Six More Viral Meningitis Cases
Though six more viral meningitis cases were diagnosed in the last week, bringing the total number of cases last month to 12, Fairfax County Health Department officials said there is no public health risk. Though it may appear there are an unusually high number of cases this year, 12 cases is well within the expected range, according to a Health Department investigation launched after a Chantilly High School student died of viral meningitis on June 18. Since the student's death, the Health Department has conducted 31 investigations and identified 12 cases which met both clinical and laboratory criteria for the disease. The Health Department analyzed hospital discharge data from 2001 through 2004 and found approximately 150 viral meningitis hospitalizations per year.
Board To Review TJ Admissions
The Fairfax County School Board will begin to consider proposed changes to the admissions process of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a selective magnet school located in Alexandria. The proposed changes are intended to help the school increase enrollment of black and Hispanic students, which are underrepresented among the predominantly white and Asian student population. The issue is among the school board's new business for its meeting Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church. Later this month, on July 21, the school board will hold a public hearing on the issue. The board will ultimately vote on changing TJ's admission process in early September.
Education Calendar
Fairfax County School Board Regular Business Meeting. Thursday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church.
Fairfax County School Board Work Session on Strategic Planning and Evaluation. Monday, July 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Burkholder Center in Fairfax.
Fairfax County School Board Work Session on Policy Review. Monday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Burkholder Center in Fairfax.
Fairfax County School Board Work Session on Student Services. Monday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at Burkholder Center in Fairfax.
Fairfax County School Board Work Session on Instruction. Monday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Burkholder Center in Fairfax.
Fairfax County Public Schools Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Meeting. Wednesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Belle Willard Center in Fairfax.