Karl Frisch Re-Elected Fairfax County School Board Chair; Sandy Anderson Elected Vice Chair

The Fairfax County School Board confirmed its leadership for the 2024-25 school year at its July 11 regular meeting. Karl Frisch (Providence District) was re-elected chair, and Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) was elected vice chair.

In addition to the chair and vice chair, members of the School Board, whose terms run until December 31, 2027, include Kyle McDaniel (At-Large), Ryan McElveen (At-Large), Ilryong Moon (At-Large), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock District), Robyn Lady (Dranesville District), Marcia St. John-Cunning (Franconia District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Dr. Ricardy Anderson (Mason District), Mateo Dunne (Mount Vernon District), and Seema Dixit (Sully District).

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as chair for another year, working together with parents and staff as we advance the student-centered focus of our strategic plan,” said Chair Frisch. “I remain committed to collaborating with my School Board colleagues as we help ensure our world-class educators can deliver on the promise of excellence, equity, and opportunity so every student can achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential.”

Frisch began his tenure as Providence District representative on January 1, 2020, becoming the school board’s first openly LGBTQIA+ member. Before joining the board, he was a nonprofit executive and public policy specialist. Most recently, he served as executive director of Allied Progress, a consumer watchdog that sought to protect those targeted by predatory lenders and financial scammers. Frisch previously worked as staff for the Committee on Rules in the U.S. House of Representatives, which considers all legislation reported from other policy and fiscal committees.

Prior to serving as chair, Frisch was elected vice chair by his board colleagues. He also served as the board’s state and federal legislative liaisons and as liaison to the City of Fairfax School Board, the Fairfax County Community Criminal Justice Board, and the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC). A past member of the board’s Audit Committee, he was also a member of and chaired its Public Engagement and Governance committees. Additionally, Frisch was one of the board’s two representatives on the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The son of an immigrant, Frisch’s father is a Navy veteran and retired union law enforcement officer, and his mother was a waitress. He received a bachelor's degree with highest distinction from the University of Virginia and lives near Woodson High School with his partner, an FCPS graduate and long-time teacher.

“I am excited to continue working closely with my colleagues in this new role,” said Vice Chair Anderson. “Together with our superintendent, incredible teachers and staff, parents and caregivers, and community organizations committed to our success, we can ensure the very best for all Fairfax County students. I understand the importance of the work we have before us and am committed to doing all I can to help make a positive impact.”

Anderson began her tenure as Springfield District representative on January 1, 2024. A Northern Virginia native, she graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School before receiving her undergraduate degree in English at George Mason University. During her senior year at Mason, she met her future husband at an ethics conference in New York. Shortly after they both graduated, he started his military career with Anderson by his side. After spending a decade with several moves and deployments, they moved back to Virginia, where her husband finished his military career, and the couple started their family.

For much of their time in the military, Anderson taught college English after earning her master’s degree at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. After 14 years of teaching across multiple states and platforms, Anderson moved into a position supporting two Department of Defense youth programs focusing on both science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and mathematics (STEAM) education for K-12 students and teenagers at risk of not graduating in their traditional high school environments.

Before her election as vice chair, Anderson chaired the board’s Public Engagement Committee and was a member of its Governance Committee. She also served as the board’s liaison to the City of Fairfax School Board.