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Talia Richman

Talia

Talia Richman is the Montgomery County education reporter at The Banner. She previously covered schools for The Dallas Morning News, where she wrote about shoddy teacher preparation programs, discipline disparities and the lingering impact of COVID-19 on children. The Education Writers Association has recognized Talia as among the best education beat reporters in the nation. Prior to her time in Texas, she covered schools and City Hall for The Baltimore Sun. Talia is a Dallas native who made her way to the East Coast to study journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The latest from Talia Richman

For some Montgomery County children, free summer meals are too far away
The closest summer food site to Poolesville Elementary, for example, is more than 10 miles away — at least a 20-minute drive.
Jun 15, 2026
District officials encourage MCPS families in need of assistance during the summer to apply for the state’s SUN Bucks program.
These student journalists want administrators’ hands off their work
In an open letter to district leadership, high school reporters decried a memo that instructed administrators to review the final drafts of student publications.
Updated Jun 12, 2026
Student journalists in Montgomery County Public Schools are warning about new guidance that calls for administrators to review their publications.
Who’s running for Montgomery County school board — and why?
There are elections for four of the board’s eight seats in the June 23 primary, though only two of them are competitive.
Jun 12, 2026
There are elections for four of the board’s eight seats in the June 23 primary, though only two of them are competitive.
MCPS board cuts 415 staff positions but protects school psychologists
In a tense vote, the Montgomery County school board approved a roughly $3.7 billion budget.
Jun 4, 2026
The Montgomery County Public Schools headquarters Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Rockville.
They respond to students in crisis. Soon, they could lose their jobs.
Parents worry about what these budget cuts could mean for their children, particularly kids with complex needs.
May 27, 2026
Montgomery County schools may lose over 400 positions due to budget shortfall
Montgomery County schools will feel different next year after a budget shortfall is expected to cost the district more than 400 jobs.
May 21, 2026
Thomas Taylor, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, says he will have to cut jobs to deal with a budget shortfall.
A new approach to accelerated math puts parents and educators at odds
Montgomery County is eliminating its “compacted math” track for elementary schoolers.
May 18, 2026
An undocumented student revisits a math problem from class earlier that day at his school in Baltimore, Maryland.
‘Enough? I know it’s not’: Montgomery County Council signs off on budget plan
The council endorsed a progressive income tax plan, but cuts are still coming to MCPS.
May 15, 2026
Council President Natali Fani-González speaks at a press conference in Rockville in earlier this year.
Why did the council postpone a budget vote — and then postpone it again at the last minute?
Council members — three of whom are running for county executive — must decide how to balance a budget in tight financial times.
May 14, 2026
The Montgomery County Council, shown during a meeting last year, postponed a vote on the budget Thursday morning and again in the afternoon.
What are SMOBs and why are they running for office?
Maryland has a history of giving students a voice in school board decisions — and it’s produced vocal advocates.
May 14, 2026
Student member of the board Matt Post, center, talks to fellow school board members in 2018.
‘The village is on fire’: School leaders decry potential cuts as council debates tax bumps
Every $10 million reduction roughly translates into 100 fewer full-time positions in the district, the superintendent said.
May 12, 2026
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor speaks about a shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School at a press conference in Rockville on Monday evening.
Students with disabilities are getting derailed from a diploma — in kindergarten
This practice — according to advocates, policymakers and parents interviewed by The Banner — could limit children’s potential.
May 8, 2026
Brooke Levey sits with her daughter, Helen Humpert, as she does schoolwork at home. Levey said school staff tried to convince her to allow her daughter to take alternate assessments once she entered middle school.
To honor 5 decades in the classroom, a school rallies for Mrs. Moore
“We love you, Mrs. Moore!” the kids screamed.
May 6, 2026
National Education Association president Becky Pringle, left, surprises second grade teacher Estelle Moore with a check for $5,000 during a morning assembly program at Greencastle Elementary School on Tuesday.
New guidelines: Schools must share students’ gender identity when parents ask
The revised guidelines make it clear staff members can’t conceal from parents whether their child is transgender.
May 1, 2026
In a statement, MCPS officials said the updated guidelines “reflect new legal expectations that place greater emphasis on parental rights.”
Montgomery County is done with its only charter school
The Germantown charter school has struggled with special education compliance, finances and staffing since it opened in the fall.
Updated Apr 30, 2026
MECCA Business Learning Institute parents talk with school board member Rita Montoya about their desire to keep the charter school open on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
Student shot during fight at Blake High School’s parking lot
A fight in the parking lot at Blake High School in Silver Spring resulted in a minor being shot, Montgomery County Police said on Wednesday. A 19-year-old man was taken into custody.
Updated Apr 30, 2026
A male minor was shot Wednesday during a fight in the parking lot at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Montgomery County Police said on Wednesday.
Police at every high school? Gun incidents reignite debate
A Montgomery County Council member is calling for police officers to return to high school campuses — permanently.
Apr 29, 2026
District 1 Montgomery County Council member Andrew Friedson is calling for police officers to return to high school campuses — permanently.
2 school board members are running for County Council. Will their positions haunt or help?
Julie Yang is running to represent District 1, while Karla Silvestre is running for one of four at-large council seats.
Apr 23, 2026
Production Yodith Dammlash user-icon Image information Date created April 21, 2026 at 1:12:34 PM (GMT-4:00) Slug mc-yang-silvestre Caption Montgomery County school board members Julie Yang and Karla Silvestre are both seeking higher positions in the county.
A charter school is already threatened with closure. Is a lawsuit over unpaid bills next?
MECCA Business Learning Institute leaders said the company is leaving out key context.
Apr 17, 2026
FEBRUARY 19, 2026 - MECCA Business Learning Institute families attended Thursday’s school board meeting in Rockvile to try and convince district leaders to keep their school open.
Montgomery schools consider raising student meal prices to deal with inflation, labor costs
School board members say they’re hesitant to foist an additional economic burden onto families.
Apr 16, 2026
The cafeteria at Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville.
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