Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Extending County’s Summer Programs Press Event
Mid-County Community Recreation Center
2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring
As prepared
Good Morning! We are here today with some good news!
Last fall, when Governor Larry Hogan signed the executive order implementing the start date for Maryland schools to begin after Labor Day, many Montgomery County hardworking families were left to come up with additional childcare.
We are here today to talk about how we can help these families.
Many working parents do not have the option to take off additional weeks of work without risking their jobs.
Three of the strongest supporters for our County youth are here with me today:
Superintendent for Public Schools, Dr. Jack Smith, Vice President of the Board of Education, Dr. Judith Docca, and Director of the Recreation Department Mr. Gabe Albornoz, who recently had the honor of being recognized for the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program.
Both the Recreation Department and Montgomery County Public Schools understand that innovative out-of-school programs are beneficial to help close the achievement gap for students.
For our kids, summer programs are fun. For parents, they give the peace of mind of knowing that their children are in a safe place and involved in activities that help them reach their full potential.
The Recreation Department has added more than 40 full- or half-day programs.
This included adding six popular Summer Fun Center programs, which are the Recreation Department’s most affordable summer program offering.
These programs are in areas of the County which have the highest numbers of families eligible for Rec-Assist, which is the Recreation Department’s financial assistance program.
These summer camp offerings are a safety-net service that will provide additional programming opportunities to serve hundreds of families this summer.
Thank you!
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April 5; 10 a.m.