Tag: education
Proposed FCPS budget would raise teacher pay, increase school security
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Michelle presented a proposed budget to the school board that would raise employee compensation and boost school security. FCPS is requesting a $3.5 billion operating budget for FY 2024. That’s a $249.6 million (7.6 percent) increase from the approved budget for 2023. Reid is requesting an increase of $159.6 million (7 … Continued
School news
Information in the following news briefs featuring schools in the Annandale/Mason District area are from Fairfax County Public Schools. Braddock ES expansion – Students at Braddock Elementary School are returning to the main building from their modular classrooms on Jan. 30 as renovation of the school nears completion. The administration office will relocate to the … Continued
FCPS to investigate TJ controversy
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told parents with students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology that FCPS is investigating why the notification of “commended students” was delayed. Reid spoke about the issue at an emotionally charged meeting at the school Jan. 3 that drew nearly 100 parents and a smattering … Continued
Youngkin attacks public schools
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Republican state leaders came down hard against public education at a back-to-school rally for GOP congressional candidates Aug. 31 at Mason District Park in Annandale. The key message at the event is that parents, not school administrators, teacher unions, or “radical politicians,” should have control over their children’s education. … Continued
Schools are over 99 percent fully staffed
When public school starts on Monday, Aug. 22, there will be “a certificated adult in every classroom,” said Superintendent Michelle Reid. Fairfax County Public Schools are “over 99 percent fully staffed,” Reid said during a virtual community meeting Aug. 17. FCPS is still hiring, though. The school system has been struggling with a teacher shortage, … Continued
New Virginia laws take effect
Here are a few of the newly enacted Virginia laws that took effect July 1: Public education Senate Bill 656 – The Department of Education is directed to develop model policies on sexually explicit content in instructional material by July 30. School boards must adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2023, for ensuring parental notification of … Continued
Outstanding Annandale educators honored
Two educators from the Mason District were among the 12 employees honored with Outstanding Employee Awards by Fairfax County Public Schools. Essel Linton, the music teacher at Annandale Terrace Elementary School, is the winner in the Outstanding Elementary Teacher category. “Essel’s music class is always filled with students singing, dancing, playing instruments, and, most importantly, … Continued
Weyanoke ES girls do STEM projects at TJ
Every Friday afternoon, members of the WISE Club (Women Interested in Science and Engineering) at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology host a group of girls from Weyanoke Elementary School for fun science projects. The program was highlighted in a feature story by the Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Communications and Community … Continued
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, … Continued
Two finalists were considered for FCPS superintendent – then one dropped out
UPDATE: Cheryl Logan has taken her name out of the competition for Fairfax County superintendent. She informed her board the same day the NAACP announced the two finalists. The Fairfax County School Board has narrowed the selection of the next school superintendent to two finalists, the Fairfax County NAACP reported April 9. The finalists are: … Continued
School news roundup
Glasgow on TV – CBS News came to Glasgow Middle School to film teacher Julie Kouril’s sixth-grade history class. The story will be be aired on March 29 for a segment on Women’s History Month. The news story features Kouril teaching the class about women’s rights and empowerment developed by Women for Education, Advocacy & … Continued
School advocates rally for librarians
Nearly 70 people participated in a rally to support school librarians March 24 before a school board meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School. At the meeting, several people attacked librarians for supporting LGBTQ students’ rights. The rally was co-hosted by 4 Public Education, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT), and FCPS Pride. “The librarians … Continued
School news roundup
School board seeks stay in TJ ruling – The Fairfax County School Board filed “a motion for stay pending appeal” on March 5 in response to the decision by a federal judge invalidating the admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Judge Claude Hilton of the U.S. District Court ruled that … Continued
Historic marker project engages students
The Historical Marker Project, launched by the Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors earlier this month, is aimed at encouraging students to bring attention to the accomplishments of lesser-known people and communities. The project will initially focus on the county’s Black/African American communities and will expand to other underrepresented stories in the coming … Continued
Youngkin pursues right-wing agenda
Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin’s legislative priorities call for diverting funds from public schools to charter schools, banning critical race theory, restricting voting, and promoting massive tax cuts. The following bills and budget amendments introduced in the General Assembly are part of Youngkin’s “Day One Agenda.” Education The Board of Education or a local school board … Continued