Article Text
The Fairfax County School Board approved its fiscal 2025 third-quarter budget review and a sole-source contract with Teach for America during an April 10 regular meeting, but deferred action on social studies instructional resources.
The meeting began at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and a performance of the national anthem by the Navy Elementary School Strings, directed by Robert Salzberg and Tanya Stanley. The board also approved proclamations recognizing the Month of the Military Child and Arab American Heritage Month.
Teachers honored for national certification
The board recognized eight educators who achieved National Board certification for the 2025-26 school year:
- Kristin Bauersfeld, Terra Centre Elementary School
- Hannah Brown, Bailey’s Elementary School
- Lianna Clarke, Bailey’s Upper Elementary School
- Carol Dalmet, Madison High School
- Heather Hall, Westgate Elementary School
- Melissa Johnson, Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Patrick Noel, Colvin Run Elementary School
- Rachel Von Elmendorf, Holmes Middle School
Another 15 educators were honored for renewing their certification:
- Julianne Braden, Laurel Hill Elementary School
- Laura Chami, Madison High School
- Frances Clarke, Keene Mill Elementary School
- Heather Jung, Hollin Meadows Elementary School
- Emily Keffer, Herndon Elementary School
- Lauren Kinne, Woodson High School
- Bethany Layton, Sangster Elementary School
- Rachel Morris, Laurel Hill Elementary School
- Darren Myzak, Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Megan Stanley, Cooper Middle School
- Alaina Taylor, Hayfield Secondary School
- Julianne Trimble, Bull Run Elementary School
- Jyothsna Vallampati, Madison High School
- Christa Voegtle, Hayfield Secondary School
- Mary Wolfe, Herndon High School
The division launched its National Board Certification program more than 20 years ago. More than 500 teachers have earned the credential, including over 300 who remain active in Fairfax County Public Schools.
The division ranks among Virginia’s top five for both newly certified teachers and current certification candidates, and among the nation’s top 30 school districts by number of National Board-certified teachers. About 75% of those educators work directly with students, while others serve in leadership positions.
Asset protections remain unchanged
Superintendent Michelle Reid presented an annual monitoring report covering Executive Limitation 7, which governs asset protection. The board found the superintendent in compliance, approved the 2024-25 monitoring report and voted to retain the limitation in its current form in the Strategic Governance Manual.
Reid also delivered a presentation on Purple Star Schools. She joined Family and School Partnerships Director Renee LaHuffman-Jackson and Chief Experience and Engagement Officer Lisa Y. Hall for an update on the strategic plan’s home, school and community partnerships pillar.
Reid and Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden also presented an update on the approved fiscal 2026 budget.
As part of its consent agenda, the board adopted policies addressing HIV, child-abuse reporting procedures and the admission of postgraduate students. It also awarded several contracts.
Eleven people addressed the board during community participation. Student representative Megan Sawant did not give a report because she was attending an event at her future university.
The meeting also included reports on the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team and superintendent matters, followed by remarks from board members Kyle Dunne, Rachna Sizemore Heizer Anderson, Abrar Omeish Dixit, Karl Frisch, Mateo Dunne, Ilryong Moon, Sandy Anderson, Seema Dixit, Robyn Lady Meren and Melanie Meren St. John-Cunning.
The board adjourned at 11:22 p.m. Upcoming meetings were scheduled for April 17 at 7 p.m. for the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. for the Budget Committee and April 24 at 7 p.m. for another regular meeting.