Falls Church City Public Schools

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.

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.

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.

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."

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:

In this meeting –

In this issue:

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

Working Conditions

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

Working Conditions

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.

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.