Falls Church City Public Schools: Recent Episodes

Falls Church City Public Schools

The Falls Church School Board meetings, presentations, and performances from Falls Church City Public Schools.

1. Special Recognition: Superintendent's Certificate of Commendation

Meridian High School senior and Cross Country team member Katherine Steyn was honored with the Superintendent's Certificate of Commendation for her quick thinking and compassion. During last week's Oatlands Invitational, Katherine stopped mid-race to assist an unconscious competitor and stayed with her until medical help arrived. Her selfless actions exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and care for others.

2. Curriculum, Instruction, and Achievement Annual Update

This presentation highlighted student performance and growth during the 2023-24 school year, the continued success of the International Baccalaureate program, and division-wide achievements. Focus areas for 2024-25 include closing achievement gaps and increasing academic rigor for all students.

3. Student Computer Security

An overview of FCCPS’s approach to protecting student data and ensuring online safety. The presentation covered security measures for school-issued devices, web filtering, and monitoring systems to safeguard students’ online experiences at school and at home.

4. Year-End Financial Report for FY 2024

The financial report summarized the school division’s budget and spending for FY 2024. Highlights included higher-than-anticipated revenue, underspending in key areas, and the effective use of federal pandemic recovery funds. Fund balances for the school operating, food services, and community services were reviewed.

In this meeting, the School Board received an updated report of school safety concerns following national incidents and reflections on the smooth start to the 2024-2025 school year. The board also celebrated the hard work of FCCPS staff, praised improvements in bus schedules, and highlighted the successful convocation and school opening. Dr. Noonan shared thoughts on his final year before retirement, expressing his commitment to supporting FCCPS as he “runs through the tape.”

The meeting also included the introduction of a resolution recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month and discussions around the division’s strategic focus on safety, wellness, and mental health for students and staff.

Falls Church School Board received a presentation of the Biennial Student & Staff Climate Survey for the 2023-2024 school year. This survey, conducted by K-12 Insight gathered feedback from students and staff on various aspects of school life. The board decided to delay a formal vote on a district-wide policy on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices until after Winter Break allowing time to gather additional input from various stakeholders and look at the approaches in area high schools. The Board also reviewed the district’s new IB & Strategic Plan Placemat.

The Falls Church School Board celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Falls Church Education Foundation and welcomed Allison Klink, the new Director of Early Childhood Education. They also continued discussing a proposed policy on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices.

During last night's Falls Church School Board monthly work session, the Board received written reports from the School Board Advisory Committees and School Affiliated Organizations and oral reports from a few of the Committees. The discussions included the use of technology in schools and an update on the State Budget. The update highlighted several key points:

The General Assembly adopted an amended FY 2024 budget and a 2024-2026 biennial budget, which the Governor signed into law.
Changes in sales tax distributions resulted in decreased state funding for school divisions while funding for the Infrastructure and Operations Per Pupil Fund increased.
Overall, the state budget impacts on FCCPS for FY 2025 include minor adjustments in funding allocations, with a recommendation to restore recurring funding for two positions and defer action on remaining available funds for potential future needs.

During the June Falls Church School Board Regular Meeting, the Board held a reception and later recognized this year's Business In Education (BIE) Community Partnership Award winners. The Board celebrated the accomplishments of the Spring Sports and Odyssey of the Mind teams and students who won Cappie Awards for the Meridian spring play, “Frankenstein.”

The Board passed a Resolution recognizing Dr. David Ortiz for his service to the board and recognizing June as Pride Month.

The Falls Church City Public School Board celebrated the four distinguished recipients of this year's FCCPS Employee Awards. Later, the Board unanimously approved the final budget for the 2024-25 school year. The budget includes critical enhancements, including a new Elementary Reading Specialist, the addition of five new elementary teachers, two half-time paraprofessionals, and a new teacher for the secondary campus, in anticipation of next year's enrollment increase. It also maintains competitive compensation for our staff, including a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment and a Step increase, resulting in an average salary increase of 6%.

The Falls Church School Board convened a Special Meeting to honor and celebrate the achievements of several student groups. The special assembly highlighted the diverse talents and accomplishments of the students within the school district.

NOTE: Audio of the first few minutes of the meeting was unavailable due to technical difficulties.

At the Falls Church School Board Work Session last night, the board focused on refining educational strategies and addressing budget concerns for the upcoming school year. Key discussions included enhancing class placement processes at the primary level to align with the International Baccalaureate (IB) standards and boosting teacher qualifications in Advanced Academics. Financially, the board tackled projections related to state revenue and budgetary adjustments necessary due to the General Assembly's pending decisions, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial planning to support educational excellence despite fiscal uncertainties.

The Falls Church School Board began its monthly meeting to honoring the children from our military-connected families (above). FCCPS is on the path to becoming the third school division in Virginia to achieve the esteemed Purple Star Designation from the Virginia Department of Education. This prestigious award is given to schools that show an unwavering commitment to supporting military children as they navigate the challenges of transitioning between schools and managing the difficulties of deployment periods.

The Board also continued discussing Parents as Coaches and whether to limit participation by either policy or regulation. The Board has decided to continue the discussion and receiving public input.
Resolutions recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child, Arab American History Month, Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, and School Library Month were also approved.

During its March Work Session last night, the Falls Church School Board received two presentations and answers to questions on the continuing topic of Parents as Coaches.

FCCPS Transportation Director Regina Anderson described efforts in managing and optimizing its 29-bus fleet, including daily operations, staff structure, and replacement strategies for its mix of diesel and electric buses. Anderson highlighted challenges in staffing, the strategic purchase versus lease-purchase considerations for new buses, and collaborations to enhance community service and operational efficiency.
FCCPS Food Services Director Richard Kane outlined his team's diverse and innovative approach to providing nutritious meals across five schools - more than 21,000 meals in January alone. He discussed compliance with USDA mandates, community inclusion, and sustainability initiatives. Kane also addressed operational challenges and opportunities for growth, including staffing and resource management, against a backdrop of significant achievements and recognitions.
The School Board continued discussions on "Parents as Coaches" within FCCPS and received answers to previously submitted questions. The School Board is reviewing various aspects of parental involvement in coaching, the selection process for athletic teams, recruiting and hiring coaches, and measures to ensure fairness and prevent nepotism.

In its March Regular Meeting, the Falls Church School Board unanimously approved its "Advertised Budget" for the fiscal year 2025. It includes reductions in health expenditures and the addition of an Elementary Reading Specialist. The budget also maintains its commitment to competitive compensation for FCCPS staff, with a proposed Step increase for all eligible employees and a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), translating to an average pay increase of 6%. The budget is now submitted to the City Manager for inclusion in the General Government's Proposed Budget to be presented to the City Council in April.The School Board also approved two landmark Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Falls Church City Education Association (FCCEA), representing both certified and non-certified Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) employees. The agreements encompass a range of topics, including salaries, benefits, and some working conditions, ensuring that our employees are supported and providing for the continuation of PEAC and SEAC and the creation of a labor-management committee.

Falls Church School Board Advances Inclusivity and Budget Planning

At the Falls Church School Board meeting, FCCPS Secondary Campus Associate Principals, Counselors, and other team members delivered a compelling presentation on the "Creating Welcoming and Courageous Spaces" initiative, which is dedicated to enhancing inclusivity and resilience among students. The initiative, driven by the vision of leveraging education for a more harmonious world, encompasses a range of actions and programs designed to tackle discrimination and foster a sense of community. Key initiatives include the establishment of a committee for the creation of educational content, discussions aimed at addressing racial incidents, and the integration of lessons focusing on setting expectations, establishing norms, and empowering students. Additionally, the board engaged in a debate regarding the involvement of parents as athletic coaches. It concluded its third FY 24-25 Budget Work Session, addressing pertinent budgetary queries.

This Falls Church School Board meeting was marked by a festive atmosphere, as February has been designated as School Board Appreciation Month and the current week as School Board Clerk Appreciation Week. In a heartfelt display of gratitude, each school in the district crafted a video tribute to honor the school board's efforts. Additionally, Clerk Marty Gadell received a special proclamation in recognition of her dedicated service to the board. The board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month and this year's theme of African Americans and the Arts. A highlight of the meeting was the FCCPS Spotlight segment, which showcased the impactful GIVE Day of Service held at the Secondary Campus. On this day, approximately 300 students transformed their day off into a "day on" by assembling protein meal packages for Ukraine and local food banks, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to community service and international aid.

In the first FY 2025 Budget Work Session of the Falls Church City School Board, key points included the modification of lunch and recess times at Oak Street for better teacher supervision and student safety, the impact of a potential subsidy for Wednesday child care, and a discussion on technology upgrades to enhance educational resources and infrastructure. The board also considered proposals for professional development programs to improve teaching standards and student outcomes.

In the first FY 2025 Budget Work Session of the Falls Church City School Board, key points included the modification of lunch and recess times at Oak Street for better teacher supervision and student safety, the impact of a potential subsidy for Wednesday child care, and a discussion on technology upgrades to enhance educational resources and infrastructure. The board also considered proposals for professional development programs to improve teaching standards and student outcomes.

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) has announced an ambitious budget for FY 2025 aimed at addressing the educational needs of a growing student population. Superintendent Peter Noonan's proposal includes strategic plans for expanding staff in response to an anticipated increase of 185 students over two years. Critical aspects of the budget involve hiring additional teachers and paraprofessionals, implementing a Step increase for eligible staff, and a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment to ensure competitive compensation. The budget is set for final adoption by the School Board on February 21, followed by a presentation to the City Council on April 1.

During its annual Organizational Meeting last night, the Falls Church School Board unanimously elected Dr. Tate Gould as its Chair and Kathleen Tysse as the Vice-Chair for the 2024 term.

The Board extended heartfelt congratulations to the Meridian High School Field Hockey team for their remarkable 21-1 season, a record that stands as the finest in the Mustang program's decade-long history.

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) has announced an ambitious budget for FY 2025 aimed at addressing the educational needs of a growing student population. Superintendent Peter Noonan's proposal includes strategic plans for expanding staff in response to an anticipated increase of 185 students over two years.

This presentation is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and professionals involved in supporting students with disabilities in their transition to post-secondary education and employment. It provides insights into the available services, eligibility criteria, and collaborative efforts between different organizations to facilitate this transition.

The Falls Church School Board meeting marked a significant transitional phase. The board celebrated the years-long contributions of outgoing Chair Laura Downs and member Dr. Susan Dimock, whose terms conclude on December 31st.

Meanwhile, the board welcomed and witnessed the swearing-in of new members Amie Murphy, Bethany Henderson, and Dr. Jerod Anderson, who returns for another term. All elected for four-year terms in November.

In the business segment, the board unanimously passed the 2025-2026 school calendar. The Board also adopted a new School Start Time Policy, passing with a 5-2 vote, which will delay the Secondary School start time by 20 minutes to 8:30 AM starting next year. Additionally, the board codified the ongoing practice of Early Release Wednesdays on a 4-3 vote.

The meeting also spotlighted the recent IB Continuum Conference, a significant event coordinated and hosted by Meridian High School. This conference drew educators from six states, underlining the school's commitment to collaborative learning and educational excellence.

n a joint presentation to the City Council and School Board, officials unveiled the fiscal forecast for FCCPS and the Falls Church General Government for the upcoming FY 2025, projecting robust growth amid financial challenges.

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) forecast a rise in student enrollment, necessitating the hiring of additional teachers and staff. The school system, grappling with national and state-level teacher shortages, is planning significant investments in employee compensation, including steps and Cost-of-Living Adjustments, alongside a 10% increase in health insurance rates.

FCCPS's expenditure needs amount to $4.3 million, covering costs related to enrollment growth, salary steps, COLA, health insurance, and other unavoidable increases.

The City's revenue is expected to grow by 8.0%, fueled by a 5.9% increase in real estate taxes and a significant 12.7% rise in other taxes. This surge, amounting to $7.5 million in new tax revenue, is partly attributed to new construction, contributing $2.1 million alone.

However, the City faces a projected budget gap of $3.1 million, considering the new revenues and expenditures. While facing these financial challenges, both the City and FCCPS emphasized their commitment to maintaining the high quality of services and education.

In a comprehensive agenda, the Falls Church School Board focused on future planning and policy development. Key discussions included setting legislative priorities for the 2024 General Assembly session and a forward-looking discussion on the FY 2025 budget priorities. Transportation was a notable topic, focusing on bolstering the Division's school bus fleet. Significant time was again dedicated to academic scheduling, including the 2025-2026 school calendar draft and moving forward on two policies regarding school start times and early release. After more than a year of discussion and public comment, final votes on the proposed policies are set for December 12th.

The Falls Church School Board received an extensive briefing on projected student enrollment for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. This briefing included the Weldon Cooper Center analysis at the University of Virginia and the Stephen Fuller Institute. A key focus was the demographic changes anticipated due to three upcoming Falls Church developments: West Falls, the Broad and Washington project, and Founders Row II, all expected by 2026. Superintendent Peter Noonan mentioned that, although final projections are expected early in December, it is estimated that there could be an average increase of approximately 100 students per year over the next three years.
The Board also delayed a decision on altering school start times and Short Wednesdays, opting for another deep discussion of all the issues last night. A draft policy will soon be created for future consideration by the Board.

The City of Falls Church celebrates the unveiling and official launch of electric school buses. Led by Superintendent of Schools Peter Noonan, the event includes speeches from various stakeholders, including the vice chair of the school board, Tate Gould, school transportation director Regina Anderson, and representatives from Sonny Merriman and Dominion Energy. The school's Sustainability Academy students were in attendance alongside other community members. The buses promise not only environmental benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution but also cost savings. The event concludes with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying the official launch of the buses.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 The Impact of Electric School Buses

02:30 Acknowledging Key Contributors

03:33 School Board's Perspective on Electric Buses

05:46 Sonny Maryland's Commitment to Electric Buses

12:01 Dominion Energy's Vision for Sustainable Energy

15:19 Transportation Department's Preparation for Electric Buses

18:45 Student's Perspective on Electric Vehicles

20:55 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the complexities of executive functioning skills in school-age students. Inspired by a recent presentation for Falls Church City Public School parents, we explore what executive functioning really means in the context of a child's daily life and academic journey. With over 110 parents in attendance, this topic has resonated deeply among educators and guardians alike.

In our discussion, we break down the core components of executive functioning, including emotional control, self-control, self-monitoring, flexible thinking, working memory, task initiation, planning, time management, and organization. Understanding these facets is crucial, as they are the building blocks for planning, completing, and evaluating tasks both in and out of the classroom.

We also share expert insights and practical strategies to help parents and educators assist children in developing and enhancing these vital skills. Whether you're a teacher seeking effective methods to support your students or a parent looking to understand and nurture your child's cognitive development, this episode is packed with invaluable information and tips.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of executive functioning and discover how you can be a pivotal part of a child's success in managing the challenges of school and beyond.

Baseball Field Restoration at Meridian High School: By a unanimous vote, the board authorized an expenditure and transfer of $2,000,000 from the fund balance to the Capital Improvement Fund. This money will be used for baseball field restoration at Meridian High School.
2024 Legislative Program: The School Board introduced its annual legislative program that outlines policy, funding, and other legislative issues significant to the school division and the community. The program emphasizes the board's commitment to high-quality public education and calls for increased state funding for students, staff, and facility modernization. The board also reiterated its support for policies that protect students from discrimination based on gender expression, gender identity, sexual harassment, and transgender status.
School Start Times and Early Release Wednesdays: Discussions continued about potential changes to school start times and the practice of Early Release Wednesdays. No final decisions were made on this matter.

During the Falls Church School Board October Regular Meeting: School leaders presented the annual School Action Reports, while a Spotlight on Team FCCPS video delved into the recent achievements of the 5-year Strategic Plan. The Board also designated October as Bullying Prevention, Filipino-American Heritage, and Italian-American Heritage Month. Public feedback was welcomed, and the session celebrated the latest inductees into the Virginia School Board Association Media Honor Roll. A decision regarding the allocation of a portion of last year's budget surplus for Meridian Baseball field improvements was postponed. The Board will revisit the matter in a Work Session in two weeks, allowing time for additional input from the community and potential vendors.

Medicaid Waivers are the way Virginia funds services for people with developmental disabilities. Everything from a small amount of respite to in-home care to employment support is covered by Waivers. In this one-hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, the Director of Advocacy at the Arc of Northern Virginia, will review what Waivers are, what services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.

Student Performance and End-of-Year Budget DataDuring the Falls Church School Board's September Work Session, Drs. Peter Weilenmann and William Bates presented the annual Fall Student Performance data. The comprehensive data primarily focused on the Standards of Learning (SOL) results, providing detailed breakdowns by subject area, including History, Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Writing. The presentation allowed for an in-depth analysis and discussion regarding student performance and achievement levels in various academic disciplines, facilitating a better understanding of areas requiring additional attention and resources.

Chief Operating Officer Kristen Michael also presented the final Budget Report for the last fiscal year, showing a Carryover of $2.2mil for the Board's consideration. Recommendations for using that money will be presented at the School Board's next Regular Meeting on October 10th.

During its September 2023 meeting, the first regular meeting of the Falls Church School Board for the new school year, Superintendent Peter Noonan presented his annual School Opening Report. The board also listened to public comments concerning short Wednesdays and Advanced Academics. They granted easements for commercial developments situated next to the Secondary Campus.

Superintendent Peter Noonan's Keynote address at the 2023-24 FCCPS Convocation, titled "Turning the Page," was delivered with the intent of acknowledging the challenges faced during the pandemic while emphasizing the importance of moving forward.

The title "Turning the Page" was chosen to signify a shift in focus from the challenges of the past to the opportunities of the present and future. Noonan clarified that this doesn't diminish the hardships faced during the pandemic but emphasizes the need to move forward.
He mentioned Rick Miller's keynote from the previous day, which talked about being in the moment. Noonan encouraged everyone to be present and focus on the current moment rather than dwelling on the past.

During the August 2023 Falls Church School Board Work Session, updates were presented on easement discussions with Hitt Contracting, who plans to construct a new headquarters next to Meridian High School. The board also reviewed safety, security, and student behavior within FCCPS. Ongoing discussions about school start times and early release on Wednesdays were furthered, with three potential options and a timeline presented, incorporating multiple town halls in the coming weeks and months.

Description for the YouTube Video:

2023 FCCPS Convocation Highlights: Dr. Peter Noonan's Vision for Excellence

In a stirring address during the Falls Church City Public Schools' annual convocation, Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan passionately communicates his unwavering commitment to the district's mission. With a backdrop of overwhelmingly positive Citywide survey results, he celebrates the district’s successes, notably in stark contrast to statewide concerns. From investing in people to ensuring competitive salaries, offering unique benefits like paid family leave, and fostering an environment of "wellness, equity, and belonging," Dr. Noonan underscores the importance of culture — the deep-rooted essence of FCCPS that propels it forward. Discover how culture, as Noonan vividly puts it, "eats strategy for breakfast," and why the vibrant culture of FCCPS gives everyone a reason to smile. Embrace the present, go forth, and be brilliant! #FCCPSConvocation2023 #EducationExcellence

Join Superintendent Peter Noonan as he welcomes students, staff, and parents back to the 2023-24 school year at Falls Church City Public Schools. Dive into the excitement, achievements, and vision for the year ahead. Discover why Falls Church has been named the best school division in Virginia for the fifth year in a row, and learn about the focus on Wellness, Equity, and Belonging. Let's make this year memorable! 🍎✏️📚

0:00:00 Meeting Begins 0:00:59 Recognitions and Reports 0:06:45 Public Comments 0:12:42 Government Operations Energy Action Plan 0:23:24 Converge West Falls Easement Review 0:59:25 Second Reading & Adoption of Policies 1:02:29 Summer Updates Presentation

In a specially convened meeting on June 27, 2023, the Falls Church City School Board unanimously voted to extend the contract for Peter J. Noonan as Superintendent of Schools through June 30, 2027.

Discover the impact of attending Falls Church City Public Schools, an IB Continuum School Division, on college success. We also explore the expansion of IB programs to the preschool level. Learn about a collaboration among FCCPS teachers and the integration of IB units in different subjects. Gain insights into a student-created podcast discussing important topics and the emphasis on community service projects. Explore the latest additions to the IB continuum, including a career-related program and a focus on sustainability. Hear about the upcoming IB School Continuum Conference to learn about best practices and partnerships. Understand from a former student's experience in the Diploma Programme and the long-lasting effects of IB education.

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the recording of the meeting did not begin until approximately 10 minutes after the session began.

The Falls Church School Board Work Session began last night with a presentation by the Meridian Gun Violence Prevention Club. Elijah Pelton and Rachel Grooms (above center) passionately shared details about the club's focus and initiatives. Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2nd.

Dr. Jennifer Santiago,the Director of Equity and Excellence, and Julie Macrina, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, then briefed the board on the upcoming Summer School plans. The Summer School is scheduled from July 10th to July 28th this year.

The board also received an update from Andy Young, Falls Church Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, on the Government Operations Energy Action Plan. This initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability within the city's government operations.

The board was also briefed on the developments related to Collective Bargaining Agreements. Chief Legal Officer Tricia Minson informed the board that both FCCPS Certified and Non-Certified staff members had voted in favor of unionizing during the election held over the past two days.

The Falls Church School Board has approved a budget for Fiscal Year 2024 that complies with the City Council's revised guidance of 5.3% organic revenue growth. The budget shows an increase of $2,476,749 in local funding, representing 80.4% of the total budget, and a 6.0% increase from the previous fiscal year's budget when expected state and federal revenue are included.

In April, the School Board received the results of a compensation study conducted with Segal. The study indicated that the cost to bring all employees to the new salary structures is approximately $2.1M (or 6.0% of payroll) and can be completed in the coming Fiscal Year.

The Board celebrated winners of the 2023 Community Partnership Awards, congratulated the Robotics and Scholastic Bowl teams, and approved resolutions for Asian American-Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage months.

Editor's NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, there was no audio for the first seven minutes of the meeting. The meeting begins at the moment audio was restored.At the Falls Church School Board Work Session, the board was presented with information about Early Release Wednesdays and how the district's schools utilize the planning time for teacher collaboration and professional development. Superintendent Peter Noonan gave an update on progress toward achieving his goals for the year. Chief Operations Officer Kristen Michael answered questions from the previous meeting's Compensation Study presentation.

The Falls Church School Board received presentations on two salary-related projects that have been developed as part of the FCCPS Strategic Plan Focus Area Investing in Our People:

Compensation Study, and
the Extra Pay for Extra Duty (EPED) Review

Segal conducted the Compensation Study and found inconsistencies in FCCPS's salary scales. The recommendations will bring market competitiveness across all of the steps and scales, with no employee having a reduction in pay and scale adjustments improving overall career earning potential. In addition, FCCPS will undertake an EPED Review to ensure market competitiveness, reflect internal equity, and increase transparency in the hiring process and stipend amounts.
The board also approved resolutions recognizing Arab American History Month, Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month, and School Library Month.

Both will be incorporated into the 2023-24 school year budget, and FCCPS will make significant investments in employee compensation.

During a Special Meeting last night, the Falls Church City School Board unanimously passed a resolution to grant public school teachers and staff collective bargaining rights, empowering them to organize and elect a union or association capable of negotiating labor contracts encompassing wages, benefits, and specific working conditions.
The Board also approved this year's VSBA Business Honor Roll and BIE Honored Partner Award Nominees. And Director of Communications, John Brett, presented an overview of FCCPS Communications efforts, products and services, and the 2023 FCCPS Communication Survey of the community results.

Falls Church City Manager of Falls Church, Wyatt Shields, and the School Board Chair, Laura Downs, presented their proposed budgets for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to the City Council in a joint presentation.

The presentation covered various topics, including the financial needs of the city and the school district, as well as plans for infrastructure improvements, educational programs, and staff salaries. The joint presentation allowed for a cohesive and comprehensive discussion of the budget, with both parties sharing their priorities and concerns for the upcoming fiscal year. Members of the City Council had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed budgets, ensuring that the final budget would meet the community's needs.

The School Board meeting began with a video update of the Communications and Community Engagement pillar of the FCCPS Strategic Plan. Later in the meeting, the Board unanimously approved the First Reading of a Collective Bargaining Resolution last night, which follows Virginia legislation passed in May 2021. This legislation permits collective bargaining between Virginia school boards, counties, cities, towns, and their employees by adopting an authorizing ordinance or resolution. Collective bargaining is a negotiation process between FCCPS and a group of employees represented by a bargaining agent, such as a union, to establish employment terms and conditions.

The Falls Church School Board received a presentation of the Advanced Academic plan at Oak Street Elementary for the coming year, which proposes a 1.0 additional position at Oak Street to support the new model. The Board then unanimously approved its FY24 Advertised Budget, including the Advanced Academic teacher and many compensation and benefit improvements for all staff. The budget is now sent to the Falls Church City Manager, who adds it to the City's overall proposed budget for consideration by the City Council.
Final approval is expected in May.

During the FCCPS Strategic Plan Midyear Update, Superintendent Peter Noonan and Director of Strategic Planning & Community Engagement Marybeth Connelly presented a progress report on the activities aligned with the FCCPS Strategic Plan.

The Falls Church School Board convened its latest meeting last night, which marked the debut of Dr. Jerrod Anderson as the Interim School Board Member. Dr. Anderson is taking over the position from Phil Reitinger, who resigned from the board last month. The meeting started with a series of recognition events, including School Board Appreciation Month, School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, and the recent GIVE Day program. Additionally, the board received a comprehensive Mid-Year Update on the Strategic Plan, focusing on Investing in our People section. One of the main topics of discussion was the proposal to move the start times for the Secondary Campus later. The board reviewed recent research and considered the potential benefits and challenges of such a change. The meeting also included an update on the ongoing Collective Bargaining discussions and a Q&A session on the FY24 Budget.

The Meridian High School student services team invited Juniors and their families to the annual Junior College Information Night. The evening covered how to build a balanced college list, the contents of a college application, tasks to complete to apply, and more.

The Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School administrators, 6th-grade team, encore team leader, specialists, and counseling team held their annual RISING 6TH GRADE INFORMATION NIGHT. This session covered transitioning to middle school, 6th-grade expectations, registration overview, and supports and services.

The Meridian High School counseling team hosted the "Rising 9th Grade Parent Information Night."

Families had the opportunity to meet the school counseling team, understand VDOE diploma options, learn what information is reported on a high school transcript, course offerings for 9th grade, student supports, and transitions, and how to finalize registering for classes for the 23-24 school year.

The Falls Church School Board held a Special Meeting and Public Hearing to allow four persons interested in filling a vacancy on the Board following the resignation of Phil Reitinger to express why they should be considered. Those who spoke were Jerrod Anderson, Bethany Henderson, Amie Murphy, and Tahir Qamar. The Board will make a final decision on February 2nd.

During the monthly Work Session portion of the meeting, the Board received an update on the Equity work ongoing in the schools and an overview of student performance – successes and areas needing improvement.

The Board also held its first Budget Work Session, where answers were provided to 16 questions board members submitted following last week's Superintendent's proposed budget presentation.

The Falls Church School Board unanimously re-elected Chair Laura Downs and Vice-Chair Tate Gould to serve in those identical posts for the 2023 term.

Superintendent Peter Noonan presented his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24. For the fifth consecutive year, the budget remains within the City Council guidance – this year, it is initially set at 4.2%, down from last year's 8.4% due to inflationary headwinds.

Welcome to the MHS Curriculum Overview Night

You will be hearing from our CTLs (Curriculum Teacher Leaders) and Sustainability Coordinator to discuss course sequences, course curriculum, graduation requirements, and an overview of the course selection process and timeline. Questions were taken at the end of the presentation.

December 16, 2023

The Meridian High Chamber Singers descended on Falls Church City Public Schools Central Office as the Winter Break was about to begin. They shared six acapella holiday selections under the direction of Ms. Jamie Samples.

The Falls Church School Board celebrated engaged parents, doubled down on anti-hate, and took a deep dive into the amazing results of ESOL growth rates. Plus, a two-term Board member announces his upcoming resignation.

Superintendent Peter Noonan presented a first look at the Fiscal Year 2024 FCCPS projected budget revenues, expenditures, and staff requests before the annual joint Budget Work Session of the School Board and City Council. Dr. Noonan says staff compensation will remain the key priority for the coming year. "We believe the best school division in Virginia should have the best-paid staff."
City Manager Wyatt Shields announced the General Government is projecting organic revenue growth for the coming year of 4.2%, one-half of last year's original 8.4% projected increase. Last night's meeting was the kick-off to the Falls Church budget-building season, with many updates and adjustments to be made before the revenue and spending plans are finalized.
Next Up: City Council will vote on this year's Budget Guidance on December 12th, and Superintendent Noonan will present his annual Proposed Budget to the School Board on January 10th.

Falls Church School Board Considers Calendars, Start Times, and Enrollment Projections

During a combined Work Session and Regular Meeting for November, the Falls Church School Board took one more look at proposed school calendars for the coming two years before they come up for approval in December. The Board also received a presentation on challenges the division would face if school day start times were pushed to later in the morning. And with the annual budget-building work set to begin next month, the Board reviewed the latest Enrollment Projections from UVA's Weldon Cooper Center.

During the Falls Church School Board October Work Session, FCCPS Legislative Representative Lilla Wise, presented a draft of the school division's Legislative Priorities in preparation for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session. Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Services, and nine FCCPS Special Services Support Staff provided a detailed review of the amazing array of Special Services provided to students at FCCPS. With the annual budget-building work on the horizon, Superintendent Peter Noonan reviewed the City & Schools Revenue Sharing approach and principals. The Board then discussed a response drafted by Board Member Dr. David Ortiz as the Board's public comment to the Virginia Department of Education's proposed 2022 Model Policies on the treatment of transgender and nonbinary students in public schools. The comment reiterates and expands on the position made in last month's Joint Statement of the Board and Superintendent on the matter that "we believe all students deserve a community that promotes inclusion and celebrates authenticity and assure you that FCCPS will maintain consistency with settled law and our adopted nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies."

The Board, on a 6-1 vote, finalized its months-long work of refining and tweaking its Policy CC - School Calendar, which establishes guidelines for building future academic calendars. The policy requires starting two weeks before Labor Day beginning next August and ending ideally no later than June 10, with most breaks scheduled around federal holidays. Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks remain unchanged. Calendar adoption this December will include TWO academic years, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. In December 2023, the School Board will adopt a calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year and then continue to adopt one calendar annually, each December.

The Falls Church School Board received a much anticipated, detailed presentation on student performance data for the past academic year. Chief Academic Officer William Bates and Dr. Peter Weilenmann, Director of Assessment and Accountability, presented results in three buckets; International Baccalaureate, Standardized Assessments (SOLs), and Whole Child Data. There were lots to celebrate as well as opportunities for growth identified.

The Board also continued its months-long work of refining and tweaking its proposed Policy CC, establishing guidelines for building an academic calendar. The policy includes starting two weeks before Labor Day and ending no later than June 10, with most breaks scheduled around federal holidays.

The policy also calls on the Superintendent to adopt a regulation that instructs staff to refrain from scheduling exams and special events on religious holidays.

Look for an update to the draft Policy CC, including last night's tweaks, and a draft of the Superintendent's Regulation in the coming days. The School Board is scheduled to vote on Policy CC during its October 11 meeting. The Board continues to receive feedback from the community. You can email the School Board.

The Falls Church School Board approves the First Reading of a new policy that codifies the development of future school calendars.

In addition, the School Board received a presentation of results and analysis of the Employee Climate Survey administered last Spring. It also approved resolutions recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and October as Falls Church City School Board Bullying Prevention Month.

On August 24, 2022, Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan hosted a Welcome Back to School webcast. He shared some exciting things happening this coming year and some considerations.

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the first 15 minutes of the meeting are not available.

During its August Work Session, the Falls Church School Board received the latest update on CDC and VDH Guidelines. In short, there will be no changes from the end of the previous school year. No vaccination requirements for sports, nor distancing or masking rules as COVID becomes endemic.

The Board also continued its discussion of codifying the school calendar process, reviewed two sample calendars, and is expected to consider the First Reading of a new policy at its next meeting on September 13th. If approved, comments on the draft will be received before final approval.

During its August Regular Meeting, the Falls Church School Board appointed Ms. Karim Daugherty as Principal of Oak Street Elementary. The Board also continued its discussion of codifying the school calendar process. Board members appeared to settle on a two-week-before-Labor-Day start date beginning in 2023, but other issues remain unresolved, and public input is still being sought.

Editors Note: This meeting included a Closed Meeting and interruptions due to technical difficulties. All have been edited out of this to provide the listener with a seamless experience. No meeting content or discussions were removed.

During its June Work Session, the Falls Church School Board continued its discussion on developing a policy to guide the annual task of School Calendar creation. They are working on a draft policy and continue to seek your input. The board also received an in-depth briefing on School Safety & Security at FCCPS in light of the recent school tragedies in our country.

Historically, the final School Board Meeting of the school year is a time of celebration. This year was exceedingly so - with a bit of 'History-Making' thrown in for good measure. Coaches and student-athletes, student board and committee representatives, Choral, Band, and Theatrical Arts members all were congratulated in the School Board Spotlight. And with athletes and supporters of Meridian Girls Wrestling looking on (above), the Board also approved a Resolution calling on the Virginia High School League to sanction girls wrestling as a sport! They are the first Board in Virginia to approve such a document, but probably not the last. Today, the Resolution will be sent, not only to the VHSL, but to the Governor, local lawmakers, and every school superintendent in Virginia urging them to do the same!

During a Special Meeting Tuesday night, the Falls Church School Board drafted a statement committing to add gun safety items to its legislative priorities. It also calls on State and National legislators to add the following "to protect our schools, students, and staff: barring the purchase of high capacity magazines; maintaining red flag laws; implementing mandatory waiting periods; enforcing universal background checks; requiring safe storage of guns and ammunition; banning ownership of assault weapons; mandating new handguns sold in the state have childproofing; adopting regulations on gun parts, and allowing local jurisdictions to make their own gun laws."

The Falls Church School Board opened its meeting with a moment of silence for the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. Dr. Noonan has issued a statement regarding the horrific events of yesterday.

During the meeting, the Board received two highly anticipated reports to guide the division's work both in the near term and out several years. K-12 Insight presented the results of the FCCPS Climate Survey of students taken just prior to Spring Break. Dr. Noonan then presented details of the new five-year, 2022-2027 FCCPS Strategic Plan. The plan focuses on five areas of work: IB Infused Teaching & Learning, Wellness, Equity & Belonging, Resource Management & Continuous Improvement, Communication & Engagement, and Investing in Our People. The meeting also included further discussion on codifying the school calendar process and an update on Collective Bargaining.

Congratulations to all Staff Recognized at the Celebration of Excellence Thursday, May 12, 2022 * FCEF Teach of the Year - Jennifer Jayson (Meridian Math Teacher) * Professional Specialist of the Year: Jennifer Fessenden (PreK - 12 Math Coordinator) * Support Staff Employee of the Year- Academic: Alane O’Neill (OSE Technology Aide) * Support Staff Employee of the Year- Operations: Sindy Morel (Assistant Director of Food Services)

All nominees receive two courtesy tickets to the FCEF Gala & Auction, courtesy of the Steve & Nancy Sprague Teacher Leadership Fund, and the overall winner receives a prize of $1500, funded by the Foundation.

During its Regular Monthly meeting in May, the Falls Church School Board approved the division's budget for the 2022-2023 school year. The Budget focuses on employee compensation, working conditions, and investments in our schools. They celebrated the career of Marc Robarge, who is retiring this year, and congratulated him and his students for the moving Memory Project (see video below). The Board also commended the Robotics Meridian Team and Scholastic Bowl team on their seasons.

In this episode:

Superintendent’s Update
Updates on Spring Assessments
#HandleWithCare
COVID Reminders & Information
FCCPS COVID by the Numbers

In this meeting –

Collective Bargaining Update
CIA Data Presentation Update
School Calendar Process
Quarterly Budget Report

In this issue:

Superintendent’s Update
Information about Autism Awareness Month
COVID Reminders & Information
FCCPS COVID by the Numbers

At its Regular Meeting for April, the Falls Church School Board with a series of celebrations – for the conclusion of the 2-year IB Evaluation, the incredibly successful Meridian Girls Basketball season, and honoring former board member Lawrence Webb for his years of service to the Falls Church community. The Board then approved the creation of a committee to develop a Collective Bargaining Resolution Agreement for the Board's consideration later this Spring.

Falls Church School Board Chair Laura Downs and Superintendent Peter Noonan presented the Board's FY23 Advertised Budget before the Falls Church City Council last night.

Among the items included:

Employee Compensation

Step increase for eligible employees
Recovery step from FY 2021 for eligible employees
Cost of Living increase of 2.25 percent
$3,000/yr stipend for National Board Certified Teachers
One-time $1,000 bonus for staff at the end of their salary lane.
$15/hour minimum wage effective March 1, 2022

Working Conditions

Career and Technical Education, Math, Science teachers
School Nurse and Psychologist
Secondary Campus Parent Liaison

In the final episode of our Women's History Month series, student Coral Rankin interviews Holly Manson and Julie Lu of Botanologica.

During its March Work Session, the Falls Church School Board unanimously approved a 25-year lease agreement with Sun Tribe Solar to construct a 65,000 square foot solar photovoltaic energy system for Meridian High School. It received a presentation on the $10 million grant awarded to the City of Falls Church and Virginia Tech to analyze traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns and apply technologies to solve them. Other discussions included a request for an Easement for the West Falls development, a demographer for the city and school, and answers to questions about the collective bargaining process.

In this week's episode of our Women's History Month series, student Jack Rifkin interviews Dr. Ansha Shankar, a post-doctorate fellow at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithica, New York.

For this episode in our Women's History Month series, Rachelle Barimany, Chief Financial Officer of Dominion Jewelers is interviewed by Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School student Marisa Sotelino.

At its Regular Meeting for March, the Falls Church School Board received an information presentation on Collective Bargaining. The Virginia General Assembly last year voted to permit local governing bodies to legally bargain with labor unions. The Board also approved the disposal of an old Prius and installation of new infrastructure to charge the two new electric school buses we are hoping are soon to arrive.

Molly Hermann, owner of The Biscuit Factory is interviewed by Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School student Jillian Sterner.

In this episode, Superintendent Peter Noonan shares the implication of the new CDC COVID-19 guidance on Falls Church City Public Schools. And the news is really good!

The Falls Church School Board held a Special Meeting to approve a new Policy JA - Public Health and Pandemic Policy.

Virginia State Senator Jennifer B Boysko is interviewed by Meridian High School students C.C. Meade and Grace Tarpgaard.

This week, Superintendent Peter Noonan celebrates the School Board's approval of its proposed budget, the status of the ViSSTA COVID Screening program migration, and an upcoming survey on how our students and staff are managing life's challenges at school and beyond.

The Falls Church School Board unanimously approved a proposed budget for FY2022-23 for submission to the City Manager.

Among the items included:

Employee Compensation

Step increase for eligible employees
Recovery step from FY 2021 for eligible employees
Cost of Living increase of 2.25 percent
$3,000/yr stipend for National Board Certified Teachers
One-time $1,000 bonus for staff at the end of their salary lane.
$15/hour minimum wage effective March 1, 2022

Working Conditions

Career and Technical Education, Math, Science teachers
School Nurse and Psychologist
Secondary Campus Parent Liaison

The Board also received an update on Strategic Plan work and an update on FCCPS COVID response.

During its February Regular Meeting, the Falls Church School Board was itself celebrated during School Board Appreciation Month. It then turned the congratulation light on three teachers for achieving National Board Certification and two others whose certifications were renewed. And in the 'Spotlight,' GIVE Day Ambassadors and organizers were celebrated for another successful service day.

The meeting included a Closed Meeting and this audio has been edited to remove the silence during that time.

Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonah shares his updates for the 23 Week of school.

Included changes to COVID responses, the end of the semester, honoring Black History Month, budget work, School Board meetings, and lots of wonderful activities going on across our schools.

This meeting began with a lengthy closed session. This file has been edited to eliminate the silence and continues as the Board reconvenes in an open session. The Falls Church School Board received an update on the Meridian High School Sustainability Academy in its third year. The Board also held its first Budget Work Session on the FY23 Budget and worked through answers to questions board members submitted about the revenue and spending plan. Dr. Noonan also updated the community on COVID vaccination rates in the division in the JA Policy Update and Questions agenda item.

As this meeting began with a Closed Meeting, this file has been edited to eliminate the silence.

It begins as School Board members return to the Open Meeting.

Superintendent Peter Noonan presented his proposed FY 2022-2023 Budget during a live web stream to the Falls Church community on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

The Falls Church School Board unanimously selected former Vice-Chair, Laura Downs, to serve as Chair, and incoming board member Tate Gould to serve as Vice-Chair for the 2022 term. Superintendent Peter Noonan presented his proposed budget for the 2022-2023 school year.

Final School Board Meeting of 2021 For the last meeting of the calendar year, the Fall Church School Board began by honoring four members who are leaving at the end of the month. Special recognition was given to former Board Chair Dr. Greg Anderson and current Board Chair Shannon Litton for their years of service. Thanks to Edwin B Henderson II and Dr. Sonia Ruiz-Bolaños for serving out interim terms this year. The Board worked through a packed agenda that included approval of the 2022-2023 School Calendar, four new courses at Meridian High School, the five-year Capital Improvements Program, and its Legislative Package.