Bill Text: VA SJR369 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Megan McLaughlin.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-02-22 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ369ER) [SJR369 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-SJR369-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for more than a decade, Megan McLaughlin has served the students, faculty, and administrators of Fairfax County Public Schools as a member of the Fairfax County School Board; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland; she previously worked in college admissions and has served the community in various capacities as a community leader and education advocate; and
WHEREAS, a champion for good education, Megan McLaughlin was elected to the Fairfax County School Board in 2012 and won reelection to two additional terms; she has worked diligently to strengthen Fairfax County Public Schools and ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to achieve their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin has promoted continuous improvement in Fairfax County Public Schools and has overseen a wide range of programs to enhance the educational process; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin helped ensure the strategic deployment of the school system's annual budget of more than $3 billion and implemented more competitive compensation to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure, Megan McLaughlin hired or supervised the work of five superintendents, established an independent Office of the Auditor General, and crafted the school system's first strategic plan; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin oversaw the implementation of later start times for high school students, full-day Mondays for elementary school students, and a recess period for middle school students; and
WHEREAS, during Megan McLaughlin's tenure, the Fairfax County School Board has improved early literacy and dyslexia education, improved instruction and delivery of the Advanced Academic Program and Young Scholars Program, restored upper-level high school honors courses in English and social studies, instituted curriculum enhancements for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses, and added more than 35 pre-kindergarten classrooms; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin also played a role in projects that reformed the student discipline system of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) and implemented the Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) project, provided healthier school meals for students and launched a summer meals program, implemented environmentally friendly operational practices, and strove to protect LGBTQIA+ students and staff through a non-discrimination policy; and
WHEREAS, Megan McLaughlin has served the residents of Fairfax County with distinction and helped ensure that the Fairfax County Public Schools system offers rigorous instruction in a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Megan McLaughlin on her retirement and for her outstanding service as a member of the Fairfax County School Board; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Megan McLaughlin as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to young people in Fairfax County.
