# Closures & Consolidations Virtual Engagement Session 4 - 11/2/26


**Body:** MCPS-MD
**Date:** November 01, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


MCPS-MD held a virtual community engagement session on November 2, 2026, concerning its elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study. Staff reviewed the study’s rationale, required evaluation criteria under Maryland regulations and MCPS policy, and the schedule: the study runs through April 2027, when the Board of Education is scheduled to make a decision; any changes would take effect in the 2029–30 school year. A consultant contract was awarded in July, but the transcript provides no vendor name or contract amount. No procurement vote or new spending action was reported.

The presentation discussed enrollment declines, building conditions, transportation, student programs, staffing, and budgets, and invited community feedback to inform the study. MCPS cited more than $5 billion in identified capital needs over six years—about $850 million annually—compared with average current capital spending of about $315 million. The community feedback form was open through November 4, with further engagement planned for December. The session described existing regulatory and policy criteria, but no policy change was proposed.

**Source:** MCPS-MD