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Fairfax County Public Schools is warning that its programs could face cuts under a proposed county budget that leaves the school division $150 million short of its requested funding.
The County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to finalize the budget May 6. Residents can provide feedback before the vote.
The budget debate comes as FCPS reports major energy savings, considers later school start times and approaches several registration and event deadlines.
Energy reductions save more than $100 million
FCPS has reduced energy use by 31% since 2014, exceeding its 10-year target of 20%.
The reductions have produced more than $100 million in cumulative energy-cost savings since 2013 across more than 28 million square feet of building space.
Families asked about school start times
Families, employees and students in grades 5 through 12 are being surveyed about potentially changing school start times throughout the division. The confidential survey will remain open through Saturday, April 12.
The School Board also directed Superintendent Michelle Reid to develop a cost-neutral plan for a later-start pilot involving as many Mason District middle schools as possible. Glasgow, Holmes and Poe middle schools are under consideration.
The plan, due Thursday, April 10, is expected to minimize schedule changes for high schools in the affected pyramids. A follow-up motion called for extensive community engagement and consideration of different student transportation needs as healthy start times are evaluated alongside the comprehensive boundary review.
FCPS has also released a boundary-review glossary explaining terms including “capacity deficit,” “capacity surplus” and “split feeder,” along with frequently asked questions about the review.
Magnet lottery closes April 4
Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet school lottery ends Friday, April 4.
Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary and Bailey’s Upper elementary schools offer enhanced programs in science, technology and the performing arts.
Another approaching deadline affects students looking for formalwear. The annual Prom Dress Shop at Centreville High School provides dresses and accessories at no charge.
Its final sessions are scheduled for Friday, April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. Students from Centreville High and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program operate the shop, which has helped hundreds of students attend prom.
Schools prepare to recognize military children
Students, families, employees and other community members are invited to wear purple Wednesday, April 9, in recognition of military-connected children.
The observance is part of April’s Month of the Military Child. Purple represents the combined colors associated with the military branches: Army green, Marine Corps red, and the blues of the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force.
FCPS offers transition assistance and other resources to military families moving into or leaving the district.
Student inventor receives patent for math game
Kasra Karimi, an eighth grader at Thoreau Middle School, has received a patent for a game he began creating as a fifth grader during the pandemic.
Karimi developed the idea after tiring of the board games available for his family’s weekly game nights. He officially received the patent Oct. 15, 2024.
The math-focused game is now available as both a physical board game and an app for phones and computers. Karimi hopes it encourages others to enjoy math, develop inventions and pursue patents of their own.
Two teachers recognized for STEM work
The Air Force has honored two FCPS educators for bringing advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts into their classrooms through hands-on instruction.
Andrea Trumbull of Ravensworth Elementary School and Desanka “Desa” Elwell of Edison High School worked with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research STEM Team’s ACCESS Lending Library Program.
Their efforts support the school division’s goal of expanding equitable access to STEM courses and opportunities.
Literacy data show third-grade improvement
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 iReady testing results show that more third graders are meeting end-of-year expectations, while fewer are performing below those expectations.
Reid presented the results during an elementary literacy update at the School Board’s March 27 meeting. Reading on grade level by the end of third grade is one of the targets in the division’s 2023-30 strategic plan.
April is also School Library Month. FCPS says its libraries help students build knowledge and skills, explore personal and academic interests, and find support and a sense of belonging.
Superintendent schedules community meetings
Reid will hold three Community Conversations where residents can ask questions and share feedback:
- Monday, April 7, at Greenbriar West Elementary School
- Monday, April 21, at Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Wednesday, April 23, at Mason Crest Elementary School
Each meeting will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is open to everyone. Childcare and interpretation services will be available.
Spring break is scheduled for Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18. Schools and school offices will be closed.