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Project 2025 is Coming for Our Schools
Public education is on the ballot this November The outcome of the next presidential election is destined to influence K-12 public...

Marianne Burke, PhD
Aug 13, 202410 min read


A Complex (and Expensive!) Legal Showdown about Student Rights Continues
Theocratic Veto versus School Policy This is part 2 of coverage on Jane Doe v. Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) (CL-2024-0003171), a...

Robert Rigby and Vanessa Hall
Aug 10, 20249 min read


VDOE's Accreditation Overhaul: An Unnecessary Risk for Schools
Accountability Standard Scheme Intends to Make our Schools Sub-Standard While the Commonwealth was preparing for the end of the school...

Vanessa Hall
Aug 8, 20245 min read


Escuela Primaria Bucknell: Uniendo con Coraje y Fuerza
Para garantizar que la comunidad de la escuela primaria de Bucknell pudiera leer este artículo, utilizamos el traductor de Google para...

Vanessa Hall
Jul 24, 20248 min read


Bucknell Elementary: Uniting with Courage and Strength
Discover the inspiring story of courage and strength within the tight-knit Bucknell Elementary community, a small but mighty school.

Vanessa Hall
Jul 22, 20247 min read


A Controversial Legal Attack on Students and Schools
Is a “Theocratic Veto” coming to Virginia? In a case ( see below ) brought this year in Fairfax County Circuit Court by America First...

Robert Rigby
Jul 19, 20245 min read


A “Brief” History of Boundary Change
My most recent blog, Essential Boundary Policy for a New Century , identified some “interesting” school boundaries in our area. Any rational person would look at those boundaries and wonder how they came to be. Of course, those non-contiguous, gerrymandered boundaries are a developer’s dime a dozen in Fairfax County. Nevertheless, I did a little research (shared below), but first I want to discuss the recent history of Policy 8130. I was surprised by recent history and previo

Vanessa Hall
Jul 12, 202414 min read


Essential Boundary Policy for a New Century
It Is Time For Some Real Change After months of debate, the Fairfax County School Board is finalizing a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s current boundary policy which was originally adopted in 1986 and last revised in May of 2013, despite 5-year review requirements. This all followed a February school board meeting on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) amendments, when most of the school board members expressed strong concerns that one-off boundary adjustments at individu

Vanessa Hall
Jul 5, 20248 min read


Let’s Ally to Elect Quality School Board Members in 2024!
Historically, school board elections have received little attention from voters, but recently extremists have begun trying to take over...

Marianne Burke, PhD
Jun 24, 20242 min read


Appreciation for Graduation and Our Public Schools
I don’t know about you, but this has been an incredible school year. One of my kids began high school this year while the other just...

Vanessa Hall
Jun 15, 20243 min read


Unite against LGBTQ+ Hate
The Financial and Emotional Costs of anti-LGBTQ+ Rhetoric In the first two weeks of Pride month, I have been struck by increased hate,...

Vanessa Hall
Jun 15, 20244 min read


FCPS Pride Success, but there is Still Work to Be Done
Public Input at 6/13/24 Fairfax County School Board Meeting My name is Vanessa Hall. I am the proud parent of two FCPS students, one of...

Vanessa Hall
Jun 13, 20242 min read


There He Goes Again: More Gaslighting from Youngkin
The Gaslighting Continues while Youngkin Explains away his Vetoes Although Governor Glenn Youngkin claims to be making education his...

Marianne Burke, PhD
May 31, 20248 min read


It's June! Show your Pride by Going to Local Events
June is only two days away, so you might want to pull out the rainbow gear (and some sunscreen!) to attend local pride events, most of...

Vanessa Hall
May 29, 20241 min read


Take Action: Provide Input on Comprehensive Sex Education by June 10th!
Please take five minutes to take this survey to support comprehensive sex education in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Currently,...

Vanessa Hall
May 23, 20244 min read


Inspiring the Future: Science Fair Opens Doors
Science Fair is More Than a Competition Science Fair has inspired students around the world for over 100 years , from the tiniest...

Vanessa Hall
May 23, 20244 min read


Good and Bad News about Virginia’s K-12 Education Budget
While we are celebrating that our K-12 education funding priorities are funded for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, we must remember that,...

Marianne Burke, PhD
May 16, 20245 min read


Outlawing Cell Phones in School? Are You Kidding Me?!!
Pardon the inflammatory title, but that is the response I’ve heard from parents and students about current proposals to severely curtail...

Vanessa Hall
May 16, 20246 min read


Focus on Equity, Literacy, and Excellence
2025 FCPS Budget Public Input At the May 14, 2024 Public Hearing in front of the Fairfax County School Board on the 2025 Budget, the...

Vanessa Hall
May 14, 20242 min read


A Coalition of Public School Advocates Demand Action from Governor Youngkin
In collaboration with the Virginia Grassroots Coalition , 4 Public Education initiated a letter to Governor Youngkin about the upcoming...

Marianne Burke, PhD
May 10, 20241 min read
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Relief after Years of Legislative and Executive Attacks on Education
2026 General Assembly Legislative Support for Public Education Public education remains one of the General Assembly’s most significant policy and budgetary responsibilities. With the conclusion of the Youngkin administration and the beginning of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s term last month, the legislature has continued its role in shaping education policy—particularly through direct investment, funding reform, and oversight. Strengthening State Investment in K–12 Schools In


Appreciation and Concerns Raised about the Superintendent's Budget
Explore key insights from the school board meeting on the FY 2026-27 budget. Understand diverse perspectives which include appreciation and concern over the Superintendent's school budget.


Restore Mental Health Professionals to our Schools
Vanessa Hall shares a personal story highlighting how important mental health professionals are in our schools and why the Superintendent should reinstate positions cut last year.
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