Montgomery County Schools Argue Against Liability in Student Death Case

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has taken a firm stance in response to a lawsuit filed concerning the tragic death of a 13-year-old student, arguing that it is not responsible for incidents that occur off school grounds. This argument was presented during a recent hearing where MCPS attorneys contended that the school system’s responsibilities do not extend beyond the parameters of school property. The student, who has not been named in the proceedings, died in a tragic accident that took place in a neighborhood near the school shortly after school hours. In their defense, MCPS officials cited precedents from previous court rulings which support the notion that school districts typically do not hold legal obligations for student safety during non-school hours. The parents of the deceased student are seeking justice, arguing that the school should have implemented better safety measures and provided guidance to prevent such incidents. “It is vital that schools maintain an environment that safeguards students, even when they are not technically on school grounds,” stated a family representative during the hearing. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding the extent of schools’ responsibilities towards student safety.