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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.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Hope everyone is having a great start to the third quarter! ❄️🎉Despite last month’s snowy weather and schedule disruptions, our students rose to the occasion, and are getting ready to finishing the first semester strong. I couldn't be more proud of their resilience and positive attitude.
It’s been a packed month on the School Board with the vote of Comprehensive Boundary, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), FY 2027 Budget discussions and other important policy work!
One of the most important jobs of the School Board is the development of our budget. At the School Board’s January 22 Regular Meeting, the Superintendent presented her proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. As the Budget chair, I remain committed to ensuring the division receives the appropriate level of funding to sustain and strengthen our workforce of educators providing them with the resources they need to deliver a high- quality, well-rounded education for every student.
The School Board will hold a public hearing on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm, where we invite the community to share their feedback on the budget. We want to hear from you, please sign up here to speak February 10th Budget Public Hearing.
I welcome you all to attend the in-person Sully District Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 from 7-9 pm at Rocky Run Middle School, where Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and I will discuss this FY27 Budget and hear your comments. Please see town hall details below.
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
Sully District Happenings
Congratulations to Aashritha Penumudi, who was named a finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science competition! Aashritha is among 40 finalists chosen from a group of 300 scholars. Her project is A Novel Approach to Understanding the Structural Basis of Ribosome Stalling by AMD1 and Cellular Arresting Peptides. Wow! She will receive a minimum $25,000 award, and will be invited to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in final judging, display her work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000. Great job, Aashritha!
Congratulations to Samanvi Tummala and Caroline Li who were in the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026 (STS), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
Congrats to Akshat Patel whose team was one of the winners of the NASA TechRise Student Challenge! Click here for more - NASA TechRise Website
Congrats to Heidi Hager who was one of the four students to receive an award in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition
 
At the Regular meeting on January 22nd, the Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. This Proposed Budget reflects FCPS’ unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and community. The top priorities of FCPS’ FY 2027 Proposed Budget include:
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Prioritizing competitive compensation including funding the increases in the collective bargaining agreements for both our Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators (FCFPSA) bargaining units. This increase is a continuation of our commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and support staff. We have improved our Master’s lane beginning teacher salary to nearly the top of the market within just two years. Between FY 24 and FY 26, our beginning teacher salary has risen from being the seventh highest (out of eight neighboring districts) to the second highest! Thanks to these efforts, our retention rates have surpassed 90% over the past two years!
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Beginning to restore last fiscal year’s reductions by fully restoring Special Education Department Chair positions and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) positions at non-Title I schools, as well as a partial restoration of class sizes in elementary, middle, and high schools.
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Continuing multiyear initiatives including certified athletic trainers at each of our high schools, family liaisons, fine and performing arts stipends, student athletics and activity offerings, K-12 robotics, and educator math certification/credentialing.
The FY 2027 Proposed Budget totals $4.1 billion, a net increase of $197.0 million or 5.0% over the FY 2026 Approved Budget. I am requesting an additional $138.4 million, or 5.1% over the FY 2026 transfer from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. This year’s county transfer requested increase is 48% less than last year’s requested transfer increase and aligns closely with the fiscal forecast presented at the joint Board of Supervisors Budget Committee and School Board meeting in the fall of 2025. Thank you to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and our state delegation for their partnership,
Thursday night’s budget presentation video and slides are available online. I encourage you to keep up with the budget process by watching our upcoming February 10 School Board work session or visiting FCPS’ Budget webpage.
As we move through the next phase of the budget process, I encourage you to watch the remaining work sessions and attend public hearings. As the Budget Chair, I look forward to ongoing collaboration as we strive to align our financial priorities with our shared values and secure the resources our schools need to thrive.
Sully District Budget Town Hall with Supervisor Kathy Smith
Please join Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and me for a joint town hall as we present the proposed FY 2027 Budgets and take your comments.
When: Monday, March 4, 2026
Time: 7 - 9 pm EST
Where: Rocky Run Middle School Lecture Hall
Address: 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151
Supervisor Smith and I look forward to your participation!
Fairfax County School Board Seeks Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Applicants
Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from persons interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. Applications are being accepted until February 8, 2026; applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County and should have expertise in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning, or development. The Board will be appointing five community members to staggered terms. Get more information and submit an application.
Comprehensive Boundary update
At the January 22nd School Board Meeting, the Board approved Fairfax County Public Schools first comprehensive, division-wide boundary review in more than 40 years. The approved changes, effective for the 2026-27 school year, affect approximately 1700 students across 46 schools and are intended to better balance enrollment, capacity, and access to opportunity.
This process highlighted the critical role of parent and community advocacy. I advocated for many communities in the Sully District, and several positive outcomes were achieved because families showed up, spoke at public hearings, wrote emails, spoke at public hearings, wrote emails and consistently advocated for their neighborhoods.
Thank you to every parent, student, educator, and community member who engaged thoughtfully and persistently throughout this process- this progress belongs to you. FCPS remains committed to supporting all transitioning families and to continuing transparent, community-centered planning as we look ahead.
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Western High School Update
Excitement builds as families and students explore the new Western HS. The School Board will vote on the new school’s name on Thursday, February 12.
The Superintendent recommendations are Western High School and Skyview High School.
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Application for School Board Student representative
Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year, in accordance with Policy 1802, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have the opportunity to apply for the position of Student Representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a non-voting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of students in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply and do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). The student representative shall be a resident of Fairfax County or Fairfax City and a student in FCPS.
The application involves two components. Both are required to be considered for the election.
The 2026 election will consist of two parts:
- The first part of the election is a virtual Primary Election held on April 23, 2026, using FCPS Zoom. Candidates have the option to attend this event. Candidates will be notified by email regarding the Primary Election results.
- The second part of the election is a General Election held in person on April 30, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Candidates who advanced from the Primary Election are required to attend the General Election on April 30, 2026.
Additional information and details regarding both the Primary and General Elections will be shared with candidates via email.
Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
2026 Hispanic Leadership Alliance Scholarship Application
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship is for a first-generation Latino/Hispanic student from Fairfax County Public Schools. A first-generation Latino/Hispanic student is one born abroad or to immigrant parents in the United States. The student must be the first one in their family to attend a post-secondary educational institution. HLA will award several $1,000 scholarships at the Annual HLA Scholarship Celebration and Reception in May. Please send any questions regarding the application process to Jane Cruz at jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com or call 202-207-5839. Applications are due by February 20, 2026. [Apply Here]
ALA Scholarship is Here
Applications for the 2026 ALA Scholarship have opened. Deadline is March 13. Graduating FCPS APIDA seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Please click here for application.
February Is Career and Technical Education Month
 YouTube video titled "FCPS CTE Works - Career and Technical Education in Fairfax County Public Schools"
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!
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Black History Month
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme:
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
 12 FCPS School Board members at the dais
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Tuesday, February 10, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Tuesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing: FY 2027 Proposed Budget at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
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Thursday, February 12, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
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Thursday, February 19, 5 p.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Monday, February 23, 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, February 26, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
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Tuesday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
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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 o escanee el código QR.
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.
To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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