MOCO Schools Superintendent Chosen By Board Of Education

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Monifa McKnight will continue in her post as superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, the Board of Education announced Tuesday morning. The Board vote to appoint McKnight was unanimous.

Monifa McKnight has been acting superintendent since Jack Smith retired in the spring of 2021. She is the first woman appointed as superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools.

McKnight thanked the Board for their decision and spoke about the work they'll work on together, including building trust in the community, prioritizing student safety and health, and ensuring an equitable education for all students.

"I care for the children in the school system as I do for my own," McKnight said at the meeting.

Student board member Hana O'Looney said McKnight has the qualities needed in a superintendent, including the ability to effect change when it comes to equity in education.

"I think Dr. McKnight is someone who really walks the walk," said O'Looney at the meeting.

Board President Brenda Wolff said choosing a superintendent is one of the most important tasks a Board of Education has.

"Dr. McKnight's experience and vision makes her uniquely qualified to lead MCPS in this critical time and into the future,"said Wolff at a news conference after the meeting.

Board Vice President Karla Silvestre congratulated McKnight on her appointment, and thanked her for her work so far.

"Thank you for your service to Montgomery County this past 20 years, and particularly the last two years, which have been some of the most challenging in public education," said Silvestre at the meeting.

"We are excited to hit the ground running with you, to move our school system forward and to make sure all of our students succeed," she added.

This story has been updated.