The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a new sole‑source contract on Aug. 28 for a vendor that provides the CTE assessment the Virginia Department of Education recognizes as a general, cross‑content credential to meet the state's new accountability and graduation expectations.

The nut graf: the assessment is the only VDOE‑approved instrument that can be used across all CTE program areas to meet a graduation/accountability pathway known informally as the “3 E” requirement — employment, enlistment or enrollment — and the board debated accommodations and alternative pathways for students with disabilities and those who do not take CTE coursework.

Board member discussion focused on why the contract is sole source, what the test covers, and how students with disabilities or students who do not take a CTE course can meet the state requirement in other ways. Dr. Presidio (academic leadership) explained that the vendor is the only provider of this particular assessment that VDOE recognizes for the generalizable credential; other CTE certifications exist but are subject‑area specific. He said the assessment existed previously and the division is renewing or replacing a sole‑source contract term with the same vendor; procurement staff later confirmed the contract replaces an existing sole‑source agreement expiring in November 2025.

Board members asked whether reasonable accommodations documented in students' IEPs would apply to the assessment; staff replied that students would receive accommodations listed in their IEPs when taking the test (extended time, format accommodations, etc.) and that the division will follow up with special services to confirm alternative verified‑credit pathways where necessary. The superintendent's team said students could also meet the new requirement via advanced coursework (AP/IB/dual enrollment), work‑based learning such as internships or school‑based enterprises, or completion of subject‑specific CTE credentials.

Actions: the board voted to approve the contract and authorized the superintendent and procurement director to execute it on behalf of the school board. Board members requested that staff provide clearer family and case‑manager guidance about how students, including those with IEPs, can meet the new graduation/accountability requirement.

Ending: The contract was approved as a sole‑source procurement to maintain VDOE‑recognized testing that supports the new state accountability framework; staff agreed to follow up with specifics about accommodations, substitute pathways and family outreach.