On Dec. 18 the Fairfax County School Board accepted the Goal 5 strategic plan report, "Leading for tomorrow's innovation," and approved a set of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) actions focused on the Annandale pyramid.

Dr. Reed presented Goal 5 highlights that focused on graduation metrics, multiple diploma pathways, supports for students with disabilities, and career/transition services. He noted the distinction between state on-time graduation rates and the federal 4-year graduation indicator used in federal reporting, and highlighted efforts such as on-time graduation resource teachers, an external consultant for advising, and a new workforce connections course for students with disabilities.

Following the presentation, Dr. Anderson moved to open a new full-time AAP Center at Poe Middle School beginning with grade 6 in school year 2026'27, approve phasing options for impacted elementary students (Canterbury Woods cohort options), and begin community engagement for a potential elementary-level AAP Center at North Springfield. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Board members praised staff and community advocates for the work on AAP access and the strategic-plan efforts while noting continuing concerns about subgroup performance and accountability under the new state framework.

The acceptance of Goal 5 and AAP actions signals the board's next steps in implementing innovations and supports for graduation success and targeted program expansion; staff will proceed with the community engagement steps described in the motion.