Schools

Berlin Exits FCCPS Superintendent Post After 7-Years

Family, travel, rest and relaxation on Berlin's schedule during her retirement.

The conference table in Dr. Joan Berlin’s second floor office in the 800 block of West Broad St. is bare, much like her desk. A framed degree and three pictures were all that remained on the white walls Thursday morning.

Berlin said she will take the last of her belongings home today when she leaves Falls Church City Public Schools’ headquarters at 4:30 p.m.

“I think I am ready for retirement,” Berlin said Thursday morning in her office. “I’m going to miss the people and the kids. I’m ready for a flexible schedule.”

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After seven-years, Berlin will leave her post as FCCPS superintendent and head for retirement. Berlin announced her retirement on Nov. 2. Dr. Toni Jones will become the new superintendent on July 1. Berlin said she plans to travel to Alaska in September, China in October and Florida for her nieces wedding in January. Berlin said she hopes to begin doing some personal consulting work in February.

Under Berlin, FCCPS held the highest graduation rate in the Commonwealth of Virginia and she also helped open the first new school building in more than 50-years with the construction of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.  Despite tough economic times, Berlin’s last approved school board budget included a one-time bonus for teachers, something she was very proud of leaving them with.

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During the planned sendoffs for Berlin, she said she was overwhelmed and proud of her accomplishments as superintendent.

“I’m proud of the things we’ve done for the students,” Berlin said. “I’m proud of the fact we kept our focus on what’s best for the kids.”

The bond Berlin has with her students is something she wants to continue. She said she will still attend functions, with her husband by her side, but she will keep her distance.

“I’ll certainly come out for the plays they do at the high school and other functions,” Berlin said. “There are certain things I’ll want to come to.”

It’s rare Berlin misses school board meetings. Friday, when the FCCPS school board meets at 7:30 a.m. for their school board organizational meeting, Berlin said she will not be there. It will be her official first day of her retirement.

“I plan to be sleeping,” Berlin said.


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