Former county police Chief Marcus Jones, now the newly minted chief of security and compliance for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), released a letter Monday to the school district’s families that clarifies his role and goals, and shares that he looks forward to “supporting our new superintendent’s vision for a safer MCPS.”
Jones was appointed MCPS security chief by the county school board June 25 directly after retiring as the chief of the county police department. He served as chief from 2019 to 2024 and worked for the department for almost 40 years.
“I understand that transitioning from a police department to a school system requires a different approach—one that emphasizes collaboration and attentiveness to the unique needs of our educational community,” Jones wrote. “I am committed to integrating national and federal best practices for K-12 school security while leveraging my knowledge, relationships, and long-standing association with our community.”
Jones will earn almost $250,000 a year, making less than he did as the chief of the county police department but more than his replacement, police department veteran Marc Yamada, will earn.
According to the letter, Jones noted “recent school and staff climate surveys pointed to concerns about safety across the district” and said he supports Superintendent Thomas Taylor’s vision. Last week, Taylor, who started the job July 1, said the district has work to do in addressing safety.
“Our No. 1 priority is making sure that our students, our staff and our visitors have a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment,” Taylor said Wednesday during an appearance at County Executive Marc Elrich’s weekly virtual press briefing.
In his letter, Jones said he will be collaborating with district leaders “who have been working to improve policies, procedures, and safety countermeasures, as well as supports, for student behaviors we want to see.”
More information on this work will be available in the coming weeks, he said.
Jones’s appointment garnered criticism and praise from county community members. Some social justice groups have raised concerns that his appointment could lead to an increased police presence in county schools. Other community leaders have been optimistic about his appointment. Jones has said that he planned to clarify the role of police officers in schools.
According to a job description on the MCPS website, Jones will report to Taylor and will lead “the school district’s efforts to ensure student and staff safety by designing, implementing and championing the strategic safety plan.” He will oversee multiple units such as school safety and emergency planning and will serve as the primary liaison to public safety agencies.