School System Seeks Input from Parents, Teachers for New VES Principal

The Fairfax County Public School system has begun the process of selecting a new principal for and is urging parents and staff members to make their voices heard.

A public input period is open through Wednesday. The feedback that the school system analyzes from this period will help determine the candidate ultimately selected for the job.

Former VES Principal was recently named the new principal of Westlawn Elementary School in Falls Church.

Three parents, three staff members and two additional school system employees will be selected to sit on a panel that interviews potential principals on July 27, but the input period is the most effective way to express individual concerns or comments, said Beth Boivin, the human resources employment specialist for administrative employees for the school system.

"(The public input) really is a big part of the process," Boivin said. "It's huge."

Boivin and Assistant Superintendent Phyllis Pajardo hosted a small meeting at the school on Thursday night. About 20 parents and teachers attended, several expressing concerns that staff members and school parents only played a "ceremonial" role in this selection process.

Boivin explained that panel members will be allowed to ask a pre-determined question to potential candidates on "Panel Day." No follow-up questions will be allowed. The panel members will then write detailed evaluations of the interviewees and make anonymous recommendations. The school system considers the panel's suggestions when it selects candidates for longer follow-up interviews.

Boivin said 25 to 35 candidates submitted resumes for the position. She would not comment if any of the candidates were applying internally from other positions within the county. Approximately eight will be interviewed on Panel Day. Parents and teachers are not involved in this intial vetting process, Pajardo said.

Once a candidate is chosen, the selection must be reviewed by school board members. Pajardo said she hopes the new principal will be announced in early August.

The following prompt was distributed to parents and staff members at the Thursday meeting. Input suggestions should be emailed to beth.boivin@fcps.edu

Fairfax County Public Schools mission is to provide creative, knowledgeable, and talented leadership to ensure student success. To determine the best match for the leadership needs at your school, parent and staff perspectives will be used to screen candidate resumes and develop interview questions. Please provide input detailing the skills, experiences, and leadership characteristics needed at your school. Include challenges and issues that the new principal will need to address. Principal professional skills include planning and assessment, instructional leadership, safety and organizational management, communication and community relations.