Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is preparing to become one of the first school divisions in the United States to pilot ChatGPT for Teachers, an artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI. Superintendent Michelle Reid announced that FCPS will be part of a select group of districts guiding the rollout of this technology nationwide.
According to Reid, “Earlier this week, I was pleased to share that working together with OpenAI, FCPS will be in the first cohort of school divisions across the nation to help guide how ChatGPT for Teachers rolls out across the United States. We are, in essence, trailblazing a path for hundreds of other school divisions and communities to follow.” She added that access to ChatGPT will be provided at no cost for FCPS schools until June 2027 and will only be available for staff use. The initiative is being led by the FCPS Department of Information Technology (DIT), which has ensured compliance with data privacy agreements and contract terms.
Reid emphasized that this move supports FCPS’s goal to “Meet the Moment with AI” by equipping staff with advanced tools such as Google’s Gemini alongside ChatGPT. She stated, “We are excited to embark on this journey as part of a select Cohort 1 of school districts nationwide, positioning FCPS as a national leader in the responsible deployment of AI in K–12 education! Our DIT team is setting up access for Team FCPS in the coming weeks.”
The superintendent also reported on several recent community events. At Oakton High School, parents and administrators discussed expanding Algebra 1 access by sixth grade and upcoming construction projects. At Greenbriar East Elementary School, employees participated in discussions about supporting students with disabilities and using artificial intelligence.
Centreville High School hosted a community update on its renovation plans. Several elementary schools welcomed astronaut Dr. George C. Nield through a new partnership between FCPS and the Space Foundation, aiming to inspire students toward careers in science and engineering.
Reid attended additional events throughout the week including a Virginia School Board Association convention, student performances at Hunters Woods Elementary School and South Lakes High School, co-ed wrestling scrimmages at Justice High School, and community service activities such as the DC Giving Machine ribbon cutting in Tysons.
Reflecting on these experiences, Director Michael Viola said about South Lakes Theatre Arts Company’s performance: “the story is personal for me, but I know it is also personal for so many in our community. I’m proud of our students for telling such a moving and sensitive story with such exceptional maturity.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, Reid expressed gratitude toward staff members: “I remain so grateful for having the opportunity to serve you and this incredible community of students and families. Together, all things are possible …”
She concluded her message by wishing everyone a joyful holiday week.
