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Fairfax superintendent warns budget gap could reach $120–$150 million; after-school programs and staffing at risk
Summary
Superintendent Michelle Reed told the board the FY26 funding gap could range from $120 million to $150 million depending on state action, noting county and state proposals leave a substantial shortfall. County-funded middle school after-school programming could be curtailed if the county does not restore funds.
Fairfax County School Superintendent Michelle Reed told the School Board on April 16 that the district faces a potential FY26 funding shortfall that could reach $120 million to $150 million depending on actions by the County and the governor.
Reed said the division requested an additional $268.3 million from the county; the County Executive has recommended $118.6 million, leaving a roughly $150 million gap. State budget developments could narrow that gap: the General Assembly's amendments and subsequent gubernatorial actions make the final state contribution uncertain.
"Our budget request to the County included an additional $268,300,000; the County Executive at this time has only recommended an increase of $118,600,000, which leaves a $150,000,000 gap in the transfer at this time," Reed said. She told the board the gap would put programs and staffing at risk, and reminded members that some programs typically funded by the county (not the school operating budget) are now at risk.
Reed and several board members singled out the county-funded middle school after-school program as particularly vulnerable: the county made the funding decision, Reed said, and the county cut could eliminate programming that serves many economically disadvantaged students. Board members noted roughly 70% of participants in middle school after-school activities qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, making fee-based alternatives impractical.
The superintendent also described possible revenue scenarios if a proposed county meals tax is approved; half-year distribution assumptions could yield about $45.5 million to FCPS, while a larger allocation might yield up to $65 million. Reed said the division had identified over $800 million in budget reductions or cost-avoidance actions over the last decade and is pursuing additional efficiencies (vacancy management, travel reduction and Baldrige process review), but the division's leaders warned that sustained underfunding would affect classroom and program quality.
Key next dates: county public hearings April 22–24; Board of Supervisors mark-up May 6 and finalization May 13; FCPS presentation May 8 and final adoption May 22.
