[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6100523,"mediaKeyId","2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5","parentId",2813342,"title","School Board approves Goal 4 report highlighting academically intense course taking; board discusses math, world language expansion","audioSeconds",3565,"startMs",3889000,"endMs",7454000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5&start=3889&end=7454","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5/thumbnail_3889000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100523/Virginia/School-Board-approves-Goal-4-report-highlighting-academically-intense-course-taking-board-discusses-math-world-language-expansion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100523-cb305c3f87c763348555861aaac62c61/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145738&Signature=NF6h9KT1vNf23e4lUeHTFEplw5Og~kMYTaxlpTwKPBrEtxRMBtJWt4eE9VOrQF7qcJLdhfFa~TrQbEF-Yv1DoQaHqnjYTRp~fgEaoqaXKgxL5uW1R3FEaVUGl0BtKP~JEIehBXSqWzwohwL8Qw53KfaYIDvwQSDAb4kGA5s-BsgtH9Q047NbyOtu1o-ocDeTcsiwQkFQL8LNRxd1olirIJmT125U2UAW2KvtxJjSkAeqetonR4WsTaVLznkrgfeQ-3eNE7tuIn4vC1lQikVmpz1lzUvu9Z36Iykyv~Vvn6A4RGkG70MUETIouWHAISUi2tkbH01yg-DWE7fBhNKEJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fairfax Co Public School","date","2025-03-28T14:38:43Z","article","The Fairfax County School Board voted to approve the Division’s strategic Goal 4 report for school year 2024–25, a presentation that highlighted academically intense course taking, participation gaps by student group, and steps to increase readiness for postsecondary pathways.

Superintendent Michelle Reid and Chief Academic Officers presented data showing 75% of the 2024 graduating cohort were classified as “ready or highly ready” for postsecondary opportunities using a composite academic‑intensity measure. The presentation identified mathematics and world languages as primary opportunity areas and described a two‑year pilot with the education consultancy ABL to review course‑taking patterns, currently underway in 20 high schools with expansion planned.

Why it matters: The report links intense course taking (years of math, science and world language, plus GPA and test scores) to on‑time graduation and college persistence, and board members discussed possible policy steps, including a county recommendation to add a fourth year of mathematics as a graduation expectation.

Board action and debate

- Motion: Ms. Laura Lady moved to approve the Goal 4 strategic plan report; Mr. Moon seconded. The board approved the report unanimously.

- Discussion: Board members praised the high baseline readiness rates but emphasized equity gaps for multilingual learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students. Several members urged that any move to increase math requirements be coupled with increased support (tutoring, counseling, alignment of earlier coursework) so students are prepared rather than over‑burdened.

Planned responses and next steps

- Curriculum and support work: Instructional Services will adopt secondary math materials and revise K–7 math curriculum; the ABL pilot will expand to all high schools and begin work in middle (bridal) schools.

- Access initiatives: The division plans to expand dual enrollment and AP options, examine cross‑crediting of CTE courses for math, and increase targeted interventions and advising to close access gaps.

Provenance: Topic begins with the Goal 4 presentation and ends with the board’s approval vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","3/27/25 - FCPS School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved the strategic Goal 4 report summarizing data on academically intense course taking, targets to increase math and world language participation, and plans to expand interventions, dual enrollment and AP opportunities.","taxTitle","FAIRFAX CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14506,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100527,"School Board proclaims Transgender Day of Visibility; students and parents share personal testimony",2550,1035000,3585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5&start=1035&end=3585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5/thumbnail_1035000.jpg","/articles/6100527/Virginia/School-Board-proclaims-Transgender-Day-of-Visibility-students-and-parents-share-personal-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100527-8cb5817855fb8245408ce37b54d1deea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145738&Signature=YonLjJgZ8MwHw0ezEPcr7cU-amJQh5useOymHwEpesqwGeFO6TsG6IfI33luJOQR3On5V7BVB-1RX0eBf7gQbt0zHcxbk4t6G77riKfLuRHdJOQvdnOcXZAc7vN5hli7vUSwx8HIEW45WJGISNwz~jpTjUHHDbGzL6H-6k19TaycgPd~y9AoyBfsW9QMVd3xZpgnHTsRlqm2BcbnCSFzcR6bPnPAyYWSvbbDEvelFOSG0EUsOjjd35p5XsRSCjBhYO~m3pezSErmLCaNmMP6NWZBWxevOxM4rJbi3jyVVDDGFv8nKNTO1LgZ5gdmIi-rbLmkCoWn8EVVS0JQyhfRig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairfax County School Board unanimously proclaimed March 31, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility for Fairfax County Public Schools and urged the community to promote equity and support for transgender students year‑round.

The board read and adopted the proclamation recognizing the value of supporting transgender students and staff and affirming the school division’s role in creating an inclusive environment. Mr. Frisch called for the vote and the motion carried by unanimous voice vote of members present.

Why it matters: Many students and families testified during the public‑comment period that affirmation and school support have been life‑saving and critical to students’ academic success. Several speakers described personal experience of how school recognition and supportive teachers aided mental health and post‑secondary success.

Public testimony: A transgender FCPS student told the board the system’s protections allow them to “survive” and “live, enjoy life, breathe.” Student speakers emphasized that “trans identities aren’t taught in school, but trans kids exist anyway,” and asked the board to continue affirming and protecting transgender students. Family members and FCPS club leaders offered both personal anecdotes and a success story: one parent said their formerly non‑affirmed child thrived in FCPS and graduated with honors after receiving school support.

Board action and context

- Motion and vote: The board adopted the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation by unanimous vote of members present. The proclamation notes national trends related to anti‑trans legislation and cites medical associations endorsing supportive school environments.

- Public comment: Dozens of speakers used the public‑comment period to support the proclamation and to recount how FCPS policies and teacher support affect student well‑being and academic outcomes. Speakers included current students, parents, representatives of the Transgender Education Association and local GSA leaders.

Quotes

- “Due to the protections in the school system for kids like me, I am able to survive,” said Kaz Kyere, a student who identified themself as transgender.

- “When his teachers started using his name, everything changed for him,” said Chris McCormick, describing his older son’s school experience and subsequent academic success after receiving support at school.

What the board did not do: The proclamation affirms support and calls for inclusive practice; it is not a change in regulation or code and does not itself create new requirements beyond existing district policies and state law.

Provenance: Topic begins with the proclamation reading and includes the public‑comment sequence supporting the proclamation.","The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation. During public comment dozens of students, parents and advocates described the impact of FCPS policies and urged continued protection and support for transgender students.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100532,"Fairfax School Board directs superintendent to plan Mason District pilot of later middle‑school start times",650,7389000,8039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5&start=7389&end=8039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813342-4b3ca5eafdab0a0ce7203183de780bd5/thumbnail_7389000.jpg","/articles/6100532/Virginia/Fairfax-School-Board-directs-superintendent-to-plan-Mason-District-pilot-of-later-middleschool-start-times","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100532-370726ea5266ddcde25eaa08553ecc93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145738&Signature=SgnolngpAMuNrENoIi~D2T1j0ku8P8bYCGMK~ygFgfDTBRBd5Rv9CMjO~btvnpX3xdNgS-4LAnrYfQoL6Kaple7fk-DrMPeAJwXReyIMK-UP6awUGOLpPIo2KiESUVPgRCd3Sw3OPhs4i40qoAH6ulu7efoT87S22rz5cITJtU3tQR4ZJOw7B9VRi4mUgCpt~Xmmqn~amRVUP9m270UXspDzwZqLNRp~zg1H1LBUsITTCJFDSfH-rzSPsLRa45tGeRpGxrBjZtlSQ-WBwQeDa8OS4DiVFVpvXeAAkfaWMQXkIQC6CeLIpc8pct2yDxpsWA8Gx-OUU~gcQR-ZW6M4HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairfax County School Board on March 27 directed Superintendent Michelle Reid to prepare a cost‑neutral plan to pilot later start times at middle schools in the Mason District for the 2025–26 school year and then, by separate motion, to develop a broader plan linked to the division’s holistic boundary review.

Board member Dr. Elizabeth Anderson moved the initial directive, asking staff to return to the board by April 10 with options for a pilot that would be “cost neutral” and would minimize changes to high‑school start times; Ms. Shantha Marin seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously for the motion.

The board then approved a follow‑on motion from Chair Ryan Frisch asking the superintendent to develop a plan that includes “robust community engagement and consideration of varied student transportation needs” and to coordinate implementation timing with the ongoing holistic boundary review. That motion passed 10‑0‑1.

Why it matters: A broad record of medical research links later start times for adolescents with improved sleep, mental health and academic outcomes. Fairfax board members and dozens of community speakers who addressed the board during the public‑comment period urged swift action, saying later middle‑school start times would help students arrive at school more alert and better able to learn.

Key details

- Scope: The initial directive asks staff for a cost‑neutral pilot in the Mason District that would attempt to implement later start times at as many Mason District middle schools as possible for 2025–26, while minimizing high‑school schedule changes.

- Timeline and deliverable: Superintendent Reid was directed to present the cost‑neutral plan to the board by April 10, 2025.

- Follow‑on planning: Chair Frisch’s motion asks for a countywide plan — informed by community engagement and transportation needs — to be developed in conjunction with the holistic boundary review. That motion passed 10‑0‑1.

Public testimony: More than a dozen speakers urged the board to act. Students, parents and local advocates described sleep loss, missed opportunities for after‑school activities and family scheduling strain. Sixth‑grade students from Mosaic Elementary, for example, warned that cuts to middle‑school after‑school programming and early start times would affect their access to tutoring and extracurriculars. Several parents from Mason District underscored that district’s unique configuration — middle schools that include sixth grade — as a reason to pilot in Mason.

Board debate: Board members supporting the pilot cited long‑standing advocacy by the community and scientific evidence showing benefits of later start times. Supporters also highlighted operational changes coming to FCPS (new bus‑routing software and a holistic boundary review) that they said create an opening to test changes. Some board members emphasized the need to protect elementary start times from being pushed extremely late in any scenario.

Votes at a glance

- Motion (Dr. Elizabeth Anderson): Direct superintendent to provide by 04/10/2025 a cost‑neutral plan to pilot later start times in Mason District middle schools for 2025–26. Mover: Dr. Elizabeth Anderson. Second: Ms. Shantha Marin. Outcome: approved (unanimous of members present).

- Follow‑on motion (Chair Ryan Frisch): Direct superintendent to develop a plan that includes robust community engagement and transportation considerations for implementing healthy start times in conjunction with the holistic boundary review. Mover: Chair Ryan Frisch. Second: Ms. Shantha Anderson. Outcome: approved 10‑0‑1.

What the board did not decide: The votes asked for planning and community engagement; they do not set a final countywide schedule or a firm implementation date for all schools. Board members repeatedly said the motions were instructions to staff to return with analysis and options.

Context and next steps: Board members and staff cited forthcoming operational tools — notably new bus‑routing software and the holistic boundary review — as factors that could make schedule adjustments more feasible. Superintendent Reid and transportation staff will return with the requested cost‑neutral pilot plan and a more comprehensive plan for aligning start times with boundary work.

Provenance: Topic begins with Dr. Anderson’s motion and ends with the final board vote on the follow‑on motion.","The Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to ask the superintendent for a cost‑neutral plan to pilot later start times at Mason District middle schools for 2025–26 and approved a separate motion to develop a countywide implementation plan tied to the holistic boundary review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School Board approves Goal 4 report highlighting academically intense course taking; board discusses math, world language expansion

School Board proclaims Transgender Day of Visibility; students and parents share personal testimony

Fairfax School Board directs superintendent to plan Mason District pilot of later middle‑school start times