Council President Kate Stewart and Vice President Will Jawando issued a joint statement in response to Office of Inspector General Report 26-01, which revealed significant deficiencies in Montgomery County Public Schools’ background screening processes.
The report found that criminal histories of over 12,000 MCPS employees were not being monitored, 4,900 individuals with student access lacked Child Protective Services screenings, and some contractors and volunteers began work before completing required screenings.
“The safety and wellbeing of students, educators, and staff is a top priority for the Council.”
The Council has scheduled an Audit Committee oversight hearing for September 26, where Superintendent Thomas Taylor and Board of Education members will be questioned. A written update has been requested before the start of the school year, and fall Education and Culture Committee meetings are planned to address these systemic failures.