Save Our Silver Spring Schools

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Save Our Silver Spring Schools

We want better schools, not holding schools.

Who We Are

Save our Silver Spring Schools is a grassroots advocacy organization consisting of parents, teachers, business owners, and community members who are focused on supporting local students in our community, and who oppose MCPS’s plan to close Silver Spring International Middle School (SSIMS) and relocate Sligo Creek Elementary School (SCES). We are advocating for data transparency, meaningful, authentic community engagement, and a long-term commitment to and investment in the stability and safety of our schools and schoolchildren in downtown Silver Spring.

Our Vision

SOSSS strongly believes that SSIMS and SCES belong in the vibrant, growing neighborhood of downtown Silver Spring. As diverse, thriving, walkable community schools, they deserve long overdue investment – not abandonment.  We envision a future where these schools are renovated so that the condition of the buildings finally meets the caliber of the administrators, teachers, and students who walk their halls.

Status At a Glance 

Current Status: SSIMS and SCES are safe from immediate closure, but adoption of new boundaries through “Modified Option B” will artificially lower enrollment at SSIMS, making it vulnerable for a future closure. Both SSIMS and SCES will be considered for closure in the MCPS Consolidation and Closure process, which is beginning in Spring 2026 and will include a countywide review of all elementary and middle schools.

View our timeline for a detailed account of what’s happened so far.

School Crossing

1024

Petition Signatures (and counting)

250+

Public Testimonies Against Closure and Support For Modernizing the Schools

What’s Next

Countywide Consolidation and Closure Process

MCPS has said that the decision of whether to close SSIMS and SCES will be considered in the upcoming countywide consolidation and closure process, to be followed by necessary boundary changes.

Timeline
  • 2026–27: Identify schools for consolidation/closure
  • May 2027: BOE final decision on consolidation/closure
  • 2027–28: Countywide elementary and middle school boundary process
  • 2028–29: Implementation
Decisions About Consolidation

Dr. Taylor has gone on the record saying that SSIMS’ lower utilization will not be used to justify a future closure, and he has committed to continuing French and Spanish immersion, Model UN, and IB programs at SSIMS. However, despite assurances about utilization, the Superintendent has also stated that MCPS must keep “all options on the table,” including consolidation.

Middle School Programming Changes

State mandates for more math instruction and overcrowding at Takoma Park MS due to the adoption of “Modified Option B” mean program changes are likely. In addition, the rezoning of two-way immersion school Rolling Terrace Elementary from SSIMS to Takoma Park MS in “Modified Option B” likely means the end of Spanish Immersion at SSIMS. MCPS has not released details.

Regional Programs for High School

Both the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) choice process for high school, as well as countywide magnet programs, are ending. Beginning in the school year 2027-2028, MCPS will move to a regional model where the county is divided into six regions, each with four to five high schools. Students are only allowed to apply to themed programs at high schools within their region; otherwise, they attend their boundary school. Most SCES and SSIMS families will be assigned to Region 1, which includes Blair, Northwood, Einstein, B-CC, and Whitman.

Get Engaged

It is no coincidence that our community is facing a simultaneous onslaught of proposed closures, multiple boundary studies, significant boundary changes, changes to immersion and magnet programs, and a new regional program model. By layering these complex changes one on top of the other, MCPS is attempting to create a state of bureaucratic fatigue. The goal is clear: to overwhelm parents and stakeholders until the community simply stops watching. We refuse to let the sheer volume of these maneuvers obscure the truth: this is a concerted effort to hammer through a closure agenda without genuine public oversight. 

SOSSS strongly believes that SSIMS and SCES belong in the vibrant, growing neighborhood of downtown Silver Spring. As diverse, thriving, walkable community schools, they deserve long overdue investment – not abandonment.  We envision a future where these schools are renovated so that the condition of the buildings finally meets the caliber of the administrators, teachers, and students who walk their halls. 

If you agree, we invite you to get involved.

Get Informed

Press Releases

Read all SOSSS press releases here.

Support From Public Officials

Read all statements here.

Media Coverage

Read all coverage here.

Get Connected

  • Join the email list for updates here
  • Email: saveoursilverspringschools@gmail.com
Make your voice heard! Submit your own testimonial here.

Key Dates

See the MCPS Board of Education – Meetings Calendar for all committee, work session and business meetings and agendas

  • May 19: BOE Fiscal Management Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Agenda 
  • May 21: BOE Business Meeting, 4 p.m. Agenda
  • May 26: BOE Strategic Planning Committee, noon
  • May 26: Board of Education Candidate Forum (7-9)
    • 7 p.m. for at-large candidates
    • 8 p.m. for District 3 candidates
    • Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr., Rockville, MD  
  • June 4: BOE Work Session, noon
  • June 11 – 18: 2026 Early Voting (7 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
  • June 23: 2026 Primary Election Day (7 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
  • June 25: BOE Business Meeting

More Information

MCPS FY 2027 Capital Improvements Program

Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan

Public Testimony

MCPS Info on SCES Site Relocation

MCPS FAA-RA Educational Facilities PlanningRegulations

We are fueled by volunteer community members. Monetary donations help cover the cost of signs, web services, and other administrative expenses.

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