Consultant Interviewed
<bt>Representatives of SchoolMatch, an independent educational effectiveness audit company based in Ohio, were grilled by members of the Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors Thursday, June 27, at a joint work session. The School Board is pondering whether to hire the company to do an audit of the school system's programs before it's time to assemble the FY 2004 budget.
Steven Sundre, executive vice president of the company, said the company does the audit by comparing it to other similar school systems as well as community surveys. The entire project is expected to take six months and cost $270,00 with SchoolMatch seeking funds from the private sector to pay for it.
"We've done well over 1,000 audits over the years," Sundre said. "Many of the school systems have been those who perform at a high level, but there is always room for improvement."
Some of the elected officials were concerned that just comparing Fairfax County schools to other jurisdiction would not provide the information the school system needs to determine if their programs are working.
"I can tell you right now what the comparison is going to say. We're going to look pretty good," said Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn (R-Dranesville). "I'd like to see someone look at how we're doing it."
Sundre said SchoolMatch can provide the officials the information they are looking for and representatives are willing to meet with the supervisors as well as the School Board to determine the scope of work.
The contract has not been approved as of yet.
<sh>Warner Names Mason Board
<bt>Gov. Mark Warner (D)has appointed four people to the George Mason University Board of Visitors. They are: Dennis Garcia of Alexandria, Teresa M. Klaassen of McLean, Long Nguyen of McLean and Leonard M. Pomata of Great Falls was reappointed.
<sh>Schools Events Calendar
<bt>Thursday, July 4-Friday, July 5
Fairfax County Public Schools Independence Day holidays.
Monday, July 8, 7 p.m.
Fairfax County School Board work session, student services; human resources; instruction. Burkholder Center, 10700 Page Ave., Fairfax.
Thursday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax County School Board regular meeting. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Saturday, July 13
Hayfield Secondary School, Class of 1992, 10-year reunion, Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfax; Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Class of 1971-72, 30-year reunion, Sheraton Premiere, Tysons Corner. For more information, call First-Class Reunions at 888-327-1984 or on the Web at www.fcreunions.com.