|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
March Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
We are in an earnest conversation with the County Board of Supervisors on FY26 budget. The School Board and the County Board of Supervisors held their joint meeting last week. The biggest challenge on the table was a potential gap of $121 million that the County Executive's recommendation on the funding level to the school system is going to have on the FY26 Advertised Budget that the School Board adopted two weeks ago.
With various revenue sources to the County looking bleak, along with the serious impacts the federal job losses are going to have on the local economy, everyone in the room was concerned about how to meet that gap. Both governing bodies realize that the County Executive and the Superintendent have already looked into savings they could generate before making their proposals to the respective boards. Just asking them to find more efficiencies in operations is not a realistic solution to meet the challenges. All participants expressed their own views on how to address the fiscal conundrum and agreed to continue the discussion. I shared a mantra that I had lived with while growing up in Korea before I came to the U.S. as a teenager now more than a half century ago.
“When times are hard, you may eat less and you may clothe less, but you may never educate less.”
This was a belief rooted in Korean culture, where education has always been valued, even during the most difficult times. Korea endured colonization, war, and the IMF crisis, yet learning never stopped. This relentless commitment to education transformed Korea into one of the top IT nations in the world, home to global giants like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia, and the cultural phenomenon of K-Pop and K-Food. These achievements were made possible in just a few decades, all because education remained a priority, even in times of hardship.
Budget challenges are a countywide issue, but we must protect public education at all costs. It is education that empowers people, strengthens communities, and ensures a brighter future for generations to come. Without a strong public education system, we will not have a future where our children can thrive, innovate, and lead.
Public education is not just an investment in students. It is a core value that drives progress and prosperity. We cannot allow the potential funding gap to weaken our commitment to education.
Nothing is more important than ensuring the success of our children, and nothing holds greater value than securing their future through education.
Let's March On!
Best,
Ilryong Moon
In Memory of Robert “Bob” Edward Frye
 Top - With Bob. Bottom - Second from left is Ilryong with School Board Member Ernestine Heastie on the right and on the far right Bob is sitting next to the Superintendent Dan Domenech (Circa 1998).
I am sharing a sad news of passing of the former Fairfax County School Board Chairman Robert "Bob" Edward Frye. He died at home on February 13 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Bob and I served together on the Fairfax County School Board during our first elected term from 1996 to 1999. He was more than just a colleague - he was a mentor, a good friend to me. His wisdom, kindness, and commitment to the success of every student will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
Bob was a proud graduate of Howard University (BS, 1958) and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduation. His commitment to service extended beyond the military and into the heart of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), where he dedicated 19 years as a School Board Member.
During his early tenure in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bob fiercely championed educational equity, advocating for increased resources for schools serving low-income students, language minority students, and students with special needs. His dedication to justice was evident in his successful push for FCPS to replace the Lee/Jackson holiday with a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., long before it became a federal holiday.
Originally serving as an appointed School Board Member, Bob returned to public service when Virginia law changed in 1995 to allow for elected school boards, running and winning as an At-Large candidate. His unwavering leadership and passion for education shaped policies that continue to impact students today. I am grateful for his service and will miss him.
Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
4801 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, VA 22003
What's happened in February
 Left - State Senator Jennifer Boysko. Right - State Senator Saddam Salim
I traveled to Richmond to meet with state legislators to thank them for their work for us and also to advocate for the needs of Fairfax County Public Schools. In addition to attending a reception sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I paid visits to Senate Senators Jennifer Boysko and Saddam Salim. These two senators, indeed, work hard for our schools and students. In meeting with Senator Salim, I emphasized upon the need not to give us any 'unfunded mandate' which we sometimes see. If the legislature, whether federal, state or local, directs the school systems to do something that costs money, it should fully pay for the cost to be incurred.
 Mount View High School Winter Graduation
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winter graduates of Bryant High School and Mountain View High School. These two alternative high schools in FCPS provide flexible and extended learning opportunities for students who balance their education with work, family responsibilities, and other challenges. Many of these graduates are parents, expecting mothers, multilingual learners, or students returning to complete their education after overcoming significant obstacles.
Among them is a 22-year-old graduate from Honduras who shared his remarkable story during commencement. I also had an honor to have a private conversation with him over breakfast since then. His journey to the United States was one of immense hardship and courage. Starting at the age of just 14 years, his journey took him to Guatemala, Mexico, Texas, and eventually Virginia. The journey was not just about reaching America: it was about survival, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of his dreams.
He began his education in the United States in 8th grade in Texas, and a year later, he and his father moved from Texas to Virginia. However, continuing his education proved difficult as they had to work tirelessly to repay their travel expenses and build a new life. To support himself and his family, he took on various jobs, including dishwashing, roofing, landscaping, painting, moving, and carpentry. Despite working full-time, he committed himself to finishing his education, taking on seven classes while surviving on only four to five hours of sleep each night.
His determination extended beyond academics. At the age of 20 years, he earned his driver’s license, and a year ago, he finally saved enough to buy his first car. Now, he aspires to major in Business Administration at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) with the goal of starting his own business. His vision is not just for personal success, but to help others and one day provide scholarships for students in need.
He described Mountain View High School as his last hope, a place where every teacher and staff member encouraged him, gave him hope, and made him feel like part of a family. This unwavering support built his confidence and gave him the assurance he needed to succeed. He was particularly grateful for his government teacher, Mr. Garvey, who became his mentor and helped shape his path forward.
Mr. Garvey shared these words about him:
"He embodies what it means to be a leader through quiet, consistent action. I have had the privilege of knowing him for years, and in every moment, he has demonstrated selflessness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others. He is the kind of student who does not just better himself but lifts those around him. I have seen him bring food for classmates who had nothing to eat, carry the belongings of a pregnant student from class to class, and step in to mentor peers who were struggling academically.
He never sought recognition for his kindness. Instead, he acted simply because it was the right thing to do. He is the kind of person who makes a community stronger, and I deeply respect him for the way he carries himself, always putting others before himself."
While he expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement he received at Mountain View High School, he noted one area for improvement, the need to have a regular cafeteria like any other school. He shared that the quality and taste of food would be much better if they had a regular cafeteria.
His story is just one example of the incredible resilience and determination displayed by these graduates. Their journeys inspire us all, and I could not be prouder of these students and their remarkable achievements.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
 Crescendo Orchestra with Annie Ray, Spotlight Theatre with Kylie Murray
Crescendo Orchestra was founded at the height of the pandemic to bring the joy of music to high school students with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. This program has become a beacon of inclusivity and artistic expression, allowing students to engage in the beauty of orchestral music in a supportive and enriching environment.
Last year, Ms. Annie Ray was honored with the 2024 Music Educator of the Year Award at the Grammys in Los Angeles, a testament to her extraordinary dedication and impact in music education.
 Photos by Paige Fremder
I had the privilege of joining Congressman Don Beyer, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, and my colleague, School Board Member Ricardy Anderson, at Annandale High School to experience Crescendo Orchestra in action. Watching our students perform was truly inspiring as we saw firsthand the learning that takes place beyond the notes and rhythms on the page.
We also had a chance to visit a theater arts class where a similar program, modeled after the Crescendo Orchestra, was being conducted. Theater Arts teacher Kylie Murray wanted to provide students with similar challenges with opportunities to learn and enjoy various aspects of theater arts. We visitors even had opportunities to dance with them, which is not exactly my forte but still fun.
These extraordinary programs would not have been possible without dedication of our teachers and additional staffing resources provided by the school. It was a wonderful experience to witness the incredible work our students and staff were doing, and I was grateful to be part of celebrating their achievements.
Thank you for the invitation, Principal DeRose!
 Nicole Oberdick, School Librarian at Gunston Elementary School
I had the pleasure of visiting Gunston Elementary School to celebrate the Region 6 Outstanding Professional of the Year, Nicole Oberdick, the school's dedicated librarian. To be nominated for this prestigious recognition, an individual must have served for at least three years, and Nicole has been faithfully serving Fairfax County Public Schools for 13 years with unwavering dedication.
As we all know, knowledge is power, and knowledge begins with reading. Librarians play an essential role in fostering a love for books, engaging with students, and inspiring them to enjoy both reading and learning. Their work not only helps students gain knowledge but also nurtures creative thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Nicole’s commitment to enriching students' learning experiences through literature is truly commendable, and I am grateful for the positive impact she has on our school community. Congratulations, Nicole, on this well-deserved recognition!
 With Vy Tran (Fairfax High School), 4th place in Original Oratory
I also had the pleasure of attending the Speech and Debate Tournament at Robinson Secondary School and was truly inspired by an outstanding student orator I was able to follow. Her speech on gender diversity was not only powerful but also deeply thought-provoking. During lunchtime, I had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with her on the topic, and I was blown away by her intellect, insight, and passion.
The tournament brought together about 600 high school students, including many talented competitors from 14 Fairfax County high schools. It was incredible to witness the dedication, eloquence, and critical thinking skills of these young debaters and speakers. Events like this highlight the importance of fostering dialogue, debate, and the ability to articulate complex ideas with confidence and conviction.
 With Principal Kenneth Junge, students, and parents at Colvin Run Elementary School
I had the honor of attending the Rise Against Hunger event, where Langley Pyramid students demonstrated incredible generosity and commitment. They raised nearly $25,000 within their schools, contributing to a total of over $35,000 as a Langley Pyramid community. Their dedication was evident as 350 volunteers gathered at Colvin Run Elementary School on February 1 to package 82,000 meals for those in need.
I had the privilege of participating in the meal packaging event alongside my colleague, School Board Member Robyn Lady. It was truly inspiring to witness the power of teamwork in action. Through our collective efforts, we helped provide meals for nearly 500,000 people.
We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, compassion, and dedication in raising funds to support children and families worldwide. This year marks the 12th anniversary of this initiative, with an ambitious goal of reaching 1 million meals in 12 years. Their impact is profound, and their efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.
 I had the opportunity to attend several exciting athletic events and witness the incredible talent and dedication of our student-athletes. I was at Langley High School for the Boys Wrestling Liberty District Tournament and also at Centreville High School for a Region Tournament.
I also attended a number of basketball games, including a couple at Marshall High School and a Region Championship game at Hayfield Secondary School, where I saw outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship on display.
Now, the state tournaments are on the way, with both boys and girls basketball championship games scheduled for March 15 in Richmond.
 Beyond athletics, I also had the pleasure of immersing myself in the performing arts, and I guess I can truly call myself a theater and musical enthusiast! I am so grateful to have had the chance to watch our talented students shine on stage. I attended Once Upon a One More Time at Fairfax High School, Cinderella at Lake Braddock Secondary School, and Seussical the Musical at Robinson Secondary School. Each performance was a testament to the dedication, passion, and creativity of our students.
Once Upon a One More Time, a Britney Spears musical, beautifully explored themes of women’s empowerment, while Cinderella offered a fresh and imaginative take on the classic tale. Watching these productions, along with the lively and colorful Seussical the Musical, which involved 180 middle and a couple of dozens of high school students, reminded me how performing arts and athletics both provide invaluable opportunities for our students to thrive, express themselves, and build lifelong skills.
Whether on the court, the mat, or the stage, our students continue to amaze and inspire. I look forward to celebrating more of their successes in the future!
Search for your opportunity
 |
|
Virginia School Boards Association Essay/Speaking Contest |
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & Open to the public:
- Tuesday, March. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - All Day Work Session
-
Thursday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Closed Session
7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
- Monday, March 17, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
- Tuesday, March 18, 10:00 a.m. - PEC (Public Engagement Committee)
- Tuesday, March 18, 3:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
- Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. - CPDC (Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee)
- Tuesday, March 25, 5:00 p.m. - Canceled: HOLD PM Work Session
- Thursday, March 27, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Closed Session,
7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **
This is the fifth year the Virginia School Boards Association will hold this contest. We hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts and allow our attendees to witness examples of bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the state.
This year’s topic is: Champions for Impact.
The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12) in divisions that are members of the VSBA. This contest is as a great opportunity for students to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education. This year’s contest is sponsored by Haney Phinyowattanachip, PLLC.
For more information on the contest and complete guidelines please view the guidebook.
THE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025 by 4:00pm.
Submit your essay here.
Other Questions/Information
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact VSBA by emailing communications@vsba.org or by calling 434-295-8722.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
