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Fairfax County Public Schools is moving ahead with school bus enforcement cameras, gathering student input on cafeteria meals and proposing more than $240 million in compensation increases for teachers and staff.
The updates were among several announcements released March 12, along with details about community meetings, the school boundary review, upcoming family programs and calendar reminders.
School bus camera enforcement begins this spring
FCPS has installed cameras on the stop arms of 50 school buses to identify motorists who illegally pass while children are boarding or leaving a bus.
Drivers recorded committing a stop-arm violation will receive warnings beginning Wednesday, April 9. Following a 30-day warning period, citations are scheduled to begin Monday, May 12.
Virginia law requires motorists approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign to stop and remain in place until everyone is clear and the bus begins moving. The rule applies to traffic approaching from either direction unless a barrier or median separates the motorist’s lane from the bus.
FCPS is working with local law enforcement and other county partners on the program as part of its student transportation safety efforts.
Students put future school meals to the test
Students from eight high schools, eight middle schools and 12 elementary schools were invited to sample 24 items during the second annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show in February.
Participants evaluated the options for taste, nutrition and overall appeal. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services plans to use their feedback when considering districtwide breakfast and lunch menu changes for the 2025-26 school year.
Megan Sawant, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and a student representative on the division’s governing board, also wrote about the event.
Budget directs $240 million toward employee compensation
More than $240 million in the advertised fiscal 2026 FCPS budget is dedicated to raising teacher and staff compensation in an effort to remain competitive and reduce turnover.
FCPS currently ranks fifth among eight neighboring school divisions in starting pay for teachers with master’s degrees.
The district’s governing board is scheduled to present its budget to the county supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. Supervisors will hold public hearings from April 22 through April 24, when residents may submit testimony or register to speak. The county is also accepting responses to an online survey about its advertised fiscal 2026 budget.
FCPS said collective bargaining can help reduce turnover, strengthen school communities and improve educational quality. Unions may also negotiate over class sizes, resources and policies affecting students and families.
Collective bargaining does not prevent the school division from addressing employee performance or taking disciplinary action. State law prohibits FCPS employees from striking.
Superintendent schedules community conversations
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will hold a series of public Community Conversations this spring. Each meeting is scheduled for 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 events are open to everyone, with childcare and interpretation services available. Additional registration information is expected to be posted as it becomes available.
Reid also recently visited several schools, the warehouse at Forte Center, the transportation training center and the Food and Nutrition Services test kitchen as part of her weekly district visits.
Boundary review resources and family programs
FCPS has released a video explaining its Comprehensive School Boundary Review, including terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands and split feeders. Versions in additional languages are planned.
The Family Academy is offering in-person and virtual programs covering co-parenting, executive-function development for middle and high school students, family orientation, and Applied Behavior Analysis training focused on independent skills and toilet training.
The co-parenting program is available in English and Spanish. Family orientation is offered in Arabic, Korean and Spanish.
Student 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 record also contributed to his academic success. He later demonstrated his skills by teaching Reid how to solve a cube.
Performing arts teachers receive Wolf Trap 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 are based at Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church High School and West Potomac Academy.
Fairfax High School’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” was also reviewed through the Cappies program, which trains high school theater and journalism students as critics. Preet Manukonda of Westfield High School wrote the review.
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 programs for students with disabilities, employment, postsecondary education, short- and long-term supports, individualized education program transition planning and options for younger students.
The spring Special Education and 504 Newsletter is also available. Its topics include the 2025 Family Summit, becoming a special education teacher, Self, Health, and Relationship Education, special education and Section 504 timelines, social-emotional learning and assistive technology services.
Early release and meeting reminders
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.
Families can check their school calendars for other Limited Early Release Mondays.
The district’s next regular governing meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at Jackson Middle School. The agenda includes a report on Strategic Plan Goal 4, focused on equitable access and opportunity, as well as the awarding of contracts.