In this work session, the School Board addressed two main agenda items: a brief discussion of the cell phone policy ahead of its second reading and final vote at the next meeting, followed by an extensive budget work session reviewing answers to board members' questions about the FY2026 proposed budget.

Key budget topics included:

The budget work session focused on reviewing detailed written responses to over 40 questions submitted by board members, with follow-up discussion on various items. Several questions related to summer school program changes remain under review with responses in process.

The next regular School Board meeting with budget discussions is scheduled for February 11, 2025, which will include the first public hearing on the FY2026 budget.

Join Oak Street Elementary's veteran educators Lisa Mueller and Lauren Lauer for an comprehensive overview of the school's Advanced Academics program. In this informative session, these experienced teachers share their expertise and explain the identification process, services provided, and educational philosophy behind the program.

Key topics covered include:

• The identification process for Advanced Academics, including multiple assessment criteria and data points used

• Detailed explanation of Level 2 and Level 3 services offered to identified students

• Weekly enrichment activities and special programs like Math Olympiad, Continental Math League, and Word Masters

• Information about upcoming changes to math placement procedures for the next academic year

• Insights into classroom integration and teaching strategies

• Tips for parents on supporting their gifted learners

The presenters share real examples of their engaging teaching methods, including creative approaches to Shakespeare, mathematical problem-solving, and critical thinking exercises. They also address common parent concerns about student engagement and discuss the positive role of productive challenge in student development.

This session provides valuable information for both current Oak Street Elementary families and those with rising third graders preparing to enter the program. The speakers emphasize the school's commitment to meeting each student's needs while maintaining high academic standards within Falls Church City Public Schools' distinguished educational environment.

For more information about Advanced Academics at Oak Street Elementary, please visit the FCCPS website or contact the presenters directly.

Join Mount Daniel Elementary School Counselors Michelle Goldberg and Jed Jackson for an insightful Parent Coffee session focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In this informative presentation, our counselors share their expertise on supporting children's emotional development and behavioral growth.

Key topics covered:

Learn valuable strategies for supporting your child's social-emotional development at home and understand how our counseling team works to create a supportive environment at school. This session includes practical tips and real-world examples that parents can implement right away.

Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan's presentation of the proposed FY 2026 budget. The needs-based budget addresses projected enrollment growth of 159 students and ensures competitive compensation for our staff. Community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the public hearings beginning next month.

The Falls Church City School Board held its first meeting of 2025 last night at City Hall Chambers. The meeting began with the Board's annual organizational session, where members reelected Board Chair Tate Gould and Vice-Chair Kathleen Tysse to another term as leaders.

The highlight of the meeting was Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan's presentation of the proposed FY 2026 budget. The needs-based budget addresses projected enrollment growth of 159 students and ensures competitive compensation for our staff. Community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the public hearings beginning next month..

Other agenda items included the Approval and Adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan for FY26-31 and a first reading of a new Cell Phone Polic

The December Principal Coffee at Oak Street Elementary School focuses on Special Education Services. This informative session features presentations by Jennifer McCormack (Special Education Administrator), Ashley DiCarlo (Behavior Specialist), Elisabeth Yack (School Psychologist), and Robin Borum (School Social Worker), along with other key members of the Special Education team.

Learn about:

• The roles of specialists and support staff.

• The process of identifying and supporting students with special education needs.

• Services provided under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

• How families can collaborate with the school to meet their child’s unique needs.

This session is a valuable resource for understanding the comprehensive support available to Oak Street Elementary. For additional resources, check out the Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education or contact the school directly.

#SpecialEducation #OakStreetElementary #FCCPS #ParentEngagement

Here's a single-paragraph summary:

The Falls Church City Public Schools Board made several significant decisions at their December meeting, approving new course offerings to expand student learning opportunities and adopting the 2026-2027 school calendar. The Board celebrated the school's commitment to nutritious scratch-made lunches with a video presentation and recognized fall student-athletes for their achievements. Key administrative actions included finalizing the 2025 FCCPS Legislative Program and reviewing policy updates for extended day care, electronic meeting participation, and professional staff guidelines. Looking ahead, the Board received a detailed presentation on the FY 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan addressing infrastructure needs for the growing community and began preliminary discussions on the FY 2026 budget. Full meeting materials and recordings are available on FCCPS.org.

FCCPS is searching for our next superintendent!

With Dr. Noonan retiring in June 2025 after eight years of service, the search is on for a visionary leader to guide our schools starting July 1, 2025.

The School Board met with HYA Associates, a top national firm, who will lead the process. Community input will be vital—forums begin in January 2025. Share your thoughts on what qualities matter most in a superintendent.

Key Timeline:

The Falls Church City School Board and City Council held a joint work session to kick off the 2025-2026 budget season.

FCCPS shared its fiscal forecast, highlighting rising costs, including staffing, services for special needs, and support for anticipated record enrollment growth of 159 new students next year driven by new housing developments soon to come online.

FCCPS projects it will need a transfer increase of 8.1% to 9.4% from the city to meet these needs, depending on state funding outcomes. In contrast, city government revenue growth is forecast at 5.9%, leaving a gap of approximately $2 million. 

The City Council will approve budget guidance for the upcoming fiscal year at their meeting on Monday, December 9th.

The November 2024 Regular School Board meeting opened with the swearing-in of new School Board member Anne Sherwood. Sherwood was elected unopposed on November 5 to complete the term of former member David Ortiz, who recently relocated. We’re excited to welcome her to the team as she begins her service to the FCCPS community.

Additional highlights from the meeting included: