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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Hello, Springfield District,
The last month provided so many opportunities to engage with our students and staff! I was grateful to attend Edu-Futuro’s Courage for a Cause Gala, celebrating the powerful work being done to support immigrant and Latino families, and to participate in Governor Spanberger’s Listening Tour, where education, workforce needs, and the future of our Commonwealth were central topics of conversation.
I also had the opportunity to see our students shine in so many different ways this month. From the Student Leadership Development Program Mock School Board Forum, where students stepped into the role of policymakers, to the Northern Virginia Science and Engineering Fair, where their curiosity and innovation were on full display, I continue to be inspired by the talent, voice, and leadership of our young people. I was also thrilled to attend the 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival, a long-standing FCPS tradition that reminds us of the importance of the arts in bringing students together and building confidence.
This month also included several events that highlight the talent and dedication of our FCPS staff, families, and community partners. At the Taste of FCPS, I was able to sample next year’s changes to our cafeteria menus. Seeing the care food services staff puts into celebrating the diversity of our school division through food is always so special. I was also able to swing by the 2026 Bus Roadeo just in time for the awards presentation for our amazing drivers, who showcased the extraordinary skill and professionalism of our transportation team. I also appreciated the chance to connect directly with families and educators at the Irving Middle School PTA and West Springfield High School PTSA meeting, as well as at the 2026 Special Education Family Conference, where the focus was on strengthening partnerships between families and schools.
Finally, I was honored to attend the JCRC 2026 Annual Holocaust Commemoration, a solemn and important reminder of our shared responsibility to teach history, confront hate, and build communities rooted in dignity and respect.
As always, I am grateful for the many opportunities to learn from our students, staff, families, and community partners. These moments remind me that the work of public education extends far beyond the classroom. It is about belonging, opportunity, and the shared commitment we make to every student in Fairfax County.
In the coming weeks, the School Board will be continuing important conversations about the school calendar policy and the innovative technology policy. I am exceedingly grateful to the community members who have already shared their thoughts, questions, and feedback on these topics. Your input is essential to our work, and I look forward to the upcoming discussions with my colleagues as we consider how these policies can best support our students, staff, and families.
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
P.S. You can now follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
Top row left to right: Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel, Franconia District Representative Marcia St. John-Cunning, Sully District Representative Seema Dixit, me, Providence District Representative Karl Frisch, Mason District Representative Ricardy Anderson, Dranesville District Representative Robyn Lady, and Member At-Large Ryan McElveen at the Edu-Futuro Courage for a Case Gala; Ms. Dixit, me, Member At-Large Ilryong Moon, and Mr. McElveen.
Bottom row left to right: the 2026 FCPS Special Education Conference; Springfield District School Board Student Leadership Development Program Representative Faria Ghauri of Chantilly High School participating in a mock forum; 2026 Bus Safety Roadeo winner Sandy O’Grady and me.
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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May 5 at 10:30 a.m. - Forum: Creation of School Board Legislative Committee and Creation of Educational Technology Review Committee
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May 5 at 11:30 a.m. - All Day Work Session: Skyview High School Boundaries, Artificial Intelligence Panel and Board Discussion, and Policy 1344, Standard School Year Calendar
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May 7 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Student Rights and Responsibilities, etc.
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May 11 at 4 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
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May 12 at 6 p.m. - Budget Public Hearing: Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Approved Budget
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May 13 at 4:30 p.m. - Administrative Committee Meeting
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May 13 at 6 p.m. - Budget Public Hearing (Tentative)
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May 14 at 5 p.m. - Budget Committee Meeting of the Whole
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May 19 at 4 p.m. - Governance Committee Meeting
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May 21 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: FY 2027 Approved Budget, etc.
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 Updates
At our April 9 regular board meeting, the board took action on three (3) motions aimed at improving consistency and stability in the FCPS School Calendar. The board approved a motion designating Veterans Day as a standard instructional day beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, with a district-wide Veterans Day observance curriculum to ensure students are meaningfully honoring our nation’s veterans while in school. The SY 2026-2027 will now end on Wednesday, June 16, 2027, because Veterans Day was added.
A motion to designate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an instructional day did not pass, and it will remain a day off for our students and a school planning day for staff. The board also approved capping elementary school early release days at no more than eight (8) per school year, down from twelve (12), a direct response to concerns of working families and parents throughout our community.
Additionally, the board unanimously directed Superintendent Reid to present recommended school calendars for SY 2027-2028 and SY 2028-2029 at a future regular meeting by July 9, 2026, with community feedback guiding those proposals. Please be on the lookout for community surveys regarding feedback on the school year calendar from the Superintendent’s office.
Meeting Materials| Video
Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget
As we inch closer to adopting a budget, I want to remind everyone that our budget is highly impacted by the funds we receive in support from our State Budget and our County Budget. This week, the County Board of Supervisors finalized their Budget Mark Up, and although we remained hopeful of an agreement for additional funding to close the 43.8 million dollar gap, that did not happen. The State Legislature has not finalized its budget and will most likely not have final numbers until the end of May or later. As we tread these uncertain times, we are working around the clock to find an equitable solution to our 43.8 million dollar gap.
Chair Anderson at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing
As an annual tradition, the School Board Chair is invited to speak to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during their Budget Public Hearing to advocate for additional funding for our schools. I did not take that responsibility lightly; I made sure to advocate strongly for all of our educators, students, and schools. You can watch my remarks here.
Now that the County has presented its final numbers in its budget markup, we will need to adjust our budget accordingly. Please keep in mind that this rigorous process takes time. The Superintendent will present our amended budget during our next Board Meeting on May 7, 2026. I encourage everyone to watch her presentation and our proposed adjustments.
The FCPS proposed budget currently stands as a $4.1B plan that 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
The FCPS FY 2027 Approved Budget is scheduled for adoption by the School Board in May. Follow the budget process.
Superintendent Review of EL 7: Asset Protection
During our Board meeting on April 9th, the School Board voted to accept the monitoring report for Executive Limitation 7: Asset Protection. This policy ensures that every resource within Fairfax County Public Schools, from our school buildings and technology to our intellectual property and student data, is adequately protected, properly maintained, and used to further our mission of excellence for every student.
As a Board, we are committed to being responsible stewards of the public’s trust and resources. I am pleased to share Dr. Reid’s updates following strategic protections:
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Facilities & Infrastructure: We have moved forward with a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA). This ensures our school buildings are safe and well-maintained for the long term.
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Data & Privacy Governance: Dr. Reid established new Data Governance and Responsible Data Use teams. These groups ensure our student and staff information is handled with the highest legal and ethical care.
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Knowledge & Operations: The successful launch of Atlas, our new staff intranet, has already reached over 29K monthly users, helping eliminate information silos and improve efficiency across the division.
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Risk Management: We have modernized our claim response systems, including a new portal that guarantees a 24hour response time to better serve our families.
This process is about more than just checking a box; it is how we, as your Board, ensure that every dollar and every asset is working toward our mission of student success. We thank Dr. Reid and her team for an incredible job and for always going above and beyond compliance standards.
Meeting Materials | Video
Supporting Multilingual Learners (Strategic Plan Goal 1)
We know that for our students to thrive, they need a strong start from day one. During our April 9th strategic plan update, the Board reviewed how we’re specifically showing up for our multilingual learners. It’s not just about more resources; it’s about consistent, research-based instruction that meets students where they are. Whether it’s through specialized ELD courses or collaborative teaching, our goal is clear: prepare every child for long-term success by giving them the tools to master both language and logic simultaneously. The Superintendent updated us on our efforts to bridge the gap for our multilingual learners, and I encourage everyone to watch the video.
Meeting Materials | Video
Annual Recognition of National Board Certified Teachers
It is always a highlight of our meetings when we get to celebrate the incredible talent within our classrooms. Recently, the Board had the honor of recognizing our educators who have earned or renewed their National Board Certification. By meeting these rigorous national standards, these educators have demonstrated a level of instructional mastery that directly impacts student success across the division. Thank you to all the teachers for their hard work, their expertise, and for constantly raising the bar for what’s possible in our classrooms. You make FCPS proud!
Meeting Materials| Video
Resolution Encouraging Delayed Smart Phone Adoption
A note on my abstention at our April 23 Board meeting, where the Board voted on a resolution encouraging families to wait until 8th grade before providing children with smartphone devices.
Let me be clear, I share my colleagues’ deep concern for our students’ well-being. The research on screen time, social media, and adolescent mental health is something I take seriously, and I understand the spirit behind this resolution.
However, I had some concerns about the way this resolution was brought forward, and I am conflicted about whether or not it is the School Board’s place to weigh in on this particular decision. Typically, our process allows for time to consider our options, and unfortunately, we were not given that opportunity with this item. Every family in our community has different circumstances, different needs, and different values. A single blanket recommendation from this Board cannot account for the enormous diversity of the households we serve across Fairfax County. I believe this is a parenting decision.
I also want to be honest about something else: technology literacy matters. We live in a world where our students will be expected to navigate digital tools professionally and personally throughout their entire lives. Falling behind technologically is a real consequence that could disadvantage our children in ways that extend far beyond their school years. This is a concern I am navigating in my own house as well.
That doesn’t mean our children should have unrestricted access to the internet. Quite the opposite. I believe strongly in parental monitoring, thoughtful parameters, and ongoing conversations between parents and their children about safe and responsible technology use. In my house, those conversations happen around the dinner table.
My abstention was not indifference, but it was a choice to respect both the autonomy of Fairfax County families to make the right call for their own children and the guidelines our Board has agreed upon around how we do business.
Meeting Materials | Video
FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4:Equitable Access and Opportunity
At our April 23 School Board Meeting, Dr. Reid presented a critical update on Goal 4. Her report serves as a vital accountability checkpoint, ensuring that our division is successfully removing barriers to high-level academics for every student.
We continue to see strong results, with 82% of the Class of 2025 achieving postsecondary readiness through college-level coursework or CTE completion. Most encouraging is our "strengthening pipeline” 77% of 8th graders have now completed honors courses, preparing them for success much earlier in their academic careers.
While these numbers are impressive, the report also highlights persistent participation gaps for our multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and black and Hispanic students. We are committed to ensuring that no student is held back by scheduling conflicts or a lack of resources.
To close the gaps, FCPS is moving forward with
- Strategic Scheduling
- Algebra 1 initiative
- Expanded Dual Enrollment
Meeting Materials | Video
Superintendent Updates
🗣️ Student Voices Collaborate at First Summit
FCPS high school students gathered at the new Skyview High School for the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit. The summit was a leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voices across FCPS. Read about the Student Summit.
🏫 A Strong Start for Multilingual Learners
In the Strategic Plan Update portion of the April 9 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed Goal 1 – Strong Start: PreK-12, with a focus on English Language Development (ELD).
Dr. Reid shared this video about providing a rigorous English language development curriculum for multilingual learners. The impact of these resources goes beyond academics; it builds the self-confidence students need to succeed. Read more in Weekly Reflections.
📝 Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where students are in their learning.
This list of assessments for each grade level provides the spring timeframe for required tests. Each school sets specific testing dates and communicates schedules to students and families. Please review school newsletters and emails carefully for this information.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and that the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible. Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
🟥🟧 Building Blocks for the Future
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), building strong academic skills starts early — long before middle school. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students practice problem-solving and early algebra every day. Because of this, more students are ready to take Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
As outlined in Dr. Reid’s April 23 Academic Matters presentation on Algebra 1 (view Boarddocs agenda or presentation slides (PDF), over the past three years, the number of eighth graders taking Algebra 1 has gone up by 18% for all student groups. By the 2026–27 school year, 84.5% of eighth graders are enrolled in Algebra 1. The number of multilingual learners in Algebra 1 has more than doubled, and more students with disabilities are also taking the class.
Learn more in FCPS News.
Save-the-Date!
🏢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:
👕 Youth Night at Lake Braddock Secondary School
Join Lake Braddock Secondary School on Friday, May 1, 2026, as they compete against West Springfield High School in Girls Soccer and Fairfax High School in Baseball and Softball! Children wearing a jersey receive popcorn and are admitted for free with the admission of a paying adult. The tailgate with games and food trucks will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with the games scheduled as follows.
- Girls Soccer: Junior Varsity game at 5:45 p.m. and Varsity game at 7:30 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball and Softball: 6:30 p.m.
🫖 Chantilly High School’s The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for Young Audiences
Join Chantilly High School’s Theatre for Young Audiences for a familiar tale on a zany adventure that is full of laughter for the entire family! In a modern-day twist of the beloved classic, join Alice as she loses herself in her books and struggles to find any excitement at school. All that changes when she magically ends up in Wonderland trying to help the Mad Hatter throw the perfect "Merry Unbirthday Party" for the Queen of Hearts! Join Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and all of your favorite characters as they learn the true meaning of friendship and bravery!
Performances will take place May 1-3, 2026. Buy tickets.
🚴 Bike & Roll to School Day on May 6!
Love riding your bike? Celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day and join students, families, and teachers across the country in biking to school together! This national event promotes healthy habits, encourages walking and biking, and helps reduce car traffic.
While it’s a one-day event, Bike to School Day inspires long-term change by showing communities the benefits of bike-friendly, active school commutes. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 6!
🏆 Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website.
📍 Rolling Valley and Keene Mill Elementary Schools Extended Boundary Review
Fairfax County Public Schools’ recent comprehensive boundary review was initiated by the Fairfax County School Board with its update to Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024. The board approved boundary changes in January 2026. The comprehensive boundary review identified several areas or “hot spots” that need an extended review to allow for additional community engagement and input. There were initially six studies, which have since been grouped into four, based on how close the sites are to each other. Study #5 covers Rolling Valley Elementary middle and high school feeders, the Keene Mill Elementary attendance island, and surrounding schools.
Find more information online and submit a question.
🌞Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year's Summer Extravaganza is Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
The Highlight Reel!
🎖️ Our Military Families Serve Too
From deployments and constant change to stepping up at home, military-connected students show resilience, strength, and pride every day. Through their voices, we’re reminded that these children serve too.
FCPS is proud to support military families through strong school communities, Purple Star schools, and programs that help students feel connected, welcomed, and never alone. This month, we wore purple to show our support for military-connected students and families.
📺 FCPS Teacher Appears on The Kelly Clarkson Show
In her Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted Sherisse Kenerson, a multilingual learner specialist at Holmes Middle School. Kenerson appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on April 14.
Kenerson advises Holmes’ after-school Cursive Club, which has received national attention this school year from news outlets including The Washington Post and NPR. Kenerson loves teaching cursive handwriting to a new generation, and her students love learning it. Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
🚌 Building Camaraderie Through Safety and Competition at the Annual FCPS Roadeo
FCPS transportation staff recently showcased their skill, professionalism, and commitment to student safety at the 2026 Bus Roadeo. The annual event featured friendly competition, team building, and recognition of this year’s top drivers. Read more in this Employee Blog.
🎶 FCPS Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education
Fairfax County Public Schools has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Read about this honor and music education in FCPS.
Hundreds Perform at Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival
For more than 50 years, the All-County Sixth Grade Choral Festival has been a cornerstone of the Fairfax County Public Schools community, a testament to the dedication and beautiful artistry of our sixth-grade singers.
Experience the pure joy of their music and understand the profound and enduring importance of the arts in nurturing creativity and shaping young lives.
🤝 Connecting Families and Schools: Special Education Family Conference
Each year, FCPS hosts the Special Education Family Conference. The free, in-person event is held in collaboration with a wide range of internal and external community partners to support families and educators. Attendance this year more than doubled, with nearly 500 community members joining for a Saturday of learning. Read about the conference.
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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