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Terry J. Dade will become the next superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools following a unanimous School Board vote.

The board approved Dade’s appointment during a special meeting May 5, 2025, at Meridian High School. He is scheduled to take office July 1, succeeding Dr. Peter J. Noonan, who is retiring after eight years leading the district.

School Board Chair Tate Gould said Dade’s experience in diverse school systems and record of academic improvement and innovation positioned him to guide FCCPS.

Dade said he was honored to join a school community focused on academic excellence, innovation and inclusion. He pledged to work with students, families, educators and community members while building on the district’s existing achievements.

Dade has more than 25 years of experience in education. He currently leads Cornwall Central School District in New York, overseeing five schools, approximately 3,200 students and more than 500 employees.

His previous roles include superintendent of Rochester City School District in New York and assistant superintendent of Region 3 in Fairfax County Public Schools. During his Fairfax County tenure, the number of schools carrying accreditation warnings or FOCUS status fell from 12 to one.

Dade also previously served as principal of Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church. The school achieved Fairfax County Public Schools’ highest reading and math Standards of Learning pass rates when comparing results for students receiving free and reduced-price meals, while teacher retention also improved significantly.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Teaching in elementary education from the University of Virginia, as well as a master’s degree in school administration from Trinity University. He was expected to complete a doctorate in educational leadership at Manhattanville University in May 2025.

The appointment followed a months-long search conducted with HYA Associates that included community forums, surveys and stakeholder feedback sessions.

Noonan’s eight-year tenure included major capital projects, expansion of the International Baccalaureate program and leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic.