New Superintendent Sworn In At Fairfax County Public Schools

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The leadership transition has been made at Fairfax County Public Schools as Michelle Reid was sworn in as the new superintendent Thursday.

At the start of July, Reid assumed the role, replacing Scott Brabrand. After Brabrand announced he would leave the position at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the Fairfax County School Board conducted a national search. Reid, formerly superintendent of the Northshore School District in Washington state since 2016, was chosen as the final candidate and approved by a 9-3 School Board vote.

In remarks during her oath of office, Reid noted Fairfax County Public Schools has a reputation for excellence, drawing families from around the world. FCPS is Virginia's largest school district with a student body of over 178,000, and it's one of the most diverse districts in the state as well.

"It’s important for me to remember that learning happens best in community, and this is an amazing community," said Reid in remarks Thursday night. "It’s a community that drew me because of the strength of the partnerships, the spirit, the passion, the resources of time and talent, and for the importance that this community places on education."

Reid was named the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year by the AASA, The School Superintendents Association for her work to close achievement gaps and lead the Northshore School District at the start of the pandemic. She sees now as a turning point for public schools after the pandemic's impacts on learning.

"We also, I think, can recognize we're at a crossroads as we come out of this pandemic, and we have an opportunity to rebuild, reframe, and reimagine public education," said Reid in remarks. "It's time to deepen our investment together in the work of making sure each and every student is seen heard and affirmed, as they work to achieve their life's hopes and dreams and their families' hopes and dreams for them. As we move forward together, I want to encourage us to resolutely and relentlessly maintain high expectations for each and every student and for ourselves."

According to FCPS, Reid has also helped improve student math and science proficiency, created Northshore’s Racial and Educational Justice Department and helped increase graduation rates, especially for English language learners.

Before her position at Northshore School District, Reid was superintendent of South Kitsap School District in Port Orchard, Washington and deputy superintendent, district athletic director, and high school principal in the Port Angeles, Washington School District. At the start of her career, she taught science in middle school and physics, chemistry and math in high school.

Reid has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Washington, master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Washington, and bachelor’s degree in natural science/chemistry from the University of Puget Sound.

Reid's term as superintendent is from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026.