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The Fairfax County School Board elected Sandy Anderson as chair and Robyn Lady as vice chair for the 2025-26 school year during its July 10 regular meeting.
Anderson, who represents the Springfield District, previously served as the board’s vice chair. Lady represents the Dranesville District and joined the board after her election in 2023.
Anderson said she plans to work with fellow board members, the superintendent and the community to support academic excellence, equity and student well-being.
“I know this work isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly important,” Anderson said. “I’m committed to listening to our families and staff, fostering collaboration, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect our shared values and goals for Fairfax County students.”
Anderson began representing the Springfield District on Jan. 1, 2024. A Northern Virginia native and Lake Braddock Secondary School graduate, she earned an undergraduate degree in English from George Mason University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
She taught college English for 14 years in several states and through multiple platforms before supporting two Department of Defense youth programs. Those programs focused on STEAM education for K-12 students and assistance for teenagers at risk of not graduating through traditional high schools.
Anderson has chaired the board’s Public Engagement Committee and served on its Governance Committee. She was also a liaison to the City of Fairfax School Board and an alternate delegate to the Virginia School Boards Association.
Her involvement with Fairfax County Public Schools began after her children entered the school system. Anderson served for seven years on the Silverbrook Elementary Parent Teacher Organization board, including five years as president. She lives in Fairfax Station with her husband, two sons and their dog.
Lady enters the vice chair position with more than 30 years of experience in public education. She worked as a school counselor at Marshall High School, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and McLean High School. She later spent 15 years as Chantilly High School’s director of Student Services, leading programs covering students’ academic, social-emotional and career-development needs.
During the previous year, Lady chaired the Governance Committee and guided revisions to the school system’s grading policy. She has also served on the Audit Committee and Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee.
Her additional assignments have included liaison roles with the School Health Advisory Committee, City of Fairfax School Board and Fairfax County Athletic Council.
Lady has been recognized as Virginia High School College Counselor of the Year and Director of Student Services of the Year. She received the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2025 Apperson Award, previously led that association and served on the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s board.
She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia and George Mason University. Lady lives in Herndon with her wife and enjoys golf, church volunteering and following the Washington Nationals, Commanders and Capitals.
“I’m deeply honored for the opportunity to serve as vice chair of the School Board,” Lady said. “I’m excited to listen, learn, and lead together so every student in Fairfax County can reach their fullest potential.”
The board’s other members, whose terms continue through Dec. 31, 2027, are at-large representatives Kyle McDaniel, Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon; Rachna Sizemore Heizer of the Braddock District; Marcia St. John-Cunning of the Franconia District; Melanie Meren of the Hunter Mill District; Dr. Ricardy Anderson of the Mason District; Mateo Dunne of the Mount Vernon District; Karl Frisch of the Providence District; and Seema Dixit of the Sully District.