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February Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
As our community experiences the first snow days of the season due to the recent winter storm, I encourage students, families, staff, and community members to stay informed by referring to the Weather Updates on the FCPS website for the latest information, including available community resources during winter weather.
The safety of our students and staff remains the highest priority for the division. I appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate these winter conditions together.
Wishing everyone a safe, warm, and restful time during these snow days.
 Past and Present School Board Members
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first elected School Board in Fairfax County’s history. Serving on this Board is a profound responsibility—to the almost 180,000 students we serve today, but also to the legacy of those who first stepped into these elected roles in 1996.
 School Board Meeting circa 1996
Much of our work naturally focuses on what comes next—the next budget, the next boundary decision, the next Capital Improvement Program (CIP), etc.
But an anniversary like this invites us to pause and reflect on how far we have come. It was especially meaningful to reconnect with former School Board Members and their families and to honor the foundation they helped build.
 Ryan McElveen, School Board Member, At-Large (L) and I with the Supervisor Kathy Smith (Sully District; Former School Board Member). Also seen behind me are Phil Niedzielski-Eichner (Providence District, Former School Board Member), Sandy Evans (Mason District, Former School Board Member), and Sandy Anderson, School Board Member (Springfield).
The work of a School Board is a continuous thread, woven across generations. Our past and present are deeply connected.
As we celebrate milestones such as the opening of new schools and the implementation of life-changing academic policies, I also reflect on pivotal moments in our division’s history: the implementation of the Standards of Learning in 1998, the teacher salary restructuring of 2000–2001, the Strategic Governance Initiative of 2005, and the critical expansion of full-day kindergarten—beginning in 2007 and reaching full countywide implementation in 2011.
These efforts, along with many others, continue to shape who we are today.
This anniversary is a reminder that progress is built over time, through thoughtful leadership, community partnership, and a shared commitment to our students.
Best,
Ilryong Moon
What's New & What's Next
Boundary Changes
Budget Review
Celebrate Lunar New Year
What's Happened in January
Student Leadership Development Program Cohort
Meeting with Jihoon Shin, Assistant Principal at Chantilly High School
Celebrating Principal at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Celebrating 60 Years of Fairfax Villa Elementary School
Bailey's Community Partners Celebration
Groveton Elementary School - Career Day
English Class at Woodson High School
MLK Day Celebration
Bulletin
2026 Student Representative Applications Now Open
FCPS Mobile App - Stay in the loop for essential updates
Statement Regarding Hayfield and Fairfax Football Investigation
Braddock District Supervisor Office Open House
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Boundary Changes
 On January 22, the School Board voted on proposed boundary changes for Fairfax County Public Schools.
This decision marks the first comprehensive boundary adjustment in more than 40 years and reflects a year and a half of study, extensive community input, and careful deliberation.
Throughout this process, families shared concerns about long-standing issues such as attendance islands, split feeder patterns, and overcrowded schools. At the same time, parents and students emphasized the importance of neighborhood connectivity—how attending school together helps build friendships, community identity, and continuity across grade levels. Both perspectives are valid and deeply felt.
Boundary changes are never easy. I am grateful to the students, families, staff, and community members who participated in meetings, submitted feedback, and shared their experiences throughout this process. While changes can be challenging, these decisions were made to better balance enrollment, reduce overcrowding, minimize travel time where possible, ensure equitable access to school facilities across the county, and establish more consistent attendance zones.
However, I remain particularly concerned about the transportation implications of this vote. Over the last three decades, we have always provided transportation to students who opted to stay at their current schools under phased-in implementation of the boundary changes. We do not yet have any plan for the transportation at this point, and that is a huge disappointment.
As we move forward, implementation details and ongoing communication will be critical. I will continue advocating for solutions that prioritize student well-being, minimize disruption for families, and reflect the values our community has consistently expressed.
Thank you all for your continued support and advocacy.
Budget
 Budget Transparency in February
Superintendent Dr. Reid presented her proposed budget at the last school board meeting on January 22. You can watch the presentation to the Board, and find budget related materials on the FCPS Budget webpage.
As we turn the page from January into February, attention shifts to both the county and school budget processes.
Chairman Jeff McKay will share the County Executive presentation on the FY 2027 Advertised Budget on February 17. At that time, all proposed reductions and funding priorities will become publicly available. From that point through final adoption, both the County Board of Supervisors and the School Board will hear from community for any consideration for adjustments.
While it is not possible to meet every expectation, we can continue to commit to making decisions that are data-driven, fiscally responsible and transparent.
Key Upcoming Dates -
February 10: Budget Public Hearing
February 17: County Executive releases the FY 2027 Advertised Budget Plan
February 24: Joint County/School Budget Committee meeting to discuss the FY 2027 Budget
February 26: School Board adopts FY 2027 Proposed Budget Plan
I encourage our community to stay engaged and informed as we move through this important period. I will continue to share updates as the budget process progresses.
Happy Lunar New Year
This year’s Lunar New Year's Day is February 17, welcoming the Year of the Fire (Red) Horse.
Happy Lunar New Year! | 새해 복 많이 받으세요! | 新年快乐! | Tết Nguyên Đán!
I hope you have a joyful and meaningful Lunar New Year celebration. The Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes intense passion, rapid change, bold action, and transformative growth. It represents a powerful and auspicious period marked by ambition, innovation, and the courage to break old patterns.
The Year of the Horse comes in every 12 years; but, The Year of the Fire Horse occurs only once every 60 years and is believed to bring a surge of creativity, new opportunities, and a faster pace of progress.
To all who celebrate Lunar New Year, I wish you a year filled with health, prosperity, and new beginnings.
What’s Happened in January
Student Leadership Development Program -
Empathy and Perspective Talking
 At the January meeting of the Student Leadership Development Program, I spoke about my leadership journey and how empathy played an important role in my leadership style. I was joined by my colleague Robyn Lady (Dranesville).
Students facilitated a thoughtful discussion on leadership, emphasizing that strong leaders collaborate, invite creative ideas, and—most importantly—practice empathy and perspective-taking in real-world decision-making.
Ms. Lady shared her own leadership journey—from serving as a school counselor and Director of Student Services to now serving as Vice Chair of the School Board. She reminded students that empathy is not simply “being nice,” but the ability to understand why someone feels the way they do, even when you disagree.
When it was my turn, I shared that empathy begins with patience and listening. In my former career practicing law, I learned that people often come to you carrying a lot—and many times, what they want most is simply to be heard. The same is true in public service.
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about how we treat people, how we listen, and whether we keep students at the center of every decision. I’m thankful to our students for reminding us of that.
Meeting with Jihoon Shin, Assistant Principal at Chantilly High School
 Assistant Principal Jihoon Shin (L), and with Carter, his son, taken last year (R)
For Assistant Principal Jihoon, education isn’t just a career path—it’s a calling defined by purpose, family, and an unwavering commitment to the next generation. His journey began at Boston College, where he was originally a history major. He, at first, was not sure whether he wanted to become a teacher even while realizing his genuine love for working with kids coaching summer sports, but it was his wife, Haemin, who truly illuminated his professional path. Her own determination to become a teacher inspired Jihoon to see how he could turn his passion for youth mentorship into a lifelong career. This led him to a five-year program where he earned both his Bachelor's degree and a Master’s in Education, setting the stage for a life of service alongside Haemin, also an educator within the Fairfax County Public Schools.
While many first-generation Asian immigrant families grow up with strong cultural expectations around careers such as medicine or law, Jihoon followed his conviction that education was one of the most impactful professions one could choose. He often reflects on the unique nature of the field, holding a deep belief that teaching is perhaps the only job where a single individual can directly impact thousands of students who will go on to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and contributors to society. Jihoon built his foundational experience in the classroom at Hayfield, Oakton, and Robinson before transitioning into leadership. His administrative career has since taken him through Mark Twain Middle School and Lake Anne Elementary, eventually bringing him home to Chantilly High School. Long before he joined the administrative team here, he was a "Chantilly Dad." Connection to his school began in the bleachers and auditoriums supporting his own children’s activities, and this dual perspective—as both a parent and an administrator—is the heartbeat of his leadership style today.
His commitment to “showing up” is deeply personal, rooted in his own childhood in a busy immigrant household. While his parents worked tirelessly, they always made time to attend his orchestra performances, experiences that left a lasting impression on him. The one wrestling match they were able to attend also became a vivid, defining memory—reinforcing how meaningful presence can be. Those moments shaped a lifelong promise to be present for his own children and his students. Whether it is a milestone performance or an athletic competition, Jihoon makes it a priority to be there. Athletics has long been a classroom for resilience in his life. A former wrestler himself, he passed that discipline on to his son, Carter, a two-time Virginia State Champion. Wrestling opened doors for Carter to represent Team USA at the Pan American Championships in Brazil and the World Championships in Athens, and he will continue both his academic and athletic journey at Harvard University. Today, Jihoon brings that experience back to our halls as a coach, mentoring student-athletes in lessons of grit, discipline, and character that extend far beyond the mat.
As an Asian American educator, Jihoon understands the profound importance of representation and mentorship. He encourages our students to look beyond narrow definitions of success and pursue their true passions, reminding the community that while the profession may not always be viewed as glamorous, its impact is infinite.Through his leadership, coaching, and daily presence, Assistant Principal Jihoon continues to prepare the next generation—one student at a time.
Celebrating Principal at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
 I had the privilege of visiting Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) along with my colleague School Board Member, At-Large Ryan McElveen to celebrate an exceptional leader, Principal Mike Mukai, as he received the Office of the Chief of Schools Outstanding Principal Award.
This recognition reflects Mr. Mukai’s outstanding dedication, vision, and leadership, which have had a profound impact on the TJHSST community. His nomination also allows him to move forward in the selection process for FCPS Outstanding Principal for the 2025–26 school year, an honor that speaks to the excellence he brings to students, staff, and families every day.
 The award presentation was a special surprise for Mr. Mukai, made even more meaningful by the presence and support of the TJ community. It was a joyful moment to recognize the leadership that helps make TJHSST such an extraordinary place for learning and innovation.
Congratulations to Mr. Mukai on this well-deserved recognition—we are grateful for his continued service and leadership.
Celebrating 60 Years of Fairfax Villa Elementary School
 Fairfax Villa Elementary School, which opened in 1965, celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and marked the milestone with a special community celebration held this January. I was honored to attend the event alongside my colleague, At-Large Member Ryan McElveen.
Families, students, staff, and alumni gathered for a fun, family-friendly evening filled with music, memories, and school pride. The celebration featured a DJ and dance party, activities for all ages, and a special look back at the school’s history. Flags from around the world lined the walls of the school, including those of Burkina Faso and Eritrea, reflecting the rich diversity of the Fairfax Villa community.
It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and honor the people and moments that have shaped Fairfax Villa into the “small school with a big heart” it continues to be today.
Bailey's Community Partners Celebration
 Community Partners and Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez with his facial profile shown on the far right
I was honored to attend the Bailey’s Community Partners Celebration alongside my colleague, At-Large School Board Member Ryan McElveen, and Mason District School Board Member Ricardy Anderson. It was a privilege to witness the strong collaboration between our schools and the broader community. It was even more meaningful that the celebration was held at Bailey's Upper Elementary School, the only school in Fairfax County where we turned a commercial office building into a school building. It is a national model, and I was happy to support this model back in 2013.
The important work our educators do, both inside and outside the classroom, is strengthened by the dedication of our community partners. Through literacy support, health services, mentoring, and access to essential resources, these partners make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for the invitation and for the opportunity to express our appreciation. Congratulations to all of the certificate recipients, and thank you to everyone who makes up the Bailey’s family.
Groveton Elementary School - Career Day
 I was pleased to attend Groveton Elementary School’s Career Day, where students had the opportunity to learn from a wide range of professionals, including representatives from media, farming, and the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Each guest shared insights into their career paths and engaged students through a lively question-and-answer session.
It was wonderful to see students excitedly exploring the many possibilities before them and learning about the diverse careers they might one day pursue. The curiosity and enthusiasm in their eyes were truly inspiring. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and community partners who made this meaningful event possible.
English Class at Woodson High School
 I was honored when Ms. Esther Cho, an English 9 Honors and AP English Language (AP Lang) teacher at Woodson High School, invited me to speak with her students as part of their Asian American Voices unit in AP Lang. Ms. Cho and her students have been studying a variety of Asian American texts and experiences, and I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their learning.
During the month of January, students examined themes such as the American Dream, the model minority myth, cultural and generational gaps, cultural assimilation and preservation, and stereotypes and microaggressions. They also read excerpts from my book, Hamburger Coke.
I shared my personal journey with the students: from arriving in the United States as an immigrant teenager and an ESL (English as a Second Language) student; graduating from an Ivy League school; to practicing law for 40 years while serving for nearly three decades on the School Board and the Fairfax County Planning Commission.
It was a meaningful and enjoyable conversation, and I appreciate the students' thoughtful questions and reflections. Thank you to Ms. Cho for the invitation and for creating a space where students can explore these important perspectives and conversations.
Thank you, students, for welcoming me with such enthusiasm. Thank you also for your thoughtful thank-you card!
MLK Day Celebration
 I was honored to be invited to the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Worship Gathering at First Baptist Church of Vienna. Each year, this service brings our community together to reflect on and recommit to the life and legacy of Dr. King.
During the gathering, one member of the clergy shared a message that stayed with me. While not in his exact phrasing throughout, he pointedly addressed that “We always seem to have money to go to war, but not to feed those in poverty,” noting that this reality exists not only at the federal and state levels, but also within local government. His words were a powerful call to examine our priorities and our moral responsibilities.
Congressman James Walkinshaw also attended and shared a message, paraphrasing, that there are people who always talk about the American Dream on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but forget about it the very next day. His words stayed with me.
My parents’ pursuit of their American Dream to provide for their children, and my own dream of serving our community and supporting my children’s aspirations, were all made possible by the strong public education we provide for ALL STUDENTS.
Public education matters. I am grateful to the teachers, staff, and employees across Fairfax County Public Schools who work every day to provide a world-class education and to help keep the American Dream within reach for all of our students.
Bulletin
2026 Student Representative Applications Now Open
 FCPS students in grades 9–11 can apply to become the next Student Representative to the School Board. While the role is non-voting, it provides a unique platform for students to represent their peers and share their perspectives at the county level.
Application Details:
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Deadline: Written applications are due February 23, 2026.
30 Second Candidate Video Statement; due March 16, 2026.
- Candidate will be emailed a link to record their video on March 2, 2026.
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Election Process:
- Virtual Primary Election: April 23, 2026
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