Centreville student urges Fairfax schools to add financial literacy as a measurable goal

A Centreville High School student urged the Fairfax County School Board on Oct. 9 to add financial literacy as a measurable component of the divisionwide comprehensive plan.

"Financial literacy isn't just a subject. It's a lifelong skill essential for success beyond high school," Joshua Pahn, a Centreville High School student representing SmartSense, told the board during the public hearing. He asked the board to include demonstrated proficiency in essential financial literacy concepts as a tracked measure under Goal 3 (academic growth and excellence).

Pahn noted that although Virginia requires completion of a personal finance course for graduation, Fairfax County Public Schools does not currently track financial literacy outcomes as part of student-growth measures. He proposed that the plan measure proficiency either through course performance or a standardized financial-literacy assessment so the division can monitor student growth and readiness for postsecondary decisions.

The public hearing included four registered speakers; speakers are allotted two minutes each under board rules. No formal board action was taken at the hearing. The school board will consider the divisionwide comprehensive plan at its Oct. 23 regular meeting, when trustees may discuss and vote on any revisions to the plan.