The Montgomery County Inspector General opened two investigations relating to allegations that former Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) Principal Joel Beidleman was promoted despite multiple complaints of sexual harassment and bullying against him.
In a letter to Board of Education President Karla Silvestre on Thursday, Inspector General Megan Davey Limarzi wrote that one investigation will center around the school district’s process for receiving and responding to allegations of misconduct by school employees.
The other investigation focuses in on misconduct by Beidleman and allegations against him that were received since July as well as earlier complaints that were not investigated.
“This independent review is an important step toward increased oversight, transparency and accountability,” Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass wrote to MCM.
In her letter, Limarzi wrote, “we will inspect relevant records, interview pertinent staff, and review applicable law, regulations, policies and procedures. Moving forward, my office will work directly with [MCPS Superintendent] Dr. McKnight and her staff.”
Regarding the first, more general investigation, the Inspector General’s office “will assess whether MCPS has effective procedures for the receipt, assignment, investigation, referral, resolution, documentation, and retention of allegations of misconduct by its employees.”
Limarzi’s letter did not specify when the investigations would be completed.
The Maryland Inspector General for Education opted on Wednesday to “defer this matter” to the county Office of Inspector General.
The Montgomery County Inspector General is opening two investigations related to allegations against Montgomery County Public Schools.
This independent review is an important step toward increased oversight, transparency and accountability. pic.twitter.com/gCufjzlgsT
— Councilmember Evan Glass (@CMEvanGlass) September 21, 2023
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