New MCPS Policies Take Effect For 2026-2027 School Year

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — After a school year rocked by calendar changes and boundary studies, Montgomery County Public Schools will implement several new rules for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Changes range from a new cellphone policy to an increase in meal plan prices, and a new school calendar.

Related: Key MCPS Dates To Know For 2026-2027

Patch has compiled a selection of MCPS changes ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 25. Transition day for incoming students will be held the day prior.

No More Cellphones

One of the most impactful policy changes for students comes with the new bell-to-bell cellphone ban implemented by the district.

The change is in line with a new state law that requires all 24 school districts to enact a ban by the 2027-2028 academic year.

Related: MD Student Cellphone Rules May Be Stricter This School Year

MCPS says the new regulation "will help students stay focused and connected in the classroom."

Some students may be exempted from adhering to the new rule, but they must prove that they need their cellphone or electronic device to address any of the following needs:

• Documented medical condition
• IEP or 504 plan
• Caregiving purpose
• Language translation

The change comes after MCPS increased limits on cellphone use among middle schoolers.

Meal Prices Increase

The price of MCPS school meals will increase by 30 cents at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year after a unanimous vote by the district.

School breakfast will now cost $1.60, as lunch goes for $2.85 in elementary schools. Students in secondary schools will have lunch priced at $3.10.

Related: MCPS Schedules 6 Back-To-School Fairs Across MoCo

The price increase, however, does not affect students approved for either free or reduced lunch. The district says no child will be denied a meal.

Prices had remained unchanged since 2015. Board members voted in favor of the spike to meet the increasing costs of food and labor.

Calendar Adjustments

Although the school board’s calendar changes won’t start the school year earlier or shorten the two seasonal breaks, they do set aside six makeup days for inclement weather.

Those days, which include religious holidays, are:

• Thursday, April 22 - Passover
• Monday, May 17 - Eid al-Adha
• Monday, June 14 - Thursday, June 17

With new state guidelines, the district is also required to end the school year by June 19.

Gender Identity Updates

Under new rules, MCPS staffers must release information about a student’s gender identity when requested by a parent or guardian.

The change took effect in April.

Related: 2 MCPS Schools Rank Among The Most In Need Of Repairs

"We recognize this represents a meaningful shift and may be challenging," reads a statement from the district.

"As we revise our guidelines, MCPS remains committed to balancing legal obligations with our core values of student privacy, trust and well-being."