The City of Fairfax School Board unanimously passed a resolution at its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, requesting an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct within the Hayfield Secondary School football program. The resolution reflects the School Board’s commitment to ensuring integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship in school athletics and maintaining public trust in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
The resolution highlights serious concerns raised by community members, including potential residency abnormalities and recruiting violations. The Board emphasized that an independent review conducted by qualified experts in athletic ethics and compliance would promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the investigative process.
Key Provisions of the Resolution:
1. Request for Independent Review: The City of Fairfax School Board formally requests that FCPS engage an independent agency or investigator with expertise in athletic ethics and compliance to conduct a thorough review of the allegations involving the Hayfield Secondary School football program.
2. Transparency and Accountability: The resolution urges FCPS to ensure that the review process is transparent and that findings and recommendations are made publicly available in accordance with privacy laws and ethical standards.
3. Community Engagement: The resolution encourages FCPS to involve stakeholders—including parents, students, and community members—in discussions about the investigation process and subsequent actions.
4. Future Safeguards: The City of Fairfax School Board supports implementing recommendations from the independent review to strengthen oversight and safeguard the integrity of athletic programs throughout the district.
“Integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship are foundational principles of education and athletics in our community,” said Carolyn Pitches, Chair of the City of Fairfax School Board. “This resolution reflects our commitment to addressing these concerns transparently and to ensuring that our school athletic programs uphold the highest ethical standards. We trust that an independent review will provide the clarity and recommendations needed to strengthen the integrity of our schools and programs.”
The City of Fairfax School Board also called for the independent agency to collaborate with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) and release all findings to provide a comprehensive view of the situation and actionable recommendations.