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More than 7 in 10 Fairfax County voters approved a $460 million school bond referendum on Nov. 4, giving Fairfax County Public Schools new funding for renovations, construction and other major facility improvements.

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid thanked voters Nov. 5, saying the money will help modernize school buildings, athletic fields and other facilities. The school system’s renovation cycle currently exceeds 40 years, compared with an industry standard of 20 to 25 years.

Projects supported by the referendum are detailed in the FCPS Capital Improvement Program. Bond financing allows the county to spread the cost of expensive capital projects over time while limiting the immediate effect on residents’ taxes.

The improvements will serve more than students and employees. FCPS buildings and grounds receive an average of more than 24.4 million visits annually across nearly 500,000 events. About 57% of those events involve organizations unaffiliated with the schools, including homeowners associations, religious groups, sports leagues and Fairfax County government.

“This vote affirms the shared belief that public education is the foundation of our future,” School Board Chair and Springfield District representative Sandy Anderson said. “Because when FCPS thrives, Fairfax County thrives too.”

State law restricts bond proceeds to construction, renovation and related capital expenses. The money cannot pay for operational costs such as employee salaries or transportation.

Those operating needs will instead be considered through the fiscal year 2027 budget, which was scheduled for discussion at the School Board’s Nov. 12 work session.