March 12 BOE Meeting Recap and Latest on Woodward Boundary Study

[Elaine Liao Avin]

KP Community -

Below is a recap of the BOE March 12th Working Session meeting. There were discussions on the two boundary studies, CIP (Capital Budget) funding, as well as the scope for a countywide elementary boundary study to commence once the MS/HS boundary studies are completed.

Based on the outcomes of that meeting, the recommendation for the Woodward/Northwood Boundary Study made by the superintendent stands and is what will be up for vote and approval by the BOE on March 26th (along with the Crown Boundary Study).

Please reach out if you have questions.

Thanks

Elaine

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The March 12, 2026, Board of Education working session served as the final opportunity for the superintendent to present detailed information and for the board to provide feedback regarding the FY 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and several boundary studies.

The key outcomes and discussions from the meeting include:

• Woodward/Northwood (Region 3): A motion to reassign Wheaton Woods, Georgian Forest, and Harmony Hills to prevent split articulations failed (3–3–1). Staff noted that while this would improve cohort stability, it would push Wheaton High School’s utilization above 100%.

• Crown/Damascus (Middle School Articulation): A motion to flip the articulation of Stone Mill and Potomac elementary schools to maintain immersion program cohorts failed (3–4). Staff argued this would create non-contiguous "island" assignments and transportation challenges.

• CIP Funding Gap and Reductions: Staff presented a $652M gap between the Board's request ($2.787 billion) and the County Executive’s recommendation ($2.135 billion). To address this, staff outlined "non-recommended" reduction scenarios that would delay projects for Piney Branch, Burning Tree, Cold Spring, and Highland View elementary schools and eliminate funding for early childhood centers.

• Countywide Elementary Boundary Study: The board reviewed a proposed scope for a new countywide elementary boundary study and a separate study for school closures and consolidations. This process is slated to begin in the summer of 2026, with potential closures decided by May 2027 and boundary changes finalized by May 2028.

• Transportation and Implementation: The board discussed a cost analysis for student transportation and a grandfathering plan. The proposed implementation for middle schools would take one year (grandfathering 8th graders), while high school implementation would take two years (grandfathering 11th and 12th graders).

The Board of Education intends to take final action on these recommendations at its March 26th business meeting