In the Historic Blenheim estate in the City of Fairfax, the Fairfax City School Board hosted Fairfax County Public Schools staff and school board at its annual joint session meeting and dinner on Wednesday, December 4. The evening, required by the Schools Service Agreement between the schools, is a chance for the two school boards and leadership teams to reconnect and preview the upcoming year.
"We always welcome the opportunity to meet with our colleagues and friends at Fairfax County Public Schools at the annual joint board dinner," said Janice Miller. "We've had a busy year together and much to look forward to in 2014."
"The annual joing board dinner is a great opportunity to connect and discuss the issues that both boards confront," said Ryan McElveen, School Board Member At Large for FCPS. "With such busy schedules, it's important to have at least one night each year devoted to this kind of engagement."
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In 1961, a Schools Services Agreement (SSA) was entered with the City of Fairfax School and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Under this agreement, FCPS manages and operates the four city schools (Providence Elementary School, Daniels Run Elementary School, Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High School), hires staff and develops curriculum, while the City School Board is responsible for the management of the contract and the city-owned buildings. Students from both the city and county are educated in city schools. The two boards and staff members meet frequently, but hold an annual joint dinner in December.
"The relationship between the City of Fairfax and FCPS is both a unique and important one for both the city and county," said Dr. Peter Noonan, Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools. "This agreement keeps city and county students as a priority and helps to keep all of our schools as some of the highest achieving in the state and across the nation."
