Our Community Showed Up

On February 23, 2026, hundreds of Wootton families, students, alumni, and neighbors gathered along Wootton Parkway directly adjacent to the school to send a clear message to the Board of Education: Do not close Wootton High School.

Originally planned at BOE headquarters, the rally was relocated due to a snow day that closed MCPS facilities. The community adapted, braving frigid temperatures and snow to stand together within sight of our beloved school.

As the BOE held its virtual public hearing at 5:00 PM, City of Rockville Councilmember Adam Van Grack presented his live testimony on a laptop so the Board could see the community standing united against the closure of Wootton and for the Modified Recommendation put forth by the City of Rockville.

Rally Photos

Community members line the street in front of Wootton High School during the February 23 rally
Hundreds gathered in front of Wootton High School despite freezing temperatures and snow
Hundreds of community members rally along Wootton Parkway with protest signs
Large crowd holding signs gather in the snow outside Wootton High School
TV news cameras cover the rally as children and families hold signs in the snow
Local news media covered the community turnout
A hand-painted patriotic Save Wootton sign held high above the crowd
Hand-painted signs showed the depth of community feeling
A community leader addresses the rally crowd at sunset
Community leaders addressed the crowd as the sun set
Rally attendees stream virtual testimony to the Board of Education
Streaming virtual testimony so the Board could see the community behind every speaker
Families hold a large Stop Closing Wootton sign in the snow
Families braved the snow with handmade signs

What Happened

The Rally

Despite a snow day that closed all MCPS buildings, hundreds of community members gathered along Wootton Parkway from 4:00 to 5:15 PM. Families with young children, current students, alumni, and neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder in the cold, holding signs and making their voices heard.

The Hearing

At 5:00 PM, the Board of Education began its virtual public hearing on the Superintendent’s recommendation to close Wootton. Rockville City Councilmember Adam Van Grack testified while the rally crowd stood visible on camera behind him, showing the Board the real people behind every word of testimony.

The Message

Snow closes buildings, but it does not close voices. The turnout demonstrated what data and reports cannot capture: the deep connection this community has to Wootton High School, and the determination to fight for its future.

The Fight Continues

The rally was just the beginning. On March 26, the Board voted 7-1 to approve Modified Option H — but the fight continues in court and at the ballot box.

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