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Board Meeting Recap: February 20, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Last Thursday at the Fairfax County School Board’s Regular Meeting (agenda | video), we discussed and considered several important topics, including the Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report on Academic Growth and Excellence and the adoption of the Superintendent’s advertised budget. As I said during our discussion before voting, this is a bare-bones budget that centers student need and compensation for our world-class educators:
As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report: Academic Growth and Excellence
Video | Meeting Materials
FCPS remains committed to ensuring every student meets high academic standards and achieves their full potential. For the update on Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, the Superintendent provided an update highlighting these specific measures:
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Reading by 3rd Grade: In school year 2023-24, 70% of 3rd graders passed the Grade 3 Reading SOL, a 1% increase from baseline, though still short of the division’s target. To improve literacy rates, FCPS is standardizing evidence-based reading curricula, assessing student literacy risk, and providing targeted support for struggling readers.
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Algebra 1 by 8th Grade: 59% of 8th graders earned a verified credit in Algebra 1, an 8 percentage point increase from the baseline, exceeding the division’s target. Efforts are focused on revising the K-7 math curriculum, expanding open enrollment, and providing tailored support for students.
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Advanced Coursework in High School: 85% of graduates completed at least one AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or CTE course that leads to completer status, up 1 percentage point from baseline. FCPS is working to expand advanced course offerings and support underrepresented students in accessing rigorous coursework.
Dr. Reid stressed that by refining instructional strategies and ensuring equitable access, FCPS continues its progress toward academic growth and excellence. Following her presentation and a thorough discussion, the Board approved the Goal 3 Strategic Plan Report for SY 2024-25.
Motion: Dixit, Second: R. Anderson / Vote: Yes 11, No 1
Adopting Superintendent’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved the Superintendent’s Advertised Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, which anchors FCPS as our nation’s education destination by keeping the needs of students, families, and taxpayers top of mind. These needs include recognizing taxpayer fatigue, acknowledging chronic state underfunding, meeting the expectations of our families, and meeting the changing needs of today’s students.
This budget is fiscally responsible, cutting more than $50 million while investing in excellence — not just for FCPS but for all in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy. The budget totals $4 billion – a net increase of $297.1 million, or 7.9%, over the FY 2025 Approved Budget.
Following a thorough discussion, the School Board adopted the FY 2026 Advertised Budget as detailed in the agenda item.
Motion: McDaniel, Second: Sizemore-Heizer / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Academic Matters: Career and Technical Education
Video | Meeting Materials
For Academic Matters, the Superintendent provided a report on Career and Technical Education (CTE). Some of the CTE programs offered by FCPS include Teachers for Tomorrow, residential construction, student auto sales, firefighting, summer camps and enrichment programs, and online courses. These programs allow our students to earn industry credentials that give them a leg up in their future careers.
In the 2023-24 school year, students earned 14,323 credentials that are valued at over $740,000. During Dr. Reid’s presentation, she shared the amazing video below that provides more examples of our CTE classes, such as Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, Trade and Industrial Education, and JROTC.
Custodian and Food and Nutrition Services Appreciation Proclamation
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized, thanked, and extended its highest commendation to Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, and Food and Nutrition Services employees whose attention to detail, compassion, and high standards benefit all students, employees, and members of the FCPS community.
Motion: S. Anderson, Second: Meren / Vote: Yes 10, No 0, Not Present 2
School Bus Driver, Bus Attendants, and Crossing Guard Appreciation Month Proclamation
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board also recognized February 2025 as School Bus Drivers, Bus Attendants, and Crossing Guard Appreciation Month, commending them for their diligence in safely transporting and guiding the school children of FCPS.
Motion: Dixit, Second: McElveen / Vote: Yes 10, No 0, Not Present 2
Student Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful pre-recorded rendition of the National Anthem by the Daniels Run Elementary School Singers under the direction of Michelle McCarten:
Student Performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing in Honor of Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, the Board welcomed a special pre-recorded performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by the Justice High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Miranda Lansberry.
First written in 1900 as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, the song is often referred to as "The Black National Anthem.” It was later adopted by the NAACP and used to rally supporters of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 60s.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Goal 4 Report and SR&R)
- Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Goal 5 Report and SR&R)
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
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
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