“On my last day…” A Message from Interim Superintendent Dr. Monique T. Felder

June 30, 2024

On her last day, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder sent out the following email (Note that new Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor starts tomorrow):

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Dear MCPS Colleagues and Families,

As I reflect on my tenure as the interim Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible district. MCPS has poured so much into my development, shaping me into a master teacher and a strong instructional leader. Returning to the district for such a time as this has truly been the blessing of a lifetime. It is not every day that one begins their career in a district as a teacher, serves in various leadership capacities, and returns more than 20 years later to sit in the superintendent’s seat. I remain deeply humbled and honored to have served in this capacity.

During my brief tenure, I focused on four key areas:

1. Ensuring Every School Has a Strong Instructional Leader: We made significant progress in filling vacant principal positions, ensuring that each school has the leadership it needs to thrive and succeed.
2. Emphasizing Teaching and Learning: Teaching and learning are the core goals of any school district. We placed a strong emphasis and focus on these areas to ensure that our students continue to receive the highest quality education they deserve and need.
3. Improving Culture and Climate: No strategy can succeed in a poor culture and climate. We worked diligently to create a more positive environment where both students and staff can flourish.
4. Preparing the Runway for the Next Superintendent: We made considerable strides in setting the stage for Dr. Taylor, the incoming superintendent.

Progress was made in all four areas, and I am confident that the district is on a stronger path forward through the collective effort of our dedicated staff and supportive families.

While today marks my last official day as the interim superintendent, I will remain available for the next couple of weeks to support the transition process. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the abundance of grace and support you have shown me during this time. Without question, there is still work to be done, but I am confident in the continued strength and resilience of MCPS. Based on my experience in several districts and my awareness of national trends, I can confidently say that MCPS remains one of the best school districts in the nation, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

I wish you all, and Dr. Taylor, the very best in the coming school year. Your success is the children’s success, and I am rooting for each and every one of you each and every day. 

Still in service to children,

Monique T. Felder, Ph.D. 
Interim Superintendent  

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