Fairfax County Superintendent Jack Dale Recovering from Heart Surgery

Jack Dale, the outgoing Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent, underwent emergency heart surgery Tuesday evening after suffering an aortic aneurism. 

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that Dale, 64, was conscious and resting at the intensive care unit of Fairfax Inova Hospital in Falls Church. He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance Tuesday evening after telling coworkers he was feeling unwell, the Post reported.

As of Wednesday afternoon, he was in stable condition. Hospital officials were unable to comment further on Dale’s condition Thursday afternoon.

Dale is planning to retire this summer but it’s unclear whether he will return to his post after recovering from surgery. FCPS spokesman John Torre told Patch on Wednesday, “We are optimistic Dr. Dale will return to work before his scheduled retirement.” 

Deputy Superintendent Richard Moniuszko is managing superintendent duties while Dale is in recovery. Karen Garza, the Texas superintendent selected to take Dale's place, begins her new role July 1.

"On behalf of the entire FCPS community, our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Dale and his family and we look forward to his return," Fairfax County School Board Chairman Ilryong Moon wrote Wednesday.