The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) community began the 2025-26 academic year with a strong start, according to Superintendent Michelle Reid. In her weekly message, Reid noted the efforts by staff across the division to welcome students and families, and highlighted key operational successes from the first week.
“Wow, what a smooth start to another epic school year we have had this week. As I have been out in the schools, I have been so moved by the intentional ways in which we are welcoming students, colleagues, and families to our learning communities. Further, our staff, in many different roles, and in ways large and small, are taking that extra time and putting that extra effort into making this start special for all involved. We continue to resolutely focus on our bold strategic plan and remain convinced that this is the year we have planned and prepared for and now we have the unique privilege of living our plan … As it is so often said, ‘Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.’ … loving the passion out there – in Our House …. Thank you!” said Reid.
Reid spent much of her week visiting several schools throughout Fairfax County including Centreville High School, Falls Church High School, Annandale High School, Lewis High School, Woodlawn Elementary School, South County Middle School, Saratoga Elementary School, Orange Hunt Elementary School, Little Run Elementary School and others. She described seeing students eager to learn and teachers creating welcoming environments.
She also shared data on staffing levels and operations for opening week: 99.7% of critical staff positions were filled—the highest rate in three years; 82,000 student devices were checked out; 96% of buses covering nearly 6,000 routes arrived on time; bus driver vacancies dropped by 48% compared to last year; and over 74,000 breakfasts and lunches were served.
“We continue to be so grateful for the many, many support staff who make sure that all of our schools and the varied needs of our students are met so that they can effectively learn. Thank you and well done, this work matters!!” she added.
Reid noted FCPS’s continued commitment to its 2023-30 Strategic Plan focused on excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students.
“As we move into the third year of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan, I look forward to continuing our work guided by our core values: excellence, equity, and opportunity — ensuring each and every student has access to high-quality learning, a safe supportive and inclusive environment,” she stated.
Throughout the week Reid attended various events including back-to-school nights at Chesterbrook Elementary’s potluck cookout as well as visits to Churchill Road Elementary’s open house. She also attended girls volleyball scrimmages at South Lakes High School versus Robinson Secondary School as well as Madison High School against John Champe High School.
On Wednesday morning she joined members of the Rotary Club of Herndon for breakfast where she thanked them for their support of FCPS programs such as the Bookmobile project—which delivered more than 1,000 donated books countywide over summer break—highlighting research showing summer reading helps children maintain or grow skills when away from school.
“One highlight I shared was the success of our FCPS Bookmobile… Thanks to generosity…our students had access to books that kept them engaged in learning all summer long,” said Reid. “Together we are creating opportunities and building brighter futures for each child in Fairfax County! Learning definitely happens best in community!!”
Reid concluded her message by thanking staff again for their energy during opening week: “It is so inspiring to be back together again as we lean into learning at the start of school year… It is so important for us to connect…”
For more about opening day activities visit [the FCPS website](https://www.fcps.edu/) or view [the first day video](https://www.fcps.edu/news/first-day-fairfax-county-public-schools).
