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March Newsletter

Message from Ilryong Moon

Honoring Custodian and Food and Nutrition Worker Appreciation Month

With an eye toward warmer spring temperatures and the first flowers breaking through, March is a month of new starts. Bright sun and longer days energize me, and we’ll all need it for the important weeks ahead.

This time of year marks the midway point of Budget Season. Both the Superintendent and the County Executive have presented their FY2027 Advertised Budgets and the School Board has worked throughout the month to advocate for full funding of our budget request from the County.

Unfortunately, we are disappointed to be underfunded by Fairfax County by $43.8 million in the county executive's proposal, so we have more work to do.  

The Superintendent’s budget request from Fairfax County was $138.4 million to be transferred to the School Operating Fund. When the County Executive  presented the FY 2027 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors, he only included $94.6 million for funding to FCPS, leaving a $43.8 million gap in support for our schools.  

This shortfall might be closed with additional funding from the State, but without that certainty, we must continue to advocate for a funding level that fully meets Fairfax County Public Schools' vision. We have made a commitment to the students and families in our Division to provide a world-class education, and the shortfall does not align with that obligation.  

In the coming days, there are additional questions that I will seek to answer and areas of concern to track. Several services that the County previously paid for are now proposed to shift to the school system’s responsibility. Any cuts to funding that affect student health and safety must be reversed, including getting to school safely, mental health services, and after school enrichment.  Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan says that we are committed to ensuring students are Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

I have included the upcoming milestones for the budget work in the newsletter below. We have work to do, so please speak up about the issues that matter to you the most. Your voice is an essential piece of this process. 

Best,

Ilryong Moon

What's New & What's Next 

Skyview High School

Budget: Process Underway

Why I Voted “NO” on the Transportation Motion

Celebrating Outstanding Educators

What's Happened in February

A Day at Marshall High School: DECA Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month, Freshman Orientation, and Boys Basketball

State of Centreville 2026

New Teachers Wanted: Instructional Job Fair at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Woodson Leadership Lab

Lunar New Year at Powell Elementary School and TJHSST

Just World Festival: Passport to the World

Northeast Asia Relations Club

Performing Arts: Oakton Theatre’s Clue and Legally Blonde at Lake Braddock SS

A Night of Korean Tradition at Centreville High School

Annandale Rotary Club

ACE Adult Education Classes

Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta at Lewis High School

Celebrating Black History Month at Woodson High School

Reflections Awards—Fairfax County Council PTA

South County Stallions Advance to State Playoffs

Lorton Station Elementary's SPARK EXPO

Bulletin

Kimmy Duong Foundation Scholarship Opportunity

Middle School Transition Fair

Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs and Career Building Workshops this Month

Student Award Opportunity

Skyview High School

We have a new high school in Fairfax County! Last year, FCPS purchased the former King Abdullah Academy site in Herndon, Virginia, marking an important milestone in addressing student growth and facility needs in the western part of the county.

The School Board selected Skyview High School as the name for the new facilities in the western part of the county.  During the meeting, Sully District representative Seema Dixit brought the motion to select the name and I was honored to second the motion. There was much excitement shared by the entire Board.  

Budget

Budget Process Underway

Superintendent Reid presented her Advertised Budget to the Board at the January 22 meeting. All budget related materials are on the FCPS Budget webpage. The School Board will hold a public hearing and a budget work session that is open to the public in May.

Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill released its Advertised Budget on February 17. You can share feedback with the County at upcoming public hearings, community meetings, and online. Public hearings will take place April 14-16, and you can sign up to speak. And, starting March 2 there are Budget Town Halls in each district.

The following milestones in the FY2027 budget process are ahead: 

• April 14: School Board budget presentation to the Board of Supervisors
• April 14–16: Board of Supervisors Public Hearings
• May 5: Board of Supervisors adopts final budget and sets school transfer amount
• May 7: Approved budget presented to the School Board
• May 12: FCPS School Board Public Hearing
• May 14: School Board Budget Work Session
• May 21: School Board adopts Approved Budget

Why I Voted “NO” on the Transportation Motion

In our recent School Board meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, I made the difficult but necessary decision to vote against the proposed transportation plan. 

While these board discussions can be complicated, my reason for voting “No” comes down to a simple principle: Fairness and Consistent Service for our students.

I cannot support a plan that treats students differently. Please note that I was going to support a motion that would provide transportation to all students, and not just high school students.

What This Means for Families

When the School Board approves boundary changes (changing which school a neighborhood is assigned to), we have a "Phase-In" policy. This gives students in certain grades the “Right to Stay” at their current schools so their education isn't interrupted. However, a right to attend a school is hollow if a student has no way to get there. Busing is essential to make this work.

I opposed the amendment for three primary reasons:

• The final plan created a "split" system—providing busing for older students while denying it to younger ones. Providing transportation for younger students is even more critical not just for fairness but also for their safety.
• With 5,000 fewer students expected in our district next year, we will already see natural savings in transportation costs. We should use those savings to protect the group of students who rely on us to get to the schools they have a right to attend.
• I was happy to support a budget that includes nearly $18 million to fairly pay our highest-earning employees. If we can find the resources to ensure our staff is taken care of, it is even more imperative to find $3.1 million to treat our students with the same level of fairness.

My Commitment to Our Students and Families

We cannot force boundary changes on families and then take away the essential services that make those transitions possible. My vote was a commitment to ensuring that “Equity” isn’t just a buzzword, but a standard we apply to every student in our division. 

Celebrating Outstanding Educators

FCPS is fortunate to have more than 40,000 employees working tirelessly to make our schools the best in the nation. The Division finds numerous ways to show our appreciation for that hard work and I had the pleasure of celebrating three staff this month. In surprise visits, Liberty Middle School Band Director Joe LaBrie was named the Region 4 Outstanding Secondary Teacher and Lynn Eckerman, Annandale High School Biology teacher, was named the Region 6 Outstanding Secondary Teacher.  Additionally, I was at Newington Forest Elementary to congratulate art teacher Nathan Drake, in his recognition as the Outstanding Elementary Teacher in Region 4.  

Region 4 Outstanding Secondary Teacher Joseph LaBrie, Band Director at Liberty Middle School

Region 6 Outstanding Secondary Teacher Lynn Eckerman, Biology Teacher, Annandale High School

Art teacher Nathan Drake recognized as Outstanding Elementary Teacher in Region 4

What’s Happened in February

A Day at Marshall High School: DECA Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month, Freshman Orientation, and Boys Basketball

DECA Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month

I spent a great afternoon with Marshall High School’s DECA group for their “Policy Makers Highlight” series. Students were focusing on career and technical education so I shared highlights of the amazing offerings of FCPS to be career-ready—more than 67,000 students are enrolled in over 160 Career and Technical Education courses. I’m always inspired when I spend time with students–their curiosity and vision for the future remind me of my personal journey into public service. I’m confident that these DECA members will find ways to positively impact their community through leadership, public service, and policymaking.

Members of Marshall High School's DECA club

Freshman Orientation 

On the same evening, families and incoming freshmen filled the Marshall auditorium for their first orientation. Staff walked the newest Statesmen through schedules, courses, and expectations, setting them up for a great start in August. 

Freshman orientation at Marshall High School

Boys Basketball - Marshall vs. Yorktown

The Statesmen bested the Yorktown Patriots 55-50 after coming from behind in the last minutes of the game. With 11 three-point shots made, the student section cheered on their team at max volume. 

Marshall vs. Yorktown varsity boys basketball

State of Centreville 2026

At the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual State of Centreville ‘26 conference, I spoke about the importance of education in this wonderfully diverse and dynamic community. Education is a shared priority that connects us all, and it is important to elevate the strengths and needs of Centreville families. I felt inspired by the many organizations who are investing their time and effort in Centreville. The collaboration across private business, education and child enrichment entities, public facilities, and faith groups was a great reflection of the Centreville community.

I made a small donation to an organization providing social services in the Centreville area to encourage others to do the same. There are many organizations that need our support and donations from individuals and business can have a significant positive impact. 

Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce's State of Centreville meeting

New Teachers Wanted: Instructional Job Fair at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Prospective new teachers braved the cold to attend FCPS’ Instructional Job Fair at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Alongside Superintendent Reid and Chief of Schools Dr. Ponce (everyone bundled up with scarves!) I met numerous people who were answering the call to inspire the next generation and I reconnected with one of our current Ambassador teachers.

At the instructional job fair at Lake Braddock SS

Leadership Lab at Woodson

Student leaders from around the county gathered at Woodson for Leadership Lab.

More than 100 student leaders from nine area schools gathered at Woodson High School for the Leadership Lab. Participants were selected because of their roles as student government officers, committee chairs, and general leadership members. I was happy to share a bit of advice for these young, aspiring leaders to help them build leadership skills and find ways to continue public service in the community.

Lunar New Year at Powell Elementary and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

The colors and sounds of the Lunar New Year celebrations at Powell Elementary and TJHSST brought great joy to everyone in attendance. High energy performers captured the spirit of the Year of the Fire Horse with artistic flair. At Powell, the dancing and beautiful costumes kept the symbolism of this year at the forefront of my mind–energy, strength, and change. At TJHSST, I met a parent who has four children who have moved through the doors—two past and two current, Class of 2018, 2022, 2026, and 2029 and everyone received a Hong Bao, or red envelope gift given at special celebrations to symbolize good luck, prosperity, and joy.  

Top: Performers at Powell Elementary; Below: Bold colors at the Year of the Fire Horse at TJHSST

Just World Festival:  Passport to the World

Annandale High School’s Just World Interact Club held the 20th Annual Festival celebrating global culture with student-led exhibits and service projects. There was a mix of international food and music, and attendees heard from FCPS’ own Edward Osborne, a Global Education Specialist as the keynote speaker. The event sought to promote sustainability and global awareness and create and empower belonging. In the center picture below, at a table for the Peace Corps, I am placing a pin on the city of my birth on a world map.  

Just World Festival at Annandale High School

Northeast Asia Relations Club

I was honored to be invited to speak at the first meeting of the McLean High School’s Northeast Asia Relations Club. I shared my personal history as a Korean immigrant and how my family’s story is tightly woven with the political and economic history of the Korean peninsula. I hope that hearing stories like mine will help the next generation better understand the lasting impact of conflict on families near and far.

Northeast Asia Relations Club at McLean High School