Photo courtesy of MCPS

Dr. Monifa B. McKnight has been chosen as the Acting/Interim Superintendent for MCPS. She will serve for one year starting on July 1, 2021.

Dr. Monifa B. McKnight has been chosen as the Interim Superintendent for MCPS. McKnight’s appointment was approved by the Board of Education on March 11, 2021. McKnight will serve as Superintendent from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. This year-long window will give time to MCPS to conduct a national search for the next superintendent.
After current MCPS Superintendent Dr. Jack R. Smith announced his retirement on January 14, 2021, The Board of Education started searching for someone to take his place while the next superintendent could be found. The Board of Education agreed that McKnight had the skills and qualifications necessary.
“Dr. McKnight possesses a deep knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools that would serve to support the district during this period of transition,” president of the Montgomery County Board of Education Brenda Wolff said.
McKnight previously served as the Deputy Superintendent of MCPS but also served as the Chief School Management and Instructional Leadership Officer in Howard County Public School System. She was also Director for Secondary Leadership Development Programs for MCPS and principal of Ridgeview Middle School in MCPS where she was awarded the Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year award. McKnight will appropriately fill Smith’s spot until the new superintendent can be found.
“The Board expects to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the spring to identify an executive search firm by early summer 2021. Once the firm is identified, it will work with the board to develop a timeline for the superintendent search process.”
Although McKnight is just a placeholder while a new superintendent can be found, she is still eager to take office. She will continue the Superintendent’s job of maintaining the county’s focus on equity and excellence, while also working with Smith on the district’s recovery efforts and phased return to school buildings.
“I’m humbled and honored by this appointment and the Board’s confidence in me to lead at such a critical time for our school system. MCPS’ focus on providing an equitable, meaningful and quality education for all students is a point of pride for me and always has been. I look forward to leading the staff as we continue to build out and improve the educational experiences we provide for our students from all that has been learned over the past year,” McKnight said.