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5-8-2025

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May 8 - 14, 2025

Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free

Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXV N o . 13

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

Crisis Worry Looming Large

COLOR, CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY

City of F.C. Fears Worst Case Scenario for Fall by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

At its May 5 work session, the Falls Church City Council continued refining the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, moving closer to adopting a reduced real estate tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, a full cent lower than the current $1.21 rate. The proposed cut comes amid a $1.2 million dip in projected revenue and aims to balance fiscal relief for residents with sustained funding for schools, city services, and capital projects. City Manager Wyatt Shields expressed confidence in the city’s ability to meet all stakeholder needs, despite volatile markets and a challenging regional economic outlook. “Since 2018, we’ve approved over $1 billion in commercial development,” Shields said. “Those investments are still coming online and will continue to strengthen our tax base. We are in a position to cut the tax rate and maintain high-quality services.” Impact of the 1¢ Reduction The revised tax rate of $1.20 would raise the average residential tax bill for a medianvalued home of $1,022,400 by approximately $553—a 3.4 percent increase from FY2025. This increase reflects the rise in home values and utility fees, even as the nominal rate decreases. The 1¢ cut will reduce expected tax revenue by $630,000, less than the original 1.5¢ cut that

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FALLS CHURCH CELEBRATED World Art Day this past Saturday at Cherry Hill Park by promoting the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the arts. Residents explored local talent and joined the City’s Arts and Humanities Council in honoring the power of art. (Photo: Gary Mester)

New Superintendent Named in Unanimous Vote

by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

The Falls Church City School Board formally appointed Terry J. Dade as the next Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) during a special meeting held Monday evening, May 5, at Meridian High School. The event included brief remarks from Dade and a public reception, where community members had the opportunity to welcome the new superintendent. Dade will officially begin his

tenure on July 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Peter J. Noonan, who is retiring after eight years of service. “We are thrilled to welcome Terry Dade as our new superintendent,” said School Board Chair Tate Gould. “His leadership experience, both in Northern Virginia and beyond, along with his commitment to academic excellence and innovation, makes him an outstanding choice to guide FCCPS into the future.” Dade most recently served as Superintendent of Cornwall

Central School District in New York, where he oversaw five schools and more than 3,000 students. His previous leadership roles include Superintendent of the Rochester City School District and Assistant Superintendent for Region 3 in Fairfax County Public Schools. He is also well known in the Falls Church community, having earlier served as Principal of Graham Road Elementary School. There, he led major gains in student achievement and teacher retention, especially among high-needs populations.

“I am honored to join this exceptional learning community that values academic excellence, innovation, and inclusion,” Dade said. “FCCPS has an outstanding reputation, and I look forward to working alongside students, families, educators, and community members to build upon its legacy and shape the future together.” With more than 25 years in public education, Dade has consistently prioritized studentcentered practices, instructional

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