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Dear Community Members,
Throughout April and into early May, my Board work has focused on:
- Improving the school calendars.
- Creating the Innovation in Instructional Technology policy, to include the role of AI in instruction and business operations.
- Representing constituents during the Superintendent’s process to establish Skyview HS boundaries.
- Preparing to vote on the $4 Billion annual budget for the next school year (FY 27), including finding savings and securing investments in smaller class sizes, crossing guards, afterschool programs, and competitive educator salaries so we can retain the best teachers for kids!
I’ve also had an absolute blast attending school musicals, student art shows, and my own kids’ spring sports games (South Lakes HS Varsity soccer for my daughter, and local flag football for my son!).
Through this all, I’ve been so heartened and impressed with the parents I’ve seen show up and speak up for what they want in their public schools for their children! As one example, check out this FFX Now news article about parents’ advocacy about screen time use in FCPS! I’ve tried a variety of ways to inform and engage constituents - like this YouTube playlist - with my continued efforts to be where residents are, at school events and public places. Thank you to so many who have engaged and seen that your involvement helps me better represent you and that your involvement matters!
As this newsletter publishes in the first week of May, I want to address here the Skyview HS boundary review process. As I stated clearly on May 5, the Superintendent’s approach to this boundary process has been cavalier and imprecise, resulting in distress for families. Due to the week-long outcry against the surprise proposed scenarios published for elementary school boundary changes on Tuesday, April 28, the Superintendent announced on Tuesday, May 5, that she will not include elementary school boundary changes in the Skyview boundary establishment. She also will be expanding the timeline and breadth of the Skyview boundary process, resulting in greater expense to the school division.
We all deserve a better approach to conducting boundary changes, which under the best circumstances is stressful. This is one large reason I will vote the Superintendent “not compliant” at the May 7 public Regular Meeting of the School Board during the update about facilities work. While it takes a majority “not compliant” vote of the School Board for the Superintendent to return with a corrective action plan for improvements, I know it is critical that I voice this dissent and my expectation for improvement.
In the month ahead, I will continue seeking to finalize policies for the calendar and Innovation in Instructional Technology policies; and seek for the Skyview boundary process to be as transparent as possible - still to be scheduled by the Superintendent and Chair is the public hearing on the final proposed boundaries. I’m also excited to attend the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships to watch our Madison HS student rowers in particular, World Geography Student Presentations at Marshall HS, and then... graduations!
I look forward to seeing you around our community during this momentous time of year!
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School Board Updates and Recent Work
🪙Get the Money
This month, on Thursday, May 21, the School Board will adopt publicly the final budget for School Year 26-27, which is Fiscal Year (FY) 27. The FCPS budget relies heavily on local funding approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who transfer funds to FCPS based on the School Board’s request made on February 26.
FCPS faces a budget shortfall between our transfer request and what the Board of Supervisors have allotted to FCPS, a difference of $43.8 Million. Supervisors have kept this proposed allotment level since February, including during their budget markups on Tuesday, April 28 that would be the opportunity for any final adjustments.
The Board of Supervisors also upholds the recommendation of County Executive, Bryan Hill, to shift the $4 Million responsibility to FCPS from the County’s Health and Human Services youth gang-prevention program - the Middle School After-School Program (MSASP). Basically, the Board of Supervisors is indicating how FCPS should spend its funding, which is not how the budgeting is supposed to happen.
Lastly, the Board of Supervisors denied funding for high school crossing guards! So in the exact locations with the newest drivers, safety precautions are being removed! Our teen drivers and pedestrians are Fairfax residents who have a right to public safety services that enforce safe transportation where thousands of people commute daily. That the County Executive continues to balance the budget on the backs of our kids’ safety, and the Supervisors allow this, is truly a neglect of public safety services in Fairfax County. I do thank Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn, for rejecting the budget markups, and Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, for trying to protect the high school crossing guard program.
As the School Board works to finalize the budget based on available funds, my priorities are to prevent class size increases, preserve employee compensation per the Collective Bargaining Agreements, preserve MSASP, and restore funding for special education and advanced academic resource teachers.
To that end, I am working to identify specific areas for savings, especially in two areas: staffing in the Chief Technology Office, which has 323 non-school based positions in our budget, as well as costs on student devices in the youngest grades; and what I think are opaque operating expenses that must be justified before other cuts are considered.
The School Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 6pm at Luther Jackson Middle School, with an overflow meeting if needed on Wednesday, May 13, at the same time and place. Please attend to speak up for your priorities. Following the public hearing, the School Board will meet publicly on Thursday, May 14, and vote on the final budget on Thursday, May 21. For more information on School Board meetings, please visit our webpage.
🏫Skyview High School Boundary Work to Continue into July
As mentioned above, on Tuesday, April 28, community members received a shock from the Superintendent when the Skyview HS boundary scenarios were released, which included extensive changes to elementary and middle school boundaries. At no point previously, including at public Board meetings nor community boundary meetings, were possible revisions to elementary school boundaries raised. Prior maps only included high school boundary changes.
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This boundary work will continue, with an extended timeline for more community meetings. Please remain updated via this page here. I will remain engaged.
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Instructional Technology Policywork, Advocacy Continues
As the impacts and questions about AI expand in real time, I am underwhelmed by the conversation at the Board table and with the Superintendent. We have a responsibility to critically explore the possibilities, responsibilities, and concerns about how to integrate technology into students’ learning experiences. I believe the Board is close to finalizing an Innovation in Instructional Technology policy, which is a critical step.
However, it is a fact that the Superintendent is already expanding the use of Generative AI among educators without a succinct professional development plan nor budget for on-going investment. It has been said publicly several times that educators are not instructing students to use Generative AI. That is good to hear; however, I’ve not heard confirmation how the Superintendent is planning to provide digital literacy instruction to students, akin to what has been done previously with Digital Citizenship Curriculum or the Family Life Education Curriculum. These two curricula are examples of how FCPS communicates with families what their children are learning. In this era of expanding AI, which is not “business as usual”, it is right for parents, students, and educators to know the skills students need and when these will be taught, including when students will have facilitated practice using Generative AI to advance learning.
I also must report here the increased frequency with which major technology vendors are speaking to the School Board and educators. Kicking off this year was the training for hundreds of educators on ChatGPT, by an OpenAI executive with no credentials in instructing children. Forthcoming this summer, FCPS’ Department of Information Technology is hosting for educators a workshop again featuring this OpenAI executive.
This week, at the May 5 School Board meeting, executives from PlayLab and again Open AI provided a lecture to the Board on the promise of AI, sharing anecdotal “use cases” that I find incomplete in relation to how to grow strategies in FCPS. They departed our meeting without time for Board discussion and engagement. Please see my remarks here made afterwards, about how this time fell short of the focused dialogue and decisions the Superintendent and School Board must make in response to parent advocacy and what’s best for kids.
FCPS Explores Selling Naming Rights for Athletic Facilities
The School Board voted on Thursday, March 26, to explore opportunities to raise funds through selling naming rights for athletic facilities. Similar arrangements exist in higher education. I look forward to seeing the Superintendent’s proposal when she reports back to the School Board in July.
Upcoming Public School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, May 7, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- EL #11: Facilities and Transportation
- Thursday, May 21, 7pm - Regular Meeting
Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Thursday, May 14, 5pm - Budget Committee Meeting of the Whole
- Tuesday, May 19, 4pm - Governance Committee Meeting
Budget Public Hearing (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Tuesday, May 12, 6pm
- (if needed) Wednesday, May 13, 6pm
To find the current School Board calendar and agenda, please visit the FCPS School Board Meetings website.
Hunter Mill Happenings
Day of Service in Madison Pyramid, at Vienna Elementary
The Madison pyramid unified for a Day of Service on Wednesday, April 15, and I joined Vienna Elementary School students in their efforts. I spent the morning with Ms. Keltner’s 2nd grade class, writing letters of appreciation to our local heroes, including firefighters, police officers, and military members. The students, in this class size of 30, were delightful and I left grateful to have visited with them.
This was also the FCPS-wide "Purple Up" day to recognize the Month of the Military Child, to show support for the experiences of our military-connected children. 💜
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South Lakes Pyramid AVID Certification
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program expanding in many FCPS schools that supports students in becoming confident, skilled students and future college graduates. It is an elective in secondary grades (my own children have taken the courses!), and in schools with AVID, elements of the programs are infused across the school to benefit all students.
A requirement is that an AVID program have an annual certification of meeting the elements of the model, where students themselves share what they’ve learned. This year, schools offering AVID in the South Lakes pyramid united to conduct this certification together! So cool! I attended the certification, held at Langston Hughes MS.
I heard how the program precisely builds students’ skills in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. We heard elementary school students up to soon-to-be-graduating seniors share how their learning and performance in school has improved. Being able to talk about how one learns ("meta-cognition”) is important for growing life long learners. Thank you to the AVID educators who put their whole hearts into this program for student success!
Student Artists Display Impressive Work
 April is a big month for art shows around Fairfax County, with our high schools opening their doors to display the culmination of students’ learning in the visual arts. I attended exhibitions by the Madison Pyramid, and of the International Bacceaularete (IB) program at South Lakes High School.
Spring School Musicals & Hard Work of Students, Volunteers
 The 2026 musical season across Hunter Mill included sold-out shows, traditional and new stories, and overflowing talent and hard work. ! I was able to attend four musicals: rom the classic charm of Alice in Wonderland (Marshall Road ES) and Beauty and the Beast (Langston Hughes MS) to the high energy of Zombie Prom (Madison HS) and 9 to 5 (South Lakes HS).
Congratulations to all our students, staff, and essential volunteers for their hard work and quest for excellence! Whether you were on stage or behind the scenes, your talent made this season memorable!
Madison HS Hosts 4th Annual Special Olympics “Feet Meet”
 Over 500 FCPS students, from pre-K and elementary through middle and high school , convened at Madison HS for the 4th Annual Special Olympics Feet Meet, on Thursday, April 30!
There were, giving it their all! I enjoyed the students, faculty, and catching up with some parents from James Madison HS, Marshall Road ES, Cunningham Park ES and Wolftrap ES.
A shout-out to Beth Eachus, who wears so many hats as a volunteer coordinator, FCPS parent and FCPS employee, for everything she does to make this possible! I'd also like to thank the Fairfax County Police Department for their support and the amazing Madison HS student volunteers!
This is public education!
A Celebration of Our Global Community
 International Night at Madison HS on Thursday, April 30, and the Matsuri event at Fox Mill ES on Friday, May 1, highlighted the rich diversity of our school community, with traditional performances, food, and cultural displays bringing people together.
Events like these do more than just entertain; they foster a sense of belonging and global citizenship within our schools. It was inspiring to see students and families sharing their traditions with such pride.
Capital Project and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Crossfield ES
 The Crossfield ES community celebrated the official completion of the school renovation that began in 2023! While there for the ribbon cutting, I remembered being in the Crossfield cafeteria many years ago and hearing parents’ questions about how the process would unfold. Principal Mark Garner remarked today that the renovation went very smoothly, and I was so glad to hear that. While I thank our FCPS facilities and design teams, I do want the school division to shorten the amount of time it takes for a renovation.
While the darling musical performance by kindergarten students brought a smile to my face on the sunny day, for me, the event was overshadowed by the distress I’ve heard from many Crossfield ES families about the Superintendent’s proposed boundary scenarios for Skyview HS that would impact this elementary school. Like many residents, I believe that people who’ve participated in months of boundary-related community meetings in good faith feel they’ve been blindsided by the Superintendent’s recommendations that for this school in particular, create new split feeders. This has caused unnecessary distress. Approaching proposals for boundaries cannot be done cavalierly.
I appreciate the Superintendent changing course quickly and halting boundary work at elementary schools, allowing them to remain in place for the next five years. Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke up.
Hunter Mill Student Excellence Spotlight
2026 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarship: Ayush Tripathy
Student Ayush Tripathy of South Lakes HS has been awarded a 2026 National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship. Representing the Hunter Mill District, Tripathy was selected from a pool of finalists nationwide for this honor, which is designated for students with high academic standing and specific career interests, such as his intended field of medicine. Congratulations Ayush!
These corporate-sponsored awards provide renewable funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per year, or one-time payments of up to $10,000, for use at accredited U.S. colleges. The program recognizes students who reside in communities served by the sponsoring organization or who pursue majors the sponsors seek to encourage.
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Student Leadership Development Program: Benjamin Gummer
Meet Madison HS student Benjamin Gummer, our Hunter Mill District rep in the School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program!
Whether it’s at School Board meetings or local town halls, Benjamin is a constant presence, staying deeply engaged with the issues that matter most to students.
He recently presented his mock forum project, "Transporting Our Future", which advocates for more equitable and updated school bus policies. His passion for advocacy shows a true commitment to his community. We can't wait to see what this next generation of leadership achieves with advocates like Benjamin!
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Hispanic Leadership Alliance Awards for Aspiring Students
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to 29 Fairfax County Public Schools seniors during a ceremony at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center.
These awards recognize students of Hispanic heritage who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service. Many of this year’s recipients have overcome significant challenges, including navigating the college application process as first-generation students or mastering English as a second language while maintaining high GPAs.
I was delighted to again attend, and donate, to this annual recognition of incredible, hard-working students with big dreams that I know they can achieve by removing financial barriers. Especially meaningful was hearing the inspiring keynote speech by 2015 Justice HS graduate, Jasmin Chavez. I’ve gotten to know Ms. Chavez over the past several years, including during her work at the White House. She continues returning to FCPS to share wisdom and support, as a distinguished alumni.
Since its inception in 2006, the HLA has distributed more than $250,000 to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. This year’s cohort will attend prestigious institutions such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the University of Michigan, pursuing degrees in fields ranging from engineering to nursing. The program continues to serve as a vital resource for fostering the next generation of leadership within the Fairfax County community.
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FCPS Staff Spotlight
Principal of Distinction Recognized at Aldrin Elementary School: Principal Shane Wolfe
Congratulations to Aldrin Elementary School Principal Shane Wolfe on his recognition as part of the inaugural class of the Commonwealth’s Principal of Distinction program. This honor, announced on the Saturday, April 23, 2026 Virginia Board of Education meeting, reflected Mr. Wolfe’s exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to student success and school excellence.
Principal Wolfe’s dedication to fostering a positive, high-achieving learning environment has made a lasting impact on the Aldrin community. I extend my sincere gratitude for his continued leadership and service to our students, staff, and families.
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Westfield High School Welcomes New Principal: Ms. Meredith Norris
Westfield High School welcomes Ms. Meredith Norris as its new principal, marking a special homecoming for a former Westfield student. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings a strong record of instructional leadership, student-centered decision-making, and meaningful community engagement.
Ms. Norris previously served as Westfield’s Assistant Principal from 2014 to 2020, where she helped strengthen school culture and improve student outcomes. She officially began her role on Monday, April 20, 2026, and the community has welcomed her back to the Bulldog family.
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FCPS Appoints New Chief of Schools:
Megan Vroman
The Chief of Schools is a position that oversees the six Regional Assistant Superintendents, who in turn oversee the principals of our 200 schools. This is a tremendous job. I am pleased to welcome FCPS’ own Megan Vroman to this position.
Vroman is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Region 2.
Vroman fills this position upon the departure of Dr. Geovanny Ponce, who is becoming the Superintendent of Schools of the Champaign Unit 4 District in Illinois.
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Celebrating Inclusion: The SEPTA Excellence Awards
 The Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is dedicated to empowering students with disabilities and the community that supports them. On Saturday, May 2, they celebrated their annual Excellence Awards to honor the extraordinary FCPS educators, students, and advocates who go above and beyond to foster growth and inclusivity. These awards recognize those who work tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Congratulations to the following dedicated professionals from the Hunter Mill District who are being recognized this year for their outstanding commitment to special education:
- Hunter Woods SACC Team (supervised by Entisar Elsafi), Hunter Woods Elementary School – Community Champion.
- Becky Timm, Hunter Woods Elementary School – Outstanding Elementary Administrator.
- Cara-Marie Chaapel, Herndon Elementary School – Outstanding Co-Curricular Staff
- Courtney Kim, Hunter Woods Elementary School – Outstanding Elementary General Educator.
- Stephanie Schauder, Hunter Woods Elementary School – Outstanding Related Services Provider.
- Cathy Adams, Laura Cerda, and Anice Denton, Fox Mill Elementary School – Outstanding FCPS Collaborative Team.
- Liz Smith, Aldrin Elementary School – Mark Stewart Memorial Award: Outstanding Elementary Special Educator.
- James Racine, Hunter Woods Elementary School – Outstanding Support Staff.
- Nia Ravenel, South Lakes High School – Mark Stewart Memorial Award: Outstanding Secondary Special Educator.
Other Info of Interest
Teaching and Learning in the Outdoors
In April, I attended the "Teaching and Learning in the Outdoor Classroom" workshop at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, to explore alongside educators various K–5 interdisciplinary instructional approaches that align nature-based activities with the Virginia SOLs.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation by landscape designer Nancy Striniste, a mentor of mine in my journey to advocate for outdoor education in Northern Virginia over the past two decades. Author of Nature at Play, her insights on designing outdoor spaces to support student development inspired all in the room, and refreshed my commitment to getting more kids outside to learn! Thanks to the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation, Bank of Clarke, and Jacob Ayubi (State Farm) for sponsoring a productive session of collaboration and inspiration.
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Panelist on AI at the American Mothers 91st National Convention
 The American Mothers 91st National Convention in McLean, Virginia, became a hub for a critical conversation on Saturday, April 25: how to keep our children safe in a world rapidly reshaped by Artificial Intelligence and digital threats.
Serving as a panelist alongside Christina Cooper of Quantum Flex Solutions, with Facilitation by Charity Haderlie of Empower U, provided an opportunity to discuss how these global technological shifts impact our local classrooms and households. Together, our discussion wove connections between school policy and cutting-edge technology to give parents a roadmap for being their children’s first teacher and gatekeeper to technology use.
Student’s Article:
“Twice Punished: The Survivors Justice Act”
Madison HS AP Language student Sadie Goldman was published in the CT Mirror for her editorial, "Twice Punished: The Survivors Justice Act". The piece examines the legal system’s treatment of domestic violence survivors and advocates for trauma-informed sentencing policies. This achievement highlights the sophisticated critical thinking and civic engagement fostered within the JMHS English department under the guidance of educators like Ms. Blankenship.
Goldman’s work serves as a prime example of students applying classroom skills to meaningful public discourse. By addressing complex social issues with nuance and empathy, students demonstrate the impact of a strong, independent voice.
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FCPS Family Cafe:
Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
Join the FCPS Family Cafe on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30pm for a virtual workshop exploring the 160+ Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways available to middle and high school students. This session highlights how students can gain a competitive edge through specialized academies, industry certifications, and work-based learning opportunities designed to prepare them for high-demand careers and future education.
I plan to participate! To join in, and receive the Zoom link, please register in advance online. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships team at FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu or 703-204-4300.
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Prepare your Child for Kindergarten
For parents of incoming kindergarten students, FCPS has a video presentation to help you prepare. The content includes information on skills development, the curriculum, registration, and more.
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,
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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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