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Fairfax County Public Schools is heading into a key budget vote while rolling out a new visitor-screening system and scheduling a series of community meetings with Superintendent Michelle Reid.
The School Board is scheduled to adopt its advertised fiscal year 2027 budget at its Thursday, Feb. 26 meeting. Budget documents will be posted with the meeting agenda before the session.
Reid recently discussed the approaching vote and shared a video from the School Board Budget Committee’s meeting of the whole. Additional budget information and opportunities for public engagement are available through the school system’s budget resources.
Community meetings scheduled for spring
Reid will hold six Community Conversations this spring, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and offer feedback. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
- Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at Glen Forest Elementary School.
- Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
- Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
- Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
- Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
The events are open to everyone, with child care and interpretation services provided. Residents should check the superintendent’s engagement information for the latest details.
New visitor checks begin at every school
All FCPS schools are now using the Raptor Visitor Management System as part of the division’s layered approach to campus security. The system checks that visitors are not listed on the sex offender registry.
Visitors will generally follow the familiar process of reporting to the front office and scanning an ID. Those who download the RaptorSafe app may create a Raptor Passport, verify their information before arriving and use an issued QR code during check-in.
Questions may be submitted to the FCPS Office of the Chief of Safety and Security.
Five-year facilities plan wins approval
The School Board approved the fiscal year 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program on Feb. 12. The five-year working plan lays out the projected timing and costs of investments in school facilities, including renovations, additions and new buildings.
The program is intended to address critical facility needs, modernize learning environments and accommodate growing communities.
Public Schools Week spotlights community partnerships
Public Schools Week runs from Feb. 23 through 27, recognizing the role schools play in their communities and in preparing students for the future.
FCPS highlighted partnerships among educators, employees, families and community members as central to student success. One example is Riverside Elementary School’s monthly math class for parents and caregivers, designed to help families participate in their children’s learning at home.
Early-learning applications remain open
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start provide early education for qualifying Fairfax County children who have economic or educational risk factors. The programs serve children ranging from 6 weeks through 4 years old.
Pre-K gives priority to 4-year-olds but also accepts applications for children who will turn 3 by Sept. 30 of the same year. Early Head Start operates at Clearview, Crestwood and Dogwood elementary schools and accepts applications beginning during pregnancy through age 2.
Families are encouraged to apply promptly because space is limited. Placement is determined by need rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications may be submitted online, by email, through the mail or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue in Falls Church. Application questions may be directed to 703-208-7900 in English or 703-208-7901 in Spanish.
Family programs planned for March
The Family Academy will offer several in-person and virtual classes, workshops and webinars during March. Scheduled subjects include:
- Spanish-language guidance on co-parenting across two homes.
- Helping families navigate the digital world together.
- An introduction to career pathways for students.
- An FCPS orientation for military families.
- Building connections and critical-thinking skills.
Family Resource Center webinars will also address parent stress and anxiety, raising neurodivergent children, reasons academically capable children may struggle and preparing for kindergarten.
Marshall Academy culinary teacher earns state honor
Sean Appleby, a culinary instructor and FCPS graduate, has been selected as the 2026 Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year.
The award recognizes excellence, innovation and leadership in career and technical education. Appleby graduated from Marshall Academy and Madison High School in 2011.
The recognition comes during Career and Technical Education Month in February. FCPS offers a core group of CTE courses at every middle and high school, covering business and information technology, family and consumer sciences, health and medical sciences, marketing, technology and engineering, and trade and industrial education.
The programs provide technical instruction connected to a range of occupations while preparing students for college or entry-level work. Access to work-based learning is also part of Goal 5, Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation, in the FCPS strategic plan.
Take-home meals offered to fasting students
Through Thursday, March 19, students fasting during the school day may take home meal kits containing one breakfast and one lunch.
Families must complete a new request form each week for every participating student. The meals are charged at the same rate as they would be during a regular school day, and students must collect their kits at dismissal. The food is selected for easy reheating at home.
Questions may be directed to the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
Student chefs prepare for culinary challenge
The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Student teams from area family and consumer sciences electives will create healthy school meals that comply with federal requirements while reflecting the cultural traditions found in local communities. A panel of local celebrity chefs will evaluate their recipes.
The event will feature a livestream of team presentations, a public tasting at 11:40 a.m. and a demonstration by a local chef and restaurateur. Admission is free, but attendees must register.
Families urged to discuss fentanyl risks
FCPS is encouraging adults to speak with teenagers about counterfeit pills and fentanyl, which cannot be detected in pills and powders by sight, smell or taste.
The school system warned that even half of a fentanyl-contaminated pill can be fatal and that only a few salt-sized grains may cause an overdose. It also cited 2023 national data indicating that seven in 10 counterfeit pills contained enough fentanyl to produce a fatal overdose.
People frequently consume fentanyl unknowingly and may not realize they have taken it until an overdose occurs. Oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage or death in as little as four minutes.
High school students can access teletherapy
All FCPS high school students have access to no-cost mental health teletherapy through Hazel Health. Parents and guardians may refer students for weekly sessions with a licensed therapist when they are dealing with anxiety, behavioral changes or difficulties in peer and family relationships.
Teen job fairs coming to two high schools
Fairfax County teenagers looking for employment, internships or volunteer work can meet potential employers at two upcoming job fairs and career-building workshops.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Springfield District School Board member Sandy Anderson are hosting the events:
- Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chantilly High School.
- Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Springfield High School.
The fairs are particularly geared toward students ages 16 and older and will include full-time, part-time and seasonal opportunities. Business-casual clothing and a résumé are encouraged but not required. Résumé workshops will be available, and advance registration is requested.