A First Lady of the United States. Three of the most influential Supreme Court justices. Leaders in the National Institute of Health. Those were just some of the people on Washingtonian Magazine’s list of 2015’s Most Powerful Women in Washington. Patricia “Pat” O’Neill, the then-President of the Montgomery County Board of Education, was on that list too.
An integral figure in the MCPS education community and the longest-serving member in BoE History, Patricia O’Neill died on Sept. 14 at 71 years old. She led the Board in five one-year terms, serving as the Vice President for another half dozen.
“I am surprised and honored to be recognized by Washingtonian magazine and be included on such a prestigious list of accomplished people who have made a significant impact on our region and our nation,” O’Neill said in the November 2015 Montgomery County Public School’s press release. “It is a privilege to serve this community and advocate for the outstanding students, staff, and families of Montgomery County Public Schools.”
O’Neill was born in Washington, D.C. in 1950, eventually moving to Bethesda. She graduated from Walter Johnson High School in 1968 and Southern Methodist University in 1972. That same year she married Rick O’Neill and the couple had two daughters.
She served a dozen years as a volunteer and leader for the Parent-Teacher Association in the Walt Whitman High School cluster. In 1998, she ran for—and won—a seat on the Board of Education. Over the next 23 years, she worked to improve the public education system for Montgomery County’s youngest residents.
“I think many people believe that too much money goes to our schools. Believe me, in public education there is never enough money to meet all our needs,” O’Neill said in a 2005 interview with The Washington Post. “I also believe that many in the state of Maryland believe there are no challenges in Montgomery County. When I speak at statewide meetings people are shocked to discover the impact of poverty and limited English skills in Montgomery County.”
On Sept. 12, she attended the 10th birthday of her granddaughter. Less than 48 hours later, she passed away while watching the County Council meeting at home, leaving behind her husband of 49 years and their two daughters and grandchildren. The cause of her death has not yet been publically determined. The rest of her term—which expires next year—will be served by someone selected by the remaining members, according to the Board’s handbook.
In 2005, The Post asked O’Neill what impression of herself she would most like to change. She said: “I believe that most people believe that I am just a PTA/soccer mom serving on the school board. I believe my business experience, my education and my six years as a nursery school teacher prepared me for this role.”
Tributes poured in for O’Neill from fellow Board members, MCPS staff and Montgomery County Government officials in the form of statements and social media posts.
“Pat had years of institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to Montgomery County Public Schools,” current Board President Brenda Wolff said in a statement. “We have lost an impassioned advocate for children, students and our community. Mrs. O’Neill leaves a legacy of educational excellence that will guide our work for years to come.”
“It’s really, really sad news. She was a real champion of public education,” Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) President Jennifer Martin said. Martin, who heads the teachers union that has more than 14,000 members, worked with O’Neill and the Board.
“Pat O’Neill was a fierce champion for staff, students and families and the impact of her work will live on for generations,” MCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight said in a statement. “I am grateful for her service, her leadership, and her guidance and will miss her wisdom and partnership.”
“Two months serving on @mocoboe with Pat O’Neill have felt like a lifetime,” Richard Montgomery High School senior Hana O’Looney, who serves as the Student Member of the Board (SMOB), tweeted. “A true champion of public education, I will forever be inspired by her commitment to students & vast knowledge of our system. Thank you for your service, Pat. You will be missed.”
Article by Jeremy Fredricks of Winston Churchill High School
Photo courtesy of Nancy Navarro