DCC

Testimony: Response to Supplement B

1.

This year marks the first time that curriculum programs have been included in the CIP planning
process. In consideration of this, the DCC wishes to communicate the following:

The DCC stands for enriching the DCC community through its countywide programs, DCC
programs, and school-specific programs. The DCC looks forward to sitting with our friends and
neighbors in a multi-cluster roundtable that includes the Walter Johnson, BCC, and Whitman
Clusters. The DCC also recognizes the need to address its future challenges by working within the
DCC and by continued service to the entire county through current and future countywide
programs.

The DCC fully recognizes the role of academically rigorous programs as the foundation of
successful schools, and by extension, successful communities. DCC students comprise more than
22 percent of MCPS students. A successful down county is integral to the success of Montgomery
County.

The DCC requests additional programs at Kennedy and Northwood High Schools, which may have
bearing on the CIP.

Wheaton High School and Thomas Edison High School of Technology are integral, valued members
of the DCC. Therefore, student and academic capacity discussions must include these schools.

The DCC supports neighborhood schools, enriched by academically rigorous, multicultural
programs that enable college readiness and provide high quality career and technical education
opportunities.

Programmatically distinct student cohorts from the DCC should not be moved from their current
schools. DCC ethnic and income diversity are necessary to the success of DCC schools. DCC
programs are integral to supporting this diversity.

Boundary studies addressing the holistic needs of the school district may best address MCPS
extensive capacity challenges. Specific to discussions at the upcoming roundtable, this holistic
approach makes better sense than does a piecemeal approach of busing discreet bundles of
students from four DCC high schools to attend Woodward High School in Bethesda.

The DCC congratulates our neighbors and colleagues in west county on the proposed reopening of
Woodward High School in 2023. We understand that multiple residential developments currently
planned in west county reference Woodward High School as a supporting educational resource.
Therefore, it is appropriate that Whitman, BCC, and Walter Johnson Clusters are all represented in
the roundtable to coordinate educational support for development in their geographical area.

2.

The Eastern and Lee Middle Schools revex schedules should not be delayed.

11.12.16