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On October 10, 2023, 4 Public Education co-founder Vanessa Hall spoke at a hearing in support of the proposal to rename W. T. Woodson High School. The hearing was held at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church, Virginia. Ms Hall, mother of two children who attend the high school, said “We must change the name of W.T. Woodson High School, because segregationist names should not grace our children’s schools…“I’ve heard people say, ‘We didn’t know who he was.’ Well, I’m here to say that generations of Black families who were prohibited from attending any high school in Fairfax County knew.” Of the nine public speakers, eight spoke in favor of renaming the school, including one parent who asked to change the mascot, as well, since the Cavaliers of Virginia, a local KKK chapter, was housed only a mile away from W.T. Woodson in a former FCPS school, which is now the Fairfax History Museum. A couple of speakers discussed potential names for the school. Why is Fairfax County looking to change the name of W.T. Woodson High School? Not only did W.T. Woodson support Massive Resistance, but he actively underfunded and undereducated Black students for three decades as Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent from 1929-1961. There is significant evidence that he didn’t just follow orders from Governor Byrd in Richmond, but fully embraced segregationist beliefs as evidenced by news reports and a 1959 letter to the school board stating that the “order to desegregate schools is highly improper and infringes on human rights.” Tonight (10/12/23) the Fairfax County School Board will vote whether to rename Woodson after evaluating an online feedback form and resident public input from October 10, 2023. If the vote is yes, then the School Board will proceed with the renaming process and the Superintendent will present recommendations for a name which will begin a second round of public engagement including: An online feedback form (open from 10/18-11/1/23). A community meeting at Woodson High School on October 23rd from 7:30-8:30pm. A Public Hearing at Luther Jackson Middle School on October 24th beginning at 5:30 pm. Final action by the School Board on a resolution to rename the facility at the November 9th meeting. FCPS has a website where you can learn more about the process to rename W.T. Woodson High School.

After a recent school board meeting, I was distracted by a Fairfax GOP-endorsed school board candidate yelling at me, when her friend joined in by yelling, “You don’t know what banned means!” as she vigorously pointed to the word “banned” on my brand new yellow t-shirt. Fortunately, her companion pulled her away while I stood there confused: what the heck was she talking about? I’ve since learned that there is an extensive public relations campaign by far right groups and media to explain that the book bans we are worried about aren’t really book bans at all. Sounds crazy, right? One would think, but remember how well they were able to weaponize CRT to attack public schools and teachers? Whether you call them book bans, censorship, or violation of the First Amendment, here is the truth: Requests to ban books are at a record high in 2022. The 2022-23 school year has been marked to date by an escalation of book bans and censorship in classrooms and school libraries across the United States. PEN America recorded more book bans during the fall 2022 semester than in each of the prior two semesters. A large majority (70%!) of voters oppose book bans and have confidence in our libraries. In 2021-22, 11 adults filed 60% of the book challenges. Some states are going further than book bans, for example Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill into law that would have created potential criminal liability for librarians had it not been blocked by a federal judge, “as a violation of free speech rights under the first amendment to the US constitution.” A website tied to Moms for Liberty is driving a substantial number of book banning efforts. Book challenges have always focused on marginalized groups, like people of color and the LGBTQIA community, but this is a slippery slope where these challenges are chipping away at freedoms of all people, whether they be Jewish, Muslim, Black, Hispanic, lower income, and/or women. Most school systems and libraries have processes to challenge books; however, current efforts to remove books from schools and libraries are making an end run around the rules and sometimes the law. Book challenges are overwhelming the resources of smaller libraries and requiring substantial resources at larger libraries, thus using taxpayer dollars that could otherwise be spent on services and education. Update on book bans in the 2022-2023 school year shows expanded censorship of themes centered on race, history, sexual orientation and gender. -PEN America Experts, Kasey Meehan and Jonathan Friedman, Ph.D. We know that Virginia is not immune from book banning efforts. For example a small group of 53 people targeted Samuels Library in Front Royal, VA to drown the library in 800+ forms asking to have 134 books removed, most of which they hadn’t even read. When this was unsuccessful, they targeted the funding of this library despite Samuels Library being a critical resource in an impoverished rural community. In Spotsylvania County, Virginia, two school board members said that explicit books should be burned and the school Superintendent pulled 14 books off of shelves. This same Superintendent added a loaded question to the ParentVue school portal requiring parents to answer whether they want their child “to have access to sexually explicit content in the school libraries.” So maybe that angry lady yelling and pointing at me had a point. This isn’t JUST about book bans. In fact, I would say that this is about censorship, silencing marginalized people, an effort to rewrite history, and an attack on our democracy. Although banned books week may have ended on October 7th, that doesn’t mean that our work is done. To make a difference, you can: Advocate against censorship and share your concerns with your elected officials, school board, school, and local library. Hold rallies in favor of the freedom to read or protest book removal. Talk to neighbors and friends about the impact of banning books–70% of voters oppose all book bans and 87% of people do not support banning books that discuss race. Ask questions and empathize with those who may not 100% agree with you. Thank and support librarians and teachers. Check out and read banned books from libraries. Start a group (a Banned Book book club perhaps?) to talk about this and other concerns. Or just wear a t-shirt. It may inspire others to anger or appreciation. Last week, I wore my Banned Book t-shirt to an education conference, and I found camaraderie among others wearing gorgeous banned book shirts, and admiration from even more wanting to know where I got my shirt. If you are interested, I bought it at a store that rhymes with Schmamazon–the shirt comes in 6 different colors and a choice of a woman’s or man’s fit.

We need to allow people to talk and we need to be open-minded. Our differences don’t need to divide us–they can bring us together. - Dr. Shedrick McCall, an Associate Tenured Professor of Psychology at Virginia State University On Saturday, Sept. 30, the public education forum “Raise Your Hand for Healthy School Environments” was held in Midlothian, VA. It was produced through a partnership between 4 Public Education and Virginia Public Education Partners (VPEP). VPEP is a grassroots group of parents, teachers, and others from across Virginia who are dedicated to supporting public education and protecting its funding and resources. It was formed in 2018 in response to the many attacks on public education on local, state and national levels. More than 100 participants from across Virginia attended the forum in person and virtually. Attendees included parents, teachers, school administrators, candidates for school boards and legislative offices, a state senator, and many education advocates. The program consisted of a keynote speech on Separation of Church and State and six panels that are available on the Virginia Public Education Partners YouTube page. The facts, stories, and recommendations from all of the panels will help any education and school safety advocate. Please watch here: Anti-LGBTQIA+ and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rhetoric, Legislation and School Mental Health. Closing down the expansive world view of youth, impacts everyone, not just trans people who are uniquely and extremely impacted. School Safety, Gun Violence, and School Mental Health. Common myths about gun violence and school safety were addressed, and solutions to improve school mental health were discussed. Censorship, Book Banning, and the Effect on Student Learning. Panelists cover what and who are driving censorship and an anti-historical approach to world and VA history. They answer the questions: How does book banning and censorship suppress the truth? How does suppressing freedom to read suppress our democracy? Corporate Career and Technical Education (CTE). Panelists share surprising information about how corporations are driving the education conversation in the arena of CTE, while addressing best practices in CTE. Charter Schools, Lab Schools, Educational Vouchers, Tax Credits and Critical Education Funding. Panelists discuss the lack of accountability in an educational system that "robs from the needy and gives to the greedy. Misinformation, Astroturfing and Dark Money. Panelists share how dark money props up fake grassroots groups, and their role in disinformation about education. Information about the speakers, moderators and panelists can be found at https://www.raiseyourhandva.org/, as well as a list of sponsors. The entire event was recorded and can be accessed at https://www.raiseyourhandva.org/stream-the-event. One person with the right power can make space for others. Being that one ally will affect lives and you will never know it. Small things can be impactful. –Justin Sykes, School Mental Health Panelist

School Board meetings have become ground zero for the culture wars, so 4 Public Education is introducing a new blog called “School Board Matters” for 2023-24. It will include analysis and links to video, agenda, and votes that affect you and your student(s), including links to primary source documents to support involvement in your student’s experience and education. We hope this will provide better access to and understanding of the Fairfax County School Board, including their powers and duties, as governed by the Code of Virginia. Although this blog will primarily focus on Fairfax County, we will share school board meeting reports from around the state, as possible. Fairfax County School Board Meeting: September 28, 2023 The 9/28/23 Fairfax County School Board meeting began with two proclamations, one of which may inspire others to do good in their community: National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in honor of Meg Gallagher who experienced childhood cancer, after which she started “Meg’s Giveback” that runs twice-annual toy drives for other children fighting cancer. Fort Hunt ES Baseball Diamond Naming in honor of Peter Webster, a standout player and valued teammate. Public Input A freshman from Falls Church High School (HS) spoke to the impact of rising temperatures and increasingly bad air quality–she asks that they continue their commitment to goals adopted from the Joint Environmental Task Force. 4 Public Education’s own Robert Rigby emphasized the need to value each and every student so that they can succeed, and reminded everyone of Banned Books Week. Otherwise, it was a very small crowd at the meeting with far fewer speakers than normal. Normally, there are 15+ speakers/videos, but there were only 6 last Thursday. Speakers and parents spoke to: A demand for SROs in all schools. Need for improvement of indoor air at FCPS (two speakers). Refusal to sign the SR&R over expectations of respect for transgender students, Many concerns about mental health issues, gun violence, and learning the English language. School Board Business Literacy by grade three was front and center! Dr. Reid spoke to the need to be intentional with updates about the Strategic Plan. She proceeded to highlight the division-wide work to ensure all students are reading by the end of 3rd grade. Dr. Ricardy Anderson asked a series of critical questions about the baseline (i.e., where are we now), early literacy, and the plan going forward. This is such a critical issue that the flood gates opened with other School Board members asking how FCPS will address needs of “high mobility” schools (high student turnover, often combined with high poverty), need to keep board abreast via regular reports, efforts in struggling communities (e.g., English language learners, low income), family engagement component, and importance of Science of Reading. During Academic Matters continues discussion of Reading by 3rd grade through FCPS’s Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) plan. This is part of a Virginia-wide and Fairfax County effort to provide evidence-based literacy instruction. In fact, this is the result of the Fairfax County School Board’s commitment to move toward instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. (Parents of elementary-aged students should really check this out to understand how their kids are being educated in reading. See video about the Science of Reading for more information.) Student Representative Matters: Once again Ms. Karim had a great list of updates on student concerns and student-led initiatives: HS student representatives for Technology and Youth Empowerment (TYE) (501c3 started by students in the SEAL program), reach out to career specialists at your high school. Renaming of W.T. Woodson High School Name change of W.T. Woodson and students have shared their support for name change inclusivity and diversity in our future. They suggested a display case honoring Carter G. Woodson, like the one at Marshal H.S. Annandale grading policy that emphasizes tests so much that it has adversely affected student outcomes. Need to re-evaluate grading policy across the schools, b/c Annandale is not alone–Edison has 95% evaluative and 5% performative. Woodson HS is the only HS to have a Portrait of a Graduate career day which included DOJ attorneys, FBI officials, engineers from NASA, and many more. It can enrich educational experience. USDA has lowered the eligibility of Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) free lunch access for all students, which means more schools in FCPS may qualify Superintendent Matters: Dr. Reid shares great Back To School experiences, celebrates the custodial team (Oct 2nd is National Custodian Day), and discusses the Superintendent Advisory Council meeting where students gave feedback. Other key items discussed by the School Board from the agenda, included: Emergency Superintendent Succession (EE2) Monitoring Report (video) Monthly Report on Employee Separation Proposed Changes to Proclamations and Recognitions (video): Ms. Rachna Sizemore Heizer shares that the FCSB has been working on this for 3 years to ensure a balance between recognitions and other board business. Consent Agenda Items (video) Division-wide Comprehensive Plan (video) The meeting ended after about 3.5 hours of public input and discussion.

After more than 60 years of being named for an active promoter of Massive Resistance to desegregation and FCPS's second longest FCPS Superintendent, W.T. Woodson High School is undergoing a renaming process which includes opportunity for public input: Complete the online feedback form (September 15-October 12, 12 p.m.) Attend a Community Meeting at Woodson High School Cafeteria “A” (October 4, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.). Pre-registration is requested. Attend the Public Hearing at Luther Jackson Middle School (October 10, 5:30 p.m.) The School Board will vote to initiate the school name change October 12, which will kickoff a second round of community engagement. Woodson High School students, parents, and community members have long demanded a name change. 4 Public Education reported on the history of W.T. Woodson's namesake in A Tale of Two Woodsons. Historic records demonstrate W.T. Woodson’s endorsement of Massive Resistance, including 1959 comments that desegregating schools is not fair and “highly improper and infringes on human rights.” 4 Public Education and others have recommended potential new names, including Carter G. Woodson, a fellow Virginian and educator, who supported public education for all people and whose efforts continue to contribute to American society and culture. Whether you are a current Woodson family, Woodson alumni, or neighbor, please consider participating in the renaming process.

You may know that early voting began on Friday, September 22, 2023. To help you navigate school board election season in Virginia, 4 Public Education is offering a webinar on October 4th–register here. What you may not know is that every school board position is on the ballot in Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, and Prince William counties. In many cases, these races are tight, but they are also highly contentious, particularly after three years of “culture wars,” that have led to divided communities, the undermining of public education, and even school board parking lot conflict! In the middle of these conflicts over personalities, ideology, and policy, it feels like students and educators are forgotten while “parents’ rights” are being used as a red herring by candidates--if you are not sure what we mean, read our blog on the subject! This is quite evident when one looks closely at the platforms of some of the school board candidates. Although you may think that all candidates are running for a low-paying, high pressure, professional job “for the children,” it becomes patently obvious that some are clearly in it for the politics, which is concerning for a supposedly nonpartisan position that controls millions or billions of dollars and has such an impact on hundreds of thousands of minor children and their families. School Board candidates are not even identified by party on the ballot. So, how is any busy voter to choose among candidates, outside of accepting a sample ballot from your party of choice? School Board Voting 101 guidelines below will help you pick school board member(s) who will focus on students over politics. On or before November 7th, choose a school board candidate who: 1) Has appropriate education and/or experience in K-12 public education. For example: Are they an educator or public school teacher? What sorts of education experience do they have? Bonus points if they have worked directly in a school or school-based organization and/or with students and teachers. 2) Has worked to make public education better for all students and families. For example they: Employ student-focused plans. Have a workable plan to recruit and retain teachers. Have a plan to improve teacher compensation, training, and environment. Do not support efforts to defund public schools (e.g., public funds to private institutions, vouchers, “funds follow the student,” etc.) Support inclusion, diversity, and opportunity. 3) Understands and will adhere to the regulations and policies of the school board. Rule-breakers need not apply. 4) Maintains evidenced-based policy positions, instead of relying solely on political opinion or disinformation. 5) Uses inclusive language regarding students. For example: Does not target or misrepresent student groups based on race, ethnicity, income, language, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, or immigration status. Recognizes the intersectional nature of students and their identity. E.g., A student may both have a disability and a need for advanced classes. 6) Is honest and ethical, which means no serious ethical or criminal violations in their past. They should have no serious red flags in their recent history, including: Anti-governmental activities Police reports Ethics violations 7) Has a professional and respectful demeanor that sets a decorous standard for the district. Shows respect toward those with whom they agree and disagree. 8) Has an ability to work as a team toward consensus on decisions. Lone wolves and authoritarians need not apply. School boards across the country, from Newberg, OR to Spotsylvania County, VA, have been invaded by those who do not have the best interest of students and teachers in mind. If you don't believe it, read the stories of anguished families watching their public schools devolve in to chaos as newly elected officials use schools to wage battles over funding, truth in history, transgender students, and libraries. To make the best choice at the ballot box, heed the advice of a current school board in Spotsylvania County: [You] have to get to know who is running. Talk to people to find out where they honestly [stand on policy and education]. Ask the hard questions about public education. What would you do with X or Y. How are you going to support kids and staff? - Dawn Shelley Before you vote: do your research and ask questions. Then choose your school board members wisely.

Former Fairfax Superintendent W.T. Woodson and noted historian Dr. C.G. Woodson are two Virginians who both became supervisors of large school systems; however, their origins, their lives, and how they chose to support education could not be more different. Both Woodsons were born in Virginia in the 19th century: Wilbert Tucker was born in 1893 in Crozet, VA while Carter Godwin was born in 1875 in New Canton, VA to former enslaved people. Both served as principals and school system supervisors, but Dr. Woodson was also a teacher. Notably, Dr. Woodson was the second African American to earn a PhD at Harvard University, second only to noted historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. DuBois. Mr. Woodson graduated from the College of William and Mary and did some graduate work at George Washington University. W.T. Woodson was superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) from 1929 to 1961 where he brought the system from 64 one or two-room school houses to a 20th century system of 93 consolidated schools. His commitment to Massive Resistance to school integration in the 1950s and 60s is well-known, but infrequently discussed. Lesser known is his failure to support Black student learning during his entire 32-year tenure as Superintendent–there was not even a school for Black students over 7th grade in Fairfax County until Luther Jackson High School was built in 1954. His “gradualist” approach of integrating one class of students per year was intended to delay integration. For much of Woodson’s tenure, Black students were educated in 1- or 2-room school houses without heat or water while white students increasingly enjoyed brick buildings with multiple classrooms that had cafeterias, running water, and modern heating. Woodson underfunded and impeded the educational opportunities of Black students whose families had to fight for an education for their children. He left behind an entire community while bringing the white community into the modern era of public schools. FCPS has retained and published historic records demonstrating Woodson’s complicity in Massive Resistance, including his 1959 comments that desegregating schools is not fair and “highly improper and infringes on human rights”. Dr. C.G. Woodson was a renown historian, the author of over 27 books and articles, journalist and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and founder of the Journal of Negro History. Notably, Dr. Woodson was not allowed to participate in the segregated halls of white historians. He was denied entrance to American Historical Association conferences, despite being a dues paying member. Nevertheless, Dr. Woodson was a positive force who used history to look toward the future. He was a scholar, advocate, and supporter of public education for all people. He believed history belonged to all, not just the historians. He was one of the first scholars to study African history, including studying and preserving African-American history. C.G. was dismayed that Black Americans were not included in American history. He noted that African-American contributions "were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them" which sadly rings true today. Thus, C.G. started Black History Week in 1926, which is the precursor to Black History Month which is celebrated in the month of February. Dr. Woodson hoped that one day Black History week would no longer be necessary “when all Americans would willingly recognize the contributions of Black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of the history of this country.” Two Woodsons born in the 19th century dedicated their lives to education and knowledge. W.T. Woodson promoted segregation and actively limited educational opportunities for Black students while Dr. C.G. Woodson raised up Black History as American History and remains an inspiration to us all. Nearly 100 years ago, Dr. Woodson was determined to “convince the general public to embrace the past, including the dark chapters on slavery and segregation.” Today, some supposedly modern Virginians, like Governor Youngkin, are labeling such history discussions as “divisive” and seemingly wish to outlaw the teaching of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement even going so far as to create a “tip line” for Virginians to report violations of his Executive Order. Since 2015, there have been movements to rename W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA, including an effort inspired by current students and parents. However, change has been stalled for the past year. A student journalist at the Woodson Cavalcade has noted that, “just as in the early days of integration efforts, these [name change] appeals have been met with massive resistance.” Photo credit: W. T. Woodson https://www.fcps.edu//sites/default/files/media/inline/fcps-supt-06-wilber-tucker-woodson.jpg Photo credit: C. G. Woodson https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/02/celebrating-black-history-months-founder/

Respect Student Voices My heart broke listening to adults demonizing and dehumanizing students at the last school board meeting demonize and dehumanize students, which is why I am so appreciative of your continued support of FCPS regulation 2603 regarding Gender-expansive and Transgender Students. Your action supports the rights of students and parents, while abiding by state and federal civil rights regulations and policies. Those same speakers demanded that you get “back to the basics” like “reading, writing, and math.” This “get back to the basics” rhetoric only focuses on subject matter, while ignoring key basics like safety and inclusion, which are critically necessary to ensure that students have the opportunity to succeed in and out of school. Research shows that when students feel unsafe or excluded at school, their ability to learn and succeed in school decreases dramatically. Students cannot learn if they fear their hijab will be ripped off or that a gunman will enter school. Students cannot learn if they fear being outed by a teacher, or are prevented from using the bathroom of their gender identity. Students cannot learn if they are abused at home or excluded at school. Inclusion means making sure that every student can see themselves in the books and history lessons, but also among the educators. It means equitable support and accessible classes for students with disabilities and English language learners, yet it also includes offering advanced math for all. Students support school safety and inclusion. They have said this again and again in surveys and their advocacy. They have walked out against gun violence and in support of inclusion of and respect for LGBTQIA students. Thus, it makes me wonder why so many adults seem to be so angry about these “basics,” since most adults do not spend half of their lives in school every day.

School Board meetings have become ground zero for the culture wars, so 4 Public Education is introducing a new blog called “School Board Matters” for 2023-24. It will include analysis and links to video, agenda, and votes that affect you and your student(s), including links to primary source documents to support involvement in your student’s experience and education. We hope this will provide better access to and understanding of Fairfax County School Board, including their powers and duties, as governed by the Code of Virginia. Although this blog will primarily focus on Fairfax County, we will share school board meeting reports from around the state, as possible. Fairfax County School Board Meeting: September 14, 2023 The 9/14/23 Fairfax County School Board meeting began by commending Mr. Daniel Aminoff for his years of service to FCPS related to facilities planning and capital improvement, and proclamations celebrating Lake Braddock High School’s 50th anniversary and the Virginia School Board Association Business Honor Roll recipients (Children’s Science Center, Greater Washington Partnership, and Real Food for Kids). Public Input Students were on fire! Six students from Langley High School who advocated for making volleyball a varsity sport in FCPS based on high interest level, and immeasurable health and academic benefits. A brave 6th grader from the Climate Change Initiative advocated for reduction in disposable plastic utensils and a return to sustainable utensils, because if one-half of students used plastic utensils every day, it would be the equivalent of two statues of liberty in landfills after a year. (Wow!) Other speakers gave passionate input, including a parent advocating against de facto segregation of Black and Hispanic students who are more likely to be assigned to split-feeder schools. Jennifer Litton Tidd advocated for trusted relationships between students and their school, since 57% of CPS abuse reports come from schools and 77% of child abuse is by parents. She also shared statistics that show that LGBTQIA youth are more likely to be abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents. A small group of people booed this speech, which was surprising, since one would hope everyone should be against child-abuse and child neglect. There was a speech against book banning, because censorship tends to remove diverse books which results in lack of empathy and othering of marginalized groups. In contrast, there was another parent speech that supported removing Toni Morrison’s Beloved from high school shelves, which included a reading of graphic descriptions of rape and abuse of an 11 year-old child. Although, I strongly oppose book censorship, I was deeply disturbed that an adult would choose to read graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse to an audience that contained dozens of students and adults, many of whom may have personal stories about and trauma from such abuse. I choose not to read books containing scenes of child physical or sexual abuse, because I find them traumatizing, not salacious. The beauty of books is that one can choose what to read or not to read. Being read to in a public meeting removes that choice. Banning books also removes that choice. 4 Public Education founders, Marianne Burke and Vanessa Hall spoke regarding false political claims about the decline in SAT scores and the need to focus on safety and inclusion to enable students to succeed academically and socially, respectively. Finally, there were technical difficulties during both Ms. Burke’s speech and a parent’s video input, the latter took twelve minutes to resolve, so the meeting was adjourned for a short recess. Safety Alert! There was a surprising altercation in the parking lot afterward when a school board candidate blocked Dr. Burke, and then accused her of racism, because her speech shared the well-known bias of SATs against low income test-takers that results in lower standardized test scores. He then went to twitter to push this lie and impugn her character, possibly as a campaign tactic. The full text of Dr. Burke’s speech can be found here. Feel free to determine whether such data should be suppressed as racist. Unfortunately, this was not the only altercation after the School Board meeting; therefore, as we enter election season, please be aware that tensions are heightened. Candidates and their supporters may approach you; however, it is easy to see who has genuine interest or who has ill intent. Here are tips to remaining safe at school board meetings wherever you are: Maintain situational awareness as you enter and exit school board meetings. Be clear about your boundaries. For example, if you don’t want to talk, clearly state that. Be aware that people may be recording you, so behave accordingly and use appropriate language. Ask security or other trusted people to walk you to your car. If something happens, document it immediately and report it to security, as appropriate. School Board Business Following public input came a presentation by Dr. Reid about Compensatory Services for Special Education which covers compensatory services families paid for out of pocket during the pandemic for special education services for 6,266 eligible students. Staff members have worked diligently to assess and implement these services. Families have had to be patient with delays. Student Representative Matters: First, Ms. Karim honored those who were affected by the events of September 11th before launching into discussions of student-led initiatives: Limited availability of STEM activities for students across the county, and the establishment of Technology and Youth Empowerment (TYE) to bridge the gap among elementary schools for STEM opportunities. A compilation of student perspectives on equity and grading and recommendations for change. 45 schools have adopted Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) free lunch access for all students. It is imperative that the rest of the schools in Fairfax County work to adopt this initiative so that no student goes hungry. The need to accommodate midday prayers with dedicated prayer spaces that are free from prejudice or questions by staff. Renaming of W.T. Woodson High School to align the school name with FCPS values. Carter G. Woodson is one figure being seriously considered for the renaming. Superintendent Matters: Dr. Reid introduced the new Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs, Ms. Janice Symanski). She also shared a colorful data-filled evaluation of 2023 Opening of Schools for 2023 and announced the 264 National Merit Semi-Finalists who hail from 15 schools–this is the most students Fairfax County has ever had as semi-finalists. The Fairfax County Electoral Board asked that the FCPS school calendar be revised for March 25, 2024, since it is Presidential Primary day (mark your calendars!) since election activities would pose security and logistical interference with student education. School board members described concerns with return to school, including: transportation issues, using instructional leaders to direct traffic at schools, HVAC issues across a number of schools that required chillers and emergency HVAC repairs during the recent heat wave. One member asked why there was not a more detailed report, as they have received previously. Around 11:30 pm, the school board unanimously approved the revisions to the Strategic Governance Manual revisions. It is important to note that this meeting had an hour of proclamations before public input began. An hour. With so many eyes on these meetings, there is universal agreement that these proclamations are taking too long, eating into the valuable time of dozens of citizens, employees, and the work of the school board. Nevertheless, these proclamations are important. Although we need to acknowledge heritage months and celebrate accomplishments of students, adults, and groups in our school system, we also need to respect everyone’s time. It would be great if the school board could consider the length of their public comments.

School Board meetings have become ground zero for the culture wars, so 4 Public Education is introducing a new blog covering Fairfax County School Board meetings called “School Board Matters” for 2023-24. It will include analysis and links to video, agenda, and votes that affect you and your student(s). Where possible, we will provide links and primary source documents to support involvement in your student’s experience and education at FCPS. We hope this will provide a better access to and understanding of Fairfax County School Board, including their powers and duties, as governed by the Code of Virginia. Fairfax County School Board Meeting, August 31, 2023 August 31, 2023 marked the first Fairfax County School Board meeting of the 2023-24 school year that began after the dedication of the Family Resource Library in honor of Dr. Larry Bussey, a civil rights powerhouse who was a founding member of the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee and championed the re-examination of curriculum and improved outreach to parents. The meeting was a doozy in terms of public comment. Seven speakers–including three confirmed parents, one candidate, and a grandfather who has sued FCPS–supported Youngkin’s anti-trans model policies, used dehumanizing anti-LGBTQIA rhetoric, spoke of grooming, and/or challenged transgender students’ civil rights. In one speech, a costume was involved. At least one of these speeches used ableist language that devalues those who have disabilities. As a mom and active volunteer in FCPS and my church, I found these comments to be discriminatory and harmful to students. In fact, they made me weep. A fellow mom in the audience was upset to learn that her child had listened to these speeches, as she was waiting to speak. In truth, the comments above were out of line with views in the United States where only 10% strongly oppose protecting transgender people from discrimination; however, these numbers are shifting dramatically in light of culture wars that use the transgender community as pawns. Additionally, these polls neglect to focus on the voices of those who are directly impacted by such discrimination: transgender students and their families. In contrast, three parents and an FCPS alumnus spoke in support of transgender and non-binary students, rejected anti-trans rhetoric and bullying, and spoke of the need for inclusivity in FCPS for all students. Attempts to create division and sow fear demonizing queer students and staff will fail because they are baseless. It is important now more than ever to stand strong against weaponized politics aimed at our children. Children in general have little to say in their day-to-day lives. Kids, like transgender kids, are even more vulnerable when attacked or demonized by adults who should know better. - Public input from parents supporting transgender students Other comments covered the need for increased executive functioning skills instruction in elementary school to help students with self-control, use of federal pandemic relief funds for Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and a demand by an at-large school board candidate for an apology from the current school board regarding their efforts to protect children and teachers during the pandemic over two years ago. The agenda of items discussed and voted upon by the School Board, include: Strategic Plan Update and other Academic Matters from Superintendent Dr. Reid Student Representative input from Ms. Karim who shared that September is Suicide Prevention Month, described concerns raised by students about unpredictable grading structures that differ among classes and schools, and disparity in access to free lunches. Action Items included long discussions about and approval of: year-end review of FY 2023 accounts, School Board committee assignments, School Board meeting calendar, and revisions to hearings and appeals procedures. The Board approved several Consent Agenda items, including Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC), Audit Committee Community Participant appointments, and other Advisory Committee appointments. School board committees are a great way for parents, guardians, students, and other Fairfax County citizens to be involved in and provide input to FCPS–apply today if you have relevant experience and there are openings. In new business, they discussed the Challenged Materials Committee among other items. The entire meeting ran for three hours from 7-10pm.