Falls Church leaders present FY 2026 budgets as enrollment and development rise

Falls Church City and the Falls Church City School Board presented their proposed fiscal year 2026 budgets at the March 24 City Council meeting, telling council members the requests are needs-based and align with the council'provided guidance while responding to rising student enrollment and demographic shifts.

The school board's advertised request meets the council's December guidance of a 5.9% local funding increase, and the board emphasized that increased enrollment and growth in students requiring services are the principal drivers. "This process started for us back in August," Tate Gould, chair of the Falls Church City School Board, said as he opened the board's presentation, noting the budget was built with input from staff, principals and teachers.

Why it matters: The schools reported overall enrollment at the highest levels in years, exceeding projections by 32 students as of late March and driving requests for additional classroom teachers, specialty staff and supports for students with English-language needs and other services. Council and staff said the city and schools have a multi-year revenue-sharing practice that the presenters credited with enabling predictable planning.

School budget details: The…