School Board Regular Meeting

Presented

• 2.02
  Student Representative Report: Siya Batra · Student Representative Siya Batra delivered her report covering recent activities and achievements at Daniels Run ES, Providence ES, Katherine Johnson Middle School, and Fairfax High School.

  • Fairfax High Schoolin progress[2.02] Batra reported that Fairfax High School hosted a science fair with over 300 projects and 500 students, held arts and DECA events, and has students advancing to states in wrestling, swimming, and DECA. [4.02] The School Board approved a $2,000 donation to the Fairfax High School All Night Graduation Celebration. Superintendent Platenberg reported that the FHS Press Box project received final electrical approval, and noted other FHS improvements including security enhancements, artificial turf field, new band practice field, new turf baseball field with updated dugouts, renovated field house concession stand, a new state-of-the-art auditorium sound system, and outdoor learning areas.
  • Katherine Johnson Middle School[2.02] Batra reported KJMS after-school programs, a second-place finish in MathCounts advancing to states, a regional Science Olympiad championship advancing to states, and futsal team victories. [2.03] Principal Chris Smith presented the State of the Schools report covering demographics, academic goals in math and English, the AART program, extracurriculars, community spirit, and current facilities updates. Superintendent Platenberg mentioned his visit to KJMS during which he and Rotary Club members distributed copies of the Constitution to 8th grade students. Board member Bartelme mentioned reviewing KJMS student essay contest submissions as the School Board Rotary Club representative, with a winner to be announced soon.
  • Providence ESin progress[2.02] Batra reported that Providence ES held its History Fair, a PTA Bingo Night, Spirit Fridays, and announced an upcoming STEAM Night on March 13. Board members Hickman and Cecere shared their experiences reading at Providence ES for Read Across America, and Cecere commended the first annual History Fair at Providence and noted upcoming STEAM Night on March 13.
• 2.03
  Katherine Johnson Middle School State of the Schools Report · Principal Chris Smith presented the State of the Schools report to the Board, covering demographics, math and English outcomes and goals, the AART program, electives, after-school opportunities, community spirit initiatives, and facilities updates.

  Katherine Johnson Middle School
• 5
  Superintendent Matters · Superintendent Platenberg shared announcements including National Reading Month, final electrical approval for the FHS Press Box project, other FHS facility improvements, the upcoming budget presentation to City Council, and his visit to KJMS with Rotary Club members.

  • FHS Press BoxcompletedSuperintendent Platenberg reported that the FHS Press Box project received its final electrical approval.
  • FY 2026 Budgetin progressSuperintendent Platenberg noted that the budget presentation to City Council was scheduled for the following evening. Chair Pitches asked about having FCPS CFO Leigh Burden present on FCPS FY26 budget proposals and cuts; Superintendent Platenberg reported Ms. Burden indicated it would be premature to present now but she is willing once impacts are finalized.

  Fairfax High Schoolin progressKatherine Johnson Middle School
• 6
  Board Matters · Board members shared updates on community and school events they attended or were anticipating. Chair Pitches raised the possibility of FCPS CFO Leigh Burden presenting to the board on FCPS FY26 budget proposals; Superintendent Platenberg relayed that Ms. Burden indicated it would be premature at this time but is willing to present once impacts are finalized.

  Providence ESin progressFY 2026 BudgetapprovedKatherine Johnson Middle School