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Fairfax County students in grades nine through 12 will face tighter cellphone restrictions during the 2025-26 school year under regulations approved by the School Board on May 8.
The revised Student Rights and Responsibilities regulation permits high school students to use cellphones on campus only before the first bell, after the last bell and during lunch.
The board also directed the superintendent to create an acknowledgment process for students and their parents or guardians regarding cellphones, smartwatches and other wearable technology brought onto FCPS property or to school-sanctioned events.
The guidelines are expected to state that the devices remain the sole responsibility of students and their families. FCPS will not be responsible for charging, caring for or protecting them from loss, damage or theft. Students who bring devices to school must also follow the Acceptable Use Policy included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.
Another amendment calls for semester reviews of discipline cases involving weapons, assault, and assault and battery. The Chief Equity Office and Office of the Chief of Schools will examine required interventions, case dispositions and the factors considered before related suspensions are issued.
The board separately awarded an intergovernmental contract to the Alexandria City School Board for professional development services supporting multilingual learners.
Oversight and budget reports
Superintendent Michelle Reid presented a monitoring report covering relationships with families and community stakeholders. The board found her in compliance with Executive Limitation 3 and approved the 2024-25 school-year report without changing the policy.
The presentation completed Reid’s Executive Limitation monitoring reports and Strategic Plan Goal Reports for the school year.
Reid also presented the proposed fiscal 2026 approved budget, including recommended changes needed to balance the previously advertised spending plan. An Academic Matters presentation focused on Classroom on Wheels.
As part of its consent agenda, the board approved the April 10 meeting minutes, the Special Education Annual Plan, a nomination for the Virginia School Board Association Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award, a Title I Part C grant-funding acknowledgment and a microgrant application aimed at removing barriers to academic achievement. Several contracts were also awarded.
Recognitions and public participation
The meeting opened at 7:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and a performance of the national anthem by the Carl Sandburg Middle School Symphonic Band under the direction of Beth Anderson-Morgan.
The board approved proclamations recognizing Educator Appreciation Week, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Freedom Hill Elementary School’s 75th anniversary, Gunston Elementary School’s 70th anniversary and Emily Burrell.
Nine people addressed the board during community participation, and student representative Megan Sawant delivered a report.
Board members also received a state legislative update from Ms. Meren, an Audit Committee report from Mr. McElveen and a Governance Committee report from Ms. Lady. Reid delivered her superintendent’s report, and School Board member St. John-Cunning spoke during Board Matters.
The meeting adjourned at 11:24 p.m.
Upcoming meetings included Public Engagement and Governance committee sessions on May 13, followed by a budget public hearing that evening. A Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee meeting was scheduled for May 15, a Budget Committee meeting for May 20 and the next regular board meeting for May 22.