Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) 2023-24

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a State Mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Contact Us

Meeting Recordings

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All 2023-24 meeting recordings are available in the playlist menu on the video below. Select the YouTube playlist menu icon in the top right corner of the video below to view a list of available videos. 

 

Contact Us

We welcome and encourage parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff and others interested in special education in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to share your thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the needs of students with disabilities.

By clicking the “Submit a Question” button at the top of this webpage, your email will go to the FCPS Liaison to the ACSD, Michael Bloom, and forwarded to the Chair and Vice Chair for their response.

Please note that correspondence with ACSD members is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Hence, your correspondence may be made public if (1) it deals with FCPS business and (2) someone requests it. 

School Board Liaison

Rachna Sizemore Heizer

Staff Liaison

Michael Bloom, Director, Special Education, Department of Special Services

Chair

Elizabeth Zielinski

Vice-Chair

Holly Stearns

View additional contact information for the Department of Special Services

Committee Purpose

8 VAC 20-81-230(D)—A local advisory committee for special education, appointed by each local school board, shall advise the school board through the division superintendent.

2023-2024 Committee Charge

  • Examine current FCPS practices regarding the:
    • Identification and referral of students who may require related services in the areas of speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or counseling.
    • Determination and provision of services to students who are identified as requiring these related services.
    • Determination and provision of devices and services to students in the area of assistive technology.
  • Review evidenced-based and research-based practices regarding the provision of speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and assistive technology services for students with disabilities.
  • Based on a review of evidenced-based and research-based practices, make recommendations designed to improve FCPS practices related to the availability and provision of speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and/or assistive technology services to students with disabilities across the continuum of preschool through graduation.

Functions of the Committee

The functions of the local advisory committee shall be as follows (8VAC20-81-230(D)):

  • Advise the local school division of needs in the education of children with disabilities;
  • Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of children with disabilities;
  • Submit periodic reports and recommendations regarding the education of children with disabilities to the division superintendent for transmission to the local school board;
  • Assist the local school division in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of children with disabilities for educational services;
  • Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services prior to submission to the local school board; and
  • Participate in the review of the local school division's annual plan, as outlined in subdivision B 2 of this section.

Presentations, Reports, & Bylaws

Meeting Information

Public Comment at ACSD Meetings

Fairfax County and City residents may sign up the evening of the monthly meeting to provide in-person public comments, or submit a written, video or audio testimony by email to [email protected]. A maximum of 10 written, video or audio submissions are available and will be prioritized in the order they are received.  Please submit your written, video or audio testimony by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting. Written, video and audio testimony should not exceed 3 minutes in length. When submitting public comment by email, please indicate “For Public Comment” in the subject line. 

Accommodations

Anyone needing accommodations for a disability to attend or participate in this FCPS activity should call (703) 204-3941, TTY (703) 204-3956. Calls should be made seven days prior to the activity so that appropriate arrangement can be made. Meetings are cancelled if school or evening activities are cancelled due to weather.

Meeting Dates and Locations

Monthly meetings are held at Willow Oaks Corporate Center, which is located at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031.

ACSD Officers meet at 6:00 p.m. at Willow Oaks Corporate Center, in Room 1002A on the following dates:

  • September 20, 2023
  • October 18, 2023
  • November 15, 2023
  • Update: The January 17 meeting has been canceled. The meeting has been rescheduled for January 24, 2024.
  • February 28, 2024
  • March 20, 2024
  • April 25, 2024
  • Update: The May 21 meeting has been canceled.

Recording 

September Orientation Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

Time Agenda ItemPerson(s) Responsible
6:00 p.m.Call to Order, Welcome and IntroductionsElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
6:15 p.m.Role of DSSMike Bloom, Director of Special Education Instruction
6:25 p.m.Sunshine laws
Intro to subcommittees
Roberts Rules
Who to contact
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
6:45 p.m.AdjournmentElizabeth Zielinski, Chair

Minutes

September Meeting Minutes

Recording

September 13 General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgenda Item Person(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:10 p.m.General AnnouncementsElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:15 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, Vice Chair
7:35 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:40 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, Member-at-Large
7:45 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of FRC
7:55 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, Recording Secretary
8:00 p.m.Department of Special Services
Updates
Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, Assistant Superintendent, DSS

Mike Bloom, Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer, Director, Procedural Support

Dr. Mike Axler, Acting Director, Intervention & Prevention Services
8:30 p.m.

Old Business & New Business

  • Vote re: Fall Retreat
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
8:45 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, Chair

 

Minutes

October Meeting Minutes

Recording 

October General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:10 p.m.General AnnouncementsElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:15 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, Vice Chair
7:35 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:40 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer,
Member-at-Large
7:45 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, 
Manager of FRC
7:55 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari,
Recording Secretary
8:00 p.m.

School Board Charge - Related Services

  • Speech-Language
  • PT/OT
  • Counseling

Judy Duprey,
Coordinator, Therapy Services

Kristin Eddy,
Manager, PT/OT

Beth Johnson,
Supervisor, Communication Disorders

Ellen Ferguson,
Supervisor, Communication Disorders

Donna Desaulniers,
Coordinator, Psychological Services

Minutes

November Meeting Minutes

Recording

November General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:05 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Adoption of Agenda

Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, Vice Chair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee Updates

Policy & Regs

Student Achievement & Outcomes Family Engagement

School Board Charge

7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, Member-at-Large
7:45 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of FRC
7:50 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, Recording Secretary
8:00 p.m.Chief of SchoolsDr. Geovanny Ponce, Chief of Schools
8:10 p.m.Assistive Technology ServicesJeff Sisk, Manager, Assistive Technology Services
8:40 p.m.Department of Special Services Updates

Mike Bloom, Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer, Director, Procedural Support

Dr. Mike Axler, Director, Intervention & Prevention Services

8:50 p.m.

Old Business & New Business

  • Liaison for Special Education Conference
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
8:55 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, Chair

 

Minutes

December Meeting Minutes

Recording

December 13 General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, Vice Chair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee UpdatesPolicy & Regs
Student Achievement & Outcomes Family Engagement
School Board Charge
7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, 
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, Recording Secretary
7:50 p.m.Chief Equity OfficerDr. Nardos King, Chief Equity Officer
8:20 p.m.Department of Special Services UpdatesDr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, Interim Asst. Supt., DSS
Mike Bloom, Director, Special Education Instruction
Dawn Schaefer, Director, Procedural Support
Dr. Mike Axler, Director, Intervention & Prevention
Services
8:50 p.m.

Old Business & New Business

  • Review of local SEAC regulations
Elizabeth Zielinski, Chair
8:55 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, Chair



 

Minutes

January Meeting Minutes

Recording

January 10 General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee UpdatesPolicy & Regs

Student Achievement & Outcomes 

Family Engagement

School Board Charge
7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, 
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, 
Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, 
Recording Secretary
7:45 p.m.Student Rights & ResponsibilitiesShannon Anderson, 
Coordinator, 
Equity and Student Conduct
8:15 p.m.Department of Special Services UpdatesDr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, 
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom, 
Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer, 
Director, Procedural Support
8:30 p.m.Old Business & New BusinessElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
8:45 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair

Minutes

February Meeting Minutes

Recording

February 21 General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee UpdatesPolicy & Regs

Student Achievement & Outcomes 

Family Engagement

School Board Charge
7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, 
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, 
Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, 
Recording Secretary
7:45 p.m.Twice-Exceptional SpecialistDr. Nonye Oladimeji, 
Twice Exceptional Specialist
8:15 p.m.

Department of Special Services Updates

  • Restraint & Seclusion Policy Revisions   

Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, 
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom, 
Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer, 
Director, Procedural Support

Kelley Raich, 
Crisis Prevention and Policy Specialist 

8:30 p.m.Old Business & New BusinessElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
8:45 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair

Minutes

March Meeting Minutes

Recording

March General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee UpdatesPolicy & Regulations

Student Achievement & Outcomes 

Family Engagement

School Board Charge
7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, 
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, 
Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, 
Recording Secretary
7:45 p.m.State Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)Amy Hunter, 
Region 4 State Representative
8 p.m.IDEA Annual PlanLea Skurpski, 
Director, Operations and Strategic Planning 

Jackie Prentice, 
Coordinator, DSS Finance
8:30 p.m.Department of Special Services UpdatesDr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, 
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom, 
Director, Special Education Instruction
8:40 p.m.Old Business & New BusinessElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
8:50 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair

 

Minutes

April Meeting Minutes (PDF)

Recording

April General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns, 
ViceChair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee Updates

Policy & Regs

Student Achievement & Outcomes Family Engagement

School Board Charge

7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer, 
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham,
Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari, 
Recording Secretary
7:45 p.m.Department of Special Services Updates

Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard, 
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom, 
Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer, 
Director, Procedural Support

8:00 p.m.

Old Business & New Business

  • Annual Report Review
     
Elizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair
8:45 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns, 
Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski, 
Chair

Minutes

May Meeting Minutes (PDF)

Recording

May General Meeting Recording (YouTube)

Agenda

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Publicare reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns
ViceChair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:25 p.m.Subcommittee Updates

Policy &Regulations

Student Achievement & Outcomes Family Engagement

School Board Charge

7:30 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer
Member-at-Large
7:35 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham
Manager of FRC
7:40 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari
Recording Secretary
7:45 p.m.

Department of Special Services Updates

  • Early Childhood Inclusion Updates

Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom
Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer
Director, Procedural Support

Lisa Pilson
Director, Early Childhood Curriculum

Denise Forrest
Senior Manager, Early Childhood Identification & Services

8:00 p.m.Old Business & New Business Community Advisory Committee Operating ManualElizabeth Zielinski
Chair
8:45 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns
Vice Chair
9:00 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski
Chair

No recordings available.

 

Recording

June General Meeting Recording (YouTube) 

Agenda

During the June 5 meeting, ACSD committee members will be participating virtually. Members of the public can view the meeting and give in-person public comment at Willow Oaks Administration Center, in Room 1000B.

TimeAgendaPerson(s) Responsible
7:00 p.m.Call to OrderElizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:05 p.m.Approval of Minutes
Adoption of Agenda
Elizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:10 p.m.

Public Comment

NOTE: Members of the Public are reminded that public comments must conform to 3 minutes of speaking time. The Chair may limit the number of public comment slots depending on the number of individuals who sign up for public comment.

Holly Stearns
ViceChair
7:20 p.m.Chair’s MessageElizabeth Zielinski
Chair
7:25 p.m.School Board Liaison UpdateRachna Sizemore-Heizer
Member-at-Large
7:30 p.m.Family Resource Center NewsMary Beth Harrison-Cunningham
Manager of FRC
7:35 p.m.Attendance ReportAlly Baldassari
Recording Secretary
7:40 p.m.Department of Special Services Updates

Dr. Terri Edmunds-Heard
Interim Asst. Supt., DSS

Mike Bloom
Director, Special Education Instruction

Dawn Schaefer
Director, Procedural Support

8:00 p.m.Old Business & New Business 
ACSD Executive Committee Election for 2024-25
Committee Charge for 2024-25
Elizabeth Zielinski
Chair
8:15 p.m.Member TimeHolly Stearns
Vice Chair
8:30 p.m.Meeting AdjournedElizabeth Zielinski
Chair



 

2023-24 Membership

Membership Term Expires: June 30, 2024

Interested in serving on the ACSD?
Any member of the public can show interest in serving on the ACSD by completing the ACSD Public Interest Form and emailing it to [email protected].  Information will be shared with the organizations and individuals that you have indicated an interest in representing on the ACSD. 

School Board Member Representatives

Carolyn Hayden, Braddock District – Megan McLaughlin
Amanda Wittman, Dranesville District – Elaine Tholen, Chair
Lauren McCaughey, Hunter Mill District – Melanie Meren
Stephanie Smith, Franconia District – Tamara Derenak Kaufax
Harry Henderson, Mason District – Ricardy Anderson
Nora Rahman, Member at Large – Abrar Omeish
Susan Edgerton, Member at Large – Rachna Sizemore-Heizer
Keena McAvoy, Member at Large – Karen Keys Gamarra
TBD, Mount Vernon District – Karen Corbett Sanders
David Bean, Providence District – Karl Frisch, Vice-Chair
Amanda Campbell, Springfield District – Laura Jane Cohen
Delaney Brooks, Student Representative 
Ahsen Cakez, Sully District – Stella Pekarsky

Region Representatives

Vacant, Region 1 - Douglas Tyson, Assistant Superintendent
Holly Stearns, Region 2 – Megan Vroman, Assistant Superintendent
Kristine Bennett, Region 3 - Nardos King, Assistant Superintendent
Jay Berkenbilt, Region 4 - Penny Gros, Assistant Superintendent
Nita Payton, Region 5 - Rebecca Baenig, Assistant Superintendent
Krista Sharp, Region 6 – Michelle Boyd, Assistant Superintendent

Community Representatives

Darcy Acquavella – City of Fairfax School Board
Shannon Duncan – Decoding Dyslexia of Virginia (DDVA)
Bekah Stone – Department of Neighborhood and Community Service
Brandis Ruise – Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
Hope Luong – Fairfax County Health Department
Colleen Jones – Fairfax County Council of PTAs
Daniel Cronnell – Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services Board
Jennifer Skaggs – Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations
Ally Baldassari – Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)
Rajiv Satsangi – Higher Education 
Vacant – League of Woman Voters, Fairfax Area
Anne Hobbs – Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA)

FCPS Division Representatives

Elizabeth Zielinski – Assistive Technology
Brandon Cassady – Career and Transition Services 
Rachel Charlton – Early Childhood Special Education (Preschool)
Joanne Walton – Teacher