The Secret Sauce: Superintendent Peter Noonan and his team of Educators Share 45 Ideas on What Makes FCCPS Special

About Dr. Peter Noonan: In 2017, the Falls Church City School Board selected Dr. Peter Noonan as the ninth Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools. He retired in June 2025, and continues to work with school districts around the country as a consultant.

Dr. Noonan began his career as a special education teacher in New Mexico, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 1993. After working for 11 years in the Fairfax County Public Schools division, he served as Superintendent for Fairfax City Public Schools.

Peter was also the assistant principal at Langley High School, principal at Lanier Middle School and Centreville High School, and assistant superintendent for Cluster VII schools. And, he was the assistant superintendent for the Instructional Services Department, overseeing academic programs for the system’s 180,000 students. Dr. Noonan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico, and completed studies to obtain the education specialist designation in educational administration. Dr. Noonan has a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

Learn more about Dr. Noonan and the Fall Church Public Schools: fccps.org

Click here to read all of the 45 essays.

Scroll down for a taste of the Secret Sauce!

Book Chapters

“The Secret Sauce,” by Dr. Peter Noonan
“Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better, even if you never know it.” — Greg Louganis When I arrived in 2017 to serve Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) read more
Foreword by Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, Falls Church Public Schools Superintendent 1991-1995
Back in the day, we promoted “The Falls Church Way.” Through joyful and challenging experiences, we learned that “process is everything.” If there was a simple “majority of one,” we read more
Introduction by Kathleen Tysse, vice chair, Falls Church City School Board: "Every community has neighbors, and almost every school system has bus stops — but what makes attending the schools in Falls Church special is that nearly all the neighbors end up at a bus stop for the same schools."
My family’s bus stop was at a busy intersection for many years. This crossroads brought together not just two roads of traffic but dozens of FCCPS students and their families. These families read more
The Little City: "Falls Church Education Foundation is a key ingredient in the Special Sauce of Falls Church City Public Schools." — Mary Asel, President, FCEF Board of Directors; Debbie Hiscott, Executive Director, FCEF (retired); and Suzanne Hladky, Executive Director, FCEF
There’s a saying: if you build it, they will come. In our roles with the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF), we’ve had the good fortune to build a wide variety of opportunities for the read more
The Little City: "We moved here for the schools!" — Falls Church City Public Schools parent Laura Downs, Former Chair, Falls Church City School Board, Falls Church City Councilwoman (2024-2025)
My husband and I moved with our four boys to Falls Church City 15 years ago for the reason many do, “we moved here for the schools.” We felt it was important for our boys to attend a good read more
Teachers Make the Difference: "We know our kids are in good hands." — FCCPS parents Brittany and Michael Sakata
We moved to Falls Church City in 2003, planning to start a family. The high-quality school system was a main factor in purchasing a home here. We welcomed twins in 2007, our third daughter in 2009, read more
Teachers Make the Difference: "At the heart of FCCPS is a commitment to preparing students for the future." — Dr. William Bates, Chief Academic Officer for the Falls Church City Public Schools
When I joined Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS), I was struck by the palpable sense of community and excellence that defines this small yet mighty school division. From the moment I walked read more
Teachers Make the Difference: "FCCPS is a group of people willing to roll up their sleeves and heed President Kennedy’s famous maxim to always ask what they can do to make their community better." — Peter Laub, Principal of Meridian High School
One of my favorite stories about Falls Church and its school system is an anecdote about the construction of its first school, George Mason High School. The City declared its independence in 1948; read more
Relationships Matter: "FCCPS is thriving community where excellence isn't just an expectation. It's a way of life." — Dave Serensits, Assistant Principal, Meridian High School
There’s a moment every morning that captures the essence of what makes Meridian High School special. As I stand at our front doors, I see Mr. Shipp, our security guard, greeting every single read more
Relationships Matter: "What makes this school division sparkle? It reminds me of a family recipe that has special ingredients, traditions, personal connections and shared memories." — Julie Macrina, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) is a true gem! What makes this school division sparkle? It reminds me of a family recipe with special ingredients, traditions, personal connections, and read more
Relationships Matter: "No matter the task, the work is what brings us together, but the sense of community and camaraderie is what keeps us coming back. That’s the FCCPS way." — Kim Heddings, Director of Assessment and Accountability at FCCPS
When I came to FCCPS in March 2024 as the Director of Assessment and Accountability, I had a LOT of questions. I had been in my previous school division for over 15 years, so I knew how things worked read more
"Parting Thoughts," by Dr. Peter Noonan
When I arrived in Falls Church City Public Schools in the spring of 2017, I knew there was something different about this school system from the others I had the privilege of serving. I didn’t know read more