[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6228378,"mediaKeyId","3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d","parentId",3475399,"title","Fairfax County School Board adopts FY26 budget after fraught debate over cuts, raises and school safety","audioSeconds",3550,"startMs",2452000,"endMs",6002000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d&start=2452&end=6002","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d/thumbnail_2452000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228378/Virginia/Fairfax-County-School-Board-adopts-FY26-budget-after-fraught-debate-over-cuts-raises-and-school-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228378-7b1efcbc53067d1ff81c2c3c159dc9e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933965&Signature=MkWcigsSAMY-HYOPup7tfPWqUw7KZ~Yt~6uqK0ZPlfE1WY8TL7Fbo-Qp-NJcdG1NFo2z8Q5C9tEQfusdPOTV9etE9ac9dNDZ~wq0e53yR1WeTHbZZCrE2JZXZLrfTmtbjWZdrqUce1abagAC3Fd8DGst3E5S~jIpTaemsa-ZgrRGwLOZeKSLWld9N2512o1-G4lwWELG26DfxwDWOuvn0o1X11wWiglsy2rzGRQsogCyvg1sgcqaNACGP4STZ-OCT2gnViY3211XaTGTz0EADY7RLmk~hXcygBpSnGLhUU4d3gSu194HSlvHL54Yw8~c4HD5UBEpTwiDFwZaGIKNbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fairfax Co Public School","date","2025-05-23T23:43:59.96Z","article","The Fairfax County School Board on May 22 adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, approving a package that closes a roughly $121,000,000 shortfall and includes a collective bargaining agreement that will give bargaining-unit employees a 6% raise while providing a 5% increase for staff outside the bargaining unit.

The budget matters because it sets pay for school employees and funding for classroom supports across a $4,000,000,000 system serving about 181,000 students; board members and community speakers said the choices will affect class sizes, supports for special education and advanced programs, and how the division responds to safety concerns.

Board member Karlene Sizemore Heizer, who moved adoption, told the board the division faced “a shortfall of $121,000,000” and that hard tradeoffs were necessary to balance competing priorities while preserving compensation. The adopted plan keeps the 6% raise secured by the new collective bargaining agreement and funds a 5% raise for non‑bargaining unit employees, while reducing or reallocating some central and school-based positions.

Among operational changes discussed: reductions in centrally-funded advanced academic resource teacher (AART) allocations and special education department chair allocations outside Title I schools; elimination of centrally funded classroom monitors in the operating base; and a formula change that could result in fewer classroom teacher allocations. Sizemore Heizer warned these changes “may result in 275 teacher positions” being reduced across the system, a point other board members and community advocates repeatedly raised as a concern.

The vote to adopt the budget was moved by Sizemore Heizer and seconded by Ms. Anderson. The board announced the motion passed unanimously among members present.

The decision followed procedural votes and debate earlier in the meeting. A motion to suspend the 48‑hour rule and consider postponing indefinitely a set of late budget amendments passed on an 8‑4 split — the board recorded members in favor as Ms. Marron, Ms. Dixit, Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Sizemore Heizer, Ms. St. John Cunning, Ms. Lady and the chair; those opposed were Mr. McElveen, Dr. Anderson, Mr. Dunn and Mr. Moon — enabling the board to remove the late amendments from consideration and proceed to a single vote on the advertised, amended budget.

Debate before and after the votes focused sharply on how to allocate limited dollars between school safety staff and prevention-oriented mental‑health staff. Member James Dunn argued administrators need more “boots on the ground,” identifying a countywide request of roughly “5,200,000” to provide a sufficient number of security personnel at middle and high schools and saying “it is time to act.”

Several board members countered that preventive services — counselors, psychologists and social workers — better address the root causes of disorder and violence. Ms. Lady said, “If we were going to have a pot of money where we could hire more staff, I would implore the school system to hire more social workers, counselor psychologists because the work we need to be doing is in prevention.”

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid explained how the division plans to preserve some school‑level positions this year despite central funding reductions: principals at non‑Title I elementary schools were allowed an additional 15% carryover flexibility to keep AARTs and special‑education chairs “whole” for this year, and the division may use one‑time reserves and other temporary sources. Dr. Reid framed these as one‑year measures and said longer‑term staffing decisions will return to the board in future budget cycles.

Board members also noted state and county funding changes. The board cited roughly $30,000,000 in additional state funding from Standards of Quality adjustments and thanked Fairfax County and the Board of Supervisors for increased transfers; members referenced an independent JLARC estimate that Fairfax County schools would receive about $568,700,000 more yearly if funded at state averages.

What the board approved: the FY26 budget as advertised and modified on the dais; the new collective bargaining agreement for the certified bargaining unit providing a 6% raise; and a 5% increase for non‑bargaining employees. The board also passed a follow‑on motion directing the superintendent to report back via the division’s executive limitations monitoring process on efforts to ensure advanced academic resource teachers and special education department chairs are fully and equitably staffed (see related article).

The budget vote concluded a months‑long cycle that board members said had been compressed by last‑minute revenue and labor developments. Several members urged earlier, more collaborative budgeting with county and state partners to avoid repeating the shortfall and its associated tradeoffs.

Ending: The adopted budget takes effect July 1; board members said they expect follow‑up reports during the year on staffing allocations, implementation of the collective bargaining agreement and any needed adjustments as revenue or needs change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/22/2025 - FCPS School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Fairfax County School Board on May 22 adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, approving a package that closes a roughly $121,000,000 shortfall and includes a collective bargaining agreement that awards bargaining‑unit employees a 6% raise while providing a 5% raise for other staff.","taxTitle","FAIRFAX CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14506,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6228363,"FCPS expands Math and Science Olympiad access for Title I schools; plans county spring Olympiad",299,11100000,11399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d&start=11100&end=11399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d/thumbnail_11100000.jpg","/articles/6228363/Virginia/FCPS-expands-Math-and-Science-Olympiad-access-for-Title-I-schools-plans-county-spring-Olympiad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228363-1dff0afa48087bbbe1b879f1afbc4328/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933965&Signature=e7O2JRLS1MaVENggN09oIHo7R9NxIdN6e~u8IbS3aA7gVn9j3jOQVJRTh~a~2-Is6SRY~XH6S7atJguP6Emqqr-KguFaNdspUa5OL4XPOi~I9UFqpbegj9BtlZofYj~fJa3OxDFmblZvJ1Ye7Athh97gzlWJfFZmS2pAdjDV7u8hS2861o7VDMKFK-TdIQRIDANuK9~W~rdsvTCymQvk9p9NzVpt8oBouhas-L~LiK7WIflm-sR6KVVYBUpiaNaRSfZvJcOm3sP8AO89DXrSxayr1s3cN3qzWQ9-FinBKcZ6xLyr2nuI-F547P~urRK88s8GC5PDaxWo4LkPhkZ5DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fairfax County Public Schools told the school board on May 22 that it has expanded Math and Science Olympiad programming to Title I schools and is planning a countywide spring Olympiad for next year.

Why it matters: research and the board’s strategic plan link extracurricular engagement with improved attendance, belonging and academic outcomes. The division said removing cost and transportation barriers can increase equitable access to enrichment for students in Title I schools.

The presentation said Math Olympiad ran November through March for grades 4‑8 and this year was offered at 42 Title I elementary schools and two Title I middle schools. The division reported “over 650 Mathletes actively participating” across five contests this season. Science Olympiad — offered November through March for grades 3‑12 in hands‑on, team‑based events — was reported at 42 Title I elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school with about 500 participants.

FCPS said it covered program fees, transportation for practices and competitions and provided meals through Food and Nutrition Services for participating Title I students. The division plans to convene a countywide FCPS Spring Olympiad that would allow broader participation in a single, in‑person event.

Teachers and principals told the division they saw gains in student confidence, collaboration and application of problem‑solving skills in the classroom. The board asked staff to produce an audit and gap analysis of extracurricular offerings so the division can identify where programs are ad hoc versus systemically supported and consider using early‑release days and other mechanisms to expand consistent access.

Ending: The division will return with more detail on participation, gaps and possible scaling strategies for school enrichment and after‑school programming.","Fairfax County Public Schools reported expansion of no‑cost Math and Science Olympiad programs into dozens of Title I schools, covering transportation and meals, and announced plans for a new countywide spring Olympiad event.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6228369,"Reston parents urge board to keep students in South Lakes pyramid amid boundary scenarios",115,1758000,1873000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d&start=1758&end=1873","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d/thumbnail_1758000.jpg","/articles/6228369/Virginia/Reston-parents-urge-board-to-keep-students-in-South-Lakes-pyramid-amid-boundary-scenarios","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228369-e7ab561fb8b2a2f47dcdbbf84062f667/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933965&Signature=DwS9YMrb6XkKh9MxbhQrSThcbJ8dgchAN51Y6jTqx~qlIs6zq24tbHjm4kwbgRwcZdeLkODccsooD9HuR7ye6BYxJXuS9PRbbpe83tjGbsnUkKiyyrE~owjOZnG8EG8bpSiP0St1FnFKVwnlP0ff1c1TtDAG0X2H7K4yW1Nqus8IZ3t7ncqrboWOF2EX5BX9oySKLBGhEaZnKNMmoPWN-qkKnXZO57aISlrJcaM5~Xg4hjw9Z8CuCZO8aNSYD0Q25tJCkMnzDsaoIPvI90ybIoGScb5q-McvDW50eed5zU6fLYxlnVZux3Zee1p7r72PtjUG59nPQHbNqDd9dkYKEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Reston parent urged the Fairfax County School Board during public comment on May 22 to preserve neighborhood cohorting in redistricting plans and keep students feeding to Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School.

Why it matters: boundary changes can alter students’ school assignments, travel routes and access to programs such as International Baccalaureate. Parents said preserving walkability and existing community ties should guide the board’s decisions.

Michelle Wiss said her family’s children attend Crossfield Elementary and currently feed to Hughes Middle and South Lakes High. She described being “thrilled to see the kids stayed in their existing schools in scenario 1” and said she was “shocked in scenarios 2 and 3 when they were busted in 2 different directions to Rachel Carson and Oakton.” Wiss said the Oakton pyramid “never should have come into play” and asked the board to “Please keep our kids in the South Lakes Pyramid for middle and high school.”

Wiss and other speakers framed the request around walkability, local childcare and extracurricular ties. She suggested a fourth scenario — moving children to Hunter’s Woods with busing — as an alternative that would keep cohorts intact and preserve students’ access to IB programming.

Ending: The boundary discussion remains ongoing; the board held additional public meetings and encouraged residents to review maps and submit feedback through the division’s boundary review process.","During public comment at the May 22 meeting a Reston parent urged the school board to keep Crossfield Elementary students in the South Lakes middle‑ and high‑school pyramid, citing walkability, existing community ties and concerns about splitting cohorts and mid‑program moves for IB students.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6228373,"FCPS highlights school mental‑health supports, Hazel Health teletherapy and opioid prevention; gaps for middle schools noted",472,8319000,8791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d&start=8319&end=8791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3475399-e315345416c39979f4068cb928065c9d/thumbnail_8319000.jpg","/articles/6228373/Virginia/FCPS-highlights-school-mentalhealth-supports-Hazel-Health-teletherapy-and-opioid-prevention-gaps-for-middle-schools-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228373-39bc7c956c9c87d195663629b58a7d59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770933965&Signature=SI9o0cCA8kT1v25PNlR8s6yGBEMLnaEWsl0QXTLFf9znClaJSOyotoBf8L4OiLpVrPIJqN9i~Oa7O8UsrVTTXHOH9M53yc0adw6nULkxVKadxTkGItOwCcvyBCKpn1k3ZEAifFJMpBVajed305oEVWrgtOu31Mbn1GkJX9yjskuJQ01DzC29WhVudsdesVi~0Mi1~UssizJnzDHrdP-O1bV6G4EjivvsYgyaa9jPcmmfwUNWUloZRQwpwFC18KZa6MSUhmV-M9N-8QesbDuqgwF12FlDG7FaSKstVJXO8IsPtVVW0qjM~MbQ-QcVJwoNOgt5oX7CGdZj~M2CZG7ImA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a May 22 presentation the Fairfax County School Board received an update on the division’s mental‑health services, partnerships and substance‑misuse prevention work, including the Hazel Health teletherapy program for high‑school students and opioid prevention efforts funded from settlement money.

Why it matters: board members tied mental‑health access to student safety and learning. The presentation outlined current services, usage data for teletherapy and gaps in access for younger students.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said school‑based mental‑health professionals — counselors, social workers and psychologists — provide prevention, assessment and crisis supports in FCPS schools and that the division partners with outside providers including Hazel Health, Our Minds Matter, Fairfax County Community Services Board, Heart Leaf Center and Northern Virginia Family Services. “Hazel Health currently is available to all High School students,” Dr. Reid said during the presentation.

Dr. Reid reported Hazel Health’s FY26 budgeted cost at $1,260,000 and told the board that, from July 1, 2024, through May 13, 2025, 1,068 students had been referred and 2,777 teletherapy sessions had been conducted. She said roughly half of referrals came from families and half from school‑based staff. The board was told parental permission is required for participation.

Board members and staff noted usage concentrates in upper grades and discussed expansion to middle schools. Dr. Reid said Hazel Health has not yet been extended to middle schools because of budget implications but that expansion remained “a possibility.”

On opioids and overdose prevention, Dr. Reid described divisionwide protocols for suspected school‑connected overdoses, training for nurses and staff, stocking of naloxone in school clinics and buses, and use of opioid‑settlement funds for prevention messaging and family outreach. Dr. Anderson told the board the division’s dashboard currently shows “0 suspected overdoses in our schools this year,” a point staff confirmed as progress.

Several board members raised access gaps for K‑8 students. Dr. Reid said elementary schools rely primarily on school‑based staff and community partnerships, and that some middle‑school services are more “fractured” than the high‑school teletherapy network. Board members directed staff to explore renegotiation options and more efficient service mixes for wider access while emphasizing family involvement in teletherapy referrals and treatment.

Ending: Board members asked staff to follow up with data on K‑8 service levels, teletherapy referral pathways and options to expand or renegotiate Hazel Health to increase reach and value for money.","Superintendent Michelle Reid told the board FCPS provides school‑based mental health professionals, community partnerships and Hazel Health teletherapy for high school students. The board heard usage and cost data and discussed expanding services to middle schools, which would require additional funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fairfax County School Board adopts FY26 budget after fraught debate over cuts, raises and school safety

FCPS expands Math and Science Olympiad access for Title I schools; plans county spring Olympiad

Reston parents urge board to keep students in South Lakes pyramid amid boundary scenarios

FCPS highlights school mental‑health supports, Hazel Health teletherapy and opioid prevention; gaps for middle schools noted