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The Fairfax County School Board approved the school division’s first comprehensive boundary review in more than 40 years, adopting changes that will affect an estimated 1,700 students at 46 schools.

Approved at the board’s Jan. 22 meeting, the new boundaries will take effect during the 2026-27 school year. The changes were proposed by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and align with Fairfax County Public Schools’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

The review began after the board updated Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024. The policy directs FCPS to consider enrollment, facilities, academic programming and student well-being as community needs change.

Over 18 months, FCPS analyzed data and gathered public feedback through nearly 50 community meetings and several interactive tools. Families, employees, community members and the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee helped shape draft scenarios and Reid’s final recommendation.

The review sought to address persistent problems, including split feeder patterns, isolated attendance areas and enrollment imbalances.

Reid said boundary decisions can significantly affect students’ daily lives, family routines and their sense of stability and belonging. She said the division emphasized excellence, equity, transparency and community input throughout the process.

School Board Chair and Springfield District Representative Sandy Anderson thanked families, staff and community members for their engagement in a process that touched the entire school division.

The work is not finished for every community. FCPS plans to study some schools and neighborhoods further during the coming year, with recommendations expected in January 2027. Other areas have been identified as priorities for the next boundary-review cycle, anticipated in about five years.

FCPS said it will engage affected communities as those future reviews proceed.