Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates and October Meetings and Resources for Those Affected by Government Shutdown

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Hello, Springfield District,

I want to share with you some important and timely information!

The Superintendent’s Comprehensive Boundary Review has entered Phase 2 (Part 2) with community meetings for each pyramid. The meetings occurring this month will include the consultant’s presentation of the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and allow for questions from the attendees. There will also be a way to provide feedback on this scenario. 

There will be a total of 12 hybrid meetings (held in person and virtual). Each will focus on two pyramids, similar to the September meetings. A pyramid includes one high school or secondary school, and the middle and/or elementary schools that feed into it. The consultant will present the latest draft map and changes specific to the two pyramids. We will also take questions. Please note that the first meeting kicks off tonight, Monday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School for the Centreville and Robinson pyramids. Find more information below

I know that many of you were anxiously awaiting the release of the maps that were anticipated late last week. There was a delay in getting the Boundary Review Explorer Tool posted as promised. The current draft map, Scenario 4, for the Boundary Explorer Tool is now available. I appreciate your patience while our team addressed back-end technical issues. They're still making minor refinements to a few areas, and I encourage you to review and provide your feedback on this new draft.

Also, I know many families in Fairfax County are directly impacted by the government shutdown. If your family has been impacted, Fairfax County Public Schools is ready to support you! Be sure to view resources families may access during this period. I hope things are resolved as quickly as possible.

I will be in touch soon!

Sandy


📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Enters Phase 2 (Part 2)

Key Takeaways from Superintendent’s Boundary Review  Advisory Committee September 24 Meeting

  • Welcome and Overview Dr. Reid welcomed the advisory committee members and thanked them for their continuing work on the boundary review process. She reminded them that we are wrapping up the September community meetings, and the October community meetings are just around the corner. The consultant then welcomed the group back and reviewed the timeline.
  • Update on Transportation Analysis The consultant presented the transportation analysis.
  • Orientation Around Scenario 4 Boundary Changes and Impact on Policy Priorities By Region The consultant shared draft boundary changes and asked advisory committee members to provide their feedback.
  • Breakout and Report Session: Review and Discuss Scenario 4 Changes Advisory committee members broke into their working subgroups to discuss draft changes. The consultant provided steps for providing feedback.
  • Next Steps and Closing The consultant thanked the group for their work.

You may recall that in the spring, the community provided feedback on the three draft scenarios: Neighborhood Connectivity (attendance islands), Cohort Continuity (split feeders), and Comprehensive Balance (overcrowding). Scenario 4, mentioned in the key takeaways, continues to build upon the first three scenarios. It is informed by the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee, which reviewed community feedback received in the spring to help develop priorities that the consultant used to create Scenario 4. 

Visit FCPS’ website to access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. You may also learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter

October Community Boundary Review Meetings

The October community boundary review meetings are coming up! They kick off tonight, marking the next step in Phase 2 (Part 2) of our boundary review process.

Please pay close attention to the meeting schedule below, as some of the dates have recently changed.

FCPS will be hosting 12 hybrid meetings (in-person and virtual). Each session will focus on two school pyramids (a high school/secondary school and the middle and/or elementary schools that feed into it), maintaining the structure of the September meetings.

What to Expect at October Meetings

The consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and changes specific to the two pyramids. They will also take questions from participants. As a reminder, the draft boundary map was informed by the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee, which reviewed community feedback received in the spring.  

Boundary Explorer Tool

The draft boundary map has been uploaded to the Boundary Explorer tool. You will again have an opportunity to search by your address and provide feedback in the tool at your convenience. This feedback will then be shared with the advisory committee at their meeting in November for review, while they prepare a recommendation for Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. 

Meeting ScheduleMeetings will address changes that are specific to the two designated pyramids, so the content will vary between meetings. If you are unsure of your pyramid, you may view a list of schools within each pyramid.

Meetings for the pyramids that Springfield District students attend are as follows.

View all October comprehensive boundary review community meetings.

Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. 

If you register to attend virtually, you will receive a link within 24 business hours. The email will come from “no-reply@zoom.us.” Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the link.

Visit our Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more about the process. You may also sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Quick Links


Resources for Families Affected by Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown will have a real impact on families across our community. While it is unclear how long this incredible hardship for our neighbors will last, I want to share some resources and opportunities that are available to impacted families. 

  • Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Families can apply at any time during the school year. A change in household income, such as a furlough, layoff, or job loss, may make families newly eligible. Once approved, benefits last through the school year and extend 30 school days into the next, even if income later increases.
  • Free Mental Health Sessions: Free, virtual mental health sessions are available for high school students through our partnership with Hazel Health. This is a great way for students to access care quickly and easily from the school clinic or home, providing support for stress, anxiety, worry, and other concerns that might be heightened during the shutdown. 
  • Earn Extra Income by Becoming a Substitute Teacher: Fairfax County Public Schools is actively recruiting substitute teachers — and that includes you! For those impacted by the federal government shutdown, this is a great opportunity to put your skills to work, earn extra income, and make a meaningful difference for students who need caring adults in the classroom. You can start quickly, take advantage of flexible scheduling, and provide essential support to our schools. 
  • County & Community Support: Fairfax County Government and local organizations provide food, financial, and housing assistance. Families in need can visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) for information.
  • Reduced Transit Fares: The Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) offers 50% off fares for eligible low-income residents ages 18–65.
  • Free Community Resources: Fairfax residents have access to outstanding public libraries, parks, and recreation areas. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass, which allows them to check out up to three items for a period of six weeks.

While I remain optimistic for a swift end to the shutdown, I strongly urge anyone facing a need to utilize these available resources. Let's keep working together—our mutual support is key to helping our community thrive.


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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.

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