Phil Reitinger To Step Down From Falls Church School Board

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A new Falls Church City School Board member is sought as incumbent Phil Reitinger will step down on Jan. 15.

Reitinger has served on the School Board since his election in 2015. He made the announcement at the Dec. 13 School Board meeting, noting his work commitments have ramped up and his children have graduated from the public school system.

"It's been a great joy for the time I've been here and the chance to serve the city and work aside a set of great colleagues," said Reitinger at the December meeting.

School Board Chair Laura Downs added, "As someone who has been in this chair role and has really looked to you for advice and counsel on a number of things, your expertise is going to be greatly missed, things like suggestions like we make a calendar policy, your knowledge of the budget. It's going to be a great absence."

Reitinger's replacement will serve the current term through Dec. 31, 2023. A School Board election for three seats will be held in 2023.

Residents interested in the open School Board seat can apply by 5 p.m. on Jan. 13. A cover letter detailing experience and a resume should be sent to School Board Clerk Ms. Marty Gadell at gadellm@fccps.org by the 5 p.m. deadline on Jan. 13. Applicants will be invited to the Jan. 17 School Board meeting at 7 p.m. at the FCCPS Central Office to make optional three minute comments on what they can contribute to the School Board.

The School Board's final decision on appointing a new member will be by Feb. 1. The new member will be sworn in and attend the Feb. 14 School Board meeting.