Back to School: The Best Shot: Vax Up!
Fairfax County families and educators discuss COVID-19 School Year 2021-22.
The first day of the much-anticipated, in-person return to school for SY2021-22 looms for many families, friends, and educators in Fairfax County's independent, public and home-based education systems.
Fairfax County Public Schools Priority One: Get Eligible Students Vaccinated
Expansion of school COVID-19 vaccination clinics underway
The level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is increasing again.
Fairfax County Supervisors Proclaim August 3 National Night Out
Proclamation celebrates neighborhood spirit and cooperation among residents and police
National Night Out is a time to celebrate, whether the clock that day says noon or 8 p.m. It is a time to have community fun, to say thank you to law enforcement officers, and get more involved in the community.
Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics
Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.
Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant
Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County
Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.
New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets
Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint
Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year
Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.
School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County
No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible
Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class
In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.
WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits
Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.
Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.
Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony
On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.
Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors
Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis
The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.
Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions
Amid division, voices seek to be heard.
With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis
On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."
Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.
On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).
Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit
Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.
Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.
Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police
Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search
County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.
Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police
Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.
Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”
Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief
Aware of concerns, comments provided
Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.
Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise
Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway
Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.
Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school
Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students
Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.
Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools
Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts
The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.
Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection
Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.
Fairfax County Supervisors to Vote on zMOD
The record is open for written comments; pressure is on to get it right
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on March 23 at 4:30 p.m. on the new and modernized zoning ordinance (zMOD).
A Lawsuit Challenges TJ Admission Changes
Parents sue to stop TJ’s admission policy changes, alleging anti-Asian race discrimination.
The Fairfax County School Board and Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand face a new lawsuit filed against them last week in United States District Court in Alexandria.
County Highlights
Actions and words by Fairfax County leadership and citizens
In our new series, County Highlights, the Connection spotlights actions and comments by Fairfax County officials, public servants, and local citizens who call the County's 406 square miles home.
Fairfax County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Flag Limitations
It's not a done deal.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 to recommend denial to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to replace the current zoning ordinance establishing specific regulations for flags and flagpoles in the New and Modernized Zoning Ordinance (zMOD Updates) countywide.
Fairfax County Readies for Public Employee Collective Bargaining
Holds collaborative meetings with union reps to write rules
Most Fairfax County public employees who provide vital services in education, safety, healthcare, and sanitation like others in counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth, will gain a new right on May 1, 2021.
Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan
Focuses resources in targeted areas
“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.
Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE
Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status
Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).
Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning
Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.
Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.
Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database
Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny
On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.
Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database
Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.
With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.
COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County
IT and supply problems worry residents.
“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Fairfax County Residents List Assembly Expectations
County General Assembly Delegation holds pre-2021 Session Public Hearing
The Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation held a Pre-2021 Session Public Hearing on Saturday, Jan. 9.
A Look Inside the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting Dec. 1, 2020
Highlights of discussion and actions that impact all who live, work and play in the diverse county
Dec. 1 marked the final Fairfax County Full Board of Supervisors Meeting with Public Comment of 2020.
Students and Parents Navigate Virtual Learning in Fairfax County
FCPS Virtual and In-Person Learning During COVID 2020
Dec. 1 marked the day that Fairfax County Public Schools students in Group 5, those in Early Head Start, PreK, Kindergarten, and some who receive special education services were to at last transition out of distance learning and walk through school doors to receive two days a week of in-person learning.
Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?
Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?
In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students
Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans
A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.
Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools
COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.
Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.
Pressure Mounts on Return to School in Fairfax County
School Board members face sensitive voting items.
The week of Oct. 19 held important information for Fairfax County Public Schools families.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Through Changes in TJ Admissions
Newest proposed merit lottery admissions policy fuels concern.
Top-level discussions concerning proposals by Fairfax County Public Schools leaders and School Board members to increase the population of underrepresented students of color at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) have flown fast and furious the last four weeks.
Fairfax County Public Schools Staff Uncomfortable With In-Person School Plan
Fairfax County Federation of Teachers releases survey results.
Staff at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are overwhelmingly uncomfortable with returning for in-person instruction, given the incomplete information about the implementation that has been currently shared, according to a report released by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) on Oct. 6 during a press conference.
Life Hangs in the Box Checked in Fairfax County
HR for County Schools tells staff to make a decision.
Tia Williams is an instructional assistant with diabetes and severe asthma at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket
Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.
The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.
Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy
Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.
Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.
Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need
Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.
Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.
Ewing Resigns from Fairfax County Library Board
Trustee Rosenthal apologizes for disruption.
Two members of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, Phil Rosenthal, Springfield District Representative and Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Representative, made statements during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board Trustees that caused the public, organizations, and top County leaders to voice concern.
Outrage Over Comments by Trustee on Fairfax County Library Board
Local organizations, unions and faith-based groups call for his removal.
In the aftermath of public concern following comments made by appointed Trustee Phillip Rosenthal (Springfield District) during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition sent a letter on Aug. 20 to Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fran Millhouser, Chair of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.