Dear City of Fairfax Schools Community, December 22, 2021
I am reaching out on behalf of the City of Fairfax School Board to address a recent event at Fairfax High School and the following media coverage. While we do not comment on ongoing, active investigations by school administrators or the police department, we do want to acknowledge that last week was a difficult one for our community.
I have been in discussions with both City of Fairfax and Fairfax County Public Schools school board members about the importance of having an environment where all students feel welcome to learn. We are steadfast in our commitment to our students and staff in our schools. We have seen how our students throughout the country have overcome many obstacles over the past 20 months and are faced with unprecedented challenges. These students have successfully returned to school this year after a year and half of instability and disruption.
With this in mind, the City of Fairfax Schools reinforces our ongoing commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all students. In the upcoming months we will continue our work with student and staff leaders through purposeful activities such as extending opportunities for students to join together and talk about their experiences and how our community can support each other and our diverse student body. It is important for me to reinforce that all city and county students are welcome in our four schools. We recognize there is work ahead of us to further ensure students feel safe in our buildings.
At this time I also want to acknowledge and thank those who worked to keep our students safe on Thursday as they peacefully protested their concerns on school grounds.
The City School Board is available to any of our City residents or city school community members. I encourage any interested stakeholders with concerns to contact us.
I wish all of you a safe and happy new year.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Pitches, M. Ed.
Chair, City of Fairfax School Board