MCPS Cuts Gymnastics Program After Spring 2026

Decision sparks protest from gymnastics community over declining participation and funding

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has decided to phase out its gymnastics program after the Spring 2026 season, citing declining participation, rising costs, and a shortage of qualified coaches. The decision has ignited a firestorm of protest from the gymnastics community, who argue the district's data does not tell the full story and that they were not properly consulted.

Why it matters

The MCPS decision highlights the broader challenges facing niche sports programs in public schools, as districts grapple with budget constraints and shifting priorities. The loss of school-based gymnastics could disproportionately impact students from lower-income families who may not have access to private gymnastics clubs.

The details

MCPS spokesperson Liliana Lopez stated that fewer than 100 students across seven schools participated in gymnastics during the 2025 school year. However, gymnastics instructor Paula Shaibani disputes the claim of waning interest, alleging a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. A petition launched in response to the decision has garnered over 1,000 signatures from stakeholders and taxpayers.

  • MCPS is set to phase out its gymnastics program after the Spring 2026 season.
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools eliminated its gymnastics program in 2012, leaving MCPS as the last school district in Maryland offering the sport.

The players

Liliana Lopez

MCPS spokesperson who cited declining participation and rising costs as reasons for the decision to cut the gymnastics program.

Paula Shaibani

A gymnastics instructor at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School and overseer of the sport across the seven MCPS schools, who disputes the district's claims and alleges a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

Dominique Dawes

An Olympic gold medalist and Montgomery Blair High School and Gaithersburg High School alumna, who expressed disappointment with the MCPS decision and emphasized the foundational benefits of gymnastics.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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 takeaway

The MCPS decision to cut its gymnastics program highlights the broader challenges facing niche sports in public schools, as districts balance budgets and shifting priorities. The loss of school-based programs could disproportionately affect students from lower-income families, raising concerns about equitable access to athletic opportunities.