School Board February 2026 Update

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Dear Fairfax County Community,

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a nice Valentine’s Day and President’s Day holiday. I also extend my best wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year and a Ramadan Mubarak to those celebrating next week.

Below are some updates on the School Board’s work:

Western High School Update

At the School Board meeting, the board decided to approve the superintendent’s updated naming recommendation that the new school be named "Skyview High School". This was the second most popular name in public input after "Western High School", and we felt that this name would be more unique and less confusing with other nearby schools. As we move forward into the spring, we will be restarting the boundary process for Skyview, and we will have more information on that process soon. Hiring faculty and staff and other preparations for opening are well underway, and we are excited to open up our brand-new Skyview High this fall. You can learn more about Skyview HS at its new FCPS webpage here.

Budget

The Superintendent recently presented the FY 2027 Proposed Budget to the School Board. The $4.1 billion plan reflects a 5% increase and focuses on sustaining current programs, supporting students and staff, and addressing rising costs and state funding challenges. No new program expansions are included.

The budget process now moves into School Board work sessions and public hearings, where we will review the proposal in detail, hear community feedback, and consider adjustments before adoption later this spring. The Board will also coordinate with the Board of Supervisors as part of the county’s overall budget process. You can view the full budget development calendar here.

Magisterial District Budget Town Halls begin in March and provide additional opportunities for residents to learn more and share input. The first one is:

• Providence District, March 9th – Register here.

Please stay tuned for additional dates and opportunities to engage.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

School Spotlight: Bonnie Brae ES

I am excited to introduce a new segment in the newsletter: School Spotlight! In each edition, we’ll highlight one FCPS school, sharing a few fun facts, their mascot, and what’s new and exciting in their community. It’s a great way to celebrate the incredible schools that make FCPS such a special place for students and families.

Our inaugural spotlight shines on Bonnie Brae Elementary School, home of the Scotties, proudly serving students in preschool through grade 6 in the Central Fairfax area off Sideburn Road. This school has enriching events like Math & Literacy Night and cultural celebrations that bring families and staff together. Bonnie Brae is also recognized as a Purple Star School for being especially supportive of military-connected students and has earned a Green Shield School designation for a positive, character-driven culture.

What’s new? Bonnie Brae is slated for a major renovation as part of the FY 2027–31 Capital Improvement Program, which will modernize classrooms, expand learning spaces (including a larger cafeteria and secure entry), and ensure this school continues to be a place where every Scottie can thrive. With a strong community vibe and exciting improvements ahead, there’s a lot to bark about!

In the Community

Earlier this week, I got to attend the new Art Walk at the main terminal at Dulles with Dranesille District member Robyn Lady. Every year, new works of art from FCPS students at all grade levels are displayed and viewed by millions of passengers at Dulles. The next time you are catching a flight, make sure you take a look at some of the incredible works by our students on the back side of the departures counters by the Emirates check-in.

Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.

Sincerely,

Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large

Other Updates

🍽️ Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

• Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
• Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

✊🏾 Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School. 

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available. 

🎓 Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school. 

The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. 

Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance. 

📣 Students: Share Your Ideas With the Superintendent

The inaugural FCPS Student Summit is a superintendent-led leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voice across FCPS. It will take place Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the new western high school. 

The Student Summit will bring together high school students to share ideas, perspectives, and recommendations directly with the superintendent. Students will engage in meaningful conversations on important topics, including access to programs and resources, skill-building and micro-credentials, AI literacy, and other student-identified priorities. 

Student Summit Planning Committee

High school students are encouraged to apply to serve on the FCPS Student Summit Planning Committee. Committee members will collaborate with students from other high schools, share creative and innovative ideas, and earn community service hours. Two students from each high school will be selected to serve on the planning committee. The application will be open until Monday, February 16. 

☀️ Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Find and Performing Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Fine and Performing Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas 

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration.

Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

Registration for all fine and performing arts camps is open now through Friday, June 5.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

📰 FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• FCPS at the Olympics
• Coaches Making History
• Divisionwide Spirit Day

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Calendar Reminder

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

• 🇺🇸 Presidents Day (Holiday) - Monday, February 16: All schools and offices will be closed for the Presidents Day holiday.
• 🐴 / 🌙 Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown) - Tuesday, February 17: Teacher work day, there will be no school for students.
• ✝️ / 🌙 Ash Wednesday/First Full Day of Ramadan - Wednesday, February 18: FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days.
• 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

Web | Phone: 571-423-1090
Laura Stokes, Staff Aide, 571-279-4490