Fairfax County Public Schools told the school board on July 17 that middle-school after-school programming served 24,749 students in fiscal 2025 and averaged more than 15,000 weekly attendees, with more than 940 different program activities countywide.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reed said most middle schools provided about 12–15 hours of programming per week, offered topics including tutoring, STEM, arts and fitness, and supplied late buses so students could get home. The division also reported participation of roughly 2,300 students in middle-school cross country and a similar number in track and field events.
Why it matters: Middle-school after-school programs provide supervised enrichment, transportation via late buses and access to activities for students who may lack other opportunities; the programs can affect attendance, safety and student engagement.
The superintendent thanked the Board of Supervisors for funding the middle-school after-school specialists and said the county and FCPS partners recognize the programs’ value. Several board members, including Dr. Ricardy Anderson and Mr. McElveen, praised the programs and urged that funding be sustained. Dr. Anderson said she had not seen a plan for funding next year and noted that the Board of Supervisors was exploring a possible fee structure; she and other board members said they worried about charging families when many participating students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
A short video played during the presentation included uncredited student voices and a coach describing the program’s impact on belonging and resilience; division staff and middle‑school coaches told the board the activities also support smoother transitions to high school athletics and higher student engagement.
Board action: The presentation was received as information; no board vote was required. Members asked staff to monitor participation, equity of access and funding plans and to report back if county funding or program structure changes.
Ending: Board members expressed strong support for keeping programs accessible and urged county partners to sustain funding so the after-school offerings remain free to students who rely on them.