Montgomery Schools Name Superintendent Who Comes From NoVA District

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The new head of Montgomery County Public Schools is Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who most recently served as superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia.

Taylor's appointment was announced Monday afternoon by school district officials. He will replace former Superintendent Monifa McKnight, who resigned Feb. 2 and agreed not to sue the district, reports said of the separation agreement the two sides reached.

After weeks of tension and public debate about her job performance, McKnight said she was leaving the district. Documents received by MoCo360, showed McKnight negotiated a $1.3 million payout after she agreed she would not sue the school board, accepted a mutual non-disparagement agreement and obtained permission for her son to continue attending county public schools.

Taylor, who has more than 25 years of experience in education, and six years as a superintendent, has a doctorate in education from the University of Virginia and a master of business administration from the College of William and Mary.

His expertise in both education and finance is a "powerful combination in a school leader," board president Karla Silvestre said. Taylor grew up in Montgomery County, and attended school there.

He was named the Virginia Region 3 Superintendent of the Year in 2024, Silvestre said.

School board members will formally vote to approve his appointment on June 25.

"My family and I are thrilled to be returning to Montgomery County," Taylor said.

Statement by on Announcement of Dr. Thomas W. Taylor as New Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent

"Our schools are a key reason people choose to live in Montgomery County and why businesses relocate or stay here. Maintaining MCPS’s quality of education, academic rigor, commitment to inclusion and reputation as an elite public school system is essential," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Dr. Taylor, a Montgomery County native and MCPS graduate, joins us at a time when our schools face significant challenges, particularly with transparency, funding and class sizes. We welcome Dr. Taylor’s energy and engagement, and I think we all understand the urgency of the situation.

"I look forward to working with him in this important role that impacts our children, workforce, home values, economic development and future," Elrich added.

Related: $1.3M Payout To Former MOCO Schools Superintendent Who Resigned, Agreed Not To Sue