MCPS to end areawide Blair Magnet and countywide Richard Montgomery's IB program

[Anonymous]

Per this report from Bethesda Magazine

https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/07/25/mcps-end-countywide-program-consortia/

That's a really unfortunate quote from the superintendent. I guess competitive programs for highly accelerated learning are a problem.

[Anonymous]

Thankful that both of my kids benefited from highly competitive magnet programs in MCPS, before it started to get watered down and now dismantled.

[Anonymous]

lol they care about busing!

[Anonymous]

🍿

[Anonymous]

Is this a surprise? Taylor didn't start off strong and now another leader failing our kids. Instead, they should be expanding it. No one wants their kids bussed. Better to offer the classes as the home schools to allow all kids the same opportunities. He hasn't completed any of his early promises, including transparency.

[Anonymous]

They are expanding these programs to more schools so more students can take advantage of them. Why should MC taxpayers continue to support these programs when there are so many kids that could benefit from a magnet, but there aren't enough spaces? Now hopefully they'll start working on middle school magnet issue.

[Anonymous]

I’m fine with changing to regional programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this a surprise? Taylor didn't start off strong and now another leader failing our kids. Instead, they should be expanding it. No one wants their kids bussed. Better to offer the classes as the home schools to allow all kids the same opportunities. He hasn't completed any of his early promises, including transparency.

I think that Taylor is claiming the regional programs across the county will duplicate the competitive magnet programs. I think he may underestimate what it takes to successfully undertake these programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are expanding these programs to more schools so more students can take advantage of them. Why should MC taxpayers continue to support these programs when there are so many kids that could benefit from a magnet, but there aren't enough spaces? Now hopefully they'll start working on middle school magnet issue.

Yes, that is next year's charge.

[Anonymous]

This is good news for rising 8th graders, assuming it’s true.

“ Beginning with the class of 2031, students would attend programs available in their specific regions.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a surprise? Taylor didn't start off strong and now another leader failing our kids. Instead, they should be expanding it. No one wants their kids bussed. Better to offer the classes as the home schools to allow all kids the same opportunities. He hasn't completed any of his early promises, including transparency.

I think that Taylor is claiming the regional programs across the county will duplicate the competitive magnet programs. I think he may underestimate what it takes to successfully undertake these programs.

And miraculously without targeted funding, to boot.

[Anonymous]

They won't be county wide anymore. So the very very top percent will be less served. But it will allow for more spaces for the rest of the top 10-15% kids in the regions to go to programs closer to home. Will it be better? Unknown for a while. I'm not sure they will be able to get enough qualified and dedicated teachers for these regional programs though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a surprise? Taylor didn't start off strong and now another leader failing our kids. Instead, they should be expanding it. No one wants their kids bussed. Better to offer the classes as the home schools to allow all kids the same opportunities. He hasn't completed any of his early promises, including transparency.

I think that Taylor is claiming the regional programs across the county will duplicate the competitive magnet programs. I think he may underestimate what it takes to successfully undertake these programs.

I don't give 2 sh*** about Taylor, but I do think he is quite aware that programs will not be duplicated exactly. Watered down magnets for more kids will keep the middle to upper class masses happier than a couple of signature programs that not as many kids can access. The magnets were a tool to diversify schools back in the day. They did their job. It is time for change.

BTW, all the things that people talk about with the magnets (regeneron winners, etc.) are really things that parents are facilitating. Those families will still be able to provide those opportunities to their children.

[Anonymous]

This is an opportunity for starting magnet program based schools for GT kids by private companies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a surprise? Taylor didn't start off strong and now another leader failing our kids. Instead, they should be expanding it. No one wants their kids bussed. Better to offer the classes as the home schools to allow all kids the same opportunities. He hasn't completed any of his early promises, including transparency.

I think that Taylor is claiming the regional programs across the county will duplicate the competitive magnet programs. I think he may underestimate what it takes to successfully undertake these programs.

I don't give 2 sh*** about Taylor, but I do think he is quite aware that programs will not be duplicated exactly. Watered down magnets for more kids will keep the middle to upper class masses happier than a couple of signature programs that not as many kids can access. The magnets were a tool to diversify schools back in the day. They did their job. It is time for change.

BTW, all the things that people talk about with the magnets (regeneron winners, etc.) are really things that parents are facilitating. Those families will still be able to provide those opportunities to their children.

+1 I think it's fine, and in fact a social good, to provide more access to more kids. Yes, even if that means a slightly less rigorous experience for the 10 kids per year who sign up for the most rigorous classes at SMCS.