Unfortunately, there is no recording of the November meeting. If you were able to capture any portion of this meeting on video, please let Byron know.

                    19 NOVEMBER 2025 NAACP Parents’ Council Meeting NOTES

The meeting began with introductions and discussions about communication tools, followed by updates on advocacy efforts regarding the Board of Education’s decision and upcoming Council vote. The main focus was on planning for Black History Month activities, including museum field trips and scholarship programs, with detailed discussions about logistics, funding, and volunteer opportunities. The meeting continued with presentations on collective advocacy strategy example at the Whitman Cluster, MCPS’ regional programs model, MSDE/MCPS math policy changes, and dual enrollment/career education programs, all aimed at improving student access and educational outcomes in Montgomery County Public Schools.

The meeting began with introductions and discussions about communication tools, with Assaati highlighting the effectiveness of WhatsApp for real-time communication compared to email chains. Byron and Robyn discussed the need for advocacy regarding the Board of Education’s decision, expected by March, and the upcoming Council vote in May.

The meeting focused on two main topics: the NAACP scholarship program and Black History Month planning. Angela & Ericka presented details about the scholarship program, including the timeline, application process, and volunteer opportunities. Several parents expressed interest in helping, and the committee requested their contact information.

Libby presented an update on the museum field trip grant program, which provides transportation and registration funding. 23 schools have already signed up to visit the NMAAHC museum. The program has a budget of $75,000 and aims to take more than 2,000 students this year. Assaati shared the history of the “28 Schools in 28 Days” initiative, which started with NAACP funding and has grown from two schools to 22 last year. The program focuses on the National Museum of African American History and Culture during Black History Month, with a goal of reaching 28 schools this year.

The meeting focused on planning and organizing Black History Month trips to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for Montgomery County Public Schools. Libby discussed a state grant that covers all four museums, and Byron emphasized the importance of following up with state officials to continue securing funding. The group reviewed logistics for the trips, including transportation, student selection, and lunch arrangements, with Anne suggesting discounted lunch vouchers as an option. They also discussed the timeline for reserving museum passes and the need to coordinate with school administrators to ensure smooth execution of the trips.

The meeting focused on planning field trips to the African American History Museum, with about a month before the pass becomes available. Representatives were encouraged to work with principals to schedule dates and complete necessary forms. Tiffany raised concerns about the quality of chaperones’ guidance during the visits, and Libby suggested using the museum’s facilitator’s guide to ensure a meaningful experience for students. The group discussed the importance of preparing chaperones, particularly for exhibits with challenging content, and agreed on the value of pre- and post-visit conversations with students.

Ronald and Anne discussed their collaboration with principals and PTSA to improve communication and address racial concerns in schools. They highlighted the success of the Black Brilliance Initiative, a mentoring program for students, which received funding from their PTSA. Ronald explained how direct communication with principals enabled them to gather student data and implement initiatives effectively. The discussion emphasized the importance of parent leadership, continuity, and building strong relationships with school administrators to address educational challenges.

Anne and Ron discussed the Whitman Cluster’s efforts to organize parent representatives and improve communication with school administrators. They highlighted the importance of building relationships with area directors and principals, as well as engaging with the broader school community. The discussion touched on challenges faced by parent representatives, such as navigating school politics and maintaining consistent communication. Anne and Ron emphasized the need for ongoing relationship building and education, particularly regarding the Black Brilliance Initiative and MCPS policies.

Jeannie Franklin, Director of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services, presented an overview of the regional program model being introduced as part of a boundary study affecting 50 middle and high schools. She explained that the model aims to expand program access while addressing school utilization issues, with regional programs becoming available in 2027 pending board approval in March 2026. Jeannie highlighted that while some schools are overutilized, others have underutilized capacity, and the model seeks to balance this by creating six regions with optional regional programs that include transportation. She emphasized that the program analysis is tied to the boundary study to ensure sustainable implementation and noted that the county currently has more than 2,000 students on waitlists due to insufficient program seats.

Jeannie presented an overview of proposed pathways in each MCPS region, showing 14-15 different pathways per region and highlighting the need for a systematic approach to ensure fair implementation and resource allocation across schools. The discussion touched on questions about accessibility for special education students, regional program application options, and potential partnerships with Montgomery College for post-secondary opportunities. Participants also raised concerns about equity in program access and the need for more detailed regional data to better understand program demand and distribution.

Stephanie presented the new Montgomery County math policy, outlining changes in curriculum, instruction time, and assessment. She explained that the policy aims to improve student performance through increased rigor, intervention programs, and a new integrated algebra curriculum. Stephanie emphasized the importance of community engagement and accountability, promising regular communication about student progress. The policy will be implemented gradually over several years, with major changes expected by the 2027-2028 school year.  The Parents’ Council congratulated Stephanie on successfully defending her doctoral dissertation on Monday 😊!

Genevieve Floyd, Director of College and Career Readiness, presented on dual enrollment and career and technical education programs, highlighting cost savings for families and opportunities for students to earn college credits while in high school. She shared that MCPS leads the state in the number of students graduating with college degrees and emphasized the benefits of these programs, including saving families money and providing students with a college experience while still in high school. The presentation also covered the requirements for participating in dual enrollment programs and the various career and technical education pathways available to students.

Byron Johns

Chair, Education | Parents’ Council

NAACP-MC

703.856.4354