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The Fairfax County School Board adopted its fiscal year 2027 budget during a May 21 regular meeting and directed the superintendent to prepare guidance on sound financial management.
Under a follow-on motion, the superintendent will develop a document outlining financial management principles, policies and practices. The board plans to discuss and consider it at a Budget Committee Meeting of the Whole by September 2026.
The meeting began at 7:12 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and a performance of the national anthem by the Spring Hill Elementary School Strong Orchestra, directed by Margot Mevinsky.
Chair Anderson welcomed Virginia Delegate and former Fairfax County School Board member Karen Keys-Gamarra, as well as Fairfax County Clerk of the Court Christopher J. Falcon.
The board approved proclamations recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Children’s Mental Health and Wellness Month, and Speech-Language-Hearing Month. It also adopted resolutions dedicating the Hank Novak Press Box at Justice High School and honoring National Law Day.
Sixteen people addressed the board during the public participation period. Student representative Faith Mekonen delivered the student representative report, while Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented superintendent matters and a secondary literacy update.
As part of its consent agenda, the board approved the April 2026 monthly employee separation report, a nomination for the Virginia School Board Association’s 2026 Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award and several contracts.
Proposals scheduled for future action
Board members introduced several items without voting on them. Those proposals included easements for Fairfax County bus stop improvements along South Lakes Drive at South Lakes High School, located at 11400 South Lakes Drive in Reston.
Other pending matters included a contract value adjustment for industrial hygiene and mechanical and HVAC consulting services at Hayfield Secondary School, authorization to proceed with two alternatives under a facilities condition assessment contract, and a Centreville High School lease and renovation assessment.
The board also received proposed actions involving instructional technology, strategic governance manual revisions and policies covering school facility leasing, site planning and development, wireless telecommunications facilities, the standard school-year calendar, and community use of school facilities.
Another proposal would name the South County Middle School library for founding principal Marsha Manning.
Committee reports were delivered by Mr. McElveen for the Audit Committee, Mr. McDaniel for the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee, Ms. Meren for the Governance Committee and Mr. Frisch for the Administration Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 11:17 p.m. Upcoming meetings include an Advisory Committee Summit at 10 a.m. May 30 and a regular board meeting at 7 p.m. June 11.