Dr. Reid Accepts New Post in Fairfax, Virginia

At their public meeting on Thursday, the Board of Directors for the Fairfax County Public Schools voted to appoint Northshore Superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. as their next leader effective July 1. 

Reid has led the Northshore School District for the past six years, three years longer than the average superintendency tenure. Following the vote on her appointment, Reid provided remarks to the FCPS Board and community. “I believe learning happens best in community. Building trust by developing and nurturing relationships is important to every teaching and learning environment.” She added, “I also believe every effective leader should listen and learn from the community they lead.”  

During her time in Northshore, Reid has consistently engaged with the community, ensuring that student, staff, family, and community voice informs the District’s work of continually improving the educational experience for each and every student. This collaborative approach has resulted in a number of notable achievements, including doubling the enrollment of income-eligible students in early childhood education, removal of barriers so more students have access districtwide to a more accelerated math course-taking path, doubling the number of students in the elementary instrumental music program, increased dual-course enrollment, development of two state demonstration sites for inclusive practices at two elementary schools, and the approval of bonds and levies over two cycles which will support Northshore’s commitment to equity and excellence for years to come. 

Additionally, Reid’s commitment to equity and justice is also evident in the creation of Northshore’s Racial and Educational Justice Department and its expanded staff, the increase of school and district administrators of color by 100 percent, as well as the development of an Ethnic Studies curriculum and framework expected to be piloted in the fall. 

Reid sent a message to the Northshore community shortly after the vote. "My six years as your superintendent have been some of the best years of my career in education,” she said. “Every meeting, every coffee, every breakfast club, and school tour, every concert and drama performance, and every game fed my soul.” She added, “I want to thank you all for engaging with me over the years. Those times together deepened my commitment to my life’s work of providing a world-class education to each and every student.” 

School Board President Jacqueline McGourty thanked Reid for her service and offered congratulations on behalf of the board, “It is natural and understandable that Dr. Reid’s talents and expertise would be in high demand and sought after by school districts who would seek similar progress. We wish her all success as she begins her leadership journey at Fairfax County Public Schools.” 

McGourty added that the board will immediately begin working with Reid to ensure a smooth transition while we also develop the process and timeline for identifying a qualified educator to fill this leadership role.