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Board Meeting Recap: June 12, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Last Thursday, at the Fairfax County School Board’s regular meeting (agenda | video), we took several important steps to support our employees, strengthen our academic offerings, and plan for the future. Most notably, we approved a one-time $1,000 bonus for eligible FCPS employees to recognize their continued dedication to our students and community.
We also authorized the purchase of a 30-acre campus in Herndon to serve as the future site of a western high school. With its existing 325,000-square-foot educational facility and modern amenities, this acquisition—pending due diligence—will save taxpayers more than $280 million compared to buying property and building a new school from the ground up.
The Board heard updates on student participation in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment programs—rigorous academic pathways that continue to expand throughout the division. We also received our final report of the school year on Strategic Plan Goal 2, highlighting ways schools are fostering safe and supportive learning environments.
Finally, the Board passed several proclamations celebrating the diversity and strength of our community. I was honored to co-sponsor the proclamation recognizing LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, affirming our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equity, and the proclamation celebrating the life and legacy of Congressman Gerry Connolly. From heritage months to student achievement, each proclamation reflected the rich fabric of our school division and its people.
As always, I invite you to learn more about the budget changes and other topics discussed during last Thursday night’s meeting by reviewing the updates below. And, as always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents:
School Board Approves Bonus to Eligible FCPS Employees
Video | Meeting Materials
At Thursday’s meeting, the School Board approved a revision to the FY 2025 budget to provide a one-time bonus to eligible FCPS employees. This action was made possible by $19.7 million in new state funding included in the General Assembly’s adopted budget for Standards of Quality instructional and support positions, paired with $11.7 million in FCPS year-end savings for a total of $31.4 million. The initiative is designed to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators and support staff.
Under the approved plan, all active, eligible employees as of June 1, 2025, who are expected to continue employment beyond June 30, 2025, will receive a $1,000 bonus. This includes full-time contracted staff and hourly contracted employees such as bus drivers, family liaisons, and food service workers. Part-time contracted employees will receive a prorated amount based on their FTE status. Temporary hourly employees are not eligible.
Motion: Sizemore Heizer, Second: S. Anderson / Vote: Yes 11, No 1
School Board Approves Aquisition of Western High School Property
Video | Meeting Materials
To meet the long-term educational facility needs of the western region of Fairfax County, FCPS has been actively searching for suitable property to build a new high school. According to the FY 2026–30 Capital Improvement Plan, the projected cost for such a project—including land and construction—was estimated at more than $431 million.
In recent months, FCPS identified a promising site in Herndon at 2949 Education Drive. The 30-acre property, which has operated as a K-12 private school since 2016, includes a 325,000 square foot educational building featuring two amphitheater-style outdoor classrooms, robotics and ceramics labs, modern performing arts and athletic facilities, multiple dining areas, and two 15,000 square foot administrative buildings.
With School Board authorization, FCPS submitted—and the seller accepted—a $150 million offer for the property, inclusive of all furnishings and equipment. The purchase remains contingent on satisfactory due diligence, including environmental and structural assessments. If finalized, this acquisition would represent a potential savings of $281 million compared to new construction, with the closing scheduled no later than August 14, 2025.
Motion: S. Anderson, Second: M. Dunne / Vote: Yes 9, No 0, Abstentions 3
Academic Matters: AP, IB Dual Enrollment
Video | Meeting Materials
For Academic Matters, the Superintendent presented an overview of student participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment (DE) coursework across FCPS. Participation in these advanced academic opportunities builds college-level skills and confidence, improves college admissions outcomes, and can reduce college tuition costs by earning qualifying exam scores or college course credit. Data continues to demonstrate that high school students enrolled in advanced coursework are more likely to graduate, attend and remain in college, and earn a degree — outcomes consistent across student demographics.
The presentation also highlighted several initiatives to expand access to rigorous course offerings. AP Human Geography and AP Seminar were introduced at three high schools in 2024 and will expand to all AP schools in SY 2025-26, following strong first-year results. The IB Career-related Programme will grow to three additional high schools, while Dual Enrollment opportunities continue to expand through new courses and partnerships with institutions like Northern Virginia Community College, James Madison University, and Marymount University. FCPS is also partnering with the education data platform Abl to better analyze and support equitable student access to academically intense courses, ensuring all students have pathways to college and career readiness aligned with their interests and future goals.
Strategic Plan Update: Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included and Empowered
Video | Meeting Materials
For the report on Strategic Plan Goal 2: Equitable Access and Opportunity, the Superintendent presented an overview of the progress toward Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan: ensuring every student experiences an equitable school community where health, well-being, and student voice are prioritized. The presentation emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in schools, which research has shown is closely linked to improved attendance, higher grades, stronger self-esteem, and higher graduation rates.
To support this work, schools across the division are incorporating daily practices designed to build community, such as starting and closing classes with activities that promote connection and reflection. Elementary schools are implementing Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, while middle and high schools are using Responsive Advisory Meetings to promote inclusive classroom environments. The presentation also highlighted examples of successful initiatives, including Stenwood Elementary’s “Hive Families,” Herndon Middle School’s “Belonging Project” mentoring program, and Annandale High School’s “Best Buddies” mentoring initiative.
The Superintendent shared the following video with the Board, highlighting this important work:
Proclamation: Honoring Congressman Gerry Connolly
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved the proclamation I sponsored honoring the life and legacy of Congressman Gerry Connolly. We were joined by Connolly’s wife, Smitty, daughter, Caitlin, and a host of local leaders in celebrating his enduring dedication to the nation he served so faithfully and his unwavering commitment to Fairfax County Public Schools and our community.
Motion: Frisch, Second: Sizemore Heizer / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring Janie Strauss
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board also honored the life and service of Janie Strauss, whose 26 years on the Fairfax County School Board reflected her passionate advocacy to ensure every child receives a world-class education, a strong foundation, and the skills needed for lifelong success.
Motion: Lady, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring LGBTQIA + Pride Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Fairfax County Public Schools, urging all to respect and honor our diverse LGBTQIA+ community and to build a culture of inclusivity and equity, not only during Pride Month but throughout the entire year as well.
Motion: Lady, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring Gun Violence Awareness/ Wear Orange Day
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, to raise awareness of the issue and the importance of preventing and eliminating gun violence in our schools and communities.
Motion: Moon, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Honoring Student Representative Megan Sawant
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board extended its highest commendation with deepest gratitude for the service of Student Representative Megan Sawant during the 2024-25 school year, expressed its sincere appreciation for her contributions and leadership, and extended its best wishes for her in her studies at Harvard University next year.
Motion: Frisch, Second: S. Anderson / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Immigrant Heritage Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Fairfax County School Board proclaimed June 2025 as Immigrant Heritage Month and encourages all community members to embrace the significant contributions of our immigrant population.
Motion: Meren, Second: Dixit / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Caribbean Heritage Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed June 2025 as Caribbean Heritage Month, in celebration and recognition of the many contributions Caribbean Americans have made to our society.
Motion: St John-Cunning, Second: R. Anderson / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Juneteenth
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