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The Fairfax County School Board is advancing its proposed fiscal 2026 budget, which would direct more than 85% of spending toward instruction and provide a 7% salary increase for all employees.
During a Feb. 4 work session, board members reviewed student enrollment, support for students with additional needs, compensation comparisons with neighboring school divisions and progress toward the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence framework. The board also held a public hearing that day to collect community feedback.
The proposed raise could give Fairfax County Public Schools the region’s highest starting salary for teachers with master’s degrees, strengthening recruitment amid an ongoing teacher shortage.
The next major budget steps are scheduled for Feb. 18, when the county executive will present Fairfax County’s advertised budget and the School Board will hold another work session on the school system’s proposal.
Program lotteries open
Countywide lottery registration for first-grade Dual Language Immersion programs in the 2025-26 school year remains open until 4 p.m. Feb. 13. Current prekindergarten students may apply for kindergarten immersion through 4 p.m. March 6.
Programs are offered in French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Families may also attend informational meetings at participating schools.
The elementary magnet-school lottery will run from March 4 through April 4. Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary and Bailey’s Upper offer enhanced instruction in science, technology and the performing arts.
Community events and student opportunities
The Chief Equity Office will hold its inaugural Black History Month kickoff celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Carter G. Woodson High School. The community event will begin with a light reception, followed by a program titled “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.”
Performances, personal stories and reflections will recognize Black history and culture while exploring a future centered on equity and excellence.
The 2025 Family Summit is scheduled for March 15 at South Lakes High School. Students may present posters, essays, videos, songs, artwork and other projects addressing inclusion in schools. Participants can earn service hours and discuss their work with attendees. Submissions are due Feb. 17.
At Glasgow Middle School, more than 60 volunteers participate in a mentoring program serving a campus of over 1,800 students. Mentors generally meet with students once or twice each week, depending on individual needs.
National School Counseling Week runs from Feb. 3 through Feb. 7, recognizing counselors’ work through classroom lessons, group programs and individual support.
Immunization records due before May 19
Virginia students must provide proof of required immunizations to attend school. Beginning May 19, students without the necessary documentation may be barred from classes.
Families can review immunization records and submit updates through SIS ParentVUE. Vaccinations are available through health care providers and Fairfax County child immunization clinics.
Boundary review continues
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met Feb. 3 at the Gatehouse Administration Center as part of the comprehensive boundary-review process.
The final virtual community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10. Registered participants will receive individual Zoom links, and language interpretation will be available.
School Board and calendar dates
The School Board’s next regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Its agenda includes Virginia High School League and academic-team recognitions, the proposed fiscal 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program and a strategic-plan update.
Elementary schools in the Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, Lake Braddock, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss students early Feb. 10.
All schools and offices will be closed Feb. 17 for Presidents Day.