FCCPS Chair to Lead Virginia School Boards Association, Stays on City's School Board

Shaking hands with seniors graduating from on June 15 will be Joan Wodiska’s last action as chair of the Falls Church City Public Schools Board.

Wodiska, who has served as chair of the board for the last seven years, will move on to become the president of he Virginia School Boards Association. The association represents all 134-school divisions in the commonwealth, she said in an emailed statement. Wodiska will chair her last FCCPS Board meeting on June 14. She said she will remain on the board, just not as chair.

“I remain passionately committed to the Falls Church City School Board and will run for re-election in 2012,” Wodiska said in the statement released Thursday morning. “My aspiration, passion, and inspiration have been and remain education.  I have encouraged Patrick Riccards, the School Board Vice Chairman, to serve as Chair.  I fully support him and know he will do an excellent job.”

Wodiska credits the board with working through a financial crisis in the City of Falls Church, which included seeing Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin’s in April. The board also conducted a national search for a new superintendent to replace Berlin when she retires on June 30. was selected by the school board in March to replace Berlin. She will join FCCPS on June 13 to transition into the superintendent role.

“I want to thank my fellow School Board members, Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin, school staff, family, friends, and employer for the tremendous support I received to serve as Chair and for everyone’s ongoing, enthusiastic support of my new role as President of the Virginia School Boards Association,” Wodiska said in the statement. “Most of all, I want to thank the citizens, parents, teachers, and students for your overwhelming support of me, the School Board, and our public schools.  Without you, none of this would be possible.  Thank you for giving me the privilege to serve you. It is without question, a dream come true.”