Fairfax County, located in Northern Virginia, is home to one of the largest school divisions in the United States. With a diverse student population of over 181,000 students speaking more than 200 languages, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. As an expert in the field of education, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the growth and development of this dynamic school system. Currently, FCPS has 222 schools and serves 178,479 students. The district has a minority enrollment of 60%, making it a truly diverse and inclusive community.
In my experience, diversity is not just about numbers, but also about creating an environment where all students feel valued and supported. One of the key figures driving positive change in FCPS is Superintendent Scott Brabrand. With his innovative ideas and fresh perspective, Brabrand has brought a new energy to Fairfax County. In just one year, he has visited most of the county's 198 schools, prioritizing being present and interacting with students, families, and staff. As Brabrand often says, “You can't direct people you don't know or programs you don't understand.” This philosophy is reflected in his approach to leadership. He believes in building relationships and understanding the needs of the community before making any decisions.
This has led to successful partnerships between FCPS and various county government agencies. During a recent discussion on the “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, Brabrand highlighted some of the collaborations already underway with the County Police Department, Department of Health, early childhood organizations, and other community services. These partnerships are crucial in creating a holistic support system for students and their families. As FCPS implements a new strategic plan, schools have also developed their own strategic plan with five student outcome objectives and four pillars for implementation. One of the key priorities is workforce development, as Brabrand notes that 65% of current students are preparing for careers that don't yet exist. In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the future. This is where innovation and creativity come into play.
Brabrand spoke about how the community can support these efforts by creating “safe spaces for failure” where students can develop fundamental lifelong skills. But Brabrand's philosophy of innovation and growth extends beyond students. He also advocates for creating inclusive spaces where teachers, administrators, and educational leaders can collaborate, challenge conventional practices, and adapt to meet the changing needs of students. By encouraging innovation and growth in both students and educators, Brabrand affirms that we can collectively build a better future for our communities. And with FCPS being one of the largest employers in Virginia, with over 24,000 full-time employees, this positive impact extends beyond just the students. FCPS also takes pride in its diverse workforce, with 92.9% of employees working in schools. This diversity is reflected in the bus fleet as well, which is one of the largest in the country with over 1520 buses. As an expert in education, I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by school systems when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
But FCPS has been a pioneer in this regard. In fact, it was one of the first school systems in Virginia to desegregate its schools back in 1954. However, this process was not without its challenges. In response to desegregation efforts, the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted legislation to stop the process and took control of all Virginia schools. This led to the shutdown of school systems in an attempt to desegregate. But FCPS remained committed to its mission of providing quality education to all students.
Over the years, the school system has expanded to include more than 196 schools and centers, including 22 high schools, 3 high schools, 23 middle schools, and 141 primary schools. In 1958, the Fairfax County School Board voted to change from a configuration of 7-5-6-2-4 grades to a more traditional 6-3-3 model. This required the creation of middle schools for students in grades 7 and 8.At the time, FCPS consisted of 41 schools, with 28 being predominantly white and 13 predominantly black. Today, FCPS is divided into regions, each comprising several pyramids of secondary schools and their primary and secondary schools. This structure allows for better management and coordination between schools in the same region. Over the years, FCPS has seen many changes in leadership. But one constant has been the commitment to providing quality education to all students.
In fact, when former Superintendent Jack D. Dale resigned in 2012, Deputy School Superintendent William J. Davis was appointed as his successor. The school system is governed by the Fairfax County School Board, which works closely with the Virginia Board of Education to establish policies and guidelines for proper administration and operation of FCPS. As an expert in education, I have had the privilege of working with various school systems across the country. But FCPS stands out for its commitment to diversity, innovation, and inclusivity.
It is a shining example of how a diverse community can come together to create a better future for its students.
