Facts vs Fear

Straight Talk About FCPS Schools - Truth Over Talking Points

MYTH: “Our schools have a massive failure rate.”

FACT: Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) test scores measure proficiency, not failure. Mass testing is one of many indicators and does not determine graduation, promotion, course completion, or overall competency.

WHY IT MATTERS: Labeling students as failures based on a single test misleads families, distracts from real student progress, and undermines confidence in our schools.

MYTH: “Schools prioritize politics over academics.”

FACT: FCPS curriculum is aligned to Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, with instructional time focused on reading, writing, math, science, and critical thinking. FCPS has already implemented Science of Reading based literacy courses, updated math curriculums, and strengthened staff training. FCPS has seen significant improvements in student literacy and math proficiency.

WHY IT MATTERS: Strong core academics, science-based curriculum, staff training, and student well-being work together to support learning.

MYTH: “School funding is wasted on bureaucracy and full of waste, fraud, and abuse.”

FACT: The vast majority of funding supports classroom instruction, teacher and staff salaries, special education services, transportation, and student supports. The Board and FCPS Staff analyze the budget and operating procedures to find efficiencies every fiscal year. FCPS also has an annual independent third-party audit, ongoing department and line-item audits by the Frederick County Interagency Internal Audit Authority, regular MSDE audits, and the State of Maryland Office of Legislative Audits performs complete budget audits on a routine basis.

WHY IT MATTERS: Oversimplified talking points ignore the real costs of educating students and supporting educators. Unfounded claims of fraud, waste, and abuse diminish public trust and fails to recognize the amount of oversight into the FCPS budget.

MYTH: “Schools hide information from parents.”

FACT: FCPS follows Maryland law and federal student privacy protections while encouraging family engagement and communication. Families engage and provide support through PTSAs, serve on FCPS Committees, volunteer in our schools, and work as substitute teachers.

WHY IT MATTERS: Trust and partnership—not fear—lead to better outcomes for students. False claims create mistrust instead of productive partnerships between schools and families.

MYTH: “Teachers are controlled by political groups.”

FACT: Teachers are trained professionals who are committed to students’ well-being and academic success. They are guided by school leadership and follow board policy and state law for the betterment of all FCPS students.

WHY IT MATTERS: Attacking educators drives talent away, fractures school culture, and harms classroom stability.

MYTH: “Less than half of FCPS employees are teachers.”

FACT: More than 91% of FCPS employees interact directly with students each day, including teachers, instructional assistants, bus drivers, food service staff, and school-based administrators. A significant portion of the remaining 9% work with students regularly, support the operation of our facilities, and provide training to our educators.

WHY IT MATTERS: Job titles alone do not reflect the full team supporting FCPS students every day.

MYTH: “Administration has grown five times faster than enrollment.”

FACT Enrollment growth reflects more than just a headcount. FCPS has seen significant increases in students requiring special education services, language support, and economic assistance, all of which affect staffing under the FCPS model. Over the past 5 years, FCPS added 312 teachers, 443 paraprofessionals, and 22 Blueprint mandated career counselors.

WHY IT MATTERS: Comparing enrollment growth to staffing without considering student needs, legal mandates, and instructional supports misrepresents how schools operate.

Strong schools are built on truth. Parents deserve facts—not fear-based politics.

Sources: Maryland State Department of Education - Maryland Education Code (COMAR) - FCPS Adopted Operating Budget - FCPS Comprehensive Financial Report - FCPS Board Policies