Incoming FCPS superintendent vows to reach out to students

At a virtual Town Hall May 17, incoming Fairfax County Superintendent Michelle Reid promised to “stay resolutely student-centered.”

Reid, currently the superintendent of the much smaller Northshore School District in Washington state, starts her new job July 1.

When asked why she wanted to come to Fairfax County Public Schools, Reid cited FCPS’ “world-class reputation, its fabulous educators, high-performing students, and strong parent support and commitment.”

Reid’s plan for the 100 days is to “listen and respond to questions” and determine how she can best support educators, staff, students, and families.

That involves coming to an understanding about “where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’d like to be,” she said. “We need to understand what’s working and do more of that and less of what’s not working.”

She plans to continue meeting with students on a regular basis. She already engaged with students, staff, and families at a forum at Annandale High School where she shared a stage with a student panel.

Reid intends to be approachable to staff and vows to create a climate where employees feel comfortable reaching out to her. She vowed to create “a culture and climate in which every educator feels affirmed and safe to voice their concerns and ideas.”

Related story: Michelle Reid appointed FCPS superintendent

When asked about the emphasis on testing as opposed to learning, Reid spoke about the need for students to excel at critical thinking, problem-solving, and project-based learning. “We need more opportunities for students to share their knowledge in a real authentic way,” she said.

While it’s important to educate students in higher-level math for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), she said STEM should also incorporate other skills, such as the arts, creativity, and critical thinking.

She noted that “65 percent of K-12 students across the country are preparing for careers that do not yet exist.”

Reid said It’s important to ensure all students have access to the same courses, regardless of their zip code. She plans to review what’s available in each pyramid to ensure equitable access to courses.

When asked about bullying, she said, “we have to cultivate a culture and climate where that behavior is not tolerated.”

Reid suggested much work has to be done to address discipline issues following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

“We need to recognize there’s been trauma among many students and staff. That deep pain is still there,” Reid said.

To foster a positive school climate and encourage positive behavior, “we have to teach why it’s important to have empathy, honesty, and integrity,” she said.  

Because so many students fell behind academically during the pandemic, Reid believes it’s important to look at how schools use time during the school day and summer to help students catch up.

To re-energize staff who’ve had a difficult time teaching during the pandemic, Reid said, “Our deep appreciation for educators and their craft goes a long way.” She is “looking forward to getting to know educators and hearing what motivates them to be excited about education.”

When asked to name something new she learned during the past year, Reid’s first response was “how to walk three dogs at a time” while her husband was out of town. Upon further reflection, she learned the importance of “staying curious longer when wrestling with really difficult issues. That leads to better decisions.”