Speech-language pathologists warn MCPS reorganization would weaken legally mandated services

An MCPS speech-language pathologist told the Board of Education she opposed a proposed organizational change that would eliminate the stand-alone speech and language services supervisor and place speech-language services under a broader administrative umbrella.

"Do not remove the one position whose sole responsibility is to protect the students' communication services," Amy Thack said, describing a 25-year career and warning that removing a clinically qualified supervisor would reduce compliance with legally mandated services, delay evaluations and increase inconsistent therapy.

Thack and other speakers said speech-language pathology is a licensed clinical service requiring clinical leadership. They told the board MCPS serves more than 12,000 students with speech and language services and stressed the district faces a national shortage of qualified SLPs, so removing dedicated clinical supervision would risk losing experienced clinicians. Thack urged the board to preserve the supervisor role to ensure continuity of care.

Board members asked clarifying questions about how supervision would work under the proposed structure; members said they would seek staff follow-up and data on caseload impacts as the staffing work session proceeds. No formal change was approved during the hearing.