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Fairfax County Public Schools announced that 241 students from 16 schools have been named 2026 National Merit finalists, while county leaders prepare to hear public feedback on a budget that provides most of the school division’s funding.

The April 8 update also highlighted support for military-connected children, student awards, upcoming family events, staff recognition and several calendar changes.

National Merit and writing honors

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which serves as Northern Virginia’s Governor’s Regional School, has 105 of the division’s 241 National Merit finalists.

FCPS also reported a 37% increase in National Merit semifinalists from 2025 to 2026. The school system credited students, parents, teachers and educational resources for the growth.

In the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition, FCPS students received 162 Gold Keys, Silver Keys and honorable mentions. Twenty-four students earned Gold Keys, advancing their work for consideration in the national Scholastic Writing Awards.

High school students also gathered at the new Skyview High School for the first Superintendent Student Summit, a leadership and engagement event intended to amplify student perspectives across the division.

County seeks input on 2027 budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The board is reviewing the advertised fiscal year 2027 budget and may make adjustments before adopting it in May.

A Franconia District budget town hall will air on Channel 16 at 6 p.m. Friday, April 10.

County budget hearings are scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, and 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16. The hearings will take place in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center. Residents who want to speak must register in advance.

The School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9. Its agenda includes several proposed amendments to the 2026-27 school calendar.

Purple Up Day supports military children

Students, families, employees and community members are invited to wear purple Wednesday, April 15, in recognition of military-connected children.

Purple represents the combined colors associated with the military branches: Army green, Marine Corps red and the blues of the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force.

The observance is part of April’s Month of the Military Child. FCPS offers transition assistance and other resources to military families who move into or leave the district.

Family events and community conversations

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will hold four Community Conversations from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

  • Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.

  • Thursday, April 16, at Ravensworth Elementary School, reflecting a date change.

  • Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.

  • Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.

The events are open to everyone. Registration is optional but helps organizers plan for child care and interpretation.

More than 500 families and community members are expected at the 2026 Special Education Family Conference on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. Registration allows attendees to request accommodations and language interpretation and choose among keynote, breakout and vendor-hall programming.

Career and Transition Services will host “Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in the Woodson High School cafeteria.

The program is intended for students with disabilities pursuing standard or advanced diplomas and their families. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs and community organizations will discuss education, employment and community options after high school. Advance registration is encouraged.

Arts, libraries and school employees highlighted

During the Academic Matters portion of the March 26 School Board meeting, Reid discussed fine arts instruction and its role in developing lasting skills, belonging and self-expression.

Programs including International Baccalaureate Dance and Advanced Placement 2D Studio Art and Drawing ask students to experiment, reflect and refine their work through a process comparable to the scientific method. Mount Vernon High School’s IB dance program was highlighted as one example.

FCPS also marked School Library Month and School Librarian Day, observed April 3. Gunston Elementary School librarian Nicole Oberdick, a finalist for Outstanding Elementary School Teacher last year, was recognized for creating an immersive library environment designed to spark curiosity and learning.

National Assistant Principals Week runs April 6-10. The division highlighted Dominic Williams, assistant principal at Union Mill Elementary School and FCPS’ 2025 Outstanding School-Based Leader.

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in April, recognized instructional assistants, aides and paraeducators. Samina Butt of Irving Middle School, a finalist for Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee, was among those featured.

Job fair and calendar changes

FCPS will hold an in-person instructional job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. School representatives will offer networking and interview opportunities. Registration is required.

Friday, April 10, is a school planning day, and students will not attend classes.

Thursday, April 16, is a regular school day and a designated observance day for Theravada New Year. No mandatory tests, field trips or major events will be scheduled.

Schools will also be closed to students Tuesday, April 21, for Virginia’s statewide election, although activities, athletic practices and events may continue as scheduled.

Participating schools will offer free lunch and a snack that day to children 18 and younger. Meals must be eaten on site, where enrichment activities will also be available.

FCPS Adult and Community Education will offer $15 off tuition for any class purchased Wednesday, April 15, using the promotional code TaxDay15. The discount applies to in-person and online courses and expires at midnight.