MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — January 9, 2026
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is facing a growing controversy after district leaders recommended closing the county’s only charter school, the MECCA Business Learning Institute (MBLI), citing multiple violations — especially in how it serves students with special needs.
Why MCPS Is Seeking Closure
MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor and other district officials presented their case at a Board of Education meeting, saying that MBLI has failed to meet key educational and legal standards since opening in the fall of 2025. Although MBLI currently serves about 100 sixth- and seventh-grade students, the district claims serious compliance issues exist — particularly in accommodating students with disabilities as required by state and federal law.
Taylor described the decision as “supremely regrettable” but necessary to protect student rights and ensure consistent educational standards across the county’s public schools.
Charter School’s Response and Dispute
MBLI leadership disputes the district’s assessment. According to the charter’s founders, questions and requests they made to MCPS for guidance are typical for a new school, and they argue that the district’s oversight has been inconsistent, opaque, and overly strict. The charter’s leaders also contend that they submitted a corrective action plan on Dec. 12, addressing concerns related to individualized education plans and staff training — well before the board meeting.
The charter representatives maintain that releasing internal email correspondence about district interactions presents a one-sided narrative and disadvantages the school publicly.
Background: MBLI and Charter School Role in Montgomery County
MBLI, approved by the Montgomery County Board of Education under unusual intervention by the Maryland State Board of Education, represents the county’s first new charter school in more than a decade. Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, providing an alternative to traditional public schools.
The school initially opened in a temporary Bethesda location and has since moved to a permanent campus in Germantown. MBLI’s curriculum emphasizes business, entrepreneurship, and career readiness with plans to expand through high school grades over the coming years.
What Comes Next
The Montgomery County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on whether to revoke MBLI’s charter on January 22, 2026. If the board votes in favor of revocation, the future of students currently enrolled at the charter remains uncertain as the district and school leaders explore next steps.
