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Meeting Recap: Quantum Computing, Pre-K/K Device Use, Local Investments, and More (September 24, 2026)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the Fairfax County School Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 24 (agenda | video). We discussed and advanced several key priorities that reflect our continued commitment to academic excellence, equity, and innovation across the school division.
Most notably, the Board approved a quantum computing system for Skyview High School, making FCPS the first K-12 school division in the world to put a working quantum computer in front of its students, with hands-on learning beginning in spring 2027.
We also heard the Superintendent's recommendation to allow limited Lexia use for kindergarten students who need additional reading support, along with an update on the work of the Educational Technology Review Committee. The Board was not scheduled to vote on the recommendation, and several of us have questions we want answered before any Board action.
Closer to home, the Board unanimously approved a contract to replace the automatic temperature control system at Cunningham Park Elementary School, which serves many Providence District students.
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).
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
- Regular Meeting Recap (September 24, 2026)
Approving World’s First K-12 Quantum Computer
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board voted to approve a 4-qubit, gate-based quantum computing system at Skyview High School, making FCPS the first K-12 school division in the world to put a working quantum computer in front of its students. Quantum computing is the next foundation of computing, and it works on entirely different principles from the computers most people use every day. It promises to solve problems today's machines can't touch, from designing new medicines and materials to securing data and more.
The system is expected to be installed in December, and students will begin hands-on work in spring 2027. They will write real programs, run them on real hardware, and compare how quantum and traditional computers approach the same problems. The program starts as a pathway and could grow into a credit-bearing course with dual-enrollment opportunities and industry credentials. Skyview will be FCPS's K-12 anchor for quantum education, open to students and educators across the division as we plan to bring systems to other schools.
In my comments, I also explained why this purchase is an economic development investment. Governor Spanberger and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority are both leaning into quantum, and state officials count more than 1,100 quantum-related jobs open across Northern Virginia. Companies in our own backyard are investing heavily in quantum and employ many Fairfax County families, including Booz Allen in McLean, Leidos in Reston, and Northrop Grumman in Falls Church. The bottleneck is people – a need that runs from technicians and engineers to PhDs.
Motion: Dixit, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 10, No 2
Superintendent’s Recommendation for Lexia and Pre-K/K Device Use
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent recommended allowing limited Lexia use for kindergarten students who need additional reading support. Under Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative, students in grades K–3 who score in the high-risk range on the state literacy screening must receive 150 minutes of reading intervention each week. FCPS has historically met that requirement through a combination of teacher-led instruction and Lexia. The recommendation would permit eligible kindergarten students to use Lexia for up to 75 minutes per week, in addition to existing exceptions to device restrictions for students with specified learning and language-support needs. Families of students receiving additional reading support would also have the option to opt out of Lexia use.
The Superintendent also provided an update on the work of the Educational Technology Review Committee (ETRC), which was established in May 2026 to review FCPS’s technology practices and recommend ways to support responsible, effective, equitable, secure, and developmentally appropriate technology use. The presentation highlighted changes informed by the committee’s feedback for the 2026–27 school year, including an option for elementary school families to opt out of at-home device use and updated restrictions on students’ personal devices during the school day. The committee also provided input on FCPS’s digital literacy curriculum, including required lessons, resources for families, and professional learning for instructional staff.
The Board discussed the recommendation with Dr. Reid, but was not scheduled to vote at that meeting. Several board members, including me, have additional questions we are seeking answers to before any Board action.
Banning Flock Camera from FCPS Properties
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board adopted a motion directing the Superintendent to prohibit installing, procuring, or leasing Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems, including Flock cameras, on FCPS property. The motion does not prohibit or restrict the installation, operation, or continued use of speed cameras in school zones or school bus stop-arm cameras.
Motion: McDaniel, Second: S. Anderson / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Local investment: Cunningham Park Elementary HVAC Upgrades
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a $694,865 contract with Engineered Services, Inc. to replace the automatic temperature control system at Cunningham Park Elementary School, which serves many Providence District students. The project will be funded through FCPS’s HVAC Infrastructure & Upgrade Fund.
The contract was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder following a competitive bidding process. Engineered Services, Inc. has also completed previous projects for the School Board.
Approved By Unanimous Consent
Strategic Plan Update: Spotlighting Our Custodians
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided the Board with an update on Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive and Supported Workforce of FCPS’s 2023–30 Strategic Plan, highlighting the important role our custodial staff play in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming schools. Approximately 1,400 custodians serve more than 230 FCPS schools and offices, maintaining more than 29 million square feet and cleaning over 14,000 classrooms and 1,200 restrooms each day. Their work helps ensure school buildings are ready for teaching and learning, supports building safety, and protects FCPS facilities through daily maintenance and care.
I know firsthand how hard they work. I’ve twice put on the custodial uniform and joined our custodians to help clean Mantua and Shrevewood elementary schools, and I came away with a deep appreciation for what it takes to keep a school clean and running every day. Our custodians deserve our thanks, and they deserve to know we all see their work and the impact it has on our students, families, and staff. As part of the presentation, the Superintendent shared a video highlighting the contributions of our custodial staff:
Superintendent Performance Review
The School Board evaluates the Superintendent's overall success based on the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-2030 Strategic Plan goals and adherence to the 13 Executive Limitations outlined on pages 14-31 of the Board’s Strategic Governance Manual. The Superintendent provides the Board with annual monitoring reports for each Executive Limitation. The Board then votes on whether the provided reports comply with the Executive Limitation. If the report is found to be noncompliant, the Superintendent provides a corrective action memo addressing the Board’s concerns.
Executive Limitation 9: Instructional Program
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board received its annual monitoring report on Executive Limitation 9: Instructional Program, which requires the Superintendent to maintain an instructional program aligned with FCPS’s Strategic Plan that meets the needs of every student. The report highlighted updates to English language arts and mathematics instruction, including new mathematics materials, expanded access to advanced math courses, and efforts to better align curriculum, assessments, and instruction with Virginia’s Standards of Learning. It also reviewed the expansion of FCPS’s early childhood Montessori program and the introduction of Water S.A.F.E. Fairfax, a new approach to water safety instruction.
The report also highlighted efforts to improve access to learning for students with disabilities through adapted health education lessons, Universal Design for Learning strategies, and professional learning focused on inclusive classrooms. Additional updates included plans to expand Full-Time Advanced Academic Program Centers at middle schools, provide all second-grade students with an in-person public library experience, and deliver four required digital literacy lessons during the 2026–27 school year.
After the Superintendent’s presentation and a thorough discussion, the Board found the monitoring report in compliance with Executive Limitation 9.
During the discussion, I had several questions about the evolving instructional program for mathematics in FCPS and the recent purchase of new textbooks for Math 6 through Algebra 2:
Motion: Moon, Second: Dannan / Vote: Yes 12, Not Present 1
Academic Matters: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Professional Development
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided the Board with an Academic Matters presentation highlighting FCPS’s work to expand Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an instructional approach that helps educators anticipate and reduce barriers to learning so students with different needs can participate and succeed in the classroom. This work supports FCPS’s efforts to strengthen inclusive practices, improve access to general education classrooms for students with disabilities, and ensure students are educated in the least restrictive environment.
During summer 2026, more than 300 teachers participated in two-day UDL workshops, while more than 400 school-based and central office staff attended a conference focused on practical strategies for inclusive classrooms. Throughout the 2026–27 school year, FCPS will continue supporting educators through school leadership teams, professional learning for teachers and paraprofessionals, self-paced training, and the integration of UDL strategies into curriculum resources.
As part of the presentation, the Superintendent shared a video highlighting educators’ professional learning in support of more inclusive classrooms:
Proclamation: National Literacy Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed September 2026 as National Literacy Month, recognizing the importance of reading and writing to students’ academic success and future opportunities. The proclamation highlights FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, progress in student reading achievement, and ongoing efforts to provide educators with evidence-based literacy training.
Motion: Dunne, Second: Dannan / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by the Annandale High School Orchestra under the direction of Annie Ray:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.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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