Embedded Files
Introduction
Every five years, the Montgomery County Board of Education updates the district’s strategic plan to guide the work of MCPS. The strategic plan does not cover every aspect of daily operations but serves as a roadmap for sustainable growth. In his entry plan last fall, Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor emphasized that a strategic plan is more than a collection of academic metrics. It is a dynamic framework that enables schools and central services to adapt to evolving needs and challenges. As living documents, strategic plans reflect a comprehensive vision while clearly defining goals and desired outcomes.
Overview
The proposed FY 2026–2030 Strategic Plan was developed using a new approach, which included input from all areas of our community. Instead of just introducing a list of new programs, the Plan focuses on improving key systems and structures needed to make both existing and new programs more effective.
This approach is based on evidence that many academic goals are not being met because of outdated or ineffective systems and structures. Key challenges include collaboration, accountability, and communication. The 2022 Antiracist System Audit highlighted this issue: "The implementation of policies and application of best practices differs greatly from school to school, suggesting that the system is currently fragmented.” Similar concerns emerged during the Phase One focus groups held at the start of the strategic planning process.
Focus Areas
To address these challenges, the Strategic Plan centers on five interconnected priorities. Success in one area depends on progress in all others. Reinforcing these foundational systems ensures a more cohesive, accountable, and effective approach to achieving academic excellence.
Remove Barriers: Transforming our structures to eliminate obstacles and expand opportunities for all students.
Engage Families and Communities: All families have the information they need to support their students, and staff have the input they need to make effective decisions at the district and school levels.
Empower Educators: Providing all educators with the tools they need to deliver engaging and inclusive instruction that meets the diverse needs of students.
Develop Leadership: Cultivating strong leadership that drives excellence in instruction and equitable decision-making.
Strengthen Support Structures for Schools: Ensuring that schools receive the support they need to implement district initiatives effectively.
What is different about this plan?
As you review this draft, you will see both current and new initiatives. The primary focus of this strategic plan, however, is not simply on adding new initiatives but on overcoming the systemic barriers that have hindered the success of existing ones. What sets this plan apart is that it:
Identifies and tackles systemic barriers and root causes that have prevented initiatives and best practices from delivering the desired results.
Emphasizes interconnected and coordinated efforts rather than isolated actions.
Integrates accountability into every strategy to ensure measurable impact.
Community Input
A new and more comprehensive approach was implemented to ensure input from all parts of our community. The development of the FY 2026–2030 Strategic Plan began in August 2024 and was organized in multiple phases. Read how the plan was developed before moving on to the Strategies and Goals.
Proposed Goals, Strategies & Actions
Review the proposed goals, strategies and actions.
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