Message to the MCPS Community from New Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor: “My First Week at MCPS”

New MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor sent a letter to the community regarding his first week on the job. You can read it below:

“Dear MCPS Families, It’s Wednesday and today marks my third day as Superintendent of Schools. On Monday, I wrote to MCPS staff to share my thoughts on my first day and today, before the July 4th holiday, I want to check in with all of you. You may have heard me say that this is my dream job, and it is. Returning to the community where I grew up, went to school and now serve is exciting and professionally rewarding. I’ve already had the chance to tour a few schools, witness summer school teaching and learning, and see the staff hard at work preparing for the new school year.

I have also read the comments that many of you shared on the Superintendent’s Survey we sent you on June 12th. It is a lot, but rest assured that whether you share a concern or a good idea, we will review all submissions as they will support my decision-making and leadership in the weeks and months ahead. This is your school district and what you say matters to me!

To that end, I would love to hear from you if you have not yet shared your thoughts. I am keeping the feedback form open until 4pm on Friday, July 5th, so there is still time to share your thoughts and ideas. Here is the link to the form. Transparency is very important to me, which is why I am also sharing the feedback we receive. Out of necessity, we have removed any information that could identify schools, staff, students or families, contact information, or any other inappropriate language or information. I strongly believe that sharing responses, concerns, and questions is an important effort in transparency and openness.

My goal is to keep the lines of communication open between us as we move Montgomery County and its school system forward together.

Listening is important, but it is only a first step. Action is equally important. That is why I want to remind you of the Ask MCPS Hotline (240-740-3000) and the MCPS Spanish Hotline (240-740-2845). I have instructed our staff to treat calls and questions we receive on these lines as rapid response requests. When you call, our staff will ask for your name and contact information and then forward your questions to the appropriate office or school. You can expect a response within 72 hours (business days) as we work to address your concerns.

As your new superintendent, I am optimistic about the upcoming school year and our very bright future together. I look forward to working with you, our amazing staff, and the broader community to achieve great things for our children. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

I wish you a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

Sincerely,

Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., MBA
“MCPS Superintendent of Schools”

Featured photo courtesy of MCPS