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Thomas F. Dannan II took office as the Braddock Magisterial District representative March 19 during an FCPS board meeting that also featured decisions on school safety, athletic contracts and committee assignments.
The evening began at 6:22 p.m. with an oath-of-office ceremony. Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Stephen C. Shannon administered the oath to Dannan following a presentation of the colors by the Lake Braddock Secondary School Army JROTC and a national anthem performance by the Lake Braddock Middle School Chamber Orchestra.
At 6:46 p.m., Dr. Anderson opened a public hearing on a staff proposal to establish an Advanced Academic Center at North Springfield Elementary School. No one testified during the hearing.
The regular meeting started at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and another national anthem performance by the Lake Braddock Middle School Chamber Orchestra under Diana Chou’s direction.
Chair Anderson welcomed student representatives attending through the Student Leadership Development Program. Student Representative Faith Mekonen later presented student matters, while nine people spoke during the community participation period.
Members approved proclamations for Women’s History Month, School Social Work Appreciation Week and the recognition of social and emotional learning. They also honored the 2025 Bond Citizens Committee and affirmed the importance of a Triple-A bond rating.
Safety, contracts and budget
The board approved additional member committee and liaison assignments. It also awarded a sole-source contract to the Washington Lacrosse Umpires Association for officials at girls lacrosse games.
Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the annual monitoring report for Executive Limitation 13, which establishes operational requirements for safety and security. Members found Reid in compliance and approved the report for the 2025-26 school year.
Through the consent agenda, the board retained the safety and security limitation in its existing form within the Strategic Governance Manual.
Reid, Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden and Budget Services Executive Director Alice Wigington presented the fiscal year 2026 third-quarter budget review.
Members also heard a Strategic Plan Goal 2 update about middle school theater arts. The goal focuses on ensuring students are safe, supported, included and empowered. Reid delivered the presentation with Aaron Stratton, senior manager for K-12 fine arts, and Tara Taylor, an educational specialist for theater arts.
Reid also presented an Academic Matters report on Walk to Read.
The consent agenda included adoption of the Feb. 12, 2026, regular meeting minutes and the award of several contracts.
Future decisions introduced
Members introduced several new-business items but did not vote on them. Future action was scheduled on:
- A Strategic Plan Goal 2 report concerning students being safe, supported, included and empowered
- Appointments of community members to the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
- A motion involving athletic facility naming rights
- The fiscal year 2026 third-quarter budget review
- Architectural and engineering services for the Skyview High School project
- Policy 8320 on acquiring sites and buildings
- Policy 8275 on value engineering
- Policy 8560 on maintaining public school facility assets
- Virginia School Board Association 2026 Business Honor Roll nominations
Mr. McElveen delivered an Audit Committee report, Mr. Frisch reported for the Administration Committee and Ms. Meren provided an update from the Governance Committee. Reid also presented superintendent matters.
Dr. Anderson, Mr. Moon, Mr. Dannan, Ms. Dixit, Ms. St. John-Cunning, Mr. McElveen, Mr. Frisch, Ms. Lady and Ms. Anderson offered remarks before the regular meeting adjourned at 11:16 p.m.
The next regular meeting was scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.