Hello FCPS Students, Families, and Community,

You may be aware that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) and Fairfax County Public Schools are now the subject of a Commonwealth of Virginia Attorney General investigation.

Last month, we were made aware that there had been a delay in sharing National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognition with TJHSST students designated as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. After learning of this delay, impacted students and their families were notified, and staff sent emails and made follow-up calls to colleges where these students had applied to inform them of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation commendations.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has initiated an investigative review by an independent third party into the circumstances surrounding this situation. Our current understanding is that the delay at TJHSST this fall was a unique situation due to human error, but we will leave it to our investigative review to draw any final conclusions. We are committed to sharing any key findings and any updates to our processes to ensure future consistency in appropriate and timely notification of National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognitions going forward. In addition, the Virginia Attorney General investigation will include a review of the TJHSST admissions policies. 

FCPS stands ready to work with our partners at the state level on both areas of investigation, and I have already communicated this to the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We understand and value the hard work and dedication of each and every student, and the families and staff who support them. Please be assured that we remain resolutely committed to supporting every student in reaching their unique and fullest potential.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools