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Meeting Recap: Student Experience Gains, New AAP Center, Supporting Fine Arts, and More (March 26, 2026)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, at the Fairfax County School Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 26 (agenda | video), the Board considered several important initiatives, including establishing a new advanced academic program center, progress on student belonging, and naming rights for athletic facilities.
Additionally, the Board recognized Music, Theatre, and the Arts Appreciation Month, Disability Affirmation Month, and Transgender Day of Visibility, underscoring our commitment to inclusive, supportive, and enriching learning environments for all students.
As always, I invite you to learn more about the various topics discussed during these meetings by reviewing the updates below. You are also welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents:
New AAP Center
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board considered a proposal to establish a new full-time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) center in the Braddock District at North Springfield Elementary School beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The proposal is designed to better align elementary and middle school AAP pathways, provide a closer-to-home option for students, and reduce transportation demands for families.
The plan will shift several schools from existing AAP centers to North Springfield and will be implemented gradually, starting with third grade in the first year. Community feedback has been supportive of improving alignment and access, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong school communities and avoiding split feeder patterns. The proposal will return to the Board for final action following additional public input.
Motion: Dannan, Second: R.Anderson / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board received the Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report presentation, highlighting progress in student well-being, belonging, and school climate across Fairfax County Public Schools. Results from the 2025 Student Experience Survey show that a strong majority of students report feeling a sense of belonging at school and feeling valued in their school community, with positive relationships between students and staff remaining a key strength. These results reflect continued efforts to create inclusive environments where students feel connected, supported, and engaged.
The report also demonstrated progress in key areas, including attendance, discipline, and inclusion. Chronic absenteeism and suspension rates have improved from baseline levels, while more students with disabilities are learning in inclusive classroom settings. The Board’s discussion emphasized continued investment in social-emotional supports, student engagement strategies, and inclusive practices to ensure all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. The Board unanimously voted to accept the Goal 2 Strategic Plan Report for the 2025-2026 school year.
During the conversation, I discussed the need for the school division to better address the fact that LGBTQ+ students face disproportionate levels of bullying, with gay and lesbian students being twice as likely to report bullying and transgender students being three times as likely:
Motion: McElveen, Second: St John-Cunning / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Athletic Facility Naming Rights Proposal
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a motion directing the Superintendent to develop a proposal for pursuing naming rights opportunities for Fairfax County Public Schools athletic facilities. The proposal would explore how partnerships and sponsorships could support facility improvements and generate additional revenue, in a manner consistent with existing School Board policies. If approved, staff will return to the Board with a detailed proposal by July 2026 outlining potential options, guidelines, and considerations for implementation. The Board will review and discuss the proposal at a future Work Session before taking any further action.
Motion: McDaniel, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Academic Matters: Fine Arts
Video | Meeting Materials.
The Board received an Academic Matters presentation on Fine Arts education, highlighting the essential role of the arts in developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and student engagement across Fairfax County Public Schools. Staff emphasized the division’s commitment to early, universal access to music and visual arts in elementary schools, ensuring all students have opportunities to build foundational skills, explore self-expression, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
During the discussion, I addressed the need to mitigate the ongoing recruitment challenges facing fine arts educators:
The Superintendent’s presentation also highlighted robust opportunities for continued engagement and advanced study in middle and high school, including specialized coursework, portfolio development, and exposure to industry-standard tools and experiences. Enrollment in advanced fine arts courses continues to grow, with more than 7,700 students participating and a 4% increase year-over-year, demonstrating strong student interest and access to rigorous arts pathways that support college, career, and life readiness.
As part of the presentation, the Superintendent shared the following video with the Board:
Proclamation: Music, Theatre, and the Arts Appreciation Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized March as Music, Theatre, and the Arts Appreciation Month, celebrating the vital role that fine and performing arts play in providing a well-rounded education for all students. This observance highlights Fairfax County Public Schools’ commitment to ensuring access to high-quality arts education across dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
Motion: Meren, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 10, No 0, Absent 2
Proclamation: Disability Affirmation Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized March 2026 as Disability Affirmation Month, reaffirming Fairfax County Public Schools’ commitment to inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all students. This observance highlights the importance of ensuring that students with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of school life and have access to supportive, accessible, and equitable learning environments.
Motion: Moon, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 10, No 0, Absent 2
Proclamation: Transgender Day of Visibility
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility, affirming Fairfax County Public Schools’ commitment to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students, staff, and families. This observance celebrates the contributions and resilience of transgender individuals while raising awareness of the challenges many continue to face.
Motion: McDaniel, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 9, No 0, Absent 3
Virginia High School League and Academic Team/Regional Sports Recognitions
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized outstanding student-athletes for their achievements in Winter 2025-2026 competitions, including teams serving many Providence District students. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, discipline, and teamwork of our student-athletes and coaches, and they showcase the strength of our schools in fostering excellence both on the field and in our school communities.
Student Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the national anthem by FCPS students in the All-Virginia Chorus under the direction of Luke Frels:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
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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