Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS's) countywide educational programs have left evidently significant impacts on students' lives. These programs, including the Global Ecology Program, the Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science (SMCS) Programs, the Humanities Program, and the Richard Montgomery International Baccalaureate (RMIB) Program, cater to diverse interests of students, foster their educational growth, and prepare them for success regarding future opportunities. The decision to shift focus away from these long-standing and successful programs, in favor of regional alternatives that have experienced little to no piloting, raises concerns about the future of education in our community.

Over the summer of 2025, MCPS proposed a plan that prioritizes the creation of regional programs over already established countywide ones; however, flaws in this proposal threaten the effectiveness of the education that has historically empowered our youth. For decades, these programs have not only nurtured students’ academic pursuits but also created a sense of community and belonging for students, teachers, and staff, transcending school borders. It is imperative that these opportunities are preserved for future generations.

Our programs are more than just educational pathways; they represent a commitment to excellence and equal opportunity, not determined by zip code, for all students in Montgomery County. Regional programs cannot replace the unique offerings and established successes of our countywide programs. 

While we are not opposed to the creation of regional programs in a suitable manner and the continuous improvement of educational quality across the county, we are opposed to the removal and heavy alteration of our current countywide programs. 

We strongly urge Montgomery County Public Schools to reconsider their current strategy and retain these vital programs that have proven their worth over the years. Education is a building block for our futures, and dismantling these programs could compromise opportunities for countless future students. We must protect and preserve the availability of our cherished educational programs.

Sign this petition to ensure that MCPS continues to offer these programs that have been a hallmark of educational excellence and help us continue to pave the way for student success in Montgomery County for generations to come.