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The Dunne Dispatch (Report Card Edition) - 04/24/2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I am writing to share important updates.

Stabbing Incident at West Potomac HS

I was horrified by the abhorrent violence at West Potomac HS on Wednesday. I pray for the students who were injured, and I pray for the students and staff who witnessed this traumatic incident and its aftermath. I am grateful for the school administrators, law enforcement officers and security personnel, and paramedics who responded to the emergency with care and diligence to safeguard our students.

What happened this week is unacceptable. I worked together with my colleagues Ilryong Moon and Ryan McElveen to develop and publish a comprehensive plan for security improvements, to include:

• Increasing the number of School Resource Officers (SROs) to the nationally recommended ratio of 1:1000 students – WestPo has nearly 3,000 students, so it should have 3 SROs instead of only one;
• Increasing the number of (unarmed) security assistants to a ratio of 1:750 students to ensure appropriate enforcement of student discipline and continuous monitoring of bathrooms, hallways, and other areas throughout the school day;  
• Installing weapons detection technology at every middle school and high school;
• Installing video cameras inside and outside every school;
• Accelerating the construction of security vestibules at every school; and
• Conducting a security audit of every elementary school, middle school, and high school.

In the coming weeks, I will work tirelessly with the School Board and the Superintendent to enact these measures to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.

Cell Phones

I have consistently advocated for a ban on the use of cell phones during the school day (i.e., from bell to bell), with appropriate exceptions for students with IEPs and 504 plans. Columbia University has stated:

“Smartphones have transformed the way we communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves. However, their omnipresence can lead to compulsive use and a sense of dependency. The constant stream of notifications and updates can create a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out, leading to increased anxiety and stress. Furthermore, the excessive use of smartphones can interfere with sleep, which is crucial for mental health. Social media platforms, while enabling us to connect with others and share experiences, can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The tendency to compare oneself with others and the desire for validation through likes and comments can lead to a distorted self-image and feelings of worthlessness. Moreover, studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. The platforms are designed to be addictive, using algorithms that feed users content based on their preferences and interactions, keeping them engaged for longer periods.”

In April 2024, the School Board approved my motion to direct the Superintendent to present multiple policy options to govern cell phones based on best practices in other school districts. This study showed a nationwide movement to ban the use of cell phones during the school day to improve student mental health. A recent pilot at Edison HS found that strict regulation of cell phone usage reduced the number of fights with injury by 85%; the number of incidents of alcohol, drugs, and vaping fell by nearly 70%; a significant decrease in cheating in classes; and a significant increase in positive peer-to-peer engagement. The School Board’s School Health Advisory Committee has recommended a bell-to-bell ban because it hurts cognitive capacity and development.

Recently enacted state legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Scott Surovell and Senator Stella Pekarsky (former Sully District Representative, Fairfax County School Board) requires a bell-to-bell plan. The School Board recently debated whether the state legislation allowed cell phone use between classes and during lunch, but Majority Leader Surovell and Senator Pekarsky have clarified that the state legislation requires a bell-to-bell ban without exceptions. I will advocate for a bell-to-bell ban without exceptions to ensure strict compliance with State law.

FCPS Budget

The Superintendent proposed a budget increase of $297 million for SY 2025-2026. I do not support the proposed budget increase because it would impose excessive costs on Fairfax County residents.

Right now, FCPS expects to receive a budget increase of $175 million from the County and the State. The question is how to spend the new funding. The Superintendent has proposed a 7% across-the-board pay raise for all FCPS employees. I do not support an across-the-board pay raise because the data shows that FCPS leadership and central office staff are paid at or above market. As a School Board Member, I am advocating for FCPS to limit the 7% pay raise to teachers and support staff who work in our public schools to educate, care, transport, and otherwise support our students every day. The data shows these employees, who are represented by the teacher unions, are paid below market, which prevents many FCPS employees from living in Fairfax County and benefiting from the incredible quality of life that their hard work helps to sustain. Great teachers make great schools, so I will be advocating for increased teacher pay to ensure every child receives a world-class education.

I wish you and your families a safe and healthy spring, and I ask for your prayers for those affected by recent tragedy at West Potomac HS.

Very Respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Montessori Comes to the West Potomac Pyramid!

We have an exciting opportunity in our district with the opening of a new Montessori program at Bucknell Elementary School. This program is open to children who live in the West Potomac Pyramid and are ages 3, 4, and 5 with enrollment beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Bucknell ES families can access this program within their base school. Four- and five-year-olds zoned for Bucknell will be automatically accepted, while three-year-olds will be entered into the lottery. The deadline is May 1st, so apply today! Read more about the new program. Enter Lottery

Girls Fire and Rescue Academy, June 24-27

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Girls Fire and Rescue Academy is back! This free camp takes place Tuesday, June 24 - Friday, June 27, 2025, and is open to female students who will be in grades 9-12 in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Participants must be Fairfax County residents. Applications are due by May 16. Learn more online. 

Before Spring Break, I had the opportunity to attend recent meetings of the Stratford Landing ES PTA, Washington Mill ES PTA, and Crosspointe Homeowners Association. Thank you to these organizations for the invitations to present. These were valuable opportunities to share information and address the questions and concerns of families in my district.  Thank you also to the Mount Vernon Civic Association for inviting me to provide a School Board Update at their March meeting. This was a unique opportunity to educate our community about the strengths and accomplishments of our schools in the Mount Vernon Pyramid. Special thanks to Region 3 Assistant Superintendent Ray Lonnett, Mount Vernon HS Principal Cary Dimmick and Whitman MS Assistant Principal Lachelle Williams for joining me for this very important conversation with the community. I welcome the opportunity to meet with Mount Vernon District families, constituents, and community organizations. Please email mdunne@fcps.edu and copy nnbrown@fcps.edu if your PTA/PTO/PTSA, homeowners association, or civic organization would like to schedule a presentation.

Supporting Military-Connected Students: Purple Star Schools in FCPS: 

This April, we proudly recognize the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the strength and sacrifices of our students whose parents serve in the armed forces. On April 10th, the School Board formally acknowledged this important month through a dedicated resolution. FCPS is committed to providing exceptional support to our military-connected families, who navigate the unique challenges of frequent relocations. Virginia's Purple Star School Designation recognizes schools that excel in this area.

Currently 96 Purple Star Schools in FCPS, with more than 50 additional schools expected to apply for designation in Fall 2025 Goal: All FCPS earn Purple Star Designation by 2026 Visit FCPS Military Families Website Watch Superintendent Michelle Reid's Academic Matters presentation on Purple Star Schools Sign up to receive the Military Families Newsletter

Hayfield Athletics Investigation Update 

In August, I called for and pursued the adoption of an independent investigation of athletic transfers to Hayfield High School. I am pleased to announce that after months of my advocacy, the School Board voted unanimously to approve an independent review. In December, the Board retained the law firm of Baker McKenzie LLP (Washington, DC) to conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation of student athlete transfers and eligibility practices within FCPS schools, starting with a review of Hayfield Secondary School. Upon completion of the review, Baker McKenzie will report its findings and recommendations to the School Board and Superintendent.

New School Bus Stop Arm Camera Initiative

FCPS recently announced a new initiative to equip 50 school buses with stop arm cameras. I have received several complaints from constituents about increasing concerns about traffic safety violations that put our students at risk. I recently submitted a formal request for one such bus to be deployed in the Mount Vernon District with route(s) that involve the intersection of Londonberry Road and Camden Street. Many thanks to those who brought this to my attention.  Proven to change driver behavior, school bus stop-arm safety cameras capture drivers who don’t respect the buses' “stop arm” signals. The School Bus Safety Program will fine drivers who pass school buses that are loading and unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail after a 30-day warning period. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

• Congratulations to South County HS student Julia Sites for being selected as a Grand Prize Nominee in Physics and Astronomy at  this year’s Fairfax County Science Fair for her project “The Impact of Municipal Dimming on Skyglow.”

• The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County was begun in 2006 to encourage everyone to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. The recipients chosen by the schools generally have in common a desire to bring kindness into the world around them, whether within their schools, their community, or on a larger scale. 

  Congratulations to all of the winners, particularly those from schools physically located in the Mount Vernon Magisterial District. Special shout out to Mount Vernon District resident Jonathan Johnston, the student honoree from Quander Road School, who was recognized for his artistic work that promotes peace. School staff reports "that his positive leadership has resulted in his ability to calm down students and help his classmates understand that avenues other than anger can help them get out of negative situations." Way to go, Jonathan! 

Students Earn All-State Music Honors

Eighteen students from the Mount Vernon District have been chosen to perform with the All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions within these ensembles. Participants will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians at a concert in Richmond, April 24-26th. The concert if free and open to the public, details below.

All-Virginia Chorus

• Lea Ahrens, South County HS
• Aannali De Franco, South County HS
• Kyra Ellwood, South County HS, alternate
• Gavin Flynn, South County, HS, alternate
• Amana Haque, South County HS
• Vincent Snow, South County HS
• Leila Slye, South County HS, alternate
• Sarah Tracy, South County HS, alternate

All-Virginia Band

• Vanya Balakersky, South County High School
• Yasha Balakersky, South County High School
• Aiden Bratten, West Potomac High School
• Molly Gorman, West Potomac High School
• Kyle Haes, Hayvield Secondary School
• Elena Kim, South County High School
• Noah Roberts, Hayfield Secondary School

All-Virginia Orchestra

• Elizabeth Hunt, Lewis High School
• Isaiah Reed, Lewis High School
• Junhee Sim, South County High School

Concert Details

Mission First, People Always: How One FCPS Grad Turned Military Moves Into a Path to Leadership

Meet Sarah Locke, proud FCPS Mount Vernon HS alum and West Point graduate. As April is the Month of the Military Child we wanted to honor their resilience and strength by featuring an outstanding FCPS alum who grew up in a military home and then also chose to follow in her Army officer parents footsteps. Sarah found a sense of belonging and a spark to serve her country during her time at FCPS. Read more of Sarah's story

South County Middle School's Blankets for Veterans

Seventh and eighth grade students at South County Middle School have been meeting weekly since mid-September to make blankets for veterans. Under the direction of English Teacher Lisa Reaves and Cindy Downing, a retired South County teacher, the s