Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County School Board passes a resolution to allow collective bargaining

The Fairfax County School Board passed a resolution on March 9 giving employees collective bargaining rights. The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers lauded passage of the resolution, stating teachers will now have “a seat at the table and be able to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.” Employee associations can demonstrate sufficient support … Continued

Reid starts job as FCPS superintendent

Michelle Reid was sworn in as superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools June 30 at Luther Jackson Middle School. Her job started July 1. Reid supersedes Scott Brabrand, who served as superintendent since 2017. “It’s important for me to remember that learning happens best in community, and this is an amazing community,” Reid said during her … Continued

Eight alumni to be inducted into the new FCPS Hall of Fame

Educate Fairfax has announced the first group of distinguished alumni to be inducted into the Fairfax County Public Schools Hall of Fame. The eight alumni include a graduate of Annandale High School and a graduate of Falls Church High School. Educate Fairfax, formerly known as the Foundation for FCPS, raises funds for programs and supplies … Continued

Brabrand defends mask mandate

Speaking at a virtual town hall Jan. 24, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said he hopes FCPS will get to the point where masks are optional, but “now is not the time.” FCPS is working with health officials to develop a “roadmap” laying out the health metrics for determining when masks are no … Continued

School boards sue governor over masks

The Fairfax County School Board joined with six other school boards in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 2. That document gives parents the right to disregard the state’s universal mask mandate. The other plaintiffs include the school boards of Alexandria City, Arlington County, City of Richmond, Falls Church City, … Continued

Statewide conflict brews over masks

When students go back to class this week, some parents will be telling their kids to disregard Fairfax County Public Schools’ requirement that masks be worn indoors. Parents opposed to masks feel empowered by Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Jan. 15 executive order giving parents the authority to defy the statewide school mask mandate. A group of … Continued

FCPS proposes a $3.3 billion budget

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has proposed a $3.3 billion budget for FY 2022-23 that includes a 4 percent cost-of-living increase for employees. That would add $100 million to the budget. Brabrand also proposes adding $55.3 million for step increases for eligible employees. Keeping pace with the cost of living “has been our … Continued

FCPS defies Youngkin’s mask policy

Fairfax County Public Schools is continuing to require students and staff to wear masks in school in defiance of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order ending universal mask mandates. Executive Order 2, issued by Youngkin Jan. 15, states “The parents of any child enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or a school-based early childcare and … Continued

Public surveyed on superintendent search

Fairfax County Public Schools is seeking community input in the search for a new superintendent. The current superintendent, Scott Brabrand, announced in July, that he will leave FCPS when his contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 school year. GR Recruiting, the firm hired by the school board to conduct a nationwide search for … Continued