One issue raised was the safety and security of students, with several speakers recounting alarming incidents in schools. A student from Northwest High School relayed a harrowing event where a peer carried a loaded handgun throughout the school day. The student advocated for enhanced safety measures, including stricter enforcement of ID policies and increased funding for school security personnel. At Kennedy High School, recent incidents involving a student overdose and reports of a weapon prompted a lockdown, raising concerns about the school’s emergency preparedness and overall safety environment. These incidents have reportedly left students and teachers feeling desensitized to safety protocols, which are perceived as a normalized aspect of school life. Community members called for immediate safety audits and increased investment in security staff to ensure a secure learning environment for all students.

Alongside safety concerns, the meeting saw a strong push for restorative justice practices within Montgomery County Public Schools (M.C.P.S.). Both students and representatives from advocacy groups emphasized the transformative potential of restorative justice in reducing disciplinary actions that disproportionately affect marginalized students. Statistical evidence presented showed a decrease in suspensions among Black students in schools with established restorative justice programs. Advocates urged the board to expand these initiatives by hiring full-time restorative justice coaches in every middle and high school, arguing that such programs help address the root causes of conflict and promote a positive school culture. The testimonies highlighted the current underfunding of restorative justice within M.C.P.S., with only 3% of schools reportedly having mature programs, and called for increased resource allocation to better support these efforts.

The discussion on educational equity further underscored the need for systemic changes in the school district’s budgetary allocations. Speakers pointed to disparities in educational opportunities, particularly for Black and Brown students, who often do not have access to the same classes or resources as their peers. The Black and Brown Coalition emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that the district’s restructuring efforts effectively meet the needs of all students. They advocated for adherence to existing equity policies and the provision of culturally competent support across schools. The Coalition also stressed the need for regular updates on equity initiatives to maintain community trust and support.

Another concern raised involved the need for adequate staffing and resources to support special education and multilingual learners. The testimonies highlighted persistent staffing shortages, with vacancies remaining unfilled, which undermines the ability to provide necessary support to students. Parents and educators called for increased funding to hire additional paraeducators and special education staff, emphasizing the importance of smaller class sizes for effective teaching and learning. The board was urged to ensure that staffing assessments use current data and to enhance recruitment efforts for specialized educators.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure and accessibility issues, particularly in overcrowded schools. Parents from Ashburton Elementary, operating near capacity with nearly 900 students, reported severe strains on teachers and resources, exacerbated by ongoing construction and insufficient financial support from new developments. They called for additional full-time paraeducators and a reassessment of class size guidelines to alleviate the pressure on the school. Furthermore, accessibility concerns were highlighted at Laytonsville Elementary, where the lack of ramps at emergency exits for students using wheelchairs was noted, a longstanding issue awaiting resolution.