The Montgomery County school board is inviting members of the public to apply for its newly formed Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, according to a Monday afternoon statement.
“This Advisory Committee … will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency, and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives,” the board’s statement said.
Board President Julie Yang (Dist. 3) announced the new advisory committee at the board’s Dec. 5 meeting during which she also was elected to lead the board. The new committee will replace the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Committee.
“We believe inviting the community to sit at a table with us and co-create how we structure communication, engagement around issues will enhance the process,” Yang said in December.
According to the statement, the board is looking for individuals who are skilled in communication and engagement with diverse communities and local leaders who are passionate about building strong partnerships.
The volunteer committee members will serve one-year terms; the committee is expected to meet throughout the year. Those interested in the position can apply here by Feb. 28.
According to the statement, the committee will focus in 2025 on the upcoming school boundary study that’s required due to the construction of Crown High School in Gaithersburg and Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville as well as the expansion of Damascus High School.
The board approved a $1.3 million contract for the boundary study Dec. 5, greenlighting a process that will analyze the boundaries of 19 of the 25 county public high schools to determine who will attend the two new high schools and the expanded Damascus High.
“We are not looking to just approve an engagement plan, but rather to work in partnership with our community together to design and implement engagement strategies and opportunity that build trust in the process,” Yang said during the December meeting.
Vice President Grace Rivera-Oven (Dist. 1), who also was elected to her leadership role Dec. 5, will serve as the board’s committee representative, according to Christie Scott, the board’s communication coordinator.
“The committee’s goal is to expand the reach and impact of district communications, ensuring that all communities—particularly those directly affected by the committee’s focus—are actively involved and informed,” the statement said.
According to its statement, the board will review applications in late February and the committee’s first meeting will be scheduled for late March or early April.
