Dear Friends of the City of Fairfax Schools,
 

As my tenure as the Superintendent of the City of Fairfax Schools is ending, I cannot help but reflect on the positive things that have happened in our schools during the past five years.   Staff members and students achieved in so many ways, bringing honor to themselves and to our community. Our City schools have continued to make academic progress and to close achievement gaps. Our students have demonstrated amazing skills and talents in the arts and athletics and other activities. We have had a lot to celebrate!

I was especially fortunate to be part of the re-dedications of the newly renovated Lanier Middle and Fairfax High Schools and to mark the ten year anniversaries of the Daniels Run and Providence Elementary Schools' consolidations and renovations.   The City of Fairfax has generously invested in its schools so that we can take pride in all of our buildings.

But most of all, I got to work with wonderfully dedicated people in our City schools, at City Hall, in the School Board office and with the members of the Board. As a resident of the City, I was not always aware of the quality of services that we take for granted.   Now I am very aware and very grateful, especially for the incredible School Board we have, as I have observed first- hand how much these wonderful public servants care about our schools and our students.

I have every confidence that Peter Noonan, the new City Superintendent, will be successful. He is fortunate to have the support of School Board Chairman Janice Miller whose dedication and work ethic are extraordinary. Dr. Noonan and Mrs. Miller and the rest of the School Board will face new challenges in the years ahead, but they are prepared to do what is needed to protect the City's investment in public education and to provide great learning opportunities for all students.

Best wishes,

Ann Monday

Superintendent, City of Fairfax Schools

Dear City of Fairfax School parents, staff and residents,

I am sure I join many of you when I say I cannot believe we find ourselves in mid-June and at the end of the school year. It has been a year filled with a variety of experiences and excitement. Our students have matured academically and have thrived in music and the arts as well as in athletics and environmental activities.

This June we also say sad farewells to both Superintendent Ann Monday and longtime Daniels Run principal Kathy Mullenix. Both Ann and Kathy have dedicated their lives to educating and nurturing children and we are going to miss their leadership and commitment to all students. We are happy to welcome Dr. Peter Noonan as our new Superintendent, and Mr. Adam Erbrecht as principal of Daniels Run. We hope you join us in helping them become part of our City of Fairfax school family.

This year -- as well as next -- is not without challenges. As many of you are aware, after being under-enrolled for many years, the City schools have recently experienced a significant increase in the numbers of students in our buildings. This school year Fairfax High School, for the first time in its history, has an enrollment that exceeds its capacity.   For this reason, Fairfax County Schools, which the City contracts to operate its schools, installed four temporary classrooms at Fairfax High.

As numbers continue to increase at Fairfax, additional temporary classrooms are needed and will be installed this summer.   At the same time, the City of Fairfax School Board is actively advocating and working with FCPS for a boundary adjustment that will decrease student enrollment. Boundary changes are challenging for school communities and students.   Working with Fairfax County, the City School Board will do all that is possible to keep constituents informed and provide ways for stakeholders to participate in the process.   We ask for your understanding and patience as we partner with the County School Board to make decisions that serve all students and families well. We ensure you this is our first priority.