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Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to enforce school bus stop-arm violations while gathering student feedback on future cafeteria menus, advancing its fiscal 2026 budget and scheduling a series of community events.
School bus camera enforcement begins this spring
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS buses to identify motorists who pass while students are boarding or leaving a stopped bus.
Warnings are scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 9. Following a 30-day warning period, citations will start Monday, May 12.
Virginia law requires motorists approaching from either direction to stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop sign. The exception is when a barrier or median separates the motorist’s lane from the bus. Drivers must remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus begins moving.
Students help shape next year’s menus
FCPS held its second annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show in February, inviting students from eight high schools, eight middle schools and 12 elementary schools to sample 24 items.
Participants evaluated the food for taste, nutrition and appeal. Food and Nutrition Services will consider their responses when planning districtwide breakfast and lunch menu changes for the 2025-26 school year.
Superintendent schedules community conversations
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will hold six Community Conversations this spring, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and share their views about FCPS. Each event is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Thursday, March 20, at Cunningham Park Elementary School
- Monday, March 24, at Kings Park Elementary School
- Tuesday, April 1, at Lorton Station Elementary School
- Monday, April 7, at Greenbriar West Elementary School
- Monday, April 21, at Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Wednesday, April 23, at Freedom Hill Elementary School
The meetings are open to everyone, with childcare and interpretation available.
Boundary review and family programs continue
A new explanatory video covers the Comprehensive School Boundary Review and terms including attendance zones, attendance islands and split feeders. Versions in additional languages are planned.
Upcoming Family Academy programs include co-parenting classes in English and Spanish, separate executive-function sessions for families of middle and high school students, and an FCPS family orientation offered in Arabic, Korean and Spanish.
The academy will also offer Applied Behavior Analysis family training on self-help and independent living skills, along with a separate toilet-training session.
FCPS highlights $240 million compensation proposal
More than $240 million in the advertised fiscal 2026 budget is designated for higher teacher and staff compensation, with the stated goals of remaining competitive and reducing turnover.
FCPS currently ranks fifth among eight neighboring school divisions for the starting salary offered to teachers with master’s degrees.
The School Board is scheduled to present its budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. Supervisors will hold public hearings from April 22 through Thursday, April 24, with residents able to submit testimony or register to speak.
FCPS also emphasized collective bargaining as a tool for improving compensation, lowering turnover and advocating for smaller classes, stronger resources and policies benefiting students and families. Collective bargaining does not prevent the school system from addressing performance or imposing appropriate discipline. State law prohibits FCPS employees from striking.
Eighth grader earns puzzle-cube record
Irving Middle School eighth grader Sai Charan Kintali has been recognized by the America Book of Records for solving 50 puzzle cubes in 6 minutes and 50 seconds.
Sai said the practice required for the attempt also contributed to his academic progress. He later demonstrated cube-solving techniques for Reid.
Teachers receive performing arts grants
Three FCPS educators received grants from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts during Music in Our Schools and Theater in Our Schools Month.
The winning teachers and projects represent Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church High School and West Potomac Academy.
A student-written review also spotlighted Fairfax High School’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Preet Manukonda of Westfield High School wrote the review through the Cappies program, which trains high school theater and journalism students to critique productions staged at other schools.
Special education planning and resources
Career and Transition Services scheduled an event for Wednesday, March 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jackson Middle School for families planning for students’ lives during and after high school.
Representatives were set to discuss disability programs, employment, postsecondary education, individualized education program transition planning and other short- and long-term supports.
The spring Special Education and 504 Newsletter includes information about the 2025 Family Summit, special education teaching, Self, Health, and Relationship Education, special education and Section 504 timelines, social-emotional learning and assistive technology services.
Early releases and School Board meeting announced
Elementary schools in the Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Oakton, Robinson and Westfield pyramids will dismiss students three hours early Monday, March 17.
The School Board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at Jackson Middle School. Agenda items include a Strategic Plan Goal 4 report on equitable access and opportunity, as well as the awarding of contracts.