Department of Communications → Major Functions

Major Functions

The Department of Communications is the central communications and information center for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The department develops internal and external communication strategies and multimedia products to inform stakeholders about the school system’s performance, programs, policies, resources, and initiatives.

The department includes five units:

Public Information Office | website

The Public Information Office manages media relations for the school system, handles Freedom of Information Act requests, produces internal communications for staff (The Bulletin and the Management Memo), and a variety of other publications for parents, students, staff, and the community (Community Report, QuickNotes, Parent Connection, Navigating the School System, Aim High). Beginning in FY 2006, the Public Information Office launched a new electronic news service to provide e-mail newsletters and information updates to parents about school system initiatives and other useful information to assist parents in helping their students achieve at higher levels. In collaboration with the chief operating officer, the Public Information Office manages emergency communications regarding school system operations. In addition, the office disseminates regular updates on school system policies, data, programs, and services through various media organizations, the MCPS Web site, MCPS e-mail, and MCPS cable Channel 34.

Editorial, Graphics and Publishing Services (EGPS) | website

The Editorial, Graphics and Publishing Services unit provides direct support to all central offices and schools within MCPS. Editorial writing, photography and illustration, graphic layout, and printing and bindery are the four main functions of EGPS. It develops a multitude of publications and graphic products including teacher curriculum guides, student exams and daily planners, the comprehensive calendar for staff, parent information booklets, and the annual report to the community. In addition to supporting schools and offices, EGPS fulfills much of the graphics and printing needs of Montgomery County government and other local government and non-profit organizations through an enterprise program. Revenue from this program helps reduce demands on the MCPS operating budget for graphics and publishing.

Family and Community Partnerships (FCP) | website

The role of the Family and Community Partnerships is to provide a highly collaborative and effective support system that enable parents to understand and navigate the MCPS school system, to acquire the knowledge to become full partners in the educational decision-making process, and to provide training and support to families to help their children be successful in school. FCP is organized to ensure alignment with to the pre-K—12 instructional program, focus support to families and community members, and broaden business partnerships to increase academic achievement and improve student development. To accomplish this goal, essential outreach activities are focused around the MCPS curriculum and FCP efforts to build the capacity of all stakeholders.

Instructional Television (ITV) | website

Instructional Television produces TV programs for students, staff, parents and the community that are broadcast over two cable channels and Webcast on the MCPS Web site. The unit focuses on programs that inform parents about school system activities, services, and resources so that they can help their children succeed in school. Many of these programs are produced in multiple languages to reach the diverse multicultural community in the county. In addition, ITV disseminates school-related emergency information over cable Channel 34. Instructional Television also produces many staff development programs in collaboration with the Office of Organizational Development and the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs.

Web Services (WS) | website

The Web Services manages the MCPS Web site and has developed and maintains a system that reduces the cost of publishing to multiple media (Web, print, PDF) and improves access to MCPS information. The unit manages the servers and systems that schools and offices rely upon for their Web sites, Webcasts, and Web site-related databases. The unit creates guidelines for the design and structure of Web sites and updates content on the home page and other critical pages. Web Services trains and supports school and office Webmasters and works with the schools and offices to help them improve their web communications. The unit created and manages the Web-based emergency message and public announcement system, the job vacancy database, and online versions of the staff directory and high school course bulletin. Web Services designed and maintains web publishing tools, such as the Newsbox, Homework Board and Calendarbox, that foster effective school-home communication and support instruction.


Updated August 22, 2007 | Maintained by Webmaster