I’ve also had an absolute blast attending school musicals, student art shows, and my own kids’ spring sports games (South Lakes HS Varsity soccer for my daughter, and local flag football for my son!).
Through this all, I’ve been so heartened and impressed with the parents I’ve seen show up and speak up for what they want in their public schools for their children! As one example, check out this FFX Now news article about parents’ advocacy about screen time use in FCPS! I’ve tried a variety of ways to inform and engage constituents - like this YouTube playlist - with my continued efforts to be where residents are, at school events and public places. Thank you to so many who have engaged and seen that your involvement helps me better represent you and that your involvement matters!
As this newsletter publishes in the first week of May, I want to address here the Skyview HS boundary review process. As I stated clearly on May 5, the Superintendent’s approach to this boundary process has been cavalier and imprecise, resulting in distress for families. Due to the week-long outcry against the surprise proposed scenarios published for elementary school boundary changes on Tuesday, April 28, the Superintendent announced on Tuesday, May 5, that she will not include elementary school boundary changes in the Skyview boundary establishment. She also will be expanding the timeline and breadth of the Skyview boundary process, resulting in greater expense to the school division.
We all deserve a better approach to conducting boundary changes, which under the best circumstances is stressful. This is one large reason I will vote the Superintendent “not compliant” at the May 7 public Regular Meeting of the School Board during the update about facilities work. While it takes a majority “not compliant” vote of the School Board for the Superintendent to return with a corrective action plan for improvements, I know it is critical that I voice this dissent and my expectation for improvement.
In the month ahead, I will continue seeking to finalize policies for the calendar and Innovation in Instructional Technology policies; and seek for the Skyview boundary process to be as transparent as possible - still to be scheduled by the Superintendent and Chair is the public hearing on the final proposed boundaries. I’m also excited to attend the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships to watch our Madison HS student rowers in particular, World Geography Student Presentations at Marshall HS, and then... graduations!
I look forward to seeing you around our community during this momentous time of year!
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