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Hello Springfield District!
It has been such a joy to spend time in schools and with staff across FCPS these past few weeks. I had the opportunity to visit the FCPSOn Project for the Enhanced Autism classroom at Saratoga Elementary with Hunter Mill School Board Representative Melanie Meren. It was wonderful to see the care, intention, and student-centered support that our staff put into making these classrooms so special. I also enjoyed attending the annual meeting of the FCPS Hispanic Educators Association and Hispanic Leadership Alliance, where it was great to celebrate the leadership, dedication, and impact of so many incredible educators across our division. In addition, I was glad to join the FCPS kickoff for the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. It was also amazing to join Region 4’s leadership team to help recognize some of our outstanding educators, including Irving Middle School Assistant Principal Danielle Tillman, who was honored as Outstanding Leader, and White Oaks Elementary Teacher Megan Haile, who was recognized as Outstanding New Elementary Teacher. Moments like these are such a meaningful reminder of the extraordinary people who make FCPS such a special place for our students to learn and grow.
Below, you will find information about different items the Board has been working on over the past month and decisions that may be coming before us shortly.
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
Left to right: Me, Region 4 Executive Principal Kim Greer, Region 4 Outstanding New Elementary Teacher White Oaks Elementary School’s Megan Haile School, and Region 4 Executive Principal Adam Erbrecht; Region 4 Executive Principal Kim Greer, Member At-Large Ryan McElveen, me, Region 4 Outstanding Leader Irving Middle School Assistant Principal Danielle Tillman, Member At-Large Ilryong Moon, Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel, and Region 4 Executive Principal Adam Erbrecht.
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs. Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
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April 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal Four: Equitable Access and Opportunity and Middle School Advanced Academic Program Centers
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April 9 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: School Calendar Motions Regarding Monday, October 12, 2026, Early Release Days, and Veterans Day, etc.
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April 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting
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April 14 at 2:30 p.m. - Governance Committee Meeting
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April 15 at 4:30 p.m. - Administration Committee Meeting
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April 20 at 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
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April 21 at 5 p.m. - Work Session: Tentative
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April 23 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Strategic Plan Goal Four: Equitable Access and Opportunity, etc.
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April 30 at 4:30 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Watch and Participate:
Stay Informed:
Support & Accessibility:
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Interpretation: Contact the Board Clerk if you require language or ASL support.
School Board Work
School Year Calendar
As we look at the current 303-day span of our academic calendar year, I want to acknowledge the very real stretch our families and staff are facing. We know that a 62-day summer is a departure from the three-month breaks many of us grew up with. However, it is important to look at the “why” behind these changes and how they reflect our evolving understanding of what students need to thrive in a modern world.
For decades, Virginia school districts were bound by the ‘Kings Dominion Law’ (§ 22.1-79.1), which legally barred us from starting schools before Labor Day to protect the state’s tourism industry. While that served a purpose for our state’s economy, it didn’t always serve our students. Since the repeal of that law in 2019, we have finally gained the local autonomy to align our start dates with the needs of our curriculum.
Starting in August allows our high school students more instructional time before high-stakes AP and IB exams in the spring, and it also ensures our students can truly rest during the winter and spring breaks.
Over the entirety of my term, FCPS has had calendars that were approved by the previous board. I have, however, come to understand that past boards moved towards a calendar that breathes throughout the year. Our data and feedback from mental health professionals tell us a clear story:
Reducing the Summer Lapse or Summer Learning Loss: Research shows that students can lose up to 30% of their yearly learning gains over a traditional 80-day summer. By shortening that gap, we reduce the time teachers spend on re-teaching in the fall, keeping academic momentum high. This data was supported by the Virginia Growth Assessment data Dr. Reid presented to the School Board on January 12, 2023. View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Prioritizing Mental Health: The modern student faces pressures that didn’t exist twenty years ago. Rather than waiting for a single long break at the end of the year, our current calendar builds frequent rest stops that provide critical downtime for students and staff to recharge, reduce burnout, and support social and emotional health.
Cultural Inclusion: Our community’s strength is its diversity. By recognizing holidays like Diwali, Eid, Rosh Hashanah, and Orthodox Good Friday, we aren’t just adding days off; we are ensuring that no student has to choose between their faith and their education. While also ensuring our staff doesn’t have to choose between their faith and their job. To review Staff Absentee Data, the Board shared during their January 17, 2023, work session, please view the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Despite all these benefits, we hear the concerns regarding the fragmentation of the five-day week. Please know that as your Board, we are constantly evaluating the balance between these essential wellness breaks and the need for a predictable routine for working families. Unfortunately, with the way the holidays fell this year, two special elections that impacted our schools, and the unique nature of the snow we received, our calendar this year was tough for working families. Our goal remains a calendar that isn’t just a list of dates but a strategic tool for student success and equity. We thank you for your continued partnership as we work to build a schedule that supports our students from August to June.
There are several motions coming up for a vote shortly that I will be carefully considering to change the calendar for next year. I'm concerned about the impact of these changes on both our families and staff, as I understood the goal of creating a three-year calendar to begin with was to give families a way to plan. I will be working with my colleagues to determine a path forward for the calendar that maintains this stability while also giving us a mechanism to receive feedback for future changes.
Boundary Change Phasing and Transportation
At the February 26 meeting, the Board made a decision regarding transportation for students who were provided the option to stay in their original school based on the phasing language in the Board’s 8130 policy. As I have noted, these students fall most closely in line with student transfers, who are not guaranteed transportation to a school that isn’t their base school. I am happy with the path the Board landed on. All students who are rising 10th-12th graders who are eligible for phasing will be provided transportation in a hub-system. This is a system we already use across the division.
If you are a family that needs a transportation option for younger students who weren’t included in the transportation motion outlined above, please know that the Division has a process to apply for an Exception to Ride if there is a bus stop to the school you are hoping to attend that is close to you, where the bus has room.
View more on Boarddocs and watch this portion of the meeting on YouTube.
Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget
The School Board voted to adopt the $4.1B Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget. On February 26, the Board approved a budget centered on three key pillars: academic excellence, competitive pay, and fiscal responsibility. This $4.1B plan prioritizes:
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Staff Retention: Competitive raises to keep top talent
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Student Support: Investing in safe facilities and reliable transit.
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Resources: Modernizing classroom tools and programs
View more on Boarddocs and watch this portion of the meeting on YouTube.
The budget process is still moving along, and your input is vital before the final vote. Provide the county with feedback by completing this survey. Upcoming engagement opportunities for the county budget include public hearings (April 14-16) and town hall meetings (through April 10).
The FCPS FY 2027 Approved Budget is scheduled for adoption by the School Board in May. Follow the budget process.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
At the March 3 work session, the School Board was provided with a presentation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), Regulation 2601, which provides an overview of revisions to the SR&R based on stakeholder feedback and legislative updates, as applicable. The SR&R is aligned with the Virginia Board of Education Model Guidance for Positive and Preventive Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension and is reviewed as part of the annual process established by the School Board.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Superintendent Review of EL 13: Safety and Security
At the March 19 regular meeting, the Superintendent presented her annual safety report, confirming FCPS is in full compliance with its rigorous security standards. The update highlighted several new layers of protection for students and staff:
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Technology Upgrades: Implementation of weapons detection systems in all middle and high schools, plus wearable emergency response buttons for staff.
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Enhanced Communication: Deployment of encrypted radios and modernized equipment for faster emergency coordination.
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New Programs: Launch of a canine detection program and expanded school bus safety technology.
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Community Safety: Continued focus on “Safe Routes to School” for improved traffic and pedestrian security.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Middle School Performing Arts Is “More Than Just a Class”
In the Strategic Plan Update portion of the March 19 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared this inspiring look at theater in FCPS. Students describe how performing arts became more than just a class. This was part of her presentation on Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
FCPS is one of just a few school divisions across the nation that offer a comprehensive middle school theatre curriculum. Approximately 4,500 students are enrolled in the academic curriculum, and more than 4,000 students participate in comprehensive extracurricular theatre programs, including musical productions, short plays, drama clubs, and field trips.
Read more about the importance of performing arts.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Academic Growth & Literacy (Strategic Plan Goal 3)
Also, during the Academic Matters portion of the March 19 meeting, the Board received an explanation of the Walk to Read initiative and the implementation of the Benchmark Advance curriculum. Our grade 3 reading proficiency has improved to 71%; the data proves that our commitment to foundational literacy is working. We are seeing a significant closing of the gap for our students who started the year in the Red and Orange iReady tiers. This steady climb directly correlates to the professional development of our teachers during the mid-week early release days, which is being used for mandatory Virginia Literacy Act training. We cannot expect world-class results without providing our teachers with time to train.
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Walk to Read Model: This initiative allows students to be grouped dynamically by their specific reading level across a grade level for a dedicated block each day. Students are receiving targeted support without being pulled out of their primary classrooms.
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Cursive and Fine Motor Skills: The Board reaffirmed the policy of teaching cursive writing in grades 2-6. These skills are not vintage but essential cognitive requirements for brain development and literacy retention.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Naming Rights for Athletics
In a move to address a $400M maintenance backlog across school buildings, the Board introduced a motion directing the Superintendent to explore naming rights for athletic facilities. School systems around the country use naming rights agreements to generate revenue for facility maintenance and improvements by partnering with local businesses or organizations. I look forward to the Superintendent’s proposal on working alongside community partners to make this a reality. At the March 26 meeting, the Board voted for the proposal to be discussed at a future School Board Work Session.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Budget & Financial Wins
The Board also celebrated the work to secure Bond funding for upcoming capital school projects, along with reaffirming the Board’s understanding and commitment to the Fairfax County “Triple-A” bond rating at the March 19 meeting. This rating allowed the district to secure a 3.7% interest rate on a recent $400 million bond sale, which is well below the 4.28% national average, saving millions in taxpayer money that can stay in our classrooms.
View the meeting materials on BoardDocs, and view the presentation and discussion on YouTube.
Superintendent Updates
Skyview High School Boundary Development Update
The boundary study for Skyview High School and FCPS’ western pyramids continues to move forward. Western pyramids include Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield.
Elementary and middle schools that currently feed into these high schools will also be part of the analysis. This ensures aligned school pathways from elementary through high school whenever possible.
Please visit the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study page to learn more about this work.
The Governor Wants to Hear From You About Virginia’s Public Schools
Governor Spanberger and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) want to hear your vision for a successful school. Share your thoughts on current student challenges and what’s working well. The survey will close on Friday, April 10, 2026. Submit feedback on public schools.
The Governor is also conducting a Commonwealth Listening Tour: Speak Up for Virginia’s Future. The tour invites division leaders, educators, parents, and students to share their firsthand experiences in education and to discuss what is working well, and to help state leaders define what every child needs to succeed. The Northern Virginia (Region 4) session will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School. Register online.
Additionally, help shape the future of K-12 Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, and Dance. The VDOE is seeking input from parents, teachers, and students to revise the Fine Arts Standards of Learning. Comments may be submitted via the 2020 Fine Arts SOL Public Comment Form. Public comments will be received through Monday, March 30, 2026, and the review will be completed by June 2027.
Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April
Tuesday, April 21, is a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.
Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
Summer Student Intern Program Applications Open
FCPS is offering a six-week, paid, in-person internship for current high school students and recent alumni. Interns will gain hands-on experience in central office departments, working on vital projects to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year.
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Program Dates: Monday, July 6 - Friday, August 14
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Career Tracks: Gain experience in AI/Emerging Tech, Finance, Architecture, Communications, Cybersecurity, and Education.
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Professional Growth: Includes weekly workshops focused on career development and current industry trends.
Job descriptions, details, and the interest form (which should be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10) are available on the Summer Internship webpage. Watch a video about last year’s Summer Internship Program and follow @FCPSInterns on Instagram.
Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish)
Save-the-Date!
ℹ️Springfield Budget Town Hall (April 7)
Supervisor Herrity will be hosting his annual Springfield District Budget Town Hall on April 7th at 7 p.m. on Channel 16 and Facebook Live. During the town hall, he will share his thoughts on the budget and answer questions from callers. Questions can also be submitted in advance via email at SpringfieldBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov or on Facebook @Supervisor Herrity.
🗣️ Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our division is critical to Dr. Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held this spring (from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted) on:
Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
🏢Careers with FCPS
FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Upcoming hiring events include:
🧬 TJ Bioinformatics Society Biocode
The TJ Bioinformatics Society invites all middle and high school students to the annual BioCode competition on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Join them for a day of hackathons and coding challenges. Entry is FREE, and there are hundreds of dollars in prizes to be won!
Find more information and register in advance.
😮💨Unclouding the Truth: A Community Discussion about Vaping
The Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association (FCCPTA) is sponsoring Unclouding the Truth: A Community Discussion about Vaping, which will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Luther Jackson Middle School auditorium. Parents, caregivers, Parent Teacher Association and Parent Teacher Student Association members, school staff, community members, and legislators are encouraged to attend.
The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. with panelists and community discussions, followed by resources, refreshments, and gift cards and prize drawings at 7:30 p.m. Register online.
Questions? Contact Debbie Kilpatrick at president@fccpta.org or Cara Shirley at healthandwellness@fccpta.org.
🗣️ Lake Braddock and Robinson Community Resource Fair
Join Lake Braddock and Robinson Secondary Schools for a Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Robinson Gold Cafeteria. Families are invited to connect with local organizations and explore resources in health, wellness, education, recreation, and family support.
Questions? Contact Family Liaisons Alejandra Peña-Ulloa APenaUlloa@fcps.edu at Lake Braddock or Carla Quiroga-Anello at CQuirogaAnello@fcps.edu at Robinson.
🏃➡️ Lancer 5K and Fun Loop
The Lewis High School Lancer 5K is back, and this year, they’re also adding a Fun Loop at the school. It’s a great way to get active together and support our school. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., on Saturday, April 18, 2026, followed by the Fun Loop. All proceeds go directly to support Lewis High School athletics.
Find more information and register online. Register now. Prices will be raised starting April 15!
🎖️Military Family Field Day
Fairfax County Public Schools is excited to celebrate our military-connected children and families with a fun-filled Field Day! As we recognize April as the Month of the Military Child, we invite your school’s clubs, PTA, or office/organization to sponsor an activity for this event! You may also sign up to provide a food/beverage item for purchase as a fundraiser for your organization.
Military Family Field Day will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at Annandale High School’s football stadium.
📗Adult English Language Learner Spring Semester Registration Open
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers a robust, affordable, in-person program for Adult English Language Learners of all proficiency levels. ACE can offer these classes to any adult in our community at far less cost than college programs or private language schools. Classes are held at convenient locations across the county, from basic English for beginners to advanced specialty courses for career advancement. If you, or someone you know, is interested in strengthening their English Language skills, find more information about Adult English Language classes.
Questions? Email adult3sol@fcps.edu or call 703-658-2777.
The Highlight Reel!
Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration
The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.
The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered a spirited keynote speech. The FCPS Black Excellence video tribute was another highlight of the night.
Read more about the Black history event.
Activist Dolores Huerta Encourages Students to Take Charge
Labor rights leader Dolores Huerta marched alongside Rep. John R. Lewis during the civil rights movement. Recently, she made a memorable and inspiring visit to the school that now bears his name. Read about her inspiring message for students.
In Case You Missed It
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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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