Our Superintendent

Superintendent's Back to School Message

Dear Montgomery County Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

As the proud new Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools, it is my absolute privilege to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! Whether you are a returning student, a family new to Mount Sterling, a dedicated staff member, or one of our many vital community partners, you are an essential part of the Tribe.

Our doors will officially open to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. As we approach this first day, our entire district is united under a singular, powerful vision: "Cultivating Excellence in Everything We Do." Excellence is not just a goal for us; it is a daily commitment to our students, our families, and our community.

Achieving this vision requires the dedication of all stakeholders. Education is a shared journey, and we are profoundly grateful for the deep-rooted community support that defines Montgomery County. I want to extend a special thank you to our Board of Education. Because of their visionary leadership and continuous investments, our schools are equipped with high-quality, modern instructional materials that empower our teachers and inspire our students. Furthermore, their unwavering commitment to safety ensures that our buildings remain secure, welcoming environments where students can focus entirely on learning and growing.

We also know that true academic success begins with meeting the basic needs of our children. To ensure every student starts their day ready to learn, Montgomery County Schools will continue to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to ALL students throughout the school year.

This year, we are thrilled to continue advancing our Profile of a Learner at all educational levels. We are deeply focused on providing Vibrant Learning experiences—lessons that are active, engaging, and deeply relevant to the real world. Through these experiences, we are intentionally cultivating six essential competencies in our students to prepare them for a bright future:

• Empowered Learners: Taking ownership of their educational journey.
• Creative Contributors: Bringing unique ideas and innovation to the table.
• Effective Communicators: Sharing thoughts and listening with clarity and empathy.
• Engaged Citizens: Making a positive impact on our local and global community.
• Productive Collaborators: Working seamlessly with others to achieve shared goals.
• Resourceful Problem Solvers: Meeting challenges with resilience and critical thinking.

As a reminder to parents and guardians, our school start and dismissal times are listed below.

The energy and potential of a new school year are unmatched. Together with our incredible staff, supportive families, and a dedicated community, I know the 2026-2027 school year will be our best one yet. I hope that all of our families enjoy the rest of the summer. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 12, 2026. 

Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your dedication to Montgomery County Schools. Let's make it a fantastic year!

Cultivating excellence, together, 

Dr. Stephanie Harris
Superintendent, Montgomery County Schools