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Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid proposed a $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget during the School Board’s Jan. 23 meeting, with most of the increase directed toward a 7% salary boost for all employees.

The proposal is $297.1 million, or 7.9%, larger than the approved fiscal 2025 budget. It requests an additional $268.3 million from Fairfax County, a 10.4% increase over the transfer provided the previous year. FCPS said the requested transfer is 5.6% higher than last year’s request.

Reid framed the plan around the competing pressures of taxpayer fatigue, persistent state underfunding and the changing needs of students and families.

More than 85% of the proposed budget would support instruction. FCPS does not plan to pursue new initiatives this year, instead focusing its resources on priorities in the division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Pay and continuing programs

The proposed 7% raise is intended to help FCPS recruit and retain teachers, administrators, support employees and operational staff.

FCPS ranks fifth among eight neighboring school divisions for starting salaries offered to teachers with master’s degrees. It ranks seventh for teacher salaries at the midpoint and maximum levels.

The budget would also continue several multiyear efforts, including inclusive preschool, certified athletic trainers at every high school, family liaisons, and stipends for fine and performing arts work.

Targeted security spending would pay for updated vestibules, security tools and additional cameras.

State funding remains a pressure point

FCPS estimates that Virginia’s school funding falls $568.7 million short of the division’s needs, an amount equal to roughly $3,100 per student. Reid said that gap makes the school system more dependent on county funding and places greater pressure on local taxpayers.

Despite those funding concerns, FCPS students continue to outperform statewide results on key measures, according to the division.

The School Board was scheduled to examine the proposal during a Feb. 4 work session as the fiscal 2026 budget process continued.