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Fairfax County Public Schools is heading into a pivotal stretch of budget hearings, boundary-review meetings and end-of-year programs while celebrating teachers and staff across the division.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to present recommended fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments during the School Board’s regular business meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Jackson Middle School. Her recommendations follow the Fairfax County government’s May 6 budget markup.
A public hearing on the final adjustments is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Anyone wishing to speak must register by 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 12.
The updates coincide with National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Among the educators being highlighted are Shea Hestmark and Symone Keolani Jenkins, who were FCPS Honors winners in 2024 for their professionalism, compassion and leadership.
Twenty-eight students from nine Fairfax County high schools also have been awarded $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. They are among approximately 2,500 National Merit finalists selected for scholarships primarily financed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in 2025.
Boundary meetings scheduled across Fairfax County
Families, employees and community members will soon be able to examine possible school-boundary scenarios through a customized online Boundary Explorer Tool.
Eight hybrid meetings will give the public an opportunity to review and respond to initial draft scenarios before summer break:
- May 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Oakton High School
- May 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Robinson Secondary School
- May 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Herndon High School
- May 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Lewis High School
- May 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Annandale High School
- May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., Whitman Middle School
- May 30, 6:30-8 p.m., Chantilly High School
- June 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Glasgow Middle School
Participants may attend in person or through Zoom. Childcare will be available for in-person attendees, while interpretation and translation can be provided as needed. Registration links are expected soon, and another meeting series is planned for the fall.
Paid internships open a path into FCPS workplaces
A new six-week Summer Internship Program will offer paid, in-person positions to FCPS high school students and recent graduates enrolled in post-secondary education.
Interns will work alongside employees in selected departments, assist with projects that prepare the school division for the next academic year and attend weekly professional-development workshops. Topics will include personal finance, communication, résumé writing and networking. The initiative supports Strategic Plan Goal 5, Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Families interested in a new Korean Dual Language Immersion program can attend an information session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Halley Elementary School or join virtually. School Board members and current Korean immersion teachers will explain the program and application process while gathering community feedback.
School projects connect students with history, music and community
At Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna, a renovation uncovered an original wall from the historic Vienna Colored School that had been concealed behind brick for decades. Former students Alees Coates-Richardson, 92, and Gloria Carter, 91, recently visited the renovated lobby and shared memories of attending the school as children.
At West Potomac Academy, teacher Luke Pierce is using soundboards, headphones and music technology to help students develop technical abilities, confidence and a sense of purpose in his Music and Computer Technology classroom.
Mountain View High School opened the Timberwolf Lodge in April after students transformed an old cafeteria into a lounge for connection and creativity. Students in Economic and Personal Finance classes designed the space through a months-long, hands-on project.
The Running is Elementary program is also marking its 25th year. Each spring, members of the West Potomac High School track and field team coach children at feeder elementary schools. Two months of preparation will conclude with two evening meets in May.
Reid, meanwhile, has been visiting musical and theatrical productions across the division, including a performance of “Footloose” at Herndon High School.
Summer event and community deadlines approach
The free FCPS Summer Extravaganza will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Woodson High School. Families can explore educational and enrichment programs, connect with community and business partners, watch student performances, tour a fire truck and participate in activities such as face painting.
Adult and Community Education is promoting its online Speed Spanish course during National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month. The course can be completed in as little as three weeks and is available by computer or phone. Nearly 40% of Fairfax County residents speak a language other than English at home.
Nominations for the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award are due Monday, May 19. Sponsored by the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee, the award recognizes an employee, student or community member whose work has improved educational experiences and outcomes for marginalized or underserved students. Bussey was a founding committee member and longtime advocate for students and families.
Elementary schools in 13 pyramids will dismiss students three hours early Monday, May 12, as part of the limited early-release schedule. The affected pyramids are Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Hayfield, Justice, Lake Braddock, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, West Springfield and Woodson.