61°
An announcement was made on Tuesday, Feb. 2 advising the community that McKnight would no longer be at the head of schools, with COO Brian Hull stepping in as the acting superintendent.
"The Board is grateful to Dr. McKnight for her many years of service to MCPS and public education," officials wrote in a statement. "We wish her well in her next chapter (and) the Board will work together with staff to ensure a smooth transition."
The announcement comes days after McKnight reported that she was asked to step down by the board amid ongoing investigations regarding the district.
"I have felt over the past several months, there has been a distraction. When the focus is no longer on whom I have agreed to serve, I must control my own fate,” McKnight said in a statement at the time. “I have also maintained that it is critical that my reputation remains grounded in facts and truth."
School officials are expected to name an interim superintendent that will be in charge for the rest of the year on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
They said that their priorities moving forward include "upgrading and ensuring compliance with internal policies, procedures, and operations; improving internal and external communications; and most importantly, supporting schools in providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive."
"The Board is aware of the important work ahead," they added. "We must rebuild trust, begin to heal, and ensure that our school system is equipped to serve the students, staff, and families who make up our great school community."
Following word of McKnight's ousting, several officials in Montgomery County took to social media to make their statements.
"Since 2021 Dr. Monifa McKnight has led Montgomery County Public Schools through critical and difficult times, overseeing one of the nation's largest school systems in the unprecedented aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis," the Montgomery County Council wrote in a statement.
"The Council respects the decision of the Montgomery County Board of Education and Dr. McKnight to mutually separate and will remain in close contact with Board of Education members as they begin the process to identify a new superintendent."
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Montgomery and receive free news updates.
