Advocacy

The purpose of our advocacy platform is to advocate for health, safety, and instructional improvements at Galway Elementary School by addressing:

1. HVAC Issues

2. Security Communication 

3. Staffing Shortages – Teachers, Paraeducators, Assistant Principal, Secretary

​

1. HVAC Issues 

Objective: Ensure safe and comfortable learning and event spaces.

​

Talking Points:

• Health & Safety Concerns (FARMS and Chronic Absenteeism) As a Title 1 school with nearly 90% of students qualifying for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS), we are working to reduce chronic absenteeism—but students and staff are being exposed to extreme temperatures. These unsafe conditions heighten the risk of heat exhaustion, worsen underlying health conditions, and leave families fearful of sending their children to school.

• Impact on Learning and Well-being  The extreme temperatures disrupts focus, engagement, and instruction.  It makes it more challenging for teachers to maintain stable classroom environments, and students are expected to learn and eat meals in unsafe conditions—further undermining their academic progress and emotional well-being.

• Urgent Need and History of Requests This is not a new issue. Prior requests for relief have been made; immediate action is needed to address these longstanding concerns and create a safe, healthy environment for learning.

• PTA Ask:

  • Immediate installation of a new HVAC system. 

  • Timeline from MCPS for repairs and prioritization.

 

2. Security Communication

Objective: Ensure reliable school-wide communication for daily operations and emergencies.

​

Talking Points:

• Current Limitations: Fragmented Communication Systems Our school currently operates with three incompatible walkie-talkie systems, which creates significant communication challenges. Because these systems cannot connect with one another, staff must rely on workarounds that slow down response times. The problem is especially severe in known dead zones on lower floors, in stairwells, and across the playground, where signals frequently drop or fail to transmit entirely.

• Safety Risks: Compromised Emergency Response: These gaps in communication create serious safety vulnerabilities. In the event of a medical emergency, behavioral crisis, or security threat, delays in relaying critical information can prevent staff from responding quickly and effectively. This puts students and staff at increased risk—particularly during outdoor activities, transitions, and large gatherings where fast coordination is essential.

• Urgent Need: Reliable, Schoolwide Communication System: To maintain a safe learning environment, the school urgently needs a single, unified walkie-talkie system with full-building and campus coverage. A reliable system would ensure that every staff member—teachers, administrators, and support staff—can communicate instantly in real time, improving both day-to-day coordination and emergency response.

• PTA Ask:

  • 12 additional walkie-talkies to cover all kindergarten and learning center classrooms.

 

3. Staffing Shortages 

Objective: Fill critical staffing gaps to support student learning, safety, and operational efficiency.

​

Talking Points:

• Critical Staffing Shortages Undermine Safety and Instruction: Due to a staffing miscalculation, our school is now operating without key positions, leaving administrators stretched thin and unable to fully focus on instructional leadership or school safety. As a Title 1 school with nearly 90% of students qualifying for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS), our students face unique challenges that demand consistent, skilled adult support. To uphold Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)’s commitment to equity, it is critical that our school be immediately staffed with an assistant principal, additional teachers, and paraeducators to create a safe, well-supported learning environment where instruction can come first.

•  Impact on Instruction and Student Support: Current vacancies—1  Assistant Principal, 2 teachers and 4 special education paraeducators—have reduced instructional time and individualized support for students. These gaps directly hinder our efforts to address chronic absenteeism, improve achievement, and meet the needs of our most vulnerable learners.

• Operational Strain and Urgent Staffing Needs: The absence of an assistant principal and a school secretary has placed an unsustainable operational burden on our administrative team, diverting their attention from safety, instruction, and family engagement. While some positions cut last year—have been partially restored, critical gaps remain, especially in special education support. Immediate action is needed to approve and fill these roles to stabilize school operations and protect the instructional core.

• PTA Ask:

  • Immediate approval and funding for all requested positions.

  • Timeline for filling positions to ensure no further disruption to learning and student support.