Montgomery County Gymnastics Cuts Spark Debate: A Sign of Shifting Priorities in School Sports?
The recent decision by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to phase out its gymnastics program after the Spring 2026 season has ignited a firestorm of protest, raising critical questions about the future of niche sports within public education. Citing declining participation, rising costs, and a shortage of qualified coaches, MCPS is set to become the last school district in Maryland to drop gymnastics, a sport with a rich history in the county.
The Numbers Tell a Story – But Is It the Whole Story?
According to MCPS spokesperson Liliana Lopez, fewer than 100 students across seven schools participated in gymnastics during the 2025 school year. This dwindling participation, coupled with increasing expenses for equipment and facilities, formed the basis of the district’s decision. Yet, Paula Shaibani, a gymnastics instructor at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School and overseer of the sport across the seven schools, disputes the claim of waning interest. She alleges a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, stating that coaches were promised public comment periods that never materialized.
A Community United in Opposition
The outcry from the gymnastics community has been swift and organized. A petition launched in response to the decision has garnered over 1,000 signatures from stakeholders and taxpayers. Shaibani presented this petition to the Montgomery County school board, emphasizing the community’s frustration at being “silenced and ignored.” The situation highlights a growing concern among parents and athletes about the potential erosion of specialized sports programs in favor of more popular, revenue-generating alternatives.
Beyond Montgomery County: A National Trend?
The situation in Montgomery County isn’t isolated. Across the country, school districts are grappling with budgetary constraints and shifting priorities. Niche sports like gymnastics, swimming, and wrestling often find themselves on the chopping block when faced with financial pressures. Anne Arundel County Public Schools eliminated its gymnastics program in 2012, leaving Montgomery County as the sole remaining district in Maryland offering the sport. This trend raises concerns about equitable access to athletic opportunities for students with diverse interests.
The Impact of Losing a Foundation
Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, a Montgomery Blair High School and Gaithersburg High School alumna, voiced her disappointment with the decision. Dawes emphasized the foundational benefits of gymnastics, stating it provides “the greatest foundation you can give a child when training in a positive and encouraging environment.” The loss of school-based programs could disproportionately affect students from lower-income families who may not have the resources to participate in expensive private gymnastics academies.
What’s Next for Maryland Gymnastics?
The future of gymnastics in Maryland remains uncertain. While the MCPS decision is final for the public school system, the passionate advocacy of coaches, athletes, and community members may lead to renewed discussions about alternative funding models or partnerships with private organizations. The opening of a novel location for The Dominique Dawes Academy in Silver Spring suggests a continued commitment to the sport within the county, but it doesn’t address the accessibility gap created by the loss of the public school program.
FAQ
Q: Why is MCPS cutting the gymnastics program?
A: MCPS cites declining participation, rising costs, and a shortage of qualified coaches.
Q: How many students participated in MCPS gymnastics in 2025?
A: Fewer than 100 students participated across seven schools.
Q: Was Dominique Dawes involved in the decision?
A: No, Dawes expressed her disappointment with the decision after it was made.
Q: Is there a petition to save the program?
A: Yes, a petition with over 1,000 signatures has been launched.
Did you know? Montgomery County was the last school district in Maryland offering gymnastics after Anne Arundel County eliminated its program in 2012.
Pro Tip: If your school district is considering cuts to sports programs, actively engage with school board members and administrators to advocate for the value of these opportunities.
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