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, when possible. The 10/12/23 Fairfax County School Board meeting began with some confusion and conflict, but smoothed out over time. Ms. Laura Jane Cohen asked for a moment of silence after the attack on Israel and for a moment of silence in honor of those who were endangered, lost their lives, and or lost family members and friends in Israel, Gaza, and neighboring communities. School board members took pains to be brief during the proclamations, but they still tried to give full acknowledgement: National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation–One in four of our students is of Hispanic Heritage who have ancestry from a variety of countries and cultures. These cultures in turn enrich our own school community. Many shared the good work of the Hispanic Educators Association Indigenous People's Day/Native American Heritage Month Proclamation–Ms. Cohen read quotes from indigenous people, including Irwin Morris “Everyday is indigenous people’s day. Every day the sun rises and we are still here to celebrate.” LGBTQIA History Month Proclamation–In light of current attacks on the LGBTQIA community, most of the School Board had something to say, much of which was personal, thoughtful, and inspirational. Listen and understand. Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Month Proclamation. Ms. Derenak Kaufax details their impact and work in the schools. So many leaders got shout-outs from the board! Public Input Two student advocates spoke, both of whom touched on the theme of protecting the environment. A freshman from Chantilly High School asked that the school board continue, or even increase, their commitment to clean energy to mitigate climate change. She identified that it is hard for the students to focus on school and tests when they are worried about their futures, in light of pollution and a warming earth. A Senior from Madison High School explained the problems with the move to Chromebooks by FCPS. He shared that it is environmentally unsound because they have a shorter life than the old laptops, but also they are less effective, unsafe due to batteries that overheat, and are of poor quality. 4 Public Education’s own Cheryl Binkley said that it is “our stories that give meaning to what we do” while some are trying to suppress stories, especially if they are from some groups. She shares Oedipus’s tale which is as vividly explicit and challenging as those told today that are being banned and censored. Outside of those present for proclamations, it was a smaller than usual crowd. Few had signed up to speak, but even fewer showed up. Other speakers spoke to: The deplorable condition of Woodson High School’s ball fields that are unsafe and sometimes unusable. A request to change the start times of middle schools, which currently violates the needs of students, and is taking a toll on their physical and emotional health. It could have a profound impact on so many families. (Note: there have been many efforts to this effect. Any parent of a middle schooler can tell you the nightmare of a 6:35am bus ride.) An appreciation for those on the school board and administrative team who have supported Jewish students and families, recognizing that they have friends and family who have died or are being held hostage. She asks them to continue to combat antisemitism, consult with the JCRC, and be accountable to students who experience antisemitism on a regular basis. Palestine and her family’s experiences. School Board Business Academic Matters: Dr. Reid’s presentation demonstrated how FCPS outcompetes Virginia and the world every year on SAT scores, which seem to have stabilized from COVID drops. This year, FCPS has ensured that every student can take the SAT by adding free SAT testing for Seniors, thus FCPS has increased participation while Virginia’s SAT participation has dropped. All of this counters a current narrative from Richmond that FCPS is failing–see the 4 Public Education blog for more information. Dr. Reid also shared free PSAT and SAT preparation tools available to all students. Student Representative Matters: Ms. Karim focused on the issue of renaming of W.T. Woodson High School. She said that, in 2023, it is our duty to separate ourselves from a segregationist mindset, students overwhelmingly support a name change, and a name change is aligned with the Strategic Plan of creating a healthy school environment. Superintendent Matters: Dr. Reid shared her conversations with the community and employees. There will be more in the future, including: community conversation on the 24th (Madison HS) and 25th (Liberty MS), and employee conversation 16th (Hughes MS) and 19th (Langley HS). She shared that they have rolled out salad bars at 198 schools this year and that cross country has started at most middle schools across Fairfax. Dr. Reid also gave her recommendations regarding the renaming of W.T. Woodson High School, including relevant policy. There was significant discussion (nearly two hours!) of Global Executive Expectations. Clearly, school board members felt passionate about specific items during the discussion, but the nature of the discussion was lost on most parents who were waiting the vote on the renaming of W.T. Woodson High School. Reports from those watching at home indicated that it was “quite painful to watch.” That being said, sometimes it is the minutiae that really matter, which is why we need people on the School Board who understand the importance of good policy and care about specifics. Name change vote for WT Woodson High School Finally, the moment most of the remaining audience (six of us) were waiting for….(drum roll)....the board voted unanimously to rename W.T. Woodson High School. Ms. McLaughlin spoke to the subject and shared the next steps which can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/renaming-woodson: A public online feedback form (open until 12 pm on November 9th) An October 23rd community meeting at Woodson High School Cafeteria “A” (6:30 - 7:30pm). Pre-register for planning purposes. An October 24th Public Hearing at Luther Jackson Middle School (5:30 pm). Sign up to speak through October 23. On November 9th, the School Board will vote on new name for WT Woodson HS A number of news sources covered the Woodson High School renaming vote, including the Washington Post, FFX Now, ABC 7 News, Northern Virginia Magazine, and DC News Now. The meeting ended at about 11:40 pm. Other Northern Virginia school board meetings A 10/10/23 Fairfax County School Board work session covered Strategic Governance and Community Schools (3:40). The 10/12/23 Arlington County School Board meeting was covered by an Arlington parent. Public input was dominated by teachers sharing the devastating impact of a new health care system.

As you may know, book bans have been on the rise with requests to ban books at record high in 2022. Like you, 4 Public Education is concerned about the attacks on the 1st Amendment through censorship, thus, we are covering Banned Books week, October 1-7th, over multiple blogs. To kick off Banned Book Week, Maryland and Virginia congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Church held a festival of banned books entitled Unstoppable Stories that covered the joy of reading challenged books, stories of inclusion and celebration, and the current war on our libraries and beloved books. 4 Public Education was fortunate to participate in the Fairfax, Virginia session with close to 100 citizens. For 13 years, former Speaker of the House of Delegates Eillen Filler-Corn has been working toward a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe Virginia, thus she is concerned about the findings of the Pen America 2023 censored book report showing that book bans in public schools have increased by 33% in the last year. She reminds us to consider whose stories are being banned–primarily contested books have Black, Hispanic, and/or LGBTQIA characters–and questions why people want to censor such a rich tapestry of people and experiences. She agrees with the American Library Association’s (ALA) slogan “Let Freedom Read.” Stories are Unstoppable. They celebrate who we are out loud, despite attempts at censorship. They lift up our experiences, connect us across our differences and are how we learn to be better people. – Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax The panels offered amazing insight into the censorship assault on our schools and libraries that affect the education of students and safety of teachers and librarians. Recent censorship efforts started in the classroom, but have moved onto public libraries, where they are not only targeting books, but the very funding of public libraries, which are the core of many communities, particularly rural communities. Kelsey Lawrence, grassroots organizer for Save Samuels, said that when a small group of 53 extremists targeted her Front Royal, VA library, they drowned the library in over 800 forms asking to have 134 books removed, most of which they hadn’t even read. Every single one of those books contained LGBTQIA themes or characters and many had no sexual content at all. When these requests for removal were denied, they went after library funding, despite the library being the only resource for many in Warren county for books and other public services–355,000 people have relied on the library as a resource in the past year. Leon Van der Goetz, founder of NoVA Prism Center, shared that you should read the books: if they make you uncomfortable, sit with that, and ask yourself why the stories make you feel that way. Unfamiliarity of voices and experiences can be discomfiting, but learning about and respecting others’ lived experiences is part of life. To censor these books is the same as censoring the people behind the stories. Shari Henry, Director of Democracy and Community Impact at Urban Libraries, dashes the “porn in schools” mantra pushed by many activists, as there is not a book in school that meets the legal definition to be removed from a library. Parents are free to make their choice for their own family, but making the choice for other families infringes on fundamental freedoms. She also echoes earlier sentiments that rural libraries are more susceptible to funding cuts. Mary Pelicano, a retired librarian and American Library Association (ALA) advocate, said that the atmosphere of book challenges has changed. It used to be that an individual would fill out a challenge form after having read a book, but now people are arriving with long lists and pre-written forms to censor books they never even read. “Books are mirrors and windows”--they are how we build inclusive community, compassion, and empathy. Vee Vee Majesty, a Latina drag queen, questioned whether well-intentioned parents are being used as pawns by those with power and influence, particularly in a movement where only 11 adults have filed 60% of book challenges in 2021-21. In general, book challenges have begun with marginalized groups like people of color and the LGBTQIA community, but this is a slippery slope where the challenges are chipping away at our freedoms–Fahrenheit 451, a commonly banned book, outlines exactly what they are doing. Not only that, but the obsession with gender and gender identity ignores the humanity of each one of us–it amplifies differences among us, when we aren’t really that different on the inside. Finally, 4 Public Education attended only one of the breakout sessions, but it was a doozy! Lara Bury of Red Wine and Blue shared how everyone can get involved in an informed and respectful way by: Talking to neighbors and friends about the impact of banning books–remember 87% of people do not support banning books that discuss race! Sharing your concerns and tell your friends what you are doing. Personal stories often have more impact than sharing facts. Asking questions and empathizing with (not demonizing) others who may not 100% agree with you. Wearing “Banned Books” t-shirts or buttons to let others know what is happening. Thanking and supporting librarians and teachers. Check out and read banned books from libraries to show the community values them. Also, remember that parents can always prevent their own kids from accessing certain books, but every parent that wants their kids to develop critical thinking skills should have the right to have books available to their kids.

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.