ROCKVILLE, Md. — Families enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools' virtual learning program held a sit-in outside school board headquarters Tuesday. Board members will vote on the proposed budget and cuts to programs in an effort to fill a more than $30 million budget deficit for the 2024/2025 school year. The virtual program is currently on the chopping block for the more than 800 families enrolled.
“Talking to these families that are scared, under duress about what they’re going to have next year for their children and just worried that they won’t have an appropriate alternative. It’s just not OK for it to go down like this, especially over a small budget crisis between the council and the board. Don’t put these kids in the middle of it,” said Sterling High, one of the organizers behind Tuesday’s sit-in.
High told WUSA9 they held another sit in last week, and 150 people attended. Cutting the virtual program, increasing class sizes and delaying an expansion of pre-K has people in this community upset, but board members said it would balance the budget.
MCPS told WUSA9 that staffing cuts originally proposed are now off the table.
"The Montgomery County Board of Education respects the right of all citizens to peacefully assemble and express their viewpoints. Advocacy is an important part of the process and demonstrates our community’s care and support for our students and schools," an MCPS spokesperson said.
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