Mom and former PTA President & Juvenile Public Defender

Candidate, At-Large, Montgomery County Board of Education

When I am elected, I will work hard to:

  • Support student achievement through sufficiently supported academic and extracurricular programs;

  • Ensure students and staff feel safe from emotional health challenges; hate bias and violence; and

  • Rebuild trust in MCPS and the BOE through modeling strong accountability, leadership, oversight and transparency.

Mom. Advocate.
Change Maker.

Rita is a mom of elementary school children and a passionate advocate who merges her rich background as a policy advocate and former Public Defender with her commitment to serve MCPS children and families. Her dedication to public service as well as individual and community empowerment drives her passion for positive change in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Academic Vigor

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) must reenergize students’ love of learning and support student achievement by addressing critical issues such as oversized classes, insufficient staff, and inadequate social-emotional health support. Instead of lower academic standards, students need high expectations combined with proper guidance and support to foster growth and resilience. Schools must be fully staffed, equipped with evidence-based curricula, and accessible to all learning styles to meet students where they are and move them forward. Families need clear, timely communication and resources, while staff need practical professional development and adequate planning time. Additionally, equitable support for extracurricular activities across all schools is essential to enhance student engagement and belonging.

Safe Schools

MCPS must ensure that schools are sanctuaries where students can learn and teachers can teach without fear. To address the youth mental health crisis, MCPS must foster a sense of belonging, teach conflict resolution skills, educate families on social-emotional health and drug use, hire sufficient counselors and social workers, and implement a strict "Away All Day" cell phone policy. To combat rising hate bias incidents, MCPS needs in-person education for staff and students, clear conduct standards, tiered reporting and consequences, and offender education by the Equity Office. To tackle physical violence, MCPS requires adequate law enforcement coverage, properly applied restorative practices, and a cellular connectivity policy enabling swift 911 contact.

MCPS Oversight

Effective oversight is crucial for MCPS to ensure student safety and achievement. Mismanagement, such as the $315,000 crisis management contract following the Beidleman scandal and the $14 million loss from a failed electric bus contract, highlights the need for strict fiscal accountability. The Fiscal Management Committee must review contracting practices and conduct a long-overdue financial audit. Ignoring policies has led to significant waste, including $2 million from mishandled sexual harassment claims. Rebuilding public trust requires leaders who model accountability, enforce policies, and ensure transparency. Open communication and adherence to laws and contracts are essential for restoring confidence in MCPS.

“Our youth do not have time for our adult shenanigans.”

— Ashley Esposito, First Elected Commissioner, Baltimore City Public Schools Board of Commissioners

Contact Rita Montoya

Email
montoya4mcps@gmail.com

Phone
(443) 619-7360

Social Media

X: @montoya4mcps

Instagram: @montoya4mcps

Facebook: /montoya4mcps