Stability
Threats to Existing Programs
Parents also raised concerns that the boundary changes could jeopardize established programs like the Down County Consortium (DCC). The DCC allows students in certain areas to choose among five high schools, promoting diversity and providing access to specialized academic programs. Some fear that shifting large student populations could destabilize this delicate balance and undermine the consortium's goals.
Victoria Hougham, a parent with children at Westland Middle School, which feeds into the affluent Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, spoke in solidarity with East County parents. “When east county schools and families are destabilized so that ours remain untouched, we are part of the problem,” she stated, highlighting a sense of shared responsibility among some West County residents.
Important Dates
- Current Phase: Public feedback and community engagement on the four boundary proposals.
- March 2025: Deadline for the MCPS Board of Education to adopt a final boundary map.
- August 2027: New boundaries take effect for the 2027-2028 academic year.
The School Board's Position
Members of the MCPS Board of Education have acknowledged the public's concerns and emphasized that the process is ongoing. They have stressed that the current proposals are drafts and that community feedback is a critical part of reaching a final decision.
During the meeting, board member Rita Montoya addressed the issue of segregation directly, acknowledging the impact of the proposed maps regardless of their intent.
“Segregation by any other name is still segregation,” Montoya said. “It doesn’t matter if we didn’t mean to, it doesn’t matter if we had the best intentions... if that’s what’s being produced, we have to call it what it is.”
The school board maintains that no decisions have been made and that all feedback will be considered before the March 2025 deadline. The coming months will involve further analysis and public hearings as the district works to finalize a plan that addresses both overcrowding and the community's deep-seated concerns about equity.
