New FCCPS Superintendent Settling into East Coast Life

The individual meetings with staff members are still going on, some for hours at a time, but Dr. Toni Jones found time to unpack her boxes and begin making her home in Falls Church.

The walls of her office at Falls Church City Public Schools headquarters are decorated with artwork from students in her new school district. The shelves in the office share space with several books and pictures of her family.

“I’m moved in and living within school district limits,” Jones said in an interview last week. “I worked about three days straight unpacking boxes and setting up my office.”

Jones arrived in Falls Church days before Dr. Lois Berlin retired from her superintendent position to get situated. Aside from unpacking her things and setting up house, Jones found time to see the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, D.C. and ride the Metro with her family. This is Jones’ first time living on the east coast after spending time in Oklahoma, Nevada, Hawaii and Australia. Before coming to Falls Church, Jones was the chief academic officer for Deer Creek Public Schools in Oklahoma.

The first day of classes for FCCPS hasn’t arrived yet and already Jones is busy. She plans on visiting each school that day. She said it’s important for her to meet with each principal at the four schools to decide how they can move the school system forward collectively.

“I love the meeting people part,” Jones said. “That’s the fun part.”

The former Oklahoma state champion high school hurdler said sports and extracurricular activities helped make her a well-rounded person. She said she promotes students stepping outside the classroom and getting involved in things as it builds character. As superintendent, she said juggling work and attending after school events at the schools is something she will have to do.

“I would go to everything I could if I have the time,” Jones said.