Falls Church City School Board Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026

Two weeks out from the first day of school, the School Board heard public comment on parental leave and committed to a careful fall review of all leave policies and regulations. Chair Kathleen Tysse noted FCCPS was among the first divisions in Virginia to adopt paid parental leave when the board passed it unanimously in 2023, and that new state paid family and medical leave legislation takes effect in 2028. Board members Anne Sherwood, MaryKate Hughes, Jerrod Anderson and Bethany Henderson each weighed in on the difference between policy, regulation and day-to-day practice.Dr. Terry Dade previewed four draft goals for 2026-27 — the next strategic plan, AI policy implementation, wellness and belonging, and long-range facilities planning — with details coming at the next meeting. He also outlined what families can expect on cell phones and AI when school opens, and shared a report from summer school, new staff orientation, and a successful General Assembly outdoor learning grant.Board members previewed the advisory committee orientation on August 18 and the athletic boosters community tailgate on August 28.This recording covers the open portions of the regular meeting. The audio has been edited to remove the quiet time while the board was in closed session.