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Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the School Board on Jan. 23, outlining investments in employee pay, student support, preschool access, and campus security.
The proposal includes a 7% salary increase for all employees as FCPS works to recruit and retain educators, administrators, school-based workers, and operational staff. It also directs resources toward students who need additional help and continues multiyear initiatives involving inclusive preschool and safety and security improvements.
In a Jan. 24 letter to families, Reid described the plan as fiscally responsible and said its investments would benefit students, employees, and the wider Fairfax County community.
Black History Month celebration planned
The Chief Equity Office will hold its inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Carter G. Woodson High School.
A light reception will precede the formal program, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” The community event will feature performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to celebrate Black history and culture.
TJ student reaches Regeneron finals
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology student Ray Zhang has been selected as one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
The finalists were chosen from a group of 300 scholars and will each receive at least $25,000. They are also invited to Washington, D.C., in March for final judging, a public exhibition, and meetings with prominent scientists.
Competitors will vie for additional prizes, including a $250,000 top award. Winners are scheduled to be announced March 11.
Kindergarten and online registration open
Families preparing to enroll a child in kindergarten must determine eligibility, identify their neighborhood school, collect the required documents, complete registration forms, and schedule an appointment.
The student and one caregiver must attend the school appointment. Afterward, the child can participate in orientation and other introductory activities offered by the school.
Online registration for kindergarten through 12th grade is also open for the 2025-26 school year. Parents and caregivers must create or sign in to a SIS ParentVUE account to use the online process.
Inclusion award nominations sought
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities is accepting nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards, which recognize people whose inclusion efforts produce positive results for students.
Administrators, employees, students, and community partners may be nominated. Candidates should demonstrate excellence related to special education, benefit students with and without disabilities, and help foster an inclusive environment.
Nominations close Wednesday, Feb. 19.
February programs offered to families
The Family Resource Center plans several free webinars and events in February. Topics include executive-function development and strategies for children in grades three through six, childhood trauma in a Spanish-language presentation, risk prevention, sibling support through SibShops, and suicide prevention.
The Family Academy also maintains a collection of FCPS classes, workshops, webinars, and programs designed to help families support children’s learning and other needs at home.
Band teacher recognized for restoring a student’s joy in music
Woodburn Elementary School band teacher Michael Secchi was among the FCPS CARES of the Month honorees for November 2024.
A parent who nominated Secchi said the teacher arranged an individual jam session before school to help a struggling student resume playing and rediscover his enjoyment of music.
Other honorees were Kenyetta McNeil, Lawrence Randolph, and Noelle Titus of Willow Oaks; Kerrie Turner of Thoreau Middle School; Samantha Vivian-Beck of Twain Middle School; and Christina Bruch and Courtney Cottrell of Deer Park Elementary School.
Laurel Ridge Elementary School honorees included Lisa Fields, Susan Kane, Sheila Bartley, Barbara Fleck, Justin Quincy, Susan Waring, Caitlin Schifter, Natalie Schmid, Megan Counts, Gretchen O’Donnell, Mariama Diallo, and Cathy Wood. Alex Winiewicz of Braddock Elementary School was also recognized.
Teacher hiring fair set for Feb. 1
A job fair for teachers and applicants seeking other instructional positions will run from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Participants will be able to network and interview with school representatives. Some applicants may receive employment offers for the current school year during the event.
Registration is due Friday, Jan. 31. Questions may be directed to the Department of Human Resources through its web portal or at 571-423-3000.
Cellphone survey and boundary meeting deadlines approach
A parent and caregiver survey covering proposed changes to Student Rights and Responsibilities, cellphone policy, and cellphone storage will close Monday, Feb. 3.
The final virtual Community Boundary Review meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10. It will use the same format and information as the earlier in-person sessions.
Registration is required, and each participant will receive an individual Zoom link. Language interpretation will be available.
Students help shape lunch menus
During a recent School Board update on the 2023-30 Strategic Plan, Reid highlighted efforts to involve students in menu decisions.
Food and Nutrition Services Director Shaun Sawko explained how the school system is considering students’ different preferences when selecting food options. The work is connected to the strategic goal of creating safe, supportive, inclusive, and empowering school environments where student health, well-being, and voice are priorities.
Lighthouse Schools test classroom ideas
Reid also discussed the Lighthouse Schools initiative during the Academic Matters portion of the Jan. 23 School Board meeting.
Participating schools are testing teaching methods and technologies to determine which approaches could be shared across the district. Teachers involved in the program described efforts to promote creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning.
Ombuds office offers confidential assistance
The Office of the Ombuds serves as an independent, confidential resource for FCPS employees, students, and families seeking answers, raising complaints, or trying to resolve concerns.
Its staff can help address disagreements between families and schools, but the office does not make or change policies and decisions, take sides, or provide legal advice.
The office can be reached at 571-423-4014, by email, or through its online question form.