FCPS revives student leadership program; 12 selected from 200+ applicants

At the May 13, 2025 meeting of the Fairfax County School Board Public Engagement Committee, Deputy Clerk Mr. Jackson presented an update on student representation and the revived Student Leadership Development Program, reporting that staff received more than 200 applications this year and selected a cohort of 12 student leaders representing every magisterial district.

Mr. Jackson explained that Policy 18‑02 establishes the student representative position in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and aligns with the Code of Virginia authorization for student representatives. “Policy 18‑02 establishes the student representative position, here in FCPS, and it gives an overview for eligibility, election, and then, the role of the student representative,” he said. He also noted that student representatives are empowered to participate in board discussion, propose resolutions, and indicate how they would have voted following a board vote.

Election and onboarding: The committee heard that this year’s primary election for the student representative was conducted virtually on April 3, 2025, and the general election took place April 9 at TJ; the student advisory council elected Faith McKonan of South County High School as the incoming student representative. Mr. Jackson described an immersive orientation and onboarding process that covers the board’s structure and processes, relevant policies (including FOIA coverage for the student representative), introductions to board and staff offices, and HR/IT onboarding so student representatives have email and badge access for their term beginning July 1.

Student Leadership Development Program: The program reopened this school year after a pandemic pause. Recruitment began with an August announcement, applications opened August 28, student application deadline was September 30, principals’ nominations were due October 15, and final applicant notifications were sent by November 16. The office received over 200 applications and selected 12 students for the cohort. The program included five monthly cohort sessions focused on leadership topics (leadership fundamentals, being an informed leader, goal setting, interpersonal communication and tough lessons learned), guest talks by almost every school board member and the current student rep, and a service‑project requirement.

Program activities and outcomes: Student leaders attended school board meetings (one regular meeting and one work session in person; one public hearing and one committee meeting virtually), prepared written reports, conducted service projects addressing local causes, and developed student forum proposals. The student forum produced three topics advanced to a student work session scheduled for May 19: targeted substance‑abuse and vaping education in middle and high schools; redistribution of the FCPS high‑school grading policy; and implementing universal school meals to address food insecurity. Mr. Jackson said the cohort’s service projects and forum proposals will be shared with the board following completion.

Participation, evaluation, and next steps: Committee members raised concerns about the program’s time commitment, suggesting exit surveys and clearer expectations for board liaisons and participating students. Mr. Moon and other members recommended collecting feedback from participants to determine whether the cohort requirements should be adjusted for future cycles; Mr. Jackson said an exit survey is in development and he aims to distribute it to the outgoing student representative by June 1. Committee members also discussed whether the program or the board might offer internship credit for student representatives in the future; Mr. Jackson said he would research options and that student payment for certain duties already exists.

No formal committee motion was taken on program structure at the meeting. Staff requested feedback from board members on clarifying liaison expectations and possible logistical support so the program remains sustainable without unduly burdening clerk office staff. The student leadership completion ceremony and certificate presentation will follow the student work session and program wrap‑up.