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Board members unanimously adopted Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget on Feb. 20, advancing a plan that seeks an additional $268.3 million from the county while providing 7% raises for all employees.
The proposal is $297.1 million, or 7.9%, larger than the approved fiscal 2025 budget. The requested county transfer is 10.4% above the amount provided the previous year and 5.6% higher than last year’s request.
Local funding supplies nearly 71% of FCPS revenue. By comparison, the average Virginia school division receives less than half of its financial support from its local government.
More than 85% of the proposed spending would support classroom instruction.
Raises dominate new spending
The budget includes $240.8 million for collective bargaining and a 7% salary increase for every employee. School officials said competitive compensation is crucial to recruiting and retaining educators during the continuing teacher shortage.
“Investing in our educators is investing in our students,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said, adding that the plan recognizes employees’ essential role in helping each student reach their potential.
Board Chair and Providence District representative Karl Frisch said teachers’ working conditions are also students’ learning conditions.
“I can’t think of anything more important than making sure every student has a world-class educator in their classroom,” Frisch said.
Another $4.9 million would help teachers earn credentials in Universal Design for Learning, advanced mathematics and multilingual learner initiatives.
Student programs and security
The proposal sets aside $23.6 million for baseline program adjustments, including substitute-teacher incentives, middle school late buses, online campuses, AP and IB testing fees, and efforts to narrow academic achievement gaps.
An additional $20 million would cover enrollment changes and evolving student needs.
Safety and building projects would receive $12.9 million. Of that amount, $9.3 million would pay for measures including more security cameras, panic-alert systems, security vestibules and the Rap Back program. The remaining $3.6 million would address a backlog of major maintenance.
The plan continues several multiyear programs, including $2 million for inclusive preschool expansion.
It also provides $700,000 for the third year of a five-year initiative to add one certified athletic trainer at each of the county’s 25 high schools. Another $700,000 would expand fine and performing arts stipends covering middle school theater and musicals, high school one-act plays, indoor drumline and indoor color guard.
Continuing services also include family liaisons, nutritious meals, mental health support, before- and after-school care, and technology resources.
Officials cite state funding gap
FCPS again highlighted what it considers longstanding underfunding by Virginia. The state supplies less funding per student than several nearby states, including Maryland, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Recommendations from the 2023 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission previously estimated an FCPS funding shortfall of $568.7 million, or approximately $3,100 per student.
The division said it directs most spending toward classrooms while maintaining a relatively small administrative structure. Central management accounts for 1.1% of its employees, compared with a range of 2% to 4% in surrounding divisions.
A joint budget meeting with the county Board of Supervisors was scheduled for Feb. 25.