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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.
January Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
 Wishing everyone a happy new year!
I hope your winter break was filled with rest, celebration, and time with loved ones.
As we return for the start of 2026, I’m excited for all the work and opportunities ahead.
You’ll also find in this edition an update on the county budget process, which will play an important role in shaping our school division’s priorities for the coming year.
Best,
Ilryong Moon
Budget
Meeting with the Board of Supervisors Budget Committee
 To watch the meeting - Video with Agenda
Our School Board met with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Budget Committee to review the county's fiscal outlook, discuss anticipated challenges, and emphasize the need for early and transparent collaboration as both boards enter the FY26 and FY27 budget cycle.
Clarifying the 5% Reduction Scenario
During the meeting, I asked for clarification regarding the $30 million in potential reductions referenced by county staff. It is important to note that this figure does not represent a full 5% cut to the county budget.
County staff explained that the 5% reduction modeling applies specifically to general fund support, which totals approximately $85 million. Agencies were asked to submit possible reductions to help illustrate what options could look like—not because these cuts will necessarily occur. The $30 million identified so far reflects the difficulty agencies face when attempting to reach even a portion of the 5% scenario.
Presentation of the Joint County and Schools FY 2027 Fiscal Forecast can be found here.
Beginning the Work Earlier
I also stressed that we should avoid a repeat of last year's timing, when major adjustments were discussed late in the process. This year, our work must begin earlier—not to alarm the community, but to demonstrate responsible planning and transparency.
Last year, when the School Board initiated early conversations about potential reductions, some perceived it as unnecessarily concerning. In reality, it was an effort to proactively prepare. My hope is that earlier engagement this year will be met with greater understanding from both our partners and the community.
What Comes Next: Superintendent Presents Her Budget Proposal on January 22 and County Executive His on February 17
On January 22, Superintendent Dr. Reid will present her proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 to the School Board, outlining her priorities and recommended budget allocations for the coming year.
County Executive Bryan Hill will present the Advertised Budget on February 17. At that time, all proposed reductions will become publicly available. From then until adoption, both boards will hear from residents and consider the adjustments required in response to economic conditions and community needs.
While we may not be able to please everyone, we can commit to making decisions grounded in data and fiscal responsibility. The work ahead may be challenging, but early transparency will help guide informed choices.
Moving Forward Together
Given economic uncertainty in the coming years, reductions on both the county and school sides may be unavoidable. However, I remain confident that through constructive, transparent collaboration, we can navigate these challenges while upholding our shared commitment to public education and the well-being of our families.
Thank you for staying engaged. I will continue to share updates as the budget process advances.
What’s happened in December
2025-2026 Student Leadership Development Program Orientation
 I am thrilled to announce that 12 outstanding high school students from across Fairfax County Public Schools have been selected to participate in the FCPS Student Leadership Program.
This incredible initiative offers students a unique opportunity to learn about local government operations, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in advisory committees.
These students will have the chance to shape the future of education and foster civic engagement, giving them a powerful voice in the decision-making processes that affect their peers and schools.
I am particularly excited to share that my student representative this year is Brandon Kim. Brandon is an exceptional leader.
As Co-President of the Amnesty International Club at Oakton High School, he organized medical drives for Ukraine and initiated events like distributing bookmarks that showcase banned books. This year, he attended the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for the Humanities, where he studied the misconceptions and economic decline of the Appalachian region. He also attended the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute, where he researched and wrote a paper about racial scapegoating in U.S. history.
The other 11 selected students are:
| Student Name |
High School |
| Anvita S. Tangella |
Centreville |
| Faria Ghauri |
Chantilly |
| Scarleth Romero Mendoza |
Falls Church |
| Newt Shosteck |
Hayfield |
| Gianna Fernandez |
Langley |
| Benjamin D. Gummer |
Madison |
| Angela Luo |
McLean |
| Nadia Z. Meares |
Oakton |
| Shrayanthi Balaji |
Westfield |
| Nora K. Fitzpatrick |
West Potomac |
| Ryan Hembree |
Woodson |
Please join us in celebrating these exceptional young leaders and their bright futures ahead!
Jefferson Young Democrats & Republicans
 I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's Young Democrats and Young Republicans clubs. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from students representing a range of perspectives and interests.
Our conversation touched on many topics that matter to students and families—from how School Board decisions influence daily life, to the process behind weather-related closures, to broader questions about educational equity, transportation, and long-term facilities planning. Students also asked thoughtful questions about national attention on FCPS and issues of safety and inclusion.
I shared how my own experiences—as an immigrant, a first-generation college graduate, and a long-serving public official—shape my commitment to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, supportive public education. We also discussed the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and constructive engagement as we navigate the challenges ahead for our school system.
I was especially impressed by the students’ level of engagement, curiosity, and respect for differing viewpoints. Their willingness to learn about local governance and ask meaningful questions gives me great confidence in the next generation of leaders.
I encouraged all students to stay involved—whether by attending School Board meetings, participating in advisory groups, or continuing conversations within their school community. Their voices matter, and I look forward to more opportunities to connect.
MWAA West Potomac Academy Ribbon Cutting
 I was pleased to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony at West Potomac High School as the Academy celebrated an exciting new chapter in its partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) through the Ignite program.
Whether students choose to pursue postsecondary education or enter the workforce immediately after graduation, the real-world experiences they gain through these pathways help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Students shared powerful stories about how the Academy’s career pathways were shaping their futures. A guest speaker also talked about the skills needed to be a leader in his organization, with the skills of diplomacy being of paramount importance. Upon my question as to how to develop such skills, he replied, "through pains and mistakes." I, as a school board member, could not agree more.
 Superintendent Dr. Reid, Chief of Schools Dr. Ponce and our Region 3 leadership team joined us in celebrating this important milestone, along with my colleagues Ryan McElveen (At-Large) and Mateo Dunne (Mount Vernon District).
Congratulations to West Potomac Academy for expanding this valuable partnership and continuing to open doors for our students!
3rd Annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show
 I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show, now in its third year. Hundreds of students came together to sample potential future cafeteria meals—from breakfast offerings to new lunch recipes—and provide direct feedback to help shape our menus.
 With a wide variety of dishes that reflected the rich cultural diversity of our student population, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services Shaun Sawko shared that his team was committed to continually refining meal options to better serve the more than 180,000 students across FCPS.
The foods were so delicious. I was already full halfway through!
I especially enjoyed the Korean BBQ Crunch Bowl, Banh Mi Sliders, Chicken Enchilada, and Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit. Next time, we should definitely try adding Kimbap to the lineup!
It was wonderful to see students actively involved in creating the future of their school meals!
Go Club at Great Falls Elementary School
 At the beginning of the school year, I was excited to announce the launch of Go Clubs at several schools across our division. Through a partnership with the American Go Association (AGA), this timeless strategy game is being introduced to our students, providing meaningful opportunities to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
I visited Great Falls Elementary School to see the Go Club in action. The club is led by our teacher Cynthia Rinehart, and the AGA President Gurujeet Khalsa, who generously volunteers his time to teach students how to play and appreciate the game of Go.
Beyond its strategic depth, Go also serves as a valuable learning tool for younger students by reinforcing foundational math skills such as counting, multiplication, and basic calculations.
Through play, students build mathematical confidence while developing strong analytical and problem-solving abilities in an engaging and supportive environment.
Celebrating Community and Student Success
I had the honor of attending the Washington Korean Women’s Society’s 44th Annual Holiday Banquet. I was invited as a guest speaker to recognize and thank the organization for its longstanding dedication to supporting students across the Washington Metropolitan area.
 For many years, the Society has raised funds to provide meaningful scholarship opportunities to local students. In the previous scholarship cycle, 12 students were selected—only one of whom was Korean—reflecting the organization’s commitment to uplifting students of all backgrounds.
This year, the Society awarded scholarships to 11 students. Each recipient received $1,500, with one most outstanding student receiving a $3,000 award. Applicants do not need to be of Korean descent. In fact, many more non-Korean applicants have been receiving scholarships.
I am proud that dozens of students from our own school division have benefited from these scholarships in past years. I remain committed to advocating for expanded opportunities like this and am grateful for the chance to share these resources with our Student Services team so they can be included on our scholarship opportunity page.
The generosity and leadership of the Washington Korean Women’s Society continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across our region, and it was a privilege to join them in celebrating another year of service and impact.
Celebrating Inclusion Through Sensory-Friendly Music
 Brandon Kim, my representative for the 2025-26 Student Leadership Development Program, is the co-founder of TunesRUs, a student-led music group dedicated to creating inclusive musical experiences for children with disabilities and their families, invited me to the sensory-friendly concert. The concert was moving and inspiring, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can eliminate barriers and enable meaningful participation.
The students of TunesRUs recognized that traditional concerts could be overwhelming or inaccessible for many children with disabilities. Wanting to create opportunities where these children could not only attend but also participate, they began organizing sensory-friendly concerts designed with inclusivity at the center.
One of the performers was Kaden Joo, a student at Centreville Elementary School. Kaden is autistic, has minor hearing loss, is nonverbal, and is a talented pianist. His performance was a powerful reminder that ability takes many forms when given the right support and environment.
These sensory-friendly concerts allow children and families to experience music freely—without pressure, judgment, or limitation.
The work of these students reflects a hopeful vision for the future: one where people with and without disabilities live together with understanding, respect, and harmony.
New Classes Starting Soon with FCPS Adult & Continuing Education
FCPS ACE is dedicated to lifelong learning, providing education and skills for real-life success. Check out the hundreds of continuing education, career, and just plain FUN classes offered through FCPS ACE to position yourself for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Monday, January 5, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Audit Committee
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Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Governance Committee (Rescheduled from 12/9)
- Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Boundary Public Hearing
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:30 a.m. Forum: World Languages; 11:00 a.m. All Day Work Session; 6:00 p.m. CIP/Boundary Overflow Public Hearing
- Thursday, January 15, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Governance Committee
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Thursday, January 22, 2026 , 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Individuals should check BoardDocs for the agenda for School Board meetings since there are closed meetings that often occur before the public portion of the meeting begins.
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2025 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information.
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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