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Dear Community Members,

The hard work of the school year is underway for students, faculty, and parents. I hope like me you’ve seen some joyful moments - children you know saying hello in and around school; hearing students practice their sport or music; seeing former teachers who remain memorable. For me, the excitement has dwindled a bit due to some major decisions happening by those in FCPS and the County. I’ve found a repeated need since school began to advocate for answers to rather basic questions about how students are being served. My newsletter has updates that I think you should know about, and the challenges I’m addressing to best represent constituents.

Over the past seven years on the School Board, I’ve championed safe routes to school and safer roadways. However, my experience at the start of this school year while advocating for the return of high school crossing guards showed me a larger view of what's needed to improve safety on roadways in Fairfax.

I’ve learned that safe roads with a vision of zero fatalities require three components: Education, Enforcement, and Engineering. Yet I’ve observed that our county is not adequately using all three of these levers to fundamentally increase road safety. Add to this the gridlock from VDOT that keeps updates happening for at least five years - I’m thinking of critical areas at Wolftrap ES (now resolved), Flint Hill ES and Floris ES. And these are dangerous areas to navigate - we aren’t even talking about increasing access to safe walking and biking routes for all.   

That’s why on September 15, I raised my voice loudly alongside hundreds of community members, to demand that the County Board of Supervisors restore funding for high school crossing guards and protect children. You can watch my public remarks here. Of all the “tools” in my elected official toolbox, I thought this was the most promising approach for success. Indeed, due to overwhelming pressure, that Board reversed its shortsighted decision and restored the funding - for this year only. 

All told, what I see is the Fairfax Board of Supervisors seeking to abdicate its responsibility to manage road safety on public roads adjacent to public schools. FCPS is not responsible for public safety road duties occurring outside of our campuses! More and more I’m seeing that programs and services related to children are being pushed over to FCPS, without discussion nor funding. 

There is more advocacy to come as budget development work begins in the new calendar year. One thing you can do now is know who represents you - use the My Neighborhood tool to see who your elected officials are and how to contact them. 

Addressing the Hiring Freeze Crisis affecting Students and Teachers

We are in the 6^th week of the 10-week first quarter of school, and it’s become clear that too many FCPS students do not have an assigned full-time teacher in their class - although identified candidates are waiting to be hired! 

Months ago, the Superintendent implemented a hiring freeze so that only existing FCPS employees are considered to fill vacant teaching positions. This is a strategy meant to staff classrooms in a financially responsible manner. 

I have said publicly and privately that it could be a useful strategy to a point, in so far as educators are able to accept a new assignment, and classrooms are appropriately staffed for the school year. Continuing to use this strategy 6 weeks into the school year is not acceptable. Fiscal stewardship is the reason stated for not hiring teachers; however, the Superintendent proposed and majority of the School Board just approved an over $800,000 purchase of a specialized computer that was previously unbudgeted.   

Since there is no imminent action, I will bring a motion before the School Board at the October 6 Work Session to direct the Superintendent to lift the hiring freeze and to expeditiously hire educators who applied to positions and began teaching but were not offered permanent positions. This is an unorthodox, but allowable, approach: to bring a motion for action at a public Work Session. But this is a crisis, and a crisis demands leadership. 

To get these teachers permanently into classrooms, this motion needs majority support of the School Board, so I encourage residents to write and ask my colleagues for action on Tuesday, October 6, to immediately fix this problem. 

School Board Updates and Recent Work

🪙Get the Money

FCPS is preparing for another year of diminishing funding from Fairfax County. Unlike some other counties in Virginia, Fairfax County does not specify what percentage of revenue goes to public schools. Without predictable funds, the Superintendent struggles to prepare the budget because we never know how much money will get from the County. 

When I started on the School Board in 2020, FCPS received 52.8% of the County transfer. Each year since then, that ratio has decreased, hitting a low of 51.1% in FY27. Had the annual funds transfer been pegged at 52.8%, our schools would have had an additional $339.9 Million in revenue, which could have paid for more teachers, staff, and programs for our students and families.

Board’s Decision on Kindergarten Device Restriction Debated; Clear Guidelines needed for Educational Technology

Earlier this year, parents and community advocates urged School Board members to reign in the excessive and inconsistent use of technology in the classroom, citing detrimental effects to learning and mental health. While the Board initially rejected my motion for device restrictions in Pre-K to 2nd Grade, we ultimately approved it for Kindergarten students, to begin this school year. The Superintendent had not provided a recommendation to the Board on students of any age having personal FCPS devices. 

On September 24, the Superintendent recommended undoing the Board’s decision, to allow Lexia for Kindergarten reading intervention. One point I raised then was that Lexia was purchased in 2021, prior to the robust Benchmark Advance literacy curriculum obtained in 2024. 

However, here is the biggest point: 

This school division never intentionally decided to give devices to elementary children as a matter of instructional approach - devices were provided as a matter of access during a pandemic. The School Board has never decided what the role and breadth of device use is for student learning.

The School Board will vote on the recommendation on October 8. I plan to vote against the recommendation.

First K-12 school division to purchase a quantum computer: $834,000 for Skyview HS  

I am aware that quantum computing is an important growing part of the workforce and economy, and I want to learn more about this. I think that FCPS should develop the kind of pipeline of funding, coursework, and access for students to be prepared for opportunities this field will provide for employment and careers. 

However, on September 24, I voted “No" on the $834,000 purchase of a quantum computer, which will be the first of its kind in a U.S. public school system. It was ultimately approved by the School Board on a 10-2 vote.

I could not support this purchase because of lacking financial information from the Superintendent. The money used for the purchase comes from funding set aside for costs related to starting up instructional programs at Skyview HS; yet, the Superintendent has not informed the Board what that set aside amount is. I don’t know if we are jeopardizing the crucial funding for our new school for a purchase that wasn’t needed or anticipated prior to August. It’s a significant, unacceptable oversight of the Superintendent to not present the Board with a full picture of the finances. Further, I have not heard a sufficient case to be made as to why such a purchase is a need for FCPS - especially when hiring teachers is frozen to save money.  

Update on the 2027 Eid al-Fitr Student Holiday

The date for the important Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr has recently been updated by local Islamic community leaders to be on March 9, 2027, instead of March 10, 2027. Without adjusting the school calendar, we will have hundreds of students and staff missing school on March 9, only to then have a student holiday on March 10. To remedy this, I will bring a motion for action at the October 8, 2026 public Regular Meeting of the School Board to adjust the FCPS calendar accordingly. As-salamu alaykum.

Upcoming Public School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, October 8, 7pm - Regular Meeting
• Thursday, October 22, 7pm - Regular Meeting

Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Monday, October 12, 4pm - Audit Committee
• Monday, November 16, 4:30pm - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
• Tuesday, November 17, 4:30pm - Public Engagement Committee

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 6, 10:30am 

Hunter Mill Happenings

Marshall High School welcomes New Principal

Let's welcome Anthony Harris as the new principal of Marshall HS! A longtime FCPS educator, Mr. Harris brings more than 26 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Since 2018, he has led Frost MS, where he supported student achievement, well-being, and strong partnerships with families and staff. Mr. Harris holds degrees from Virginia Tech and George Mason University and is known for his student-centered, collaborative leadership. He will begin his new role on October 9. I look forward to welcoming him to the Marshall community and working together to support its students and build on the school’s strengths.

Hunter Mill Back-to-School Blitz

My "Back-to-School Blitz" was a blast! I strive to visit all my schools where a large portion of students living in Hunter Mill attend. That resulted in over 25 school visits in August and September! Across every classroom, open house, and hallway, the energy from our students, teachers, and school staff was electric. Really, people are pleased with our public schools. 

These visits provided a direct window into the pulse of our public schools, from hearing student perspectives on their new routines to discussing annual goals and innovative programs with our principals. Thank you to our entire school community for such a warm welcome.

Madison Senior Founds, Leads Elementary Lacrosse Program

Isla Stephenson, a senior at Madison HS, founded and serves as Head Coach of the Northern Virginia branch of WINNERS Lacrosse, bringing after-school sports and mentorship to underserved elementary students. She has led over 40 sessions providing more than 60 hours of direct coaching across all four seasons while securing $20,000 in program funding. Additionally, she conducted an AP Research project evaluating the program's impact, which demonstrated measurable improvements in participants' social-emotional well-being. Thank you for your leadership to serve our children, Isla!

Wolftrap ES Receives State School Security Grant 

Wolftrap ES has been selected to receive funding through Virginia’s 2026–27 School Security Equipment Grant Program. The competitive grant program helps schools improve safety by funding security equipment, secure entrance vestibules, and other building upgrades. This year, the Virginia Department of Education awarded $12 million to 399 schools across 91 school divisions. 

Hunter Mill Schools Honored for Environmental Excellence

Congratulations to the 11 FCPS schools recognized through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ 2025–2026 Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program. These schools are advancing environmental literacy through hands-on learning, STEM connections, civic engagement, and meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

Two recognized schools, Terraset ES and Westfield HS, serve the Hunter Mill community. We celebrate their commitment to environmental education and stewardship and congratulate all schools honored for this achievement!

Innovation on Wheels: STEM Comes Alive at Herndon High

Herndon HS students recently traded standard classroom desks for high-tech, professional-grade laboratory tools—without ever leaving campus. Through a grant-funded partnership, FCPS brought MX Labs, a fully equipped mobile STEM facility, directly to Herndon High. The experience gave hundreds of students hands-on access to advanced equipment and immersive experiments that bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world scientific career paths.

Interactive visits like this inspire the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators while showcasing FCPS’s commitment to creative, hands-on education.

This is public education!

Other Info of Interest

Apply for Appointment on the Adults and Community Education Advisory Committee

There is an opening on the Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee, and Hunter Mill District residents are eligible to apply! This year, the committee will focus on advancing ACE’s workforce pipeline in skilled trades and healthcare. The committee will recommend strategies to expand participation, secure additional funding and/or create efficiencies in service, align programs with industry needs, and strengthen partnerships that lead to sustainable career pathways.

If you are interested in applying, please send your resume and a statement of interest to huntermillstaff@fcps.edu. 

FCPS Seeks Feedback on Middle School AAP Expansion

Your voice matters! Join FCPS to discuss the proposed Middle School Advance Academic Program Center expansion! 

The Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in Fairfax County Public Schools are designed to challenge and support students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities and high potential.

FCPS is hosting these community meetings to gather feedback, answer questions, and inform families about FCPS's plan to expand Full-Time AAP (Level IV) centers to every middle school in the district.

Upcoming Community Meetings - Each session will run from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM:

Oct 5 @ Franklin Middle School 

Oct 15 @ Holmes Middle School 

Oct 22 @ Whitman Middle School  

Oct 7 is SAT / PSAT Testing Day for High School Students

FCPS high schools annually host the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exam. The exam is offered each fall at no charge to FCPS tenth and eleventh graders. 

The date for PSAT/NMSQT exams in school year 2026-27 is Wednesday, October 7.

• Grades 10 & 11: Automatically registered for the PSAT/NMSQT at no cost.
• Grade 12: Only participating students who pre-registered for the SAT School Day prior to the September 2, 2026 deadline will test.
• Grade 9 / Non-testers: 9th graders and 12th graders not taking the SAT generally do not attend school or follow modified attendance / asynchronous instructions depending on the specific high school's plan.
• Please check with your schools for updates to release times, as schools usually operate on an early release schedule on test day.

Accessing these exams can be an important component to college admissions and post-graduation learning: a benefit for all students. While I prefer that our 9th graders not lose a day of school, the logistics of administering the exams require use of space and faculty beyond the capacity of the usual school day plans.

Please check the FCPS calendar for more information.

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 expressed herein represent the personal thoughts and ideas of the undersigned, crafted without the use of artificial intelligence, and do not reflect an official position of the FCPS School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

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