McLean Students and Parents Share Concerns with Fairfax Schools Leaders
Published on 3/14/2019
On March 5th, the MCA's Education and Youth Committee hosted a forum focused on student mental health and the vision for McLean-area schools with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) leaders. Speakers representing the FCPS were Dr. Brabrand (Superintendent), Dr. Zuluaga (Assistant Superintendent, Region 2), and Ms. Strauss (Dranesville Representative on the FCPS Board.) The forum was open to the McLean-area public and attracted over 100 attendees—including PTA members, students, and school administrators.
McLean-area students drove the Q&A session. Young students—including those in elementary schools—shared their experiences and asked questions ranging from programs aimed at promoting positivity among students to reorganizing the recess schedule to allow for more time outside. The FCPS officials spent time with them during and after the session to discuss how they could improve the issues raised by the students.
Middle- and high-school students asked about the FCPS leaders’ plans for relieving overcrowding at McLean High School. They also raised concerns about FCPS’ mental-health support for the students. Several students shared their personal stories to highlight areas where FCPS might improve, including addressing discrimination within schools, providing stronger mental-health support, and promoting the diversity of students.
Those in the audience as well as the FCPS officials remarked that the Q&A session with students gave them invaluable insights into how FCPS could better support students. In his concluding statement Dr. Brabrand thanked the MCA for organizing his first student-led Q&A public forum and asked the MCA to invite him again in the Fall to continue the conversation.