Important Community Update

Dear FCPS Community,

In Fairfax County Public Schools, timely and transparent communication and strong partnerships are vital to this learning community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.

I am writing to address disturbing criminal charges against two Fairfax County Public Schools teachers. In both cases, I can assure you that we have been working closely with our law enforcement partners, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). Information about both arrests can be viewed on the FCPD YouTube channel.

We understand this is upsetting news and difficult for our entire FCPS community. We have a caring, committed team of more than 40,000 employees who come to work every day with a focus on providing the best education for each and every student. That includes ensuring that they are safe in our schools. When even one person breaks that trust, it deeply impacts us all.

Let me be clear. We take any allegations of criminal misconduct by our employees very seriously and we have a strong collaborative process for investigation and communication of such alleged crimes. All allegations are directed to the appropriate agency for a thorough investigation. This can involve Child Protective Services and/or our local law enforcement partners, the Fairfax County Police, or other law enforcement agencies. All of our staff are mandatory reporters and receive training each year on how to follow proper procedures.

In accordance with FCPS regulations, employees are removed from their duties while these criminal investigations are underway. We work closely with our law enforcement partners to fully support these investigations and to coordinate the timing of community communications – which are done with full transparency – once the initial investigation is concluded and probable cause is established. This ensures that the investigation is not compromised in any way.

In the first case, upon notification of allegations regarding a teacher inappropriately touching a student, Child Protective Services was immediately notified. That teacher was immediately removed from his responsibilities while the investigation continued. He remains on leave and is barred from any FCPS property. When notified by the Fairfax County Police Department that the individual was charged, we immediately communicated this information to families at both schools where the employee was teaching. Out of an abundance of caution, we also notified families at schools where the individual previously taught.

As is our regular practice, students, staff, and schools affected by these incidents are offered support through school counselling and other resources.

The second incident involved a much larger investigation by the Fairfax County Police Department, which was announced at a press conference earlier today. The department has assured us that there is no indication at this time that any FCPS students are involved in that case.

If you or your child have concerns or information that you would like to share, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text, or by phone. You may also reach out to the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.

In 2023, FCPS began the process of completing updated criminal background checks for all employees. Additionally, a review of the sex offender database was conducted for all FCPS employees. We are also working to secure funding for participation in the Rap Back Service, which we had hoped would be supported by the Commonwealth. The Rap Back Service allows authorized government agencies to receive notifications about changes in criminal history records for individuals who hold positions of trust or sensitive roles within the government. This service would be an important part of our safety efforts.

Finally, we will continue to do all that we can to ensure that our students and staff are safe in our schools. Nothing is more important to our work. Together, all things are possible.

Take good care,

Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools