Why Countywide Long-Range Planning Matters for Schools
Montgomery County is developing four major long‑range community plans:
These plans identify:
- Future housing capacity
- Areas of increased density
- Transit investments
- Walkability priorities
- Public facility needs—including schools
The county’s Thrive Montgomery 2050 framework further emphasizes equitable, sustainable, walkable communities with strong transit access.
School decisions must align with these plans. MCPS cannot evaluate closures or boundary changes in isolation from countywide planning.
Walkability: Essential Infrastructure for Strong Schools and Strong Communities
Walkable schools support:
- Safety
- Equity
- Community cohesion
- Sustainability
- Transit access
- Student independence
- Reduced transportation burdens
- Lower carbon emissions
County plans—including the draft Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan and Thrive Montgomery 2050—identify walkability as a cornerstone of complete, connected neighborhoods.
Closing walkable schools undermines:
- County planning goals
- Transit investments
- Neighborhood stability
- Environmental commitments
- Access for families without cars
