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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.
Dear neighbors,
As we begin summer break, I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe summer. Thank you for all the hard work, support, and partnership that made this school year successful. I hope everyone takes time to rest and recharge in this well-earned time off. I wanted to give the community an update from last night’s School Board meeting, as well as provide information on an emerging safety issue in our community.
Skyview HS Transportation, Phasing, and Sports
At last night's school board meeting, we received an important update on Skyview High School phasing and transportation. The recommendation for Year 1 (26-27) keeps Skyview in a 9th- and 10th-grade opt-in model. In Year 2 (27-28), the school would add a new 9th-grade cohort from within the boundary and expand to grades 9 through 11, with an opt-out option for educational needs. By Year 3 (28-29), Skyview would serve grades 9 through 12 with the full boundary in effect. Transportation would use a traditional neighborhood bus stop model for in-boundary students, while out-of-boundary students from the five feeder pyramids would use a depot model.
Several parents have reached out to me regarding VHSL sports programming. In Year 1 Skyview will not be part of VHSL and students attending Skyview will be allowed to participate in sports at their previous base high school. In Year 2 Skyview is expected to be within VHSL and students will participate in sports at Skyview, and will be unable to participate at their previous base high school due to VHSL regulations. More information can be found in the presentation.
I imagine parents will have specific questions about their individual student’s situation. The Superintendent and her team are working to create a more user-friendly guide to address these questions. Please look for that in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions.
The Board is scheduled to vote on these plans, and approve the final Skyview boundaries, at the July 16th Board Meeting.
Centreville HS Renovation
The School Board voted to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate a temporary lease agreement to help the Division meet Fairfax County’s density requirements for the renovation and expansion of Centreville High School.
As I stated in my comments last night, the gears of government grind slowly, and in this case, they have been grinding way too slow. This permit problem stems from an agreement signed in 1988 between the County government and the School Division which expired in 2018. Unfortunately, no one at the County or School Division discovered this problem, which is essentially a zoning technicality, until 2023. Since taking office in 2024, I have worked diligently with my colleagues Seema Dixit (Sully District) and Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) to bring together the School Division, the County Government, and the Park Authority to seek creative, and responsible solutions that our community expects and deserves. It’s time this project move forward, and I am confident that the Superintendent, empowered by the motion approved last night, can get us over the finish line.
The second part of this motion directed FCPS staff to re-evaluate the need for an expansion of the building from 2,000 to 3,000 seats. With Skyview High School now adding 2,000 seats of capacity into western Fairfax County, we need to evaluate the assumptions and projections that initially went into this project.
Superintendent Contract Renewal
The School Board unanimously voted to renew the Division Superintendent’s employment contract, a positive signal of our confidence in her leadership guiding FCPS. In my comments, I noted that she has consistently raised the bar of expectations across the Division, and it’s a bar that she herself meets. As a parent of two FCPS students, I am thankful for the thoughtful and intentional work she puts into her role every day that centers everything on the in-classroom experience of our students. I am very happy to see her leadership extended through 2030.
E-Bike Safety
One topic that deserves our attention this summer is e-bike safety. Across Northern Virginia, local police and park officials are seeing more complaints about unsafe riding. Fairfax County and other local partners are reminding residents that e-bikes still have rules. Families should take a few minutes to review information provided to FCPS by the Fairfax County Police Department with their children before they head out on bikes, scooters, or other micro-mobility devices. If your child has an e-bike, please ensure you speak with them about the rules that need to be followed for their safety, and the safety of those around them.
Please continue looking out for one another this summer, especially on the roads, trails, and around neighborhood recreation areas. I hope this season brings everyone a little more time to relax, connect, and enjoy the break.
Wishing you a happy and safe summer break.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
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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