Fairfax County Public Schools proposes $4B budget with 7% salary increase for teachers

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board held a work session on February 4, 2025, focusing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 and discussions surrounding equity in academic access. The meeting highlighted key budget priorities, including compensation adjustments for staff and addressing the needs of diverse student populations.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on an equity statement regarding the academic readiness of students for Algebra 1. Board members emphasized the importance of using performance data to identify students who meet the criteria for participation in Algebra 1, aiming to reduce disparities among different demographic groups. This approach is seen as a way to ensure that all students, including multilingual learners, have equal opportunities in advanced coursework.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 totals approximately $4 billion, reflecting an increase of $297 million from the previous year. A notable request includes an additional $268 million in county transfer funds, which represents a 10.4% increase aimed at supporting competitive compensation for staff and addressing changing student needs. The budget includes a 7% salary increase for all employees, which is part of a broader effort to retain quality educators in the district.

The meeting also addressed the projected enrollment and student needs, particularly in special education and multilingual services. The budget anticipates a $20.6 million increase in costs associated with special education services, driven by an expected rise in the number of students requiring support. Conversely, there is a slight decrease in the number of multilingual learners projected to receive services, which is expected to result in a budget savings of $1 million.

As the session concluded, the board acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions about the budget and its implications for equity and student support. The next steps involve a community dialogue and a budget question process to ensure transparency and engagement with stakeholders. The board plans to reconvene to finalize discussions on the budget and its alignment with the district's goals for equity and academic achievement.