On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, members of the Falls Church City School Board unanimously approved a new four-year contract for Dr. Peter J. Noonan as Superintendent of Schools. The agreement represents a 7% increase over the last contract, a percentage increase that is in line with raises received by FCCPS staff over the previous three budget cycles.
"I am thrilled that Dr. Noonan has agreed to continue his work in Falls Church City Public Schools," said School Board Chair Erin Gill. "His commitment to equity and the needs of each student are unparalleled. Dr. Noonan has created a culture of continuous improvement, pushing our already excellent schools to new heights, and we are fortunate to have him leading FCCPS."
In approving a new pact, board members also cited Dr. Noonan's leadership in a transparent budget process, guiding contract negotiations for the George Mason High School project on budget, and opening the Mount Daniel expansion for the return of 2nd grade to the building.
He also was lauded for the district's student performance. For the first time four years, FCCPS reached a 90% pass rate or better on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments.
"I am very humbled and honored to be asked to continue as superintendent for Falls Church City Public Schools," Dr. Noonan said. "The reputation of the division remains second to none, and I look forward to continuing to engage and build relationships with the community over the next four years."
At the beginning of the school year, Dr. Noonan challenged the division to redouble efforts on "IB for All," to create a caring culture, close achievement gaps and overcome the "structural inequality by race, class, and gender."
"It is not OK for any student to be marginalized, allowing some to miss the mark," he said. "Our goal must be to widen our equity lens. School is one part of a student's life and ecosystem, and we must provide hope and promise for the betterment of all. This notion confronts us as a moral imperative, and I look forward to delivering on this promise."
Noonan came to Falls Church from the City of Fairfax school system in May of 2017, and this year was named Region IV Superintendent of the Year and was a finalist for State Superintendent of the Year.
Noonan, the ninth Falls Church Superintendent, was in the third year of his original contract. The Board's action cancels the first agreement and sets the effective date of the new contact of July 1, 2019.