Fairfax School Board Votes 12-0 To Keep Superintendent Michelle Reid Through 2030

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will remain at the helm of the nation's ninth-largest school division through 2030 after the Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a four-year contract extension Thursday night.

The board voted 12-0 to renew Reid's employment contract following nearly 30 minutes of comments from every board member, each voicing support for continuing her leadership. Board members cited progress on student achievement, implementation of the division's strategic plan, operational improvements and Reid's leadership during a period of significant challenges.

The motion to renew Reid's contract was made by Springfield District representative Sandy Anderson and seconded by at-large member Ilryong Moon.

Anderson said she had seen Reid's leadership firsthand during the past two years in board leadership.

"It is my privilege to bring forward this motion for the board to extend the superintendent's contract," Anderson said. "I have worked closely with Dr. Reid for the last two years that I have been in board leadership. In that time, I have seen the diligence and care she puts into everything she does."

Moon, who has worked with multiple FCPS superintendents over three decades, said Reid stands apart.

"I have never seen anyone work so hard and with such dedication to the success of our students and our school system as Dr. Reid," Moon said, adding that the board's recent evaluation rated her highly effective across all performance standards. He also argued that extending the contract now gives the board certainty well before the current agreement expires.

Board Members Cite Strategic Plan, Stability

Mount Vernon District representative Mateo Dunne said Reid should remain in place to complete the school division's strategic plan, which extends through 2030.

"We have often said she is the right leader for the right moment," Dunne said. "We are starting to see results" from initiatives including expanded advanced math opportunities, adding that consistency in leadership is important while implementing the long-term plan.

Hunter Mill District representative Melanie Meren, who served on the board that hired Reid in 2022, said the superintendent had guided the division through complex post-pandemic challenges while strengthening instruction in reading, writing and mathematics.

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Meren also addressed Reid's compensation, saying it reflects the scope of leading a $2.93 billion school division with approximately 26,800 employees. She added that she would like to see continued growth in strengthening relationships between the superintendent and the full board.

Braddock District representative Tom Dannan called hiring a superintendent "one of the most important things the board does" and said Reid has demonstrated professionalism while overseeing one of Virginia's largest employers.

"The reason I support this extension is that I believe you are committed to that work," Dannan said.

Additional board members echoed similar themes, praising Reid's professionalism, responsiveness, governance approach and commitment to students while also encouraging continued collaboration with the full board as FCPS implements its strategic priorities.

Unanimous Vote

Before calling for the vote, Providence School Board Member Karl Frisch praised Reid's leadership, saying she consistently centers decisions on students and has guided the division through complex operational challenges.

"I am excited to support this renewed contract through 2030 and to see where we are in the years ahead," Frisch said before the board voted unanimously to approve the extension.

Following the vote, Reid thanked board members for their confidence.

"It is an honor to work for you," Reid said. "I think we underestimate the challenges of being an elected official, especially while leading one of the largest, most complex school divisions in the nation. I am proud to serve you and our community."

The Fairfax County School Board consists of 12 elected members representing nine magisterial districts and three at-large seats. Reid serves as the school division's superintendent and a non-voting member of the board.