President’s Message

Greetings,

TODAY IS INDEED A WONDERFUL DAY!

I am proud and feel a strong sense of responsibility as I share a significant development highlighting our commitment to creating a fair and just work environment at Fairfax County Public Schools. 

I am excited to share the implementation of the Silent Witness Regulation. Regulation 4463 is a game-changer that marks a significant leap forward in securing the rights and roles of our members during critical and stressful periods such as management fact-finding meetings, performance or conduct-related summary memoranda, considerations of letters of reprimand, suspensions, or dismissal meetings.

For more than a decade, champions of this noble cause, retired UniServ Director, Bertie Hamilton, and retired Educational Support Professional (ESP), Allison Batty, passionately advocated for the establishment of this regulation. Their tireless dedication and unyielding commitment to the well-being of our members, especially ESPs, have paved the way for a framework that lays out clear guidelines for the roles of ALL employees and Silent Witness representatives.

The Silent Witness Regulation stands as a separate and distinct entity, going beyond the procedures outlined in any conduct, performance, or grievance regulations. It is designed to specifically address the unique challenges faced by our members during crucial meetings that have the potential to impact their professional lives.

This regulation is written to provide a supportive and equitable structure, ensuring that our members receive the representation they truly deserve when navigating through challenging circumstances. The roles of employees and Silent Witness representatives are thoroughly defined, offering transparency and a profound sense of security during these critical meetings.

As we bask in the glory of this monumental WIN, please remember that it serves as a powerful testament to our collective commitment to fostering a workplace that upholds the values of fairness, justice, and the well-being of each member. Together, we can continue building a community where the rights of employees are not just acknowledged but fiercely protected, and their voices heard.

While FEA has been instrumental in advocating tirelessly for Silent Witness, we will continue to collaborate within FEU (the Alliance with FCFT) to ensure adherence to this regulation.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the values of our union and patiently waiting for this moment. I am so grateful for your trust as we continue navigating this journey together.  

 Peace & Joy,

Leslie Houston
President, Fairfax Education Association