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April Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
My fingers are crossed that the days of winter snow, ice, and powerful storms have passed our area. I’m ready for blooming flowers and green trees. April is a special time in schools, too. Spring Break starts the clock on the 4th quarter and a new set of challenges and opportunities to thrive. We can all start something new or find a renewed focus.
I enjoy the arts and April begins a busy time for choral, dance, theater, orchestra, and band performances. You can find upcoming events on the Fine and Performing Arts Calendar.
Superintendent Reid recently highlighted Fine and Performing Arts in the Division, and showed the wide variety of opportunities offered to students across all grades and schools–students of all ages and abilities engage in art, music, and dance. The presentation showed the high-level courses available, including AP and IB classes, that allow students to pursue their interests throughout high school. FCPS prioritizes the value of arts education and continues to be a model for the country, and we have room to improve access for students. One area for growth is ensuring access to instruments over the summer so that students can use the time to practice and improve.
As I said at the Board meeting, music brings me so much joy!
This spring, embrace the spirit of “new” and find a performance or sports matchup at a school you haven’t visited before. There is so much to explore in our amazing District, and come by to say “hi” if you see me at the show.
A special note to our college-bound seniors and their families: I wish you the very best as you finalize your future plans ahead of the May 1 National College Decision Day.
Best,
Ilryong Moon
What's New & What's Next
Changes Proposed to the School Year Calendar
Budget Process Continues with Public Events
Welcome New School Board Member Tom Dannan, Braddock District
Celebrating Outstanding Team FCPS
What's Happened in March
Annandale High School Fan Quest
Asian Educators Association
Rocky Run After School Programs
Student Peace Awards
CYA Student Athletes
Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Traveling Players' Women of Troy
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra "Moves"
Affordable Housing Advisory Council
Bulletin
FCCPTA Scholarship for Graduating Seniors
WKWS Student Scholarship
Changes Proposed to the School Year Calendar
Join the School Calendar Virtual Town Hall
Join me on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. for a virtual town hall on school calendars. I want to hear your feedback on the impact of calendar changes on your family.
Register for the Zoom meeting to join me on Tuesday, April 7.
The School Board is considering several proposed changes to the school calendar. Three motions were introduced at the March 26th meeting that I want to bring to your attention as these changes could affect the school calendar for students next year. The proposed changes are as follows: |
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- Designate Monday, October 12, 2026 as a student instructional day
- Schedule no more than four (4) early release days per school year
- Schedule Veterans Day annually as a student instructional day
If you cannot attend the Town Hall, you can still provide your feedback. Identify and contact your representative from the School Board website as soon as possible to add your voice to the conversation.
The School Board will take action on these calendar proposals on April 9th.
Budget Process Continues with Public Events
I presented FCPS’ FY27 Budget Proposal alongside Dranesville Supervisor Bierman at the Dranesville District Budget Town Hall at Herndon High School. We walked community members through the Division’s and County’s budget proposals and took questions from the audience. Here are a few points of interest:
- For the first time in 3 years, the commercial tax base grew 1.8%; the Food and Beverage tax is a significant new revenue stream which has now been in place for a full year.
- FCPS’ budget request for FY27 includes a $138.4 million increase over last year, but the County’s current advertised budget leaves a $44 million gap. I am hopeful the General Assembly in Richmond and the County Board of Supervisors will bridge this via state aid and a higher County transfer.
- Teacher compensation is improving. Over the last two years, FCPS moved from 7th to 2nd in the region for starting teacher salaries with Master's degrees. The proposed budget includes a 5.56% average increase for teachers.
Two more Budget Town Hall meetings are coming up and can be watched on Fairfax County’s Channel 16.
- Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m., Springfield District
- Friday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m., Franconia District
If you have thoughts or comments on the County's FY27 Advertised Budget, share your feedback by completing this survey or attending an upcoming Public Hearing. Public Hearings give community members another opportunity to provide feedback to the Board of Supervisors and School Board. I encourage you all to engage in this process and share your feedback.
Public Hearings
- Board of Supervisors: Held at the Government Center Board Auditorium; register in advance.
- Tuesday, April 14, at 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 15, at 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m.
- School Board
- Tuesday, May 12, at 6:00pm
 Discussing FY27 Budget Proposals at the Dranesville Town Hall with Supervisor Bierman
Welcome New School Board Member Tom Dannan, Braddock District
 Welcoming Braddock's New Representative Tom Dannan to the School Board
At the School Board's March 19th Regular Meeting, Braddock District’s new School Board Representative, Tom Dannan, was sworn in and welcomed with a small reception. Students in Marshall Academy’s Culinary Program served delicious snacks, JROTC students from Lake Braddock Secondary School presented the colors, and Lake Braddock Middle School’s Chamber Orchestra performed the National Anthem. It's a pleasure to see talented students showcased on these special occasions.
I look forward to working with him.
Celebrating Outstanding Team FCPS
Celebrating our teachers, leaders, and staff shines a bright light on the bits of magic made every day in FCPS. When we gather to recognize our community, I hear kind statements about the impact our employees have on the everyday experience of students. It is this dedication and care that makes the special difference for #TeamFCPS.
Look below to find the bright stars I was able to honor in person last month.
Annandale High School
Region 6 Outstanding Leader, Erin Crowley
Belle View Elementary
Region 3 Outstanding School Based Leader, Kristen Lehner
Braddock Elementary School
Region 6 Outstanding Operational Employee, Sherryanne Sooknanan
Daniels Run Elementary School
Region 5 Outstanding New Elementary Teacher, Kylie Horn
Edison High School
Region 3 Outstanding Operational Employee, Julian Gaither
Fairfax High School
Region 5 Outstanding New Secondary Teacher, Joaquin Perez
Holmes Middle School
Region 6 Outstanding New Secondary Teacher, Rachel Pryately
Irving Middle School
Region 4 Outstanding Leader, Danielle Tillman
Laurel Ridge Elementary School
Region 4 Outstanding Operational Employee, Amofa Agyekum
Timber Lane Elementary School
Region 2 Outstanding Operational Employee, Souhair Darwich
What's Happened in March
Annandale High School Fan Quest
Everyone was an Annandale Atom for Fan Quest, a special event that promotes inclusion and support for students with disabilities. I cheered on the Special Olympics basketball teams from both the Annandale High School Atoms and the Centreville High School Wildcats in their friendly game against each other and saw true partnership and friendship on the court.
 Celebrating at Annandale High School's Fan Quest
Asian Educators Association
The Asian Educators Association hosted Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Rodney Lusk as part of their Leadership Series. The conversation focused on community engagement based on trust, partnership, and shared responsibility. The essential role of educators was central to the conversation, especially the importance of family and community relationships.
 Keynote Speaker Rodney Lusk at the Asian Educators Association Meeting
Rocky Run After School Programs
Rocky Run Middle School students had their choice of numerous after school activities to extend their day with friends and teachers. I visited students participating in library advisory, theater, Model UN, Dungeons and Dragons, crochet, and gym.
 Visiting Students Participating in After School Programs at Rocky Run Middle School
Student Peace Awards
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County recognizes young people who work as peacemakers. The organization believes that “intentional peacemaking is vital in our world, and students active in the pursuit of peace should be encouraged in every way possible.” McLean student Chloe Jeong was one of 28 recipients this year. Students are selected by their schools for seeing “conflict and injustice and respond[ing] with creative problem solving.” Congratulations to Chloe and all of the honorees for being recognized for their admirable work.
 Students Recognized with a Student Peace Award; With McLean High School Student Chloe Jeong
CYA Student Athletes
There was a lot of hustle on the court for CYA Basketball at Waples Mill Elementary. These awesome athletes gave 100% in their game and came together at the end, not as winners and losers, but as friends and competitors.
 CYA Basketball Teams at Waples Mill
Regional Science and Engineering Fair
I had the privilege of participating in giving awards to some First Place winners and a Grand Prize winner at the 71st Annual Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair which showcased remarkable curiosity and ingenuity. Thirteen Grand Prize Winners were selected from more than 600 entrants. I enjoyed seeing the incredible hard work, curiosity, and inventiveness on display. TJHSST student Sarah Park’s biomedical engineering project, “Revolutionizing Targeted Therapeutics Using AI-Powered Origami Millirobots” was awarded one of the Grand Prizes.
 Grand Prize Winners at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair; With TJHSST Student Sarah Park and Principal Mike Mukai
Traveling Players’ Women of Troy
Traveling Players’ teen and tween acting group performed the Greek tragedy, Women of Troy. Productions like this show how hard our students work–practicing, memorizing, rehearsing, and mastering their performances. These participants demonstrated a true commitment and put on a great show.
 Speaking to the Audience at the Women of Troy Performance by Traveling Players
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra “Moves”
Sing along, play along, and move along were all beautifully coordinated at Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s “Link Up: The Orchestra Moves” performance at George Mason’s Center for the Arts. Third through fifth grade students–and other audience members–attended the culminating concert for the partnership with FSO. We “moved along” to The Blue Danube, students used their recorders to “play along,” and sheet music helped the audience “sing along.” The FSO said it best: “By any definition, music moves. As organized sound, music moves through time and space from high to low, creating patterns and motifs. Composers and performers use expressive qualities to move us emotionally. Music also compels us to move physically and is embodied in many kinds of dance. Using various strategies and complementary creative movement activities, we will discover all the interwoven ways in which the orchestra moves.”
 Fairfax Symphony Orchestra performing at the FSO The Orchestra Moves Event
Affordable Housing Advisory Council
The Fairfax County Affordable Housing Council works to preserve and create affordable housing options in our area. At the most recent gathering, we received an update on the need for housing, increasing production, and financing and support initiatives. I spoke about the current challenges for FCPS teachers and the enormous financial burden of housing for educators. A 2025 report from the National Council of Teacher Quality showed that new teachers will spend 42% of their salary for a one bedroom apartment.
 Members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council
Bulletin
Class of 2026 Senior Scholarships from the Fairfax County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (FCCPTA)
Washington Korean Women's Society Scholarship
The Washington Korean Women’s Society (WKWS) will award four one-time scholarships of $1,500 each to Fairfax County Public School seniors who will be attending college in the fall of 2026. The application is available to students and parents on Naviance's Scholarships and Enrichment Programs page and will be posted on the Scholarships for FCPS Students website soon. Submissions are due by May 20, 2026. Applications are open to students of all ethnic backgrounds.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:30 a.m. All Day Work Session
- Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Governance Committee
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Administration Committee
- Monday, April 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Public Engagement Committee
- Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Thursday, April 30, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
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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