BIE Partnership

Business in Education (BIE) Partnership Advisory Committee

The Business In Education Partnership Committee is the bridge connecting FCCPS and the area business and nonprofit community. The BIE Committee seeks to inspire civic involvement by building partnerships and engaging in activities that benefit the community.

BIE Partners are committed to helping students become competent, creative and constructive citizens. BIE partners share their knowledge and talents with students and schools in the following ways:

  • Providing real-world learning experiences

  • Preparing students for the workforce through internships, mentorships and career education

  • Supporting teachers

  • Donating professional services to augment school experiences

  • Serving as school volunteers

  • Offering volunteer opportunities for students

  • Assisting school staff in the review of instructional programs to ensure relevant instruction

  • Assisting and advising in the development and approval of the Annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Plan

Authority - School Board Policy 5.12 (I-1)

Appointment Months: May & June

Term: July 1 - June 30 for 2 years - Alternating terms

Membership: At least 12 members to include area business leaders, Collaborative Team Leader for Career and Technical Education, Meridian High School Guidance Department representative, Meridian High School Administrator, BIE Coordinator, staff liaisons from each FCCPS school, and a 10-12th grade student who participates in the career and technical education program.

Meetings: Four times per year on  the third Thursday of September, November, January and March at 8:00 a.m. Location rotates among schools and Central Office.

School Board Charge for Strategic Plan Focus Area of Wellness, Equity & Belonging: Continue to foster diverse partnerships with individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses in the local community. Engage partners to identify, develop, and enhance learning and career exploration opportunities for students at all levels in the school division.

2023-24 BIE Advisory Committee Members

CHAIR:
Stephanie Oppenheimer
Founder & Principal
Skylite Communications

MEMBERS:
Kris Baker
President
Demosphere

Peter Baroody
Founder & Owner
Baroody Camps Inc.

Clay Gaynor
Co-Owner
Broad Street Brand Partners

Matt Lee
Founding Principal
Lee Design Studio

Alison Miller
Realtor
Keller Williams Real Estate

Julie Paradiso
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

EX OFICIO MEMBERS:
Elise Neil Bengtson
Executive Director
Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce

Suzanne Hladky
Executive Director
Falls Church Education Foundation

SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES:
Charles Bowling
5th Grade Teacher
Oak Street Elementary School

Marybeth Connelly
Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement
Falls Church City Public Schools

Rory Dippold
MYP Coordinator
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

Steve Knight
PreK-12 Instructional Technology Coordinator Career & Technical Education Coordinator
Falls Church City Public Schools

Brannon McLaughlin
Assistant to Director of Early Childhood
Jessie Thackrey Preschool

Will Snyder
Career and Technical Education
Meridian High School

Corrie Wright
2nd Grade Teacher
Mount Daniel Elementary School

SCHOOL BOARD LIAISON:
Lori Silverman
Owner
Lori Silverman Fundraising

STAFF LIAISON:
Regan Davis
Community Outreach Coordinator
Falls Church City Public Schools

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE:
Alessio Azimpour
Senior
Meridian High School