Dr. Karen Garza, the future superintendent of FCPS, outlined her policy of community outreach during a conference call on May 8, when members of newspaper staffs from Fairfax County schools had the chance to speak to Garza about her vision for the county.
During the call Garza informed her interviewers that, even from her home in Houston, she had heard of FCPS due to its size and good reputation.
However, Garza acknowledges that it will take time to become familiar with the new area. “The first thing I need to do is learn about the school system and the community,” Garza said.
According to Garza, she wants to build off of Dr. Jack Dale’s work, while bringing a unique community-oriented leadership style.
“There will be a different way that I will interact with the community,” Garza said.
Building on the idea of community interaction, Garza added that issues such as curriculum change must involve the teachers, students and principals in order to come to a decision that can be sustained over time. “We need to be guided by a lot of voices.” Garza said.
Garza intends to spend time building relationships and receiving feedback from all parts of the community. “I intend to make that a priority: to be accessible,” she said.
Garza also addressed the issue of increasing population. “We have to have a plan to keep proper capacity so that we have appropriate places for learning,” Garza said.
While stating the need for planning, Garza also admitted that it would be a challenge because resources are diminishing while expectations are rising.
Although Garza has experience as a superintendent, she will create new plans and approaches for FCPS. “It’s very important for the context to be considered when developing a plan,” said Garza. “We’re going to do what’s right for Fairfax County and the students there.”
Additionally, Garza commented on the recent controversial issue of standardized testing. “I think there is a place for quality assessment practices; they show which students need more help,” Garza said.
However, while calling them an “essential component” Garza stated that [we need to] “strike that balance between enough assessment, but not so much that it takes all the joy and love out of learning.”
In light of the release of the 2013 US News and World Report annual rankings of the nation’s best high schools, Garza explained her opinion on the value of the rankings.
“They are not the only thing that describes the value that schools provide to parents and students,” Garza said to the reporters.
Garza expressed excitement about her earlier visit to the county.
“I was very impressed [with Fairfax County],” she said. “I really felt like everyone we met was so nice and warm and welcoming.”
Effective July 1, Garza will replace Dr. Dale as superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.