Statement
Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on the Death of Longtime Board of Education Member Dr. Judith Docca
For Immediate Release: Monday 12 August
Montgomery County recently lost a fierce advocate for education and civil rights, Dr. Judith Docca. The longtime member of the Montgomery County Board of Education had tremendous impact on the schools and our community.
Dr. Docca was named a 'Montgomery County Living Legend' earlier this summer during Juneteenth activities for her more than 40 years of service to our community. Before retiring from the board of education in 2022, where she served four terms, she was a teacher and administrator with Montgomery County Public Schools.
She always wanted to get more of the community involved in our schools. She chaired the communications and public engagement committee and served on the special populations committee. Her involvement went beyond her duties on the school board. She was instrumental in launching several community outreach programs, such as the 'Read with Dr. Docca' initiative, which aimed to improve literacy rates among underprivileged students.
Dr. Docca was active in the Montgomery County NAACP, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the County's Head Start program. She was named to the County Human and Civil Rights Hall of Fame and most recently served on the Montgomery College Board of Trustees.
As a former teacher, it was a great honor to get to know Dr. Docca. Her warmth, compassion and unwavering commitment to education were evident in every interaction. I saw her influence spread through generations of educators and community leaders. Montgomery County owes a great deal to her advocacy and giving spirit. I hope when people visit the media center named after her or earn the scholarship that bears her name, they realize how important she has been for Montgomery County.
Release ID: 24-013