OIG Releases Memo About "Evasive" MCPS Admin Related to Misconduct Investigation

[Anonymous]

The Montgomery County Inspector General Megan Limarzi released a memo on a complaint her office received regarding MCPS admin misconduct.

The memo is here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OIG/Resources/Files/PDF/IGActivity/FY2024/OIG-MOI-MCPS-SeniorOfficials.pdf

This complaint is separate from part II of the Beidleman complaint and is in response to a written complain the MC OIG received, according to the press release that accompanied the memo that you can see here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OIG/Resources/Files/PDF/IGNewsRelease/2024/MCPS-SeniorOfficials01102024.pdf

The money quote from the memo is here:

We initiated an investigation to address the potential violations of policy, law and regulations as presented in the complaint. In so doing, we conducted interviews with the requisite MCPS employees, and obtained and analyzed responsive records. The written complaint, however, lacked important details such as dates, locations, and other potentially corroborating information, and the complainant ignored our multiple requests for an interview and additional information. Our attempts to corroborate the allegations were further hindered by an MCPS administrator who provided evasive answers to direct questions and made the unlikely claim that they did not recall memorable events noted in the complaint. MCPS’s Employee Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct) requires that employees “respond honestly to a work-related inquiry by MCPS, law enforcement, or other authorized investigative officials.”[1] Policy in this area should be strengthened to include a mandate that employees fully cooperate with investigations.

Because the complainant didn't respond to follow-up requests to provide details and the MCPS admin was evasive and unhelpful, the OIG couldn't confidently confirm a violation of policy happened.

MCPS issued a nothingburger of a response to this memo: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13365&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

The Chief of MCPS’ Office of Human Resources and Development received accusations of alleged violations of policy by MCPS senior staff and administrators. For this reason, Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight directed her Chief of Staff to immediately inform the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and asked her office to investigate. The OIG did not find any violations of MCPS policy or regulations by those identified in the complaint. The complainant himself ignored repeated requests from the OIG to connect for information and an interview. We appreciate the very quick and thorough work of Inspector General Megan Davey Limarzi and her team for looking into this matter and, as the report on the MCPS investigations process is finalized and released, we will continue to give full consideration to additional forthcoming recommendations, as our goal is always to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment for students and staff.

[Anonymous]

I had no idea that administrators threw so many absolute ragers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had no idea that administrators threw so many absolute ragers.

Only in MCPS. Such a gross system

[Anonymous]

It's also interesting that the MCPS news release identified the complainant as a "him" while the OIG did not identify the gender of either the complainant or those alleged to have done wrong. I bet this is intentional on the part of MCPS leadership!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had no idea that administrators threw so many absolute ragers.

Only in MCPS. Such a gross system

Every profession has people who are totally inappropriate. Educators (all professions) are inclided. We are a microcosm of the world.

[Anonymous]

When the Inspector General investigates any employee in MCPS, the report is addressed to the superintendent who has the responsibility to follow-up. Yesterday's IG memo was to the president of the BOE. Among the seven under investigation had to be the only "MCPS senior official" who reports directly to the BOE.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/01/11/montgomery-county-inspector-general-mcps/

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry. Without naming people it gets confusing. Is everyone saying that Dr. McKnight herself was the administrator who was being obviously evasive and couldn’t remember things one would have been very like to recall?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry. Without naming people it gets confusing. Is everyone saying that Dr. McKnight herself was the administrator who was being obviously evasive and couldn’t remember things one would have been very like to recall?

Sorry - that’s a personnel matter so you won’t ever know and it’s none of your business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry. Without naming people it gets confusing. Is everyone saying that Dr. McKnight herself was the administrator who was being obviously evasive and couldn’t remember things one would have been very like to recall?

That would be quite the plot twist…but evasive answers does match her public track record….

[Anonymous]

Nothing says responsible administrators like bullies who can't keep straight which people they sexually harassed and which ones they bullied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry. Without naming people it gets confusing. Is everyone saying that Dr. McKnight herself was the administrator who was being obviously evasive and couldn’t remember things one would have been very like to recall?

That would be quite the plot twist…but evasive answers does match her public track record….

Not true. She reminds us nearly every chance she gets in nearly every communication how committed she is to transparency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry. Without naming people it gets confusing. Is everyone saying that Dr. McKnight herself was the administrator who was being obviously evasive and couldn’t remember things one would have been very like to recall?

Hmm... but why are they referred to as an MCPS admin in that paragraph while the prev paragraph refers to a senior MCPS official?

[Anonymous]

They seem biased and angry they can't get the results they want.

[Anonymous]

MCEA statement smacks down toxic culture among MCPS admin:

Rockville, MD – Educators throughout Montgomery County Public Schools are disgusted but not shocked by the revelations contained in the latest Office of the Inspector General report. The Inspector General (IG) states that the accusations of additional misconduct by administrators were not substantiated, but the IG also implies this was likely the case only because key people refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Honest, ethical leadership throughout the system is created by the tone and behavior demonstrated by the executive administration. We are dismayed that, according to the IG, a leader with knowledge regarding allegations provided “evasive answers” and “made the unlikely claim that they did not recall memorable events noted in the complaint.” The Board of Education must immediately institute policies recommended by the IG, requiring MCPS leaders to report misconduct and to participate fully in any investigations conducted by the employer.

This report is just the most recent evidence demonstrating MCPS executive leadership’s primary concerns are protecting one another and advancing their own careers. Meanwhile, they fail to provide those of us who work directly with students safe working conditions, free of bullying and harassment. Moreover, this inconclusive report gives us little reason to hope that these same administrators will be forthcoming with the truth when further questioned concerning other parts of the investigation.

SOURCE: https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/01/11/mcea-educators-disgusted-but-not-shocked-by-new-inspector-general-report/

[Anonymous]

The OIG doesn't seem especially credible these days.