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Fairfax County Public Schools could expand middle and high school athletics under a proposed $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027.

Superintendent Michelle Reid told the Fairfax County School Board during a Jan. 22 budget briefing that the plan would add another middle school sport, launch junior-varsity boys volleyball and provide more opportunities in girls wrestling.

The district has not yet revealed which sport could join its middle school lineup. When at-large board member Ryan McElveen pressed for details, Reid said administrators were still developing their recommendations.

“I don’t even know,” Reid said, promising McElveen that “as soon as we know, you’ll know.”

FCPS launched middle school athletics in the 2023-2024 school year with fall cross-country and spring track. No other middle school sports have been added since then.

At the high school level, girls wrestling and varsity boys volleyball debuted during the 2024-2025 school year. This winter, 301 girls are participating in wrestling and 445 boys are playing volleyball. Middle school cross-country attracted 1,915 students last fall.

Participation figures for middle school track in the 2025-2026 school year are not yet available because the season begins this spring.

The proposed budget also directs an additional $1.9 million toward coaching stipends and $700,000 to support athletic trainers, continuing multi-year efforts to strengthen compensation and resources for those positions.

Reid’s spending plan is $197 million, or 5%, larger than the current budget. FCPS is requesting $2.84 billion from Fairfax County, although the Board of Supervisors determines the county allocation rather than how the school system spends it.