Attendees at last week's Fairfax County School Board work session, which discussed the Governance Committee's draft policy, protested in silence by carrying signs that said, "What are the facts to support this change?" and "#FairfactsMatters."
The Fairfax County School Board scheduled action to amend Policy 8130 on adjusting school boundaries at its meeting on July 18, 2024. The revised draft policy, Policy 8130.8, is subject to updates. Updated policy will focus more on capacity, staff discussions indicate.
On Tuesday, June 25, the school board held a work session to consider the Governance Committee draft policy amid a silent protest, with residents holding up signs that read, "What are the facts to support this change?" #FairfactsMatters."
The public cannot comment during work sessions, but attendees can view the meeting in person and access the video. The school board advanced the proposed amended Policy 8130.8.
The school board adopted the original boundary policy on July 1, 1986, and has since revised it seven times, beginning in 1986 with Policy 8130.1, followed in 1989, 1998, 2000, 2010, and most recently, the seventh time, on May 9, 2013.
Superintendent Michelle Reid’s work begins if and after the school board approves the proposed updated policy, Policy 8130.8, on July 18. She will use Policy 8130.8 to review and propose future school boundary changes.
Before proposing any potential boundary changes, the school board must engage the community and vote on any recommended permanent boundary changes. Only then will there be an official implementation date.
<1b>— Mercia Hobson