MCPS Oversight

Enough is enough. Students cannot feel safe or achieve with poor MCPS oversight.

Fiscal Management

The Office of Investigator General found that MCPS violated the Emergency Procurement policy when, two months after services began, the BOE approved a contract for a firm to provide crisis management and communication services in the wake of the Beidleman scandal (including contract renewals and extensions). This cost MCPS $315,000. The Fiscal Management Committee is tasked with reviewing MCPS contracting practices and the procurement manual.

A failed contract for electric buses cost MCPS $14 million for new gas diesel buses purchased when the vendor failed to provide the electric buses; nearly $400,000 in maintenance costs that may not be recovered; and a loss of $1.9 million in vendor penalty fees because the contract did not contain a penalty clause. With so many community concerns about budget transparency, a financial audit is long overdue. The Fiscal Management Committee oversees audits.

Policy making, implementation and adherence

Ignoring policies, violating policies, and failing to establish and implement policies resulted in millions in MCPS waste. Principals with nearly 20 sexual harassment and bullying claims by staff and students should not “fail up” by receiving promotions to coveted HS or Central Office leadership spots. This scandal cost MCPS (and taxpayers) at least $2 million and destroyed public trust. The $14+million failed electric bus contract was also potentially fraudulently procured by MCPS employees who deliberately breached protocols, were criminally convicted for related actions, conducted a long-running theft-scheme, and had an illicit relationship with an entity undisputedly affiliated with the bidder who received the contract. If elected, I will conduct due diligence, ensure that proper policies are in place and enforce policies and contract provisions.

Rebuilding Public Trust

From the illegal emergency procurements to the unenforced contract for electric buses and the moral, legal and fiscal failings surrounding the Beidleman scandal, MCPS lost the public trust. MCPS needs leaders who model accountability, oversight, and transparency to rebuild trust in MCPS by students, families, educators, staff, administrators, community members and elected officials.

I will work to establish open lines of communication to ensure a collaborative approach to improving MCPS and adhere to policies, laws and contract provisions.