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Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed fiscal 2027 budget would begin reversing last year’s cuts while funding negotiated employee raises and several multiyear student programs.

The $4.1 billion plan, presented to the School Board on Jan. 22, represents a net increase of $197 million, or 5%, over the approved fiscal 2026 budget. FCPS is requesting an additional $138.4 million from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a 5.1% increase over the previous county transfer.

That requested increase is 48% smaller than the increase sought last year and closely tracks the fiscal forecast presented during a joint county supervisors and School Board meeting in fall 2025.

The proposal would fully restore Special Education Department Chair positions and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher positions at schools that do not receive Title I funding. It would also partially reverse class-size increases at elementary, middle and high schools.

Competitive compensation is another major priority. The plan funds increases required under collective bargaining agreements with the Fairfax Education Unions and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators.

The budget would also continue multiyear initiatives that include certified athletic trainers at every high school, family liaisons, fine and performing arts stipends, student athletics and activities, K-12 robotics, and math certification and credentialing for educators.

FCPS pointed to recent academic results while making the case for continued investment. The division has seven of Virginia’s 10 highest-ranked high schools and five of its 10 highest-ranked elementary schools, including a high school ranked fifth nationally. FCPS also has 262 National Merit Semifinalists this year, up 37% from the previous year, while student SAT scores remain above state and global averages.

The proposal is tied to the division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes a strong academic start for younger students and preparation for graduates’ futures.

The School Board is scheduled to hold a budget work session Feb. 10 as the fiscal 2027 process continues.