Collective Bargaining Update, Speak to a Cigna Representative

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/30/2024 06:50 PM EDT
Groundskeepers pose by a post hole digger with shovels


Groundskeepers at Annandale Terrace Elementary School prepare to plant trees at the school in celebration of Arbor Day.

đŸ—łïž Collective Bargaining Update

Collective bargaining is currently in the campaign stage. Organizations are now pursuing support to become the exclusive representative of our bargaining units. Currently, the Laborer’s Local 571 (LiUNA) is seeking to represent operational employees, and Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) is seeking to represent licensed instructional and operational employees.

Labor organizations are expected to coordinate all visits in advance with the school principal or program manage. They must follow the established guidelines published on the Collective Bargaining page, including FCPS Regulation 1361– Visitor Conduct on School Grounds. 

Visit the Collective Bargaining Resources page on the Employee Hub for more information.

đŸ„ Cigna Representative Available for Complex Questions or Claim Issues

FCPS and Cigna have partnered to expand virtual appointments for employees who need to discuss complex questions or claims issues. Employees and covered dependents can make an appointment with the FCPS representative to discuss claims or coverage concerns from noon to 4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 

Please use the Cigna Pick-A-Time Online Scheduler to schedule your virtual appointment (maximum 30 minutes per appointment). Appointments will be available through the summer. 

For immediate help, we encourage members to call Cigna’s FCPS-dedicated service team at any time at 877-501-7992.

đŸ„Ș Thank You, Lunchtime Legends!

lunch hero

 

Get ready to cheer for our lunchtime legends on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 3. This will be a great opportunity to extend our gratitude to all the School Lunch Heroes who go above and beyond for our students every day.

At Oakton Elementary School, Mijin Lee is the dynamic force behind a sensational lunch program. Read about what led to her being recognized as Oakton High School Pyramid winner for the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee category at FCPS Honors.

Register for the 2024 Summer Equity Symposium 

This year’s FCPS Summer Equity Symposium — Creating Connections, Cultivating Capacity — will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Join the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team for an event that will enlighten minds and enrich our spirits! Keynote speaker Nicole Tucker-Smith, CEO of Lessoncast, will explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equity. The event will also feature a conversation with author, musician, and entrepreneur Marcus Johnson. 

For more information, including how to register, please visit the 2024 Equity Symposium website.

Acknowledging potential scheduling conflicts this date may cause, the Chief Equity Office is committed to leveraging ESSER funding and ensuring this optional learning experience is both meaningful and transformative. 

🏆 Last Call for Nominations for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award recognizes staff, students, or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. Nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details are available on the equity award webpage.

New Chief Human Resources Officer to Start in June

William Solomon

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid has named William Solomon — who currently serves as executive director of Talent Acquisition in Houston Independent School District (ISD) — chief human resources officer, effective June 3.

William comes to FCPS with a track record of transformative leadership in Houston, one of the largest school divisions in the country. He spearheaded projects that had a positive impact on teacher recruitment, such as improving the accuracy of vacancy projections, decreasing the time to hire, expanding the use of visa programs, and increasing the volume of role-qualified applicants. Read his bio.

Adapted PE Teacher Scores National Title

Cadi Doyle

Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, has been named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Read about Cadi and this award.

📞 FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get questions answered, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff members are available to help mediate matters involving peers in the workplace. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

đŸŒ± Green Teams Connect Schools With the Environment

Students dig with shovels, planting trees.


During last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented on FCPS’ Get2Green initiative during the Academic Matters segment. Get2Green is FCPS’ sustainability program and supports green teams at schools with hands-on environmental projects to improve the sustainability of the school and community. 

Green teams are active at many schools with student-driven activities such as reducing waste, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, conserving energy, and tending edible gardens.

View the presentation slides. 

⏰ Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about the ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions. 

All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend. 

Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

đŸ—łïž Support Services Employees’ Advisory Council (SSEAC) Election

Elected representatives of the SSEAC serve a two-year term, working as a liaison between management and employees, representing one of the following community-of-interest groups:

  • Group 3 – Food and Nutrition Services 
  • Group 4 – Custodial and Plant Operations
  • Group 5 – Trades/Maintenance/Security                
  • Group 7 – Management and Administration
  • Group 8 – Educational Support
  • Group 9 – School-Based Clerical  

The SSEAC is one of eight Superintendent’s Advisory Councils. Interested employees must submit materials to the Office of Employee Relations by Friday, May 3. The SSEAC Election Petition outlines the election process. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or Skburris@fcps.edu with questions.

Save a Life, Donate Blood 

Inova will be visiting the Sideburn Support Center on Wednesday, May 8, 6-10 a.m., for an employee blood drive. All donors will receive a free breakfast. Reserve your spot today. Contact Jackie Roseman at Jmroseman@fcps.edu or 703-764-2405 with questions.

😅 Strength in Numbers: Wellbeats Friends and Family Feature

Enjoy healthy activities with your spouse, co-worker, friend, or family member with the Wellbeats friends and family feature! With this feature, you can:

  • Encourage your friends, share uplifting messages, and celebrate each other's achievements.
  • Challenge others to workout sessions and chat in real-time to stay motivated and focused.
  • Virtually cook alongside friends with entertaining cooking demonstrations and nutritious recipes.

To get started, go to your Wellbeats account. Navigate to your profile and switch to sub-accounts to invite others. Each account can accommodate up to five additional members. Wellbeats is free for all benefit-eligible FCPS employees.

đŸŒș Treat Mom and Save Money With Savings for Staff

Treat the amazing mother figure in your life to something special this Mother's Day! Savings for Staff, FCPS’ discount program, has incredible deals to make anyone feel cherished. Find the perfect gift from unforgettable experiences and beautiful flowers to personalized keepsakes and subscriptions. Shop Savings for Staff and show Mom just how much you care, all while saving big!

đŸ—“ïž Calendar Reminders: Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Workday

Orthodox Good Friday


Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher workday. Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar and the employee calendar.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!Â