Interim Head of Secondary Schools Named In Falls Church City

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A temporary replacement for head of secondary schools has been named at Falls Church City Public Schools as a permanent replacement is sought.

Superintendent Peter Noonan announced the new interim head of secondary schools is David Jeck, effective Oct, 9. Former head of secondary schools Valerie Hardy left FCCPS in late September to become management support director for elementary schools at Prince William County Public Schools.

Jeck is an educator who has held roles such as superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools and Greene County Public Schools and won 2018 Region IV Superintendent of the Year. According to FCCPS, he has worked to achieve record-high graduation rates and has a "commitment to student success, educational equity, and innovative leadership."

"Dr. Jeck’s dedication to educational excellence and proven leadership make him an invaluable addition to our team," said Noonan in a statement. "We look forward to his positive impact on our secondary schools. His commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of FCCPS."

Dr. Jeck will serve as Head of Secondary School through the end of the current school year. FCCPS will commence a national/international search for the next Head of Secondary Schools after the first of the year.

Hardy, who was principal of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School before becoming head of secondary schools, had been with FCCPS since 2017. FCCPS leaders credited Hardy with working for academic excellence and equity.

"The School Board is grateful for the stability Ms. Hardy provided during her time as principal of Henderson MS and later, the strong leadership she demonstrated as Head of the Secondary Schools," said Falls Church School Board Chair Laura Downs. "Ms. Hardy’s commitment to equity, support of staff to foster academic excellence, and empathetic approach when working with students will be greatly missed by our school community. We thank Ms. Hardy for her years of unwavering dedication and service."

Jeck will oversee Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School as interim head of secondary schools through the end of the school year. FCCPS will begin a search for the permanent head of secondary schools at the start of 2024.