Laura Jane Cohen was sworn into office as the Springfield District School Board Member on December 12, 2019. Cohen grew up in Marietta, Georgia, and is the daughter and granddaughter of public school teachers.

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science, Cohen worked for the Lt. Governor and Secretary of State of Georgia. When she and her husband moved to Fairfax County in 2001, Cohen became the Director of Outreach for a National Parkinson’s nonprofit. Having two kids brought her back to her teaching roots. Cohen taught preschool for several years before becoming a long-term substitute teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. Cohen also served on the Cherry Run Elementary School PTA for eight years, three years as Staff Relations Chair, two terms as PTA President, and as the liaison to the Fairfax County Council of PTAs. She is currently a proud member of the Lake Braddock PTSA.

Cohen is a proud volunteer with Moms Demand Action and has also served on the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s LGBTQ+ Committee. She also served on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee as well as the Disputed Materials Committee for the FCPS School Board. 

In addition to her advocacy work, Cohen opened a vintage home decor shop in Clifton in 2015.  Though she no longer owns it, Cohen still enjoys restoring furniture in her free time. She and her husband, Seth, live in Burke with their two kids and two dogs.

Current term expires 12/31/23

Video - Back-to-School Message

Newsletters

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About Fairfax County's Springfield District

Fairfax County is divided into nine magisterial districts, which are used for conducting elections. Magisterial districts are unrelated to school boundaries. Ms. Cohen was elected to serve as the School Board member to represent the Springfield magisterial district. 

• Springfield District Schools
• Springfield District Map
• Fairfax County Government Springfield District website
• Find your home district

Citizen Advisory Committees

The School Board appoints members to numerous citizen advisory committees to increase community input on specific issues. School Board members each appoint a citizen to represent their district. Advisory committees meet throughout the year and submit an annual report to the Board. Learn more about School Board committees, including citizen advisory committees.

• Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC)
• Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC)
• Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
• Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC)
• Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC)
• Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
• Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)
• Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
• School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
• Title I Parent Advisory Committee (TPAC) - Members of this committee are selected by school principals.

Contact

Laura Jane Cohen

• Phone: 571-423-1080
• E-mail: Send An Email

Stephanie Sheridan, Executive Administrative Assistant

• Phone: 571-423-1065
• E-mail: Send An Email