School board finds superintendent in compliance on learning environment; FCPS outlines UDL inclusion rollout
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Summary
The board approved Executive Limitation 10 compliance and heard a presentation on Universal Design for Learning and inclusion pilots, with staff reporting expanded Purple Star recognition and early evidence of reduced disciplinary referrals and increased LRE placements in pilot schools.
The Fairfax County School Board voted to accept the superintendent’s monitoring report on Executive Limitation 10 (learning environment and relationships with students) and to find the superintendent in compliance after a presentation on inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Ms. Sizemore Heizer moved the compliance finding and praised the division’s progress. "While there's always room for improvement, I think you've made a lot of great progress," she said. The motion carried 9–1–1 (nine yes, one no — Dr. Anderson, one abstention — Mr. Dunn).
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reed highlighted several items the division considers new or expanded since the last report: a move toward consistent secondary grading aligned to Policy 24‑18, broader use of the Guardian system for Title IX case reporting, and expansion of Purple Star Schools for military‑connected students (from a small number to 145 schools last year, with a goal of all schools next year). Reed said UDL and inclusion pilots are in place across phase 1 schools and that 81 more schools are planning to begin implementation in future phases.
Staff reported early operational outcomes in phase‑1 sites: decreased discipline referrals (particularly among students with IEPs), increased inclusion (LRE) percentages, and the use of co‑taught AP/IB sections for twice‑exceptional students. Board members pressed for implementation spot‑checks, clarity on rollout timelines, and data on tutoring and other academic supports.
Mr. Dunn asked about sustaining high‑impact tutoring as grant funding declines; Dr. Reed said the division is exploring partnerships (including EduTutor and retired educators) and alternative models to preserve tutoring supports within budget constraints.
The board approved the monitoring report and placed EL‑10 on the consent agenda for the year ahead, while directing staff to continue reporting implementation metrics and provide requested budget details on tutoring and other supports.
Vote: Motion to find superintendent in compliance passed 9–1–1.
Quotable: "Our phase‑1 schools are already seeing decreases in discipline referrals and increases in LRE percentages," Dr. Reed said. "This work is a big lift, but it is the right thing to do."