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Meeting Recap: Class of 2026 Celebrated, Calendar Policy Updated, Skyview Expansion Approved, and More (June 11, 2026)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, at the Fairfax County School Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, June 11 (agenda | video), the Board celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 and recognized several outstanding students for their academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.
The Board also approved a comprehensive revision to the Standard School Year Calendar policy, adopted motions related to educational technology and student device use, approved contracts supporting the continued expansion of Skyview High School and the replacement of tennis courts at Luther Jackson Middle School, and received presentations on innovative approaches to civics education and strengthening home, school, and community partnerships.
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:
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from the eight high schools serving Providence District families: Marshall, Oakton, Falls Church, McLean, Woodson, Madison, Fairfax, and Thomas Jefferson. As you begin your next chapter, take pride in all you have accomplished through your hard work, perseverance, and dedication during your time in our schools. We are excited to see the many ways you will continue to learn, lead, and make a positive difference in your communities and beyond.
School Year Calendar Policy Updated
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a comprehensive revision to Policy 1344, Standard School Year Calendar, establishing a unified framework for developing future academic calendars.
The updated policy provides clearer direction to the Superintendent regarding the development of school calendars by emphasizing instructional continuity (with full five-day weeks prioritized), clarifying expectations for early release days, federal holidays, religious holidays and observances, codifying several calendar-related decisions already approved by the Board, strengthening requirements for community engagement, and establishing a rolling three-year calendar approval process to provide greater predictability for students, families, and staff.
The Board also approved a follow-on motion establishing a Calendar Review Committee, consisting of one appointee from each Board member and representatives from key stakeholder groups, to advise on the development of future school-year calendars and to strengthen community engagement in the calendar development process.
Amendment to Main Motion: Frisch, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 8, No 4
Follow on to Main Motion: McElveen, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 11, No 1
Motions Related to Educational Technology
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a series of motions related to instructional technology, digital literacy, and student device use. Following discussion, the Board adopted an amendment directing the Superintendent to review the feasibility, equity implications, and educational effectiveness of several technology-related practices in consultation with the Educational Technology Review Committee. The review will examine potential opt-out options for devices sent home with students, restrictions on device use for Pre-K through Grade 2 students, options for storing devices when not in use for instruction in upper elementary grades, and enhancements to digital literacy instruction and professional development for staff.
The approved motion requires that recommendations consider the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, align with FCPS Inclusive Education guidelines and the Educational Equity Policy, and be presented to the School Board by November 12, 2026. The Board also approved a follow-on motion directing the Superintendent to create opt-out options by August 2026 for preschool and elementary school families who do not wish to have electronic devices sent home with their children. Together, these actions reflect the Board’s commitment to balancing instructional technology, student learning, family choice, accessibility, and equity as FCPS continues to evaluate the role of technology in education.
Amended Motion: Dannan, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 11, No 1
Follow on to Main Motion: R. Anderson, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Abstain 1
Award of Contract: Skyview High School Project Site Adjustment
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved moving forward with the architectural and engineering services procurement process for the site adjustment at Skyview High School. Staff reported that eight proposals were received in response to the Request for Proposal for design services, and that the Selection Advisory Committee has completed its review and ranking process. Fee negotiations are underway with the top-ranked offeror.
Planned improvements include renovating existing spaces to create additional instructional classrooms, converting former elementary and preschool spaces to meet high school program needs, completing the build-out of two shell buildings for classroom and support spaces, and designing site and athletic facility improvements, including stadium seating, a track and football field, tennis courts, concessions, press boxes, ticket booths, storage facilities, and upgraded lighting systems.
Motion: Dixit, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 11, No 1
Award of Contract: Luther Jackson Tennis Court Replacement
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a contract to replace the tennis courts at Luther Jackson Middle School. Funded through the Athletic Infrastructure Replacement Upgrade Fund, the project will modernize an important athletic facility and help ensure students have access to safe, high-quality spaces for physical education, athletic competition, and extracurricular activities.
Following a competitive bidding process, the contract was awarded to Finley Asphalt & Sealing, LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for $314,530. The company has successfully completed previous projects for FCPS, and the approved contract allows work to proceed with the replacement of the tennis courts as part of the division’s ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading school facilities and athletic infrastructure.
Approved By Unanimous Consent
Academic Matters: Civics Education
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided an Academic Matters presentation on the school division’s innovative approach to civics education through Local Alternative Assessments (LAAs). As a Virginia Department of Education School Division of Innovation, FCPS has the flexibility to use locally developed performance-based assessments in place of traditional Standards of Learning (SOL) tests for Grade 4 Virginia Studies and Grade 8 Civics and Economics. These assessments are designed to measure student learning throughout the school year, emphasizing critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge, while aligning with the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate.
Staff highlighted how alternative assessments provide students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery while supporting deeper learning and civic engagement. During the 2024-25 school year, 90% of students demonstrated proficiency on Grade 4 and Grade 8 social studies local alternative assessments, with strong outcomes across student groups. The presentation also reviewed high school alternative assessment pathways that allow students to earn verified credits through performance-based options, including AP, IB, and ACT WorkKeys assessments, where pass rates ranged from 93% to 99%. FCPS continues to leverage these innovative assessment models to promote rigorous instruction, equitable opportunities, and meaningful demonstrations of student learning.
As part of the presentation, the Superintendent shared the following video with the Board:
Proclamation: Honoring Student Representative Faith Hailu Mekonen
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board honored Faith Hailu Mekonen for her service as the 55th Student Representative to the Fairfax County School Board during the 2025–26 school year. Throughout her tenure, Faith served as a dedicated advocate for students across the division, providing valuable insight and leadership on major issues including the Comprehensive Boundary Review, implementation of the revised secondary grading policy, school safety initiatives, student discipline practices, and updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities regulation.
Motion: S. Anderson, Second: Lady / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Laura Ashley Piper Scholarship Award
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board awarded the 2026 Laura Ashley Piper Scholarship to Ethan Lee of Woodson High School in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement, leadership, community service, and extracurricular accomplishments. Ethan has maintained exceptional academic performance throughout high school, earning a 4.551 GPA while excelling in rigorous coursework and pursuing an Advanced Placement Diploma. The Board also recognized Ethan’s commitment to serving others through his advocacy for food equity and his leadership as a founding member and Director of Operations of Cleats for A Cause, an organization that provides sports equipment to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Motion: Dannan, Second: Dixit / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Recognition: School Board Character Award Scholarship
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board awarded the 2026 School Board Character Award to Vidula Bharath, a senior at Centreville High School, in recognition of her exceptional character, integrity, compassion, and commitment to serving others. Established in 2001, the scholarship honors a student who consistently demonstrates respect, responsibility, honesty, generosity, and strong moral character while serving as a positive role model for fellow students.
Motion: Dixit, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Recognizing Juneteenth
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth, recognizing the day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and commemorates the moment when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom following the end of the Civil War. The proclamation acknowledges Juneteenth as an important opportunity to reflect on both the struggles and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.
Motion: Dannan, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: 2026 Virginia School Boards Association Business Honor Roll
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized Brightspot, Penske Automotive Group, and Dreams Salon as recipients of the 2026 Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Business Honor Roll. This recognition honors local businesses whose partnerships, generosity, and commitment to public education have made a meaningful impact on Fairfax County Public Schools and the students, staff, and families they serve.
Motion: Moon, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Student Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the national anthem by the Springfield Estates Elementary School’s Mighty Eagle Band under the direction of David Jakes:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School).
- Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (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 alcanal 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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