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Hello, Springfield District,
As it always is, June was a busy month for the School Board. Along with graduations, there is a flurry of activity necessary to keep things running smoothly for our students.
I was so grateful to be able to join my colleagues, Mateo Dunne, Ryan McElveen, and Ilryong Moon, in the South County Middle School Library Name Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting in honor of their first principal, Marsha Manning. My family has a close connection to schools in the South County pyramid, both now with my own children and with my youngest brother, who was one of those very first students to attend. Hearing the stories from her daughter and the many people who knew and worked with her helped me see her legacy within the South County community. It is truly a special place, and I am so appreciative of all the educators, like Marsha Manning, who work tirelessly to continue that today.
I have been attending all the Rolling Valley and Keene Mill Community Boundary Review Meetings and speaking with constituents to determine the best path forward for these two hot spots that were identified as part of the vote in January 2026. These thoughtful conversations are such an important part of the boundary work we have been doing across the Division.
I was also able to visit Lake Braddock Secondary School for an outdoor athletic facilities tour with Principal Lindsey Kerns, Associate Principal Scott Darwin, LBSS Booster President Matt Smith, and my colleague, Tom Dannan. We need a path forward to consistently maintain our athletic facilities. I look forward to working with Mr. Dannan to see what we can do to make that happen!
Otherwise, as I noted above, the Board has been busy, and you will see lots of updates below! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
Left to right: Mount Vernon District School Board Representative Mateo Dunne, School Board Member At-Large Ilryong Moon, Ms. Manning’s family members, Fairfax County Mount Vernon Supervisor Rodney Lusk, School Board Member At-Large Ryan McElveen, Principal Justin Simmons, 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 are subject to change.
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July 9 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
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July 13 at 6 p.m. - Skyview High School Boundaries Public Hearing
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July 16 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
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 Employment Opportunity
Come work with the Fairfax County School Board and me! We are seeking a Deputy Clerk to help ensure our elected School Board is meeting its mission to provide an excellent education to our 180,000+ students and maintain its status as a top employer for our 40,000+ educators and staff!
This high-level job is fast-paced; includes working with policy and legal matters; requires strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills; and will require flexible hours that may include weeknights and occasional weekends. The position works from the FCPS Central Office in Falls Church, right off I-495 (the Capital Beltway).
Find out more at this link.
School Board Work
Resolution on Responsible Instructional Technology
At our last meeting, the Board unanimously voted for the Responsible Instructional Technology Resolution that my colleague from Braddock, Tom Dannan, and I worked to bring forward. This resolution moves forward with the board’s commitment to policies specifically tailored to our students’ best interests with classroom technology and innovation technology.
In all honesty, this resolution is a little out of order in this process, considering the Governance Committee has already spent a great deal of time drafting the policy. However, I believe this was an essential step to set the foundation for our policy work. Technology in education is evolving at a breathtaking pace. Through this action, our public will know that every decision we make regarding technology is driven by one single non-negotiable standard: doing what is best for our students, their safety, and their academic success.
Education is and always will be human-centered. To anchor this vision, this resolution’s framework focuses on intentional age-appropriate guardrails such as;
- Developing grade-level limitations on screen time and device access
- Increasing Family Empowerment with digital citizenship literacy and clear opt-out options for families
- Protecting essential technology accommodations for students who rely on them for learning or health without any stigma
- Determining Proactive Safeguards by continuous monitoring of the benefits and risks of emerging technologies, including AI.
To read the resolution or hear the remarks of the School Board Members, click below.
Meeting Materials | Video
Skyview High School Boundary Public Hearing
The Fairfax County School Board announces a public hearing on the Skyview High School boundaries at 6 p.m. on July 13, 2026, at Luther Jackson Middle School. Signups to speak at the public hearing will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 29, and close at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. Individuals may sign up using the Google form at this link. Individuals will have two (2) minutes each to address the School Board and may do so in-person or virtually via Zoom. However, pre-recorded videos are not permitted. If you have any questions about the public hearing, please contact the School Board Office by emailing communityparticipation@fcps.edu or calling (571) 423-1075, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Resolution for Marsha Manning
At our recent Board meeting, I was honored to second a resolution to rename the South County Library in recognition of Marsha Manning’s extraordinary contributions to our community.
For decades, Marsha Manning has been a tireless advocate for education, literacy, and public service. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of Fairfax County residents have left an indelible mark on the South County community and beyond. Through her service, she has helped strengthen access to knowledge, foster lifelong learning, and build connections that enrich our County.
Libraries are more than buildings; they are centers of opportunity, discovery, and community. It is fitting that this cherished institution bears the name of someone whose life has been devoted to those same values.
The renaming of the South County Library stands as a lasting tribute to Marsha’s legacy and the countless ways she has served our residents. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this resolution and proud that future generations will be reminded of her remarkable dedication every time they walk through its doors.
Congratulations, Marsha, and thank you for your years of service to Fairfax County.
Meeting Materials | Video
Academic Matters: Civics
At our recent board meeting, Dr. Reid presented an inspiring Academic Matters update on our Civics in Action initiative, celebrating FCPS’s fifth year as a state-designated School Division of Innovation. Through this program, our schools use state waivers to swap traditional, end-of-year SOL tests for Local Alternative Assessments (LAAs) in Grade 4 Virginia Studies and Grade 8 Civics/Economics. Rather than relying on single high-stakes exams, these performance-based measures evaluate real-world problem-solving and critical thinking throughout the school year, capturing a much more accurate picture of continuous student growth.
The latest data shows our students are absolutely thriving under this model, demonstrating high proficiency rates across all elementary and middle school student groups alongside stellar high school pass rates for verified credits. We are incredibly proud of our educators and students for embracing these innovative approaches that truly bring history and civics to life!
Meeting Materials | Video
Strategic Plan Update: Pillar B
At our June 25 meeting, the Superintendent presented an exciting update on our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan, focusing closely on Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships. This pillar underscores our shared responsibility to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and trusting culture through proactive and transparent collaboration with our families.
A highlighted impact of this update was our Pyramid Art Shows, which beautifully bring this partnership to life. These events do so much more than showcase beautiful artwork; they actively advance our strategic goals by deepening our connection to the community, elevating student voices, and fostering a true sense of belonging and inclusion for all our diverse student perspectives. It is a powerful reminder of how academic excellence and community connection go hand in hand here at FCPS!
Meeting Materials | Video
Approval of School Year Calendar, Policy 1344
The School Board has adopted a School Year Calendar Policy! This policy directs the Superintendent to draft calendars for consideration that incorporate the priorities of this policy for the School Board. The proposed calendars shall have no more than four (4) division-wide early release days per school year, and elementary schools shall have up to four (4) additional division-wide early release days. All student holidays will be equivalent to all federal holidays, except for Veterans Day, which will be classified as an observance day. It also outlines specifically the religious observance days that will be included in future calendars.
In the making of these draft calendars, the Superintendent shall provide the community with an opportunity to provide feedback, which may be gathered through public surveys, community meetings, community advisory groups, or other appropriate strategies.
To read the policy and the additional motions that were made, click below.
The next step for the School Board is on July 9th, when we will vote on the calendars for SY27-28 and SY28-29. This will ensure we maintain three years of calendars, and moving forward, we will vote on the third year at our July organizational meeting.
Meeting Materials | Video
Governance Committee Update
I am incredibly pleased to share a major milestone from our Governance Committee’s recent meeting. With a decisive 4-1 vote, the committee agreed to split the Educational Technology policy into two distinct policies, similar to the core vision I originally proposed. These two policies will focus on Educational Technology Use and Innovation in Instructional Technology. These two specialized frameworks are important to future policy adjustments and serve to rapidly adjust as the technology changes throughout the years.
The policy related to innovation in instructional technology will hopefully focus on how the Division evaluates and adopts new technologies, such as the contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, in our administrative systems and classrooms. The School Board recognizes AI is a powerful tool designed to enhance human-centered education, never to replace it. With vital assistance from the new Educational Technology Review Committee, this policy establishes the necessary guardrails to guide AI regulations and “future-proof” our schools.
Likewise, the Use of Educational Technology policy sets the School Board’s expected classroom use of Artificial Intelligence and other valuable tools to enhance day-to-day teaching, learning, communication, creativity, and operational efficiency in the service of human-centered education. While these policies are being drafted, I hope to see intentional device use and limitations for age-appropriate students, evidence-based practices, and digital literacy instruction.
We want our students to be technologically fluent and competitive, but always in a safe, balanced, and structured environment. I feel incredibly confident in this strategic direction. We are no longer just reacting to technological shifts, but are actively preparing for them. I am eager to see the clean policy drafts the Superintendent will present to the full Board for discussion soon.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we innovate for our students’ future.
Meeting Materials | Video
FAQs for Centreville High School
In our last board meeting, I brought forward a motion, along with Seema Dixit from the Sully District, to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate a temporary lease agreement for a lease extension on the Fairfax County School Board’s property at 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151 (Cub Run RECenter) and an area of land at 13000 Braddock Road, Clifton, VA 20124 (Braddock Park) sufficient to enable the school division to satisfy the County’s Floor Area Ratio (FAR) zoning requirements for Centreville High School, including the FAR requirements associated with the school division’s planned renovation and expansion plans for the facility, and provide an update to the School Board by August 28, 2026. We are thrilled that the School Board unanimously approved this action in an important step towards seeking a resolution for this school.
Below you will find the answers to a few questions I have been receiving about this project:
Why have we waited this long?
Fairfax County Public Schools has been working toward creating a solution to this issue since before I was elected. In 1988, FCPS signed a thirty-year density lease agreement with the Park Authority for a portion of Braddock Park for Centreville High School (on paper) in order to meet the zoning requirements. When FCPS filed for renovation permits for Centreville High School in 2023, the County acknowledged the lapsed density lease agreement. FCPS has explored various options with the parties involved, both the Park Authority and the County, to resolve the lapsed lease agreement, but, unfortunately, has not reached a sound and fair resolution.
What are the zoning requirements?
Centreville High School is located in a Residential Conservation District (RC). This specific zoning classification is highly restrictive, meant to protect natural resources and control development by placing strict limits on building density. Density is measured using Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which is the ratio of a building’s total floor area relative to the size of the piece of land it sits on. Because Centreville High School is a large school serving thousands of students, its physical footprint is technically too dense for the size of the parcel of land it owns under RC zoning laws, which is why we had the Density Lease Agreement to open the school. We leased the density from the land area of Braddock Park to artificially increase the density associated with the school’s lot on paper, bringing the school into zoning compliance.
What now?
Unfortunately, the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Public Schools have not been able to reach an agreement about the steps forward. The two pieces of property that were part of the original lease agreement for the additional density were previously surplused back to the county, so those aren’t viable options to extend the lease. The problem has been determining a viable alternative for both parties.
FCPS leased 22 acres of land to FCPA in 2000, which provided the opportunity for the Park Authority to build Cub Run RECenter. That lease expires in December of 2039, and the Park Authority would like to determine a path forward to extend that lease. FCPS is also hoping to ask for an amendment to the County’s zoning ordinance to permanently address density requirements for schools, particularly those in RC districts with strict FAR limits. Unfortunately, this is a lengthy process through the County, and one that I am sure we all agree needs to be done correctly to protect our communities.
This motion was meant to provide a temporary path forward to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate a lease agreement that would serve as an extension of the lease on the additional density and an equivalent extension on the Cub Run lease while the County determines a viable permanent path forward for school zoning requirements. It also requests that staff evaluate the planned renovation at Centreville High School, including the projected program capacity of the renovated facility and planned construction in the surrounding area, to ensure our planned renovation still meets our future needs.
As we all know, Fairfax County has valuable land, and I am hugely grateful for the possibility of extra time to get this right. I strongly believe that Cub Run RECenter should stay a park for the community to enjoy, and FCPS absolutely needs Centreville High School to remain the amazing school serving its community it is today!
Meeting Materials | Video
Superintendent Updates
❤️🩹 Middle School Students Can Access Virtual Mental Health Services Beginning Tomorrow
Since 2023, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. Beginning July 1, 2026, these services will also be available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
Hazel Health provides therapy through secure video sessions that students can access from home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Licensed therapists can help with:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, sexual identity challenges, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Find more information online.
⚡ Now Hiring: Residential Electrical Instructor
Full-Time | High School Level | Fairfax Academy CTE Program
Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a brand-new Residential Electricity pathway at Fairfax Academy! We are seeking an experienced, passionate electrical professional to lead this three-course sequence (Electricity I, II, and III) and prepare the next generation of tradespeople.
The Role
This is a full-time high school teaching position where you will shape a new program from the ground up—covering everything from foundational theory and OSHA 10 safety to hands-on circuit wiring, conduit installation, and blueprint reading.
What We’re Looking For:
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Experience: Minimum of 2 years of full-time occupational experience in the electrical field within the past 5 years.
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Credentials: Eligible for a Virginia CTE endorsement in Electricity/Electrical Technology.
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Skills: Strong knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and safe lab practices. Familiarity with panelboards, grounding, and commercial/residential systems is a big plus.
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Passion: A genuine desire to mentor young people and build a high-impact program.
Know a licensed electrician or electrical professional ready for their next chapter? Help us spread the word and empower students to hit the ground running in a rewarding career!
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Cook, Academy Administrator
Fairfax Academy | Fairfax County Public Schools
AmCook@fcps.edu | 703-219-2387
Whitney Ketchledge, Senior Manager III
Career and Technical Education | Fairfax County Public Schools
wsketchledge@fcps.edu | 703-223-1939
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:
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: 2026-27 First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year! Be sure to bookmark the 2026-27 School Year Calendar.
🕐 Early Release Wednesdays for School Year 2026-27
FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. The number has been reduced from eight to four days.
Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.
Find more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.
An Inside Look at What Educators Do on Early Release Wednesdays
What happens on early release Wednesdays? While most students headed home earlier than usual, our educators at Mosaic Elementary School continued learning and collaborating to strengthen instruction and support student success.
➕ Provide Feedback on Secondary Mathematics Instructional Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new mathematics instructional resources for Math 6 (middle school only) through Algebra 2 for the 2026-27 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers reviewed materials submitted by vendors. The public is invited to review and provide feedback on the proposed resource.
The proposed resource for middle school Math 6 through Algebra 2 may be accessed in person and on the Mathematics Basal Resource webpage until Sunday, July 12. Those reviewing instructional materials will be able to provide feedback through the use of a digital form. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and the Fairfax County School Board before a board vote in July.
Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Willow Oaks Welcome Center, 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr., Suite 100, Falls Church, Virginia, 22031; Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If review hours are needed outside of these hours, please email MathBasalReview@fcps.edu.
The Highlight Reel!
🥇 Three Years, Three Medals, One Big Future
Bryant High School graduate Mohammad did more than just graduate; he soared! With several state-level medals and a top-tier apprenticeship waiting for him, he has developed into a leader who inspires his classmates. Read about Mohammad’s journey from Yemen to the United States. Watch a video of him and his classmates discussing their SkillsUSA awards with Dr. Reid.
🏅 Virginia PTA Honors FCPS Superintendent With 2026 Power Partner Award
Commitment to community involvement and family engagement are two of the reasons the Virginia Parent Teacher Association (PTA) honored Dr. Reid with a 2026 Power Partner award during its June 5 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. Read about this PTA recognition.
⛸️ Westbriar Welcomes Gold Medalist Alumnus
A very special alumnus visited Westbriar Elementary School students, none other than Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion figure skater Ilia Malinin. The Olympian became known as the “Quad God” because of his ability to land some of the most difficult quadruple jumps in figure skating, including the first quadruple axel in competition.
Read about Malinin and how he inspired students at his old elementary school.
🧠 Elementary Students Shine in Global Problem-Solving Competition
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In a challenge that combined problem-solving and performance, Forestville Elementary School students worked together to navigate a train through a course and turn its cargo into an art piece.
The team, which included seven Forestville fourth-grade students, competed against 53 other teams representing eight countries at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.
Read about the Forestville Odyssey of the Mind team.
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🤖 After Competing on the World Stage, Hayfield Graduates Look to Their Futures
More than 600 teams from over 10 countries gathered in Houston in April for the FIRST Robotics World Championship — one of the most competitive youth robotics events in the world. Among them was Hayfield Secondary School's Team 614, the Night Hawks, representing both their school and FCPS on the global stage.
Read more about these graduates and how they performed at the World Championship.
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.
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