Monifa McKnight to Keep Superintendent Position for Next 4 Years

The MCPS Board of Education announced Tuesday their plan to appoint Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight to hold the position outright for the next four years, pending a contract. She was appointed by a unanimous vote by the board members.

Dr. McKnight had been holding the interim position since June of 2021, taking the lead on most of the school system initiatives related to COVID-19. In a letter to the MCPS student community, Dr. McKnight expressed her excitement for this new change.

“I got the best news today!” she opened her notice with. She continued, “I will continue to lead our district, and I will spend every minute of every day working to make sure you have every opportunity possible to receive an education that will enable you to thrive and prosper now and in your future.”

Over the course of her interim duties, many members of the MCPS community were not pleased with the way she handled many COVID-19 issues, including the refusal to move the entire district virtually. MCPS teachers and staff even went as far as to pass a “no confidence vote” during her leadership.

Dr. McKnight alluded to these tensions in her letter: “I may make some mistakes, and sometimes I may do things that you do not agree with; however, my decisions are always based on what is in your best interest, and all other 160,000 students in our district.”

Although her roles and authority will not change drastically, MCPS can look for Dr. McKnight to continue to have a bold voice in the community.