Fairfax County Public Schools

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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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

Now that Spring Break is behind us, we all lean forward into the final sprint to the finish of this school year. I hope that all of you had the opportunity to spend quality, relaxing time with family and that your travels in and out of town ended safely!

As I look forward to a busy spring with big upcoming decisions regarding a difficult budget outlook as well as key issues around Student Rights and Responsibilities and policy updates governing when and how to establish, revisit, and update our school boundaries, I want to ensure each and every student has the best chance at a successful future on his or her educational journey.

This time of year also draws focus to appointments (and vacancies) on the ten citizen advisory committees for the upcoming school year (2024-25). For anyone who has a passion or expertise in a specific area and wants to be more engaged, I welcome your inquiry using my contact page on the FCPS Website. Some committees do have requirements for membership. If you reach out, please provide your resume and a statement why you would like to serve.

Additionally, I'd like to call your attention to a current vacancy that I'm interested in filling soonest -- the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC). If interested or your need to know more, please visit the committee page for details about the committee's purpose, members and past and upcoming meetings. To apply, please use my contact page and include your resume and an interest statement as to why you want to serve.

I welcome all April showers provided that they deliver us a beautiful upcoming show of spring flowers for all to enjoy.

Best to you all!

Ilryong Moon 

Congratulations Fairfax Teams & Students on your VHSL Successes and Championships

Before we entirely put winter in our rearview, let's please pause and congratulate all of our VHSL competitors this winter season on their competitive successes and, in some cases, championships.

I was thrilled to attend the Virginia State Championship boys basketball game and couldn't have been prouder to cheer on our South Lakes Seahawks as they captured the State Title. I'm an avid sports fan, especially basketball, and know how much work and preparation go into the end-of-season play where we take on the best opponents and reach for our best performances to compete. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes not, but in every case the work ethic it teaches our young students strengthens their character and teaches them the discipline they'll need for the rest of their lives to be successful.

I offer my warmest congratulations to the four school teams and thirty-six individuals bringing home state championships and especially those who competed at the highest levels and just came up one competition short as runners-up. I know and acknowledge how close the competition is these days and the talent necessary to complete for championships is to be celebrated!

To all of our competitors: keep working hard and giving your absolute best!

Visit the Fairfax County Public Schools website for a list of all of all of our winter sports successes!

Shaping Young Minds: Your Path to Teaching with Fairfax County Public Schools!

As a school board member, I'm impressed every day by the dedication and passion of our educators. They play a vital role in shaping the future of our community, and we're always looking for talented individuals to join our FCPS family.

This month, I want to highlight the exciting opportunities available for those who dream of a rewarding career in education. There is more than one path to becoming a teacher depending on whether you've attended college, are already licensed or are a career switcher looking to shape the future. Fairfax County Public Schools human resources' staff can walk you through the variety of pathways to professional licensure that are tailored to a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Perhaps you're a recent graduate with a teaching degree? We welcome you to check out our current vacancy list and apply for a standard licensure position. Our comprehensive onboarding program and dedicated staff will ensure a smooth transition into your new role.

Or maybe you're considering a career change and already have a bachelor's degree in another field? The State of Virginia has several paths to professional licensure and we welcome the opportunity to talk to you about alternative pathways that you'll find helpful such as iteach as well as college and univerity-affiliated programs. 

If you're already a licensed teacher in another state, the transition process can be streamlined and we'll work with you to ensure your existing credentials meet Virginia's requirements, allowing you to begin your FCPS journey quickly.

Explore the Virginia Department of Education's Alternate Routes to Licensure for guidance on obtaining Virginia licensure.

No matter your background, FCPS offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in education. Visit our Teaching Careers website and explore all of the opportunities we have to welcome new teachers and why choosing Fairfax County Public Schools can add to your rewarding journey.

I invite you to join our vibrant community of educators and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Together, we can shape the future, one classroom at a time.

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

• April 11, 7:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting
• April 16, 10:30am - School Board Forum: Policy 1802
• April 16, 11:30am - School Board Work Session
• April 25, 7:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting

Open to the public:

• April 15, 10:30am - Public Engagement Committee (PEC) Meeting
• April 15, 12:00pm - Governance Committee Meeting
• April 16, 9:00am - Governance Committee Meeting
• April 18, 7:00pm - Comprehensive Planning Development Comm Mtg
• April 20, 10:30am - School Board Mini-Retreat
• April 30, 3:00pm - Audit Committee Meeting

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2023-2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Note: This newsletter contains links (above) 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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

As the days grow longer and the promise of spring fills the air, I also feel a sense of renewal. This month, as we celebrate Women's History Month, we're particularly inspired by the countless women who have championed education and opportunity for all. From educators and administrators to mothers tirelessly advocating for their children's success, their legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering a loving, diverse and inclusive learning environment for our children.

During this month's public meetings, we will discuss important issues such as our regular revisions to the Student Rights & Responsibilities handbook which all students and parents receive at the beginning of every year. If you're interested in hearing about the changes for next year, please consider attending the upcoming public Work Session on March 19 at the Gatehouse Administration Center. 

I also want to remind you to stay engaged in the budget process and be ready to participate in upcoming meetings, events, and community hearings. Visit the Fairfax County Budget Process Timeline website hosted by the Fairfax County government for up-to-date meeting information.

To connect with me, use the link at the bottom of the page labeled Contact: Ilryong Moon.

All the best,

Ilryong Moon

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

• March 19, 10:30am - Work Session, Strategic Plan Goal 5, SR&R
• March 21, 7:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting

Open to the public:

• March 12, 1:30pm - Governance Committee Meeting
• March 12, 4:00pm - Public Engagement Committee (PEC) Meeting
• March 14, 7:00pm - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee Meeting

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

Dates and times are subject to change. Please review the 2023-2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Join a Community Conversation
on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14. 

All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.

Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.

Curiosity? Stay Informed... Where does FCPS Funding Come From?

The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (The numbers below, unless noted otherwise, represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)

FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority. Learn more about FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget.

 

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

It's great to be serving again, my sixth term, on the Fairfax County School Board. I welcome you all to our monthly newsletter and thank all of you for the warm welcome and encouraging words you've shared with me since the start of the year.

As an immigrant from a working-class family in post-war South Korea, I cherish everything that public schools did for me. I look forward to continuing my work on the School Board, ensuring our children grow into happy and successful adults.

I'd like to draw everyone's attention to one of the most important issues we face every year -- ensuring our Superintendent has the budget she needs to operate our school system effectively and for our teachers to deliver, to our students, the best education. I'm pleased to announce our School Board has now approved her proposed budget to send to the County Executive.

This year, the budget focuses on excellence and competitive compensation. Our students deserve the very best teachers preparing them for their glorious futures. To attract top talent, we must have the resources to recruit and retain the best educators. We are building a culture to deliver careers in education that are fulfilling and draw into Fairfax County our best college graduates, not only in education and the core subjects but also those who possess career, technical, and trade skills for our ever-expanding course catalog of Career and Technical Education offerings.

I urge you to watch the School Board meetings and Dr. Reid's presentations, in particular, to learn about our schools' priorities for the upcoming year. I will be working with my School Board colleagues and our County Board of Supervisors to ensure our school system is fully funded and remains not only the best in Virginia, but recognized around the Country as a model for other systems to follow.

Please follow all of the School Board and Board of Supervisors budget activities. Once we have our final budget from the County Board of Supervisors, participate in the public hearings to make your thoughts known regarding what's important to you that we bring into our schools.

I also welcome Chris Lewis, who will be working closely with me as my Staff Aide and helping with community engagement, as well as fielding questions and comments directed to me and ensuring that your questions are answered.

To read more about me, visit my Web page or to connect with me, use the link at the bottom of the page labeled Contact: Ilryong Moon.

All the best,

Ilryong Moon

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• March 7, 7pm - Regular School Board Meeting
• March 19, 10:30am - Work Session, Strategic Plan Goal 5
• March 21, 7pm - Regular School Board Meeting

All public School Board meetings (above) are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

Dates and plans are always subject to change. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please review the latest version of the 2023-2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar.

Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget Focuses on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation

Last week, our School Board adopted Dr. Reid's proposed budget and it will now be sent to our County Executive where he'll continue working with the Board of Supervisors to determine the final budget for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Dr. Reid's now-adopted budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all.

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce.

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

• Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students.
• Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
• Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
• Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024.

Here are some links you'll find useful to stay engaged with the budget process:

• Here's the presentation on the FY2024-2025 Advertised Budget
• Stay up to date on the latest news regarding the budget
• Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process

School Board Citizen Advisory Committees

Community members interested in serving on School Board Citizen Advisory Committees can contact School Board Members expressing interest at any time. Advisory Committee appointments generally are for one school year and begin in September and continue through June. 

If you'd like to know more, visit the School Board Committees page and review the list of citizen advisory committees and their missions. If you would like to serve, please reach out to me or to your Magisterial District School Board member to express interest.

And finally... Happy Lunar New Year of the Dragon Stay In Touch / Connected

I encourage all of us to stay connected with our elected officials. As one of your At-Large School Board Members, I work on your behalf to ensure our students have the best educational outcomes!

If you're unsure how to engage with other elected officials, here are two resources to help you find your elected representatives and stay informed of the Board of Supervisors public meeting schedule (especially while we continue to work through the budget process -- we need your input):

• Board of Supervisors Meeting Calendar
• Find my elected officials (Supervisor, Delegate, Senator, etc.)

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296