|
Was this email not addressed to you? Sign up for my newsletter!
Dear Community Members,
First, I want to say a huge “Thank You” to the custodial staff at our 200+ facilities, who have been working through sub-freezing temperatures to prepare our public school facility assets to receive our children and residents safely. If ever proof was needed of how hard our employees work for the public, and how they deserve competitive compensation, this is it. Our schools are ready even in this unusual winter weather; however, we are just one part of the public services and community support we all rely on in Fairfax County.
From the end of 2025 and into these first weeks of the year, I’ve reflected on what transpired in our community and public school system, and what remains undone and possible. I’ve recognized the challenge of trying to be both visionary and realistic. I see how things could be - the vibrant programs and experiences we can offer our students, their families, and staff when investments align across agencies working together. But, I also need to be realistic. There’s bureaucracy, politics, and real funding problems to address. How can one be a “realistic visionary”?
Whether we are FCPS parents or faculty, students or county residents (and often a combination of all), sometimes the seeming demands of now can make us feel stuck. So much seeks our attention, and we are just each one person. And then there are these cold, dark days of winter. It’s tough to turn outward and connect.
This is why it’s the best time to show up and speak up.
It’s not time to go it alone. It can be easy to forget the power we each have to shape what happens right here. This is why I’ve created intentional space in my schedule to convene together, listen to you, and hear from one another. Also, I’m choosing to make the work joyful, and I’d like you to join me.
I don’t have all the solutions to address challenges we face, but I know this: we have a phenomenal public school system, and people all around who want one another to thrive.
Please join me during an array of opportunities beginning in February, for virtual town halls, for my in-person Community Engagement Summit on March 10, and to support our students as they achieve their best - in musicals, dance performances, science fairs, and more! Details are below.
I hope to see you soon and often in the new year!
Virtual Town Hall February 8 with Updates and AI discussion
Join me for a virtual Town Hall on Sunday, February 8 from 5-6pm. I will provide an update on hot topics in the School Board’s work, including the annual budget development, legislative work happening now, and facilities. There will then be a focused time to discuss the growth of AI in FCPS. I plan to share a brief update about the developing Board policy, and then welcome questions and input.
Please register with this Google Form. You will be sent a Zoom link by Friday, February 6.
Join my Community Engagement Summit, Tuesday, March 10, Focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in FCPS 💻
Join my next Community Engagement Summit, on Tuesday, March 10, 7:00-8:30pm, at the Louise Archer Elementary School cafeteria. Please register at this link.
This summit will focus on the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in FCPS, specifically:
- I’ll share my knowledge of what is happening in Central Office and in classrooms, and the research and data I’m using to develop FCPS’ new AI policy (more info below);
- Participants will share observations about the presence of AI in FCPS; and
- We’ll discuss questions, interests, concerns, and resources.
I’ll also provide a brief update about other critical work, including the emerging Fiscal Year (FY) 27 budget and legislative activities during the General Assembly session now underway.
Please show up to join fellow community members and me, to engage and learn so you can speak up to support our public schools! The summit will be in-person only, to invest in person-to-person community building.
School Board Updates and Recent Work
Final Thoughts on Finished Boundary Review, Plus Continued Western HS work
On January 22, the School Board approved new school boundaries after an 18-month process. I voted in favor of these changes, as they addressed some school capacity in the Hunter Mill District while prioritizing a gradual, less disruptive transition for families. The changes are effective for the upcoming school year, 2025-26.
Highlights
Madison Pyramid: The significant split feeder for Wolftrap Elementary School students is being remedied, and the students will now flow into Thoreau Middle School and then Madison High School. This is a substantial improvement for students and fulfills the community’s long-standing request to keep Wolftrap students together!
Reduced Split Feeders: Changes improve continuity for students at Westbriar, Colvin Run, and Crossfield Elementary Schools. Note: I am still working with the Superintendent to address the remaining split feeder in the Tysons Green area.
Town of Vienna: All Vienna addresses remain zoned for Madison HS.
Coates Elementary School Overcapacity: Relief is provided by utilizing available space at Floris, Herndon, and McNair elementary schools.
Oakton/Flint Hill Elementary Schools: My recommendation to address attendance islands for the Wayside and Tamarack neighborhoods was not adopted.
Lastly, regarding the new Western High School:
I remain eager alongside residents to hear answers from the Superintendent to questions about transportation and extra curricular activities. I support the name Skyview High School and plan to vote in approval of that at the February 12 School Board Regular Meeting.
🪙Get the Money: Next Annual Budget Proposed
 The School Board is now considering the Superintendent’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year (FY 27), which is basically the next school year. The Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget continues prioritizing competitive compensation for our most important asset - FCPS employees. Our employees - roughly 25,000 full time and 15,000 part time - are essential to making our incredible public education system work for students and residents!
Investment in experienced educators is producing returns! The retention rates of educators with a masters degree has surpassed 90% over the past two years due to investments in compensation! This is an unheard of data point - a true testament to the stability and professionalism FCPS provides as an employer to individuals and in the Fairfax County economic landscape. As such, the proposed budget would incorporate the first year of the newest collective bargaining agreement, that of our Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators.
Of note: there are no new initiatives proposed in this budget. In fact, the requested amount from the main funder - the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - is 48% less than FCPS’ requested increase last year. Also, note that this annual operating budget is separate from those identified in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which funds major facilities projects.
The budget proposes a modest 5% increase in spending, in line with revenue projections from the County and inflation, and with awareness of new Meals Tax revenue available beginning this calendar year. The budget restores Special Education Department Chair positions and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher positions at all elementary schools, and proposes to partially restore class sizes – all priorities of mine.
In the weeks ahead, I will study this budget and explore it with my colleagues, residents, and the Superintendent, in preparation for the School Board’s vote on February 26 to formally adopt this proposed budget and seek such funding from the Board of Supervisors.
Leading School Board Policy Development: AI and More
As a public policy professional, I am serious about ensuring that our School Board policies reflect the values of the community that elected me, and adherence to law and best practices. Virginia Code directs School Boards to review policies every five years and revise as needed.
Policies impact everything in our schools, from curriculum in classrooms and course offerings, to school assignments and transportation, to employee benefits and contract negotiations. As the chair of the Governance Committee, my job is to lead the Board through review, discussion, and updating of policies. In October and January, the School Board completed its review and revisions for nine policies, and we continue the work of reviewing at existing policies while examining new and emerging issues.
The Governance Committee is developing an AI Policy for full Board consideration.
After its first meeting on January 20, when we discussed desired parameters of the policy, the Committee next meets on February 17, to review an initial draft provided by the Superintendent. Like all Board Committee meetings, this will be live streamed and linked on the FCPS YouTube channel, and also broadcast on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11). Remaining scheduled committee meeting dates this year are March 17, April 14, and May 19.
Here are what I’ve identified as my guiding principles to considering AI’s integration into how we educate children and do the business of public education:
-
The School Board has an express and required role in developing this AI policy - not only because it’s stated in other School Board policies, but because AI is a new and evolving presence in our schools and lives. As representatives of the public, School Board Members must be in partnership with the Superintendent in this work to consider the opportunities, challenges, and even dangers, of AI in facets of children’s learning and delivery of education.
-
Understand the variety of ways AI can be used in FCPS. Not all AI is the same. I want to see the different potential uses, like to streamline business operations, save teachers’ time on administrative work so more time is spent on quality in-person instruction with children, and helping families navigate so much information from FCPS. The Superintendent can and must better inform the Board, and as such the public, about what specifically is happening in FCPS among the several pilots that are now occurring.
-
Understand how AI should not be used with children, and how to ensure protections are in place and monitored to safeguard children’s cognitive development and health. I’ve been reviewing the new Brookings Institution report, which offers a “premortem” about generative AI, and finds that:
“...At this point in its trajectory, the risks of utilizing AI in education overshadow its benefits. This is largely because the risks of AI differ in nature from its benefits—that is, these risks undermine children’s foundational development—and may prevent the benefits from being realized. While AI’s potential negative risks and the damages it has already caused are daunting, they are fixable. Clear actions can be taken to help AI enrich, not diminish, students’ learning and development.”
-
Listen to what adults and children observe, think, and experience about AI. I’ve heard anecdotes of AI being used in classrooms, at home, and in teachers’ professional development. I know there is more that people want me to hear, and I’ll be available to listen. Also, I’ve become familiar with a growing advocacy effort hosted by DMV Unplugged, and am sharing the link here for your information.
-
Be clear about the role of business interests in agreements with our public school system - and involvement of the School Board. As a Board Member, I’m responsible for all fiduciary commitments this school division makes. In fact, there’s a policy stating that I need to review any contract costing over half a million dollars. However, there is no such check when it comes to partnership agreements that have no transmitted costs. My understanding is that the school division has legal contracts for no-cost services with multi-billion dollar technology companies. I want to know that FCPS will continue putting children’s education first, before the profit of any company.
Some Governance Updates Rejected by the School Board
A majority of School Board Members voted against specifying how and when the Superintendent and School Board publish public information in a timely manner. I brought the motion to the Board, which I introduce here, at the January 8 public meeting, after first sharing my work with the Board in December.
The changes I brought, with colleague Dr. Ricardy Anderson of the Mason District, specified standard timelines for when materials and intended actions (motions) are to be posted to the web prior to a public School Board meeting; and specified holding the Superintendent accountable for delivering regulations to the Board and public in a timely manner.
Once the Board adopts or updates a policy, the Superintendent is charged with bringing a regulation - that is how the policy gets put into action, or "operationalized". This timeline is not written down anywhere, though generally, 60 days had been the expectation for the Superintendent to provide the regulation. However, there have been major, unexplained delays - including for the Boundary Regulation 8130, which details how the Superintendent will put the boundary change into effect and change students’ school assignments. The Board changed this policy in July 2024; however, the regulation was updated on January 6, 2026, just two days before the final recommendations were presented publicly to the Board. To view the full discussion about this please see the YouTube video.
A majority of School Board Members voted to sunset the Facilities Planning Advisory Council. I voted to oppose this decision. This was a heavily debated action over several meetings. I agreed with keeping FPAC until a plan could be discussed with the Committee Members on how to sunset the committee. Throughout this process, my comments have addressed the value of this advisory committee; gratitude for the residents voluntarily serving on this, including my appointee, Jim Riddle; and the recommendation that the School Board more closely review its Advisory Committee structure and role. Watch my full remarks on my YouTube channel.
🏛️Celebrating the Inauguration of the Governor in Richmond 🎊
On January 17, Virginia welcomed a new administration during the Inauguration Ceremony in Richmond for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. This was my first time being invited to inaugural activities. I appreciated that Governor Abigail Spanberger urged all Virginians to work together and find common ground. After the ceremony, people from throughout the Commonwealth gathered at the Inaugural Ball (my husband and I purchased our own tickets). The ball was about celebrating democracy. Many local Fairfax County officials attended, including my colleagues Karl Frisch and Robyn Lady. I look forward to continuing the important job of protecting strong public education for our children!
Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of an elected School Board in Fairfax
 The School Board recognized that ours has been an elected board for 30 years, with the first board elected in 1996. Prior to our January 8 public meeting, the history of elected school boards in Virginia was recounted by the first chair, Kris Amundson, who later became a Virginia Delegate and who continues to advocate for education policy. Racism, segregation, and Jim Crow are at the roots of Virginia’s school boards. Kris Amundson shared that after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, which required school desegregation, lawmakers in Virginia sought to squash any local attempts to integrate schools. As such, having appointed - not locally elected - school board members allowed segregation to persist. After years of advocacy, in 1996, school boards were given the permission to be elected. Just 30 years ago - within my lifetime (it was the year I graduated high school in New York).
Upcoming Public School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thur, Feb 12, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Capital Improvement Program
- Western High School Naming
- Thur, Feb 26, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Strategic Goal Three: Academic Growth and Excellence Presentation and Vote
- FY27 Advertised Budget
Public Hearings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Tues, Feb 10, 6:30pm - FY27 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
- Wed, Feb 11, 6pm - Overflow Hearing (if needed), FY27 Proposed Budget
- Tues, May 12, 6pm - FY27 Approved Budget Public Hearing
Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tues, Feb 17, 4pm - Governance Committee
- Thur, Feb 19, 3pm - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tues, Feb 10, 11:30am - All-Day Work Session
- Thur, Feb 19, 5pm - PM Work Session on FY27 Proposed Budget
Joint Committee Meeting (Fairfax County Government Center)
- Tues, Feb 24, 3pm - Joint Board of Supervisors and School Board Budget Committee Meeting
Hunter Mill Happenings
🎤Hughes Student Opens School Board Meeting with Star Spangled Banner
 Langston Hughes Middle School student Alison Korb sang the Star Spangled Banner at the start of the December 18 School Board meeting. This is the second time this year she sang for the Board meeting! I am excited to see her continued growth and passion for music.
👯South Lakes Students Sing for Broadway Night
 Before I hunkered down for the winter storm, I saw a performance of the South Lakes High School Chorus’ Broadway Night. It’s an annual show, with selections of Broadway tunes largely featuring Senior class singers, plus a number each of elementary students and middle students - and one grande finale number with them all!
This year, however, Chorus Director, Emily Moser, worked with students to present it with the theme, “In the Books” - selections from musicals that had been adapted from books! The show’s narrators led us through a history of literature and theater! I’ve seen a lot of musicals , yet I still learned so much!
Celebrating Winter Sports Season with Marshall High School
 Congratulations to all FCPS athletes for competing in the winter sports season. This is especially meaningful for our Seniors, who are completing their final season and preparing to graduate. Here’s a shoutout to Marshall High School Senior Nicole Ghanem, who showcased her banner at the Senior Night meet!
🚣♂️Crew Team on its way to South Lakes High School
Exciting news is on the horizon for our athletic community as South Lakes High School has officially been accepted as the newest member of the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA). This milestone paves the way for the inaugural Spring season beginning February 23, and the boosters have already secured boat racks and shells—including the "MENS REA" and "Grizzly"—at Bull Run Marina near Clifton. While the search for a full-time head coach is still underway, winter training has begun with rowing machines. This is an effort I have championed for the past few years, having seen the strength especially of the Madison High School MadCrew team members, who have also been generous in contributing equipment to the budding team.
Town of Vienna Town Council Member and Mayor Oath-of-Office
 Congratulations to the Town of Vienna Mayor and Councilmembers who have been sworn in to a new term of public service! I was delighted to attend the swearing in on January 2, to witness residents undertake leadership positions obtained through democratic elections. Extra special was having Judge and Vienna resident, Steve Shannon, conduct the official activities.Councilmembers spoke with eagerness about being ready to work together to best serve Town residents. This is public service!
Vienna Band, “The Randos,” Rock Out to Raise Money for Schools
 Vienna’s own “The Randos” and Fairfax’s “Aftermath” helped raise about $1,000 for Educate Fairfax during a December 7 benefit concert. With talented performers like Madison High School’s social studies department head Dan Blanchet and substitute teacher Beau Dure on stage, the evening was a powerful reminder of the diverse skills our educators bring to our community. The proceeds will directly support essential initiatives like “Supplies for Success” and “Food for All.” Let’s applaud our talented educators who continue to go above and beyond for our schools. Read the news article here.
🎉Cathy Hudgins Community Center Reopens!
Hunter Mill District will commemorate the reopening of the Cathy Hudgins Community Center on Saturday, January 31 from 1-4pm. The center provides fun and educational activities for residents of all ages! Attendees can enjoy pizza, snacks, and games. For more information, please visit the Cathy Hudgins Community Center website.
Hunter Mill District recognizes Principals of Distinction
 Let's celebrate our FCPS Hunter Mill District Principals who were recognized for distinction by the Virginia Department of Education!
Tony Washington, Carson Middle School
Josh DeSmyter, Floris Elementary School
Brian Moose, Fox Mill Elementary School
Emily Cope, Hunters Woods Elementary School
Steven McFarlane, Kilmer Middle School
Michelle Makrigiorgos, Louise Archer Elementary School
Liz Calvert, Madison High School
Jeff Litz, Marshall High School
Jamie Lane, Oakton High School
Carlos Seward, South Lakes High School
Ashley Younger, Sunrise Valley Elementary School
John Carmichael, Vienna Elementary School
Sallie Burch, Westbriar Elementary School
Tony DiBari, Westfield High School
Maggie Grove, Wolftrap Elementary School
See the full list of all the amazing principals recognized throughout FCPS.
Other Info of Interest
Hispanic Leadership Alliance offers Student Scholarship Opportunities
Application Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance is proud to offer several $1,000 scholarships to first-generation Latino and Hispanic high school seniors across our division. Click here to download the scholarship application.
This program supports graduating seniors who were born abroad or to immigrant parents and will be the first in their family to attend a post-secondary institution. To be considered, applicants must submit their student statements and letters of recommendation to the scholarship committee by the February 20 deadline. Please email the completed application to jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized for their academic achievements and community service at our annual reception on May 4, highlighting the powerful impact of local partnerships on our students' futures.
Graduation Status Now Available in ParentVUE & StudentVUE
A new Graduation Status section is now available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The Graduation Status is a tool that helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. This feature includes progress towards the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new graduation status section is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. To view the graduation status section, please take the following steps:
- Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
- Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
- Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on”
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your school counselor. Additional information about ParentVUE is available on the following website: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview
Additionally, a resource guide with frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the Graduation Status section is available for school counseling professionals on the Graduation Requirements site.
🏗️👷♂️School Board Seeking Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Community Member
Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from community members interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County. The Board will be appointing five committee members to staggered terms.
Applicants cannot be a current FCPS employee and must have expertise in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning, or development. Applicants should be knowledgeable about FCPS (or school district) facilities policies and procedures. The deadline to submit an application is 11:59 p.m., on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Get more information and submit an application.
Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship
Scholarship applications are being accepted for the Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship, which is open for FCPS seniors planning to enroll full-time at a 2-year or 4-year accredited university. The deadline is March 13, 2026. Applicants must identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Please see the Google Form to apply.
2026 Graduation Dates
Speaking of graduation, here is a link to the FCPS webpage listing all 2026 graduation dates!
Contacting Me
I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.
Best,
Was this email not addressed to you? Sign up for my newsletters here!
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
|
