November 25 Update from the Superintendent Regarding High School Football

Dear FCPS Families,

I am writing to share a significant update on the current actions regarding our high school athletic programs. This evening, the principal of Hayfield Secondary School announced the difficult decision to withdraw the football team from further postseason play. I have asked Tom Horn, Executive Director, Activities and Student Athletics, to work with VHSL to take any and all appropriate next steps. 

Last week, several new and troubling text messages were brought to light and are now part of the ongoing review regarding Hayfield Secondary School recruiting concerns. FCPS can only act on the information that it has, and these messages brought new concerns to the initial investigation. 

Human resources staff and internal and external counsel reviewed this new evidence, investigated further, and finally concluded that they provided evidence of potential impropriety. Today, I shared summary information about the inquiry and the outcome of the inquiry with School Board members. 

Yesterday, I announced FCPS’ plans to begin a comprehensive external, independent review of FCPS’ student-athlete transfer and eligibility practices across all sports and all high schools in the Division. More information can be found on the FCPS website.

The work ahead is critical. We will focus on our students and will ensure a process that never puts us in this situation again. This work matters.

Warmest regards, 

Michelle C. Reid

Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent