continues to advance important planning related to school boundaries and long-term facility investments. During the March 12 Board of Education Spring Facilities and Boundaries work session, district leaders reviewed updates, including alternative options, to the superintendent’s recommendations and answered questions raised by Board members and the community.
More information on those alternatives is available in the presentation slide deck. The full discussion is available in the work session . The following update represents a snapshot of the discussion before the Board of Education and interested community members are encouraged to watch the full presentation.
The Board is scheduled to take final action on the boundary studies on March 26, with any approved changes beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
Below is a summary of the staff report, highlighting what families need to know and some frequently asked questions.
The Boundary Studies
The recommended options accomplish important goals that balance enrollment so that schools operate closer to their intended capacity, strengthen geographic alignment so students attend schools closer to home where possible and support diverse student populations across schools. The recommendations also seek to limit unnecessary reassignment for communities that have experienced recent boundary changes while incorporating extensive feedback gathered from families, staff and community members throughout the engagement process.
Reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School and Expansion of Northwood High School
If Approved: What May Change
The superintendent’s recommendation for this study is based on a modified version of an earlier option, updated to reflect community feedback and planning analysis.
The recommendation includes:
- Reopening Charles W. Woodward High School
- Expanding Northwood High School
- Adjustments to several school assignments to better balance enrollment and facility use across schools.
One notable change is that Wheaton Woods Elementary School would be reassigned to Woodward High School, which helps balance enrollment between Woodward and Wheaton high schools. The update also improves the balance of students across schools so that buildings operate closer to the recommended utilization range.
What This Means For Families
For many families, school assignments would not change.
Across the study area:
- 47 elementary schools are included.
- 28 schools would see no change to their middle or high school assignments.
- Three schools would change middle school only.
- Eight schools would change high school only.
- Eight schools would change both middle and high school assignments.
Relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School and Expansion of Damascus High School
If Approved: What May Change
The superintendent’s recommendation for this study includes:
- Relocating Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm site.
- Expanding Damascus High School.
- Adjusting boundaries to reduce overcrowding and balance enrollment across the region.
This recommendation is a modified version of Option H, reflecting community feedback received during the engagement process.
What This Means For Families
Most schools would remain in their current feeder patterns.
In this study area:
- 59 elementary schools are included.
- 28 schools would see no reassignment.
- 17 schools would change middle school only.
- Five schools would change high school only.
- Nine schools would change both middle and high school assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were adjustments made late in the process?
This is part of the boundary study process. The superintendent’s recommendation is intended to incorporate feedback from earlier options and community input while balancing multiple planning factors.
Did community feedback matter?
Yes. Community feedback helped shape the recommended option, but surveys and feedback are not votes. The final decision rests with the Board of Education, which will vote after reviewing the recommendation and hearing public testimony.
Will students have to cross major roads to get to school?
MCPS transportation policy states that middle and high school students may be expected to cross controlled intersections, such as those with traffic signals or marked crosswalks, when traveling to school. This is already common in many communities where students cross major roads, such as Wisconsin Avenue, Randolph Road, Route 29 or University Boulevard to reach nearby schools.
How far would students walk to the Crown Farm site?
District planners noted that:
- A trail loop and improved sidewalks are planned around the site.
- Sidewalks along nearby roads are expected to be widened.
- Most surrounding roads have speed limits between 25 and 30 mph.
- At the farthest point within the non-transportation zone, the walk is estimated to take about 30 minutes at a normal pace, and no more than about 40 minutes at a slower pace.
What about transportation costs?
Implementing boundary changes will require adjustments to bus routes and services.
Transportation staff noted that:
- Boundary changes may require additional buses and drivers.
- Transportation resources are limited and may lead to longer ride times or service adjustments.
- Additional transportation funding may be required to support new assignments.
What is “grandfathering” and how will it work?
To reduce disruption for students already attending a school, MCPS typically phases in boundary changes. For this proposal:
Middle Schools
- Current 8th graders remain at their current middle school.
- Grades 6 and 7 would transition in the 2027-2028 school year..
- Implementation occurs over one year; full implementation begins in the 2028-2029 school year.
High Schools
- Current juniors and seniors remain at their current school until graduation.
- Implementation occurs over two years; full implementation begins in the 2029-2030 school year.
The Board also Discussed a Possible Countywide Elementary Boundary Study
MCPS leaders also discussed the possibility of a future countywide elementary school boundary study to ensure school buildings are used effectively as enrollment patterns change. District enrollment has declined since its 2019 peak and is projected to decrease by about 15,000 students over the next decade, meaning some schools may have more available space while others remain crowded.
A future study could examine ways to balance enrollment, address non-contiguous boundaries, evaluate facility conditions and consider whether some schools should be consolidated or repurposed. Community engagement would be a central part of the process, with public meetings and opportunities for families to provide feedback.
If the Board moves forward, a possible timeline discussed would place decisions on potential consolidations in 2027, with any boundary changes potentially implemented in the 2029–2030 school year.
Capital Improvements Program (CIP): Questions About School Facilities
Board members also discussed the broader Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and answered questions about school construction, facility upgrades and long-term investments across MCPS. The Board requested a $2.79 billion six-year capital plan, while the County Executive’s recommendation is about $652 million lower, which could delay or remove some projects, if approved by the County Council. Potential impacts include the removal of replacement projects for Sligo Creek Elementary School and Sligo Middle School, and delays for Piney Branch, Burning Tree, Cold Spring and Highland View elementary schools. At the same time, several major projects remain on track, including the Damascus High School project, Eastern Middle School, an Alternative Education facility, and countywide investments in HVAC systems, roofs, technology and school security upgrades. District leaders also noted that construction costs — especially for HVAC replacements — have risen significantly in recent years, making it more challenging to keep pace with needed building improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
During public hearings, families raised questions about facility conditions and specific school improvements.
How many MCPS gyms have air conditioning?
Currently, 60 school gymnasiums have air conditioning, while 138 do not.
Moving forward, all new school construction and major HVAC replacement projects include air-conditioned gymnasiums as part of the design.
How many HVAC maintenance positions are filled and how many are vacant?
The MCPS Maintenance Department currently has:
- 29 filled HVAC positions (including three supervisors and three assistant supervisors).
- 13 vacant HVAC positions.
MCPS continues to actively recruit for these roles. HVAC technician positions have been posted multiple times with the most recent hiring cycle resulting in two hires.
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What is the status of the HVAC replacement at Sherwood High School?
Sherwood’s HVAC replacement project is currently included in the proposed FY 2027–2032 CIP. The plan is now under review by the County Council, with final approval expected in May.
When is the HVAC project scheduled for Newport Mill Middle School?
The HVAC replacement project for Newport Mill is currently scheduled in the FY 2032 timeframe as part of the long-range capital planning process.
What is the estimated cost to build out the shell space (unfinished space) at Thomas Edison High School of Technology?
Thomas Edison currently has approximately 9,098 square feet of unfinished space. In today’s dollars, the estimated cost to complete and build out this space is approximately $3 million to $5 million, depending on final design and program needs.
What is the status of building out shell classrooms at Potomac Elementary School?
MCPS staff are currently evaluating whether to build out the shell classrooms based on projected staffing allocations and enrollment needs. A decision is expected within the coming weeks.
What is the status of the Meadow Hall Elementary School plumbing repairs and indoor air quality assessment?
Repairs related to the burst pipe at Meadow Hall have been completed. This includes:
- Mechanical repairs that addressed the cause.
- Full replacement of the gymnasium floor.
- Completion of the indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment and remediation.
The restoration work has been reviewed and approved by an independent third-party vendor.
Can the health room at Fields Road Elementary School be improved?
The health room at Fields Road does not meet the size standards used in newly constructed elementary schools. This situation is not uncommon in older school facilities. Addressing this issue would likely require relocating the main office and health suite closer to the main entrance, which would involve significant renovation work. This project is not currently included in the CIP, but it may be evaluated for future planning.
When will parking lot lighting be improved at Fields Road Elementary School?
MCPS facilities staff will evaluate the current lighting conditions at Fields Road to determine whether improvements are needed and identify potential solutions.
Can the welcome center at Quince Orchard High School be redesigned?
Quince Orchard High School, along with several other schools, has a welcome center that is not directly connected to the main office. Addressing this would require a significant renovation to relocate the main office and vestibule together, potentially including the relocation of large interior spaces and possibly a small building addition. At this time, no renovations of this type are scheduled.
What is the status of roof leaks at Cabin John Middle School?
When roof leaks occur, MCPS places a maintenance work order and contacts the roofing contractor when the issue falls under warranty. Recent leaks at Cabin John appear to be related to roof drains, which are not covered under the roofing warranty. Maintenance staff are scheduled to complete the necessary repairs within the next two weeks, weather permitting.
What is the status of repairs to the Cabin John Middle School retaining wall?
A third-party engineering firm conducted an assessment and monitored the retaining wall over several months. Based on the results:
- The basketball courts have been reopened.
- Permanent repairs are expected to occur this summer.
Planned repairs include adding expansion joints and repairing fencing to help prevent further cracking.
Why does Richard Montgomery High School use relocatable classrooms?
Richard Montgomery currently serves 2,387 students, which includes students enrolled in specialized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
While the resident student population is 2,105, which is below the building capacity of 2,220, the school experiences additional enrollment pressure because many students transfer in for academic programs. As a result, the school currently uses nine relocatable classrooms to support program enrollment.
Will Woodward High School have a wellness center?
There is currently a High School Wellness Center operating at Woodward that is being used by the Northwood High School community while Northwood is located at that campus. Once Northwood returns to its permanent facility, the Department of Health and Human Services will assess the needs of Woodward High School and determine whether wellness services will continue there.
Will the proposed Wootton High School at the Crown Farm site include a wellness center?
The original design for the Crown Farm site included a full High School Wellness Center.
However, MCPS was later informed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that they are considering establishing a “Connections to Wellness” suite instead.
This model would be similar to the Bridges to Wellness program, providing services such as:
- Therapy.
- Case management.
- Positive youth development programming.
Final decisions depend on DHHS budget approvals.
Can Silver Spring International Middle School operate without using Stairwell #7?
No. The building cannot operate without using Stairwell #7. However, MCPS is exploring ways to improve circulation and space usage in the building’s east wing, which is the original 1934 three-story section. Currently, each floor is divided between Sligo Creek Elementary School and Silver Spring International Middle School. Staff are reviewing whether adjusting this division of space could improve circulation and functionality.
Why are planners not concerned about utilization at Woodward High School?
Enrollment projections indicate that the Woodward High School facility has sufficient capacity to accommodate current and anticipated future development in the area.
Why is utilization at the proposed Wootton High School at Crown Farm not a concern?
Planning for the Crown Farm site includes consideration of future housing development already in the pipeline. Enrollment projections show declining enrollment in later years, and the site also allows for a future master-planned building addition if needed. Because of this, planners believe the site can accommodate projected enrollment.
Why can’t all Clarksburg students attend Clarksburg High School?
While many families would prefer all Clarksburg students to attend Clarksburg High School, the surrounding development patterns and building site limitations make this extremely difficult. Sending all Clarksburg-area students to Clarksburg High School would significantly overutilize the building, which has already experienced enrollment pressure for more than a decade.
Can a sidewalk be added at Darnestown Elementary School from the rear parking lot to the main entrance?
MCPS facilities staff reviewed this request and determined that existing sidewalks already provide safe access from the parking areas to the main entrance and other parts of the campus. At this time, no additional sidewalk construction is planned.
Looking Ahead
The Board of Education will continue reviewing the recommendations and public feedback before taking final action on March 26. If approved, implementation of the boundary changes would begin with the 2027–2028 school year, giving families time to prepare and ensuring a thoughtful transition for students.
Resources
- See the slide deck from the presentation
- View the Boundary Study webpage and options
- View the Capital Improvements Program webpage
Read the original article at mcps