|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Meeting Recap: Safeguarding Tax Dollars, New Local Investments, Future Ready Index, and More (October 9, 2025)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, at the Fairfax County School Board’s all-day work session and regular meeting (agenda | video), we advanced several key priorities that reflect our continued commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation in Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was proud to see my proposal for a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) pilot move forward — an important step in safeguarding taxpayer dollars, strengthening local hiring, and expanding opportunities for students and workers pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
The Board also completed our annual Superintendent performance evaluation for Executive Limitation 5 on Financial Planning, approved a major investment in Woodson High School for a new roof, reviewed the new Future Ready Index measuring student success, and received an update on Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) — the standards that ensure new and renovated schools meet the highest expectations for design, equity, and sustainability.
Finally, the Board marked October as LGBTQIA+ History Month and Native American Heritage Month, honoring the countless contributions of LGBTQIA+ people and Native Americans, whose leadership and courage have shaped our communities and our nation.
As always, I invite you to learn more about the various topics discussed during our meeting by reviewing the more detailed updates below. You are also welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents:
Forum Discussion and All-Day Work Session Recap
Last Tuesday, the School Board held a forum discussion and all-day work session to discuss several priorities that will shape the future of Fairfax County Public Schools, including approval of a new Project Labor Agreement pilot, updates on early learning and academic growth, the future of artificial intelligence in education, and plans for a new western high school.
Forum Discussion: Supporting Local Workers, Safeguarding Taxpayer Investments
Video | Meeting Materials
During the forum discussion, the School Board unanimously approved my proposal to develop a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) pilot for a future school construction project as part of the 2027–31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). PLAs are pre-hire agreements designed to ensure uniform fair wages and benefit standards, promote workforce stability, support local hiring, strengthen apprenticeship opportunities, and increase access for small, women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. They also include no-strike/no-lockout clauses that guarantee labor peace to safeguard taxpayer investments in school construction.
As I said while presenting my proposal:
“At a time when our local economy and workforce are being tested by outside forces hostile to the stability of the region, this proposal represents an opportunity for Fairfax County Public Schools to build a stronger, more resilient community and safeguard tax dollars in the process. With this pilot, we’re making sure our capital investments deliver high-quality facilities on time and on budget while opening doors for local workers to succeed in the construction trades. This is excellence, equity, and accountability in action.”
Motion: Frisch, Second: Sizemore Heizer / Vote: Yes 8, No 0, Absent 4
Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal 1 - Strong Start
Video | Meeting Materials
For the Board’s first topic at the all-day work session, Superintendent Michelle Reid presented an update on Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start Pre-K–12, which focuses on ensuring that every child enters school ready to learn and graduates are prepared for success in college, career, and life. Dr. Reid highlighted FCPS’s expanded access to early childhood programs, increased Pre-K enrollment, and improved kindergarten readiness indicators. She also noted that multilingual learners have demonstrated significant growth, and students with disabilities have shown measurable gains in literacy and numeracy through targeted interventions and support.
The discussion also underscored the importance of high-quality instruction and family engagement in advancing early learning outcomes. Teachers are receiving increased professional development to support equitable, evidence-based teaching practices that meet the diverse needs of all students. By strengthening early foundations and providing continuous support through twelfth grade, FCPS is advancing its commitment to academic growth and excellence for every learner.
Work Session: AI and the Future of Education
Video | Meeting Materials
Next, the Superintendent presented the Board with an overview of the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in our school system, examining its impact on teaching, learning, and school operations. Dr. Reid’s presentation emphasized that AI is rapidly transforming the global economy, and preparing students for this new landscape requires a focus on critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical decision-making. FCPS is developing a framework for responsible AI integration that promotes innovation while safeguarding data privacy and ensuring equitable access to technology.
The discussion also examined how AI can support educators by improving administrative efficiency, enhancing personalized learning, and expanding opportunities for creative problem-solving. Board members highlighted the importance of maintaining human-centered learning and teacher oversight in all applications of emerging technologies. This ongoing work aligns with the division’s innovation and workforce readiness goals, ensuring that FCPS students graduate prepared to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Work Session: New Western High School
Video | Meeting Materials
To close out the all-day work session, the Superintendent presented the Board with details about the planning underway for our new western high school, which will help address overcrowding in other schools and ensure equitable access to high-quality academic facilities in western Fairfax County. Dr. Reid’s presentation outlined capacity targets and preliminary boundary considerations. The new school will adhere to FCPS Educational Specifications, incorporating modern design elements that enhance collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability.
The Board discussed how the project supports long-term capacity planning and will help alleviate enrollment pressures at other schools, potentially including Oakton High School in the Providence District. The new high school will feature energy-efficient systems, outdoor learning spaces, and multipurpose areas designed to foster community engagement. Once complete, it will serve as a model for how thoughtful design and strategic investment can create welcoming, innovative spaces where all students can thrive.
Superintendent Performance Review
The School Board evaluates the overall success of the Superintendent based on the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-2030 Strategic Plan goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations outlined on pages 14-31 of the Board’s Strategic Governance Manual. The Superintendent provides annual monitoring reports to the Board for each Executive Limitation. The Board then votes on whether the provided reports are in compliance with the given Executive Limitation. If the report is found not to be in compliance, the Superintendent provides a corrective action memo addressing the Board’s concerns.
Executive Limitation 5: Financial Planning
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent presented her annual monitoring report on Executive Limitation 5: Financial Planning. This policy requires the Superintendent to develop and maintain a multi-year financial plan that is data-driven, transparent, and aligned with the School Board’s Strategic Plan goals for students. Expectations include utilizing best practices in budgetary planning and reporting, implementing needs-based resource allocation, engaging stakeholders in the budget process, and ensuring the Division’s long-term fiscal sustainability.
The report highlighted continued improvements to budget development and communication processes, including an accelerated enrollment projection timeline to better inform fiscal forecasts, enhanced coordination with the School Board Budget Committee, and training sessions for School Board staff aides on the overall budget process. The system also received the Baldrige Pioneer Award from The Ohio State University in recognition of leadership excellence and continuous improvement. Following the Superintendent’s presentation and a detailed discussion, the Board found that the monitoring report was in compliance with EL-5.
Motion: McElveen, Second: Lady / Vote: Yes 8, No 4
Academic Matters: Future Ready Index
Video | Meeting Materials
For Academic Matters, the Superintendent presented an update on the Future Ready Index, a new accountability framework that measures how Fairfax County Public Schools prepare students for long-term success beyond test scores. The index is organized around five domains — Academic Excellence, Safety and Belonging, Future Ready Experiences, Great Teachers and Support, and Community Investment — each providing a comprehensive look at how FCPS supports student achievement and opportunity across every school. The approach reflects a shift toward measuring both the conditions for success and outcomes, emphasizing innovation, equity, and continuous growth.
The presentation highlighted strong performance across multiple areas, including college readiness, multilingualism, and student safety, as well as new aspirational measures such as early exposure to design and engineering, industry credentials, and global competencies. By aligning data with national research and FCPS strategic priorities, the Future Ready Index will help educators and families better understand how the division supports each learner’s journey. This living tool for continuous improvement will guide the system’s progress toward ensuring every student graduates prepared for the future. As part of her presentation, Superintendent Reid shared the following video with the Board:
Strategic Plan Update: Ed Specs
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided an update on the 2023–30 Strategic Plan, focusing on Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) — the criteria that define how school facilities are designed to best support instructional programs approved by the School Board. These specifications ensure that new and renovated schools meet the most up-to-date instructional and state standards while aligning with the division’s four pillars: culturally responsive learning environments, strong partnerships, a supported workforce, and a culture of equity and accountability.
The presentation highlighted how Ed Specs optimize the student experience through improved natural lighting, better technology integration, and enhanced circulation and flexibility within learning spaces. They also promote efficiency and long-term value through modern mechanical systems, energy conservation, and reduced life-cycle costs. Upcoming reports will continue to provide updates on progress toward the Strategic Plan goals, beginning with Goal 1: Academic Growth and Excellence on October 23 and Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation on December 2. As part of her presentation, Superintendent Reid shared the following video:
Local Investments: Woodson’s New Roof
Video | Meeting Materials
The School Board unanimously approved a contract to replace the roof at C.G. Woodson High School. The $850,000 project will be carried out by Interstate Corporation, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Funded through the Roofing Infrastructure Replacement Fund, this investment helps ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the school building. This project directly benefits Providence District students and families in the Woodson community by providing a safe and well-maintained learning environment for years to come.
Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ History Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The School Board proclaimed October 2025 as LGBTQIA+ History Month in Fairfax County Public Schools. This observance, recognized nationally since 1994 and by FCPS since 2017, acknowledges the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQIA+ people, communities, and movements throughout history.
Motion: Frisch, Second: Meren / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Indigenous Peoples' Day & Native American Heritage Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The School Board proclaimed October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in recognition and celebration of the history, accomplishments, and contributions of the first peoples of this land.
Motion: Lady, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
| 