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Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching key fiscal year 2026 budget decisions while celebrating teachers and staff and launching a paid summer internship program for students.

The School Board will meet Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Jackson Middle School. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is expected to recommend budget adjustments following the Fairfax County government’s May 6 budget markup.

A public hearing on the final adjustments is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. Those wishing to speak must register by 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 12.

Teachers and students earn recognition

During National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, FCPS is recognizing employees who support, challenge and inspire students. Shea Hestmark and Symone Keolani Jenkins, both FCPS Honors winners last year, were highlighted for their professionalism, compassion and leadership.

Twenty-eight students from nine Fairfax County high schools have also received $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. They are among approximately 2,500 finalists selected nationwide for scholarships primarily financed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in 2025.

Boundary review meetings begin May 15

FCPS plans another series of community meetings about its comprehensive boundary review. Families, employees and other residents will be able to examine initial draft scenarios through a customized online Boundary Explorer Tool before summer break. Another meeting series is planned for the fall.

The Phase 2 meetings are scheduled for:

• Thursday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oakton High School.
• Friday, May 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School.
• Monday, May 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Herndon High School.
• Friday, May 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lewis High School.
• Wednesday, May 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School.
• Thursday, May 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Whitman Middle School.
• Friday, May 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Chantilly High School.
• Friday, June 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Glasgow Middle School.

Each meeting will offer in-person and Zoom participation. Childcare will be available as needed for those attending in person, while interpretation and translation will be offered to all participants. Registration details are expected soon.

Paid summer internships coming to FCPS

A new six-week Summer Internship Program will give FCPS high school students and recent graduates enrolled in post-secondary education paid, in-person experience across school division departments.

Interns will assist professional staff with projects and attend weekly workshops covering personal finance, communication, résumé writing and networking. They will also shadow employees working on critical preparations for the coming school year. The initiative supports Goal 5, Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation, in the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Korean immersion meeting set

Families interested in Fairfax County’s new Korean Dual Language Immersion opportunity can attend an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Halley Elementary School or participate virtually.

School Board members and current Korean immersion teachers will explain dual-language education and the application process. Families will also have an opportunity to provide feedback.

Historic Vienna school wall returns to view

A renovation at Louise Archer Elementary School has brought part of Vienna’s educational history into the open.

Alees Coates-Richardson, 92, and Gloria Carter, 91, recently visited the school’s renovated lobby, where an original wall from the former Vienna Colored School now serves as the centerpiece. The women attended the historic schoolhouse as children.

The wall had remained concealed behind brick for decades before workers uncovered it during the school’s renovation and expansion.

Music, student design and athletics build connections

At West Potomac Academy, Luke Pierce teaches Music and Computer Technology in a classroom filled with soundboards and headphones. His instruction emphasizes both technical skills and a supportive environment where students can develop confidence and find a sense of purpose through music.

Mountain View High School, meanwhile, opened the Timberwolf Lodge in April. Students in Economic and Personal Finance classes spent months converting an old cafeteria into a lounge designed to encourage connection and creativity. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the project’s completion.

The Running is Elementary program is also celebrating 25 years of connecting younger students with West Potomac High School. Each spring, members of the high school track and field team coach children at feeder elementary schools. Two months of preparation will conclude with two evening track meets in May featuring friendly competition and school spirit.

Performance season is underway as well, with musical and theatrical productions taking place throughout FCPS. Recent events attended by Reid included a production of “Footloose” at Herndon High School.

Summer event offers free family activities

The FCPS Summer Extravaganza will take place Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Woodson High School.

The free event will feature educational and enrichment activities, information about children’s summer programs and resources from community and business partners. Planned attractions include face painting, fire truck tours and student performances.

FCPS Adult and Community Education is also promoting Speed Spanish, an online course designed to help participants begin learning the language in as little as three weeks. Nearly 40% of Fairfax County residents speak a language other than English at home.

Equity Award nominations close May 19

Nominations for the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award must be submitted by Monday, May 19.

Sponsored by the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee, the award honors an employee, student or community member whose work has significantly improved educational experiences and outcomes for marginalized or underserved students.

The award commemorates Bussey, a founding committee member and longtime advocate for students and families. FCPS employees, students and community members may submit nominations.

Early dismissal scheduled May 12

Elementary schools in 12 pyramids will dismiss students three hours early Monday, May 12, as part of the Limited Early Release Monday schedule.

The affected pyramids are Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Hayfield, Justice, Lake Braddock, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, West Springfield and Woodson.