Montgomery Co. families continue to campaign to get Virtual Academy reinstated

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Parents continue to fight for a program that was cut from the Montgomery County Public Schools budget in order to save money. 

The Virtual Academy was a COVID-19 Pandemic-era creation and allowed students from more than 800 families to attend classes from home. However, the program was eliminated from the FY 2025 budget on June 11 by the MCPD Board of Education. 

On Tuesday, the Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council continued to fight outside the Montgomery County School Board of Education. This time calling on the newly appointed superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor.

Taylor has previously led the way in establishing a virtual learning option for Stafford County Public Schools. 

Parents stood outside the Board of Education, holding signs that read "MVA must stay!" and "Help Save the MVA". They are urging Taylor to leverage his experience  in Montgomery County and reinstate the virtual learning program 

"It’s emotionally exhausting," said Parent Sterling High. "These families should have been celebrating the end of the school year. Having fun during summer, but we are putting our health on the line to be here amongst folks. A lot of us are immunocompromised, we’ve given our all just to have a chance to save this school because we know how much it’s needed for this community." 

“The closure has come as a huge shock, we're devastated. It's way too close to the school year to even find a new school that meets his special needs” Kristen Lasko, a parent said.

Families were also able to voice their concerns during public comment. Parents tell WUSA9 that the superintendent was receptive and families are hopeful. 

Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com. 

MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9  

HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE  

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.  

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.  

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER 

Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.