School Board Work Session

Discussed

• 1.01
  School Board Student Representative Selection Process · Mrs. Dorsey presented on the selection process. Guests Mr. Friedman and Ms. Horn shared expertise on how the selection and leadership program works best. The board and staff agreed that an application and interview process was the best way to proceed.

  • SB Student Representative Selection Process[1.01] The board reviewed the student representative selection process and agreed that an application and interview process was the best approach, informed by input from Fairfax HS Leadership Teacher Mr. David Friedman and former SB representative Ms. Kylie Horn.
  • Fairfax HS[1.01] Fairfax HS was referenced as the home institution of guest presenter and Leadership Teacher Mr. David Friedman.
• 1.02
  Budget Reduction Exercise Discussion · Mr. Platenberg informed the board of a city finance department request to identify 10% in cost savings for FY2026. Chair Pitches and other board members expressed opposition to further cuts beyond already-agreed concessions, citing the tuition bill comprising 90% of the schools budget, short timing of the request, and uncertainty around federal funding.

  • Budget Reduction Exercise[1.02] The City of Fairfax finance department requested all city departments, including City of Fairfax Schools, to identify 10% in cost savings for FY2026; the board discussed and expressed broad opposition to further cuts beyond already-agreed concessions.
  • FY 2026 Budgetapproved[1.02] The board discussed FY2026 budget pressures, with Chair Pitches noting the tuition bill constitutes 90% of the schools budget and refusing to cut instructional resources, staff, or programs; other board members concurred and raised concerns about timing and unknown federal funding.
• 1.03
  Student Panel Format Preview · Mr. Dorsey gave a history of the student panel event with middle and high school students. The 2024 Student Panel Questions were reviewed and edited by board members. Topics identified include grading, buildings, cell phone policy, and course registration/options. Questions will be prepared and sent to invited students for the panel on April 21, 2025.

  • Student Panel[1.03] The board reviewed and edited student panel questions covering grading, buildings, cell phone policy, and course registration; the panel is scheduled for April 21, 2025.