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Meeting Recap: Strong Start Pre-K-12, Celebrating Academic Achievement, and More (October 22)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the Fairfax County School Board held an all-day work session on Tuesday, October 20 (agenda | video) and a regular meeting on Thursday, October 22 (agenda | video). We discussed and advanced several key priorities.
During Tuesday’s work session, the Board discussed opportunities to expand world language programming across FCPS and reviewed our proposed 2027 State Legislative Priorities, focusing on securing greater state funding and strengthening educational opportunities.
At Thursday’s regular meeting, the Board approved the Goal 1 Report of our 2023–2030 Strategic Plan, Strong Start: Pre-K–12, highlighting significant progress in early childhood education and English language development. We also celebrated FCPS' outstanding academic achievements and more.
In addition to this week’s meeting recap, I wanted to let you know the School Board is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 Student Leadership Development Program. This is a great opportunity for high school students to work with School Board Members, learn about school governance, and develop their interests in public policy. Applications are due next Friday, November 6, at 11:59 p.m.
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
Work Session (October 20, 2026)
At last week’s all-day work session, the School Board discussed opportunities to strengthen and expand world language education and reviewed our legislative priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session.
World Language Discussion
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board discussed expanding and strengthening world language education, so every FCPS student has equitable access to high-quality instruction, regardless of which school they attend. FCPS already has a strong record here: about one-third of graduating students earned Virginia’s Seal of Biliteracy in 2026. We explored adding language offerings through the FCPS Online Campus, opening high school credit-bearing courses to students starting in seventh grade, and strengthening elementary programs such as dual language immersion and Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES). Together, these steps would create more consistent pathways from elementary school through graduation. During the discussion, I spoke to the need to ensure our FLES programming is adequately supported so it can have the impact we desire:
Legislative Program Discussion
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board reviewed its proposed 2027 State Legislative Positions ahead of the upcoming General Assembly session. Our priorities include greater state investment in public education, a modernized school funding formula, expanded early childhood education, stronger support for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, and broader access to college and workforce readiness. They also emphasize protecting local school board authority and supporting collective bargaining. We discussed the Virginia School Boards Association’s proposed positions as well. These discussions will guide our advocacy in Richmond as we work to secure the funding, flexibility, and resources every FCPS student needs for a world-class education.
Regular Meeting (October 22, 2026)
Strategic Plan Goal 1 Update: Strong Start: Pre-K–12
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board accepted the Strategic Plan’s Goal 1 Report, Strong Start: Pre-K–12, highlighting significant progress in expanding early childhood education and strengthening academic opportunities for multilingual learners. During the 2025–26 school year, 83% of FCPS kindergarteners entered school with preschool experience, an increase of nine percentage points from the baseline. Students with preschool experience were nearly twice as likely to meet kindergarten readiness benchmarks as those without it, 71% compared with 36%. FCPS has also expanded preschool capacity by 600 slots, while increasing the percentage of preschool students served in inclusive settings to 37%, up from 20% during the 2022–23 school year.
The report also highlighted impressive progress in English language development, with 60% of multilingual learners meeting state standards for annual progress, an increase of 15 percentage points from the baseline and above the statewide average of 57%. Additionally, approximately 5,500 multilingual learners, or 17%, achieved English language proficiency during the 2025–26 school year, an increase of 2,100 students from the baseline and above the statewide average of 14%. These achievements reflect the positive impact of FCPS’ investments in early learning, inclusive education, and targeted language instruction, helping ensure every student has a strong foundation for academic success.
Motion: R. Anderson, Second: St John-Cunning / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Academic Matters: Supporting Students on the Path to Graduation
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided an Academic Matters presentation celebrating FCPS’ strong academic performance and continued improvements in student achievement. All 195 FCPS schools are fully accredited for the 2026–27 school year, and 75% earned ratings of Distinguished or Meets Expectations under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework, outperforming the statewide average of 70%. Even more impressive, 110 FCPS schools, or 56%, earned the state’s highest performance designation of Distinguished, compared with just 44% statewide.
The presentation also highlighted encouraging gains in Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, with divisionwide pass rates increasing in all three core subjects: reading (80%), mathematics (80%), and science (76%). Most student groups demonstrated academic improvement, including notable gains among economically disadvantaged students, Black students, Hispanic students, and multilingual learners. These achievements reflect the dedication of our exceptional educators, hardworking students, and supportive families, as well as FCPS’ continued commitment to academic excellence and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Local Investments: Woodson Roof Replacement
Video | Meeting Materials
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a $1,263,770 contract for the roof replacement project at Woodson High School. The contract was awarded to R.D. Bean, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Roofing Infrastructure Replacement Fund will fund the project.
Approved by Unanimous Consent
Proclamation: Recognizing National STEM Day
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized November 8, 2026, as National STEM Day, celebrating the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and reaffirming FCPS’ commitment to expanding equitable access to STEM education, hands-on learning, and career exploration opportunities for all students.
Motion: Dixit, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring Student Athletics and Activities Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed October 2026 as Student Athletics and Activities Month, recognizing the achievements of students participating in athletics and extracurricular activities and the dedication of coaches, staff, families, and school communities who support their growth and success.
Motion: Meren, Second: McElveen / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring National Red Ribbon Week
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed October 23–31, 2026, as Red Ribbon Week, recognizing the importance of substance abuse prevention and FCPS’ efforts to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles through education, counseling, and student support programs.
Motion: McDaniel, Second: Meren / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Principals and Administrators Appreciation
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed October 2026 as School Principals and Administrators Appreciation Month, recognizing the dedication and leadership of school administrators in fostering safe, inclusive learning environments, supporting educators, and helping every student succeed.
Motion: McElveen, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the national anthem by the Luther Jackson String Quintet, under Michael Klucker’s direction:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, December 1, 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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