Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are in the process of working on a new budget that puts the positions of social workers at risk. Social workers play a critical role in our educational ecosystem, being instrumental in supporting students' mental health, providing crisis intervention, offering counseling services, and connecting families with essential resources. Their work is essential in addressing and mitigating the various socio-emotional and psychological challenges that many students face.

In recent years, with the increasing pressures on students and families, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for social work services in schools has skyrocketed. Data indicates that schools with social workers see improvements in attendance rates, academic performance, and overall school climate (source: National Association of Social Workers). Eliminating or reducing these positions would not only disrupt this progress but could potentially lead to a rise in unresolved student issues and setbacks in academic achievement.

Rather than cutting social worker positions, MCPS should explore alternative areas for budget adjustments that do not compromise student well-being. This could include re-evaluating administrative expenditures, optimizing resource allocation, and seeking partnerships with local and state organizations for funding support.

We urge the MCPS Board of Education to consider the invaluable effect that social workers have within our schools and to protect these positions in their budget planning. Please sign this petition to show your support for maintaining strong mental health support systems in our schools and advocate for the preservation of social worker roles within the MCPS budget.