County and schools form joint technical group to seek IT efficiencies; report expected by March

Fairfax County IT leaders told the Information Technology Committee they have formed a joint technical working group with Fairfax County Public Schools to identify operational efficiencies, cost avoidances and shared-service opportunities. "We came up with an initial list of 8 to 10 things that we wanted to talk through," Matthew Harrison said, describing an October 31 kickoff and plans to push detailed work down to deputies and technical teams.

Chief Technology Officer Maura Power said the working group will examine space consolidation, data centers, shared platforms and security monitoring, with the goal of short-term operational wins and longer-term initiatives. "Our tactical kind of operational plan will have some tangible things that we can do within this next fiscal year with a report to you guys by March," she said, acknowledging the timeline is aggressive.

Supervisors asked that the March report quantify expected efficiencies and whether shifting responsibilities will change budgetary lines between the county and schools. One supervisor urged that any recommendations include a clear accounting of where efficiencies and costs will appear so taxpayers and staff can track net outcomes.

Staff said collaboration will continue and that due-outs will be provided through the budget process; no formal action was taken at the meeting.