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Public commenter alleges secret approval of high‑paid staff hires; board urged to act on transparency
Summary
Public commenter Mark Sponer said FOIA filings and agenda documents show the board approved two high‑paid staff positions in a closed session last February, prompting calls for public accountability and for the board to review superintendent leadership.
During public comment on March 19 Mark Sponer told the Fairfax County Public Schools board he had filed a freedom‑of‑information request and, later, a circuit court case after seeking clarity about closed‑session actions. Sponer said that materials from a recent agenda indicate two additional staff positions — paid at more than $120,000 — were approved in a February closed meeting despite prior testimony from division counsel asserting no decision had been made there.
"Budget issues should be decided with candor and tough decisions in public, not with deception and self‑dealing in secret meetings," Sponer said, charging the board with a lack of transparency. He said he was forced to pursue court action after division counsel and the board did not respond to his inquiries.
Board members did not immediately make a formal determination during the meeting; the transcript shows board members receiving the allegation, noting counsel’s prior testimony, and continuing with other agenda items. The claim was raised to the board verbally and referenced supporting agenda materials; staff and counsel were urged to follow up and provide clarity to the public.
Why it matters: Allegations of decisions taken in closed session implicate open‑meeting requirements and public trust in governance. The commenter identified a specific personnel and budget concern (two positions at more than $120,000) and said court filings and agenda materials support his assertion.
What’s next: The board did not resolve the allegation on the spot; the matter was raised publicly and will require staff and counsel follow‑up to clarify what occurred in the February session and whether governance or disclosure rules were followed.
