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Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing a $4.1 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027, pairing employee compensation increases with the restoration of some special education and advanced academic positions eliminated during last year’s budget crunch.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the proposal to the School Board on Jan. 22. She described it as a “needs-based” plan centered on essential services, greater efficiency and reallocating existing money rather than launching unfunded programs.

The proposal follows County Executive Bryan Hill’s Sept. 16, 2025, request for a “budget of reality” during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget Policy Committee.

The operating fund, which includes state and federal revenue, would rise by $197 million, or 5%, from approximately $3.9 billion in FY 2026. FCPS is requesting an additional $138.4 million from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, representing a 5.1% increase in local funding.

That request is 48% smaller than the increase sought during the previous budget cycle. For FY 2026, Reid requested a record $268.3 million increase, or 10.4%, to help fund the school division’s first collective bargaining agreement.

Supervisors ultimately increased funding by $118.6 million, leaving FCPS with a $121 million shortfall. The division renegotiated labor agreements and reduced planned pay raises, textbook purchases, classroom monitors and central-office spending.

The school system expects a new meals tax could help address a projected $22 million revenue gap in FY 2027.

Compensation remains the biggest priority

The proposed budget includes approximately $163 million in compensation adjustments under FCPS’s agreement with the Fairfax Education Association. Another $17.7 million would cover recently ratified adjustments under the agreement with the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators.

FCPS also expects to save $2.3 million through benefit-rate changes connected to a new contract, partially offsetting increased healthcare and retirement expenses.

Reid said the division has climbed from seventh to second among eight regional school systems for starting teacher salaries in the master’s degree lane. Staff retention has remained above 90% for two consecutive years, exceeding prepandemic levels.

The superintendent stressed that departments were not permitted to submit requests requiring new resources. New initiatives had to be financed by redirecting existing funds, requiring the division to end or reduce some work before beginning something else.

FCPS also plans to move toward a structurally balanced budget and stop depending on one-time carryover money to support recurring expenses.

Positions, class sizes and student programs

The proposal would fully fund elementary special education department chairs and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher positions. It would also partially reverse last year’s class-size increase.

Hourly family liaisons would move into contracted positions with benefits. The budget would complete the planned expansion of athletic and fine arts stipends while continuing the rollout of middle school sports.

Smaller targeted investments include funding for K-12 robotics intended to improve access and support for educators seeking mathematics credentials.

If state or county revenue exceeds current projections, Reid said FCPS would first seek to restore the full class-size and staffing model. Other possible uses include expanding elementary STEM and inclusive prekindergarten, reducing a major maintenance backlog, strengthening professional and technical partnerships and apprenticeships, and adding world language opportunities.

Reid called students the “architects of tomorrow” and said FCPS wants to prepare them not only to adapt to change but also to shape the future. She also described the school division as both the community’s heartbeat and an economic engine for Fairfax County.

Budget process runs through May

The proposal now enters a four-month review process before the School Board adopts the final budget. Key dates include:

  • Feb. 10: School Board public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 17: County executive presents the proposed county budget and recommended school transfer.
  • Feb. 24: Joint meeting of the School Board and Board of Supervisors.
  • Feb. 26: School Board adopts its advertised budget and sends its official request to the county.
  • April 14: Board of Supervisors holds a public hearing on the county budget.
  • May 5: Supervisors adopt the county budget and establish the final school transfer.
  • May 12: School Board holds a public hearing on the approved budget at 6 p.m.
  • May 21: School Board adopts the final FY 2027 budget.
  • July 1: The new fiscal year begins and the budget takes effect.