--------- >> So I called to order this May 13, 2025 regular meeting of the Fairfax County school board public in Basement Engagement Committee. And we
will now come to order. I will call on Miss Anderson for item 1, 0, 0, proclamation
considerations. >> Okay. So there are a few things that we needed to look at related to proclamations what you're receiving now is a
red line of just that copy or area of this. The governance manual. And you'll see that there's quite a few changes. The reason that that is mostly because things were being
moved from one section to another and that causes the whole thing to look like. It's been changed. even though some of the information has hasn't necessarily been changed internally. I did want to talk
a little bit about a philosophy change with how we're doing proclamations and recognitions like just overall. And I would like to start by talking about the types of of knowledge means that we do. >> So on the first page, you
can see that we have the letter on behalf of the school board chair on behalf of the entire school board. We have a certificate of appreciation. We have school board proclamations and actually
recommending that. We include a 4th category here of school board recognitions, which is how we do many of the different recognition ceremonies that we do related to the hsl and those types of
things. So one of the things that we need to talk about 1, 1, request that I have is that I would like to reorganize the content in this section to
actually match up with each individual category of acknowledgment so that it is a little bit easier to find the information immediately and make the document more useful. Because right now we have a
fair amount of things all over the place and it's hard to follow if you're actually trying to come in to the document to use it to figure out what's the path forward. So that's number one. Number
2, earlier this year, we added the annual proclamation category for anniversaries. And as we've likely seen is that it's taking a fair amount of time in our meetings and
make sure that we are doing o school anniversary. Acknowledgements. I would recommend that we move that into more of a recognition category, the same way we're
doing with with. Vhsl and in the teachers, the national teacher certification list, things like that so that it would be done in January of every year. In one
acknowledgment ceremony for that entire year of the state of the schools that were hitting a milestone and that way, if a board member still, if you had a significant milestone like this year, Fairview Elementary hit 125
years and we did a proclamation related to that. And that was actually before we had adopted the the proclamation process for school anniversaries. I just think that this is one way that we can still acknowledge
those significant anniversaries for schools. And not have it take up quite as much time because you'll notice in some of the proclamations, it's very repetitive like our schools are awesomnd they're all
doing very similar things. And so a lot of the language that we're using to call out individual schools is very repetitive. And so that would be that would be my recommendation for there. And then we would just need to
codified at the same way. We have. And this actually serves Kristina. If I'm correct this actually serves as a way to codify what we're actually doing for vhsl as well. And so
some of the language in here. The problem is is because it's kind of all over the place right now. It's hard to figure out where that's all happening, which is why I'm recommending a reorganization
of the content in this section. So that's that the other thing that I will note is that earlier this year, one of our colleagues brought forward a proclamation related
to the Hindu religion and unfortunately, that was not on the approved list of annual proclamations. So it would be my recommendation for us to move all religious
proclamations, too, being member driven in order to have equity because there are so many different religions that would be impossible to make sure that we acknowledge all of them. And so if a member wants to bring a proclamation related to a particular
religion, they would do that as part of that process so they could use it as one of their 2. So that would be my recommendation for that. And then. I've heard that there
was some angst by the previous board wanting to keep them keep the different proclamations separate my recommendation in that section with annual proclamations is actually 2 separate them by
month because I think it's far easier for us to track which ones come in which month. And we can ensure that we have a and adequate distribution across. Is that OK with everybody? Would we like to
keep it like this? But also include and like, just a standard annual calendar. So that. We could see how things were falling. How do we want
to move forward with that? >> And the mission Bi-monthly would define it can always happen. Mission of the things and a somewhere for anybody wants to see particular
proclamation stands and when not, I resisting its with that. You know, one, you know, great benefit of doing east to see We doing 10 proclamations
>> And I so I think that regardless, if we keep it broken up by school activities, national heritage and holidays, those types of things. If we keep in in those broad categories, I still
think it would be helpful to ensure that we have a calendar somewhere in the section that actually shows the distribution across and includes the other one. So includes board recognitions
and things like that so that we understand as board members when we're looking at this, what our proclamations and recognitions are going to be throughout the year. >> And with so that or some kind of sport members want to
bring member jury been proclamations to see. Oh, boy, I want to be one out of 20 parts month in the center. and that's that's what I did. It and
>> Madam Clerk, is there a problem with doing that? No, we would actually recommend doing a chart. That's yeah, so we could have it that way. And
then because we gelly have 2 meetings a month would a lot. We wouldn't specify, obviously, which helps us. But it would allow us to more evenly distribute their specific weeks. And I know
there are board members who ask because they would like their proclamation to stand out a little bit more sometimes don't necessarily want if there's 6, 8 proclamations all in one
meeting that and I think that it just would also help us add the the cow having a whole calendar of what how proclamations and recognitions are going to work. >> So that way, everybody understands what the how, how
that's all going to happen. >> It's a You know, if you Give list could. All right to us with that. When you want to
find things that you can easily, what okay. >> Otherwise that's that's the majority of of thick concerns that I had overall Kristina,
my forgetting anything that we discussed related to. And I've
never seen you guys may that previously on the board may be able to help that. The last thing I wanted to mention is that we've had requests by members to include signatures
from the person who brought the proclamation instead of chair. However, right now it's it's in governance manual that it will be the chair that signs each park proclamation.
And so the way we've been handling that internally is by allowing the board member that brings a proclamation if they want to sign a second copy, then that's fine. And so this just again, we put in were in writing here that that's the
way we would be doing things. >> I think there are a couple places where we more we codify how we're actually doing things like the number of days. The number of days, whether it's inclusive or
exclusive of a board meeting to try to hit things the right way to make sure the counts work. I think you've hit everything else. Okay. So my
request. >> Would be. So my request
would be I would like to move that we move forward with. The change is represented here with the latitude to go through and change formatting and reorganize the information
in this section to make it usable. So we wouldn't be making significant changes to the content from herhis point out, we would just be making it readable. And if we
can also do with grammatical, said it >> So second, the motion. Okay. Thank you. Jeremy Reed
Motion tonight. And I can. And one thing think in terms of board members bring proclamations and when it made more sense, just to have the chair. Plus the person who
brings it. just goes their way to change that. >> In right now, it's the chair and myself, but I am not opposed to not having to sign
them. Well, I'm not saying take I'm just saying Ed and additional from a space point to point seal it. >> Okay. When we get that on one of met with light. just.
>> It makes it difficult with the SEAL, which is why we've done that and done it where we do 2 copies. For many, many
years. >> Easy Oaks. I mean, if a second both members joined the chair for board member Raven
combinations. I don't see not. >> This is some. Recording reason that we have it be the clerk. I'm just asking whether or not this is there's any
legal implication that I don't understand of of any of this. >> I would actually ask Mr. Mckelvie Mr. Men if they happened now, it was that way. When I came in its from my
understanding been that way. I have no idea. I don't don't get those no reason not. to s***** away. But only thing I
could think of is because it's supposed to be something that is from the board. And typically I have to sign things that are. recorded by the board like, you know But
I'm I think we can always extra extra mind, you know. >> chilled a board member, you for them corrupt to sign still going to see it on at the
bottom. >> Let's let us play with the formatting of the proclamation. Before we bring this to the full board and see what we can work out. Okay. >> It has to acknowledge the
fact that once we are able to look at the proclamation, formatting then will determine whether or not there's a path forward and be. can we approve both ways that have confined space that we would agree to that? And if we can't, then we
will continue to do what we've said that we're going to do is have the chair and the clerk sign and then have a separate copy. That was the board member bringing it and the clerk. Is that okay with this fine. Okay. So what we're
going to have options based on what we can, what is realistic? So I'm going to read the full motion. I move to send the revised strategic Governance Manual for King
related to proclamations for consideration before the full board with leave to make grammatical and formatting changes. And you're still
okay. Second in that I'm it. All those in favor. Unanimous.
So now we're going move on to item. Item. Number 103. And this is the kit updates. And this is something that we've been working on since.
>> Last year trying to, you know, work it out and Anderson has been working on this. like on this, Anderson, to give updates.
>> Okay. So the first thing I wanted to point out for everybody is that we created a quick guide for community Advisory committee staff liaison so that way and the full version actually has a
seal that Adobe acrobat, all of a sudden decided that it doesn't like to print things. And so this deal didn't come through, but it has a seal. This echoes the the field and formatting of the document that we already have created
for the or operating manual. And what this does is ives us 1, one hand out that we can provide to staff liaisons that pulls out all of the requirements related to how
they interact with committees. So that way, it's just to kind of check. She, you know, checklist that have Dr Rita applies or add some want to be a staff son as staffing changes or as the needs of the
committee changes based on the charge that this would be the opportunity for them to go ahead and just run through a quick understanding of what was required of them. And so that way there's a full
understanding between. It's also a tool in my opinion that the chairs and or co chairs could be used as a way to understand what the staff liaison can do for them and what they shouldn't do for
them. And so this kind of gives a clear understanding for everyone involved just how to move forward. So this would be what I would recommend. We don't need to create a full course for staff liaisons. I
think that's overkill. But just giving them a place that all the information from the document is pulled out. One in one location I think would be very helpful to them. So this is kind of an echo of what we
would be doing for other positions as well. So it would probably be that we could have a quick start guide for the chair and co-chair. So understanding what their responsibilities were. And
that has people were identified as as that member in the committee. It would be just easy way that they can download the information.
>> Well, yes, so content to just to pay sure. to 8. >> came directly. I just did a find staff liaison in operating manual Carol, kind
that I did is I just took it all out and reorganize the information into these buckets of information's just to make it easier to understand what the individual >> requirements and
appreciated. I just wish that we had all these. And just yesterday. it could take a look at show. >> And this is just a sample. I didn't want to go too far in
one direction without. And the other thing is I'd like to know from you guys, which ones do you want done? So we need to know. What the requirements
are. >> when we take a little bit
of time to to look at it and
read it.
Chair. >> No eating bought. 35 with this. The I think I set this much times previously and what
on what I'm looking for from the board. That the committee west NBA's on to do perhaps a better job ease. Because
boards out by committees national putting tendons. the killer recommendations presenting to the poor to the
And there's just apps, steps responses to the report and recommendations. Pace, our the that has to make decisions. So, you know, it doesn't have to be because that's not pH
deviations from lowered Wednesday via Johns. He one of the one of the one of the duties for just 10 days on Eastwood report to the board
in committee bike in 1st quarter subsequently sometime that. Ford has to have 4 were meeting to react to the steps.
Responses and GIF. If there is any dissent to be made. to the committees, I think that spot. That is something that I think
the board to take and doing So so are you talking about when you go down to that annual report? And that's the staff liaison in coordination with us. >> School board liaison so are
you asking for maybe something like this for what the school board liaison should be doing. We're my misunderstanding. >> It's actually a change that needs to be done to the
operating manual or the governance manual just to annual were counted. the board subsequent have to have the couple as you probably remember that push-up
presentable media mob time. We have so many community presentations all and, you toward the end of allied in tonight on one hole data
center and support unity, you know, to not have enough time to make really traditions decisions. So we got up and then was so we got to give us
tap time for Dr feedback to the recommendations on ceiling. Do spike in the 1st quarter and the follow missed. I some decisions.
>> I think that I agree with you. And I think that what the way we need to do that is by ensuring that all board members understand that the way we take action on that is by actually someone needs to
either bring it forward as a form topic. Instead, is the appropriate committee. We need to make a motion to present to the superintendent. We need to use that standard tools that
we have to take action and it would be gaining consensus. It's all of the things that we normally would do to move action forward. I don't think I don't think that it makes sense for us to have a
response because I think trying to coordinate a response between all 12 of us is a difficult task. And I think that we would have many different answers, but I do
think having. Recognition of how action could happen after that would also help a lot of board members, I think adding that to the governance manual to be helpful. >> I'm going to give some thought about that. You know
what I was thinking was, you know, board set aside evening. To have see the condition steps. Responses, any decent in a bite. The bullet took may
not be nothing. So it isn't OK, nothing from any member. Okay. Move along. We got a lot. Shaq. Do that said same
time one evening in doing it. So that because over and over the course many years, I've heard. Quite a few times from
advisory committee members we don't just work. You gave us a charge with this work nothing. We are hearing nothing from the board. >> It would be very
interesting if we could actually form similarly to a farm topic. Is that where where we had a forum discussion because then people could bring up topics that
were specific all of that. Like if we had one night that was hears, here's all the different charges that are. Here's all the different recommendations we were given. Does anyone want to take action? Then we can use that
as a way to gain. >> summer. so, you know, put it in a certain certain the system that so that board members now he says we don't
it or and was a committee member signal we utilizing this way to really keep up for Pat in a formal response board's response,
superintendents because boards committees, but you can issue would mean. I have an idea. But is that okay for sure?
>> Would it would it be possible for you to work on that section of the governance manual to codify what you're actually talking about and then bring it up like bringing the next that way we can take
it to the board. has a full recommendation for change. And I think that not a I a pic, experience board member Ryan. >> That's where the to work
with me on the and the and the portion. >> You have to ask him first. But of thank others. because he didn't want to invested.
board members 2, 2, together. just want to pick his brain know. And I think it fixes an ongoing situation that we've heard with a case like could
be seen complain. Same year. Given text right? >> Right. And some of that sat on the other side as being on a committee as a community member. It it. It's something that has to be addressed. So
thank you for bringing that up. Mr. Meant. >> Otherwise, so for okay with best. What other quick start guides what we want when we want one for the school board
liaison so that the school really isn't can determine what their role is. And then the other one that I was wondering is chair and co-chair just because those are the those are the positions that would stand out
as a little different. And that way. It just helps everybody understand what the what the responsibilities are.
>> my the money is not the The roads of the children by share other budget committees, or not it codified somewhere. power company, our operating
man, you are. >> This is not This is about training. This this isn't about codifying. It is codified. It's this is about training the people that are going to be response. The
training in Mesa. And so we can give them a way to easily days. You can decipher the information that they need. All of these would lead back is to the primary source document is the operating
manual because that's where all Come So I agree with the categories that you that you outlined you know,
particularly some of us being the school board members you know, even though we're not anymore. But when we come in and and we get all the information just having that quick guide, I think would be very helpful for us as well. As for the chair and vice
chair of the advisory committees just having that guide. So I agree. That having something like this for each of those categories would be helpful.
>> Okay. And then the other thing that I wanted to talk to related to the member to at that, I've been working with the folks in communications about just a little bit. And I think we're about to the point
where we need to touch base with the folks in it. We're trying to determine what content, what types of assets we're going to want to have in the training that we're going
to be creating is are we just going to use videos? Do we want to test? Do we want to be able to track completion like all of those things? We need to know those things in order to ensure that we pick the
platform that is going to do what we wanted to do. So if we can have feedback. Related to the assets that were going to want in the training, I think
that would be helpful. >> So I think >> the concern that's been brought up is the firewall and help people that are. On these
committees can access. I mean, we have platforms with enough CPS, but then, but then there's a firewall mostly haven't fcps address. u can't access it. And so that
would be in it question. And also the question of we want to make sure that. >> I know when we it, you
know, PD programs. You can track who's done that, you know who hasn't completed it? And then I guess that's a question for it. And I would defer to someone that does
this professionally training and platforms like what platforms you think are workable and en we'd have to discuss with it. How we could marry that with what we do.
We're gonna take it for a little bit of the other direction is. I think we're going to look at what assets we already have. >> determine which one makes the most sense to use for what we're trying to do because
you're 100% right. We need access outside the firewall because we are not suggesting that we bring everybody into schoology or anything like that because the lift of that, we need it to be easily
managed by either the committee or by the clerk team in order to make sure that any changes that are made to the training over time are easy to implement. And we also need it easy to build because we don't
want to have to go back to it or communications every time we need to change. Because again, that is weak. So we needed something that's easily adjusted. But what types of
things we are you going to want people to do in this course and how much time are you going to want them to spend in order to get up to speed with what their role on the committee would be. I
mean, are we thinking no more than an hour for a training? I mean, that's a long time when you're talking about a training like this. So I would want it to be something that could be done in chunks over
time. That kind of thing you just said that. I also think this is a marketing tool for us for people who are interested in being on our committees because I think that you could we could have a portion of it. That was
forward-facing enough. That just gave a general overview about what committees were and things like that. want people
to have to take a quiz like those are types of questions that we need to know. Before we go, talked it about what we've got available. It's okay
if we don't have opinions. Agnostic, okay. My only recommendation would be to have some sort of check for knowledge just to understand what we need to keep an eye And it's largely a lot of the
things related to the staff liaisons and what the committee can do direct staff. So I do think having something in there that talks about the fact reiterate the fact that
we are these committees our committees just as Mr. Man just said and then move forward with determining the fact that, you know, they direct staff for make requests of staff through the staff
liaison, just reiterating it to it would probably be no more than 10 questions. 5 questions, something like that just as a quick, understand, you know, and it kind of serves as an acknowledgement of the different the different
rules that we have in place. Does that work for everybody? >> It does. I've taken those PDS and sometimes I misunderstood something. Take the quiz and I get it wrong that I go back and I'm like, oh, I tell him understood
that, you know, silly. You know, I totally didn't grasp it. And so I think it's helpful. It's basically just a learning tool and an exposure
tool for people so that they understand. What the rules are in what the capacity is of. The work that's being done and
what can and can't be done. >> It's grand and would you guys want different? Do we want videos? Do we want just? Just the operating manual? And then the check for understanding? How is it that
we're going to make sure that everybody I mean, the check for the operating manuals in an extensive document. But it is it is significant enough that having just a video to
explaining what. Advisory committees are and that kind of thing. It probably would be helpful. >> of them by up today, time and expertise and tenant. To
create one. >> Yeah. Well, we'll figure out. I'm gonna work with communications and determine the best path forward on that. will likely be >> it could be that I
actually. >> Ask different board members just for a quick clip. That is you talking about one aspect of it. I think this is a great opportunity for lots of us to
get our voices in here and that some some of the better jobs and no one's really not. >> Best of leases. I just know I'm looking at one and so that
you have a Thank Thank you. It is a You lie us we could gotten it on the pilot you and perhaps in the stomach of Voice's.
>> But I think that there are some ways that we not be a heavy lift. It can be a voice over type thing. It doesn't. But getting more voices in and I think would be a helpful thing because then also the
advisory committee members can see that this is a it's important to the board. I think that having some some very folks and it would be helpful. So I will work on looking at what the content of
that could be because I know we're short on time here and so trying to figure out how to do this quickly. I think it's going to be important. >> And I do agree on videos. I
know we people learn differently and I think having those videos would be helpful for some people for, you know, visual auditory learners. You know, some people just reading the manual. It's it's not going
>> It's just. Maximizing the different ways that people can learn. >> And that's all from me what
we have for right now. We have some updates that are going to need to happen to the member to at on the boards side in the next go around. Coming up,
okay. Thank you. >> So I know that we've been working a lot with student voice and representation in. We had been looking at,
obviously whether we should have one or 2, a student representatives. But aside from that, there's a student leadership program one of deputy clerks Mr. Jackson has
been developing. That was resurrected. Thanks to Mr. Maccoll being and I know he's got a lot of work into this and I want him to present to the committee the kind of work he's I know some of this into the events for this is for the
students and they have been inspiring. I mean, ll deputy Mr. Jackson to give us
his presentation. >> So show time for Mister Jackson. Could you could you
will need get the other end
paper
Thank you chair. Same coming for having me. >> And I'm excited to share this morning on our efforts on student presentations, student
voice and student leadership. Current. So covered this in 3 chunks. So first, we'll talk about sooner student
presentation and the sooner presented to the port. Give a position overview go into orientation on boarding the student representatives work
and engagement and then off boarding and alumni kids Mont. So first for some grounding student representatives to the
school board in Fcps are commonly referred to as SR S So if you see that acronym anywhere, that's what it's usually referring to. Policy. 18. 0, 2, establishes the
sooner resented position here in of CPS and the gives an overview 4 eligibility. Election. And then the role of
the student representative and Virginia student representatives are authorized by the code of Virginia. So to know policies he knows who aligns with that. I respect
section of the code. And finally details what student representatives are empowered to do. So they're empowered to participating board discussion, be eligible
propose resolutions for consideration. And finally be eligible to state how they would have voted had the student Ella Chew have the Sooners and have been eligible
to vote followany board vote. So here is a chart student presentation across the Dewey Region for and that's what you terms as
northern Virginia. And so as you see, we're kind of re in the middle of the pack. So this is just preview of our
current student, Megan. So Megan was elected in April of 2024 and is currently finishing out her term she is
in the class of 2025. At T J. natives able to apply an elected to be in the rule and
the policy and through the policy process established in policy. Tina, too. And the Red ink so there is an application process for them. So to be
considered for the election, are required to submit a written component and then a
30nd Kennedy video. The flip. >> And then >> there are 2 components of the general of the election. There's a primary election
which is virtual and the students applicants are not required to be at this portion. And so that was held on April 30 2025. and then
candidates who are notified by email regarding the primary election results. Any candidates who advance to the general election are required to be there. And so this year's general election was
held on April 9th at T J. And the result of that election the student Advisory Council electing faith in the cone in a self County high school
rising senior who will be the 55th presented this court. So next up one soon reps are elected. They go through
immersive organization and on boarding process with the clerk's office. so during this orientation, go through many of the components. Listen, the screen and some that are not.
So f off, we talk about the role of the sooner than it is what their priorities are, what they're looking forward to accomplishing in their term. We give them overview of the school board. So we
discuss our process and structure we introduce them to school board members and give them a Facebook so they're able to recognize love you by the time of their first
meeting. We go over a school where by law. So starting with the strategic governance manual, any relevant policies that do need to be aware of,
we go over spo personnel and functions. Introducing them each of you. Each of you guys is offices as well as our office and then finally recover fully yet because the
sooner representative is curry by that. So we want to make sure that ey are aware of. All that entails. Then we're
going to school work. So we talk about the types of school or meetings, how ideas or proposed report consideration how the school, where makes decisions and where the sooner rep factors and says the
decision we can. Also as part of this, we over the structure and governance of CPS is a system the L C members what
all the departments are. Finally for the first part of this mutation, we have
schedule one-on-one meetings and do introductions with spins as staff Doctor Eden helps heat. And then we prepare them for their introduction at the July 10th
regular meeting. And and go over to U.S. being interest will be for that year. Next up, we go over the regular
meeting. Overview noting that they will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at every school were meeting and then also report on student matters. We go over the beginning of their
work which starts early with appointments, squared community advisory committees. And so you'll see listed. Here are advisory committees that
were pointed at the beginning of the year with our 2 committees that are no longer and existence. I will also point out that our previous to
a recent student have been very interested in facilities and, you know, set of pack isn't one of the advisory 0.2
and so just putting that for for your consideration. We go over and establish their school board Web page social media handles and also meeting
with the social media point percent and communications to make sure they're ready to go when their term starts on July. One. And then finally we do, uh, and I on boarding. So
we make sure, you know, set up. And active the in the fcps platforms are need to access. They have they are able to and then finally they'll get their
badge and will make sure their PSA. How does a student of go about their work and engagement? So one, the present student matters at
all. School were regular meetings. They attend a student advisory council meetings to share board updates of SAC as well as to support their work on the strategic plan. plan go
proposals that the present at the end of the year. They meet with staff to advance student initiatives. So this year our student Megan was really
focused on work on the grading policy, the S R and R with regards to work Dr King on cell phones, food and nutrition. Supporting the Fcps
Food show as well as the push of a graduate. can we go back to and so then they also share remarks of meetings and
community events. so I'm sure many of you have seen Megan, a with you as it's sending your work and then they also attend
events at U.S.. Teams are invited to. So with operating an alumni engagement. One, we are currently working on piloting an exit survey this
year. So this would be the first year that we do an exit survey for student reps and so that it's currently in development. My goal is to get that some Megan by June first that she has a month of the
entire month of June that think that through provide reflective answers that will help us as we gear up to welcome our next rep. And so I
am seeking feedback on what USS PM's would like to know reps leave the board and so any feedback that you can be
greatly appreciated. So it has which I passed around is the list of student reps to the school board and so we were able to do some pretty
comprehensive research going back. The only it's you'll see on Page 2. the only guy over the main research that we have
left to do is identify who the first for student board members to the board were and so initially there is the position of student board
member when we had appointed school board. And so students were appointed by the BLS and they were voting members of
the board and then when. And then the Board of Supervisors. Eliminated that position. And so after that, the school board and appointed
established the sooner presented to this court decision. So working The team over there to try to help identify those first repsonse.
They would have included in those records. And the I mean, and then the rest of the information on the chart here.
Is what we could find him. as come across things, we're adding them so us as well. The
sooner presented handbook is in development. So right now we're working the first draft after doing research analyzing
what sooner up and looks like not only across Virginia, but in other jurisdictions in the country and things that we might want to incorporate. a
gun or if there were also connecting with former student reps going back a few years to get their input as well. And then finally, for alumni
engagement opportunities. These are general areas that are bringing to you for your consideration on how we engage with our alumni student reps.
So the first is digital engagement opportunities. So it's being able to connect with our former student reps and or alumni through social
media and digital Maybe a virtual sessions, especially for more recent alumni. The second area would be event
based engagement. So who sing and your unions or invites too social in-person gatherings? So for instance, if you wanted to at that every December at
the end of the semester December in June. Events where we connect with our sooner ups, invite them back.
Advisory boards. You can establish an informal advisory board for alumni student reps to provide guidance he back in support of CPS or ACS. Peak.
Professional Development, providing alumni with information to access available PD that we offer such offerings through the adult and community Education
program. And finally mentorship. So providing an early career sooner of mentorship program to connects to alumni with guidance in
value and slices a jump start there, careers and lives. So that should be the first chunk so I can pass your questions. Now, one on the section, is
there any? >> Have you seen any school? >> Or any divisions that actually offer some sort of like internship credit or anything like that that would
be made available to the student or up through that process. Just because I think that I mean, the work that she's doing is amazing. Like as I've seen it, there are amazing and it's definitely
work. That is a clickable to the things that they're doing in the future. So just wondering if there was like a leadership internship for anything like that, that. >> Not that I seen. I can look
into that, especially as Have on. >> Students who are like doing Rolling taking. Yeah. So then they can get that. >> Yeah, they can knock out that internship requirement
earlier. >> understand that it would be a lift for us to determine all the components of that. I just think that it would be something that might draw other students that may be interested So just is not
option. As know the student does get paid. So I don't know. >> If that affects do paid
internship. That is jail. >> for his payment comes on show. Representative. Paid
every meeting so on. And since I have a microphone, why not? Mina? Just a correction to
know. About the beast represent a piece, 20 midst of a stream of prisoner abuse. You know, back in 1994 1995,
we 2 strong reps to serve at the same time. It was the second gentleman watch
warranted. Ch C H I p that's ID. And from Lake Braddock. He served with the his serve with Holland, Fort at the same
time. >> Just going back to your Thanks, Andy. I missed that. Do you mean internships in the school board >> No, I meant actually being
able to count the work they do towards some sort of credit. And so that way if they wanted to take it in, I think that it would be an option. You know, if they had a student, but it might mean just thinking out
loud and it might mean that if they came to a work session, it would be part of their internship rather than having it be that they were just missing school. You know I'm saying? So it's it's just a
consideration of the time and effort that they put into it as to whether or not they can gain some sort of credit for it. >> know we have the the new
internships throughout fcps for this summer. is the school board giving someone for that? >> Not at this time with that something internships or
something that the board as a whole needs to think about. So. But at this time we don't
have a student internship. For this first section. I really want to thank you. And and I wasn't aware that, you know,
the student or app could at the end of the vote indicate which way they would have voted. And so that's new information to me. So. I don't know that they know that.
>> Yeah, >> we go over that in Tucson this But they again, the snow but it was something that was uncovered. And so prior student reps to know, that
that was an option and in doing research, this is something that a number jurisdictions in Virginia school boards have as well. So it's kind of need to to know that.
>> Yeah, well, guess the right thing wasn't so much. I didn't know that. I should said since you said that she may not have known like maybe what we should consider is when we are
taking the vote at the diocese to give space for, you know, here's the vote and then give that opportunity because how can that student, you know,
then we move on to the next thing. >> Yeah, no, that's no. Definitely a great point. And so currently our process is that the student repping
notified that, sir, soon notify the clerk's, if that was something that they wanted to do and then. It would notify the chair during the meeting. But, you know,
definitely open to if you want a more formalized soar, institutionalize, that is a process that. that's, you know, something that Support.
If you don't know that stuff that just stuck out to excited. >> city. >> Regarding thing should represent audience. Mr afternoon. Only to have a
right to fully still opinions on any issues. And talking about. Anything that is on the paper for discussion. He she comes participate in
discussing and could the search from the Express he's won support or not support? What new chart on certain points. I think it's a way to do rather than forcing
students to law. Say what like the other after the show. And one thing to know these in the past. You know, Studen.
Representatives that even though unable to playing for the emotions, spy them serves. They had they could, you know,
ask board member love both members to putting forward to the something that he She. Is advocating for.
>> Yeah. And so a few thoughts come to mind on that is absolutely And so I if you recall last year are soon Reprot that worked with Dr Anderson to bring forward a farm topic.
>> On sooner presentation that kind of help to jumpstart our consideration of how that looks here in Fcps. And then
missing time coming. following up the sooner of leasing. I think both one what Mister Moon said, I think sometimes once recently they've jumped
into the discussions that they've kind of RFP identified either of what's important to or how they would have voted.
But then to also. I can also, you know, reminder, student rep and future of as an option because we do cover it an orientation and we cover at
the beginning of the term. But we don't reinforce that that available to them. So we can certainly do that. >> Thank you. And not a question for you, but Mr. Moon
historical. Institutional memory, you may know who those first. Getting reps were that were pointed by the board of
Supervisors. >> I'm not East High. I may be a historian, but I'm not that complaining about But thanks
for asking. Okay. So we can move on to the next slide. And so.
>> The topic that will go over his student voice. And so how we are able to power that. And so our partnership with the
SBA allows us to empower and uplift student through a couple of opportunities every year. And to that I want to highlight is that the SBA annual are contests. So that
is something that happens on an annual basis. Where is part of the regional, SBA forms? Divisions in that region are invited to submit artwork by
their students. And so we always participate and submit artwork for this contests winning submissions were displayed in the VSP offices for that next year. And then
they returned to us the following year. And back in November. it's his 2024, but we were able to support a
group of students from Marshall High School who presented at the student presented workshop. And so their presentation was on discovering the power of student advocacy. so these
incredible student leaders were able to talk to sooner ups across Virginia about there's center for voters initiative and specifically
discuss their journey to becoming the first group of high schoolers in a nation to single-handedly champion legislation in the U.S. Congress. And so work on the
high school Voter Empowerment Act had passed the U.S. House of Representatives but died during that session. So the students talked about that
work lobbying in advocating with House members trying to get that push through. Which would empower schools to be a
voter registration agencies in United States. And so they talk with the natives about all of the the process leading up to this and we use it. You
could advocate on scale such as this but also small within your local communities as well. And so we can move on to
the next section. Which is going to be about the student leadership development program. So the program goals for the student representative
for the Student Leadership Development program this year as we restarted from a pandemic necessitated pause one that the program would be geared toward students interested in the future
government or public policy. And and that student leaders would observe how fcps is governed engage in leadership development Smith policy proposals for consideration by
their fellow student leaders. have the opportunity to participate on in order serve on various advisory committees to the school board. And finally, to even seek election as a student representatives
to the school board. And before we move just note that we were successful in that on that last faith our incoming student Rupp Mr. Dunn's representative on the Student
Leadership Development program. We can move on to the next site. So the application
so for recruitment, the first bullet least of the timeline for this year. So early August, on August 5th, we first announced that the Student Leadership Development
program was going to be coming back and we were going to opening up applications on August. 28th. We officially
open the application process. The student application deadline was September 30th the principles and had a nomination deadline of October. 15th and so
principles where for this year allows to nominate up to 5 students from their schools for consideration. Applications were sent to school board members on
October 24th selections. We do back to us by November. 11th and all application app and all applicants were notified of their application status by
November. 16th. And so as part our advertisement, principal see there, as TSA says and counselors. Were all sent the
application information to send out to their students. We also utilize and 4 grams and action grams and SBM newsletters to advertise us. So for applications we
received over 200 applications of this year, which is a record for most received in the program's history. So there's clearly a desire among
our students to engage in. Leadership and learning. And all of the applications, as as you may recall, exceptional
and accomplished. And so after conducting a comprehensive and exhaustive review, 12 student leaders are selected for this year's code word and they include representation from every I just threw district
and reflect the diversity of our county. And were chosen due to their outstanding achievement leadership, potential and dedication to their communities. So first up
for this year's program, we are goin talk about leadership, education and learning. the students in this year's program participated
and 5 mostly cohort sessions and still in the Sessions, student leaders engaged in leadership learning which included a presentation, group activity or interactive activity on the following
topics. So leadership on a one being informed leader goal setting being a thoughtful leader, interpersonal communication being an active leader. What success look like
and tough lessons learned on leadership and and as a part of these components, we had speakers speak to the student leaders. So we had almost
every school board member talk. I leadership talk? Also are soon, right, Megan, so want facilitated leadership talk as well as delegate Karen
Keys-gamarra. And so thank you for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and expertise with the students. They really enjoyed able to connect and engage
with you all as theirs. going into program The first requirement of the program in addition to attending the monthly court sessions was to attend school board meetings
and to get a sense of in context for how the board goes about its work says student leaders had to attend for school board meeting. So in person they had to 10, one
regular meeting and one work session and then virtually they had to a stream or watch one public hearing. And committee meeting. We
unfortunately didn't have any forms this year. So. They all attending committee meetings and for those virtual meetings, they submitted a
report on the meeting just to verify. And also I'm sure they're they're wondering Zahn, their knowledge learned. As he attended the meetings. And so that is information
that will share with the as we come pilot. Based on their observations. and things of that nature. The next item was a service projects. A student
leaders completed a service project that address the cause that they cared about in their neighborhood school or local community. And so reports are
due back soon. So as we're getting them, they the projects that are in the causes that are student leaders focus on where I'm pretty impressive and
inspiring. So looking forward to sharing those as well. And then finally, we had our student school board for So student leaders topical kozel that address an issue that
they wanted the school board to act on. And so in this watch pass forms. We discussed it a monthly cohort sessions in they met supposed to be
with each other school remembers on their form topic. And so we had student forum April 8th and the following
form topics were advanced to the students core work session. So one there was a joint proposal. So 2 student
combined theirs on strengthening substance abuse awareness, prevention, and support programs through targeted education. Inflammation of the ping education in me and high
school classrooms CPS. The second was redistribution of the Fcps high school grading policy and the 3rd was implementing a universal school meals to address food
insecurity. And then as the program gets ready to wrap up, we have our student school work session scheduled for next Monday. May 19th. so each of those 3 topics will be
presented by the student leaders who brought the topic forward following the presentation. They will engage in a discussion. And finally they will take a consensus
vote on whether picks move forward. Any topics and move for the presented a certificate that the program completion ceremony, which will be our official wrap-up with the program and
celebrating the successes of the participants and their leadership journeys throughout and moving forward. And
finally it's a link to our student leadership by page and the fcps website. And so that provides links and information to the public on both the presented to this court
position as well as our student Leadership development program. And that's all that. >> Thank you for that very
comprehensive report. And I would inflate questions. >> Commissioner thanks for helping us I've spoken him,
that was just something to retrain East by the former board, the specially Mr. McKinnon.
>> So with that in mind, since. >> We have a device just revive this for the fresh for the first time in several years. >> You what? You know, how
this program has one might be different from how used to be drawn by the prior born and prior to 2000. >> would you would, you know,
the differences between. >> How it is being runway now versus how it used to be on a mask. And this question because I have a voice
differences that it more. >> time commitment City quien from the participants compared to. >> Prior to putting some. some
hardships ships may be a harsh word the cause has concerns and it can be very busy. And they might not have a that what you're getting into when they signed up for the leaders
program on the One we ever ties his program that with that, we had to give an indication as to what sort time commitment terms of on
up. >> Jen is were given to them so that. >> Attract more applications for. PennDOT in because about
what you're getting into. >> on this this year, we did at a lot of leadership, education. To the So that's the main difference. The
multi-colored sessions We're a new component that was at at this year. We in the orientation go over the
explicit requirements of the program as well as both on the application, but as well as on the phone. On the at the
orientation session asking for specific dates that they were both available for those meetings and Tillis which school or meetings they would like to attend that way. We
could plan around in our office then going forward, we're able to advertise the full complement of program requirements when we. Have our
next year's application process. I think >> So one solution.
>> Is that perhaps we? Take exit survey almost a to see this was something that expectant for lead they have
qualm about it. What would that even suggestion for any adjustments going forward, so that you fall just what is
needed, that we can do that before we ties this for the fall. >> Yeah, absolutely. And one part of the program when Mr McLean introduced, it was exit survey. So at the program
completion ceremony, though, for it, they'll complete their exit survey on and will be able to share that information with the board as well relook at our processes and how the
program's going to. next year. >> That's one thing, Mr. Men that we do want to look at moving forward is how we can enhance the program. What changes we need to make what
works for the student leaders? What doesn't if it's too much for them in terms of time, if there's something else that they would like. One of the things. So I don't know if you
guys are aware of Mr. Jackson served in on DC State Board of Education as the student wrap. And so he has that knowledge as a former student wraps. So this is something I asked him to take on specifically given
his background. His passion so he's really done a great job of of. Taking all of this on wht comes to the student rep and one of the things that
he felt like we needed to add to this program was more on leadership, education to help the student leaders actually understand how to be leaders.
And give them more than Jess. Here we're gonna do you know the mock things but help them develop their skills as has something to make the 10 hanse the program. But that's
something that we are continuously looking at is how do we make the program better? How do we enhance the application process? How do we make that more accessible for students? Because they know
that was an issue this year in terms of some students were easily able to do things online. Some students needed to rate. How can we also make
it? So it's not as hard for principles school leadership. So we're looking into all of these things on how we can enhance the program now that we've brought it back. >> Thank thank you. Thank
especially. Thank you for sharing. Houston Texans. He former role as a strong representative in Washington, D.C., and probably from that perspective, he might have a
really what eat, hence what he will for 20 students and appreciate that. But let's see sort data from unusual perspective, how you just might effect. I know Mister
Mister Jackson's High achiever. >> Yet, no, so I would just add my thanks to Mr. Jackson for all his work on knows the
intense amount of work. But I agree with and I think we We should get the feedback and, you know, in my opinion, we probably didn't advertise it
as as being that intensive as it was. And, you know, it's a good thing that we provide them so much content. We just want to see.
>> Mr. Jackson, I mean to that, I had this question before the previous questions were asked in terms what the attendance was, the attendance
level. I'm just going to say that I know whename to the >> topic, >> there was one student that can attend and was very upset that they couldn't attend and it wasn't through a fault of
their own. But because of participation in another activity at school. Where that? The leader of that
activity was not allowing that student to take that time off so I saw that is an indication that the students really want to participate and be in
attendance. But if you can give us a sense of what the attendance was in throughout the whole program. >> Yeah. So for in-person
events, with the exception of that on instance, we've had all of our student able to make it to those. And so for a monthly cohort sessions, it's
been on the same. So each has had 10 and there have been 2 monthly court sessions that had all 12 and then all of the others had at least 10, 11
usually one to 2 students had an exam or athletic were team obligation was unable to make it. And then in Army Corps
session with AP exams and a few students excuse to. And that was just as we wrap up our sessions and prepared for
the mock work session. But other than that, yeah, we've had pretty stellar tenants from our city leaders. >> So an extra question and I
know we're going to get the exit surveys. But from the work you did and what you saw, what kind of support would you like to see from the school board to help support this
program? If you found that there was something else that we could help support the students and support you with. >> I think the participation I'm just keeping that up because we've had really
stellar participation and engagement from. School leaders, especially walk. sorry with of cohort sessions.
I think area is and this is maybe something we can work on a perk or ship. But establishing may be a guide for school board leaders on what the expectations are
because we've noticed that that has varied from student leader does student leader and have been able to have regular. Engagement in
meetings and being able to coordinate with their score members and others, not as much. And so we want to just standardize that to make sure. But there is that relationship and mentorship going between
the scorer and their appointee in the press. >> Are there any more questions? Thank you, Mr.
Jackson, I really appreciate all the work that you've done. And I know that from the meetings that I've been with the students have been a they have been stellar. And they have been excited. And I have
the unique privilege of, although not my appointee, but one of the students is someone I've known since. >> It That was really exciting to see this kid come in and
not recognize the kid but recognize the mom and I was like, what? >> So it's great to see on my end. The student that started
with us head straight and is now in the student leadership program and that. Speaks to the work that everybody in Fcps does to get to our kids to this level and I just wanted to do that. Shout-out
not. Although it is for the program, but for everyone involved that got that kid to where that kid is now. So Misty, John coming, I do want to know Mr. Jackson makes all of these presentations from
scratch. So it does take quite a bit of time, which is something we do need to consider. >> Because it does pull from his other deputy clerk duties that we need him to do for
other things. So that is something we do need to consider with the program as we move forward is how we can. Enhanced the program, but make sure that it's not dominating
all of his time as well. Anderson, is it possible that it would be helpful to have school board liaison or to to to the committee that I would also be able to address some
staff us. >> Or is that too many cooks in the kitchen? >> Now, I think that be helpful as move into 4 program
and to help guy work. >> So to give you some assistance, they get. Mr. McElveen staff aide was actually really helpful in the
beginning. But to curly, when we were getting the applications and she has done work previously in this area. And so she was really helpful with that. I know from speaking to Miss Brown and Mr. Jackson, we were getting the
applications and because they are in such a varied forms, it was a lot of work and try having Swiss help with that was very, very helpful. And so
I think there are areas where the staffers could definitely be helpful if that is something that that board members are interested doing. I also think that if we time this correctly, this could
also be very helpful for student representative determining people that may be interested in serving on some of our advisory committees. So students that aren't necessarily chosen for the student leadership. Those are already students that have
stepped forward. That may be interested in other opportunities. And so it may be a way that we can kind of if we can. >> could tell that work together might make it a little bit easier because I know sometimes there's some difficulty making sure that we
have all of the student Pfizer's or the student reps on all of the different committees. So are there any
other questions? Though, to respect your time and give you all a break? Because it will be a long evening. >> am going to during this
meeting. The May 13th 2025 meeting of the Fairfax County School Board Go ahead. So >> What I want to talk about
last time, we didn't come to a conclusion on them, but true app going forward. Maybe not next year, whether we're going to have the wreck when the
Sunday sessions continuing with Lindstrom Rep. >> this man was working on that and was not going to be able to here to report on with occasionally. I when she was
doing some ascent. >> I believe that Miss Perrin recommended that we continue with one more word with one at this point until we are able to settle some of the other changes going on in our
office. But I do think that it would might be an interesting topic to bring up with the full board at some point to determine if what the appetite theirs. >> You know, think that this
is something that I had shoe that time that nice or large. Ago to members school with lies and 9 to with members to
represent the whole economy. And then we are asking just one wrap to represent Aunt Wondrous If not all, are 26
ice cores. 25 ice or not for it. To the Just want to talk. Because in the past, I have to see a number of U.S. corporate
history the present audience be able to actually come to work sessions east part of the day on the depending upon the topics really be able to participate in meaning for
fashion that's been taken away. Question, right? become children be shortened >> And I I agree, and I think that we were she was going to
be doing a little bit more work and again knew she wouldn't be here today. So we move forward in another direction for the for the agenda. >> So that May 13th 2025
meeting of the Fairfax County School Board Public Engagement Committee is adjourned at 11. 32, the next meeting of the Public Engagement Committee will be held on 5/27/2025. At
10:00AM. Although having said that, I'm going I don't know. They wrote the script for the scripts written because I shouldn't say this publicly, but I think we may be happy to
change that because of high school graduations, there's a high school graduation scheduled on that date, which I'm sure some of our members are going to want to attend. So we will be looking at other dates to reschedule that
meeting so that we can come back together. Because I know. It's important for our school board members to see our students graduating. And I know that they appreciate us being there. Part: 2
these I reserve seats as Colleen. I'm gonna go ahead and call individuals to go ahead and take their position in the reserve seats. If I can get Julia Cohen. If I can also
get Diego. >> they des Vegas. If I can get Luke a vodka. If I can get Joe and Walton. I can also get
Emma'le Emily van der half. If you can take seats in the first. >> We do have virtual individuals that will be calling in between those
individuals. But these are the
first 5 in-person individuals.
Thank you.
We have overflow seating and the cap and We also have some seats over here. We have some seats over there. Please try to fill in where you can. If you can't find seats in here, we have
overflow seating in the cafeteria. >> The 5/13/2025 public
hearing on the fiscal year 2026 approved. But it is called to order at. 06:00:01PM. lady has submitted submitted a written request to
attend tonight's public hearing. Virtually due to personal conflict as she was participating in a conference is located in Washington, D.C., All those in favor of putting this lady's request.
Please raise your hands. Misty, John, cutting, Mr. Moon, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Fresh. Miss Anderson, Mr. McElveen and myself, that motion passes
lady. Can you please test your mic? I don't see her on yet. I'm sure she will join us soon. Mystic's it has submitted a written request to
attend tonight's public hearing. Virtually due to a medical conflict and is located in Central Virginia. All those in favor pretty mystics this request. Please raise your hands. Saint John,
cutting Mr. Moon, Mister Dunn, Mr. Fish Anderson Dr Anderson, Mr. McCAbe, myself, that motion passes Could you please touch mic? I see on camera
right now. Hello. Every on. Great. Thank you very much. Good evening and welcome to the public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 approved
budget on behalf of the entire school board. I would like to thank you for sharing your comments with us. This hearing is being broadcast on channel 99 and live streamed on
YouTube and our Web site at Www Dot Fcps Edu Backslash live stream. We have 187 registered speakers who will address the board at this public hearing. If you have
not registered to speak, but would like to address the board. Please see the deputy clerk to sign up for one of the 5 X Reserve speaker slots. Please note that those individuals will speak after
all pre-registered speakers. Speakers are a lot of 2 minutes and we ask that you stay within that time limit. The time timer will start when you begin to speak. And the timer will found after 2
minutes. Please ensure that your remarks had limited to the budget and that your market here to the school board's expectations for community participation included in those expectations are that only one person is a
lot at the podium when speaking, neither adults not children accompany a speaker to the podium. Copies of all expectations are available at the back of the auditorium. To
assist with the flow. Tonight's hearing, the clerk will be calling speaker names and letting the next 5 individual know individuals know who are on deck when your name is called as a person on
DEC. Please head. The reserved several seats up your clerk team and sit in one of those seats until your name is called as the next person. If you have a hard copy of your testimony, please give it to
the clerk. When you move to one of those on deck seats, if you are virtual, please turn on your camera when you're next in line peak so that you just have to unmute when you're called to speak. If you
have electronic copies, you testimony like to share with the board. Please email to community participation at FCPS DOT Edu. Again, that's community participation at
Fcps that Edu. When your name is called, the clerk will call your name 3 times before moving on to the next individual on the list. You may find copies of the speaking order in the back of
the room are on board. Docks. Given the length of tonight's hearing. We do ask for grace and patients from the audience members. We also at also ask that you hold your applause so we can keep the hearing
flowing to ensure all speakers are heard in a timely manner because of the length of the hearing. School board members may be taking small breaks but are able to access the hearing
Be listening to all speakers. Please note that if you need overflow seating, you can find in the cafeteria. Madam Clerk, please for Speaker. So at first speaker is going to be
Julia Collin on DEC. >> Is student number 2 student number 3, Diego, the Des and
student number 5. >> Thank you for giving me the chance to speak up about an important teaching position.
I'm Kurt I am a current 6th grade student at Haycock Elementary and I tend to trust up a column entry first to 5th grade today. I want to speak about someone changed my life.
One of Fcps is many Our tease. I've heard the school board is considering cutting her position due to budget issues. Please don't let that happen. She is a mentor in the leader for the whole trust of
community and could be worse off without her. Our A R t is an exceptional teacher who supported me in every chance to pick students starting in kindergarten. He posted it to
small groups, teach them not only core subjects but ways to be a critical thinker and uphold the portrait of a graduate concepts. I would spend all week looking forward to these groups. She also
teaches thinking lab a stem class that incorporate critical thinking and collaboration. It is our chance to think creatively about how to approach a problem. Every lesson she taught sparked curiosity and
every question she asked, make people think deeper. I definitely would not be standing up here speaking in front of a crowd if our R t had not been pushing and inspiring me to challenge
myself for the past 5 years. It's not just me he takes the time to learn how to challenge each student in the school and learn their learning style whether than a pea or not. I
know she is also a behind the scenes miracle worker Kraft crafting Russian lessons with teachers in supporting the student community. Students who come after me will not have the same educational
experiences. I did. If the budget cuts if the budget cuts
the A R t position. Please reconsider. We can't lose her.
>> Hello, my name I've been diagnosed with ADHD dyslexia and this graph D a island 5th grade at Oak Hill Elementary. I care about the budget cuts because my special ed teacher,
how she coped with my anxiety. He helps feel better at school. She helps feel a lot of other students. My mom, to that these budget cuts might it might mean that it sure
will have the same support she needs to do a job. I heard this. I felt sad and worried. She said she said that special Education Department chair
help me to get for She also she also makes my job much easier. I that. Please do not cut these department shared because it will decrease the
amount of time. My teacher will have to help me when I need it. Thank
>> Everybody. It's going to be a very long night. If we applaud in between everybody. Can we make a deal that every 25th speaker? There will be uproarious applause and you'll
know. Just the kids. All right. Just the kids. Pinky swear. I only saw half the
pinkies. Everybody. Madam Clerk, please continue. >> Okay. We're on student number 3 will be up. But in on
deck we have Diego the Vegas, Vegas. We have student number 5. We have Lucas We have Joanne Walton and we have and Vanderhoff. Thank you. Student
number 3, you may go ahead. >> my name is Kate in and I'm in 5th grade. I'm here to talk about a special chair MS Hoffman. She's amazing. And she helped so many students
every single day. She's always there. When someone needs your help just someone to talk to, she makes kids feel seen and safe. She has to go back and forth between 2 schools. That
mean she has to help double a cage with only half the time. That's not fair to her for us. She won't be able to really get to know everyone build trust with students. If she's
always traveling. It turned to talk to someone if you don't even know they'll be there the next day. The staff and should
be here full time. We really need her. Thank you. Alright, Diego.
>> They'd guess is going to be up on is going to be good number 5, Lucas, but Walton and we vanderhoff. but while
Rod. >> Good evening. board members. My name is Jeb over the ship's and I was here at home or school. I came here
tonight to say thank you it to you board of supervisor for keeping the after school program. And thank you, Doctor Anderson, for always being willing to answer my questions. Even the parlance.
Well, all this learning that budgets are hard. It's sometimes to say one thing you must sacrifice something else. That's why I was concerned here about the possible cuts
of into essential positions for special education services services in elementary schools. I haven't. p and I was diagnosed with ADHD.
Enforce great. I know how much support matters. Special education department chairs in advance academic resources. Teachers are the backbone of
support for other students with disabilities. That makes, you know, shooting the behind cutting or reducing these rules will hurt kids and it will put even more pressure on
teachers. Well, already doing so much. I know teachers got a raise this That's great. But now we're talking about taking away the support that helps
him 6 feet. That's not progress. Teachers can't do it all alone. When we cut or reduced critical support, we send the message that their workload doesn't matter. And
the students like should just get by without the help we need. That's not fit. Please reject the support. to help students and teachers 60 after
all, teachers are the only professionals. To create other professionals without teachers. >> Can you please hold the
speakers time? How about at the end of their speeches? Because you do take their time when you applied in between. All right. >> With that teachers, we want
to have doctors, legislators or even school board members. If we want strong future, we must invest in the people who build it every day. Our teachers. Thank you for
listening and thank you for caring about students like me. And please keep doctor as Prince will apple. She's care
Super cool. >> Student number 5 is up
next. >> I mean, used the cash back. And in second page Oak Hill Elementary School and this
practice to be here because this is important to me. I hope you know, cut funding for a peek. Teachers like the one my school. Her name is Muslim.
Are this lot of things from my friends. I mean, my friend, I started working with Ms, Learn kindergarten. After that, I had group meeting just slight.
She helped me friends have could imagine nations like me. My President Alex would be kindergarten next year and I want him to see the same services. I got. Please keep
AP teachers like store. Thank you for your consideration.
>> Student number 5 whose virtual?
>> May have to go back to student number 5. Madam clerk, he went. That was that was number. Yeah, you can ever 6.
>> So we need to go back to student number 5.
Student number 5, understand you may have the same link, a student number 3. So if you're on and want to go ahead and speak,
you can. Joanne Walton is going to be up next on deck. We have Emily Van Der Hoff
Day. But while Rod Mali Cronin Kurt Samuels and Iran. Thompson for those people that I just called that are on deck. Please come to one of the river reserve seats. >> And as a reminder, please
hold your applause. We can keep the flow going. Thank you. And that was incredible. What a way to kick this Good
evening, Doctor Reed and >> chair for Shannon Frisch school board members. And staff. My name is Milton. I'm
a special teacher at a title one elementary school here in Fairfax County. I'm a parent of an fcps senior. And CPS alum and a proud union member and I'm speaking tonight as an
individual. My word for this year is unacceptable. I'm here tonight to tell you that these proposed cuts to elementary school staff are unacceptable.
We've been begging for elementary special Ed Department shares with no case loads for years. We finally get them and now there could be made part time
unacceptable. This year I had 25 IEP is Dunham's and about 5 eligibility. He's the most I ever had due to case managing for teacher training who is not qualified to use RIP
system. There are 13 special ed teachers in my school. So my department chair, it ended at a minimum 260 Eyed Peas. In addition to all local screenings, eligibility Ys be
eligibility is not to mention testing leading our collaborative learning team reviewing progress reports. In actuality, we should have 2 chairs, one for eye peas and one per screening eligibility and testing. I challenge each
one of you to spend a day with a special ed share just to get a snapshot of what it's like. It's unacceptable that they're going to have case loads. Again, many of them actually
still do have cases because of the terrifying lack of staffing that we have. And we can't afford to lose any more. And we can't afford to lose any more special. Ed teachers,
everybody is essential. They are our lifelines. And without them, we will most certainly lose more special. Ed teachers and cutting monitors is also unacceptable on the monitors
I've talked to in the past few years are interested in special Ed. They want to be special. Ed teachers are. I A's and they don't have the money for the classes. So what we should be doing actually
giving them. Emily Van der Hoff. Good evening. Budget
chair Sizemore Heizer members of the school board. My name is Emily Van der Hoff Fcps teacher and the president elect of FC Ft. gross negligence by the Board of Supervisors has forced us to walk back our first-ever
ratify contract. And we're now facing a proposal to increase class sizes and cut school-based positions for the first time since the Great Recession. Our state and county partners have failed us. And tonight we turn our attention to how fcps response
to the gaping short following now face. I'm most concerned about the cuts to school Bay staff, all of whom directly serve students and families on a daily basis. Archie's directly teach students daily many schools, including my
own. The A R t is on the master schedule for specials. They pull a small grocery young scholars and level 3 students reducing the position to 0.5 equals a reduction in student access to opportunities for rigorous
instruction. Spent shares also work directly with students and parents daily to ensure students with disabilities access their services and accommodations. They complete student testing and support students in crisis. They
collaborate with families, an IEP meetings. Even at one some still carry a caseload. And with around 30% of ours. But teachers, not fully licensed, spent teams would crumble without the mentorship and support to help new teachers
stay long enough to become experience The custom honors is also a blow to student support. Well, the position starting out as a COVID response minders to become integral to elementary
schools, especially covering classrooms, such as where I plc meetings. The coverage unit is not going away. So coverage need is not going away. So limiting position
will just put more strain are depleted substitute pool. I call this war to demand to see a full line on a budget and fine on personnel cuts. If differing the social studies textbooks is 15.3 million
dollars. There must be other non personnel cuts that can be made to preserve the 5.9 million our tease and 9.3 million for spent years. It's your duty as our board to find
those cuts and preserve student services. Thank you. Day that while Rod.
>> Good evening. Budget chair Sizemore Heizer superintendent read members of the Thank you for giving me the opportunity speak to that. I am a special education teacher at Lake
Braddock, Secondary School. And I previously been a special education teacher at Keene Mill Elementary Schoo where I had the opportunity serve as local screening chair. Before. Department
chairs were added. >> I an advance academic classroom teacher at. >> He mail. And then Terry and Lauren Station Elementary. I know exactly how much these
cuts are going to hurt. I know exactly. Much work. This is going to add to teachers. I know exactly how much is this going to hurt students? This
the whole budget process makes me angry. I'm so mad at what's happening right now. And I want to be clear, I am not mad at Doctor Reed. Not mad at any of you. Not any of the folks
sitting in the room and what makes me the most mad right now that none of the people in Nevada are here in this room. Our Board of Supervisors has
failed us. Our Board of Supervisors has failed everything. A person in this room. Our Board of supervisors have failed. Doctor Reid are deported through 5 as failed. All of you. And last last
Tuesday, we had to listen to our Board of Supervisors in Several people in this room. And now we're in a situation where we have to make up
121 million dollars in funding that our board of supervisors could not on us. We have to make up for their failures and I think clearly hope that meet
that you're able to find less painful cuts somewhere in the budget. But I would hope that all of the folks here in this room let the board of supervisors now your failure
thrown acceptable. >> For those who are virtual, you have I have to agree to put up to participants. We cannot do it as attendees are
tech team are trying to man. and we've gotten several refusals. If you refuse, we will not be able to hear you and you will not be able to speak to the board. So please
allow them to advance you. Next up is Molly Cronin. >> Good evening, Chair. Fresh school board members and
Doctor Reed. My name is Molly Cronin and I worked in Fcps for the past 7 years as both a general education and special education teacher. I'm here today speaking as an individual, I want to address
the difficult position. The Fairfax Board of Supervisors has placed our schools and by grossly under funding fcps by nearly 150 million dollars. Thanks to a recent state adjustment, we regained about
29 Million. But that still leaves a 121.3 million dollar shortfall. Historically over the past. 26 years, the Board of Supervisors allocated an average of 52.4% of their
budget. Half CPS this year. And next, it drops to 51.5%. This small shift in percentage has a huge impact. Just one percent more would have meant
60 million dollars in funding and significantly fewer cuts. These school based cuts are painful. I think we all know that. But let's not forget who forced them the same board of supervisors. They gave
themselves a 30% raise. How old are 7% negotiated raise lacking reason deeply frustrating. Our staff teachers, paraprofessionals and support professionals are
being priced out of the communities they serve a 6% raise and $1000 bonus could mean the difference between staying or leaving fcps. It could mean the difference between staying or leaving
education as a whole. I applaud the school board and leadership for attempting to make thoughtful, difficult choices. Putting central office expenses delaying social studies, curriculum, adoption and reducing traffic
to attempt to minimize the harm to classrooms. As we look ahead, we must continue advocating for fair share from our Board of supervisors, our students and staff deserve
better. It's not too late for the Board of Supervisors to step up and do the right thing and fully fund Fairfax County,
Public Schools. Thank you. >> For our Q, if we can have a mandate, Campbell, Regis Pret Michelle Peel Zach Rico and
Michelle Caldwell. Why Weiner, if you could join the seats that have the Reserve signs. Next Is Kurt Samuels, who
should be virtual. Curt Samuels. Samuels. Next up is
Joanne Thompson. Good evening. >> As Fannie Lou Hamer, civil rights activists from Mississippi saying I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I, too, sick and tired
of the excuses given to Fcps employees represented and this bargaining unit, the bargaining unit that we bargain in good faith or 7% raise a race to help offset
the increase in Sydney. Health care costs. Raise that in no way compared to the 30% raise. The Board of Supervisors gave himself the year down or a raise that in no way compares to the one some of you are
giving your new administrative employees increasing their salaries from $73,000 a year to $121,000 a year. I'm sick and tired of school board and board of supervisor members
sharing how they are. Family members were teachers and they understand the challenges of the job. One member shared that her knees and husband who are both teachers couldn't afford to buy a home. She told
them to leave and go to work for the Park Service for Part Park Services for a few years to save money and then come back to teaching. I thought, wow, this thinking only
normalizes the fact that this county's leadership is well aware of in equity up in pay. But instead of being bold and making the necessary moves to change the system, they share their personal stories pat on the head and say there isn't
money in the budget. What if teachers took that same approach? But if teachers taught the way we did 10, 15 or 20 years ago, we would be remiss in our duties. Why
would the same be true for you as employees of Fcps? We don't do that. We do the job anyway. We say lay come early work nights and weekends to meet the needs of our students. We
build relationships and strategize on how to move our students. Twitpic academic success, stop normalizing the lack of paying budgeting process is this is how it's been and start thinking outside the box. Teachers,
staff problems every day. Leadership is not just a your will upon another. It's also listening and learning. That's right. The ship because I and so many others are sick and tired of being sick and tired
of the same old story. Amanda Campbell. My name is Amanda
Campbell, I'm I'm speaking tonight as president of Fairfax County, SEPTA. >> 8 years ago, I stood at this very desk for the first time to speak for 2 speak against special education cuts
after all of the advocacy and all of the progress, it's disheartening to be here again. We are grateful for the 6% raise for teachers and recognize that Fcps is in a difficult position. We
advocated for full funding with the Board of Supervisors and consistently called for increased 8 in federal funding. We are disappointed in their decisions and will continue to advocate. But we are also deeply concerned that proposed cuts may negatively
impact special education students. Elementary special education department chairs were added in May 2022. Budget. 7 months before the OCR decision to relieve administrative burdens on teachers so they could spend
more time in the classroom. This need is longstanding. My colleagues will speak more to the role, but it must be said mentoring coaching and training are not optional. They are critical to ensuring our students access to a free
and appropriate public education, especially when 25% of our special education staff are provisionally, licensed teacher, trainees Long-term substitutes. primary role of
department chairs is to bridge the gap between general and special education staff. To of that material and implement accommodations. That is the work of inclusion. How can we pilot new inclusion efforts while reducing the very rules
that make them possible? Reducing this role to have time shun will result in classroom at special education teacher spending less time with their students, especially in center-based programs like enhanced autism,
intellectual disabilities and comprehensive services site. These programs may serve fewer students, but the students have more intensive needs, creating heavier workload than in larger schools without such programs. Students with
disabilities are consistently among the lowest performing subpopulations in Fcps. How can CPS hope to close the gap by reducing support for special education, teachers and students? It's centrally
funded funding these positions. Is possible that fcps must direct principles to fund a full-time department locally as all of our middle
and high school school state. Thank you. We just Brett.
>> Getting Fcps school board and Doctor Reed, thank you for allowing me speak tonight. My name is re us, but I'm a bus driver and proud member of FC Ft. I'm also alumni of Fairfax
County Public Schools and I have received IEP and got the services I need through the special education program. When I was attending. Money
must come from somewhere and it seems that much but will come from cuts, especially from the special education departments. I humbly employer to do everything your parents keep special. Ed is holes
possible. The amazing in hardworking members but their health and safety online. Because when most vulnerable people in our community called the education. Instead, you
should look to reduce or eliminate. proposed raises to end man who fail to organize in collective bargaining and brought no contract to the table. 6% rate means thousands of dollars from this traitor.
But a job is life or death to a teacher. Give our special ed teachers and their systems, the dignity and humanity they deserved. Give them a need to
raise, not tossing them aside like mold, the fruit special educators keep our students a voice and by cutting their funding their salaries and their job. It silences those voices. And next is just
another attack on our most vulnerable communities. Is tantamount to those an for global actions currently being done by certain administration
in closing safe special Ed put admin raises to bed. Thank you.
>> For a Q if we can get Courtney Dinkins, Julia Adams, Jane Lewis and Michael Ron L up here and our queue area. I know we have about 60 to 70
people that are watching an overflow. So if you're an overflow and I've called your name for the Q, please head on to the auditorium. Next up, we have Michelle Peel. Good
evening, everyone. >> First I want to say my name is Michelle P o I'm a former special education Currently a fan liaison, a key senator school. First, I want to say
thank you for proving the 6% raise for fpu workers. I know this was not an easy budget year and I appreciate your efforts to price prioritize staff compensation. However, the significant cuts that have
now been passed down to schools, cuts that are not the full of the board of this board or SEP fcps leadership but rather direct consequence
of chronic underfunding by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. And honestly, let's not forget the state either. These are systematic funding failures and it is our
schools and our students, our employees who bear the brunt. Eliminating or reducing these positions will trigger a cascade of negative consequences. Special
education teachers with a significantly increased administrative burdens, compliance with legal timelines. Data tracking service delivery will be hard to monitor mentoring for 24%.
The staff were people who are provisional license. Trainees were substitutes will be lost. Principals and assistant principals will be pulled away from their core duties to attend IEP meetings. The
absence of knowledgeable leaders at IEP meetings decreases the risk of misinformation and legal missteps, less pleasant, flexibility for classroom coverage with special
educators to attend IEP meetings, have planning time and have lunch breaks. Principles may have to cut other critical staff. Like instructional assistance to
fund a full-time department chair position. Department chairs might split time between schools to maintain full-time status, doubling their case load and reducing their beloved availability.
This isn't a single cut. It's a ripple effect that impacts staff compliance. And most importantly, students and their outcomes. Please protect
these positions without them. We do not lose staff. Zach
Rico. Hi, my name Zachary Koehn, a math teacher, West Springfield, High School. I've Fcps employee and a member of the Union for the last 2 years. First off, I want to
thank Doctor Rita for working with the bargaining team to honor the compensation agreed upon in the county's first-ever CBA. >> I also want to acknowledge how difficult of a position that we have found ourselves
And that is because of the liars on the Board of Supervisors in the next few weeks. We will have to make hard choices about every single dollar spent this year. However, that ends up. We
can't forget that the Board of Supervisors are the people who put us in this position in the first place. When it comes to cuts. I don't know if considered all of our options. I want to take a look at the
people who are managing our health care in Fcps 3 years ago. Fcps suddenly switch health care providers from Blue Cross Blue Shield to signal according to Fcps Communications. This was done
to save 70 to 90 million dollars over the next 3 to 5 years. Howevehat this meant for fcps staff was that we had no agency in a choice that need our health care works. This year. Even though
the switch to signal was supposed to save us money, there was still a massive increase in health care costs. That increase came with additional changes, which
increased deductibles Co pays and maximums. The cost of the standard family health care plan increased by over $850 per year for a worse service.
Avoiding accountability, increasing costs, worst health care. This is how health care is managed in fcps. I say this because currently administrators and central office staff are set to get a
5% raise somewhere within this group of people are the people who control over our health care. Do they deserve a 5% raise their mismanagement of our health care has cost the county millions of dollars.
How much more do we owe them? How much of the 9.3 million dollars being saved by decreasing the number of elementary special, at least with a 5.9 million dollars being saved by decreasing the
number Ortiz could instead come from these unnecessary raises. If even a full a few million can be saved here, we can provide critical support
to the net. Michelle Caldwell, one or >> this is a reminder, please know plotting between keep the flow going. Thank you. Feel
free to the hands as much as you like. >> Hello, my name is Michelle Caldwell, Weiner and I'm a veteran teacher with more than 20 years of teaching
experience starting from elementary to university levels. The Spanish teacher at West Springfield, High School and Fcf team member as well as a proud if CPS parent, I'd
like to thank those school board members who publicly supported us in Priortize honoring the contracts. We negotiated Mateo Don Dr. Anderson, Ryan Mcelvain and
Karl Frisch also want to thank Doctor Reed and the bargaining team for reaching ir agreement on our compensation to include a 6% raise for teachers and staff. I am however frustrated by the
Board Supervisors and their lack of support. Adding to the frustration is Chairman McKay trying to take credit for the race where he and the Board of Supervisors. In fact, stood in the way and underfunded the
budget. I've taught in Louisiana, Texas, California, Kansas and Colombia. South America in each of these
locations, no matter the size of the school district, a step increase was all ways a given even in South America. In the 11 years of F CPS employee of
loss, 3 steps due to budget shortfalls which not only affects my salary but my retirement. I have co-workers that accepted jobs here and arrive from other states to
find their original salary had been quoted was, in fact, not honored again due to budget cuts and perplexed with the constant Anderson Under-funding and struggle to know what our pay will be each
year the administrator contract awards 5% raise to those employees. Why not start there to consider cuts instead of cutting school staff? Special education leads are increasing classroom sizes. I
recognize that the Board of Supervisors has put us in this position and it really quite disgusting. That year after year, they pray school consistently underfunding us. I'm glad that we're getting a substantial raise this year.
But we can't let some of our staff get left hind. The ball is in the court of the school board to protect these positions. Please think about these budget cuts to make cuts else.
>> For Ikea, Marine Bellingham. Debbie Kilpatrick, Brianne Russell Morris and Gregory Darrell. If you can head to the areas where we've
got the blue signs next up is Courtney. Think ends. >> Good evening. Members of
the board. My name is Courtney Jenkins. And I mean, structural assistant and special Forest Edge Elementary, a title one school. I'm confused and
frankly, disheartened is to how we got here. We came together negotiated good faith and made meaningful progress. And then it felt like we took a step back. Ladies and
gentlemen of the board, we are tired. We are exhausted. We are asking for a contract that supports our students and treat staff with fairness and respect. We cannot keep
overlooking and under paying educators and expect excellence if we continue to cut special education funding, if we increase class sizes. We
will just lose our nation national ranking. We will lose. We will fail our children and don't and we don't want that. I grew up in the system. I grew up in
Fairfax County and I know what it's like to lose funding over and over again. And I don't want that for my daughter who is sitting right behind me. And I know we can agree on
that. We've spent months we spent years and even decades building strong bridges with our community and I would hate to see that progress last.
Thank you for your time. And please consider. The weight of
what. What I've shared with
you today. Julia Adams.
Good evening, everyone. my name is Julian Adams. I'm a special ed teacher. >> U.S. History. Glasgow, Middle School. My presentation will take about 94 seconds.
And it's a call for the dialogue with the board use in an economic expansion approach from Adam Smith. The theory of moral sentiments instead of
the contract to the approach which has this year and many of the concerns being cheered. My call comes amidst trillions being given to corporations
which fcps feeds through that pipeline. But job candidates through guide in excellence of staff members, stellar staff
members smile with me. As I say, it's not just 7%, but the future. 30% as was campy and by Ben Jealous use in a space
exploration, political power, a new approach. 2 of my 5 books which received awards from the National Association of Black Journalists. fight
blocked. Be board members. I left you copies of resources at the Fcps Front desk so that you can adequately understand my plea capitalize on the
thought process. Since Madam CJ Walker did Fcps must since lady Eleanor Roosevelt did Venice Fcps Moss since Jeff
Bezos most from a garage to Amazon Fcps modest. Even Harris said fcps months. I join my presentation for next
steps. Setting the stage of ongoing holistic talks because 2 minutes certainly cannot for the knowledge and the
opportunity that presents Thank you so much.
>> Michael Raw. Now. My name is Michael Run. H***. I'm a teacher at West Springfield, High School and a lifelong resident of Fairfax County. I
want to thank the members of the school board who gave their public backing to teachers as we fought for our well-deserved pay raises this year, Mr. Don Dr, Anderson,
Mr. Fish and Elsa. I hope the rest of you join us next year for what is sure to be a renewed push against the board of supervisors, moral failures. In contrast to the
leadership of those 4 board members here today. I want to specifically condemn that craven duplicitous waste of air Jeffrey McKay for saying this budget is a win for
teachers. This underfunding was not the fault of this school board or of Dr Reid. I encourage the school board members who stood with teachers this time to reflect
on whether a political challenge to our current supervisors might unlock future budget improvements. The teachers union is here to stay. Our county leadership
needs to adjust to that reality or be adjusted the days of asking more and getting less are over the time of requiring those without
power to bear the burden are over. We have power now. Fcps will only ever be as strong as the teachers and the staff members to carry its reputation on our backs. As
you finalize this budget, I urge you always prioritize the workers who make our students education truly exceptional. If we want world-class
educators, we need to pay them. This region is too expensive. And our neighboring counties are too enticing for you to offer anything less than a competitive living
wage. Apologies. Ice get Jane Lewis misled us. >> Good evening Board.
>> Thank you so much for honoring the contract that the Fbu bargaining units have have worked with you diligently on. I especially think Mr. Dunn, Mr. Mckelvie, Mr. Fresh and
Doctor Anderson, for your public companionship and partnership. Thank you. I do have remaining concerns
specifically with cutting the full-time sped department chairs our tease to have time. It's in direct contradiction to our 4 pillars and the
mandatory sip goals that are present for English teachers and for math. Teachers in elementary and middle schools, it directly contradicts or 4 pillars that are guiding us to
improve rager and address 3 sourcing gaps for students with disabilities, especially with the state's upcoming Virginia Literacy Act. And the new accreditation standards
that focused primarily on growth, not just benchmarks. Elementary schools are asked to do the most with the fewest resources and now they're being targeted when they have
the most important and most pivotal years for building a student's foundational skills, especially in reading and math. As someone already
burned by the abrupt timelines for into involuntary transfers. I would see, Steph. So we're going through that. The cuts that are being proposed for these full-time positions were not even
allowed to be notified ahead of the transfer windows. They are impacted even more than I.
After applying to multiple surrounding counties during my the staffing process because I had 4 days from receiving the letter to being told where I would be placed to find a position. After applying to
multiple counties. I learned how many are willing to embrace experienced educators with over a decade in the
system. >> All right. For arc here, we've got Kettering a first weve got Riley Wall. We've
got. Mercy. Callan and this. We've got Tim Thompson. We've got Martin Redmi guess. Weve
got Ta Chacon. If you can come up to where we are with the blue. And then next is Maureen
Bellingham. >> My name is Maureen Bellingham and I worked for Fcps a speech language pathologist since 2008. I'm
speaking tonight to advocate for preservation of the full-time special education chair position. Schools and share how this position directly affects speech
language. Pathologists. As you may know, there's a shortage of speech language pathologist working in public schools. One major reason for this is the crushing workload. The
addition of a full-time special education chair at the elementary level has receipt believed some of this load for my colleagues in preparation for tonight. I ask my colleagues if the addition of
this position had any impact on their workload here. Just a few. What their of her wellman responses. The special education chair of my elementary schools were so
important for me when I first started working with Fcps, the lead teacher helped tremendously in training new to the district staff navigate the way meetings are run
within fcps as well as help the speech pathologist explain the academic portions of the eye. Pete parents and parent friendly language. This is a
vital and irreplaceable role. Our special education chair can complete paperwork. The administrators can not to because many of the administrators do not have any experience in special
education and do not know how 2 advice. This reduction could lead to difficulty retaining as peas and other special education staff who are already stretched very thin,
maintaining the full funding of the special education teacher chair position. It's not just beneficial. It is essential for sustaining staff morale, meeting, compliance requirements and most
importantly serving the students. This position was something we didn't know. We needed. My colleagues cannot imagine the specially departments at their schools
running smoothly without this position. We implore the school board and Doctor Rita
think. Debbie Kilpatrick. Good evening. School board members and dot to rate and EBay
Kilpatrick, president of Fairfax County Council PTA. We are very proud to represent 173 P tas and 20,000 members.
>> FCC PTA strives to be a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for the education health and
well-being of every child. PT a as 128 years old and the largest child advocacy organization in the world. In 18 97, the founders wanted all
children to have a better life for generations to come. This is still true today for our PTA mission. To make every child's potential a reality by
engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. We know that sense. The Board of supervisors underfunded fcps
budget needed to meet the propose fcps funding. And cuts are not what you really want to consider. Just please know
that all of us here tonight understand that these are challenging times and you have some hard decisions to make as you consider the needs of students and staff. I do want
to share with you that FCC PTA has long held that position. Loureen are maintaining current class sizes, providing qualified teachers to enhance
and enrich students, classroom experiences. In general education, special education and advanced academics. We are concerned that the proposed fcps cuts will greatly impact.
Our students are receiving the services they need. We urge the school board to maintain the current staffing formula for AARP and special education staff in order to maintain our
high academic standards. Thank you for your service. Brianne rest on Morris. His virtual.
Thank you. >> Today I'm speaking as the president of parents of autistic children of Northern Virginia. Some of the proposed cuts from the fcps budget will
be detrimental to students with autism, including reducing elementary special education Department chair positions. The addition of this position in recent years has lowered. The
administrative work loads of special education classroom teachers. So they're better able to focus on teaching. It was created to ease a special education teacher burnout. We're seeing at a local and
national level as well as to ensure fcps is in compliance with special education law. If you reduce this position to have time, you'll dilute its impact to the point of ineffectiveness. It will
result in other costs for fcps in the form of lawsuits and lower student outcomes. On the other hand, if an elementary school principal is forced to decide to retain their special education, apartments are full
time. It will most likely come at the cost of other crucial special education support positions such as instructional assistance to increase staff ratios and allow students receiving special education services to
access the general education and even advanced education. Curriculums and learn alongside typical peers. This inclusion leads to participation and success in
state assessments which leads to more special education students, earning standard and advanced diplomas. Something that is clearly lacking in our numbers. If superintendent reads Inclusion Initiative is
going to work. This school district will require more support at all levels. It definitely will not succeed with last. Are there other clubs Lord can identify that
lessen the negative effect is well have on our special education teachers, workloads stress levels and on our students. Futures, I urge you to assist fcps leadership and
identifying them. Thank Gregory Darryl. >> Good evening. My name is Gregory Darrow a librarian and
a teacher were canceling school in Vienna ceiling is a specialized center at the high school level that is dedicated to serving students with emotional disabilities. All students have it peas, most
require extensive services and supports to be successful. I would like to thank the school board members not individually. I don't have time who have publicly supported fully funding our first contact. And I'm
sincerely hopeful the more members of the board will be able to support us in the coming year. I along with many of my colleagues extremely frustrated by the Board of Supervisors willfully
willfully Chosing chose to under from the Fcps requested budget which means the teachers and all staff and of CPS had to settle for less. our first fully ratified legally binding collective
bargaining agreement. Now we're being asked to bear the brunt of cuts in both positions and services for some of our most vulnerable students. One of the through lines of my career has been trying to serve populations
that have not always receive the services that they he didn't deserve. It's what has inspired me to work as both and mellow teacher as well as a special educator. I know how
time-consuming part in providing excellent special education services can be, which is why would advocate for not cutting special education department chairs from elementary schools. It is essential that students be
provided with a legally mandated services and then meetings and timelines be followed. With Fidelity. Furthermore, as anyone who looks to the post of vacancies for Fcps can see special education positions far
outnumber all this by wide margin. All early-career teachers but especially special Ed teachers require mentoring, which is something that the good department taken
provide. Also burnout from Iup mandates. The documentation was one of the reasons you just don't go into or stay in special Ed. The department chair can help with all of this. I respectfully ask that
the board reconsider raises for administrative staff before implementing these cuts, which will negatively affect our student services
and staff. Thank you. Catalina First. Hello. Good evening.
I'm my name is capturing the first. I'm a high school teacher. Ian Fcps. >> Over 10 years I've teaching German biology, chemistry and
Earth Science. And I thank you. Thank you to phone and have phone to Korea to solution I was 6% raise. I feel a little bit more valued
a little bit more respect it. I also thank all the members of the board, Wolf supervisors who supported it funding our
schools this fall, I joined for the first time and a teachers union and I'm very grateful for them, too, because I feel we hadn't had
the good book of the Union, we might have been brushed of of the 10 just 3% rates. Nonetheless tonight, I'd like to ask you to think I think
you have to be no very creative. Because you have to make do with the money you have. I don't think that if
you can afford it, Make system birth. Public education. It's one of the biggest values we have to know community. It is
the future children. That's the future of our community. Any cuts you kind of light that take away from the quality of teaching and
education would be highly high so maybe. I know everyone is trying to pull their weight, but maybe the Rice put administration is not the most
creative approach. The at the thing really like to urge you and this is for the future. Please, please fight back. The
Board of Supervisors is not beautiful education system fully and ask you need it.
These 5. Riley. Well. Good evening, everyone. >> name is really well. And I teach second grade at Central
Elementary School. I'm here today on behalf of my co-workers and to encourage the board to find a different solution to our budget issues, then cutting the special education education Department chair and RT positions. It's
in the crucial daily Impact. My school Department chair in A R t. I spent your helps to ensure that we're providing all the appropriate accommodations for our students. For their IP plans.
She consistently communicate to families to make sure they're knowledgeable about the process. Losing their status as a full-time position is going to cause more stress because they'll be tasked with splitting responsibilities
between schools, which will eventually lead to worse outcomes for students special needs. The A R t at our school who is president will be speaking later on. Provides in a measurable benefits or staff
and students. She's been incredible help to me. Each year. The AP portfolio process which has a second grade teacher. I know as a beast. She provided with
consistent support with finding appropriate differentiated lessons. The best support, high-level thinking, which is a constant talking point in the county. To make sure that parents are
well informed about the whole process and spends significant amount of time carefully reviewing each student's portfolio to ensure that they been provided enough opportunities to show they
thinking we talk about it constantly with her, too. Our school community will be worse off if your position is changed. Reducing these positions from full-time halftime lead to worse
outcomes for students special needs. It will add to the ever increasing responsibilities of classroom teachers. also want to repeat the same sentiment that other people have proposed for cutting
musicians. Another alternative is to delay the raises for administrative positions. Teachers in the past have waited for their turn to happen. Raises. And I think that the administration wait
for their turn to. >> For our we've got Carla G Miesha cheron off Cheryl
Baker. Ashley Kahn, his virtual Cameron Ward, Lindsey late them. Jamie Mucci Low and Molly Sullivan, if you can
head towards where we have the blue. Next up, we've got
Mursi. How ya 90's. Mercy
Kalyan 90's. Mercy 90's. Next
step is Tim Thompson. Tim Thompson. Tim Thompson. Next
step is Martin Rodriguez. >> Dre members of the board. Thank you for having us here tonight. But I'm tired. I'm
tired and disappointed. I've been in this county for 13 years and for 13 years we've been having an ongoing back and forth about our teachers not having full about our system, not being fully funded
about how teachers are going to wait for another raise. I've been here when there were no step increases. I've been here only a changing mandates throughout the pandemic. I was here when we did get a raise
of 3%. But then our contributions to the retirement system in our health care increases was 5% that hit a little heart. But I'm also disappointed. I was
excited. We finally had a seat at the table. We had an agreement in hand and I know you're disappointed as well. That we had a contract that the Board of Supervisors did
not fully fund and support. But as we look forward to the future and we continue with the relationship. I wonder, is this the best start for that relationship to have a contract that we couldn't
support? Where are we going from here? What does it look like in the future when our negotiating team, they're sitting down again? Are we wondering whether the agreement that we make is going to be held in place?
Because I hope it is. I'm hoping we can have a better future. I've had lot of great experiences in Fairfax County. I've represented this county in foreign countries as part
of a teacher exchange. I have leadership positions experiences. I would not get anywhere else. But at the But at the same time, there are times I look at the decisions that are made and on the
other, I don't always feel valued as a teacher. So as we continue forward, I'm hoping that we can make agreements that we can all support. Thank you for the time.
>> Phoebe Gray, who is
virtual? Phoebe Gray. The B
gray. Toshack on. >> Hello, thank you for giving me this time. I believe we
need to stop relying on the government alone to support our most important county resource. Our teachers. Our votes matter. But I'm tired of my vote being my only voice. I want to speak louder. I want
to be heard. I want my community to reflect my values. That's why I'm giving one percent of my salary to the teachers of Fairfax County and asking anyone else who can
afford this to do the same. I chose one percent to represent the one percent that our teachers lost due to lack of funding from the county and to make sure my action is loud enough to be heard and to make an actual difference. Yes,
this means one less vacation. We're waiting another year for that second car, but it won't. We won't worry about food or shelter or even our basic everyday comforts with this
one percent and buying into something much greater buying into a future where best and brightest are competing for teaching jobs rather than turning away from them in favor of up financially stable
future. Anyone else who wants to buy into this future, please consider giving them the one percent or whatever you can spare. Show our teachers everywhere that regular people, people who
have kids or want kids or ever were kids care about and appreciate them. Show them that we understand that aside from our parents, they're often the most influential people in our Lives Show our
Board of supervisors that we as a society want to take better care of our teachers, show them that a fulfilling teaching career and financial stability are not mutually exclusive. Show them that we
truly value our teachers show them with more than words and coffee mugs and chocolate bars show them with better pay and start now give them the one
percent. I'm still trying to figure how fundraise, but give them the one percent spell G mail dot com. If anyone wants
to help with the fundraising, thank you. Carlo Cudicini.
>> Reading school board members. My name is Carla Pucci proud parents employee and FDA president-elect speaking as an individual has dedicated fcps employees, the
budget shortfall and propose cuts by Dr. Reid left mixed feelings of anger, excitement and frustration. As union members, we believe an injury to one is an injury to all our
county Board of Supervisors is unfortunately chosen to under fund our public schools. A deeply disappointing decision for education, educators and families alike. Fcps is not
only essential to our community, but the key economic driver, home owners invest in county services through property taxes and the new food and beverage tax will help diversify revenue. Additionally, the state
legislature had stepped up and increased funding sick. You positions in key priorities outlined in the jail like study. It's challenging to reconcile the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors claim that public education is their
number one priority with their decision not to fully fund the superintendents budget request actions speak louder than words. Budgets represent our values while contracts for Fairfax Police, Fire and
rescue are fully honored. Education workers are expected to do more with less public education workers deserve full and fair compensation without harming our students. As we
review the proposed budget cuts, we must ask, how did these cuts impact our students and why are elementary schools bearing the brunt of these 2 productions? The proposed reductions of air tea and sped chairs will impact students,
families staff workloads. These professions are essential to the communication complant indifferent, to did Learning Elementary Monitor, supported teacher planning and relieve the ever growing.
Workload that are specialists will inevitably have to cover. Stepping formula adjustments increase class sizes of all levels will undoubtedly affect student achievement and one in place to did a bigger paycheck really isn't a raise. If it
comes with extra hours of work attached. Please continue to protect our schools, honor our commitments and support the
staff who make fcps strong. Michelle Chan off. >> Good evening chair for
issues. School board members structure read my name is Michelle Cerna NFC Ps Educator and have been with the division for 29 years. I would like to thank you, Dr Reid for keeping your commitment to the
collective bargaining agreement and for striving to ensure that significant salary increases remain intact for employees. I appreciate that. This is a top priority for
your team and for the school board. I only wish it were a top priority for the county Board of Supervisors. Dre proposed in need space budget to the county. And
unfortunately the transfer request was underfunded by 120 million dollars. And while certain supervisors May's language defending the inadequate transfer to schools
and suggest the division be flexible or created those words really mean that Fcps will be forced to make cuts and it just formulas that will negatively impact students,
educators and support staff. I thank you Chair Frisch for recognizing have these cuts. We'll put more strain on our work. 3 of the proposed cuts
are targeted at youngest learners. And I'm not sure why. Why have elementary schools been singled out to find cost savings? Cutting
elementary school monitors and reducing advanced academic resource teacher positions and special education department lead positions per school. We'll have a negative impact on our most vulnerable
students. The ripple effect it elementary schools will be enormous with the loss of these full-time positions. Therefore, I urge the board during your upcoming work
session to review alternatives that you may consider. So that students and staff at the elementary level are not disproportionately bearing the burden. These cuts and
staffing reductions. Thank you. Cheryl Baker. Good
evening, Doctor Reed and support. My name is Cheryl Baker. I've been a music educator front. 38 years. 12
those here in Fairfax County. Where I currently teach General Music Colin Powell Elementary school. I spent my career helping students grow
competent, create learners through music. In general music, students aren't just singing developing their key portion of the graduates skills.
>> They become communicators collaborators, critical thinkers and global citizens. Music builds literacy, focus and resilience. It's not in enrichment. It's essential.
It's a cage. I thank the board for not cutting music. I'm worried about our friends. If you consider the district
budget, urge you to protect full range of special pro cat. A world-class education.
Includes music, PE art library and against academics. When even one of these areas is reduced or eliminated, it creates strain on the others.
more students in fewer spaces, fewer resources less time for meaningful instruction. The impact ripples 5 on one
Increasing class size. It's also makes it harder to give students the tension in it. The quality that they des are.
Especially in hands-on active living such as in music. I've seen how music transforms students. I've seen them. I'm
their voice. Their confidence. Place in the world.
>> Take budget time.
>> Ashley Kahn. Ashley Kahn. Ashley Kahn. Cameron Ward.
>> Good evening. I'm deeply concerned about the proposed elimination of nearly half of fcps advanced academic resource teacher positions known as arts. The Virginia
regulation under AC. 2040, 60 of the Virginia Administrative Code require school divisions to employees. Instructional personnel because they're specifically trained to work
with gifted students and provide equitable access to services across the grade levels and the populations. Fcps is codified this
application and its local plan for the education of the gifted, which promises online on site. They support for the arts. It. Not just for gifted students but for early
identification and advanced opportunities. Systemwide. Cutting nearly one 3rd of these positions that shifting to a halftime presence at all. But the title one schools
fundamentally violates the spirit of these obligations. It will reduce outreach, hinder student deferrals limit collaboration with general education, teachers and disproportionately harm
students. rely most of these services. Meanwhile, this budget contains several excessive central office compensation and costly non
classroom initiatives. It raises to your. Administrative assistance. Renovations to
gate Why are they being considered at this time? I urge you to honor your own gifted plan comply with. Code and fully restore the art
funding our children all over the county deserve to be prepared for the jobs of the future is yet to be imagined. This will not happen by allowing budgetary underfunding to affect the
classrooms by eliminating arts. The same can be said for
special Lindsey late them. >> Good evening. My name is Lucy. They found a man. I'm here speaking from the perspective of a very
exhausted parent of 2 elementary school students. One as most of, you know, have a disability. >> While >> the proposal of the 6% increase to the bargaining unit is an incredibly
important step forward. >> It is overshadowed by the significant cuts to the essential support services for elementary school students and staff hall monitors play a vital role in maintaining
support across the building. It allows school administrators to remain flexible to provide teachers time to plan and hold IEP meetings during their contracted hours. Equally
concerning is the reduction in support for special education leads. While members noted up, this would be a plus because the teachers would be put back
into the classroom. Many of these leads have their own case loads because of teacher shortages or support new teachers. This will undoubtedly cost the county more money and litigation. it
is also concerning to hear that it may be looked at by how many students within that school have IEP or 5, 0, for plans. This is unacceptable. It has to be based on the
needs of the students. There are unique means and each child is should have the respect to have that support and their teacher should have that support as well. Our son
has an IEP. That is 45 pages long. Cutting preschool is short-sighted. Statistically the high high-quality early education has long-term
benefits and gains the return of $7.30 for every dollar spent. This saves money in the long run. Yes, this is a terrible position. You're a Putin, Dr Reid, but the county
both at the supervisor level and the school board knew that the shortfalls were coming and there seems to be no forward thinking when entering into the school budget season, these cuts target the teachers
who have the highest turnover rate and the least support and the most vulnerable children for a Q Molly Sullivan, Tara
Fredericks, Shelley are not be. Kirschner. Kristen Carey.
>> Jennie haven't met. >> Jan on Hawthorne. Lasky.
Kate Maddux. George please take seats up in the area for
a Q. Next up is Jamie Michie. It Michelle O?
>> Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to our concerns. I'm speaking to you today as the mom of a Fairfax County student and a full-time elementary advanced academics research team
resource Teacher Kings Park Elementary School. And I just want to point out that when you told a roomful of teachers to holder applause, not one teacher in this room paused before advocating for the kids who spoke to receive the
praise that they deserve. That's what we do. We advocate we teach in wheelchair for students as they learn and grow. I have been at the school that I served for 8
years and I love my community. I know the importance of not only my role but the importance of fit office mates role to special education chair. Our small office is a revolving door for hard
working staff who support who need the support to serve our students and families. By the way, I have watched them take on more than they ever have this year and they have served our students while promoting are at excellent equity in
growth. My special education chair and I get to work together when we team up to serve a choice exceptional community. We recently joked about meeting a Saturday to make sure we medal of her
upcoming deadlines. We were completely shocked and confused at the proposed cuts. We love our school and we cannot believe uncertainty that is ahead of us because of
this budget. And not only for us, but are amazing monitors and other positions that will feel the ripple effect of these cuts. Respectfully, we should not have to decide between a raise and these
crucial positions we deserve to support a community full time and supported families by making a living wage. Please help us prevent the strategic plan. Our North star from
Deming right before our very eyes. >> Molly Sullivan.
>> My name is Molly Sullivan on CPS, parent teacher and PT President and but the Springfield and Sully districts. The reason I'm speaking tonight is to get some clarity and ask for transparency from you. The board, Dr Reid, the budget.
That ist the budget is. A great thing about lack of dollars at this point. Doesn't really do us any good. What would be helpful to the community and of teachers is to know who made the decisions to cut the air tease and sped department chairs to 0.5. Some
are under the impression that you the school board made that decision. Others think that was Dr. Reid, others believe that it was the union that came and it would be really helpful to know who was in that room and who made those
decisions so that we can therefore direct our opinions, et cetera, towards them. You have to reject this proposal to ask chairs to be 0.5 position. You're forcing Fcps
to fail money in our pockets cannot replace bodies in a building and dismantling systems that are put in place to protect children and families that need it. Most. Your raises were proposed to keep and attract quality teachers that has 0 chance to
be effective with choices like this. In terms of looking for dollars. I appreciate postponing the social studies. Basil, if you look at the spreadsheet that I gave, you actually gone through each of the school's budgets and the
region budget itself high. These are the numbers as of yesterday, 5, 12. 25 the last column. The last time that I've highlighted is the dollars left in school accounts. Look at the amount of excess dollars highlighted.
Please, if can't be reabsorbed those dollars and actually apply them towards this. There's an exit 12 million dollars as of yesterday sitting in school budget accounts. I guarantee that is not going to be spent between
now and June. 11th make HR stop hiring people until we can guarantee that these critical positions expect departments stay and they are fully funded. Make a gate house, get creative with the money that has been allocated
to them and find more money. You do not answer to Dr Reid. You don't answer to the unions, but you do answer to the children of Fcps just because they propose something does not mean that you have to adopt it. You can tell them we
need to keep these positions. We have to cut where else and you can go back to the table before the 22nd sped employees. Students and
families cannot be the victims. Tab Fredericks. Good
evening, everyone. Thank you so much for having me. I first want to say this is my first time speaking in front of the board and I'm here because it's this important to meet this really out of my comfort
zone. >> As my role as an A R not only work with advanced students in elementary schools, but all students providing them access to the rigorous curriculum that helps
them grow and that we have committed to. I worked with the teachers as well, providing them with the support professional development and help different shooting for all students. I worked help them. Identify and
support him. Scholars a very huge piece of art. My job is supporting young scholars. And I think that fear that that will go away with this have time reduction working have
time. It's cool. Strongly hinders my ability to do my job. I've done it before and it helped. It's hard for me to be present for kids for teachers, for parents at only
have time. My job really is to help kids see things in a different way. And I love seeing that might come in their eyes and I feel like I won't have the same. Connection with kids. If I'm
not able to be there for them full time. I love my school. I love my community. Who is here and I really just feel like I'm a part of that. And I feel
like it is so important to keep us part of the community so that we can keep doing the work that we're doing it's also really important that we have the ability to support,
like I said, an advocate for young scholars and twice exceptional students. Thank you very much for your time.
Right before I call the next person we do for those who overflow. We do have some seat opening up throughout the auditorium. If you want to try to head over. >> Next step we have Shelley
are not be. Shelley are not
be. Shelley Arnold. Be. Next Patty Kirschner.
>> I'm speaking to you as the parent of a to E 5th grader twice exceptional students and their families are disproportionately impacted by
this proposed budget. Our students need the support of trained general education, special education and advanced academic teachers. While some schools will have funding to
keep or to use and full-time lead special education teachers, other schools like ours will have these positions cut in half. This is not OK. This budget when it comes down
to it is a statement about priorities. Fcps was able to give teachers a 6% raise. And that was important. But what this budget tells me that that
support for elementary school to students is not a priority. Is not a priority in this budget to have a Ortiz and lead special education teachers are working together
to support to kids. It's not a priority in this budget to give lead special education teachers the time to support new teachers and teacher trainees. It's not a priority
in this budget. Tough and classroom monitors. At the elementary level supervision is the limiting reagent for many to Easton Sports
classroom monitors. Let my student. Avalanche com predictable space and take a self regulation break on a daily basis. These are the
combinations that let him get through the day successfully. Let me ask when our 2 E kids going to be the priority in our budget. Every year,
families pull their kids out because there are not having their needs met and that's going to continue until elementary schools have better
support. Thank you. Kristen Carey. Good evening. This is
my 22nd year as educator at this is my first year as an A R t. I would like to address
that budget proposal that would cut my position to have I love my job as an A or T because it allows me to serve everyone at my school
community. I worked to help close achievement gaps by raising the bar for the entire elementary school by supporting and advocating. >> Access to rigor. And
experiences for all the students. I personally enjoyed collaborating closely with my principles, math and literacy coaches classroom in special Ed teachers. I also work closely with parents and
community stakeholders. Supporting and advocating for twice exceptional students. Is particularly close to my heart. As a classroom teacher,
I found not to be very difficult, but as A R t I have time to attend IEP meetings, meet with families, work directly with our amazing special Education Department
chair. I would not be able to collaborate in support of our learners in any meaningful way. But the part-time or an
itinerant position. Many educators are still learning to identify and support twice exceptional students. So this
task is incredibly important. And building that understanding takes time. I hope lead in support district initiatives in my building.
Such as part of a graduate skills. Universal design for learning advanced math experiences in classes that lead to algebra one by 8th grade. As well as get to green
an outdoor education. Next year. Rolling Valley, my school will launch are full-time local advance
academic program. next step is Jenny Helmick who is virtual? >> Good evening. School board members and Dr. Read my name
is Jenny Hammock and I have been a special education teacher for 3 years. >> As a new teacher who has great benefit from the leadership knowledge and unwavering support of our special Education Department chair. I feel compelled to
voice my concern and disappointment regarding the recent proposal to reduce their contract hours to say this move is short-sighted is an understatement. It is both disrespectful to us as professionals who dedicate ourselves to this work. And
that's your mental to the students who depend on a fully functioning well support a special education system. The expectation that a special education teacher performed a full scope of department
shares responsibilities without the allocated time and support is unrealistic. And I'm just this decision demonstrates a lack of understanding of the complex, demanding and critically important nature of special
education leadership. The department, Cheryl requires extensive collaboration, administrative court nation staff support, compliance oversight and instructional leadership. Cutting hours
doesn't reduce the students duties and just shift the burden onto someone else expected to do more with less. The message this sends to special to hear says clear our work is not valued equally by decreasing the hours of the
department chair while maintaining the full scope of duties, the district is that the F actively asking us to either sacrifice personal time and well-being are a lot of critical functions to go on and on either outcome is
unacceptable and these to burnout increase turnover and a declaration of services for the very students. We are supposed to protect left. This move undermines the collaborative infrastructure that supports it. Peas,
data-driven interventions and legal compliance. These tasks are mandated by federal law and essential for the success of our most vulnerable learners, cutting support at the leadership level creates a ripple effect that weakens the
entire special education system from the top down. We must protect our most vulnerable students from the detriment. This decision would make. I hope you will take this into consideration as you
move forward in voting to adopt the proposed budget. you. We have >> So Hala Lasky Kate Matic
Sturridge Sarah and Jessica Wheaton. Next up, we have John on Hopper.
>> Good evening. My name is Hawthorne. I'm a proud Fcps graduate and currently serves an elementary school special education Department chair. I'm here tonight to speak against the proposed reduction of 71 Department chair
positions, cuts that would disproportionately impact elementary schools and jeopardize delivery of critical services to students with Disabilities. Elementary School is where families often first engage or special
education. It's also intervention is most effective leading to measurable gains in academic achievement, emotional regulation and long-term student success removing full-time leadership
at this foundational level undermines that progress. This is not a budget cut. It's a step back from equitable practices. Department chairs are not just paperwork managers. We're instructional leaders, legal compliance
officers and front-line crisis responders. We train and coach teachers coordinate eyed Peas trouble. She placements and protect staff and students during behavioral escalations. One case loads balloon which
they have. We are the ones that step in and hold the system together right now. 25% of special education staff in Fcps are provisionally licensed. Many are new and
overwhelmed without full-time department chairs to support them risk higher burnout lower fund. Elliott IP, implementation and legal vulnerabilities. Cutting your hours doesn't cut the work. It
just shifts into an already overburdened teacher and those administrator and ministry ders that support us and at what cost the students if we are serious about inclusion, compliance and quality of
education. For all that, we must invest in the people who make it possible. Full-time department chairs are not a luxury. They are a necessity. Please reconsider these cuts and stand with the students,
families and educators who depend on us. Thank you for your time.
>> So Hala, Lasky. Hi, my name is Tim Hay Laskey and I am the PTA president and the mother of 2 students at Bonnie Brae Elementary in Fairfax. here to make sure that everybody just
really understands the real-life implications of what these cuts are going to mean. So first for our monitors elementary school age students are the most vulnerable of the populations. So having someone
in our school who our children know who we as parents trust, it's crucial for their safety with our current substitute shortage. Our monitors are the ones who fill in for these positions. When we can't get a
substitute teacher and that will happen. so when they're able to fill in that they are able to have that position filled right away. But without them, then classes are going
need to split up amongst other classrooms. We're going to have 40 plus kids in a classroom at a time. I just don't see how that's instructional feasible for the day. Nor is it logistically possible, especially for schools with trailers. This is
a massive strain on our already overworked teachers. And it really does compromise the safety of our students and our staff. Next is the at advanced academics resource teachers. So if you think that
this just affects a small study, a group of students that are in the advanced academics programs and you're seriously mistaken. In that case, they these teachers work tirelessly to ensure that all students have equitable
opportunities to reach their full potential by providing challenging resources and experiences that promote critical thinkers and problem solvers who will be the next leaders of our world. The A R
T staff are the architects of the foundation that has built Fairfax County Public schools to be the leader in the nation for having as Dr Read, said, a world-class education
experience. So cutting these positions at any level is akin to cutting a Saturn ease. This move will wildly is widely short-sighted and the effects will be felt quite profoundly.
And last is a special education lead. It is an elementary school where the majority of the students who receive special education services where they're identified. This is where all the interventions plans
meetings testing takes place. Kate Maddux. Kate Maddux, who
should be virtual. Cate Maddux. George, era.
>> Good evening, Doctor. Eden School board members. I have to porch my testimony first as the NSA was he co-chair. I can convey to you that we are opposed to the cuts. are 2 positions the advocating for
increased to these positions and civil or any reports to previous boards superintendents, disco was out of the blue as an assistant coaching message issue Dre in the future plan early in place and shared with the community.
What would be on the chopping block if you don't get X amount different levels. I want that to the county, 60% as much just like her super tenants have done. This gives the commute time for dialogue.
And really, really is time to speak publicly to reporters who buy sex. Also was a real time voting for the bargaining committee to agree to these decisions after market. If so, do the unions have time to get their general members to vote on these cuts? If not, there's
still time to markecond as it in to joy here to the school board you the board of supervisors and you do need to really work together and collaborate for next year's budget. I know a lot. I know a
lot has been said about the voice or is not doing this, some choose. But in the last 2 and board's budget work session in November, only about half the school board member showed up compared to the full board servers. That's
only one union showed up, which was Mr. David well run. What message is sent to the board or supervised community working together on the budget. These meetings occurred the same week of the
year for the last 2 decades to CG obtain. As I look at this much, I listed speakers what happened with the principles that were supposed to speak. They backed down. Why we are teachers and educators speaking tonight. You are
sticking their necks out for what they believe and are fighting for their jobs for the unions. I'm glad both president-elect for speaking tonight. Wise when president not list as the president for their union. Are you mention as a member of FDA, is there a
division within a few? If there let's fix it now because next year's budget will be worse than this year's as you are looking for solutions tonight. you like to sit you lower the pay to keep these human beings jobs during these
times. You're living here in the DMV we talk about people who are who really lose their jobs and not the one to be Repositions. Thank you very much. >> For those of you looking for seats, we have seats up
here in the first few rows. We have a few seats through here. Next step is Jessica Wheaton.
>> Good Evening. School board members. My name is Jessica. We I'm an EPS parent and teacher as a parent of a twice exceptional child and a teacher with lots of experience in our elementary
schools. I'm here to speak about the proposed budget and its impact on 2 critical areas. Special education, an advance academic programs. We
want CPS to be a community of excellence right now. Our special education services are operating under significant pressure. The proposal to reduce the elementary school special education lead by 0.5
positions per school. Eliminating 71 rules is a serious problem. My kids and your kids have the right to receive support to ensure the
safe and equitable access to all school division facilities and activities in accordance with regulation. 26. 0, 3, The this reduction in leadership will strain aready dedicated
special education teachers and impact the crucial support they provide to our exceptional students. Also concerning is the proposed reduction of 48 AR to use by supporting teachers with
differentiate excuse teachers with differentiation and then return strategies are to use contribute to the progress of all learners. They are vital decreasing their presence limits, the potential of our
students and our community's future investing in special education. And R t programs is fundamental to building an excellent school community. These are not supplementary
services. They are integral to ensuring that every child receives the individualized support in challenging opportunities. They need to succeed in life. I urge you to can carefully consider the
impact of these proposed cuts and prioritize resources that directly support the learning needs of all apps Fcps student, thank you for your time and attention to this
important issue. Okay. For our for the seats up here, Casey the >> Pan Allison bands, Julie
Wilson, Amy Lacrosse. And though the ed of Shareall Binkley. I and Andrew he Kuz
const us. Terry Lee and Joe Roland. As a reminders, those individuals are coming up for campaign. Only the speaker may be at the podium and speak
either adults or children may join them when your name is COD like I just did here and you're on deck. Please head to our on deck seats so that it's easier for us. And if you have
testimony but in testimony and you want to hit hard copies, please hand it to me or my deputy clerk, Mister Jackson. If you are virtual, please turn your camera on when are next in line to speak. So the
all that you have to do is I knew when you are called to speak and if you have electronic copies of your testimony like to share it with the board, please email it to community participation
at Fcps Edu. When your name is called, I will call your name 3 times if I don't see moving up before. Moving on to the next and a vigil on the list.
You may find copies of the the room. As a reminder, k of please hold your applause. You're doing a great job thus far so that we can keep hearing flowing to ensure that all speakers are heard in a
timely manner because of the length of the hearing. School board members may be taking small breaks but are able to access the hearing throughout. And we'll be listening
speakers. So next step we have Kasey. >> Thank you. Doctor Reed and members of the Fairfax County
School board today for this hearing and listening to our concerns. My name is Casey Benson and I'm a current special education teacher speaking today in support, the special education department chairs at the elementary
level, staying at a full-time position as a first year. Special education teacher switching over from being a general educator. I can say confidently that I do not know where I would be without my department chair of the even
with how acclimated I was with their school in county protocols. There are many things I learned from early this year. She'll be complete. Technical trainings answered any question. I had checked over all of my progress
reports help navigate parent and advocate questions and concerns and help me gain the confidence to lead IEP meetings to her modeling and guidance as principal designee. My job already consists of many hours be on
the 8 that I'm contracted for. But I cannot imagine on top of my existing responsibilities doing educational testing, leading reevaluation meetings, finding coverage from a general education counterparts
during IEP meetings, peer reviewing set of progress. Reports after doing all of my own and much more I peas and any process ease associated with working with students with disabilities, demand, rigorous and conscientious
care in order to not only help all students succeed but to fulfill legal obligations that could have costly consequences if not looked at meticulously as rewarding as being a special educator is it can
also be demanding and this can be shown as FC bit Fcps tries to obtain and retain staff members in these positions. The answer to the over 50 vacancies fcps is not to take
away another valuable resource. Frankly, the department chair position alone could be separated into at least 2 different jobs. And it is reprehensible to think that it can be reduced to have
time rule. I strongly ask that you reconsider the proposed changes to the special Education Department chair full-time position. Schools will feel the immediate consequence of these changes.
Should they go through? Thank you.
>> The cozy Good evening. Doctor Reed members at the school board. My name is Pan Fairfax County, Public Schools, Elementary, special education teacher. I'm here
today to oppose the proposed cuts of elementary special. A from full-time to have time position. Our special chair propose a critical need that allows me to spend more time
teaching and less time on administrative duties without our special a chair. I foresee having to return to organizing Milan, reevaluation meetings, completing students, educational assessment,
getting trained so I can do those a four-set assessments all of this takes time. Away from my primary function, which is teaching my students.
Our chair currently provide support for special Ed students in the general. It's setting who are acting out attempting to elope exceptions so that the teachers, both general special Ed can
continue teach without her support, the assistant principals and or the principal would be called in to spend time on these challenging situations. During IEP meetings are chair helps
to make sure that parent input is accurately noted on the plot. Page and that the prior written notice page of the IEP completed properly. This allows me to focus on sharing
my proposed goals and making sure parents feel heard and seen throughout the IEP meeting, thereby establishing or just confirming the trust, which is so needed to make
this a smooth and hopefully less litigious process. In closing, I ask you read to not reduce the elementary specially chairs to have time position. They provide us with the sport that allows us to
focus our time and energy on teaching students and collaborating with collaborating with families to maximize student success. Without them our time teaching students will be reduced our
ability to work with and support our families will be minimized and week will be
exhausted. Thank you. Allison Burns, who is virtual? >> Good evening. My name is this county for over 15 years
as an elementary special education teacher. Today. I speak to you not only has special education department chair, but as an advocate for our students and fellow educators. I am deeply
concerned and frankly outraged by the proposal to reduce the funding for the elementary special Education Department chair position. This decision was made by individuals who with all due respect are not
in classrooms every day. Yet they are choosing to eliminate a role that is vital to the success of both our students special needs and the educators who serve them. Can the leaders of this county honestly claim to champion
equity and inclusion while simultaneously asking our most vulnerable students to accept less support and for our are already overworked, underpaid teachers to take on even more. You speak of equity for all
students, slashing this position contradicts that mission. It's not just insulting. It's a liability. Department chairs handle critical responsibilities. Local screening meetings,
testing ensuring compliance with federal law, mentoring new teachers, implementing professional development, supporting the strategic plan and sitting on both the academic and behavioral intervention teams just to
name a few attempting to split this position between 2 schools is not a feasible solution. These responsibilities require a consistent full-time presence. Someone who can respond to
urgent needs coordinate effectively across teams and build relationships with staff and families. These tasks are not optional in complying with them. Pix, specialized staff
members cutting the position and half does not cut the workload in half. It shifts the burden to already overworked staff. The laws surrounding special education and compliance will not shrink
by half. Just because you have reduced the funding. It will fall on the shoulders of the special education teachers. This proposal will drive our dedicated quality teachers
away farming. All students. It sends a message that equity and inclusion are just in fact, buzzwords and not commitments. I urge you to reconsider the shortsighted decision. A strong school
stands on the strength of its support systems. And this.
Julie Wilson. >> Good evening. Thank you for Hearing I stand before you today with a heavy heart, the manner in which the news of
the cuts was communicated was shocking. Principals were informed of these drastic changes in mere hours before the wider announcement after their staffing decisions have
been already been. Painstakingly finalized, including the end of transfer window and the hiring of teachers from outside of the county. The dedicated teachers serving in these now threatened positions have missed the opportunity to
pursue job openings of their choice. Not only were principles left out of the decision-making, the special education Department and advanced academics departments were left out as well. Our
special Education Department chair is an invaluable leader in our school. We have to specialized education programs. Has anyone on the board visited center or
comprehensive service site? We have both. Are you aware of the additional resources that are required to appropriately serve these populations of students? These 2 programs
leave us with about double the amount of student case boats as other schools losing our department chair would leave our school and an impossible situation. As for the
elimination of our Advanced Academic resource teachers, this is a decision that is in direct contradiction of the superintendent's goals of a focus on our place, exceptional students and of
algebra by 8th grade our A R t position will be held by a teacher who was has devoted the last 20 years of her career fcps as a classroom teacher. She recently decided
to become air T T for the next school year. She has now lost her secure full-time 3rd, great position to someone new to the county. The e-mail from our union leadership are
claiming the collective bargaining agreement. A success helped jarringly out of touch. But maybe that's the book. Ford and superintendent wanting us to feel how how we want to feel to cast a
negative light on the recent collective bargaining by using your own cause. I own colleagues as Ponds. Amy
lacrosse. >> I am extremely proud. Special Education Department, Valley Elementary words Matter. Please know that our job title is department chair,
not lead special education teacher, the work that is done by the elementary special education department chairs far exceed what the original job description offered and promised to, quote from Dr
Reid's weekly e-mails. This work matters. It has been disheartening to see how little our work seems to matter to the individuals outside of our building responsible for working with
us to best serve all students. I'm also concerned about the lack of transparency with these budget cuts and encourage you to reflect on how this information was shared. My colleagues and friends have spoken and we'll
speak far more eloquently than I will about our concerns with the proposed budget cuts, the number of individuals who have signed up to testify are just one small piece of evidence of the impact. These cuts will
have. I would like to extend an invitation. I invite you to come into buildings to observe our students and our staff. I invite you to speak to our staff, our parents and our students. I invite you to
offer to teach a lesson discussed procedural safeguards and family rights and p local screening, reevaluation or eligibility meeting. I invite you to observe how the student in
crisis can be de-escalated because of the relationship built with school staff. I invite you to sit with multiple departments, sheriffs and see how the rules are so vastly different based on the needs of the school. I invite
you to engage in collaborative team meetings within our school buildings, participate in planning and scheduling meetings and learn more about the positions you propose to cut. I invite you to sit in on
the act, advanced academic screening process to fully understand just how much additional work that process is and how Archie's facility and support our teachers through that process and
support to students. I invite you to listen to building leadership, principals and assistant principals to gain a better understanding of what these cuts would mean and their buildings. Lastly, I
invite you to read and respond to the numerous e-mails that can only assume are flooding your inbox. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to a new proposal in the near
future. Tonight, a art. Emily stopped of.
>> Good evening. My name is I'm Lisa And I'm the parent of Cyrus hatched kindergartner at Unionville Elementary School. I'm here tonight to speak in support of maintaining the full time positions of the special education department
chairs and all elementary schools and to share the profound positive impact. This roll it out of my child's life. Cyrus story demonstrates how students can thrive and their least restrictive environment. And with the
right special education support and efforts in place. This is a picture of my daughter participating as Jerrold and her book character Day. >> Most people look at this and think, oh, that's a cute
memory. But for me, this was first time I was able to watch my child fully participate in be included in a large group of that. You see Senator has autism. She's hearing was she
with hearing aids? And she has ADHD. So situations that involve large groups of people sounds anything that could trigger her overwhelm. We normally have to avoid. They're just too challenging.
I was nervous. That should be overstimulated. Have a hard time participating in this great. Her IP team ensured she would not only participate, but she truly shine with the right considerations in place
wasn't able to just be in the parade. She was right up in front. Seeing her walk with her classmates. Beaming with pride was an incredibly emotional moment for me. It
was powerful demonstration of true inclusion, not just being present but being. All along. This is an isolated incident, though. Every day I see the
benefit of having a well coordinated and expertly led special education Department. Cyber is not just getting by. She is thriving. She's making academic progress. She's building friendships and she's
developing a love of learning. Our success is a direct result of the dedicated IP team and the leadership they received from the department chair. This is not just about budgets are stopping for us. This
position has a profound impact on the lake of students like siren. And it brings peace of mind to families like mine. This position ensures that every child, regardless of their challenges has the
opportunity to reach their full potential. Shareall Binkley. Hello, brace
yourselves. >> Normally when I stand here, it is tough for you to congratulate you to protect you from the crazies. Not
tonight. Everyone has said how disappointed they are. I'm not disappointed. I am disgusted. This is not appropriate. Came
across it while recycling papers the other night, a paper a flyer from 2004 about this. But about the budgeting
process. This happens every year for the last 20 years. >> And the school board always looks around and goes, how did that happen? How did that
happen? We are depending on you to know how that happens and to fix it in advance and to not be sitting here tonight.
>> In these conditions. We similarly worked very hard to break that. 47 year ban on collective bargaining. And tonight I stand in front of
you. A group of people who have broken your first contract in 47 years before it could even take effect. You may have done more damage
tonight. Then all the crazies have done for the last 4 years. In terms of your reputation, the school's reputation and Fairfax
County's reputation as people who care about children and care about the people who take care of them. This is not just any other year. You can feel
that in the way people are responding. I know you believe you cannot fix this. Now. But I want to say to you don't
make come back here next year. This should not be happening over and over again. And unless. We let people who fix
it, we've got. And re and cost us. >> Good evening. My name
Andrea and Constance and the parent of an elementary and rising middle school students. And a graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools. My children have benefited
greatly from having special education department chairs and advance academic resource. Teachers available on a one per school ratio. Tonight. I'd like to speak to the proposed
cuts to spend and a R t. I'd like to start by reading a note just received yesterday from my son's teacher. Your had a great day. He continues to be respectful towards his
teachers and peers by being kind. He works hard to complete his work and to ask questions if he's confused, keep it up. You're almost in 3rd grade. Wow. And proud of
you. This note, we seem mundane something families regularly receive from their teachers. Maybe But my son began the school year feeling
dejected. His teacher would report that he often would put his head down or even himself when he thought he was stupid for Dame. It was heartbreaking to pull out, have completed worksheets increases from his
backpack. He's talking couldn't keep up in class who spent and was losing his confidence. Within a quarter of the school year. He received his IEP. It was like a switch, flipped. He was
given the time and space to address challenges. Bill. Just confidence and game tools to cope with adversity in the classroom. Now we often pick him up from the bus, stop with the nose and with his nose and
ex. And just the other day he excitedly removed spelling tests from his which she received 100% I credit this change to his teachers ability to collaborate with our school
special Education Department chair and have the time to meet with us and effectively address a person's needs. often say children are resilient. The resilience is not inherent. It's built when
there are resources to collaborate cope and to build character. Special education department chairs Ortiz help nurture resilient students. Thank you for your time and
consider. >> Okay for IQ. These are the seats at PR Robert Rigby. >> Kristina Glenn S. cause
whiskey. Kirstin Porter, Susan James, Rachel Cameron, Jeanette Pier on and Charlie
beak men and and Arnold. Next up is Terry >> Elementary special
education teacher. I'm here tonight because the proposed budget cuts disproportionately affect our elementary schools. Where students are building those foundational skills that will shape the rest of their
education. These cuts will deeply impact our youngest learners, particularly the proposed reduction of the elementary special Education Department chair position. This role is essential with so many new teachers entering the
field. The department chair provides hands-on support training and dating a guidance to ensure knew him better and teachers alike can succeed while also keeping our schools
in compliance with complex special education laws. The chair wears many hats overseeing testing IEP meetings, communicating families and ways that make
legal jargon, understandable and ensuring every IEP is student-centered and data driven. This already is a demanding full-time role. >> Cutting into part cutting into part-time would be
unsustainable and frankly, irresponsible. Without this position. We risk accelerating teacher, burnout and worsening. The already critical shortage and special
education. Most students are identified for special education services during their elementary years, which makes this role even more crucial. Elementary schools already operate with fewer
resources. If we don't invest in our students now, while they're still developing core academic skills. We all face even greater challenges and costs in the upper grades,
eliminating the department chair position will widen achievement gaps and likely lead to more legal challenges due to compliance issues. The role is not a luxury. It's a cornerstone of the FEC to
special education in our elementary schools. And I urge you to reconsider this cut for the sake of our teachers, our students and their futures.
Thank you. Jo Roland. >> Good evening. Members of the board Superintendent Reid and the community members.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I stand here not just as an educator and advocate, but as a representative of the many voices in our school community who are deeply concerned about
proposed changes to the critical support roles, namely the special education lead and that advance academic resource teacher. The decision to reduce these positions to part-time is deeply troubling.
These are not peripheral roles. They are essential. Our special education lead ensures that some of our most vulnerable students received the tailored services advocacy
and compliance oversight. They need to thrive and to meet legal standards. Our A R T provides advanced learning opportunities that challenge and support our gifted learners students who without
this resource risked becoming disengaged or and are supported. These positions are not luxuries. They are equity in action. Cutting them sends a message that we are willing
to balance the budget on the backs of our most at risk and high potential students alike. We understand that funding is finite and that hard decisions must be made. But what's difficult to reconcile is
this. We're being told that these cuts are necessary to fund a 6% teacher raise arrays that is desperately needed and long overdue. Yet. Just a few months ago, the superintendent
was awarded a 12% plus salary increase. That raise while perhaps justified in some ways undermines the credibility of the argument that there is no other place to look for budget
adjustments. When the top receives increases in double digits while essential student facing roles, our reduced it creates a narrative, a misplaced priorities. It tells the community that administrative compensation
outweighs classroom and student needs and that is not the message we should ever be comfortable sending. Please do not trade short-term savings for long-term damage to the
foundation of an inclusive, excellent education. Thank
you. Robert Rigby. Good Amy. >> I'm a resident of the county and I've been teaching
for Fcps since 19. 99. I wrote a whole speech, but like David Wall Raj said, the people, I'm realist art here to hear it. But I've got a line item for
you. Spend the money to set out tables and all 196 of our schools. I have a list of how this sport support it. Trans
kids and disabled kids, immigrant kids and students of all religions and races and ethnicities with fairness and empowerment. But the bill made
the wrong decision. You hear us tonight join one another high school against elementary school, admin versus staff teachers versus Superintendent
Janet versus special Ed and student and a a P to be less can still change that. I heard that this morning. They made the final decision all 7 of
them can go out and have a bake sale. One at every one of those 196 schools. I'm serious. That's what we've
been reduced to. You left us chilling at one another and current one. Another. And you leave are students short and I
and angry. Kristina Glenn, U.S.. >> Good evening. My name is Christina Client. And I'm
speaking tonight as the president of the West Briar Elementary School PTA. And as the parent of 3 young children, I'm here to express our deep concern about the cuts to the positions that directly serve our students.
Specifically. We strongly oppose the reduction of special Ed Department chairs an A R t have time positions. We oppose the elimination of classroom monitors increase in classroom size. The
significant cuts disproportionately impact the staffing burden on our elementary school team and on our youngest and most vulnerable students. They undermine the ability to provide quality Education, Inc support, particularly for
those with the highest needs, these positions on the chopping block are the very differentials that make Fairfax County Public Schools, one of the best in the nation. I truly believe that these positions are so critical that
they should not be on the table for the cut at all. Additionally, we appreciate the 6% raise for dedicated teachers and staff who work so hard every day. But now what should have been a morale
boost has instead created anxiety among our educators who are now witnessing their colleagues facing displacement reassignment or termination. You are asking our classroom teachers to take on more work
and more responsibility to pay for the rate is by cutting the support staff. These cuts will inevitably impact teacher retention as educators question their job security and their ability to effectively serve the
students. I urge the board to reconsider cutting the student facing positions and explore alternative cost, cutting measures such as delaying the administration raises or considering reducing
administration jobs to part-time. Instead to save these important frontline jobs. Our children deserve consistency in education and then a constrained fiscal environment. We have to make
hard choices. But we must prioritize what matters the most and focus on our basics. Our students, safety and their education in the classroom.
Thank you for your consideration. Kate its
>> Good evening. My name is Kate cars on the ski and I'm in my 17th year as fcps preschool. Special education teacher. Fcps Strategic plan
goal for Reeves students having access to formally systems of early intervention, including special Education Services. Cutting our special department chairs and half is not in alignment with the
strategic plan. When considering teacher attention special Ed teachers leave the profession at a much higher rate than genna teachers. We experience heavy and complex
workloads, including legal documentation and procedures. Why cut our primary resource and support our department chair and half. With a special education teacher shortage and
high turnover rates. Every year we are supporting more novice teachers. Provisionally, licensed teachers and teacher trainees experienced teachers availability to mentor new teachers is already spread too
thin. There simply aren't enough of us personally. I have had to turn down mentoring a teacher at another school because my mentoring load in my own school ready to
fall. Our department chair guides new teachers with special procedures, compliance, legal timelines, et cetera. This allows us veteran teachers to have the
time to entities and the education part of their job. Creating developmentally appropriate and enriching learning experiences for young students with IPs. Special Ed
teachers need more support, not less without support. It's a vicious cycle. New teachers and veteran teachers quit. You can't take away the structures
in place to support our very specialized work and expect that students will continue to receive the consistent high quality intervention that they need for academic and social
success. Thank you. Kirstin Po. Good evening. Thank
you for giving me the opportunity to speak on the vital role. >> A special education department chairs. I would like to share with you a piece of my story to show you how a
budgets, abstract numbers impact to real people. 2 years ago, I accepted a position at a special educate as a special education teacher at a title. One elementary school. I am
proud Fairfax County Public Schools graduate kindergarten through high school and I was excited to be a new teacher in the same school system that helped me learn and grow.
Unfortunately at my for school, the special education chair was not filled throughout the year, which meant I did not receive the consistent training guidance
and support that a first year teacher in special education desperately needs. While other teachers tried to help me, they were already stretched far too thin with their own
case. Loads as my first year ended, I said to mf, I think I've made a mistake. I don't think I should be a teacher. Friends urged me to
transfer a school where they did have a department chair in place who could offer me the support that I needed. I found that special education chair
in Doctor Rosemary well said Alton Elementary. This year with the support of Doctor Weil's. I remembered why I love working with children and why I love teaching. And why
should a teacher? Actor was just given me on the job training guidance on teaching strategies and data collection and checks in on me to make
sure I have what I need to best support my students. In addition to a myriad of duties that she already has. She makes time to offer her support and guidance to all of the special education teachers
on our team. We all need it. Please don't take away our support. Take away, taking away funding from from our special education leads means
taking away support from teachers. Susan James. Good
evening. >> My name is Susan Jeans and I'm the parent of an are divergent second grader and rising kindergarteners, Fort Hunt Elementary school. I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to the classroom.
Teachers, specials, teachers, specialist counselors, support staff and administrators who have nurtured and supported my son. His success in the classroom is a direct result of their patients for what
must be questions today from just him. Their hard work, their collaboration, their expertise and their heart.
That's why I'm here to share my concerns about the proposed budget cuts, specifically that or the reduction of the A R t position and the special Education Department chair at the elementary level. Next
year, the county will begin serving students who receive 8 full-time AAP services and their base schools. And the shift is especially important for students who benefit from remaining in their homes.
Schools like those with IEP is 5, 0, fours or military, correct? Connected children who already face frequent transitions. And as the county works to bring a piece to be schools, it's critical to
recognize the classroom. Teachers cannot do that alone. In addition to the full time role, art, he's already have. They will play a vital role in coaching planning and collaborating with staff to
effectively serve an advanced learners. Reducing these positions to have time limits. School's ability to meet students needs and will put even more pressure on already overextended teachers, ducing these roles while
rolling out a peace service is at a school, undermines the very initiative. You're investing in new programs or prior appropriate staffing to succeed. Us to deeply concerned about the proposed
reduction of the Education Department chair in elementary schools to have time. The staff members are essentials for guiding family through testing meeting services court nation and cutting their hours or cause delays. They make an
already complex process harder for both parents and for their students. Elementary school is when many learning differences first become apparent. And that's why timely and well
supported intervention matters. Rachel Cameron. My
name is Rachel. And I'm a teacher at Oak Creek Elementary School. And more importantly tonight on the mother of a second grader in Fairfax County, Public Schools. >> I'm here not just as an educator, but as a parent with a story that speaks to the
heart of what's at stake in the decision to reduce our special education, the position, a part-time this Jen doesn't just affect staffing. It affects lies. I know this because the full time spending at our school quite literally
saved my son's life. My son has been fcps schools for 3 years and struggles began the moment he stepped into kindergarten. And as a mother, I was lost. I didn't know what to do or how to help him. That's when Emma Hamilton are
sped lead first entered our lives. She got me through a system that fell overwhelming impossible to navigate. She held space for my tears. Questions fears and she never once made me feel alone. She
helped us find the first steps toward stability. First great things didn't get easier. When I sat in his first IEP meeting terrified despite being a teacher myself, it was Emma, his state after were just to make sure I understood felt
safe and wasn't alone. Then came second grade. That was the year. Everything fell apart. He was in crisis and as a singer, parent terrified Esper asking not how can I help my son succeed in school,
but how do I keep my child alive? And again, I turned to him. One of the worst days. My son ran from class threatening to harm himself. Emma didn't hesitate. She calmed him. Come
to me statewide called hospitals walking through every step. She was on the phone with me as I took him to inpatient care. That decision saved his life. Emma saved his life. Her presence full-time
saved his life. And when he was ready to return to school was Emma who welcomed him back? It was Emma who meet every step of his return safe, thoughtful and supportive. Today. My son is thriving. He
is happy. He loves school. He's living because of her. This isn't just my story. It's one of countless stories across our county. Emma Hamilton shows up for students for teachers, for families
every single day. But you cannot do this work this life saving work in a part-time capacity. So tonight I am begging you not as a teacher, but as a mother to reconsider this decision because when you
reduce this position, you aren't.
>> Jeannette here on in. >> My name is Jeanette. Perron N and I serve as an elementary school special education Department chair. I'm here
today to express serious concern about the proposal to reduce this position halftime role. Fcps outlined over 130 responsibilities for this
position most which apply equally to elementary and secondary settings. These responsibilities aren't just administrative. They're essential to ensuring
compliance to and fate and more importantly to improving student outcomes. This cannot be done in half the time. Before this role was established in elementary school. We juggled leadership
duties like local screening meetings and team lead responsibilities on top of full case loads. It was unsustainable and it limited our ability to support our teams effectively. At my
school, special education program has grown significantly and is now comparable in size to some middle school programs. Most initial special education evaluations began in
elementary schools, bringing higher testing and communication demands. We also onboard new teachers every year who need intensive support. To serve our students effectively and to stay in
compliance. I have learned that yesterday's department chair meeting that there's been some progress in retaining special education teachers. And I firmly believe that the department chair role
is part of that success. We provide them entering the guidance and the support to help keep teachers in this profession. The notion that elementary teams require less
support than secondary ones is simply not true. I respectfully urge you not to make elementary special education, a primary target of these budget cuts, our students and families and
teachers deserve better. Thank you. Charlie. Be men. Good
evening. So we're going to read this team members I stand before you today dismayed. Over the proposed cuts but
special education and the AP programs are elementary schools. >> Why am I just made? I decided to come speak here today because even though it
may look like I'm only wearing one hat and actually we're in One is as the father of a twice exceptional 7 year-old sun who is just been admitted
to the AP program. The second As an ftp as alumni. 7th grade algebra included. West
Springfield, Spartans student. But the 3rd and perhaps most relevant is also has PhD developmental psychologist. And this proposal, it's a
travesty. I heard other people. Let's talk about what these effects will likely have on the ground. So I'm going to focus on what I know. And that's the science. It's
actually quite clear. Overwhelming evidence in the extant literature. The adaptive impacts. Of advanced education programs that
feature acceleration ability grouping and curricular intervention. The science is quite clear. Yet your proposed
budget would slash fcps is local AP programs. By 50%. The last thing that the program needs. It's a bucket. You
would stifle the on sparring possible trajectories of the counties special and advanced learners for what? This proposal and its face is a mistake. But I urge you to
recognize that and put it back. >> For our Q line, the seats
up here, Susan, be done there and S and G Ken Connor Naylor Norman Hall. Stephanie, will
Roz Salvador Michaud Bridget charity. Carmel, a pine. And
Julie Riddle. Next up is Aaron Donald.
>> Good evening. My name is Aaron Arnold, that I'm an FCS graduate, a special education teacher and a terrace and a member of both FC Ft and SEPTA. I truly believe that without the support of my
special education Department chair, I would not feel as confident in the classroom and a special education paperwork as I am today. Special education leads to poor IEP teams as the principal designee, they oversee and
monitor paperwork to ensure timeline. Compliance provide turnaround train to staff mentor new teachers, provisional license teachers, teacher, trainees and long-term substitutes. They also administer educational
assessments. Right? Reports is a part of the evaluation revaluation processes they oversee in train special education teachers on E S why registrations new rollouts of processes such as the ellery
data collection to all the share. Documented fact data collection and pwn documentation. They also coordinate and run local screening committees, mentor and coach special educators on difficult situations and they participate in Mt. SS meetings
to bring special education loans to the team. If this position is reduced to part-time, there would be a serious detriment to the special education teachers ability to provide students. They required services and
manage special education paperwork on top of the additional duties that we will have to e on. This would also result in less availability of principals and assistant principals to observe mentor and coach all
staff and perform their other duties as they will now be required to attend all IEP meetings instead of the department chair. Competitive compensation is essential, but without the structural support of a full-time special
education lead teacher burnout will only increase. I urge you to consider the lasting impact on our students with disabilities. these rules are diminished, strong wages and strong support systems must
coexist to ensure equity, compliance and quality education. Thank you. >> Susan Reed, anger.
>> Good evening. My name is Susan reading or and on the special in preschool teacher. Why to us. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I want to address the cut proposal to
cut elementary stead chair positions to have time. First, I'd like you to share the data with us that you consulted when this decision was made because I'm sure you did the
data that showed this was a good way to save money I don't think that data exists. I truly don't. A full-time elementary stead chair is
essential. This week. The policy on how to Mark preschool transportation on the eye peas was change recently. They share document was added to Peas. If these
policy changes are important to you and believe me, they're coming fast and furious. Then you need to give us that department chair. We can't do all these policies without
that support. The department chairs relay information to us. They train staff and then make sure these changes happen. guarantee you without that effort, the policies
would best. The haphazard Lee implemented. We just don't have time without that help. And my school to sped teachers have been on leave all year
because of health issues is our department chair had not stepped in and made sure all those students who are on their case loads got their services. I don't know who would have, but she did. She
did step up on top of everything else. She was doing, which was a lot. Elementary special education services and one of the most
important things the school system provides. I do not understand why you would set that system up to fail. You are ultimately failing the
students. Thank you. Andrius Tanji. >> Good evening. My name is Andrews thingy. This is my
20th year as a special education teacher at Fcps over the years I have seen and experienced how the role to special education teacher has changed and how the workload
pressure and demands have impacted me and my coworkers. I love my job and my school community. However, I felt CPS has not always ustood all
the responsibilities. A special education teacher has some of the responsibilities include bouncy being case manager implementing specialized instructional programs, educational testing,
writing reports, Biro supports and Co teaching a general education classroom. When Fcps create a special education department chair position. I finally felt that they had
heard and understood are done to our needs. This position is vital for the elementary elementary school special educatteachers to provide the best education and support
for the S the students and their families, the special Education Department chair supports new and experienced teachers as well as other teachers and support staff throughout the years in various ways. I do understand
needs to be cuts in the budget. However, this proposal will have a significant negative impact on fcps student, faculty and families.
Thank you for your opportunity to speak this evening. Gen Con an Thank you, Doctor Eden
School board members for hearing all of us. My name is John Connor Naylor and I'm a graduate of Fairfax County, Public Schools, apparently 8th grader and a 5th grader. I'm an active volunteer with the PTA SEPTA member per state in
the family vision meetings with Dr Reid and I'm a licensed clinical social worker, children who received both special Ed Services, an AP services and a mental health professional that has years of experience working in
tandem with schools to serve students. I'm here today to ask you to fully fund special education department chairs as full-time positions access a special ed services for my elementary school. Children has been made possible with
the support of the department chair. Most a half men. Even with a graduate degree in social work and years of youth youth, mental health experience, my family still needed to hire a family advocate in order navigate the
system for families that are unable to do this. If you're that their children will not be identified, supported or seen if you take away from this vulnerable population. Listen, we're closely with us and went above and beyond
creating testing that was able to capture my child's needs. When others reported that he was achieving above expectations when no one could see it. But asked, Melissa proved it. My children following the to a category
and have having a staff member that understands those competing needs. You can support teachers kind of minutes. Traitors in doing so is invaluable. Lastly, there are many federal laws that demand schools provide
services to these populations. Well, unfortunately, these are unfunded mandates. We're leaving ourselves open to litigation, not to mention failing the students without these professionals in their full time roles. These rules are necessary for a CPS to
maintain its high quality reputation and our integrity and providing a fair education to all students in a time when there's so much uncertainty with cuts to the Department of and Medicaid and the support
of federal government. All we need our county to stand strong in defense of these kids who need us the most. Thank you for your time.
>> Norman Hall, his virtual. Are they school board members call it accident or and this is Norm Hall. I prepared message for the school board I
delivering sent that left. >> By herself. I've also been a graph. That's it for tonight. That to my face people look at my that's there. I just want to now make
overall comments. It was school board July one at that. Coming up, a half special education on STORE board. I
was told Norton may not want to there if anything, they're going to talk about the high cost of special education and it may not what you want to
bring it up during the budget process. So we'll move ahead. now and I am very proud number
of school. represent the move for the special education. Now I wish that the prospects for months have gone for that. But
I do it's important that voice heard us who are teachers or faculty positions, families on
students. So I'm vproud of you all I want to continue to be involved as it's member working in the strategic planning framework where
nights county workers such myself. So we're going in the same direction the schools are. We're in very rocky times I hope that we cannot get to
them the best of our abilities. Thank you very much, everybody have a night. Stephanie will who is virtual?
>> My name is Stephanie will. And I'm an A R t at Bull Run Elementary School and a loss of where I should start. So I will start. With how I feel which is got it disgusted, angry, hurt and defeated.
Imagine going to bet on Thursday night thinking about your plans for the next day. It never occurs to you that you are going to wake up the next morning and learned that all the people who tell you on a daily and weekly basis do weekly reflections that you
are appreciated in value have been lying to you. When I woke up on Friday learned that Dr Murray in the school board had decided to cut my position from a one point 0, 2.5 to say that my Friday went from bad to worse but not even touch
upon how devastated my colleagues and I are feeling not only did you do this under the darkness of an embargo embargo, but you also dropped this bomb without one ounce of guidance. Do you really
believe is going to be so easy to Are teas and to other school vacancies? Have you thought about the fact that most of us want to stay at the schools that we work out right now that other people are shifted in negley negatively impacted. If we go back into
the classrooms in our buildings, you made this decision after the transfer window after principals have already spend their funding and utilize their trades, telling me and my colleagues that we will have a job just
what looked like. We thought it would less than a week ago is beyond insulting and quite frankly, cruel. Have you thought about the impact of reducing the A R t position and where this move won't cost you a thing that it will cost my students, their families,
my colleagues and me, this means no longer fully make first graders. Second graders, young scholars are helping that to the students the way that they should be helped. I understand the Dre was given a menu to choose from cuts to
save money to the menu, not include pausing. The rollout of math materials are other avenues that were not teacher positions to the menu, suggest not having leadership also get a 6% raise. I'm not fine with having to raise resting on the positions of teachers and you
shouldn't be either. I'm pleading with you not to cut the positions Artes. Give us the opportunity to continue our important work and allow us to feel that we really are team fcps and not just
collateral damage. >> Roz out the door.
>> I'm a parent of a beautiful special needs daughter who's a student at Wolf Trap Elementary School in Vienna. Without her full time. Special education lead. She would not
be able to close achievement gaps and overcome mental health challenges, reducing disposition to part-time is contradictory to the school districts belief that effective educators are
essential to student success, reducing them to being part-time is making them have effective. Educators. We must maintain full-time special
education. The teachers positions for each elementary school and that reduce it to part-time. It is not a solution for passage of this adjustment to seek a savings
of 9.3 million dollars recalling when this school district asked for help on November 7th 2024. 67% of
Fairfax County voters renewed a community investment by approving the sale or 435 million dollars in bonds to fund the building and renovation of schools, the
borders, the voters supported it. We asked for the board's support now. How can a 9.3 million dollar savings be justified when the budget for
this fiscal year is an increase of 297.1 million dollars over the fy 2025 approved budget. You are inviting legal risk proposing
this adjustment reduction is clearly demonstrating deliberate indifference to our special education students making this reduction is intentional discrimination to our most vulnerable students.
Special education students are not second class students. We must maintain full-time special education. The teachers at Teach elementary
School. The showcase. My name is Michelle Kids. I'm Fairfax County, Septa's advocacy co-chair and president elect.
>> The trickle down effect of our federal and state governments. Actions and thus the Board of supervisors have put fcps in a quagmire as such. Thank you. For the 6%
raise. And unsurprisingly, we are requesting that you please preserve the full time positions of elementary school, special education department chairs. They run hours and hours of special ed meetings as principal
designees bringing a of expertise and training to the IEP table that most principles peas do not have. If you want to reduce lawsuits and obscene
legal expenses, have the special experts at the table. In turn. This also frees up school administrators time for observing coaching and supporting the rest of their staff in the classrooms and building relationships with
their student bodies special, a department chairs work directly to increase inclusive practices, which is a strategic will. Through coaching and mentoring. All teachers and best practices in
IEP implementation and Co teaching. And this is an equity issue not only looking at individual schools, expenses and funding, but also taking into account caseload and intensity of student needs
when determining special a department chair stepping. Fcps has finally started making significant strides toward breaking down silos between special at an advanced academics with joint training
to better identify and servers to the students. After 15 years of advocacy for 2 E students, we are finally seeing forward progress
directly. Thanks to Dr Reid making this a priority. Losing half of both positions negatively impacts to a student on both sides of the spectrum. So on behalf of the
roughly 15,000 elementary school, special education students. Please ensure that principals can flexibly budget to keep these positions as full time. Thank you.
>> Bridget Garrity, who is virtual? Good evening as a representative from Fairfax County SEPTA. I'm sharing this testimony abbreviated for time that we received from a
teacher who wishes to remain anonymous. >> My special education department chair significantly contributes to a more manageable, ineffective work environment. This increases time dedicated to quality
instruction in planning, knowing that she is available to support problem solving and complex cases allows me to focus more intently on individual student needs her
support, alleviate stress. Most notably through streamlined IEP process is she actively supports the scheduling of IEP meetings, making it easier to
accommodate parents schedules without disrupting instructional time due to her efforts in providing coverage of classes. She also diligently and Shirzad here. It's 2 critical timelines for
meetings, including but not limited to I E P's and evaluations. This prevents potential compliance issues. Proactive behavioral support during student crises. She
provides crucial assistance either by helping the student regain com state or by offering the teacher necessary break to reset. Collaborative staff support. She invest time
in reviewing providing feedback in collaborating on IEP equals and accommodations, leading to stronger and more effective plans. She provides thorough guidance to new special education teachers in
all aspects of special education, fostering confidence in offering ongoing support during planning an IEP meetings. Leadership in preschool transition. I tease
her proactive leadership in managing the preschool transition IEP process, including observations and collaboration. Ys has significantly reduced my workload and allowed me to maximize instructional time
with my current students in previous years. This responsibility alone consumes consumed a substantial amount of time from February to may and finally effective
communication bridge. She access via link, effectively communicating the needs of special education teachers. Should the administration team, thank you.
>> For our Q, Julie Little, Diane Cooper, Gould Gala bomb guard. Abigail, a doble. >> Stephanie Smith, Alana
winds, Melissa, Half Men. Corey Pena. Hannah Shad. And man now. Rosin Shar. And then
Carol. Next up, we have Carmel, a pine. Camara pine.
Kamala pine. Next step. Julie? Little. Julie, Little. Julie.
Little. Diane Cooper gold, who is virtual. >> Hi, I'm Diane crumbled. A volunteer community disability
advocate was set at and Decoding dyslexia, Virginia, as well as a professional advocate. Disability supports are being cut across all levels of government, federal, state and local. And unfortunately the Fairfax
County Board of Supervisors has now followed suit and has chosen to severely underfunded our scps budget at a time when our students need for growing. I understand the choices that the board and the
superintendent are being forced to make impossible ones. I can also say as someone who has participated in hundreds of int IEP meetings over the past decade that I can share my
perspective on why it is critical to preserve full-time elementary special education Department chair positions. I have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base and functioning of IEP team since
the institution of full-time elementary spent department chairs. They believe some of the crippling administrative Japan demand on our classroom, special education teachers, allowing them more time to
work directly with students. They said of cohesive tone and expectations for all special education staff across the school and help unify our system. desperate schools into
a single equitable school system. Department chairs provide needed expertise will running challenging meetings with far-reaching legal implications, but perhaps most importantly, special Ed Department chairs have been
instrumental in improving communication between Central Office and school-based staff. They've been one of the most effective systemwide tools for ensuring the successful rollout of countywide
initiative such as the shift to the science of reading as a direct result of their ability to boost the knowledge base of their teams. I've seen a marked improvement in student outcomes. Department chairs
are currently working hand in hand. With our tease on our new district-wide initiative to meet the needs of to the students, how this work be successful without school-based personnel to educate and guide the school
teams forward. Department chairs also coordinate student care across multiple departments within schools in order provide a holistic approach. Just port students who are multiple leave,
marginalized populations. Gala baumgart. My husband is a federal employee. And when he
told me that we were returning to Washington, we purposely bought a home in Fairfax County. >> Because of the schools I applied to one employer fcps because I wanted to work with
the best. I'm disappointed in the lack of funding from the state. The state does need to increase their funding. But until that happens, the local tax payers of Fairfax make up
the difference to maintain our excellent schools. The pride of Fairfax County. We want our schools to be funded fully and our staff paid well, I am sad
is apparent in a taxpayer that Fcps is being allowed to deteriorate when it is the best thing that we have going for us. The county not fully funding the budget request is not okay. And the county
reducing the annual percentage of funding to the schools is also not okay. The collectively bargained res is necessary to keep the good teachers in Fcps. I wish there could be no cuts, but I
understand the kids have to be made. So I am in favor of some of the cuts proposed by the superintendent. I oppose the increase to the staffing ratio. We cannot increase
class sizes. I also oppose the cut to the elementary special, a chair position. Principals will have to find funding from other positions to keep it full time. These 2 cuts disproportionately impact elementary students with
disabilities. I hope someone is keeping a list of all the other creative saving solutions that have been identified by the speakers here tonight and that they are seriously considered. I know
this board cares about our staff and students. There has been much damage done by this very poorly thought out proposal. It's been like it punch to the gut, but there's still time to make better decisions. I'm looking forward
to hearing the improved and more palpable proposals in the coming days. Thank you.
Abigail, doable. I speak as Fcps Elementary teacher of 17 years and the parent of 2 fcps students. >> The current proposed budget cuts are ill-advised because they place most of the Burton
at the elementary level. Don't align with our strategic plan and will negatively impact student and parent experiences. First, the cuts to special a department or 2 positions and monitor
positions only affect the elementary level. This is not equitable at my school long. These cuts will affect 7 positions or over 10% of our staff and will in turn increase the workload of all
remaining staff. These cuts don't support our strategic plan. Pillar see claims that Fcps provides a balanced workload. Cutting monitors would all but eliminate recent
attempts to get entry. Teachers planning time. That is equitable to our secondary peers since monitors at my school. Currently pre the needed coverage for additional planning time. Miller, D
States that Fcps tries for equitable resource allocation cuts predominantly at the elementary level are not equitable. When we serve a little over half of all X UPS enrolled students goal, one
addresses, access and preparation for advanced instruction and go 3 C is algebra for all by a great do RT hours reduce the number and quality of enrichment
opportunities for all students. The opposite of these fcps calls both foresee addresses student access to special education, reducing the support of the special chair will have a ripple
effect on special ed teachers, responsibilities for testing and meetings and will negatively impact students access to special Ed Services. Finally, cutting air teas and special chairs will limit the quality and quantity of time
they can devote to peer communication, something highly regarded by our families. This is a double whammy to twice exceptional students and families. Mine included. These cuts will send the district backward in our
implementation of supports for to students. Please find cost-cutting measures that equitably impact all levels of fcps. These proposed cuts are unwise and just directly
conflict with our strategic plan. >> Stephanie Smith, who is virtual. >> Good evening. I'm speaking
as both the parent of a child who receive special education services provisionally life than special education teacher in an enhanced autism classroom. At Rosehill Elementary. I'm here to speak
against the proposed cuts to the elementary special, a department chair positions. These positions are essential, removing them will jeopardize compliant with federal mandates exacerbate staffing
shortages and most critically harm the quality of support for our most vulnerable students when these positions were created, I saw the positive impact firsthand as a
parent IP meetings became more efficient communication, improved and documentation was more timely and accurate. At our school. Currently, 30% of the students have died. He's
or 504 plants. We have programs including preschool Autism. Preschool class based enhanced ot Spanish immersion and there were plans to enhance expand our ATP
programs. We have currently 11 special education positions, 6 of which are provisionally, licensed teachers and long-term substitutes. As a new teacher, I cannot
overstate how critical our chair is. She supports us with up writing Progress reports, behavior plants, parent meetings, training in goal, writing classroom management
and ensuring we are meeting compliance timelines and legal requirements. Would you do not stop because there's a substitute in the classroom. 25% of special education
teachers are provisionally license, cutting these share positions, create disproportionate burden on elementary schools, especially those with higher special education populations. Fcps
showed leadership when it created these positions. Now is not the time to reverse that progress. I urge fcps leadership and the board to revisit this proposal make
data driven decisions that reflect the unique needs of our students and the elementary schools they attend, preserve these positions and ensure we are supporting the students and
teachers who need it the most. Thank you. >> Alana Williams, who is virtual.
>> evening, Doctor Ian School board members. I'm here express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the proposed reduction of the special Education Department chair position to appoint 5 role after 12 years and
special education at Rosehill 3 of those as a full-time departments chair, I can say with confidence that this proposal is not only short sighted but also demoralizing. This rose far more than
administrative. It is essential department chairs or the support systems of our team. We mentor new teachers manage case loads ensure compliance provide professional development, teach a 10 extensive trainings
and that barely scratches the surface at Rosehill Elementary. We've worked this entire year with 3 UN felt special education positions. We depended on substitutes and provisionally licensed
teachers to fill those gaps. These responsibilities didn't disappear. They simply fell on those of us who are already here quietly professionally and out of commitment to our students. We stepped up. This
proposed cut is not a minor adjustment. It's a major setback that sends a deeply troubling message about how this work is that you expecting this level of responsibility to continue with half of the time and no
additional compensation is not sustainable. It's unrealistic and dismiss above the dedication and expertise that special education staff bring every single day. Currently special education department. Jurors are on a longer
contract because much of that crucial planning happens over the summer, reducing this position. Not only removes time that we rely on to do our work well, but also prevents us from pursuing summer opportunities like Psy, which
are already felt this change will have a direct impact, not just professionally but personally and financially as well. This is not a budget. It's about priorities. It's about CPS truly values, the
leadership, continuity, in specialized knowledge required. And one of the nose legally complex in chronically understaffed areas and education because of that value isn't reflected in your decisions. We notice. And so
the families we serve. I urge you to reconsider this reduction. Not just for me, but for the staff students and the integrity of special education programs. We cannot continue to be asked to do
more with less. Thank you for your time and attention.
>> Good evening. My name is Melissa Huffman. I'm a special education department chair at the elementary level here to express my concern about this position being reduced to a 0.5. When the strategic plan
was first introduced, I immediately recognized the powerful role I and our advanced academics resource teacher would play in advancing inclusion practices and equitable access.
Elementary school represents our students first experience with education. It's here that we lay the foundation for inclusion and provide early interventions each week. I-10
multiple IP meetings. I lead and manage full-day local screening meetings and handle related paperwork and called to assist with student behavior, which I can be effective at because I've had
the time to get to know them. I mentor new teachers model strategies conduct most educational valuations provide one on one well testing and ensure our team stays
compliant with involving procedures. I serve on multiple committees to ensure neurodiverse students have a voice in school. I decisions. Without a full-time department charities task shift back onto
teachers who are already stretched thin. This will compromise the support. Our students receive an increase, the risk of procedural errors. I've already had. Teachers come to me. Concerned about
next year. And for the first time, I don't have answers for them other than I'm going to try my best. >> I take great pride in serving my students and the community. I've had the pleasure and surprise to hear
some parents and students speak up tonight that I work with. as heartwarming as it was, it was also heartbreaking because I don't know how to serve them next year in a 0.5
position. I know you guys have tough decisions to make and I implore you to find a way. The protect special education services and advanced academic
services at the elementary level. Great Pena.
>> Good evening. My name is Cory Pena. I'm in Fcps General Education, Elementary teacher and then Fcps parent. I'm here to demand a fully-funded fcps to ensure that special
education department chairs and advanced academic resource. Teachers remain full time positions in our schools. Let me give you a glimpse of what that looks like at the elementary level. The only level in danger of losing
access to these crucial positions in just one second grade team this year with just over 70 students, we've had more than 50 special education meetings so far ranging from
eligibility and I E P's to staffing and local screenings. They last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. But most of them run about an hour and next year, our school is
adding a packed program which will bring even more intensive needs and coordination. Our special education Department chair is the glue holding it all together. She manages
scheduling runs parent meetings, documents, everything meticulously who work its with county experts and supports behavior plans. She is the reason our students with disabilities receive the
education they deserve equally vital is our academic advance academic resource teacher. She is embedded in every classroom and leads our local level for
AAP program for younger grades. She provides monthly lessons to specifically encourage creative out of the box thinking this year alone, she helped our second grade team complete 17 AAP referral
packets and attended more than 30 team meetings with us to plan access to rigorous lessons and advocate for students who might otherwise be overlooked if these positions are reduced or
shared across schools, it is our students, the ones who need the most support and challenge to lose these roles aren't extras. They are essential to equity and excellence in our schools and
they require that fcps fully funds Thank you. >> As a reminder, if you are virtual, we need to be able to promote you if you're not
allowing us to promote you, you will not be able to speak to the board. The next person we have is Hannah who is
virtual. Hannah. We can't hear you. Can you hear me? Yes. Now
we can. You hear me now. >> My name is Hannah Shad. And I'm currently a nice all teacher at Weyanoke Elementary School. So I would like to speak on the issue of the proposed cut to monitors from
the point of view of a nice all teacher at a title. One school. So one issue like to bring up. That's very concerning to me that I've not heard anyone else tonight.
Speak about is the fact that the classroom monitors allow east all teachers in elementary schools to do our job. They are a barrier
between us. our students services getting in or interrupted. So it's very common not only in my school, but across the county that
when there are not enough substitutes, not enough subs are classroom monitors. He saw his polls to do classroom coverage and act as the
substitutes. it's not just my school, but it's across the board. I've spoken at trainings to other is all teachers about this issue. And
so the classroom monitors really provide a headdress because, as you know, especially title one schools have lots of it meetings. We have lots of teacher trainees who need to attend
professional development. Sessions and sometimes those are for shorter time slots where we don't always they're not even always eligible for a substitute. So the monitors to
us a great service. They're able to take on those jobs. And so without that extra support staff providing coverage he saw tends to be called upon. So I started
working with Fcps during the pandemic in 2021. and this school year is the first school year since I've been here that I've not once been asked to do coverage during my
school day. So I just wanted to flag that issue that it really helps ease all teachers be able to our services because multilingual learners truck shun is tier one. It's
not an intervention. Students are entitled to these services. And so. And a man
now. Good evening, everyone. My name is Amanda And I'm an advanced academics resource teacher. This is 11th year in the county.
>> I'm here to express my concern about the proposed reduction of the A R t position. This change is more than just the staff. You and it's a step backward in our commitment to equity, access
and excellence for all students under goal to save, supported, included and empowered weve pledge to build inclusive and equitable schools through the young
scholars model identified support students with advanced potential for a multilingual economically vulnerable and twice exceptional in Fairfax. We have identified approximately 3400 young
scholars and non title one schools as a R t partners, teachers, Clapper, that special education teams and engage families to make sure these learners aren't overlooked and instead are
seen supported and celebrated. If this reduction moves forward, there will no longer be time for that essential work or tease will be limited to compliance duties such as plot services and screen. The
equity centered outreach. Family engagement is school-wide town development that I've become the core of our rule will simply disappear as noted in the fcps external AP review earlier, robust
opportunities are essential without them. Students from historically underrepresented groups are far less likely to access advanced pathways later. I want to share a story with you all, but a former
student of mine, a young scholar who was identified early for her strong first to receive subject specific differentiation, small opportunities and that her
daily instruction. And as your strengths provided part-time services at challenger thinking and nurtured her love of learning because of the strong partnership between myself and her classroom teacher. We were able to
collaborate plan intentionally increase a learning environment where she can truly thrive. And my 5th grade. She was found eligible for full-time AP services. She flourished because of the ongoing support access belief
in her abilities that we cultivated together. And that is what a full it can do. All right. For cue up here for the
seat route here, not Ron. Brian Hickey, Rachel Acosta, Lisa Falconer.
>> Linda debit, Wendy Rosner. Deborah, Amy Long. Sara Bland
and Celine not inch. Next up. resign. Shar. Resign. Charles,
who is virtual? Mr. Chart. You have to allow us to promote you are you will not be able
to speak to the board. Resign. Char.
Cairo. Carol. Carol. With chair and now Iran.
>> Good evening. My name is rich the Ryan and I'm a parent of a special education student. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight and recognizing men's challenges in developing a
budget and meets the diverse needs of our large county. There are undoubtedly difficult decisions. Do I envy you? However, it's with deep concern that I address the
proposed cuts special education department chairs in the classroom. Monitors. Well, understand the need to find efficiencies and make tough touch choices. I believe these
particular productions will have a profoundly negative effect. >> On some of our most vulnerable students and ultimately on the overall success of our inclusive
learning environments. We've already heard the impacts from previous speakers. Special education department chairs simply not administrators. There are the linchpins
affective special special education programs. They provide crucial guidance training and support to classroom teachers, ensuring that I peas are implemented effectively. And that students
with diverse learning needs receive the end of individualized attention. They deserve. Simmons similar. The classroom monitors play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students with
disabilities providing direct assistance behavior management support. It has to be other ways to find money. Was analysis conducted on. We're the greatest concentrations of
students with complex needs where schools facing the most significant challenges the plant implementing a peace. How would this impact teacher attention and student support?
Instead of blanket reductions in peace, essential roles. I strongly recommend the school board consider a more nuanced approach. Any reduction should be based on. Detrimental
impacts to teachers in special education students. Additionally, the one size fits all cuts disproportionately harms
schools with high. >> Brian Hickey.
>> My name is Brian Hickey. And my 6 year-old son is a student in the enhanced Autism classroom program at Rosehill Elementary School. He's not fully verbal. And while little man. So I'm here speak for
him. After separating from active duty. My family moved back to Fairfax specifically because of the resources at in Fcps. We are fortunate to have
a wonderful teacher and special education department. His teachers deserve the proposed raise and more. We're keenly aware of the shortfalls. Fcps played with the special education professionals and staff are
increasingly difficult to hire and retain and they often cited metric. A 25 person is stepping provisionally, licensed or long-term. So is an unsustainable metric. Like with many autistic kids
building reports crucial for my son's progress. The Fosters a positive relationship. People addressing challenging behaviors building on individual strengths in facilitating learning and the proposed cuts jeopardize all
this. Of our chair cut if our chairs cut to halftime, we're sure to cost 2 schools. The layers of support, training, guidance for sense. Teacher will be significantly diminished. We are certain it will increase the
administrative burden that's limiting her ability to plan and provide quality instruction for our son and his classmates. Furthermore, reduction of any kind will unnecessarily expose the school, the legal risks and
potential issues regarding noncompliance with I P. The principal try to Georgia different using school funds. They need cut other essential positions like instructional assistance make up for it. This is an equity issue and
the gap between what students should receive, what they do receive will continue to widen in closing reductions, staff will come at the expense of Fairfax County's most vulnerable children who cannot advocate themselves. I ask
each of you to go to enhance in-classroom program anywhere in the county and just why have reducing the department's position is caution will thank
you for your time. >> Rejoin Costa. >> Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to speak. My name
is Rachel Acosta. I'm RTA Claremont Elementary School. And I am a world-class educator. I've had the honor of representing and serving Fairfax County public schools for 20 years. I've dedicated
myself to promoting excellence, creating engaging learning experiences for all students knowing every child by name and by need, always having an open line of communication with parents and guardians and loving with all
of my heart. Every single student that I have worked with. Cutting a or T positions to 0.5 is dismantling advanced services for all students in
Fcps or tease, provide consistent support. Not only for students who have been found eligible for AP services, but every single student in fcps. Halftime ER tease cannot provide this
level of support. Collaborate with other staff members, curriculum, enrichment and 10 SEAL team meetings provide professional development work on the team that writes the school improvement and innovation plan and a variety
of other responsibilities for the betterment of the school. I work at a small elementary school that doesn't have an instructional coach or are so Iran CLT meetings along side,
a reading specialist cream Ackles for Tier 2 and tier 3 students. Ryan, the high-impact tutoring program and manage and enter all the math intervention data in to assess the quality of
education provided in Fcps will be negatively impacted. I am also a resident of Fairfax County and the parent of 2 Fairfax County Public Schools, Elementary students. One of my children is creative and
pathetic and has a ton of school spirit. She also has an IEP. My other child is witty. Caring has a 504, plan and received part-time AP services. They both deserve an
education that is rigorous and engaging. This cannot happen without the collaboration are teas and special education chairs, classroom teachers and administrators. It is vital to
the success of our students. All students, including our twice exceptional students who have. Significant strength and
significant needs. >> Thank you very much. Thank
you very much. >> We said Falconer. >> Hi there. Good evening.
Fcps Board and Doctor Reed. I'm here tonight is both a proud Fcps Elementary school parent of 2 and a Fairfax County taxpayer. And I want to begin by recognizing something
positive and important, which is that the proposed fy 26 budget includes a well-deserved raise for teachers. That's a step in the right direction, raise alone
won't sustain then if are also pulling away the support that they rely on to do their jobs. So very well. This budget proposes larger class sizes cuts to special Ed leads
reductions in advance academic resource, teachers and the loss of elementary classroom monitors all while increasing central office supports. That's not reform. It's a compounded negative effect.
More pressure on teachers, fewer adults in the building and diminished capacity to meet students needs at Chesterbrook Elementary. Our A R t teacher isn't a luxury. She's a cornerstone of our
community leading enrichment, professional development testing math, coaching and referrals. And that same level of value is brought by our special edge apartment share and our classroom monitors.
And they're really the mortar that holds the bricks of our ol together, filling all the gaps where ever we need them. While we're in our financial crisis, our neighboring school districts are investing more
aggressively in instruction and they're keeping class sizes smaller. And the reality is, if Fairfax becomes known for overcrowded classrooms and under supported teachers, it won't just be a school issue.
It's going to be a real estate issue. Familialking perspective, home buyers pay attention. Our reputation is part of our economic engine and we really can't afford to
run it into the ground. Well, we're in financial crisis. We're investing heavily in student laptops and we all know too much screen time, especially for younger kids, has well documented downsides,
shorter attention spans, reduced physical activity, fewer chances to build social and emotional skills. We know technology can't replace human
connection and it shouldn't come at the cost of staffing.
>> rise. >> I implore you to reject the cut to the air to position. I am one did it right and I am a
lifelong Fairfax County public school. It started as a kindergartner when they walk through those doors. I graduated as a senior. I've served 16 years as a teacher and parent. I'll be in the
system for the next decade or so. I never thought I would be in this position standing here today in this capacity. Fairfax County is built on
fueling mines, unlocking potential and backing every kid. The way that they deserve. It. The trees that and what this district stands
for. For the last 5 years. I've service E A R t it's thanks entry. A school of 1000. Nearly 1000. Cutting this position. It doesn't
reduce the workload. And I'm gonna say this clearly. Reduces the quality of services. Lets be honest, your
entire mission is our job. Equity access, rigor, talent development, teacher, support. We're not a silo in her building. We preach every
corner. So what are we going to cut? Co Teaching Co planning no enrichment. We're just going to go off survival here. And when that happens,
you know, gets left behind our students. They burn out. They disengage our families lose and what kids become. A number on the spreadsheet. Lets be
clear this decision doesn't save our Got stay. You are stripping away at the interest infrastructure that makes advanced learning equitable and possible. It tells the
kids. Who need us the most that they matter the least. It tells teachers, parents and students, you're on your own. Don't expect support. Don't expect partnership and don't
expect the gold standard that we pay for and
>> Wendy Rozner whose virtual? Wendy roster. We can Hello. >> I'm here as CPS parent and
the PTA president killed or middle school. I'm also the mother of a to E student. I taught it was in preschool. We learn that she severe social language. That it. She cannot
cancels answer simple questions such as where you brush your teeth or when do we She had only one friend who only spoke Arabic, even though my daughter wanted French it. She was capable only of
parallel ply testing revealed that my daughters were of like he was essentially 2 years blower nonverbal. I Q I was distraught. Thanks to the wonderful special education Stephen R entry school. My
daughter is now Friday was academically and socially. She has a wonderful group of friends and complete work independently with minimal assistance. She part-time AP services, which are her
favorite part of the school. We could have helped her grow creative incre, incredible thinking skills. My daughter success story is the result of crafted. It is a highly skilled in patients, special
education, teachers, the special education staff at our school works incredibly hard and is always busy. They each have huge case loads and currently struggle to get child as much time as is needed reducing special
education resources will make things considerably worse for all children. First, those with Icu's will not get the attention of services they need. This goes CPS, Schools of inclusion and equity.
Further time teachers who already packed with many children who likely have undiagnosed disabilities. Well, not be able to deliver the same level of class instructions. The remaining students further making class and teaching more challenging
leads to burnout. Scps cannot afford to lose markets. Talented staff. Finally cutting into a R t resources. Also detrimental. Our t's provide enrichment for kids
who need it across 7 different grade levels in elementary school. This is an extremely complex job and Our teams will struggle to deliver part-time AP services to kids who need
them. Additionally Our teams will not have time collaborate with a special education case managers to fully support and are to to the students and their unique needs. Again, it's a matter of equity and
inclusion. Thank you for allowing my voice to be heard. >> Deborah, how
>> Good evening Board. Good evening, Doctor. E. I decide to speak from my heart because I think so many good points have been made about the special a chair position. My
name is Deborah. All Saito. This year I celebrate my 25th year as a special education teacher at West Elementary School and your 30 a teaching
contemplating my retirement. I entered a drop deferred retirement plan that would actually force me to retire. In June 2030. Honestly, since I signed the forms for
retirement, I have realized that leaving West prior and Fcps will be one of the hardest things I've had to do. My life. The thought of a tiring overwhelms me with the
motions after hearing about the special Ed Chair cut my mind based back to the days that I had to do the educational testing for my team as part of the screening
for my students to receive a piece when testing I was not providing the hours to my students. I'm a caseload. I had such guilt. Unable to have the focus needed to write the
ports at school. I would set my alarm for 5 o'clock a M and write the B ports before school. I shed many tears and felt constant stress. My
colleagues stood by me and drive my tears. And I wonder how long that could continue. Abcd are full-time chair. I was so happy again and they built to teach without the stress of not meeting it hours
and not having to spend mornings before school writing reports I could once again teach without the stress of testing and our chair was there to help, but also that
we could teach. I love West prior and I love Fcps. Please don't make teachers like me suffer again and please support teachers like me to
reach our full retirement of 30 years and a great school system like Fairfax County Schools. Doctor, be nice at UNM but to the authors t it brought kids are really
helping you make it. Thank you. >> Amy Long.
>> Good evening. I'm Amy Long. A student monitor for Wakefield Force Elementary School. I'm here tonight advocating for our team and the position as a whole. Thank
you for your time. Please reconsider. Eliminating the monitor position from our elementary schools. Cutting the position will be a serious disservice to our students,
teachers and the fcps community at large. >> Pandemic aside monitors have become an integral part of quality modern public school systems. If quality exceptional education is what
the county boasts, then eliminating monitors completely is going backwards. In classrooms. We provide invaluable assistance to teachers. We cover for
meetings and unexpected call outs allowing instruction to continue smoothly. Our principal told me today that this is the first year she hasn't had to substitute in a
classroom since COVID hit. Monitors. Also help one-on-one with students falling behind 10 teachers admittedly can't help while leading instruction. We show up every day we learned the kids. We
know them. We give them familiarity and personalized care that can't be replaced. Outside the classroom. We handle student disputes. We guide and look after all age
groups, we foster a safe, inclusive environment. We track and report behavior holding the student body accountable and decreasing chaos and violence. Eliminating monitors will not
only overburdened already stretched teachers and staff, but it will also remove support that directly contributes to student success and safety. We perform critical duties for modest pay
and no benefits. Schools can't afford to lose. Asked at this time when every dollar counts investing in student monitors as one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain quality and fcps
education. The value we bring exceeds our cost as part of a monitor team, I can testify that schools will not be as safe supported or exceptional
without monitors. >> Sara >> Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
My name is Sarah Glenn and I'm the parent of a 3rd grader at Franklin Sherman Elementary. superintendent's recommended expenditure just months. One of the line at and reductions Kobe reads Formula Adjustment.
Advanced academic research centers, the A R t in my son's school is more than part of a formula to be adjusted. She's a living breathing, crucial in dynamic part of our school community. And she makes a
difference every single day. Plus nights and weekends too. I know this is also the case for all the Our tease that haven't mentioned here tonight. If I may, I'd like to tell you about our A R t her name is Chris T-storm an she's
energetic, bright, creative and one of my son's favorite teachers. I watch him light up to see her flashed a big smile, maybe get a quick hug or hear her say use your super powers for good as he departs
school in the afternoons. When you see here helping other children get to the carcass and ride. And these are just the interactions that eyewitness I know Morgan is on during the day. She is willing to take on additional roles such as when she served as an
interim assistant principal this winter. When our assistant principal was caught out, swear she goes above and beyond. At every turn, most of all, she's amazing at a job because of her efforts and leadership within the school.
My son is challenge, engaged and learning of the higher level than he would be otherwise. She's an advocate for him. A friendly face in a safe place when he needs it. I know she does the same in more for other sins. Her full time
role is crucial delivery of AP services Franklin Sherman. And if her role as reduce the impact will be significant. Please carefully consider the effect of these proposed reductions on actual members of the community. Real people
who have meaningful impact on our children. Maybe think about the directive that the storm and gifts to my son and other children and consider how you can use your power for good. Thank you.
>> Our next speaker is number 100 after this. Next speaker. We will take a 10 minute break to give our staff who could not take a break. While we less than 10 minutes. To move around. And, you know, by a
break, so >> y'all commute, if you like. So after the next week, we'll take a 10 minute break and come back.
>> non >> Either the saline I'm on. I'm here on behalf of my daughter. 2 minutes later, 6%
increase that your promise. So here are my $0.2 custom monitors and paraprofessionals. A nationwide study from Denmark adding one pre-professional possible. See reading and math delivered the biggest gains for low-income students.
Similar UK studies link chain. It's a better behavior and more on past time. Mourners also protect teachers mandate it pending minutes. You know them principles. Bill, pull specialist, cancel planning or
leave class has uncovered raising stress institute cost, he says, shows discipline or for those rights is class size grows. Partly because teachers have fewer seconds per student. 02:00PM Distruptions
larger group combined with the loss of money just compound the stress Arts, National gifted Now, this is their blood, the frequency of enrichment sessions and especially this time on the campus of the strongest
predictors equitable identification, cutting actually half time means fewer screening for full use, fewer level 2 clusters and wider excellence gaps exactly the opposite over equity commitment. It's more class
sizes. Project star showed Keith of approximately 15 at 18 months of learning that lasted high school without sites benefits for disadvantaged sugared budget passed means less feedback,
more deception and hired turn over. These positions, cost a fraction of 240 million that you have promised for 6% Saturday at a meeting, then we'll see of dollars. But, you instructional quality,
writing, achievement, gaps and fuel burn out of committee driving of a pier is promise simple hike were cast top system that keep at least one of 3 levels extra at Ul's.
Small classes are protected a protected time. You have decided remove all months, jeopardizing achievement and morale for my that more to savings here with what you can do, Fairfax County surplus for
last year, approximately one part of the county, 240 Million. Your inbound 60 to 80 million dedicate a new meals and beverage tax. 68 millions. Yes. So many bases
to the teens. If I can figure it out, you can figure it out to do in just a bit. Easy. Be out. Thank you. >> Thank you. We will take a
10 minute break and come back at 9.34. ♪
♪ ♪ ♪
♪
♪ >> Hi of individuals. Could please take your seats were going to be get against in
staff. If you can, please return to your position. So we the board cannot reconvene
momentarily. >> Board members, please take your seats. But members,
please take your seats. We can resume.
But members, please take your seats. Madam a call next speaker.
>> So for our Q we have Thomas Jason Miller, the Mary Deborah Road. Katrina champion
Samantha, Amy, Jessica Klein, Carolina Stacy Carter and Brittany Minutes. If you can take positions up here in the blue area as a reminder to
folks only the speaker may be at the podium in speaking either. Adults or children may join you when your name is called and you're on deck. Please head to the reserve seats. As I just mentioned. If you have a hard copy of your
testimony, please give it to me or Mister Jackson. If you are virtual, please turn your camera on when your next in line to speak, said that you just have to a new when you are called to speak. If you
elect tonic copies of your testimony, I would like to share it with the board. Please email it community participation. Fcps Edu. When your name is called, I will call your name 3 times before
moving on to the next individual on the list, you may fate find copies of the speaking order in the back. Please hold your applause so that we can keep things moving and because of the link school
board members may be taking small breaks, but our keep are able to access the hearing throughout. And we'll be listening speakers. Thomas Dunn on you are up.
>> Good evening. Members of the board. My name is time to none. And the president of the PGA Tour Center. You have probably heard everything there is to hear about the budget tonight. So let me just
share this. I come to not only representing our committee, but as someone who has volunteered and worked in schools at the U.S. and around the world. I have places where the school was a dilapidated
building, no water, no electricity. have seen schools that consisted of a group broken chairs or treat the kids, learn to read and write in the dirt with their feet.
Does it appear to show me that education doesn't require the best buildings are technical resources, but it absolutely requires the best people. We're very grateful that you read about the vision to increase teacher compensation.
Teachers represent the best of us. They represent investment, our kids and our hope for the future. And that's what brings me here tonight. Hope. The proposed cuts, especially
those the special education class sizes. They're not only your strategic plan, but your entire legacy. heard from dozens of our members who are ready, concerned that these proposed cuts, but the
significant domino effect, again, a significant domino effect on our students and community, especially at the elementary level. Tears Center serves more than 100 students
with disabilities, including These cuts disproportionately from schools like ours. put added strain remaining staff risk and burnout and turnover children's that, you know, the
school system is already battling. Our children deserve better. And our teachers and staff deserve better. And I want to be clear. I know this board is in a difficult position for that reason. We strongly encourage and we've
been encouraging the board of supervisors. Commonwealth and the federal government to fund our schools, adequate. But you have the opportunity here to hold the line against these cuts against your porch ships
for things like privatization. We strongly encourage you to get to invest in hope between the investing in our people.
Thank you for your time. Jason Miller. My name is Jason
Miller. And I'm a homeowner and registered voter in the district. And speaking here today as the husband of a special education teacher. >> And the father of 2 students who receive services from special education teachers at Oak Hill
Elementary. I'm here today to ask you to please fully fund special education Department chair position. Our children's education. Very important to both me and my wife. Searching
for a new home. 8 years ago, we focus on Fairfax County and specifically Sully district because of the quality of schools. At the time fcps investment per student was the highest in the region. But in
recent years, Loudoun County has surpassed as APS. And this is the disappointing trend we continue to see in this year's budget. As I previously mentioned, my wife is a special education teacher. So I firsthand that I've seen
first-hand the passion and our teachers have for improving the lives of their students and the countless number of hours outside of the classroom, focus on planning and preparation. One of the
proposed cuts reduce the elementary special education Department chair time to half-time position. These valuable resources help with mandatory testing ensuring the special education services are
delivered according to regulations, provide a instructional strategies professional development of teachers. Planning recording it meetings and that talking to build out minutes and making sure schools staying
compliant with his legal agreements along with many other important responsibilities. Many of these resources are often hamleys a s*** because the special education Department
are already understaffed. alarming number of teachers leaving the county or the field because of lack of support, reducing position may sound like a reduction that would affect the least amount of students. But these are the
students who need the most amount of support, especially for elementary school students in earlier the development. Reducing does and doesn't make the responsibilities go away. These tax will fall back to the already overburdened
talking teachers to manage, give them less time to focus on their students in class word. I about you, but I would definitely for much of his 2 teachers got focus on their passport. Some of these
children with much teachers here today huge that got it.
>> Van Al Ameri who is virtual. >> Hello, I'm I heard.
>> Yes, we can hear you. >> It's good evening. School board members and superintendent read my name is Dana Vela. Mary. And I'm not proud parents of Dana who is
like like Apple, like time and best I can to make student. It will be entry school. I'm here tonight because they want you to know what a difference. This is. A nickel stripes are advanced kind of mix. Resource
teacher has made just for my child. But for entire school. My child with feel-like of chemotherapy and the sickle shops with really on top of everything. It's really hard to imagine it'll be without
her. shot has a unique way of connecting with students. She challenges them as parties them and potential in child. My own child has grown so much with it. Her support not just
academically, but in confidence. Curiosity and love of learning she helps students like think in new ways after the questions and believe in their abilities. It's not
about my child, but I feel like how she works across the school, collaborating with teachers and making sure every student has access to pink. Think strategies no matter like their backgrounds. She
embodies what like we mean when we talk about equity, opportunity and excellence in education, losing her position would be a huge step backward that just spreads learners. But for the whole school
community, please, I urge you protect funding for our like fence that could've makes resource teacher. Keep misses. Strikes at live view. Our children need educator like
her like to Thrive. Thank you so much for your time and for your.
>> Deborah Rhode, who is virtual? >> I hope you can see me and
hear Hi, my children attend was a column entry school in Providence District. One of the most critical factors cited by individuals that influences the value and desirability of a home, a
neighborhood in the county is the quality of local schools, the teachers, the specialists, and the classrooms. And surprisingly high paychecks for the Board of Supervisors is never going to be found on
a list like that. And yet the Board of Supervisors has insulted us with the budget that slashes at the quality of local schools and consequently and fell to the educators, the students and the parents at
Fairfax County while raising their own pay. >> Furthermore, Mr. Moon, I received a response from your new director sent on your behalf. When wrote about my budget concerns. >> I guess you all felt that
you have too much work to handle on your own when you made those roles. Imagine if you are a teacher with a full classroom, you all should be ashamed. Making those extra
repaid rules for glorified assistance for yourselves while asking teachers and students to make do with less. The long-term effects of this lack of vision. It's corrode the quality of our local
schools and reducing the dye desirability of our area. And I'm not sure anyone is making that connection. You're forcing the steepest burden of the budget shortfall on entry
schools. And I have to believe that somehow you picked these egregious reductions in order to shake your constituents. Maybe this makes it easier to renegotiate with the Board of
Supervisors. You have take an and I hope this does give you the will and the power to right this ship do not approve this budget. Do not make the gap by taking away from student facing classroom
education at the elementary level, families directly rely on the programs being targeted and the staff who bring them to life. That's all I have to
say. Katrina champion, who is virtual? My name is Katrina champion. I'm a parent of it.
Child at Fairview Elementary School and at PTA member and a working mom, my husband and I both had the privilege of graduating at Fcps. schools in
this area. a privilege because when I went to school, I was in special education and that special education help me become a successful adult.
These children deserve to have IEP is processed in a timely fashion at Fairview Elementary there over 100 students currently receiving special education services. >> The special education
Department chairs is an essential role and has helped us personally with our sons.
The special education support supports all special education teachers, paraprofessionals teachers, students and parents. Students deserve a
place have special education programs that can give them the time services and attention that they need, especially required by their IEP. Special Education
Department chair split split their time. And 2 schools increasing the already large caseload, especially in elementary schools, is unacceptable. How was cutting services to marginalized
community that has an IEP requested that's required. To them to receive services acceptable to anyone on the school board. Howell is
providing less services now that I received when I was in elementary school in Fairfax County has a millenial. Unacceptable state of affairs, cutting services will increase
the burnout for teachers, staff and obviously negatively affect the children who are already struggling I'd like to mention the Fairfax County teachers deserve every penny
of the 6% range that they received. All sources of income appear to have increased over 2025.
Advertised budget. I want to mention.
>> Samantha, Amy. >> Hi, my name is Sammy Me. And I'm the Proud Elementary special Education Department chair at Timberland Elementary School.
>> I'm here to speak against the proposed reduction of the elementary special Education Department chair position to part time, a decision if implemented would directly contradict the values and
commitments laid out in the Fairfax County Strategic Plan. Special education students depend on consistency, advocacy and tailored support a part-time department chair
cannot effectively oversee compliance support. Teachers and coordinate services while juggling a time constraint. This directly puts students at risk of falling cracks
academically emotionally and legally the strategic plan calls for equitable school communities, instructional excellence and removal of barriers for all students, especially especially our most
vulnerable special education department chairs are critical for that mission. They ensure the IEP is are followed support teachers and implementing individualized instruction and provide critical coordination that
make inclusion real, not just aspiration, This move would directly undermine goal. 2 of the strategic plan which pledges to create equitable learning environments that
meet individual needs it also weakens the plans pillars of instructional excellence, equity and access both of which are rely on having experienced leaders in place to support highly quality,
high-quality differentiated instruction. I understand that this is a difficult time, but cuts like this occur type sacrifice, long-term student outcomes for short-term savings. And that is not in
line with the vision of equity and excellence. This district has committed to in short reducing this position would undercut the very infrastructure that enables Fcps to deliver on its
strategic commitment to equity, excellence and inclusive education. Please honor your strategic plan and more importantly, honor the
students who depend on it. Jessica Klein. Good evening. My name is Jessica Klein. And
as a former public school teacher and pained to hear about these funding cuts. And as a parent furious to hear that academic services may suffer and class sizes will
increase. I didn't grow up here, but my husband did. He's a proud farmer. Thanks Sorace and a lake. Braddock Brewing. >> We moved here for a few reasons. But chief among them
is the phenomenal schools. And sadly, the prospect of increasing class sizes and cuts to student services is forcing us to reconsider. And
we are not alone. And believe me, it is not for lack of confidence in our teachers. It is only because of our educators that schools can accomplish what they currently
do. It's because of a lack of confidence in the system that we're looking at alternatives. We are living in uncertain times and families needed reassurance that our kids
needs will be met. I call on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government to step up. Do their jobs and fully fund our
schools. Please call your representatives. And I call on all of you to take another look at the budget. Allocate funds in accordance with your
mission and your values.
Caroline Caroline, Caroline Stacy Carter. Good evening.
Thank you so much for allowing us to come this evening and speak. I am Stacy Carter, a special education Department chair. I worked at Beech Tree Elementary School.
>> I have been in education, special education for 35 years. 22 in Fairfax County. I worked in. Most states,
Michigan, Florida, Texas, Georgia Louisiana. I worked in Europe. And when we moved when I moved here, I met my husband. What I realized in
looking at other schools around the area was the collaborative learning that was going on. I never taught in a school America or Europe that included special
education teachers at a table. With other teachers. And that's what brought us to Fairfax County. And we have a
son as well. An 11th grade. Well, also when I came to Fairfax County realized. Fairfax, this is true, but
we're not afraid of hard work. And I don't know many teachers who are and as a special education Department chair, I listed our responsibilities
during this meeting. I don't want to sound redundant so I will send it. But I also listed things that don't go right or things that just happened during the day. And
those were all touched upon as well. But I think the most important thing that I want to leave us today that I don't think has been brought out.
Department chair reductions a R t and our monitor reductions would impact entire school. We work as a team, not just at
Beech tree, but every school. The monitors are available to provide services to 5 support so that we can collaborate as
a team. A R t. >> All right. For our we have Mary Elizabeth Hertel, Melissa Davidson, Brian Watts. Kerr
and on Maria Patrick, U.S. Allison Rodrigue s Monica Oliver has on Shaw the catcher a room and Roman Nova and then
Alexia Forest or if you are here in person, please move up to the Q spots that are where it reserved. Brittany Ments is next. >> My name rett Munce and
I am here tonight as a proud Wolf Trap Elementary parent, military spouse and the incoming wil Trapp PTA. President speaking as an individual. As a military
family. Transitions are a regular part of our life. But that doesn't make them easy. When we moved to Fairfax County last year, my son H struggled. He tried to this
previous school in Florida, but starting over in a new state with new routines and expectations was deeply unsettling. He withdrew emotionally. And as parent, I didn't know where to turn.
What made the difference was the support services available to him at Wolf Trap Services that could be at risk if these proposed budget changes goes through. Our school, special
education programming. Each was able to access social, emotional support during Multi-time. He was invited to spend time with a therapy dog. The sea and participate in
small groups. Social interactions which helped ISIS anxiety and rebuild his confidence. These services allowed him to form trusting relationships and regain his
footing. At the same time, it was beginning to show an aptitude for learning when he was identified for the advance academic program, he received enrichment services that stretches thinking and
supported his unique learning needs with guidance from the AAP team. He grew academically and emotionally and we learned how to better support him as a twice exceptional student.
These services require time planning and presence under the proposed budget boost special education department chairs and air tease would shift from full-time to part-time roles if these changes are approved, the
capacity to offer the kinds of individualized support that help my son and so many others will be drastically reduced. Part time mayor t would likely not be able to teach critical thinking lessons. To all grade
levels or participate in collaborative planning a part-time special education chair may not have the capacity to build trust and relationships. Please don't let these cuts made forward the services. Our children
receive extra. >> Mary Elizabeth Hertel, who is virtual? Good evening, everyone. Using my name is
Miles with their town and the proud parent of 2 amazingly. >> divergent children, Fairview Elementary and Scps educator. I rely heavily on the support, advocacy. It
expertise as a staff Fairview Todd. We navigate the system not as an educator as a parent. Parents like me need the relationships and deep understanding that the school
team is built with our children, the special education team, the counselors, the steam teacher and I and our ER IR tease, don't just deliver services. They help us advocate for kids
and make sure they are truly seen. The proposed budget cuts for all of that. Russ reducing or special education department chair to have time
with drastically impact their ability to support children. value peas and what impact children were 5, of course, as well. This is not a position that could be trimmed without consequences. They are
essential to helping families like mine navigate an already complex and emotional process. Parts of class sizes, less counseling, support and shifting staff
responsibilities recreate a ripple effect that undermines everything ferry stands for and our children will be the ones who pay the ultimate price for these decisions. Is school forced to fund critical
roles like the special education traer themselves. You'll be forced to cut elsewhere, possibly cutting the counselor position, but they already partially funded. That is not a choice in the school. Can community should
have to make. The strategic plan gives a commitment to creating schools where every plan every child experiences and equitable school community and can achieve their highest
potential. Please do not choose to sacrifice our most valuable students protect the people in positions that make fcps in Fairview, a place
where all children including mine can thrive. Melissa
Davidson. It was virtual. >> I'm Alyssa Davidson. I'm the parent of 2 Fcps Elementary age students. I'm glad that it's been acknowledged that are valujet. Teachers a 6% pay raise. This
is important and necessary at the same time I have 2 twice exceptional children who have either been on an IEP currently have an IEP in place or have needs being served the of advanced academics resource
teacher are very large elementary school. And last for years, I've attended at least 15 IEP meetings with the State Department chair and she's been at most of those meetings. played a key role in being sure that our questions
and concerns were addressed. She's been an important bridge between us nurse that caseworkers, one of community. And I doubt that the principal or assistant principals, entry school with over 850 kids who
are already under resourced and stretched thin. We're going to feel the knowledge gap when the suspect department chair goes down to a 50% full, although or first grader was identified as being eligible for advanced math
instruction, it took until the end of 2nd quarter and countless communications with our school to get our daughter access to, quote, academic rigor. We were told by her Janet teacher and the A R t that there are simply not
enough resources to go around to ensure that all of the children identified to receive advanced instruction would be able to get that instruction, cutting the A R t to a 50% rule at our school will only make this problem worse. And
it was already not an acceptable level. Are their child is a to e learn or who we pulled from Fcps because even with its best of intentions, our child's needs were simply not Fcps Special
Ed Services in its current state is not okay. Pulling resources will not address the existing short comings. I hope we don't need to pull our second child as well. I take away from this proposal that
there will be an even deeper inequity in how the kids on the outside of the norm, both special Ed and advance will continue to be underserved compared to their typically developing peers. This
reduction of shares an A R t teachers will place undue pressure on the already stressed Janet teachers. This solution will surely not address the current efforts of Dr Reid, but the to the Task Force Committee to better serve our to be kids. I'm not
clear how you go about appealing to the county Board of Supervisors to protest the 100 million dollar funding
gap. Brian rot. >> Brian Watts. Brian Watt.
Kerr and don't go. >> Good evening. I'm here advocating on behalf of my daughter and my godson, both
of which have benefited from Fcps AP and special education programs. >> The same programs that are currently at risk for significant staff reduction.
I'm usually a politically correct person are trying to be a two-day have to be blunt. Reducing staffing for special education for the sexual education chair in the AP
chair. It's just simply not acceptable. These programs, particularly the special education programs are already understaffed. I've attended my
gots and every single one of his IEP meetings. So I know when I tell you that these programs are already understaffed. These proposed cuts do nothing but compromise
the future outcomes of our children. If our teachers don't get the support and the pay that they need our children won't get the education that they need. And
don't we think don't you all think that this will become a bigger budgetary problem in the future. I don't want a
situation where. You under fund our teachers and the AP it special education chairs in r children's education.
Today. But then are able to find funding for resource officers and disciplinary measures that will surely be needed when children are not properly educated. And
suddenly you can find those re for those funds tomorrow. We know the data. There's no need to repeat it. The data is clear. Early intervention and
investment in our children's education not only keeps them out of the criminal justice system, but it also sets them
up for success in future greats. Maria Patrick is his
virtual. >> Good evening. My name is ramp to track us and I am representing my daughter who is in Fairview Elementary
School. I like myself. voice a lot of the same concerns. I Obviously community is very upset. We've been talking about this issue now for 4
hours. So as you can appreciate on this was a shock to all of us. I like myself, my husband and I moved here from D C where we had an opportunity to take our daughter to a private school
but decided to come to fcps because of the exceptional service says provided here by the community. We have been impressed by Fairview and the teachers and the countless hours they have been working.
What we are not impressed on is the budgetary cuts that are being made and the duty of responsibility that has negligently been night so far.
What I understand is there's a budgetary working session on May 20th and it is my hope and expectation that the members here will go and provide
alternative. Solutions other than cutting our elementary school AP programs or STEM programs. And our special
education programs. I would implore more transparency and look at administrative costs potentially to the board, making part time positions to the board, potentially
lowering salaries within the board. But by no means making the elementary school children and their teachers who work countless hours and do not
have enough bandwidth. Now to suffer from these negligent and non transparent cots and very concerned about what was
done in closed doors. 47% increase to budget director position. But from 76,000 to 112,000, I use that as an
example because I don't know what else was done behind.
>> Allison Rodriguez. >> At the special education Department Chai over see 152 students with individual educational plans. Have to
preschools out is in classrooms to head start preschool. President and we have 5 enhanced. And have program for comprehensive site
classrooms and 8 resource teachers. I collaborate with the case managers to assign cases assist. Teachers riding individual an initial peas in short timeline to
responsibilities, strategies for classroom behavior. Data collection analysis. I follow up with timelines which are compliant with case managers for extended school year. Compensatory services from
COVID-19 this year we have scheduled over 150 reevaluation meetings. I coordinate with parents school staff. Henry evaluations I transition meeting from preschool to our kindergarten
program as well as coordinate preschool, valuations. This year. We have it over 12 students. Transition from preschool to kindergarten as well as 5 re evaluations this
year, I collaborate with learning to to disseminate information from state, the county to the school. The first point of contact to provide assistance to other special education teachers.
That's told that we started with 7 teacher trainees and our new teachers who needed direct one-on-one support to assist with students. The paperwork, including transportation, wheda, least
restrictive environment. So help them relationship form. I real by a patient work. The case managers who still don't have access to see stars our online platform for special
education or if they're new to it, they need help with that. They need help with closing work for ensuring the information is correct. Every quarter I review over 100 and
progress report added an approved. I conduct educational testing right reports the proposed testing for special education. This should over. 48 students. I scheduled mission referrals
from local screening committee and share with in time compliance from start.
>> Monica Oliver. Monica Oliver. Monica. Oliver. >> Next person is Hassan Shaw.
Hasan Shaw. Hasan shot. country in a row. not Roman Nova. >> Good evening. Members of
the school board. It's a very late evening and thank you for letting me speak today. My name is Keith Lamont of I'm a parent of 2 current CPS students. My oldest daughter
is an advance that Macron my blues are truly meant to school. And my middle daughter is in the ideas program at the elementary school and my youngest, sun will start school in a couple of years.
My husband and I have been navigating the highs and lows of raising 2 daughters on opposite ends over education, educational in need spectrum. They're both thriving in
there. So respective programs and its parents would have been very happy. You know, well, that both AP and special Ed programs Scps are among the
best across the nation. Parents moved to Fairfax County because of the quality of education for children with different abilities. My daughter's do very well in the specialized programs because
there is the student, Hala, to produce. Strong student teacher relations and needed support and resources available. I have come to learn. It is an integrated
system. You cut one part and the rest will crumble. We'll start to crumble. The teachers are already stretched thing,
hiding out a few resource that departments chair school monitors and increasing the student teacher ratio. We'll take away from precious instructional time. Teachers will have to backfill
administrative task and spend less overall time with students. It will impact educational outcomes. As a parent, I have seen firsthand how dedicated and talented our
teachers. I special ed teachers in particular pour their hearts in the care and education of my child. My middle daughter struggles to do with simplest, ask need
support with all activities of everyday living. But the patients in care and education her teachers and the school administration shows that with
support she, too, can reach our potential Inc.
>> Thank you very much. >> 4 Q we have Jonathan Campbell. I that Linda Simon.
Jim, I warm. Caitlin Kiessling. Elizabeth Wagner, Darcy Kelly, Melissa Hughes, this show I are and Carolyn
McCarthy next up. We have Alexia Foerster who is virtual. >> Good evening. Members of the school board. My name is Alexia Forster and I'm the
parent of an 8 year-old student and a rising kindergarteners at Freedom Hill Elementary since kindergarten and my 8 year-old has benefited from the support of our schools. A R t miss
projects. This FedEX has not only provided enrich instruction, but has inspired a love of learning in my child, sparking curiosity, encouraging deeper thinking and building confidence. The
services have had a profound impact on my child development and they've been made possible through consistent, dedicated, full-time support under the proposed budget cuts RT role would be reduced to part-time.
This will limit the opportunities available to my child and others. And it's and the troubling message about our collective commitment to challenging in supporting all learners. As a parent, I am
deeply concerned about the ripple effects of this budget, including special education classroom, staffing and teacher planning time. Our school is home to both a full-time local advanced
academic program. And one of the county's largest special education programs, reducing staff and supports. Here will have an outsized impact. And some of the most vulnerable and high potential students in
the county. Bring them h*** is nearly at title one levels of students who require support. But nearly generates 0 additional staff, money or
resources despite the need because we are relatively small school. The loss of our A R t special chair mass specialist and monitors is a massive staffing hit and will
dramatically reduce the services. The school currently provides to our community. I understand that hard choices must be made. But I urge you to consider the long-term cost of underfunding schools like
ours. Instead, I asked that cuts or share equity really across elementary, middle and high school since budgets and staffing at the secondary level or higher. Thank you for
your time and for your service to our schools. Jonathan
Campbell. Jonathan Campbell. Jonathan Campbell. I am sad
for all. Items that I am Debra. Linda. Simon. Good
evening. >> My name is Linda Simon. I'm an elementary school, advanced academic resource teacher. When I first learned that Dr Reid's revised budget, including cut included cutting
or tease and special education department chairs, 2.5 positions. I cried. But then I got angry 120 million needs to be cut from a 4 billion dollar budget. And yet somehow
reducing these 2 critical roles was considered the best choice to say 15 Million. This decision reflects a profound misunderstanding and undervaluing of the work we do
the impact we have and the many responsibilities these roles Kerry. I know firsthand the difference full-time versus or 2 can make because from my first 11 years as an A
R t I was split between 2 schools as a half-time staff member. I was often left out of leadership and planning conversations and all the teachers wanted my help with differentiation. It was hard
to find consistent time to collaborate. 4 years ago I became a RTA Lane Elementary. And the contrast is striking now I can consistently serve cater to students helping
recognize and nurture potential early on which directly addresses the equity in achievement, gaps that grow over time. Students across the school know me and CHP is something that includes them.
As my school has implemented local full-time AP. I have been able to regularly collaborate and coat each with the full time. AP teachers, I attend grade level seal tease
and have time to locate and adapt curriculum resources, supporting access to rigor and portrait of a graduate goals, unable to meet special education and Esau teachers to support twice exceptional
students and multilingual learners. None of this would be possible and a half time role as you finalize next year's budget. I urge you please recognize the value of what we do and find somewhere
else to make cuts that would have such a devastating cost to our students, teachers and the quality of instruction in elementary schools. Thank you.
Jim. I Man is Jim Island. I speak you tonight is the parent of an autistic you'e fourth-grader Mosaic Elementary in Providence District. >> First, I want to thank the
members of the school board. Thank you for listening tonight. I know that these marathon public comment meeting to no fun for anybody. Thank you for taking on the
impossible task of making a budget after the Board of Supervisors handed you 120 million dollars shortfall. Under these conditions. Any budget must make painful
sacrifices. I understand this. want to come out on this wet, miserable night. If I agreed with all those choices. Let's talk about my son. When he was 3, he could barely talk. He
couldn't sit still who is terrified of loud noises among many other issues. We were worried he would not go to handle mains to school. But with help from child find and support classroom. These come
so far. Even recognizes to eat. My son was a great success for the approach. Campion and Dr Reid Inclusion Initiative. He has a complex
IP need support in multiple areas. A skilled experienced full-time special. A department chair is vital. It's and they are key. Full-time are vital for
students like my son. Many, many speakers talked about the vital work that full-time specially department chairs too. We've heard a lot of people repeat there, but so
far. You people have talked about the cost fcps. It's students like my son and that's the quickly. Without full time element, respect what department chairs will be harder to schedule it meetings
in the required thirty-day window. Without those chairs and experience teachers will make more mistakes. There will be more second and 3rd meetings. There will be more
complaints, more lawsuits. I'm almost out of time, but I will say that fully funding those apartments is wise investment for Fcps. >> Thank you for
consideration. >> Caitlin Kiessling. Good
evening. When we talk about equity, we have to be honest about where it all begins and where it breaks as a second grade teacher at oak down a tree. I see what it looks like
when the support systems hold students and staff up and what it looks like when those systems are stripped away, these proposed cuts won't just hurt. They will harm students
who rely on them the most. Lets be clear the Board of Supervisors has once again failed to adequately fund our schools. But now the responsibility sits with you all. You can either comply
with that failure or correct it. That starts by protecting the positions and ensure vulnerable learners are not left behind. The gifted students are identified early and given the chance to rise and that all students,
regardless of grade level have access to rigorous high quality instruction. Producing special education department chairs in a Ortiz to have time is not a compromise. It's a
decision that strikes at the foundation of equity and places a great a strain on elementary schools where support is not a luxury. It is the groundwork for everything that follows. The cost will
fall on children who have no voice in this process. But every state in the outcome. I'm not going to go into every incredible thing that special education chairs and a Ortiz do on a day-to-day basis and
all of our schools. But I do want to say as a public educator, I don't know how I can look. My family's in the eyes of the students that I teach that do receive special education services and tell
them. We don't have enough resources for Same thing with students who are needing advance academic resources or access to regular. The board of Supervisors felt short. Now
you will decide what happens next. Will you pass that harm down to the classrooms or make a choice that reflects the values that we state. We stand for. Reallocate that funding
fully staff these roles. This is where the promise of public education either hold or breaks. Thank you. Elizabeth
Wagner. Elizabeth Wagner. Elizabeth, like there. Darcy
Kelly. It's virtual. Good evening. My name is star Sue Kelly. I'm a parent of a 3rd grader was an IEP and I'm also
substitute >> My primary purpose for speaking tonight is to object to the reduction of the positions being referred to as elementary school, special
education leads my high masking artistic child was not identified until the end of second grade. Prior to that, he was often perceived as a good kid, but also as a ki
who was on the edge of failure, lack social skills and with sometimes disruptive in class, the class and made at that was already at 30 students. And we're talking
about me getting bigger. And in those Biggers classrooms of monitors have been a saving grace. And that is going to be a huge loss for class for our students and our teachers. But
back to my main point. I strongly believe that my son who has always loved books with still not think of himself as a reader or have the successes he is currently having without his IEP
accommodations. And I give credit to a wonderful teachers and to our elementary schools, special education Department chair, our county teachers and parents count on her for her
expertise as a sub. I get to see this firsthand with her focus on identifying kids with special needs early her work to ensure that these kids get the help they need early so
that they can be better integrated into classroom so they can be self-sufficient more self-sufficient. Anyway later and require fewer resources later in their
school careers and beyond. She kept my he helped keep my son from falling through the cracks. We need this position. And as the sub I get to not just my own sons growth, growth and success. Is that
happen often faster than you think when teachers have the time and resources that they need to focus on their children. Or on the children and the students don't let kids fall through the cracks.
We? We need to support our teachers and our special Ed.
Melissa Hughes. And a special education department chair at Cunningham Park Elementary School. >> I am concerned about the process and effects of the
proposed cuts. I arrived at work Friday morning and was blindsided by the news that my colleagues we're getting is 6% raise at the expense of my special education position.
And I'm just learning about this. >> In the middle of may. >> Neither my principal North Central Office could answer fundamental questions about
implementation revealing a disturbing lack of planning. And with this budget proposal. What just a 0.5% department chair look like. How do you share this role with another
school? If I have to move to a special education teacher position, will I be able to stay at my school? No one had any answers. I started to understand that this wasn't
thoughtful decision based on due diligence. It was a rushed decision to fund raises by sacrificing special education. I also realize that Doctor Rhee didn't call a special
education team leads. During her presentation accidentally. She really didn't know that we are called special education Department chairs and likely
and disappointingly has no idea the function we serve and supporting our special education students. Administration had a single mission to provide races that would move teacher salaries
and fcps to second place with them. The Northern Virginia region and elementary special education with a line item that stood in the way. The short this short-sighted and
an informed decision will unequivocally harm special education students, special education department chairs are not paper pushers who work in a vacuum. We are part of an integrated system that works
directly with general education, special education teachers and special education students. And like in any system, when you move, when you remove one part, you'll be can the rest. Lastly, it is
wrong and poor form to provide a 6% raise that the direct cost of our most vulnerable.
This show. I are. >> Initial ire. Initial fire.
Carolyn McCarthy, whose virtual? Carolyn McCarthy. >> I yes, my name is Carolyn
McCarthy and I'm here to Maine has a PT member and a parent of a kindergartner at Fairview Elementary to express my opposition to the staffing cuts in the proposed budget,
especially also its impact on elementary schools. My oldest child is in kindergarten Fairview this year. So our families just beginning our journey with Fcps. We don't
know yet whether our child will send a need an IEP to help her achieve her greatest potential or she'll take advantage of an advanced academic program that will help her sore. I do know that
we chose Fcps as the place our child would begin her education because of its abundant resources. It's smaller class sizes and its world-class educators. So that
whatever needs my children may have fcps could meet them. But as we look ahead to next year, I'm afraid her school will no longer look like the one that we chose for her under the
proposed budget. Fairview will no longer have a full-time special education chair or A A R t slashing vital support for both students and teachers. It
will no longer have a steam teacher at all since the proposed cuts will eliminate the monitor, funding that both support steam lessons across grade levels and provides essential planning time for
Chen and teachers. And there will be an increasing class sizes throughout the entire school at a pivotal time when these kids, these young learners need small class sizes more than ever. This is
not the school I want for my daughter or for any of our kids. Our children deserve the respect and dignity of being provided with the support, the staff and the specialized programming that they need.
Our teachers deserve respect and dignity of a school budget that realistically supports them in their jobs, allowing them to thrive as educators and not just survive. I'd like
to respectfully ask the board to consider everything they've heard tonight and do not approve this budget. Please reconsider the proposed cats and explore more equitable
solutions. >> 4 we have Mary Moran, Michelle, Michael, Andrea Shuford. I stock up Sarah.
Jill Underhill. Amy got Rosemary Walsh. She now and Ashley, Deanna Lucas next up
is going to be Murray Murray Moran. Murray Moran. Michelle
Michael. Michelle, Michael. Michelle, Michael. Andrea
Shuford. Andria Shuford. Andria Shuford. And stock up. >> I want to start by saying
that I've been really move tonight by the enthusiasm and the resolve of all the speakers who would probably rather be doing something else on a Tuesday. And I hope all you up. There are moved as
well to do the morally right thing here. My name's dance. Talk about a second grader and a rising kindergartner at Oak Hill Elementary. I'm here to express concern about the proposed reduction of a R t in
special Ed step into halftime. My second grader has really thrived at Oak Hill and I attribute much of that to her consistent access to full RT support challenging her and
helping her grow. Shout-out misses or my daughter will be in full-time AP next year and it devastated. My rising kindergartner did not have access to the same opportunities and staffing
that my second grade. Another student who has benefited from full-time a R t is the second grader that spoke here about 4 hours ago. Remember that I met him when he was a shy kindergartner. His parents
directly attribute his growing confidence and blossoming to the outstanding RT support. Future leaders and advocacy for their peers like that is what is online with this. What
is on the line with this budget? Please think about that. Although my kids have not personally is the special Ed Resources, many of their friends have, including a close family friend with 2
twice exceptional students who have succeeded in ways very profound and directly tied to full-time access to both a R t and special Ed Tears Staffing.
We need both of them. Students like these depend on reliable and full-time support systems. And I think Fcps would be making a massive mistake, creating a debt that our community will never be able
to fully repay and reducing the A R t and gehres staffing at elementary schools to have time. I know you guys don't have any easy decisions with this budget and I don't pay you the tough road ahead.
>> But I implore you not to reduce support systems for those most in need. extra help guidance support and challenge. Thank you. Have a good evening.
>> terrible Wick. Cerebal Cerebal it. Jill Underhill.
Jill Underhill. Jail Underhill. Amy grew up.
Rosemary Wash. >> Good evening. I'm Dr Rosemary Walsh and I'm the special a department chair for modern elementary over the past 27 years. I worked as a
special education teacher in Fairfax County over this time. I witness a significant shift in the balance of responsibilities and our special Ed team, including increase IP development meeting, participation, data
collection and more which are now over, taking the time available for direct student Services Elementary Department chairs are instrumental in helping special education teachers manage this
overwhelming load. Pence helping to retain staff and avoid teacher burnout. Within my building, I serve as a mentor to those special education and general education. Teachers. I meet
with school teams and individual teachers to discuss each student by name and by need. I help problem solving provide guidance on interventions for all students. I'm available both in school and out of school to
talk collaborate and support my team. I also provide essential emotional support for the team as we navigate often difficult and high-pressure situations we face throughout our year. At
the elementary level, we stir students for 9 years from preschool through 6th grade. We strive to have all students make strong and significant progress. And we push for
inclusion for all of our students. I worked extensively to ensure that both the general education teachers and the special education teachers have the tools and skills necessary to ensure that inclusion will be a positive
experience for all students in our building. You earlier heard from one of my teammates tonight on the crucial role department chairs play in supporting and retaining special education teachers.
Maintaining a full funding of the special Education Department chair position at the elementary level is not just beneficial. It is essential and vital. It's helped to sustain staff morale
to meet compliance requirements and most importantly, to serve those students who depend on us. It is imperative we take all necessary measures here to ensure that special education Department chair positions
continue to be fully funded and preserved. Thank you. She now welcome. When FCPS
students thrive. Fairfax County thrives too. Hashtag invest in excellence. This is the first thing you see on the fcps budget Web page. I'd like to let these words set the
stage. My name is Sheena won't go. I am the mother of 3 kids who love school. We are at the beginning of what I had hoped to be a long and wonderful relationship with Fcps starting at Stanwood. I'd
first like to commend the Rays being proposed for teacher salaries. Teachers are among a handful of the most important people in every community and they deserve to be compensated
as such. However, I am horrified at the proposed cuts that completely undermines your hashtag of investing in excellence. Let me remind you of what's on the district
website. We provide students with a world-class education. It states that this budget reflects the needs of and the district's commitment to students. Please tell me how
increasing class sizes and decreasing positions in our elementary schools. Meet the needs of students, you know, as well as I do, this will lead to poor outcomes. How can
you in good conscience and full transparency cut the very essence of the world class education. You so proudly publicize. How can the district website say one thing while you consider making cuts
that will do the exact opposite. The website also states that Fairfax County is one of Virginia's highest-performing districts which helps attract residents, businesses and increases our
property values. And that when students succeed, all of Fairfax County, 6 seats. My husband and I chose to build our home here in Vienna because of the outstanding
reputation of these public schools. I wonder how many others tonight chose to live here for the exact same reason. Fight for our children, maintain the present
level of staffing and instruction. Ashley Danna Lucas. Ashley, Deanna Lucas.
Ashley, Deanna Lucas. For our next Q. We have Debby Chan Erica Gyovanny join Wash Kimberly Smith. >> I'm a ju Bron Kelsey Alicia
Simon, Tracy Crockett. Adam Austen and Barnett. Next up, we have Debby Chan. >> Good evening. My name is Debbie Chen. Both a proud
product of Fairfax County, Public schools and now a pair of second grader at Wolf Trap Elementary. I returned to Fairfax County as I grow up and choose to buy a home here
before I had children because I believe so deeply in the school system. I want to my future kids to experience and education equal to or even better than what I received
here. That belief is now being shaken. I'm here to speak specifically about AP. This is not an optional luxury. It is a necessary service fomany
students just like special and is essential for others. AP helps bright curious kids stay challenge and engaged without the services. Many of our brightest students risked
becoming bored. And even disruptive. Not because they want to be, but because their needs are not being met. Fairfax County has attracted one of the most educated and
driven workforce is in the country. And with that comes a population of children who need this kind of academic stimulation. If we start cutting programs like AP were
effectively telling these families look elsewhere, this county no longer support your children's needs. We cannot let this happen. If we lower the bar now we're setting our
kids and our county for long-term mediocrity. Unable to compete with peers across the state or country. Please do not balance its budget on the backs of our most
vulnerable or exceptional learners. And foundational years, we own them better. Thank you. Erika Gyovanny.
Erika Gyovanny. Erika Gyovanny. Joy Wash. >> And speaking too, tonight
as a parent of 2, twice exceptional St S students for both gifted and have a variety of special needs. We attend Carson Middle School in Oak Hill Elementary. I am
adamantly opposed to the proposed budget cuts to both advanced academics and special education. These are not just programs their life finds they provide the tailored intentional support that
allows neurodivergent students like mine to not only survive the school experience but to truly thrive. This is especially critical during the elementary years when their
sense of self connection to learning and want her motivation are being formed. I can tell you firsthand if our schools, special education chair had not been a full-time
presence, one of my child's path would have looked very different. At one point he hated school. He refused to go. He felt isolated, misunderstood and defeated. It
wasn't until she stepped consistently compassionately and physically, but things began to change. She saw him in the hallways and the cafeteria visit him on the playground, invited him to
lunch groups and built a relationship of trust. president was an occasional it was constant and that consistency was the turning point because of her. He is now in school every day and
thriving that extraordinary educators. Melissa, half in our special Education Department chair. You heard from earlier tonight, I say without exaggeration, she saved child's life. Her
passion, commitment and care. The only reasons he is in school today, her impact is unmeasurable. Not just for my family, but for so many others cutting the supports doesn't
just pull the rug out from under students. It also places unsustainable burden on our teachers and jeopardizes the stability of our school communities, the negative trickle down effect is real
dangerous. It affects everyone, students, staff and families. We are already navigating special educators and parents and teachers being stretched to their limits, overworked and under-resourced, more stress
responsibility are gaps in support. It's not just and wise. It is. >> As a reminder, if you are virtual and our folks are trying to promote you, please
allow them to promote you are you will not be able to speak to the board. Next up is Kimberly Smith. Kimberly
Smith. Kimberly Smith. My much Jubeir an.
>> Good evening, Doctor. board member. Thank you for giving this give me giving me this opportunity. My name is a manager Bron and proud parent
of 2 boys were cut into student and what Entry school in Fairfax County. I'm here tonight and I should have been with my boys. But reason that I'm here to educate for all
these teachers and not a teacher. I'm here to advocate for all these hardworking teachers and to express my deep concern about the proposed cuts but special education staff, advance
academic resource, teachers and elementary school and wanted to being a parent and a concerned member of this community. I strongly oppose the proposed budget cuts. This isn't just a policy issue for
me. This is personal. One of my son receive special education services. And I can tell you first time that piece is that the support he has received from Bush trip
increase school made a tremendous difference in his progress. And then and bringing confidence in him. We moved here from that income and the reason that will over
here. What because of this education service of the these are not just jobs proposing to got their lifelines for the Thank my. I come before you with a deep concern regarding
the proposed reduction of the special education chair position. Mr. she's special education chair position in in
preschool. think this position it's making sure that the expert, a trained expedience professional should moved to another position, our another
school or maybe another job. She's very hard-working. And I feel that getting this provision is going to the school and our students over there. Now, speaking of entry
school. One, it is to help keep us safe supported during the Times like recess lunch on transitions. They are the quite he was of the school If
and it is. >> a position?
>> Kelsey >> good evening. My name is Kelsey Pattern I am in Fcps graduate. A former Fcps early
childhood special education teacher and now the proud parent of 3 students who currently attend Fcps. I am here tonight to speak from the
parent perspective. Our youngest send receive special education services at Westgate Elementary and he is the pack program.
>> He >> has high support needs and he requires a high level of support to be successful in school. Our family has been
profoundly impacted by the leadership and dedication of the special Education Department chair at his school. This individual ensures that all IEP meetings are scheduled in compliance
with require timelines. Consistently serves as the principal or designee and every one of our IEP meetings and provides clear and thoughtful guidance on that
procedural safeguards. Well, also offering me space to ask questions, share my desires for my son's education and to truly feel heard. Beyond her
professional responsibilities. She goes above and beyond to community. She attends every event and my son's classroom. Fostering a strong sense of inclusion in connection among students and families helping
us form relationships. It really alleviating the isolation that often comes with having a child with a disability. She has taken the time to get to know our family
regularly. Checking in with us and she where greats are narrow. Typical daughter at school making her also feel seen and celebrated too. As a
formal special education teacher and current advocate within the field. I know firsthand how vital this role is. The special education department chairs are really the backbone to support. Our
teachers, families. And most importantly, our students, they serve as compliant experts, instructional leaders and compassion.
>> Alicia Simon, who is virtual? Alicia Simon, who is
virtual. >> Can you hear us? We can hear you now. OK? Thanks. Good
evening. I'm Elise assignment. parent of a child needs and benefits for special education services that will school. >> Thank you for hosting this hearing. I'm outraged by the suggestion reductions in special Ed teachers and the
impact on students with special needs. I can't listen. My brain is I can't read. >> I hate school. These statements were voiced by my
daughter when she was 6 years old in kindergarten. She often fell apart in tears. When it came to school and my heart sunk and I didn't know what to do. Her teachers in special Ed
teachers explain the services she could benefit from the school conducted assessments and determined a learning disability. In addition to her diagnosis of ADHD. Now at age
9, thanks to the amazing expertise, care and support special Ed teacher. She can. We? At a slow pace. She can listen and she's gaining confidence. It's critical. Still to her learning that
written instructions and texts are read aloud. Who will do that is special. Ed is underfunded. The daily support special education teachers have been critical to growth
as has the teacher's advice and guidance for us. The parents as we navigate this process. It also makes good economic sense to maintain special ed teachers full time
cutting hours will lead to loss of excellent train faculty and schools will be forced to recruit and hire new personnel. Staff turnover Herring is expensive. Save
that money and keep it in special education. I implore you to fully fund special education, teachers and department chairs who make it possible for teachers serve all students, their legal and
moral implications to cutting special Ed services. It's unacceptable to pass down these budget cuts to the school's teachers and our children. Give our children, especially those special needs
the chance to learn and succeed.
>> Tracy Crockett was for 2. Tracy Crockett. >> She's She's there. She's
there. Can you hear us this croc? It? Thank you. Good evening. Thank you for the time I have a 3rd grader in Fcps and often say I learned a
lot in second grade. >> Referring to her second great experience last academic year. This was when we navigated the systems that which she was identified as
twice exceptional. In no way did this knowledge or understanding surprise or family? However, we did experience process is difficult to understand and
sometimes to navigate. Before my daughter was granted special education services. She was denied twice. We were fortunate to have the time the resources and the support
people within the system to help us finally uncover precisely what it is that she needs. I often wonder during that time how many children were not getting the kinds of
services that they needed simply because no one was available to spend that time and expand those resources to ensure that a child's needs and potential it. I consider
my daughter extremely fortunate to have access to Fairfax County, Public Schools. I grew up in an area where nearly every elementary school is a title. One school and we're fcps is held out as
the aspirant standard. Fcps represents progress. It is impossible for me to imagine that these cuts lead to progress in Fairfax County. In fact, all I can think is that
these cuts. make it harder for students like mine and for the many others who might need a little extra help and support along the way to get where they need to be. We must find
a way to keep these critical roles intact so that all our students can you not meet not just their benchmarks, that their full potential. Let us
never forget the education, including special education and advanced education is the
great equalizer. >> Austin. Adam Austin. Sara
Burnett. >> I have 2 students, 2 great kids Bonnie Brae Elementary. I
am an independent school My husband and I have both built our careers and the independence school spear. And when we moved to Virginia from New York City, a big selling point was the opportunity to
Senator Boyd's to my husband's independent school. Only after moving here to be realize how lucky we are to live in a county with renowned public schools. We eagerly enrolled
or boys at our local school when the time came and happened. So happy with that decision. We believe in investing our time and energy into our own community and
hope that fcps will live up to the promise of an out standing education for all of our children. Teachers are one of our most vital resources and
education is paramount to the success. Success of not just the individual but of our communities. We love to say that our teachers are here but we constantly show them that these are empty words. I
believe teachers are amongst the most undervalued and underappreciated group in our society. And the proposed cuts underscore that feeling. Teacher burnout is a real
crisis we're facing and taking away resources will only increase that for now. monitors and downsizing departments tells your people that they are not important
that the work they do and they themselves are expendable. We need to stop looking how the cut corners and learn to start investing in our people. Thank
you. >> Leonard. Alicia Leonard.
Alicia Leonard. Erika c***. >> Despite the thousands of text, my husband sent over the past 4 and a half hours begging me to come home. I
hope that my presence along with all the other still here speaks just as loudly as our words. I'm speaking as the PTA board member and as a parent
of 3 girls, 2 from go to weak field. Farce elementary school. One of my daughters benefits from special education services while the other benefits from part-time
AP services by are replaceable. 8 RT Specialist. As many others have noted the proposed solutions to the budget are cuts that disproportionately impact
elementary schools. Cutting elementary staffing for advance academic resources. Special Ed teacher planning time rolls back. The support needed for our children in the early years undermining the
foundation of academic excellence at CPS is known for. Increases in classroom sizes at the elementary level while simultaneously cutting
monitor support, reduces the efficacy of classroom time for our children and places an undue burden on our teachers. The proposed cuts, her
elementary school staff who are already markedly short on planning time when compared with planning time given for higher grades, demanding once again that they eat, they do
even more with less. Finally, administrators at the elementary level already have fewer resources to achieve academic excellence than those at higher levels. And the
proposed cuts make extreme. Even Baker. The proposed cuts to not set our youngest children up for long-term success while necessary to implement the budget cuts
should not be borne solely by the tiny shoulders as a taxpayer and a parent who would like to stay with Fcps for another 14 years. I urge you to re-evaluate the
proposed cuts and redistribute them in equitable manner.
>> Melanie Byrd, who is
virtual. Can you hear us?
bird. I don't see her. Melanie, very able to hear me. We can hear you now.
>> Good evening, Doctor Reed chairman finished and members of the board. Thank you for your time. I'm here to urge you not to move forward with cutting full-time funding for special education chair years.
This decision would be a serious misstep, but the legal educational and ethical consequences. First, the individuals with Disabilities Education Act Friday, a
mandates that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. That's not just a principle. It's the law schoo
level special education chairs or the want to ensure compliance with this complex and critical legislation. Removing them increases the risk of procedural errors, legal challenges and more
importantly, unmet needs for some of our most vulnerable students. Second reducing these positions, places a massive administrative burden on special education teachers
who already face some of the most demanding workloads in education without full-time chairs to coordinate IEP meetings, manage compliance documents and liaise with families. Teachers will be
forced to divert their time and energy away from what they are trained to do. Teach that directly affects quality of instruction and student progress full-time special
education chairs are not administrative luxury. They are essential to upholding students rights, supporting teachers and preventing costly mistakes, reducing them to
part-time is not a savings. It's a shift in cost from your budget to students. Futures. I say all of this from the background as a special education teacher who knew
thisden and attorney who represented special needs students in cases against the school system and a state level special education director who manage complaints
against the school system. And most importantly, as a parent of 2 neurodivergent children who would be floundering in their elementary school without the support of our
special education chair. I urge you to reconsider. Aaron
Hawk. >> Hi, my name Aaron Hawk and I am here as a product of Fairfax County, Public ols and a parent of 2 Fairfax
County public School students. I have a first grader and a 3rd grader at Claremont Elementary School. And neither of them are an a P special Ed
9 deeply concerned about the budget. The budget does not reflect the values of Scp F CPS community or the values that shaped me as a student.
The roles that you are proposing to eliminate are vital and they help ensure that students like mine. And so many others are both challenge and supported. They
help catch diverse, learning needs early built personalized plans and create pathways for all students to thrive. Regardless of the students, pace of learning. They're not
extra resources. They're essential. Eliminating the monitor funding that allows teachers time to plan meaningful instructions is yet
another blow. I see every day how hard the teachers at Clermont work to meet students where they are. We are asking them to personalize education
without giving them the time or resources to do so. And we must also not ignore the elephant in the room. The effects of COVID are not
behind us. Many students are still catching up. National data shows that they're average of 4 to 5 months behind in reading and in math.
The learning gap isn't something that goes away. It takes focus, intentional planning, support. And that means investment not cuts.
Fairfax County claims to value diversity, high expectations in creating resilient, ethical, innovative in global citizens. But this budget does not reflect those values. It pulls the rug out from under
the students and the teachers who are doing hard work every single day. Please reject this budget. These cuts are deeply personal to me and my family stand up. Not just for my
kids, but for up. >> The show booth. Who is or
>> Michelle Booth. Are you there online? Yes, hi. Hi. Thank you. Go ahead.
>> Thank Yes, hi. My name Shell. I am the mom of a rising kindergarten. There and volunteers who my son started school, but that's compounded
P he has autism. And I was calling because I heard that they were going to be cuts to special Ed. And as I've been sitting here for hours with all of you luckily at home for
me and I, you know, realized how wonderful some of these programs are and how students have thrived. And I want the same for my kid. I understand.
And I appreciate that cuts are not easy for anyone and that it's somewhat of Sophie's choice. I have also a typical
kinda have to make decisions every day as well between, you know, my time and my resources with those kids. But prioritize my kids with special needs because they know in the long run benefits
everybody. Everybody in the family, including my typical kid. And I think it's that goes the same for Fcps. I know it's a long night. We're tired. emotional, but I hope
that we're also heard. Thank you. Alexis Crawley. His
virtual. My name is Alexis Crowley. And I'm here as a parent of 2 elementary school students in Providence District. >> One of whom has special
needs. When my special needs child started school, they struggled socially and emotionally and had difficulty adjusting to the behavioral expectations of kindergarten.
It was the special education team, but particularly the department chair who went above and beyond to observe my student in multiple classroom settings and helped create a consistent support of planned
that allow my child to find the least restrictive environment that allowed them to grow and succeed. The department chair didn't just coordinate services. They
build bridges between special education teachers, general education, teachers, speech language pathologist occupational therapist, our outside therapists and our
family. She helped us navigate IEP meetings, adjusted accommodations when things weren't working. And major child did not fall through the cracks. Her time that she
devoted to our child also decompress the significant administrative tasks placed on a special education teachers which allowed them to better support and teach my child along with many other children
in the classroom. Putting this position a part-time doesn't just mean losing a teacher. It means losing the person who holds the system together. It sends a message that are most
vulnerable. Students are not a priority. Every student deserves a fair chance to thrive without the leadership and coordination that this role provides. We risk undoing years of progress, not just
for my child, but for many others. Please keep this a central position full time.
Thank you. Doris taste. Jesus Ochoa. >> Good evening. My name. The stars, the And I'm here to was
my concerns on how these cuts would negatively affect my children's education. You may be a video where, but I just want to reiterate special education requires consistent
support. And July, 13 plants could do rules could mean fewer resources for students with disabilities and increased workload for general education, teachers who may not have special training.
reduced oversight committee to left us in compliance with education laws defendants to inspection, rest instructions is known that advanced learners.
>> management opportunities. Teachers may struggle to differentiate instruction with high achieving students, which me to this engagement and underperformance. Presidents
occasion can be facilitated through academic. busy condemn and special occasion. However, not everyone can afford. Ford has Fairfax County is over.
had cause living area and the classroom honor monitors affects the essential support provided that allows teachers to focus on instruction, quality mess and planning and
preparation. What insurance a few for students during lunch and recess that cuts in funding state educators limits hands-on learning and expenses in science, technology,
engineering, art and math, reducing steam. What meat cuts to benefits of staying programs, which include creativity and innovation, improve problem, solving
skills and building stronger, critical thinking skills you proposed increase classroom sizes. Studies show that smaller class sizes improve student engagement and
performance, particularly in younger children, increasing class sizes could negatively impact learning outcomes? I'm
retired combat veteran, not native to Fairfax County, but I opted to live here to give my children the education, the quality that I didn't have grown up. >> And to give them a high
education that surface.
>> David Finkel. David Finkel.
David ankle. But Kyla. Begala. >> My name is Poonam a carve a
gala. And I consider myself a special education elementary mom. Yes, that is what I am. I've been sitting here for the last 5 hours away from my
child entirely to come here and speak to you on the proposed budget cuts that we have today. So let me just tell you a little bit about my son. He is right. He's 10
years old, but he's also autistic and he has ADHD combine all that together and send him to school without support. That is not a successful child in the
making. I am very fortunate. I am a part of the Cunningham park system where I have a phenomenal all special education department that has been working with me for the
past 5 years to help my son get to where he is today. I am those parents that have a 5 hour iup meeting. We need to talk about extensive level of
services and I don't believe that we could have done that without our special education department and the and the leader that we have today. The
reason that I'm so passionate about this because I live in a lot of analogies. So let's think about this for a second. If you want to build a sky scoots scraper, if you don't build a foundation, you're not
going to have a skyscraper. If you are not building multiple floors, you are not going to be able to reach significant heights. So if we want to have
productive members of society and these communities, we have to start at foundations. The foundation start in elementary schools. You take away. Teachers and education from
elementary school. You like you're putting these kids so far behind that they will not be able to catch up. So step back. We look at the budget be
inclusive, be equitable. The innovative be thoughtful and please have hard for the last 5 hours of what we have told
how. >> The Joshi. Good evening, everybody. Thank you to all the teachers who are here
today to do what they do every single day. >> With Grayson tenacity, which is fight for our children as the downstream effect, the future of our community. I'm not going to say something new here. I just
want to add my voice to this chorus of voices so we can be loud about special education classroom sizes. I'm not a teacher, a politician or an accountant. I'm just a parent
to transplanted myself to the state specifically to this county many years ago for the amazing educational opportunities promise to my children. Being a parent can
sometimes drive people to do things that are a little crazy. They don't make the most financial sense like pay the exorbitant taxes as county demands in return for a promise that the county will give its youngest residents
like both of my sons, the education that they need and that they deserve. My boys along with many of their friends and classmates receive special education services to Cunningham Park Elementary
School Vienna. I cannot believe we are poised to sacrifice. The gains are incredible. Special education teachers have made in our community in my boys by cutting funding in a way that
will remove full-time status for a special education chair. MS Hughes who spoke so passionately today, Melissa Hughes, ICU and all of us parents, too. On a similar
note, our class sizes are large enough and it is inconceivable that they may increase due to budget cuts. Our village is only as strong as our most vulnerable
members. I strongly urge the board to avoid budget cuts that would result in an increase class size it fully fund special education Department chair position. Our
children and their educators deserve to be valued at we are Fairfax County show us that caring about our children and their teachers needs isn't just some find it too. Thank
you. Allies us a lander. Elizah some lander. Elizah. So lander.
>> Diana Matheson. Diana
Matheson. Diana Matheson,
Amanda Prindle. >> Good evening. My name is Amanda Prindle. I'm a parent
of 2 daughters, kindergartner and 3rd grader at Virginia Rent Elementary School. A member of the PT People PTA board active school volunteer. I'm here tonight speaking on
behalf of art 744 students and the staff and families who support them every single day. The proposed cuts reducing our special education Department chair and advance academic
resource teacher to have time and eliminating 4.5 classroom monitor positions with strip over 160 hours of weekly support from our school. These
are not nice to happen. Sessions, they are mission critical. Virginia run 20% of our students receive special education services and 25% are in the academic. Vance
academic program. These rules directly serve nearly half of our student body and indirectly support all of them. This chair ensures we stay legally compliant,
supports overwhelmed teachers and advocates for every learners unique needs. The A R t doesn't just serve a select few. She expands access to enrich and challenging learning experiences for all
students and keeps families at their neighborhood school and our monitors. They are the quiet glue holding the day together covering recess lunch
meetings, spare the moment. Emergencies and interventions and often the only reasons our teachers get time to plan or even breathe. Cutting these roles doesn't save money. It
shifts the burden onto administrator teachers and parents like me who depend on this bill, defendant village to help raise and educate our children. If these cuts move
forward, our staff will be forced to absorb those 160 hours, meaning less collaboration, fewer supports. And ultimately, if you are Stitt opportunities for students. With the school
population, this large and diverse. The supports are not optional essential their his
cause. Victoria Steele. >> Good evening. I service the PTA president at least Corner elementary school in the Sully
District. And I'm here to represent our families and staff. That would be directly impacted by these proposed cuts. Like all of us. I'm deeply disappointed by the county Board of Supervisors decision to shortchange our
schools by 150 million at the urging of Dr Redid our vision group meetings. I was one of the many PTM members who travel to Richmond this year to advocate for stronger education funding, especially for special education. Thanks
to that effort. The state increased its support and narrowed the deficit to 120 million dollars. But we did an advocate special education just to see it targeted in local cuts. No
budget cut decision is easy but reducing special education department chairs to have time would be a costly mistake. These professionals are vital to meeting the increasingly complex needs in our schools.
Byard, Ministrations assessment. These roles have dramatically improved how we support students with disabilities. If you cut their hours, cut their impact and risk losing them to other districts entirely, it
replaces can even be found. Bill face unsustainable workloads leading to burnout turnover and most importantly, unmet needs for thousands of students. This also means your own goals reading at grade
level by 3rd grade algebra by 8th become far less attainable for the very studewho rely on the supports. These are goals you've prioritized so highly that the district has undergone major curriculum
changes to achieve them. And yet these proposed cuts would place new barriers in front of a large population of students. I'm also concerned about the cuts to RT program in 10 or hours, especially
since those monitor hours can be treated to fund steam programs. That's a backdoor cut to steam and one our elementary schools can't afford. These proposed cuts are heartbreaking. Fcps must
not balance its budget on the back of the students with the greatest needs. Our public schools are the backbone of what makes Fairfax County exceptional. If we want to remain a leader in education, across Virginia, in Fairfax
County and of CPS, most active true partners United in strengthening our goals, not weakening their foundation.
Thank you.
>> And mistress. In stros. And mistress. Kathie Van D***.
>> Good evening. I'm Kathie Van D***. I'm in a R t but I'm not here to talk to you about my experience as an A R t I want to talk about my experiences as a classroom based teacher several years
back specifically about 2 students. I will change their names to protect their privacy. The first and I want to talk about is Alicia, Alicia historically struggled
in school, not because of lack of aptitude, but due to frequent moves and lack of continuity and thus to to a A R t noticed that she learned quickly. She was curious was
highly motivated and started providing young scholar services. But the time Alicia made it to my 5th grade, advanced academic classroom, she not only was passing all of her as the wells advanced
where she had never once past one in 3rd 4th grade. She was beating everybody in the school on competitive Math League contests. She was thriving because of the impact
of an A R t. The next did not want to talk to you about is Ben. That is a student with dyslexia. Highly impacted in second grade. He still wasn't
reading and writing yet an RT noticed that he could grapple with complex ideas. He was highly creative and original. She worked with the family on
family outreach and with his special education case manager to shepherd him through the screening and referral process. But the time we made it to my 5th grade advance academic classroom, he had a
strong grasp of history. and medalist in Virginia Science Olympiad and could extemporaneous Lee compose rhymes like dozens and dozens
the perfect crime. And I am pick Pentameter. Then wrote to me last year he just completed his first year of college as a writing major, think of the
impact Ortiz and the impact that will happen. But they are not available to serve our young scholars and twice exceptional students. Thank
you. Kathie Van de Amanda Parker. virtual. My name is Amanda 2 students. A point of
Solomon K. >> My 4th graders twice exceptional need a shot at a PE teacher who is stepping in Taher teen role next year. Missus homes because she's a gem. But I want to illustrate
why are special our team pastor monitors are central to all elementary students with a story about my first graders time. It's for this year. We started appear excited, handsome, wonderful experience, teacher from think
pass and was beginning to and said within the first few weeks are central does have another student have destroyed the classroom through books, overturned chairs and then after 2 other students joined in various you don't have come
and help teach or evacuate the cross to the Holly for their safety. They not. These types of stories would continue on here. Despite constant efforts by the teacher classroom monitors shout out to Mr. P
and our staff and administrators in multiple student struggling in this class. My son many others have been kicked and punched multiple times. One student was This was the first grade
year. My son and his 25 will not get back. And not sharing complaint. All right. don't know any details of the student cases, but I do know the students are good kids.
need more resources access education they deserve. And the budget pose would offer them There are no easy answer a budget problem. Your job is to find the answer that the
the least harm to the fewest number students. They're under 30,000 confirmed yes, with disabilities and countless others, who are identification? Cutting funding for a special in chairs are fast for monitors
is not the solution and it will have has getting effects that will reduce quality of education for like play all elementary students across the
system. Please find something Thank you. Leslie. Houston.
Good evening. Leslie Houston, the president in Fairfax Education Association. >> And Cole, president of Fairfax, Education Unions. Fairfax education unions in
fcps bargain in good faith. We came to the table with transparency, integrity and one goal securing a contract that reflects the value of our educators and staff. And we
did it. We reached a historic agreement that both sides were proud of. But the board of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors refused to fund
this. Meanwhile, they fully funded the first collective bargaining contracts for county employees. Every dollar, no questions. County employees are valued for their
work and rightfully so. We just want our valued as well. Fcps is the largest public workforce in the county as schools serve over 180,000
students our profession is nearly 70% women. And yet we're the ones told to make do with less. That's not just the funding issue. That's an
equity issue. We did not return to the bargaining table by choice. We return because we had to. And after the failure of the Board of Supervisors and even then we
made protecting people at top priority. We were sure that no one would lose their jobs. That position is not people would be cut. We thought we
were doing tight thing. We fought for 7% raise. We got as close as possible. 6%. Not because we backed down but
because we were forced to clean up someone else's mess. This isn't a bargaining failure. It's a funding failure and we should not be turning on each other. We should be turning our focus to
the Board of Supervisors. We won't forget what they have done. And Snyder whose
virtual. >> Thank you for having me here tonight. I'm speaking to you as a parent of a second grader. A rising kindergartner in Fcps schools. I'd like to
align myself with the comments opposing the cuts to special education in a B services and staff, including concerns about a domino effect on our kids, communities and the local economy. This proposal
directly undercuts one of the main reasons parents currently speak out fcps the school systems reputation providing an excellent education for all students. Our school has
benefited immensely from having a full RT teacher. She knows our schools. She knows our kids and she's able to help compensate for gaps that appear when the unexpected happens and example this past
year, 2 of the 3 0nd grade teachers were out on parental leave simultaneously. That meant that two-thirds of the second graders that our school are being taught by long-term when they took the kogod exam
and the regular teachers that had significantly reduce face time with the students when it was time to prepare applications for full time, baby. Because we have a full time air tea teacher. She was
able to step in and support the long-term subs to provide access to regular and to help parents and teachers are baby referrals without a full-time era. Teacher this past year are second graders would have
had a significantly harder time bridging the gap while their teachers took a well-deserved parental leave. Our kids, education and their access to river would have suffered. This proposal sends
a troubling message about our priorities. It disproportionately impacts elementary schools. Despite a multitude of data showing the importance of early education on great future outcomes and again tells our teachers
to do more less and says that students who are different, you are outside the norm in some way will be the first on the chopping block. I urge you
to reconsider the shortsighted proposal. Pamela James.
Good evening. I'm Pamela chains and elementary advance academic resource teacher with nearly 20 years in fcps. >> Like many of my colleagues, I'm here to address the
proposed reduction of elementary AARP poons to have time. A decision that strikes at the very core about commitment to equity as and the growth of all our
students. Lets be clear. 4 are teas are not extra. They are strategic investment essential to the learning of all essential to fcps a strategic
plan. The 2020 as Dana AP review made it plain a RT is necessary equity, reducing these positions isn't just a
step back. It puts us behind where we were in 2019 as a RT. My role is comprehensive. It's about fostering a school-wide culture that values rigor and
high expectations for every child. It's about coaching teachers providing crucial support for curriculum differentiation and integrating that best academics get to every
classroom. are teas are tasked supporting teacher planning time increasing demands on their road to revert to a part-time model. Now after these responsibilities have
been integrated, we'll create significant logistical challenges and diminish the crucial support we provide to our dedicated educators. This reduction has far-reaching
consequences. Not only does it limit our t's ability to coast teachers and engage families and ensure all students have access to rigorous instruction. It compromises the support to e-learning
Vance map and initiatives like young scholars in short, this isn't just a Step Inc. It's a strategic repression
disinvestment in all students in teachers and a very possible the NSA most the fcps tries to uphold Kirsch you to reconsider this proposal and find our T's, they are
champions, but they're quitting as
>> Sandra. And the Sand. Joe. Andy Sandro. Kristopher Ryan whose virtual.
>> Good evening, Dre members of the board. Thank you being here. for this hearing I'm the father of a children Fairfax
County, public schools, including one with special needs. And one thing that we've noticed his timing for Vax County is that we've come to rely on a great many
people. Great, many teachers throughout educational experience. No one tells you when when your child gets a diagnosis that you're going to rely heavily on many
professionals along the way. Many therapists, many teachers, many other educators all up and down the line and
one of the great things about. Our special Department shares that she holds all together. He's able to make the right connections able to establish
relationships within the school itself with an and our private support team, 3 the best outcomes for our child and is not having a position available will definitely
require teachers to stretch themselves. Then and ultimately take away from the education and support means of not only our child but other children, special education as
well. It's important we make sure that when. Card budget decisions have to be made, that we don't do. Are we so
often called back on and that's taking resources from those who need them the most. And hopefully we can reconsider these choices and
continue to support and provide are world-class education to children who need
it. The most. Rachel Saxton. >> Hello, my daughter is a a
4th grader right now at Oak Hill. And I just want to talk really quickly about what her journey has been since he's been there even before that actually, she was in
preschool. She was thought of as this market. A lot of people called for that and we actually that cost problems, actually, because she got the center had that she was smart kid and then she went to
kindergarten. She actually did really well virtual is the first year of of COVID. And for some reason, she was just very good at that. And she actually is helping the
teacher by the end of it trying to say you should push that button, doing great. And then got intsecond grade and things started getting more difficult and it became very clear very quickly that she
was not going to be able to read. couldn't read. then. But still, her teachers are like this car smart. And then
noticed Lahr who also thought she was wonderful. And in 3rd grade. She was doing really well in math. Interesting, really well in these other ways that she still couldn't
read halfway through 3rd grade. We applied for the AP because she was obviously twice exceptional and she was rejected regardless of the
fact is Laura, the head of the advance program in our school thought she should be. There are teachers that you should be there. Everybody thought you should be there except for a committee that I never met. And after and I'm going I'm
running out of time. So I want to say this. She had multiple steps getting to where she is now. And she is now in the AP that she didn't start their school, invited her and not
the committee that the school said this girl is good. She's smart and she should be there. She's still struggling, but she's getting to where she
should be. And now she's been accepted officially. And when I told her that Lars job was in trouble and and other
people who helped her in trouble, she said to them.
Elizabeth Shaw Groom. >> I'm Elizabeth. I'm a parent of a 6th grader at Cunningham Park and a junior at Marshall High School and also that PTA,
secretary of Marshall High School. I am advocating sniper full-time special edge tears at the elementary level. It's been so helpful to my 6th grader.
>> She has a tht and special Ed services and she was in preschool. She has grown so much in the last year since kindergarten. And would just like to say thank you to the
special a chair, Melissa Hughes from Cunningham Park. I asked Caroline before I came to Knight them. >> What Dr Hughes to forget? Here's what she said. She
helped me with my reevaluation test. I was so nervous, but she reminded me to take my time and do my best. She works with my teachers to keep best learning and safe. One time
she spent in the classroom with a boy who was scared. She kept him comfortable. So heat stay at school. She is always there for me. Ms Hoke, Mr.
Morrow us from L a as a parent. She helps us in so many ways. She guides me to work with the teachers. She knows the kids, the teachers and she understands the loss
that protect Caroline and all of our kids. She is not just an IEP scheduler. 2 provides guidance leadership and
understanding to everyone, especially the other teachers. She is someone who creates the foundation for special Ed at
Cunningham Park Elementary. If you cut this position in you'll diminish the Jair role and put our special Ed kids at risk. Please consider your
budget cuts and think about our kids and their future. Thank you for listening.
>> Kasey Hofmann Blade lot. Casey Hopman Blaylock. Casey, half men Blaylock. Nicole
Neal. Nicole Neal. Nicole Neal. Silvana. Silvana Flynn.
Silvana plan. Rebekah Kunia. virtual. >> Hi, good evening. Thank you so much for taking the time to
hear all of us and what we have to say. going to start off by saying I am a graduate of Marshall High School. Excuse me. Class of
2000 and I do have a kindergartner at Saint. What Elementary school this year today, actually, ironically, was my local screening meeting
for him to begin the process of the Final 4 for him as he just received a diagnosis of ADHD. Not sure that you all know exactly what goes into
these meetings, but there was the special Ed share their there was school psychologist there. There was a school social worker. There was this kindergartner teacher and
there was the principal present for this. 45 minute long meeting about my son to get him the special education that he needs going forward. I
think your proposed budget is. travesty for all elementary age children. We do from years of research, how important
early intervention is and how important class sizes and you're a proposal to increase class size will be detrimental to all students. And I really hope that you reconsider your
budget and look at other areas to cut the spending mostly in the central offices and your assistance that you have hired at pay rates that are larger
than the teachers who deserve those rates. Thank you so much for your time. And I hope you'll reconsider this budget.
>> So hard sided union. So hard sided union. Whose
original? >> I couldn't hear Go ahead. Yes, go ahead. Please. I am.
So we're sitting in parent at Stanwood Elementary. I don't think I can say anything more compelling than the hundreds of personal stories you've heard tonight from the incredible kids that spoke of
earlier to the dedicated teachers, fcps workers and concerned parents. So instead like you too, ask yourselves a few questions. Start off with
why. Why did you work taking the positions you currently have? Why did you work so hard to be part of our school board? And what were you hoping for for our children?
And then think budget cut in line with the goals that you had envisioned for your career. Also consider why is this happening now and who will profit from it? Because
it definitely is not our children. And it's not our teachers. It's abundantly clear that reducing fcps funding will have terrible repercussions. I don't need to give you numbers are stats for
you know that. It takes away resources from our children from their teachers it leaves an extreme stress and pressure on the teachers, a sort of stress that builds over time
and is not sustainable. So I hope you're hearing your constituents tonight as public servants. It's your job to hear us. It's your job to be our line of defense, our
children's line of defense. We voted for you voted for you to carry out what's in the best interest of our children and our teachers. This budget cut
is not. It is not in our best interest. It's not in their interests. It's not what we voted for. So the next move is yours. You heard of from hundreds of people for more
than 5, almost 6 hours now. So what I'm looking forward to to see is to see how you will correct this and how we show that. You have heard us. Thank
you. >> Andrew Trimble.
>> Good evening. I appreciate everyone in the state of the sus I know it's arduous. I know it's late, but the should tell you how passionately we feel about this and how important it is. Thank you to everyone who's already spoken.
Share an important point about how devastating these proposed cuts are, especially to elementary schools. And thank you specifically to make a R t colleagues who has spoken and are here or were in
attendance. I'm proud to be part of this community. I'm also in Fcps parent of a second and 4th grader. One who was recently found eligible for full-time services and another who was twice
exceptional in the short time that I have, I'd like to speak to a few points that drove me to speak this evening. Not to say there aren't more, but these felt particularly big and particularly personal. My
school is in the final phases of the full-time AP expansion program. We spent countless hours these past few years, building the sport for our teachers and educating our
parents about this program. >> My school is an immersion school. Number one question I have been asked is how can we guarantee that these kids will get their full time services? >> And their immersion program
and I have must that I will be there every step of the way to ensure that their needs are met. I don't feel like I can
uphold that promise anymore. And that pains me and it makes me feel like a failure to my family. I have also promised my teachers that I have that will be there to support them
through this process. Not only my 3rd grade teachers in the first year of the rollout, but my 4th grade teachers as just this morning, we were talking about the courses that they ll be taking to get ready to
roll out the program in 4th grade the following year. I have been a or tea at my school for 3 years. And in those years we have had an
average of 55 full-time referrals in the 3 years prior when I was part time, we had an average of 30 that is in part due to the advocacy
myself and my school team has worked to educator community and to promote the program to our students. You can give
years written testimony to the clerk's. If you like. Okay,
thank you. >> At Delta and Soda. Delta
been soda. Delta Soda. Joseph Morgan, who is virtual. Joseph
Morgan. Joseph Morgan. >> Joseph Morgan, can you hear us if you're online? Can you hear us? We can see him.
You're muted, sir, effectively for great. Thank you. >> I guess in for the last one, its foes. you know, it was cold comments of some of the other parents. You know, my daughter. But to the
development, Pre-K what's been called entry. She was there for 2 years they did an amazing job. And you know, they they went from her being remote in that program, too.
John, in first grade year doesn't mean it her. And I just want to say that the testimony to the team there? So started in this Bush the whole Western world that you can. And, you know, even though she's not going participate in the special
education program more on The Advocate for that need program because it didn't help her so much everyone to reiterate what was already said many times and reconsider the
program come up with alternatives or something, you know, to help too new kids. But especially I was for really Dupree. She has taken time staying on. This isn't
for 5 half hours. It's a lot and I appreciate it. Thank
you. Alicia Walsh. Alicia
Walsh. Alicia Wills. Kristen Border.
>> Thank you all for taking the time tonight. My name is Kristin border and I am the PTA president of Laurel Ridge Elementary and the parents of 2. I'm here today to express concerns about the proposed
budget cuts to elementary staff. But first, I'd like to share a lens through which I view Fcps when I was a beginning teacher in a different part of Virginia,
people said let's see what Fairfax is doing and let's do that. When I taught in the Midwest several years later, people said let's see what Fairfax is doing and let's do
that. When my current 5th grader started kindergarten in 2019, I said. I'm excited to see what Fairfax is doing. And
overall through my Children's Elementary School journey, I felt very fortunate to live here and to see for myself as a parent, what Fairfax is doing. And now tonight I've heard a lot of speakers
essentially ask what is Fairfax doing? And what does it mean for where Fairfax is going? I listen to trends tonight. I heard dozens
advocate for special ed chairs and A R t is to remain full time. 21 people said how critical classroom monitors are. 13 mentioned class sizes.
8 used the exact words ripple effect or domino effect. And at least 7 said the cuts are in conflict with the strategic plan. Are we going? I will be
submitting a group letter from parents at Laurel Ridge. The letter shares our concerns about the proposed elementary staffing cuts. In just over 24 hours. The letter was signed
by 143 parents representing more than 200 of our students. These parents along with others. You have heard tonight respectfully ask that you reconsider this plan and try to find some other way forward. I recognize that the
budget is very complex and difficult and these are hard decisions. I also know that you 2 want everyone to say in the most positive way. Look
what Fairfax's to. Caitlin Murphy. Cait. Murphy. Caitlin
Murphy, Theodore, she. Theodore, she. Theodore, she. Back be Gray who indicated
that she? Online Phoebe Gray. Phoebe Gray. Andrew Solomon.
>> Good evening and thank you all for your time and attention. I know this is a long night. And I realize this is an incredibly difficult situation. I've done it. I have to beat school 07:30AM,
in the morning up at 05:00AM. So please understand that I wouldn't be here if I didn't think this was life and Fairfax, parents of 3 AP, Spanish immersion elementary
students and a high school turned of to school teacher of 15 years. I was raised here my whole life is here. I'm still raising my family here. I love this county, but I'm not
feeling that those in charge. Love us back right now. As a teacher, I'm grateful for raises really am. But I'm curious that my 3 kids and my
students, the school will pay the direct price for the Rays and giving. sickened that Supervisor. McKay would take credit for a raise while cutting our proposed budget by
over 100 million dollars. That's ludicrous. And to close to this. I don't understand how anyone can hold a raise in one hand and a massive cut in the other with a straight
face. It's insulting. I don't know what the tipping point is here. We have an auditorium full of advocates and 200 speakers. This this county's
my lifelong home and I'm devastated to see it going backwards. We re leaders for so long and I don't understand what's happening with recent decisions by leadership. Our
morale is dying. These endless budget crises are killing us, which I don't believe is hyperbole at this point. Cutting special education, cutting A R t special
after-school programs monitors big class sizes streaming are already deeply streams. Staff. This goes against every academic study and
evidence-based recommendation. This is irresponsible and sound policy and antithesis of
equity. Please fix this. >> Melissa Rosman.
>> I've been waiting for that. Good evening. Members of the board and Doctor Reed. My name is Melissa Rosman and I am the reading Specialist at Freedom Hill Elementary and Fcps
parent. Some of my kids are also twice exceptional. We're losing 3 tight full-time positions and our monitors to cover daily that if he can seize in our school and stop
me from stopping in classrooms. We're losing our special education Department chair. Part time, RT part-time and our elementary math
resource teacher and other individual staffed by monitor funds. Elementary cuts, hurt schools that have large multi-lingual and special
education populations like mine. I want to say clearly that we are working so hard to regain academic losses that these students experienced in
the pandemic and our children are finally making progress. But we are a transient school. So we start again with many
new students every year. If elementary school teachers bear the burden of these cuts, we will face the burnout. We saw just 3 years ago. And the burnout I experienced this
year with all of the changes in literacy. I have seen teachers Hubert out, walk off the job mid-year or leave the field, leaving those school
leaders, some of whom you're cutting to fill these positions every day. We need to be clear that these cuts
occur just as the new state accreditation system. It's coming into place. Our teachers are pushing ourselves and our students as hard and
as fast as we can towards progress and closing the gaps. We are making progress with
the students. Jeffrey Connor, Naylor. Thank you. >> First of all, I just want to say things tell all of you
for making these very tough, tough decisions for all of our kids. A lot of what I wanted to say has already been said.
What I will say is a story. My who is at Oak Hill elementary School. She has a range
>> hurdles that he deals with, including anxiety in the last 2, 2, weeks, I stood outside school with him for about 40 minutes or so. >> As you had and and anxiety
attack, we almost went home. It was it not for the special staff he most likely would have missed those. 2, 2, 2, 2,
days of school. >> I fear that with the cuts to special Ed that the staff that are able to support him.
We're not have the time to support all of the kids and the way that they current currently support. My my my son. So I would just ask that
all of you, please re re. Consider cuts to the special Ed chair and thank you.
>> our highs are. That is our last public speaker. Thank you and thank you for sharing your comments this evening. The border schedule the Budget Committee meeting on May 20th 2025.
>> I will take action on the fiscal year 2026 approved budget. Our regular meeting on Thursday May 22nd 2025. If you wish to provide any feedback to the board before the vote or to submit written copies of
testimony provided night. Please do so by sending your comments. >> 2 excuse me. >> Community participation at SCPS Edu. Thank you for your participation for staying so
late and have a wonderful
evening. This meeting is
adjourned.
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