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Fairfax County Public Schools entered summer with a major boundary recommendation approaching, extensive facilities work underway and students earning recognition in academics, business and international athletics.

In her June 29 weekly update, Superintendent Michelle Reid said she is finalizing a preliminary recommendation for the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study. She plans to present it to the School Board on July 9, ahead of the board’s consideration on July 16.

Reid met Tuesday evening at the Gatehouse Administration Center with the Superintendent Boundary Advisory Committee, a smaller group drawn from the community members who served on the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee. Members revisited the preliminary scenario shared with the public earlier in June and offered additional perspectives based on community conversations.

Schools highlight literacy, belonging and diversity

Three elementary schools were featured for initiatives intended to strengthen student connections and achievement.

Kent Gardens Elementary School introduced a House system that brings students and employees together across grade levels. Parklawn Elementary School is using student-centered WIN Time and a collaborative approach to improve literacy outcomes.

Glen Forest Elementary School highlighted its diverse community, which includes students representing 55 countries, and its efforts to recognize every child’s culture and story.

Graduate heads to world Ultimate championship

Madison High School Class of 2026 graduate Gretchen Schmitt will travel to Logroño, Spain, in July to compete in the 2026 World Flying Disc Federation World Junior Ultimate Championships.

Schmitt is one of 24 athletes from across the United States selected for Team USA’s under-20 mixed roster.

FCPS students also received 2026 Distinguished Business Scholar awards from the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors who plan to continue their education and pursue careers in business or related fields.

The recipients were:

  • Ethan Santos and Kate Hood of Mount Vernon High School.
  • Nicole Cousins and James Song of South County High School.
  • Andrew Binetti, Lucy Little, Nathan Roeschlein and Mason Brown of Edison High School.
  • Gavin Clarke and Manas Puri of Lake Braddock Secondary School.
  • Melina Teklu, Christian Sadek and Aadi Mathur of West Springfield High School.
  • Brooklynn Jones and Preston Simpson of Hayfield Secondary School.
  • Henry Lang of West Potomac High School.

Three school leaders were named to the Virginia Department of Education’s inaugural class of Principals of Distinction: Shawn DeRose of Annandale High School, Kambar Khoshaba of South County High School and Shane Wolfe of Aldrin Elementary School.

The FCPS Office of Procurement Services also received the National Procurement Institute’s 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award. The honor recognizes public and nonprofit teams for work involving innovation, professionalism, electronic procurement, productivity and leadership.

Facilities crews tackle major summer workload

Reid visited an Office of Facilities Management all-hands meeting Wednesday and highlighted the department’s work across more than 220 schools and facilities.

During the previous school year, facilities employees completed more than 121,000 work orders and responded to over 900 power outages. Crews also worked extended shifts during winter storms.

Summer projects include asphalt work, HVAC upgrades, roof replacements and other infrastructure improvements. Many must be completed within tight schedules before students and employees return for the new school year.

Technology, labor and community partnerships

At the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Board of Directors and fiscal 2026 annual meeting Thursday, participants focused on artificial intelligence and talent. Reid said both areas require close cooperation between schools and Northern Virginia’s technology industry as students prepare for future careers.

Reid also met Thursday with Jeff Litz and Greg Luongo of the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators. FCPS Chief of Staff Marty Smith joined the discussion, which covered collective bargaining and previously negotiated agreements.

On Friday, the Educate Fairfax Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting at Gatehouse. Discussion centered on the coming school year, community support for FCPS priorities, deeper public engagement and partnerships that could expand innovative career pathways.

Art and science take center stage

During a School Board strategic plan update, Reid discussed vibrant partnerships among homes, schools and the community, focusing on Pyramid Art Shows. The events display work from elementary, middle and high school students while bringing families, educators and community members together.

FCPS said arts participation can strengthen school engagement, persistence, critical thinking, reflection and students’ sense of belonging. Public exhibitions also give students an opportunity to express their perspectives and consider their future goals.

Reid also reviewed results from the 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held in March. More than 600 students presented over 400 projects in 15 categories.

The fair is open to qualifying high school students throughout Fairfax County, including those outside FCPS. More than 300 professional judges from businesses, universities and community organizations participated, along with dozens of STEM-related groups.

At the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in April, 57 FCPS students competed among 250 participants. Twenty-two FCPS projects received awards, and two students won grand prizes that qualified them for the International Science and Engineering Fair.

At the international fair in May, 15 FCPS students competed in a field of more than 1,700. Seven of the 11 FCPS projects placed fourth or higher in their categories and received cash awards. One project earned one of the event’s 10 top awards.

Student research included sustainable pesticide alternatives, autonomous-vehicle prototypes and targeted treatments for liver cancer.