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

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

New quarantine guidance for students

Fairfax County Public Schools has issued new Covid guidance on quarantine and isolation. The new rules take effect Monday, Jan. 10. FCPS has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that reduces isolation and quarantine to five days. FCPS also adopted the CDC’s recommendation for a five-day period of isolation for staff. FCPS … Continued