Family Forums

Q: What are the main priorities in the proposed FCPS budget?
A: The proposed budget focuses on supporting student health, instructional accountability, school safety and nutrition, filling teacher vacancies, recruitment incentives, and infrastructure upgrades across the division.

Q: Can you explain the infrastructure funding FCPS1 is requesting from the county?
A: FCPS1 requested funding for four additional buses, which would bring the division to eight new buses for next school year. The long-term goal is to add 12 new buses annually to continue improving transportation reliability and fleet replacement.

Q: Can you break down how funding for Special Education is spent?
A: Special education funding supports student needs and services across the division. This does not include additional outside funding received through CSA (Children’s Services Act).

Q: Special education services and IEP implementation seem to vary from school to school. How is FCPS1 working to ensure consistency?
A: FCPS1 is continuing to train new special education teachers, expand the use of behavior interventionists, and strengthen inclusion practices in alignment with state guidance. The division is also working to standardize IEP processes across all schools. In addition, instructional assistant contract days are being increased to provide stronger support for students and staff.

Q: Do we anticipate additional changes to the instructional performance framework?
A: At this time, major changes are not anticipated. Cut scores have been delayed, and Region 4 divisions are advocating for additional information regarding those scores. 

Q: Art counseling curriculums available to families?
A: Yes. Families can contact their school counseling office to request information about the counseling curriculum.

Q: Are teacher pay raises dependent on state funding?
A: FCPS1 has established a goal of increasing teacher pay by 15% over three years. Recent state budgets and funding indicators continue to show support for achieving that goal.

Q: If the state increases funding for teacher pay, could FCPS1 exceed the 15% goal?
A: Based on the proposed state budget for the next two years, FCPS1 is confident that division and state funding will support achieving the planned 15% increase goal.

Q: What is FCPS1 doing to fill teacher vacancies?
A: FCPS1 continues to focus on recruitment incentives, competitive compensation, mentoring support, and targeted hiring efforts, especially in high-need areas such as special education.

Q: What recruitment incentives are currently in place?
A: The division has implemented incentives aimed at increasing hiring in critical shortage areas, including special education and specialized programming positions.

Q: Can you explain the discipline process when an allegation involving a staff member arises?
A: When an allegation is received, FCPS1 immediately involves Human Resources, school administration, and the staff member. Interviews may also include students and other staff members. In many cases, the staff member is placed on administrative leave while the investigation takes place. Administrative leave is not punitive, but it allows for a thorough and appropriate review process. If the employee returns, expectations and supports are clearly established.

Q: Are students supported during this process, especially if a staff member returns to the classroom?
A: Yes. FCPS1 provides support systems for students throughout the process. Best practice includes ensuring students receive support and appropriate interventions before a staff member returns to the classroom environment.

Q: Is there a process for monitoring staff performance and accountability?
A: Yes. Teachers are evaluated annually, including classroom observations. Mentoring and additional support are provided for new teachers and staff members who may need additional assistance. Principals are also evaluated regularly, including stakeholder feedback surveys conducted every three years. Families are encouraged to raise concerns directly with school administration or the Superintendent’s Office as issues arise.

Q: Have there been updates to the Raptor visitor management system?
A: Yes. The Raptor system is updated annually and continues to provide strong visitor screening, safety protections, and a comprehensive security database for schools across the division.

Q: How do I know who represents my school on the Parent Focus Group?
A: Families with questions about representation or participation are encouraged to contact their school principal or the Superintendent directly for the most accurate information.

Q: Will FCPS use the mClass and Dibbles literacy programs next year?
A: FCPS is currently evaluating the best literacy program. Reading specialists will assess the effectiveness and value of both programs at the end of this year to make an informed decision.

Q: Is cursive writing part of the literacy program?
A: Yes, cursive writing has been reintroduced to the literacy curriculum as per the new standards. It will begin in second grade and continue through middle school.

Q: Who is on the Security Council?
A: The Security Council is a cross-section of community leaders dedicated to children's safety. It includes representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, School Division, and County Officials.

Q: Why did FCPS choose to shelter in place rather than evacuate during the gas leak incident?
A: The gas leak occurred on a chilly, rainy day at 1:00 p.m. The leaks were localized to specific areas at Taylor Middle School and Fauquier High School. At Taylor, students were sheltered in the gym, away from the leak near the front office. At Fauquier, students were relocated away from the older wing where the leak was concentrated.

Q: What is the process for being a mandatory reporter?
A: If a teacher or staff member receives information that necessitates reporting, they must inform their supervisor, who will then notify Child Protective Services (CPS). In cases where CPS has already been informed by the Sheriff's Office, the school division is notified immediately. Any involved staff members are placed on administrative leave while an investigation takes place.

Q: How would you rate the Special Education department's progress since you started, and what does the future hold?
A: Initially, my focus was on strengthening leadership within the department. With Angie Gum as Special Education Director, trust has been rebuilt with both teachers and families. I would rate us from a B at the start to a B+/A- now. The future looks promising with strong leadership, which will have a positive impact throughout our schools.

Q: Are you satisfied with the speed of change in the Special Education department?
A: I am never fully satisfied with the pace of change. However, it is important to ensure that change happens thoughtfully and without rushing, which could lead to mistakes.

Q: Why are there still many vacancies in Special Education positions?
A: While this hiring spring has been productive, Special Education positions are difficult to fill with qualified candidates due to the specialized nature of the roles.

Q: Would FCPS consider hiring contracted employees for these roles?
A: Yes, we have contracted some Special Education positions as a temporary solution. However, our priority is to hire permanent, qualified staff.

Q: Could there be a Special Education parental survey?
A: We are open to the idea and will consider it as we continue to seek feedback from families.

Q: What is your number one concern right now?
A: My main concern is the budget, especially with the potential impact of both state and national news on our financial resources.

Q: How will the national news affect our budget and monetary resources?
A: At the moment, there’s nothing coming from Richmond that gives me cause for concern regarding our budget. We are closely monitoring developments in surrounding counties, but so far, there is no indication that we need to make changes to our current practices.

Q: How should people best advocate for the upcoming budget?
A: The most effective way to advocate is by attending the public hearing and sharing your thoughts. It’s important for the community’s collective voice to be heard during these discussions.

Q: How are the County Board of Supervisors involved in FCPS decisions and needs?
A: School Board members invite County Board members to attend school events and meet with administration. They also engage in one-on-one meetings to discuss issues and collaborate on solutions.

Q: How is the Taylor Middle School project progressing?
A: The project is on track, and we are still aiming for completion in the fall of 2028. The timeline remains unchanged.

Q: What is the cost of the Taylor Middle School project?
A: The cost is still being reviewed by procurement, but we anticipate it will come in under $80 million, which is great news for the community.

Q: Are zone waivers carefully considered at schools with overcapacity?
A: Yes, principals carefully review zone waiver requests and can deny them based on the school’s capacity and available resources.

Q: What is the update on the family focus group?
A: The family focus group has met five times this year, and their feedback has been invaluable in shaping decisions around the calendar and budget. New members will be selected for next year. Themes from parents, particularly around compensation and special education, have been addressed in several key decisions.

Q: Are there any newer schools in the plan?
A: Currently, there’s discussion about redistricting rather than building new schools. Seven of our elementary schools are under 70% capacity, so redistricting is a quicker and more cost-effective solution compared to constructing new schools.

Q: Can the cell phone survey results be broken down by staff vs. parents?
A: Yes, those statistics will be presented at the November 11 School Board Meeting.

Q: Does the new cell phone policy include smartwatches?
A: It does. We aim to balance safety and learning. Watches are still part of the final board decision, so certain parameters are pending.

Q: Does the policy apply to adults?
A: Yes.

Q: Can elementary teachers still use their cell phones to capture class activities and student photos?
A: The general expectation is that all staff follow the guidelines.

Q: What is the justification for allowing students to use phones between classes and at lunch?
A: For safety and communication, particularly for parents coordinating with students regarding schedules and activities.

Q: How does the VLA apply to students with disabilities?
A: In-class interventions are provided, along with state-supplied supplemental materials.

Q: Where is the safe vestibule located for Taylor Middle School?
A: It is located in front of the main office. The design aims to secure students, though the office area may offer less shielding for employees.

Q: Can we improve interior safety, such as adding more cameras?
A: We annually apply for state security grants to enhance safety measures. Additional cameras and upgrades are prioritized based on school needs.

Q: How are safety priorities determined?
A: Priorities are based on student population, equipment age, and specific security concerns, with immediate repairs for any inoperative equipment.

Q: How is bullying and drug use addressed?
A: Principals respond to every reported incident of bullying. For drug-related issues, we maintain close communication with our SSO/SRO staff in each school.

Q: Can the public access incident reports?
A: Incidents are documented and reported to the state. Direct inquiries about specific incidents should be directed to the school principal.

Q: Do SROs rotate between schools?
A: SROs are assigned to base schools, with assignments determined by the Sheriff’s Office.

Q: What is the current status and financial impact of the Taylor project?
A: We plan to break ground next spring, with completion aimed for fall 2028. The budget has increased by about $3.5 million, though value engineering may reduce costs.

Q: Why not build new schools instead of renovating?
A: A discussion on school balance, enrollment, and redistricting will be needed in the near future.

Q: Why has there been a delay in addressing Taylor’s construction needs?
A: Moving students to another building was initially more cost-effective, leading to the current approach.

Q: Can there be more updates on Taylor at school board meetings?
A: Yes, we’ll aim to provide more frequent updates at school board meetings.

Q: How are we supporting English Language learners?
A: The state has funded 13 additional ESL teachers.

Q: Can parents view high school and middle school course selection and registration?
A: We are looking into ways for parents to participate and approve course selections, given the online process is new.

Q: How are class sizes monitored?
A: Enrollment is monitored monthly by school, grade level, and class.

Q: Why are history assessment scores low?
A: FCPS uses performance-based assessments, and only students with specific educational plans take the standard SOL exam. This was discussed in the September 9 School Board meeting.

Q: How can Southeastern Alternative students stay informed about base school activities?
A: We’ll coordinate with SAS staff to ensure students and families receive this information.

Q: Are reading specialists overwhelmed?
A: We adhere to state guidelines for reading specialist placements, and we recognize that VLA has increased their workload.

Q: Will there be a simplified budget overview?
A: Yes, the budget office will distribute a "budget cheat sheet" to parents starting in January.

Q: Is there an incentive program for bus drivers?
A: Retired FCPS staff or those from other divisions are eligible for a signing bonus if they return or join as bus drivers.