MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — The Montgomery County Board of Education announced in February that Dr. Monifa McKnight would no longer be the school district's superintendent. More than a month later, WUSA9 has learned that McKnight will walk away from Montgomery County with $1.3 million as part of the district's separation deal.
According to the separation agreement and general release, McKnight will receive:
- Agreed upon wages: $1,183,250.00. This payment will be made in two equal lump sum payments, less deductions & withholdings.
- Attorney's fees: $30,000.00. This payment will be made in a single lump sum payable to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.
- Deferred compensation: $20,225.00 to be payable to employee's 457(b) account number, less applicable deduction & withholdings.
- Tax-sheltered annual annuity plan: $18,525.00 payable to employee's 403(b) account, less deductions & withholdings.
- And $48,000 payable to employee's annual annuity via employee's 403(b) account number
The total between all of the payouts equals $1.3 million.
The reason why McKnight and the Montgomery County school district decided to part ways remains unclear but the move came not long after a months-long investigation into Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) which detailed years-long issues in the way the school system handles employee complaints – including sexual harassment accusations.
The school board on Saturday morning gave WUSA9 the following statement:
The Montgomery County Board of Education is committed to the well-being and success of all students and staff. All decisions the Board makes are made in the best interest of our students and our school system. As stewards of education, we are committed to ensuring that the core purpose of teaching and learning, and ultimately student success, remains central to everything we do. It is imperative that anything that distracts from high-quality teaching and learning is minimized.
The Board has launched a national search for the next superintendent and has asked the community to participate in identifying the leadership characteristics essential in our next leader. We are actively planning for the future to ensure that our schools continue to thrive and meet the needs of our diverse community.
A nationwide search for McKnight's replacement is still underway. Before the board moves forward with a search firm, they want to touch base with the community and learn what characteristics they believe the future superintendent should have. Everyone’s input will then be gathered and added to the board’s strategic priorities. Characteristics of the next superintendent will be collected through multiple channels.
A website that will provide updates on the search process
A survey is available to students, staff, and the community to add characteristics they feel the next superintendent should have when the Board is considering candidates.
The board will host three in-person town halls for more suggestions
April 2, 2024 – Seneca Valley High School, 6 p.m.
April 3, 2024 – Richard Montgomery High School, 6 p.m.
April 4, 2024– Wheaton High School, 6 p.m.
A virtual forum is in the works as well. The date and time have not yet been finalized.
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