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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Dear Braddock Families,
Tomorrow marks two months of serving as your representative on the School Board. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with dozens of community members and educators, conduct a number of school visits, and take meaningful action on the board—including helping establish an Educational Technology Review Committee.
At our last regular meeting, I was honored to support proclamations for Educator appreciation week, School Nurses appreciation week, National Police week, and honoring recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. The Board also reviewed the 2027 Budget, discussed equitable access to literacy in secondary schools, the positive school climate goal, and reviewed policies in regard to facilities and transportation.
I've also had the pleasure of joining several PTA/PTO meetings recently, and want to thank everyone who has stepped up to serve in this capacity. As a former PTA President, I know that our PTAs and their leaders help keep our communities centered around the most important community members: our kids. Stay tuned in the coming weeks, as I’ll be hosting meetings and sending out some communications to help connect you all.
As always, I welcome any and all inputs from you as I continue to do my best to serve our wonderful community. You can reach me at Braddock@fcps.edu.
I hope you all have a fun, safe, and happy Memorial Day weekend!
Yours in service,
Tom Dannan
Braddock District Representative
May 7th School Board Meeting Recap
On May 5, the Board of Supervisors formally adopted its FY 2027 budget. The County budget includes a school operating transfer that is about $99 million higher than the FY 2026 school operating transfer, including $4 million to fund the Middle School Afterschool program and Values in Prevention programs that were previously funded as part of the County budget. The County budget also provided an additional $11.4 million in debt service and $7.5 million for the school construction fund.
Because the County transfer does not fully fund the amount requested by FCPS in the FY 2027 Advertised Budget and because the Commonwealth of Virginia has not yet finalized its budget, FCPS must adjust the FY 2027 Advertised Budget to reflect the funded amount.
Superintendent Reid shared an update here, and you can view Superintendent Reid’s budget presentation here. Here are a few highlights:
- About 89% of the budget is for employee compensation, and over 92% of FCPS employees are school-based
- Continued funding of Special Education Chairs and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers
- Extending the FCPSOn Technology Device refresh schedule
I commend my colleagues on the Board, and Dr. Reid’s team, for their collaborative work this past year to address these challenges.
The School Board held a public hearing on the budget on May 12 and a Budget Work Session on May 14 and will adopt the final budget on May 21. You can view School Board meeting agendas on BoardDocs and view recordings of School Board meetings on the School Board YouTube Channel.
Education Technology Review Committee
One of my top priorities has been to take a hard look at the use of Educational Technology (“EdTech”) in our classrooms to ensure that screentime is meaningful and purposeful.
To that end, I’m grateful to my colleague from the Providence District, Karl Frisch, who worked with me to introduce a Forum Topic to create an Educational Technology Review Committee (ETRC)—which was approved unanimously by my colleagues on May 5th.
The ETRC will serve as an advisory body to division leadership, providing recommendations on the responsible, effective, and equitable use of educational technology, including artificial intelligence use in the FCPS classrooms.
Membership will include parents/caregivers, students, teachers, and school-based administrators, and will be representative of elementary, middle, and high school levels. The committee will meet on a regular basis during the school year. You can find additional details about the committee on BoardDocs.
We are looking for FCPS parent/caregiver representatives, including those with perspectives on accessibility, disability support, and multilingual learner needs. All FCPS parents/caregivers are welcome to express interest, regardless of your level of technology expertise. What matters most is your commitment to students and your willingness to engage thoughtfully on issues that affect their daily learning experiences.
If you are interested in serving on the ETRC, please complete this Google Form by Monday, June 1, 2026.
Student Journalists Meet with FCPS Superintendent to Discuss AI in Education
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid and Chief Information Technology Officer Gautam Sethi met with student journalists from each of our high schools this week for a discussion about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K12 education.
The hour-long question-and-answer session at the Gatehouse Administration Center was the second in an ongoing series of student journalist roundtables with division leadership.
The 27 students’ thoughtful questions covered a multitude of topics, from the environmental impact of data centers to social-emotional concerns to how to prevent AI from being used to cheat on exams and in assignments.
 Each high school was represented by a student journalist who asked questions on the subject of AI.
Add Family AI Learning to the FCPS Mobile App
The FCPS mobile app not only includes news from FCPS and your student's school, the app includes cafeteria menus, dates for school events and holidays, and serves as a launchpad for Schoology, Here Comes the Bus, ParentVUE/StudentVUE, and MySchool Bucks. And, now you can add Family AI Learning as one of your schools to receive updates about AI and read short, actionable tips and educational resources to build a foundational understanding of AI. Learn more about the FCPS Mobile App here.
 National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week was May 4 through 8. This week is dedicated to recognizing the remarkable contributions of our educators and staff members who go above and beyond every day to support, challenge, and inspire students.
In honor of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, this video serves as a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated professionals of Fairfax County Public Schools who uphold the "power and promise" of public education every day. From the classroom and the cafeteria to our school buses and administrative offices, every team member plays a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative environment where students can thrive. Thank you for being the heart of our community and for your unwavering support of each and every student
Empowering Students In and Out of the Classroom
 Paul Arena, an intellectual disabilities teacher at Robinson Secondary School, is also a proud alumnus, a dedicated coach, and an active member of the school’s community. He is committed to creating and promoting opportunities that empower students in and out of the classroom. As a strong advocate for fostering meaningful connections, Paul plays a vital role in the partnership class and the Partner’s Club, helping build connections between students with special needs and their peers in general education.
Paul was selected as an Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist last year. In his nomination packet, Paul is described as being “student first.”
“He meets every student where they are academically, socially, and functionally,” his colleague said. “He celebrates their victories and empowers them to want to learn. Students love learning with Mr. Arena.
“Paul’s work has shifted perspectives, ensuring that every student is seen, valued, and included. Watching him engage with his students is truly inspiring; he combines a mastery of teaching with a deep, genuine care for their well-being and growth.”
Braddock District SEPTA Award Winners
I was grateful to get to attend the recent SEPTA Awards Ceremony, and want to extend my congratulations to all nominees and award winners, especially those who serve in the Braddock District:
- Outstanding Secondary Administrator: Joe Lee (Annandale HS)
- Outstanding Elementary General Educator: Beth Beal (Laurel Ridge ES)
- Outstanding Related Services Provider: Megan Pitts (Woodson HS)
- Preschool Educator of the Year: Liz Busch (Cardinal Forest ES)
 In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), building strong academic skills starts early — long before middle school. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students practice problem-solving and early algebra every day. Because of this, more students are ready to take Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
 At our April 23 meeting, I asked Dr. Reid and FCPS leadership several questions about why this push for Algebra 1 is important, and what they are doing to make sure that kids are fully prepared to succeed.
Boundary Meeting for Rolling Valley, Keene Mill, Cardinal Forest, and White Oaks Communities
At the end of the recent comprehensive boundary review, the Superintendent identified sites for additional community engagement and input, with recommendations to be provided to the School Board by January 2027.
One of these, Study #5, covers the middle and high schools that Rolling Valley Elementary students will attend, or "feed", into from Student Planning Area (SPA) 8922, and the Keene Mill Elementary School attendance island and surrounding schools, including Cardinal Forest and White Oaks Elementary Schools.
To help inform this planning,please join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Register to attend by clicking in person or virtual, based on your preference. During this meeting, we will provide a recap of past boundary conversations and discuss next steps in the process. We will also review boundary maps that were previously proposed as a starting point and gather your feedback. Visit this webpage to learn more.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
 Mental Health Services
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School StudentsVirtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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