The Region 3 Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Ms. Jennifer Cunneen, currently the assistant principal at Forestdale Elementary School (ES), has been selected as the principal for Forestdale ES.  She will assume this new position on June 1, 2020.

Ms. Cunneen has over 16 years of educational experience within Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the principalship.  She is a strong instructional and collaborative leader.  Ms. Cunneen has served as Assistant Principal at Forestdale Elementary School since 2015.  During her tenure at Forestdale ES, she was integral in developing of a culture of collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations, resulting in enhanced personalized learning for staff and students.  She has developed and facilitated professional development for staff around the tenants and skills of Responsive Classroom, trauma-informed practices, language acquisition, and instructional strategies for English Learners.  Ms. Cunneen has worked closely with all stakeholders to create a warm and welcoming and culturally responsive environment. 

Prior to serving as assistant principal, Ms. Cunneen was an Educational Specialist with the Office of Professional Learning and Accountability from 2010 to 2015 where she was the program manager for Great Beginnings, supporting new teachers, mentors, and school-based induction coaches across FCPS.  Prior to her division level experience, Ms. Cunneen served as a classroom teacher at both Kings Park and Laurel Hill Elementary Schools from 2004 until 2010. Throughout her career, she has presented and facilitated division, region, and school-based professional development to educators throughout FCPS.  Ms. Cunneen has the reputation of building positive and collaborative relationships with her staff, colleagues, students, and parents.

Ms. Cunneen earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and her Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision (PreK-12) from the University of Virginia. 

Ms. Cunneen’s successful tenure as an assistant principal at Forestdale ES will be beneficial as she will continue building on the foundation of engaging all stakeholders in creating a culture of high expectations at the school.  Please join me in welcoming Ms. Cunneen as the new principal at Forestdale Elementary School.