💰Funding and 🏫School safety🚸 are Fairfax’s #1 concerns
School Board Hunter Mill District6 days 13 hours agoHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
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Dear Community Members,So much critical work is happening and I want to be sure you are aware. Here is a summary of big issues impacting our public schools and the children and adults who rely on public education: funding and safety. Be in-the-know!
FundingThe School Board approved the FY 2026 Advertised Budget, on February 20. The budget now resides with our funding authority, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who will determine if the proposed amount will be fully funded. Ultimately the budget will be voted on this spring by the School Board. Fairfax County’s projections are showing that the Superintendent’s budget will not be fully funded. This is not a surprise, since we know that Fairfax County is chronically underfunded by the state for public education services, leaving the burden on our local residents.
For a long time, FX County has banked on three thriving factors to entice individuals, families, and businesses to set up roots here:
- Access to federal government-related work;
- Office space, including for national and international headquarters; and
- Our public schools.
In 2025, federal work is evaporating.
Commercial tax revenue has decreased year-over-year, leaving office buildings vacant.
That leaves one reason for people to locate here:
Fairfax County Public Schools.
Right now, FCPS is the #1 economic and employment generator in Fairfax County. Our biggest asset to retain residents and attract business is our top-quality public school system. Now is the time to insure the public investment in FCPS.
It will take not only the County’s 22 elected Board members working together, but also importantly, the executives of our two systems who are charged with the daily and long-term operations of our public services: County Executive, Bryan Hill, and FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.
See my remarks from the Feb. 18 Work Session and Feb. 20 Regular Board Meeting.
SafetyThe Superintendent presents publicly to the Board monthly, topics that are essential to the success of our students, employees, and the public investment in public education. These are done during what’s called Executive Limitation (EL) presentations. In-depth reports are provided, and the Board determines via public vote if the Superintendent has met the requirements of the work. I find this a very helpful component for my duty as a Board Member to hold the Superintendent accountable. The reports are also transparent reports for the public’s knowledge, which then become records for future reference.
The Safety and Security report (EL #13), presented in February, has information that constituents consistently ask me about, including external security cameras at elementary schools (p. 6). This is a wealth of information about school safety that I hope residents will take time to review.
Relatedly, constituents often ask about increased security staffing at schools. I continue to advocate for this need; however, the state does not provide specific funding for such support. In fact, the state has not budgeted to fund the law enforcement tool from the FBI, called Rap-Back, which provides real-time background check information – something critical when FCPS seeks to hire staff. After years of unsuccessful advocacy to the state, the Superintendent has included nearly half a million dollars in the current proposed budget to fund this annual cost. Public schools should not be paying for law enforcement programs, but we must do what we must do to protect our people.
Stay tuned for information about upcoming town halls I’ll be offering. I look forward to seeing you in the community!
School Board Updates and Recent Work School Board Approves Advertised Budget to County BoardThis budget is one component of the legally sworn duty of this Board, and that is to be stewards of public funds and public expectations to have the best public schools possible. At the same time, this Board has worked this past year to Get The Money from the General Assembly to fund clear recommendations from its own research, showing that Fairfax County is missing half a billion dollars from the state to provide the level of education we know children need and deserve to be successful.
Ultimately, the Superintendent’s Advertised Budget, which the School Board approved and is now being considered by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is reasonable – in terms of needs and investments, and in terms of competitive wages for personnel to implement the services. Quality has a cost, and this budget is the bare minimum. We have to invest in our employees, because our people make public schools work.
Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report: Academic Growth and ExcellenceThe Board approved Dr. Reid’s report regarding academic growth and excellence, which was also discussed at the Board’s February 4, public Work Session. Literacy and continuing with the first year’s implementation of the basal language arts curriculum, Benchmark Advance, remains a core component. The results so far are showing growth in the upward direction. Additionally, of particular interest is increasing students’ proficiency and complexity of math knowledge, as this is a gateway to the majority of up-and-coming careers in the future. FCPS is already out-performing math instruction-related data, as reported by the state of Virginia, regional school divisions, and other large school divisions in America; however, we in FCPS are planning for still further achievement in math – including identifying new materials and expanding access to course offerings to higher level math, across the county and in more grade levels. See the images below for some snapshots.
Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.
Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters.
While the Governor has sanctioned changing the accountability measures for public education beginning this fall, as Dr. Reid said, “We are not going to raise performance by how we measure students – we have to adjust how we instruct students.”
Something interesting to note: Dr. Reid shared that research about math instruction in the US finds that students spend much time reviewing math content. In contrast, in other nations, students are receiving new content. So it’s not exactly a difference in curriculum, but rather, about use of time.
Relatedly, FCPS is considering the next K-12 math basal (instructional) materials, during a review and adoption process happening now. Learn more about this math materials review process at this link. Also note that the adoption process includes a 30-day public review period of identified materials, where anyone is welcome to examine potential materials and contribute input to the School Board and Superintendent.
Hunter Mill Joint Budget Town Hall with Supervisor Walter AlcornI'm teaming up with Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn to hold in-person and virtual Budget Town Halls. These meetings will offer you the opportunity to meet with other community members and leaders to discuss issues of importance, including funding for our schools. There are two dates available. I hope to see you there!
In-PersonMarch 12, 7-8:30pm at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, VA 20190.
Virtual via Teams:March 19, 7-8:30pm via Microsoft Teams.
- Link to meeting here
- Meeting ID: 233 620 840 142
- Passcode: TF7ou7fx
I support later middle school start times. However, the Superintendent is yet to recommend the exact timeline by which such a change would happen. Therefore, there is no planned change to middle school start times for this upcoming school year (SY 25-26).
At the February 18, public Work Session of the School Board, I stated my commitment to adjusting the start times in a planful manner. You can find the video of the meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel. Ample discussion was had about the recommendations that were transmitted to the Board only as recently as December 2024. Ultimately, the Board and Superintendent did not determine how the work will proceed at this time.
At this point, I am confident that adjusting middle school start times will be part of the complex work ahead with the comprehensive boundary review. These whole-school-division changes must be considered together, because the components are all connected: including available school buses and drivers, educator staffing, and academic course scheduling.
Additionally, we now have unprecedented disruptions to our local workforce that is connected with the federal government, which impacts the health of our economy. So for one, available tax revenue is precarious for funding public education. While some proposed start time options are projected to cost $0, other options are several million dollars to pay for more school buses and drivers. As a steward of public funds, I need to understand the ramifications on our funding decisions. Secondly, it is not timely to have changes to school schedules when in just the past few weeks, Fairfax has become an unpredictable place to work and live.
I commit that I will continue seeking an improvement when the time is appropriate.
In the meantime, I hope that parents and families will support their students with getting to bed at a reasonable time, and putting electronics away well before that time. It’s hard work, as I know first hand, but we know it makes a difference.
Recognizing Vital Operational ProfessionalsThe Board presented proclamations to recognize the essential work of Custodians, Food and Nutrition Services staff, School Bus Drivers, Bus Attendants, and Fairfax County Police-provided Crossing Guards. Some numbers of note:
- School facilities represent an $8.7 billion public investment on the part of the citizens of Fairfax County: FCPS custodial employees ensure facilities are kept clean and in good repair
- The 1,300 Food and Nutrition Services staff serve over 20 million meals per school year to ensure every student has access to healthy meals regardless of food allergies, medical conditions, or cultural and philosophical dietary preferences
- Our 1,037 FCPS bus drivers and 80 van drivers drive a total of 81,404 miles daily to safely transport our 131,000 FCPS student riders to and from 43,329 bus stops; they log in over 16 million miles per school year
Read the Custodian and Food and Nutrition Services Appreciation Proclamation professionals and the School Bus Driver, Bus Attendants, and Crossing Guard Appreciation Month Proclamation.
Upcoming School Board Meetings Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)- Thursday, March 13, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- EL-6, Financial Administration
- Strategic Plan Update
- Strategic Plan Goal 4 Report
- Thursday, March 27, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Strategic Plan Goal 4 Report (Presentation and Vote)
- Security Vestibules Project – Phase 2
- EL-7, Asset Protection
- Basal Resource -Social Studies
- Monday, March 17, 4:30pm - Audit Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, March 18, 10am - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, March 18, 3pm - Governance Committee Meeting
- Thursday, March 20, 7pm - Comprehensive Planning and Development Meeting
- Tuesday, March 11, 10:30am - All Day Work Session
- Strategic Plan Goal 4 Report
- Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)
Three individuals from the South Lakes pyramid were recognized by the Leadership Fairfax program, at a celebration held at Reston Community Center. Congratulations to Dr. Herman Mizell, Langston Hughes Middle School principal, for receiving recognition for excellence in Education at the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards.. Students LucyLynn Tombul from South Lakes High School and Avery McCusker from Langston Hughes Middle School received the Youth award for their summer clothing drive, in which they collected 567 clothing items to donate to people in need! They completed the project as part of their Girl Scout Silver Award candidacy, and they also received the CORE Foundation Impact Award and Gold Level President’s Volunteer Service Awards. Well done to all of our honorees!
FCPS Student Artists Showcase Incredible WorksThis is public education! The Scholastic Art Awards recognize the achievements of students in middle and high school. This is one of my favorite events each year - and this time, I was honored to be able to select pieces to receive an award of recognition by the School Board, as well as pieces for inclusion in the statewide Virginia School Boards Association art contest later this spring! The gallery is open for public viewing until March 13 at the Ernst Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. Silver and Gold Awards Ceremonies will be held on March 4-5 in Annandale, with more information on the art awards webpage.
🎩Armstrong Elementary School Hosts Talent Show🪄On Feb. 7, the sixth-grade class at Armstrong Elementary School teamed up with former student volunteers to host a schoolwide talent show lasting over two hours! These kids showed dedication to the school community by working hard and staying organized, allowing students and staff to enjoy camaraderie. Congratulations to these students as they prepare to transition to middle school next year. A hearty thank you to Patty Ott for sharing this wonderful moment.
Middle Schools Host Inaugural Spelling Bees 🐝Thoreau Middle School held the school's first ever Spelling Bee on Feb. 20, with seventh graders winning the top spots! Pictured left to right are Grace Thomas (2nd runner up), Arjun Vohra (2nd runner up), Bryce Blinstrub (1st runner up), and Aaron Erdman (champion).
Congratulations to the first ever Langston Hughes Middle School Spelling Bee participants who competed on Jan. 28! The top three finalists are pictured left to right: Heidi Gocong, James Jordan, and Alyssa Nielsen.
Heidi and Aaron will proudly represent their schools in the Fairfax County Spelling Bee on Sunday, March 23, 2pm at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Cunningham Park Elementary School Receives Grant for GardenFamilies at Cunningham Park Elementary School can look forward to a Project Learning Garden, as the school was recently awarded a $6000 grant from the Captain Planet Foundation. Environmental education is a passion of mine, and I will continue to advocate for students to learn about nature through hands-on experiences. Well done by the FCPS Get2Green program, who helped to make this happen!
Dogwood PE Teacher Recognized as Outstanding Elementary TeacherJason Ericson, physical education teacher at Dogwood Elementary School, was recognized as Outstanding Elementary Teacher for Region 1, Fairfax County Public Schools. We are so fortunate to have dedicated and passionate educators like Mr. Ericson. Teachers deserve our respect and support for the great work they do.
👩🎓Herndon MS Principal Completes Final Step Towards PhDCongratulations to Herndon Middle School Principal Monika Guerrero Vereb (second from left) for defending her dissertation at the College of William and Mary, Feb 4. Her study is entitled “Successful Practices of a Principal Induction Program: A Program Evaluation." Monika’s journey began in 2021 with a toddler and newborn, and she continued to press forward toward her PhD. This is just a latest testament to how our school leaders seek to learn and advance as education professionals working with our students.
South Lakes Students Recognized at Future Business Leaders of American Regional CompetitionSouth Lakes High School students knocked it out of the park at the Future Business Leaders of America Regional Conference, with 27 students placing in the top three in their categories! Five of them took home first place. They demonstrated an impressive array of skills in information technology, marketing, and so much more. Let’s root them on as they prepare for the Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference in Reston, April 4-5.
🔊 Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family SummitThe 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, 8:30am-3:20pm, at South Lakes High School. At the event, FCPS students will showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment through posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. Childcare will be provided. If interested in attending, please register for the event.
Oakton High School Juniors Tackle Oral Cancer ChallengeThe robotics team at Oakton High School worked for months to develop an app to detect oral cancer. Juniors Aniketh Bandlamudi, Lauren Kim, Vishal Manikanden, and Malek Swilam started the project when one of them learned that people in developing countries lack access to medical screenings. Read their story at the FCPS website.
Career Day at Langston Hughes Middle SchoolLangston Hughes Middle School will host its annual Career Day on April 25 to allow students to learn more about job fields from members of the community. My husband Drew and I both have shared our stories; his in geographic information science, and mine in government. If you are interested in sharing your story with the students, please register using this form. If you have any questions, please email Lea Fadden at [email protected].
Other Info of Interest Fairfax Celebrates Black History MonthFairfax County Public Schools hosted its Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration at Carter G. Woodson Middle School on Feb. 19, and I felt honored and humbled to gather with our community leaders and learn more about the historic struggles for education and equity in our home county. We heard from powerful speakers from students and educators alike as they shared history lessons and insights. The school bears the name of a historic education advocate who started the precursor to what would eventually become Black History Month– it was an appropriate venue for the occasion.
Ramadan Observed in MarchOur Muslim community observes Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, during March. Our FCPS family supports fasting students with a take-home meal kit, which can be requested at the Food and Nutrition webpage. Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!
SXSW EDU in AustinThe first week of March, I'm at the SXSW Education expo in Austin, TX, with Board colleagues and even South Lakes High School Principals - all here for professional development and learning! This is a preeminent education conference.
Thomas Jefferson Senior in the Finals in National Science CompetitionRay Zhang, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, has been named a top 40 finalist at the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025. He will compete in the finals in Washington, D.C., in March.
For his submission, Zhang studied how the fungus Fusarium, which causes infections, forms protective "biofilms" in the body, making treatment difficult. He then developed a treatment that targets the fungus in multiple ways, potentially improving its effectiveness. His research was impressive at his age, and he has a bright future ahead!
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on ImmunizationsRemember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Career and Technical Education OpportunitiesOur schools provide career and technical education for students to explore their interests. Fairfax County Public Schools produced a promotional video to highlight these opportunities for our families. It’s worth a watch, and I encourage students to utilize the tremendous resources available to them to explore life after high school.
Extending Special Education Supports Beyond High School GraduationAs students in high school approach senior year, they should prepare for changes to their IEP and 504 plans. Virginia law states that as children turn 18, they take responsibility for these plans. Decisions cannot be made without student involvement. FCPS has established a dedicated Transition Planning service to assist those with disabilities and accommodations to succeed after high school, whether at college, technical school, or the workforce. The district has also created a Transition Tool Kit for Families to prepare for life after high school.
In addition to school resources, other groups stand ready to help. Our Stomping Ground is a local nonprofit that helps people with disabilities find affordable housing and a sense of community in Herndon and beyond in Northern Virginia. They do incredible work to create opportunities for all. Please share this information with your friends and family!
Student Essay Competition Hosted by Virginia School Boards AssociationStudents are invited to compete for scholarships in the Virginia School Boards Association personal essay and speaking contest, with the application deadline of May 5. Applicants can submit and essay or video on the following prompt:
“Write about how students can be Champions for Impact in their schools and communities. Share personal stories, examples, or ideas that demonstrate how young leaders can use their talents, resilience, and passion to create meaningful change. Reflect on what it means to inspire others, overcome challenges, and leave a lasting legacy through their actions.”
Please see the student essay contest guide for more information.
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No CostFCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Contacting MeI 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 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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E-mail: Melanie K. Meren | Phone: 571-423-1082 | Facebook
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