'I will defend my reputation:' MCPS superintendent fights back after being asked to 'step away' from role
MCPS superintendent asked to 'step away' from role
The Board of Education is calling on the superintended to step down. The sudden move is now causing people to ask what Dr. Monifa McKnight knew about the harassment scandal involving former middle school principal Dr. Joel Biedleman and how she may have been involved. FOX 5's Sierra Fox has the story.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Monifa McKnight said the Board of Education wants her out as superintendent.
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, Photo via MCPS
In a statement shared with FOX 5 DC, McKnight said she heard last week that the board wanted her to "step away" from her role – without giving any reason why.
"The Board has never written, documented, or communicated any concern about my performance, and through the evaluation process has consistently affirmed that I have met expectations," said McKnight in a statement.
MCPS has faced scrutiny over the last year after complaints of misconduct and legal issues after a middle school principal was accused of sexual harassment and bullying.
McKnight has been MCPS' superintendent since 2022, and previously served as MCPS' Interim and deputy superintendent.
In a statement released Monday, the Montgomery County Education Association said: "We understand that Dr. McKnight is claiming the board is offering no reasons for this decision. However, we –like the rest of the public—are aware of serious problems with her leadership.
In the wake of the Washington Post exposé of sexual harassment and bullying by an MCPS principal, new revelations increasingly indicate that the superintendent has been more concerned with protecting herself and her close associates than with doing right by front-line staff and students.
The superintendent’s overseeing body, the board, is no doubt aware of confidential information that caused them to determine this drastic step is necessary. In declaring open war with the board, Dr. McKnight threatens to further damage not only her own future, but also the board’s efforts to restore the public’s trust in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Right now, educators and the students we serve are the ones bearing the brunt of this disturbing chaos. We need to put out this fire and get back to the work of educating our young people."
Read the full statement from MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight below:
Officers from the Board of Education indicated last week their desire for me to step away from my role as superintendent, providing me with no justification for their request. The Board has never written, documented, or communicated any concern about my performance, and through the evaluation process has consistently affirmed that I have met expectations. For these reasons, I’m concerned that its actions are based on something other than my performance, which would constitute a violation of my contract. I will defend my reputation and my decades-long commitment to the students and families of MCPS, and will demand that any considerations of my role as superintendent are made through a fair, legitimate, and legal process — anything less would be unacceptable.
Statement from the Montgomery County Board of Education:
The Board continues to fulfill its role as an employer. This is a personnel matter and in alignment with laws related to personnel matters, we, as her employer will not be providing further comment at this time. The Board of Education remains committed to the success of all students and staff and will continue to meet our public commitment to ensure MCPS delivers an exceptional educational experience.