The Fairfax County School Board selected Lubbock, Texas, Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza as its preferred candidate for superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, pending negotiations for employment and a visit to Lubbock ISD.
She would replace Jack Dale, who will step down when his contract expires in June.
Garza has led Lubbock ISD, which serves about 30,000 students, for the past four years.
“Dr. Garza comes to Fairfax County with impressive credentials and skills to lead FCPS in a time of incredible challenges and opportunities,” School Board Chairman Ilryong Moon said. “She comes to us with a deep commitment to openness and engagement and is eager to work collaboratively in the best interest of all students. The board looks forward with great excitement to working with Dr. Garza as it builds upon past successes and moves forward in a new era for FCPS.”
Following employment negotiations and the Lubbock visit, the school board will take public action on Garza’s appointment, likely by the end of the month.
“I am humbled and very thankful to the board and the whole FCPS community for this wonderful opportunity,” Garza said. “Fairfax County Public Schools has a long tradition of excellence and has consistently been one of the premier school systems in the country. I look forward to continuing that tradition and working very closely with the board and the other division stakeholders to achieve even greater success for the students of FCPS.”
