Why Less Kids Are Attending Montgomery County, MD Public Schools

In an interview, Brenda Diaz, a 25-year veteran teacher and at-large candidate for the Montgomery County Board of Education, discusses the challenges facing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Diaz highlights several critical issues, including inadequate classroom temperatures, a significant maintenance backlog, and a focus on testing rather than comprehensive education. She points out that less than half of African-American students and less than 35 percent of Hispanic students in the county are reading at a third-grade proficient level, revealing a stark achievement gap. Diaz also emphasizes the impact of behavior management problems and the removal of school resource officers, which she believes has contributed to increased violence and drug abuse in schools. As a result, many parents are choosing to homeschool or enroll their children in private schools. Diaz advocates for a return to traditional educational methods, including the use of whole textbooks and physical engagement in learning, and calls for a more independent and critical approach from the Board of Education to address these systemic issues.