FAIRFAX, Va. (7News) — Fairfax County Public Schools held an informational session for transitioning federal workers Wednesday night.
The aim was to identify skills that can translate into new roles with the school district.
The impact of mass firings is being felt throughout the Metro D.C. area. Lifelong federal workers and those just getting started have been fired and furloughed including former federal employee Emily Luper, who attended Wednesday night’s meeting.
“I finally found a career path that I was very passionate about and I was really excited to get out in the world and do something helpful for other people,” Luper said. “I thought I found my calling.”
Luper previously worked as an Acquisitions and Assistance Coordinator subcontracted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
After being hired in November, she was furloughed at the end of January. She said she is trying to be resilient.
“My colleagues and I try to get together and apply for jobs once a week,” she said.
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The FCPS Superintendent said she wants to connect the school district with transitioning workers like Luper and the roughly 16,000 other federal workers around the county.
She said they would be a good fit because they have shown a dedication to public service.
“We’re going to have an opportunity to talk about skill matching,” said Dr. Michelle Reed. “So, we have federal workers who have had a wide variety of experience and we have a wide variety of both instructional and operational positions.”
That includes teacher and substitute teacher roles, and operational roles including jobs in Information Technology, Human Resources, and Finance.
“We have openings available immediately for people who are seeking to get into the classroom, who are seeking to fill instructional positions, for people who are seeking part-time opportunities while they’re looking for the next opportunity,” said William Solomon, Chief Human Resources Officer of FCPS.
Solomon said there are also jobs available for the 2025-2026 school year for those who need time to think before making the change.
Luper said she still feels fortunate because her family lives in Northern Virginia and is there to support her as she searches for her next job.
“I think about my colleagues who just bought a single-family house or have children they need to support,” she said. “I just feel very much for my colleagues who have to go through that and I just pray for them.”
Luper said she felt Wednesday’s session was helpful and said she left feeling energized and encouraged.
The school system will hold a virtual job fair on Saturday, February 22nd.