“We are extremely proud to have delivered and fully leased this state-of-the-art campus,” Matan Companies Director of Leasing James Matan said in a statement. “The diversity of best-in-class occupants—AstraZeneca in life sciences, Daikin in advanced HVAC distribution, and now Montgomery County Public Schools—demonstrates the incredible flexibility and strategic location of these assets along the I-270 corridor.”
MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor wrote a response to the OIG report's conclusions in which he accepted responsibility for the security failures, but also cast blame on the OIG for slowing the school system's response to the lapses, and for not recognizing the cost of implementing the report's recommendations, which Taylor estimated would be $2 million. Limarzi called Taylor's accusations "perplexing," and said she and her staff are disappointed "by the apparent attempts to transfer blame to this office" for "serious issues that have been well known at MCPS for years and yet have gone unaddressed."
"We appreciate the work of Inspector General Megan Limarzi and her team for bringing this important issue to light and providing the public with an impartial evaluation of the MCPS Background Screening Office," County Council President Kate Stewart and Vice-President Will Jawando said in a joint statement yesterday. They wrote that the Council's Audit Committee will conduct oversight hearings on the matter beginning September 26, 2025. Additional meetings will be held by two other Council committees later in the fall. "[T]he urgency with which these issues must be corrected cannot be overstated," Stewart and Jawando wrote.
This is only the latest revelation about lax security measures at MCPS. Previously, a lack of security cameras - and staff to actively monitor the ones that exist - came to light after violent crime and hate graffiti incidents inside MCPS schools. And a 2016 State of Maryland audit of MCPS uncovered lax cybersecurity protocols that did not adequately shield private student information from those accessing MCPS computer systems from inside - and outside - the organization.
Her father, who is a U.S. military veteran, told the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that her alleged mistreatment - which led to anxiety and panic attacks at school - was "profoundly disheartening." He welcomed yesterday's actions by MCPS toward resolving the issue.
“It means everything to my family that my daughter can now feel safe in class," the student's father said in a statement. "This situation caused us a lot of stress and worry as parents, my daughter was afraid to go to school before. She’s young, she was struggling with what the teacher did. No one’s kid should have to deal with this kind of situation from their teachers, no matter their religion. Our family knows we can count on CAIR for support through these situations. CAIR has had our back, their help has given my family peace of mind.”
“We applaud this family’s courage in coming forward for their daughter’s sake and we acknowledge Montgomery County Public Schools for taking swift action to address this complaint,” CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said in a statement Monday afternoon. “CAIR encourages all school districts to routinely provide comprehensive cultural competency and anti-discrimination trainings for all of their educators. It’s essential that they’re accountable to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students, regardless of their background.”
I recommend you first fortify yourself with breakfast at Wawa across MD 355. Second, the list of cars expected to be available at the lottery sale this Saturday is topped off with a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis for $3,495 and a 2010 BMW 128i coupe for $7995. Buyers can take their car to a mechanic for inspection within 5 business days.
All vehicles are Maryland State Inspected prior to delivery and vehicles with less than 90,000 miles come with a 30 day or 1,000 mile powertrain warranty. All vehicles with 90,000 or more miles are discounted and sold in “as is” condition. Tags, title, fees, and sales tax are in addition to the vehicle price. A $100 deposit (checks preferred; cash accepted) is required to hold a vehicle. The balance of the purchase price is due when you receive the vehicle. All deposits are non-refundable one week (5 working days) after sale.
Individuals who choose to test drive sale vehicles must be at least 21 years of age, wear a mask (required), have a current car insurance policy, and have a valid drivers’ license.
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| Top winners from Westland MS in Bethesda |
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| Redland MS in Derwood |
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| Roberto Clemente MS in Germantown |
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| County Executive Marc Elrich |
