Dear Community Members,
Whether this was your first year in FCPS, your last, or one of the many years in between, there’s no doubt that now is a momentous time! It’s not only our students, staff, and FCPS families who experience the school year’s rhythm - Fairfax residents soon will notice sparse school buses on the road, children out and about all day, and expanded hours for community use of our school facilities and grounds.
This is the busiest time of year for me, as I am privileged, truly, to attend a variety of graduations and year-end celebrations. This is my sixth year-end season as a School Board Member. I relish viewing the graduates as they cross the stage. I consider their path achieved; the journey ahead; and the FCPS faculty, fellow students, and family members who helped make it so. It’s the embodiment of all that we want from our public schools and for our children - individuals who are confident, accomplished, supported, and prepared for their next phase in life.
This is public education!
At the same time, the results from the intense Fiscal Year 26 (FY26) budget development process and action continue to hang in the air.
The FY26 Approved Budget by the School Board totals $3.9 billion, a net increase of $175.8 million, or 4.7%, over last year’s (FY25) Approved Budget. Yet, the FY26 approved County transfer was $149.6 million less than FCPS’ request. This left a $121 million shortfall from what FCPS needed to provide an excellent education as expected in the community, and what was available from the County.
To bridge the funding gap, very tough decisions were made. Central FCPS funding for Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART) and Elementary Special Education Department Chairs are reduced, the cause of much community and staff concern. As such, the School Board voted to direct the Superintendent to ensure that these positions are fully and equitably staffed at elementary schools, using schools’ local budget dollars.
The approved budget delays new social studies curriculum materials, reduces central office budgets by 3%, eliminates funding for classroom Monitor hourly positions, and cuts funding for electric buses and non-local travel used for professional development.
This budget is able to invest further in employee compensation, which is the most important investment to recruit and retain the best educators and support staff in an ever-decreasing applicant pool. The budget addresses staff compensation including a 6% increase for employees represented by Fairfax Education Unions (FEU). Non-FEU represented employees and hourly pay band employees will receive a 5% increase.
The budget also funds baseline adjustments to programs including our substitute teacher incentive, middle school late buses, and support for closing academic achievement gaps. Funding for safety and security initiatives, and multiyear initiatives such as teacher credentialing, inclusive preschool expansion, athletic trainers, and fine and performing art stipends, are also noted.
One key point I share is that there are “three truths” about public funding in Fairfax County. Please listen to my remarks to hear more.
It’s time to rethink how we fund public services in Fairfax County.
We can elevate leadership and empower people, together, to cultivate the place we call home.
School Board Updates and Recent Work
👏Win #1 to Get The Money from Richmond! 💰
Recommendation 4 advanced, support staff cap lifted for FY26
School Board Members’ advocacy across Virginia brought the first action on the 2023 JLARC recommendations to improve state public education funding! Showing up and speaking up matters!
The state’s adopted FY26 budget includes $222.9 million for Virginia school divisions, and “lifts” the funding cap for how school support staff are funded, which has been at 27.89 positions per 1,000 students since 2009 - long overdue for repeal. FCPS anticipates receiving $28 million from the state as a result.
All localities receive additional state funding, with most if not all receiving funding for positions already in place but funded entirely locally. The funding is also flexible - it’s not directly tied to specific staffing or policy requirements. In short: the additional funding helps localities pay for support staff; however, a staffing cap ratio does remain in place.
Onward with advocacy for the JLARC Recommendations!
📱Cell Phones Allowed during Lunch for High School Students Next School Year
The School Board on May 8 adopted the Students Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation, to include allowing cell phones during lunch for high school students. This practice goes into effect in the coming school year.
I opposed this cell phone access, and as such I did not vote in favor of the SR&R - a first for me.
I had proposed with my colleague, Dr. Ricardy Anderson of Mason District, a motion to amend the regulation to follow the letter of the new state law and therefore restrict access from bell-to-bell for all students, K-12. This motion failed, 3-9. Myself, R Anderson, and Dunne voted Yes. Here is the full proposed language of my motion.
I first became aware of the proposal to permit cell phones during lunch just three days before the May 8 public Board meeting. The Board had three previous public meetings about cell phone use and this proposal was not raised as a proposed amendment at those times. The motion to approve the SR&R regulation passed, 9-3, with myself, R Anderson, and Dunne opposing.
To me, the process is as important as the outcome in the School Board’s work. I disagree with the process that occurred on this matter, and said so at the Board dais.
I expect that this matter will be taken up again for review and action by the School Board. I will keep the public informed.
🏗️ Making School Renovations More Timely, Economical
There is a 45-year wait for a school facility to be renovated or constructed in Fairfax County, due to just $230 million annually allocated for such work. School Board policy stipulates a 25-year cycle (best practice) that would take $14.4 billion (or $1.4 billion annually) to get back to at this point. All options must be explored to best steward these $8.7 billion in public assets, used by students, employees, and residents year round, from morning to night.
That’s why I advocated to my Board colleagues that we bring the matter to a public Board Work Session, and be briefed together on information that the Superintendent had provided in reports over the past year. This occurred on May 8, and materials are here.
As a meeting manager, I worked with the Chief of Facilities to organize information that could best help the Board gain understanding. Mission accomplished! The Board learned about alternative project delivery methods that could bring savings of time and money to FCPS and Fairfax taxpayers. We also considered the Public Private Partnership (3P) model, which is a very different way of financing facilities renovation than is currently used in Fairfax, but is a successful practice used elsewhere. The Board plans to work on related policies and continue this effort because we have a significant responsibility here. For more information about the status of FCPS’ facilities, see information from the January 14 Capital Improvement Program presentation.
School Board Student Leadership Program Concludes
This year, the School Board Office hosted a cohort of high school students, in the Student Leadership Development Program. Students experienced the roles and functions of the School Board. My student appointee, Wala Malik, a 10th grader at James Madison High School, researched and presented on how to expand access to summer food programs. Wala told the group that she really valued the experience of learning about leadership and School Board work, and collaborating with such amazing other students. She looks forward to remaining engaged in her following years in FCPS!
🎤South Lakes HS Student Performs National Anthem at Board Meeting
South Lakes High School Senior, Itsuko Scoville, blew us away with her performance of the National Anthem at the Regular Meeting on May 22. I’ve followed her for years, watching many theatrical performances and observing as she received recognition as best Vocalist in a Female Role (Big Fish) at the 2024 Cappies. She once again competes for the same recognition at this year’s Cappies for her role in Once Upon a Mattress. Bravo, Itsuko, and all the best as you continue to study musical theater at Ithaca College! 👏
Upcoming Public School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, June 12, 7:00pm - Regular Meeting
- Thursday, June 26, 7:00pm - Regular Meeting
Committee Meeting (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Monday, June 16, 10:00am - Governance Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, June 18, 1:30pm - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, June 17, 11:30am - All-Day Work Session
- FY24 Office of the Auditor General Annual Report and FY26 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics
- Foundation for Applied Technical Education
- Pre-K and Early Head Start Parent Policy Committee Annual Reports
Hunter Mill Happenings
🏫Louise Archer Elementary School Commemorates Renovation
Louise Archer Elementary School received a full renovation, which our community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was a very special celebration and recognition of this thoughtful renovation in the heart of Vienna. It has come a long way since its founding as the segregated Vienna Colored School in 1939. The school was renamed after its founding principal, who passed away in 1948. Due to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education, public schools began the process of integration. Today, the school serves a diverse body of roughly 700 students.
As I said in my brief remarks, I was humbled at the grace of five former students present, who had attended the school when it was segregated for Black students only. I said that Virginia is ground zero for slavery, and we must continue to teach about the bigotry of segregation and its continued after effects. Ms. Archer knew that all children are worthy of respect and education, and she worked to bring that forward. It’s now captured in the beautiful entryway to the school, for all to know and learn. The student chorus was incredible - singing a song about peace. So tender and meaningful.
The renovation took 2.5 years to complete - far too long. Again, my summary above addresses the need to reduce this amount of time for capital projects.
Madison High School Club Teams Play Hard!
Frisbee Team wins State Championship
Congratulations to the Madison HS Girls Frisbee club team, for winning the Virginia High School Title in the sport, 7-0! Way to go, MADLUV!
Madison Warhawk 🚣♀️Crew Takes 2nd Place in Nationals
Madison High School’s Warhawk Crew participated in the Scholastic National Championship Regatta (SRAA) in Pennsauken, New Jersey, over Memorial Day Weekend. Congratulations to the team’s Girls Junior 8, for placing in the finals and then earning a 2nd place finish! They kept good company with other FCPS crew teams, including from Justice, McLean, South County, and Robinson. I remain eager to bring the sport to more FCPS schools! The full list of results is on the website.
Seniors Share Life Experiences with MAD Wings 🪽 Portfolios
James Madison High School seniors shared their MAD Wings portfolios as part of experiential learning that took them beyond the classroom. I was glad that my Staff Aide, Jacob, could participate for the first time in this annual showcase, and hear from our students. This included Charlotte Steffens, who hiked over nine miles on the Riprap Trail and practiced safety and preparation for the trek; Rodrigo Cubero, who studied petroleum and its environmental impact; and Margaret Hanley, who volunteered to work with fifth grade students at Louise Archer Elementary School. All students related their experiences to traits of FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate. Education is more than testing and scores – it is intangible and character-building. Bravo to these seniors, who are about to tackle life after graduation!
👩🔬Emily Burrell, South Lakes HS Math Teacher, Goes Above and Beyond
The School Board honored South Lakes High School math teacher, Emily Burrell, with a proclamation for her exemplary contributions to education in Fairfax County Public Schools. Her work encompasses more than mathematics instruction, as she developed methods to remove barriers to learning while empowering students. Ms. Burrell is also active in academia, sharing her knowledge through presentations and publications. Earlier this year, she was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which I brought forth for Board recognition in May. Read the full proclamation here.
🌎South Lakes Students Win Geographic Information Systems Competition
From Principal Carlos Seward: South Lakes High School seniors Erin Lepsch and Ava Seitzer took first place in the Virginia Geographic Alliance's statewide Story Map Competition for high school students with their GIS-based project on data center placement in Fairfax/Loudoun County. Both are enrolled in South Lakes' Geospatial Analysis Dual Enrollment course with James Madison University. Erin will attend Michigan State University, and Ava will continue at JMU to study GIS. Special thanks to Dr. Marnie Sturm for her exceptional mentorship and instruction.
Remembering Two Long-Time Local Leaders
U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly
U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly passed away at the end of May at age 75, after battling esophageal cancer. He had just prior informed the community about his worsening health condition and announced his forthcoming retirement.
Congressman Connolly was the Representative for all Hunter Mill constituents. Prior to that, he served and led on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. As such, during my 20 years living in the Hunter Mill district, he has been steadfast in civic life.
Working in government and elected office as he did is a commitment that deserves the utmost respect. Public service is for the dedicated and the courageous. I will retain my memories and lessons from working with the Congressman - from my first run for public office and his counsel, and for being among the leadership in his trust in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County, Hunter Mill Supervisor Catherine Hudgins
Former Hunter Mill District Supervisor, Cathy Hudgins, passed away in May at the age of 81. She served as the District Supervisor from 2000 until her retirement in 2019.
Cathy’s commitment to the community was clear throughout her years of service. She was an approachable public official and a lovely person. I would attend her community “office hours” regularly over the years to learn and ask questions about Fairfax matters, especially leading up to my first run for School Board in 2019. The picture of us here is from Memorial Day weekend that year, at Viva Vienna. Here is part of the statement shared by Fairfax County officials:
“Throughout her tenure, she was a passionate advocate for diversity, affordable housing and inclusive community development. As chair of the board’s Health and Human Services and Housing committees, she championed initiatives that improved quality of life across the county.
One of Hudgins’ most enduring legacies is the creation of the Southgate Community Center in Reston. Opened in 2006, the center was the result of her vision and determination to establish a space for community engagement and vital services. In recognition of her leadership, the facility was renamed the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate in 2021.”
Schools Reach Major Milestones
Many of our schools recently celebrated milestones! That includes the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Aldrin Elementary School’s founding, and the 30th anniversaries of language immersion programs at each of Fox Mill Elementary School (Japanese) and Lake Anne Elementary School (Spanish). I was delighted to be at both schools for their celebrations - the Fiesta at Lake Anne and Matsuri at Fox Mill - as well as Aldrin’s “out-of-this-world” event.
Aldrin Elementary School 30th Anniversary Celebration
Aldrin Elementary School celebrated its 30th anniversary with ceremonies, music, and ice pops! Children sang to the tune of the ukulele from music teacher Rebecca Sowers. Here’s to many more years of fun and memories!
🎏Fox Mill Elementary School hosts 🗾Japanese Cultural Night, Matsuri
Each year, Fox Mill Elementary School hosts the Matsuri festival to showcase the Japanese language immersion program. We enjoy a night full of song, dance, and presentations, which the kids love and enjoy! I caught up with Principal Brian Moose during the event.
For Endo Keiko (“Endo Sensei”), this was her final Matsuri and a touching experience for her and those involved in this special moment. Look at that crowd of parents and families! This is public education!
💃Lake Anne Celebrates 30 Years of Spanish Immersion
Students at Lake Anne Elementary School commemorated the school’s 30th year of the Spanish Immersion Program. They showcased art, music, and culture for their teachers and families, to the delight of all! Language immersion is so beneficial at a young age, with studies showing that children learn languages more effortlessly than adults. Language and cultural skills will benefit students for life and enable them to connect with more people.
🪭Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month!
It was a joyful time in May to celebrate the incredible diversity of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, not only at Fox Mill Elementary School, but at several cultural events in our region. My Staff Aide, Jacob Harrer, as an individual of and advocate for AAPI heritage, met with federal elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of our Asian diaspora.
Jacob also attended the Asian Educators Association and Asian Leadership Alliance Annual Scholarship Banquet at FCPS’ Gatehouse Building to connect with our educators and recognize scholarship recipients, who will attend Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Both of these events featured incredible Korean Buchaechum fan dancing by FCPS students at Fairfax High School and Centreville High School!
Although the Hunter Mill office is an office of just us two, we are a mighty duo! I’m so appreciative to have Jacob’s interest and expertise as an extension of my work.
Hispanic Leadership Alliance 20th Annual Scholarship Awards
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance hosted its 20th Anniversary Scholarship Reception. As a supporter of this initiative for many years, I was delighted to attend once again, and help deliver the awards to 30 graduating FCPS students. I presented the Scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to Darshell Navarro-Rosales of Justice High School. The variety of accomplishments, skills, and interests of these students rivals that of any students. Their humility, gratitude, perseverance, and commitment to giving back to their communities is breathtaking.
🎶That’s a Wrap for Musical Season! Recollections on Hadestown, Once Upon a Mattress, and Mean Girls. 👯
So many shows, so little time! I was able to see productions at Madison High School, South Lakes High School, and Fairfax High School. Next up is the Cappies, with so many FCPS students and crews nominated!
🌍FCPS Featured for Environmental Stewardship
The U.S. Green Building Council recognized Fairfax County Public Schools as a national leader in sustainability and environmental education, with the Green2Green program highlighted in an article, which you can read here. Since its inception in 2009 and its growth over the past sixteen years, Get2Green has taught students the value of nurturing our environment. Simultaneously, it has implemented practical measures to conserve resources throughout the School Division. We only get one planet to take care of, and I’m glad that we are doing our part in Fairfax County.
⛓️💥Vienna to Celebrate Liberty Amendments Month
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The Town of Vienna's fifth annual Liberty Amendments Month starts on June 14 and runs through July 14, 2025. Each week focuses on one of the Constitutional amendments that extends rights and liberties to U.S. citizens who originally were excluded from the Constitution. This has become an annual observance filled with a variety of opportunities to learn, celebrate, and come together as a community. I hope to see you at some of the offerings! See the schedule on the Vienna webpage. |
Other Info of Interest
🕛Early Release Elementary Days to move to Wednesdays Next Year
This year’s early release days had a positive impact on students’ learning as teachers received the training needed to hone their skills in the science of reading. The Superintendent decided to move Early Release days from Monday to Wednesday based on recommendations from the Early Release Steering Committee, composed of parents, caregivers, school staff, and central office personnel. The committee found that Monday training was impacted by holidays and other activities, including art and music. She provided strong rationale for continuing the practice:
“These early release days provided elementary teachers with dedicated on-site planning time—an essential need given the many instructional priorities we’re implementing, including new textbooks, multi-tiered systems of support, Universal Design for Learning, our Strategic Plan, the Virginia Literacy Act, and updated reading and math SOLs. Working with the committee and FAESP, we identified a cost-effective way to support this need. As a result, teachers gained valuable time for planning and collaboration, professional development sessions became more focused and impactful, and staff were better able to provide targeted support for at-risk students. We’re already seeing positive outcomes. For example, in grades K-3, we saw an 11 percentage point increase in students meeting reading benchmarks from fall to winter. In grades 3-6, multi-year trend data shows improved reading performance, with more students meeting or approaching grade-level expectations than in previous years.”
☑️Vote in Primary Elections - June 17 or earlier!
Your vote is your voice, so exercise it by June 17 to help select the Democratic candidates who will be on the November General Election ballot. No need to wait until June 17, though: early in-person voting is now available throughout the county! More information is here.
In Virginia, voters do not designate a political party affiliation, if any, when registering to vote. As such, voters can participate in a primary election. This year, there is no primary for Republican candidates seeking election in November. However, there are two positions that have more than one candidate each to represent the Democratic Party, so there is a primary. Those positions are for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. The winners of this primary will be placed on the November ballot with the Republican candidates already designated.
The November ballot includes the top three leadership positions in Virginia - Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General - as well as all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates (who each serve two-year terms). There is no “off-year” in Virginia! More information from the state is here.
Learn Spanish in Three Weeks!
In Fairfax County almost 40% of people speak a language other than English in their home. In recognition of National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, consider signing up to learn Spanish on your schedule, from your home, office, computer, or phone and better communicate with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Adult and Community Education (ACE)’s most popular online course, Speed Spanish, can help you learn Spanish in as little as three weeks.
Contacting Me
I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.
Best,
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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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