2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108589D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 398

Offered March 11, 2026

Commending Justin Simmons.

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Patrons—Tran and Simon

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WHEREAS, Justin Simmons, the principal of South County Middle School, received the 2025 Outstanding New Principal Award from Fairfax County Public Schools in recognition of his leadership and dedication to creating the best possible learning environment for his students, faculty, and staff; and

WHEREAS, the Outstanding New Principal Award honors innovative and exceptional school administrators who have made an extraordinary impact on a school community in their first three years as a principal; and

WHEREAS, Justin Simmons joined South County Middle School as principal in July 2023 and quickly demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and enriching the well-being of every South County Middle School student, staff member, and family member, as well as enhancing school culture and deepening community involvement; and

WHEREAS, Justin Simmons exemplifies effective management by combining strategic oversight with empathetic leadership to ensure that day-to-day operations at the school align with the needs of students and staff, as well as the long-term goals of Fairfax County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, with a clear vision for teaching and learning, Justin Simmons prioritizes open communication based on trust and genuine care for the school community; he drives school-wide success by listening to concerns, reflecting on challenges, encouraging staff to propose ideas, and implementing collaborative solutions; and

WHEREAS, Justin Simmons has championed data-driven initiatives and systems to strengthen student achievement, promoted engagement in advanced mathematics, and overseen the creation of the “Retake Testing Center” to support students seeking opportunities to demonstrate improved mastery of course materials; and

WHEREAS, Justin Simmons has enhanced school safety by implementing new recess procedures and modifying arrival and departure procedures to better serve students and staff; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the unique needs of military-connected students, Justin Simmons worked with staff to provide additional resources to children of military families and helped South County Middle School earn recognition as a Purple Star School; and

WHEREAS, Justin Simmons has helped South County Middle School fulfill its mission to cultivate honorable, empathetic, resilient, and dedicated learners who value academic integrity, strive to understand different viewpoints, embrace the challenges of learning, and strive to achieve their fullest potential; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Justin Simmons, winner of the 2025 Outstanding New Principal Award from Fairfax County Public Schools, hereby be commended for his exceptional service to the students of South County Middle School; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Justin Simmons as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his legacy of contributions to young people and commitment to excellence in education.