Dustin Wright sworn in as City of Fairfax superintendent, lays out three priorities

Dustin Patrick Wright was sworn in as superintendent of the City of Fairfax School Board during the Dec. 1 regular meeting, taking the official oath to support the U.S. and Virginia constitutions and to "faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties" of the office. The oath was administered by Chris Falcon, clerk of the Fairfax County court.

In brief remarks after the oath, Wright thanked the school board, the search lead Dr. Phyllis Fajardo and transition staff, acknowledged his family and 17 years as a City of Fairfax resident, and described three guiding priorities for his early tenure: keeping students at the center of decisions, supporting and empowering staff, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. "Every decision I make as a superintendent will be centered on what is best for you," Wright said.

Wright said his first priority is listening — to students, staff, families and community members — and outlined an entry plan that begins with listening and learning, moves to aligning work around recurring themes, and ends with reporting back to the public and starting action on identified priorities. He said he will share more detail about that plan after the winter break.

Board members welcomed Wright and thanked Dan Phillips for serving as acting superintendent during the interim. Several board members praised Wright’s early school visits and said they look forward to his public-facing approach.

The meeting proceeded with regular business after the ceremony, including presentations and board matters; Wright noted he had already visited Daniels Run Elementary School and Katherine Johnson Middle School earlier that day and planned additional school visits the following day.

The meeting adjourned later that evening after the board completed scheduled business.