Fairfax County School Superintendent Seeks Personal Bodyguard
Michelle Reed, who left the suburbs of Seattle three years ago to run the Fairfax County school district in Virginia, now earns more than the U.S. president and receives allowances for her vehicle. She is now seeking a bodyguard funded by taxpayers.
Recently, on a job recruitment platform known as Brasling, the Fairfax County Public Schools advertised for “Executive Conservation Agents” at the district’s headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. The deadline for those interested is August 5th.
The salary for this new position ranges from $84,552 to $143,880. Meanwhile, teachers entering the district will start around $58,000, as noted in the pay scale documents. The job entails ensuring the safety and security of supervisory staff across schools, during public events, travel, and at home.
Reed’s push for individual protection comes amid heightened accountability for school officials post-COVID, especially regarding budgets, contracts, and educational policies. There’s been a history of tension; in 2021, parents were labeled “domestic terrorists” for expressing concerns at school board meetings. More recently, revelations emerged suggesting that these accusations were overstated and politicized.
Since Reed assumed leadership in July 2022, allegations of covering up scandals have surfaced, including issues related to recruitment fraud and the mishandling of student awards. The Department of Education recently announced violations of Title IX protection in Fairfax County Schools and four other districts for allegedly discriminating against students based on gender.
Last November, Reed received a contract extension, increasing her annual salary to $424,146, surpassing the New York City education chief’s pay. She also received a $12,000 annual car allowance, significantly higher than the president’s salary of $400,000.
Recently, concerns regarding the new bodyguard position were raised after a district official anonymously criticized the necessity of such a role, highlighting the requirement for applicants to demonstrate a high level of discretion.
Experts point out that hiring personal bodyguards for school supervisors is quite uncommon. As the 12th largest school district in the U.S. with over 180,000 students, Fairfax County is comparatively smaller than Chicago Public Schools, which serves over 320,000 students and has no such protective roles for its leadership.
The idea of a personal bodyguard has stirred dissent among local parents and school staff, with some expressing frustration at what they view as excessive demands from Reed. Critics voice that it reflects a disparity between her status and that of everyday staff.
While the role of a bodyguard does not require a bachelor’s degree, it does ask for a mix of education and experience in security fields. The job demands availability for an unpredictable schedule, including early mornings and weekends, and a wealth of knowledge concerning protection intelligence and crisis management.
Reed emphasized the role’s significance in safety measures, claiming it is part of a larger strategy to support the safety and security of the entire school district. However, the job description lacks specifics regarding the threats the chosen applicant might face.
Critics argue that this hiring approach seems to create a scenario where protection is prioritized over the collective needs of staff and students, noting a lack of clarity in the expectations laid out in the job description. The ongoing discussions surrounding this new position reflect broader tensions within the district as they navigate issues of safety, accountability, and community response.
