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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.
Since my last newsletter, we’ve had several significant updates on issues important to our community. I’m pleased to share the latest developments with you.
Western High School
At the November 13 School Board Meeting, we took major steps forward on the future of the new Western High School. The Board approved the school’s programming, confirming that it will open as a comprehensive high school with traditional boundaries, a step toward addressing long-term overcrowding and transportation challenges in the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield pyramids. The school will also include a special programming pathway, which may focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, aviation, or engineering.
We also adopted the initial enrollment plan. Western High School will open for Grades 9 and 10 in the 2026–27 school year, with an opt-in process limited to students in the five western pyramids.
At our December 4 meeting, the Superintendent proposed ten names, selected from thousands of public suggestions:
- Western High School
- Innovation High School
- Discovery High School
- Skyview High School
- Endeavour High School
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Bessie Coleman High School – honoring the pioneering aviator who became the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license.
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Kalpana Chawla High School – honoring the aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut who was the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space and who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
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Sally Ride High School – honoring the physicist and NASA astronaut who became the first American woman in space.
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Ronald McNair High School – honoring the physicist and NASA astronaut known for his groundbreaking work in laser physics who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
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David Brown High School – honoring the U.S. Navy flight surgeon and NASA astronaut from Arlington who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
A new public comment period will open soon, and I encourage you to share your thoughts on these names once the survey is available.
Comprehensive Boundary Review Phasing Transportation
At the December 4th meeting the Superintendent presented her recommendation for transportation related to phasing in the comprehensive boundary review. Her recommendation is for FCPS to not provide transportation services to families choosing to remain in their original base school. Students will still be able to remain at their current school, as the boundary policy calls for, however the recommendation is to not provide bussing services to the old schools. Transportation would be provided to the new school.
This recommendation is driven by the financial challenges associated by acquiring and running 57 more school busses at an annual cost of over $10 million. I am concerned that this would make phasing a privileged option, but at the same time I do understand the budget constraints that FCPS is facing. As we enter the final phases of the boundary review process, please feel free to continue to submit feedback on this issue.
Budget Update
Last week, the School Board and Board of Supervisors held our joint budget briefing to review the fiscal outlook for next year. As anticipated, this will be another challenging budget year, with Fairfax County facing a projected $131 million shortfall.
While economic conditions are outside our control, we can continue advocating for a fairer state funding formula. Fairfax County currently receives only 50 cents for every dollar it sends to Richmond, a longstanding imbalance that forces our local government to fill the gap, an increasingly unsustainable approach. The JLARC study released last year further confirmed that the Commonwealth underfunds K–12 education statewide. FCPS has already absorbed reductions in recent years, and without action from the state, future cuts could directly impact the instructional experiences that make our schools exceptional.
I’m encouraged that this year, the School Board and Supervisors began their collaboration earlier than ever. But to make real progress, we need your help. Please take a moment to contact your state legislators and urge them to make school funding their top priority in this year’s legislative session.
Find your General Assembly representatives here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/
 
Committee Corner
At last week’s School Board meeting, the Board approved my proposal to streamline two committees focused on facilities, planning, and development: the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) and the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC).
FPAC is currently composed of community members with expertise in facilities and planning, while CPDC includes School Board members and staff. Under the newly approved structure, the FPAC function will be incorporated into CPDC, with five community members joining CPDC directly. This change brings community expertise closer to decision-making, reduces duplicative work, and improves efficiency for both committees and staff. I look forward to seeing this new model strengthen transparency and collaboration.
Thank you for staying connected and engaged. As always, please feel free to reach out with questions or feedback. I value your partnership in supporting our schools and students.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Other Updates
📱 Download the New FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app you can:
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Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource GuideFood insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
🙋♂️ Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
🛠️ Explore CTE and Academy/Specialty Programs
As academic advising season approaches, families are encouraged to explore the many pathways available for rising and current high school students.
Learn more about FCPS academies, specialized programs, and high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at the Pathway Fair on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Robinson Secondary School.
FCPS central office leaders and academy counselors will share insights about CTE programs, pathways, and opportunities across the school division.
Find additional information, including dates for academy open houses. Contact Bonnie Wannett with questions.
 ❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
‘Tis the season for winter weather! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Your school’s principal will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
🌨️ Backup Bus Routes During Inclement Weather
During inclement weather, some roads or neighborhoods may be difficult for our school buses to access safely. In those situations, FCPS’ Transportation Office may use backup bus routes with alternate pickup or drop-off locations. For safety and clarity, these alternate stops are not posted publicly. However, any family affected by a temporary change will be notified directly, typically the evening before, by email, text message, and a phone call.
This long-standing practice helps ensure that only the families who need this information receive it, and it prevents confusion that could cause students to miss their bus. We encourage families to make sure their contact information is up to date so they can receive timely notifications if a backup route is needed this winter. If you have a bus route question, find out who to contact in Transportation Services.
Calendar Reminder
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Winter Break (Student Holiday) - Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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See the complete school year calendar.
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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