MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Parents continue to fight for a program that was cut from the Montgomery County Public Schools budget in order to save money.
The Virtual Academy was a COVID-19 Pandemic-era creation and allowed students from more than 800 families to attend classes from home. However, the program was eliminated from the FY 2025 budget on June 11 by the MCPD Board of Education.
On Tuesday, the Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council continued to fight outside the Montgomery County School Board of Education. This time calling on the newly appointed superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor.
Taylor has previously led the way in establishing a virtual learning option for Stafford County Public Schools.
Parents stood outside the Board of Education, holding signs that read "MVA must stay!" and "Help Save the MVA". They are urging Taylor to leverage his experience in Montgomery County and reinstate the virtual learning program
"It’s emotionally exhausting," said Parent Sterling High. "These families should have been celebrating the end of the school year. Having fun during summer, but we are putting our health on the line to be here amongst folks. A lot of us are immunocompromised, we’ve given our all just to have a chance to save this school because we know how much it’s needed for this community."
“The closure has come as a huge shock, we're devastated. It's way too close to the school year to even find a new school that meets his special needs” Kristen Lasko, a parent said.
Families were also able to voice their concerns during public comment. Parents tell WUSA9 that the superintendent was receptive and families are hopeful.
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