Talia Richman
education reporter, Montgomery County
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
Montgomery County doubled its number of 5-star schools. Here’s where to find them.
The latest Maryland School Report Card shows that 36 of 207 Montgomery County Public Schools earned top marks, up from 18 campuses the year prior.
Jawando raises more than $1.4 million in contributions in lead-up to election
Jawando is relying on the county’s public financing program. Candidates using public financing cannot accept contributions from political action committees, LLCs, businesses or large-money donors.
Maryland now has a minimum salary for new teachers — but pay varies widely by district
This year, for the first time, starting salaries for Maryland public school teachers must be at least $60,000.
Federal complaint alleges MCPS student faced years of antisemitic harassment
The Title VI complaint outlines years of reported issues and demands a federal investigation.
Montgomery County schools face Supreme Court review over magnet admissions
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday that it would hear a case centered around whether Montgomery County Public Schools’ magnet program admissions policies denied opportunities to Asian American students.
This school board race is nonpartisan. It doesn’t feel that way.
A super PAC is spending tens of thousands of dollars in opposition to Brenda Diaz’s candidacy.
Montgomery County schools report a ‘dramatic’ enrollment drop
Montgomery County schools are educating just under 152,000 students this year, according to preliminary numbers.
The ‘hunger games signup’ for public comment is roiling Montgomery County PTAs
Parent leaders are losing allocated time at the microphone to weigh in on the capital budget.
When is Montgomery County going to decide which schools might close?
Official decisions remain far off. First will be several engagement sessions.
Maryland congressman re-ups concern over book banning
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin joined Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, in introducing a resolution “expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning.”
Judge blasts Montgomery County schools for ‘blatant attempt’ to dodge disability law
“The directions and policy documents created at MCPS under the authority of Dr. Cage were a blatant attempt to circumvent the requirements of the IDEA,” the judge wrote in her decision.
Why have special education complaints in Maryland increased 200% since 2022?
Many factors could have led to the spike — including one Montgomery County advocate.
Teachers union, Montgomery County schools heading into tough bargaining negotiations
The union warned of scare tactics as the district faces financial strain.
Montgomery County schools are getting stricter — for teachers, principals and staff
This is what needs to happen, says Montgomery County Superintendent Thomas Taylor, if Montgomery County students are going to jump from merely solid results on state assessments to No. 1 in Maryland.
For about $65K, this AI-powered Bethesda school plans to offer 2 hours of academics a day
The national Alpha Schools network is expanding into Maryland. Tuition will be about $65,000. Starting salaries for teachers could be upward of $100,000.
Ethan has autism. Can Montgomery County find the right school for him?
A mother has spent months fighting with the district over where her son can best learn.
Former Montgomery County student sues school board over alleged abuse in the late 2000s
The case revolves around Daniel Picca, who worked at several MCPS elementary schools from 1985 to 2021 and faced numerous allegations of inappropriate conduct, starting in at least 1993.
School bus driver who died in Gaithersburg crash identified by union
Rodney Givens was identified by the SEIU 500 as the Montgomery County Public Schools bus driver who had a medical emergency and died after crashing into a utility pole in Gaithersburg on Tuesday.
‘They’re building it just for me’: Montgomery County students welcomed onto new campus
The $59 million Burtonsville Elementary building was years in the making.
Montgomery County schools facing a $3 billion maintenance backlog, officials say
The Montgomery County Public Schools system is operating with an estimated $3 billion deferred maintenance backlog, officials said.
