Fairfax County School Board Issues Statement on Member’s Actions
On February 3, the Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to adopt a public statement regarding the actions of School Board member Stephen Hunt. The statement follows:
“School Board member Mr. Steve Hunt recently sent a letter directly to all Fairfax County high school principals on the subject of homosexuality. The letter was written on personal letterhead, but was signed by Mr. Hunt, ‘Fairfax County School Board, Member At-large.’ The School Board met tonight to discuss Mr. Hunt’s actions.
“The letter sent by Mr. Hunt was not authorized by and does not reflect the views of the School Board. The School Board continues to support the family life education curriculum and its treatment of this sensitive subject.
“Although board members may speak out on issues of concern to them, board members as individuals have no official or legal authority outside of board meetings, except as the Board has delegated to them. Mr. Hunt violated School Board policy when he sent the letter to individual principals, and recommended changes to the school system’s instructional materials and programs. The Board has established procedures and guidelines for implementing curriculum changes. The Board is committed to maintaining the integrity of those procedures.
“Mr. Hunt has apologized to the school principals and the School Board for his actions. The School Board accepts his apology and reiterates its expectation that Board members will respect the policies and procedures the Board has adopted. When Board members have concerns about aspects of the school system’s operations and curriculum, they should bring those concerns to the attention of the Board or the Superintendent.”###
Note: For more information, contact the Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Community Relations at 571-423-1200.
Last update:
February 4, 2005
Curator: Therese Payne, therese.payne@fcps.edu