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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Dear Dranesville Families:
I hope you are having a wonderful summer despite the heat and humidity. It is hard to believe that we are in mid-July and the first day of school is one month away. Earlier this week, I attended the FCPS Leadership Kickoff at Hayfield High School and was inspired by the energy and optimism in the room. Despite the current threats to our funding, we are excited for a new year and remain committed to providing all our students with a first-class education.
As we prepare to open school soon, I want to thank the Region 1 team on their selection of Robert Acosta as the new principal at Herndon Elementary School. Principal Acosta recently served as Founder and Executive Director, Paradiso College Preparatory School System in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 15 years of experience as an educator. He found his true love of education when he began his teaching career as an Elementary Bilingual Language Arts Teacher. He served in assistant principal and principal positions within public school and charter school systems. As a multilingual learner himself, Mr. Acosta is extremely passionate about bilingual and dual education and ensuring that all students receive a rigorous education.
I am also very excited to announce the new principal at Longfellow Middle School, Chris Butzer, who was most recently an assistant principal at Luther Jackson Middle School. Principal Butzer brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating vibrant learning environments where all students can thrive, especially middle schoolers. As a middle school science teacher and instructional coach for over 7 years, she increased student achievement and fostered strong, collaborative school culture. Region 2 highlighted her strength as a leader who is collaborative, approachable, and actively engaged with students, staff, and families.
Finally, I am confident in the Region 2 team who are working hard to identify the next principal of McLean High School. I look forward to sharing that announcement in the coming weeks.
Regards,
Robyn
In this newsletter,
School Board News
2025-26 School Board Leadership
The Fairfax County School Board confirmed its leadership for the 2025-26 school year at its July 10 Regular Meeting. Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) was elected chair, and I (Dranesville District) was elected vice chair.
Mr. Frisch's Last Remarks as School Board Chair
I want to thank Mr. Frisch for his leadership and shepherding our Board through a wide variety of topics and work affecting our staff, schools, students, and families. He guided the new school board members as we learned how to best support our constituents and the work of the Board. He committed much of his time working with our Board elevating our perspectives and collaborating with us, as a team.
Election of Ms. Sandy Anderson as School Board Chair
“I’m honored to serve as chair of the Fairfax County School Board. I look forward to working with my colleagues, our superintendent, and our community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will continue to prioritize academic excellence, equity, and the well-being of all students in FCPS,” said Anderson.
Ms. Anderson's Remarks after Chair Election
I look forward to working with Chair Sandy Anderson. Her tenure as Vice Chair was vital to the work we accomplished as a Board last school year. I appreciated her organization, her partnership, and her willingness to connect over questions and concerns.
My Election as Vice Chair
I am humbled and honored to be elected by my fellow school board members, as the 2025- 26 Vice Chair of the School Board. I look forward to working with Chair Anderson and our Board for a successful 2025-26 term.
My Remarks after Vice Chair Election
July 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
Board Meeting Highlights
Board Business
In accordance with the Code of Virginia and the School Board's Strategic Governance Manual, this meeting served as the annual organizational meeting.
The School Board elected Springfield District Member Sandy Anderson as School Board Chair for the 2025-2026 School Year. The School Board elected Dranesville District Member Robyn Lady as School Board Vice Chair for the 2025-2026 School Year.
The School Board authorized organizational arrangements and appointments for the 2025-2026 School Year.
Presentations to the School Board
Dr. Reid presented Academic Matters on WIDA Progress.
Dr. Reid presented a Strategic Plan Update on 2025 FCPS Graduations (Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation).
Dr. Reid and Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Year End Review.
SY 24-25 Superintendent Evaluation
Each year, the School Board uses the Virginia Department of Education’s performance standards to complete Superintendent Reid’s official evaluation. Our Board uses 13 Executive Limitations (pages 14-31 of our Strategic Governance Manual) to outline the Board’s guidelines for Dr. Reid’s work. During regular meetings, the Board receives regular detailed reports for each of the Executive Limitations. Dr. Reid presents reports to ensure her compliance, and, if necessary, the Board can request a corrective action plan.
The Board also reviews the Strategic Plan's five goals each year. These goal reports assess FCPS’s progress and share plans to address areas that require improvement. Our Executive Limitation and Strategic Plan Goal Report are aligned with Virginia’s eight standards, encompassing topics like Strategic Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Culturally Responsive Division Leadership, and Student Academic Progress. Access Dr. Reid’s performance evaluations here.
Faith Mekonen- New School Board Student Representative
 Faith Mekonen, a rising senior at South County High School, was elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board. She is the 55th student representative to the School Board.
Mekonen has three main focuses as student representative: reducing discipline disproportionality, elevating student voice in policy decisions, and the implementation of the revised grading and cell phone policy. For the first time, she presented Student Representative Matters to the School Board.
Watch her welcome video.
Megan Sawant Ends Her Term
Thank you Megan for your service as the 54th Student Representative to the School Board. Her advocacy for student voice was unparalleled. I wish her the best as she embarks on her college career.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tonight, Thursday, July 17, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
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Tuesday, August 26, 10:30 a.m.- All Day Work Session
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Thursday, August 28, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
FCPS Updates
Welcome Principal Butzer- Longfellow MS
I am very excited to announce the new principal at Longfellow MS, Chris Butzer, who was most recently an assistant principal at Luther Jackson MS. Principal Butzer brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating vibrant learning environments where all students can thrive, especially in the middle school setting. As a middle school science teacher and instructional coach, she increased student achievement and fostered strong, collaborative school culture. Region 2 highlighted her strength as a leader who is collaborative, approachable, and actively engaged with students, staff, and families.
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Middle School and High School Grading Updates
There will be new grading policies for all middle and high school classes in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about middle and high school grading policy updates.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates
The 2025-26 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R): A Guide for Families explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Cell Phone Policy Update for High Schools
Beginning in August, high school students must keep devices off and away during classroom time and passing periods. High school students can only use their cell phones and other personal devices (AirPods, smart watches, etc.) during lunch and before or after school. This is a change from FCPS’ SY 2024-25 cell phone policy, which allowed high schoolers to use devices during passing periods.
Boundary Explorer Tool Survey- Closes July 18
FCPS value every voice. Community members had the opportunity to share their thoughts on the three draft scenarios through a survey available on the district’s Boundary Explorer Tool. (The survey and commenting function will close on Friday, July 18, at 5 p.m.) The survey was intended to gather community input as the district contemplates potential boundary changes. The survey is a critical input into the boundary review process to:
- Guide scenario refinement
- Prioritize community values
- Inform final recommendations
Since mid-May, families, employees, and community members have been able to provide feedback on the three draft boundary scenarios through a survey and commenting function within our Boundary Explorer Tool. All feedback submitted in the tool prior to July 18 at 5 p.m. is being collected by the consultant and will be shared with the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee.
Watch this video to learn more about the Boundary Explorer Tool. To learn more about the comprehensive boundary review process, you can review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), bookmark our | 
