There’s not a lot of love lost between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the county school board based solely on perennial budget disputes. But on Tuesday, the battle turned personal: Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, D-Hunter Mill, questioned the school system’s ability to discipline its students.
Speaking about a Fairfax high school student who recently took his own life, Hudgins noted that the student had been going through the schools’ “zero-tolerance” disciplinary procedures.
“While it is only speculation that he was distraught over his experience with the FCPS disciplinary process and his subsequent expulsion, we will never know why the young man took his own life,” Hudgins said. “This is not the first time that a FCPS disciplinary action has been associated with the loss of life by a student.”
Hudgins’ remark was part of a motion to ensure the schools were taking advantage of county human service programs that could provide support to troubled teens and families. She also proposed setting up a group of community stakeholders, including members of the school community, to consider ways to improve the disciplinary system.
Hudgins’ concurring board members were careful to note that no one really wanted to tell the school board how to do its job.
“We are not asessing blame or responsibility for the particular tragedy that occurred, nor should we as the Board of Supervisors be directing the school board on a non-fiscal policy,” said Supervisor John Cook, R-Braddock.
Fairfax schools spokesman Paul Regnier, who was not at the supervisors’ meeting, said the school system does not have a “zero tolerance” policy, as alleged. He said the disciplinary procedure has multiple phases and involves parents at every step.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova closed the discussion by promising to follow up with a joint school board and Board of Supervisors meeting.
