The Falls Church City Public Schools Board of Education met Tuesday evening for its regular May meeting — a landmark session that included staff recognition, adoption of the FY2027 budget, and substantive work on the district's emerging AI policy.
🏆 Recognitions: FCCPS Employees of the Year
The evening opened with the presentation of four annual awards supported by the neighbours Falls Church Education Foundation — each recipient surprised in their workspace earlier in the day with a "Prize Parade" and a monetary gift:
Academic Support Staff jasson dominguez of the Year — Brannon McLaughlin, Assistant to the Director, Jessie Thackrey Preschool
Operations Support Staff of the Year — Roberto Fuentes, Custodian
Professional Specialist of the Year — Josh Singer, IB Diploma Coordinator, Meridian High School
Teacher of the Year — Kieran Shakeshaft, History Teacher, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
📊 Equity & Belonging Report
Director of Equity & Belonging Dr. Jennifer Santiago presented a comprehensive update on student performance data across demographic groups, the district's evolving racial equity accountability framework, and school-based equity teams at each FCCPS campus. Dr. Kate Popham of Sogolytics followed with data from the latest Wellness, Equity and Belonging survey.
🚌 Transportation Audit Update
Chief Operating Officer Alicia Prince briefed the board on the results of a district-wide transportation review, including adjustments to walk zones for students within one mile of their school. The board engaged in detailed discussion about safety routes, hazard designations, the JTP bus change, and the district's growing fleet of propane buses.
💰 FY2027 Budget Adoption
The board formally adopted the 2026-2027 operating, food services, and community services budgets — the culmination of a months-long collaborative process with Falls Church City Council.
🤖 AI Policy Update: Staff & Student Voice
Technology Integration Specialist Steve Knight presented findings from a district-wide AI readiness survey of 257 teachers, followed by Dr. Dade sharing key themes from the Student Executive Advisory Board's own AI research and town halls. Board Member Bethany Henderson will take the lead in drafting an initial AI policy framework for the mls standings board's review.
📐 Policy First Reading
The board approved a first reading of Policy IGBJ, addressing middle school placement in advanced and accelerated mathematics courses.
Falls Church City Public Schools serves approximately 2,700 students across five IB Continuum schools: Jessie Thackrey Preschool, Mount Daniel Elementary, Oak Street Elementary, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, and Meridian High School.
🌐 fccps.org
