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The Falls Church City School Board voted unanimously June 10 to nominate the editor and publisher of a local independent newspaper for the Virginia School Boards Association’s statewide Media Honor Roll.

Resolution 10-25 praises the publication’s coverage of Falls Church City Public Schools as balanced, accurate and responsible. The board said the reporting has helped residents understand the school division’s challenges and successes while keeping attention on providing a strong education for students.

The resolution notes that local media significantly influence what communities know about their public schools through decisions about which developments to cover, how much attention issues receive and the tone of the reporting.

The district’s communications director informed the editor of the nomination, which will be submitted to the statewide association for formal approval. If approved, school officials plan to present an official certificate and recognition during a School Board meeting in the fall.

The nominee expressed heartfelt gratitude and said the news left him “truly gobsmacked.” He taught history and journalism for nearly three decades before helping establish the newspaper in February 2024.

He thanked board members for the recognition and said he hoped the publication would continue providing readers with the education reporting they deserve. He described educating young people—and supporting those involved in that work—as one of a community’s most important obligations.

The association’s Media Honor Roll criteria include understanding a school division’s mission and goals, reporting fairly and accurately, prominently covering positive school news, visiting schools and attending board meetings. Nominees are also expected to become familiar with the superintendent and board chair and maintain a “no surprises” policy by sharing information with school representatives.