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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 funding for renovations, construction and other major facility improvements.

The measure is expected to help FCPS address an aging renovation cycle that now exceeds 40 years—nearly twice the industry standard of 20 to 25 years. The money can support upgrades to school buildings, athletic fields and other capital projects outlined in the division’s Capital Improvement Program.

FCPS facilities serve far more than students and employees. School 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 school system, including homeowners associations, religious groups, sports leagues and Fairfax County government.

“Our community’s support for this bond shows that when we come together, great things happen for our students, our schools, and our county,” School Board Chair and Springfield District Representative Sandy Anderson said. “This vote affirms the shared belief that public education is the foundation of our future. Because when FCPS thrives, Fairfax County thrives too.”

Bond funding is restricted by law to construction and renovation projects. It cannot pay for operational expenses such as employee salaries or transportation.

Those operating needs will instead be considered through the fiscal year 2027 budget process. The School Board is scheduled to discuss that budget at a work session on Nov. 12.