MCR September Executive Board Recap

On September 12th, 2023, the new MCR Executive Board met at the Carver Educational Center to get started with the new school year. The first MCR Executive Board meeting of the 2023-2024 school year began at around 6:02 p.m.

Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight set the tone for the meeting by engaging with students and seeking their input on Montgomery County Public Schools' focal points for the current school year. Sustainability and school lunch quality emerged as important topics of discussion.

In addition, SMOB Sami Saeed highlighted several achievements, including free lunches in 59 schools, exciting new menu items, and plans for taste-testing events throughout the year. Some of the new lunch menu items he proposed include a Korean BBQ Chicken (Vegan Option), a Chicken & Waffle Sandwich (Vegan Option), and a Chicken and Cheese Croissant Sandwich. He also presented construction updates, shared that a new bus tracking app is on track for a December release, and delivered the news that both AP & IB tests would be free of charge this year for MCPS students.

After Saeed's report, the MCR Officers began their monthly updates. It started with the officers announcing their planned MCR x MCJC merch, director meetings, and the first policy Instagram live of the year. Additionally, Gabriel Okoni made announcements we regarding applications for MCR’s Task Force opening.

The meeting covered new protocols and rules, including responding to requests in a timely fashion, providing meeting agendas at least 2 hours before executive board meetings, appointing MCR Special Elections Deputies, encouraging larger schools to have two MCR liaisons, and changing staff impeachment protocols.

A brief break allowed for social bonding activities to ensue, including a TikTok competition and a bracelet-making session.

After the break, department breakouts began. Members engaged in departmental discussions, sharing insights and brainstorming ideas to drive meaningful projects and initiatives forward.

The treasurer's report highlighted financial matters, including revenue from Advance, grants awarded to support student-led initiatives, plans for the Alumni Donation Program, upcoming merchandise releases, fundraisers in partnership with MCJC, and the opening of new grant applications for semesters 1 and 2.

The meeting concluded with reminders and expectations for members, emphasizing mandatory attendance at all Executive Board meetings, active department participation, regular communication via Slack and Remind, and upcoming opportunities and events.

Written by Bereket Gubena

Published by the MCR-SGA Communications Department