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Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed fiscal 2026 budget would provide a 7% salary increase for all employees while directing additional resources toward student support, inclusive preschool, and safety and security improvements.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the spending plan to the School Board on January 23. She described it as a fiscally responsible investment in students, educators, support staff, and the wider Fairfax County community.
The compensation increase is intended to help recruit and retain teachers, administrators, school employees, and operational staff. The proposal also continues several multiyear initiatives.
Student Earns National Science Honor
Ray Zhang of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, selected from an earlier group of 300 scholars.
Each finalist will receive at least $25,000 and travel to Washington, D.C., in March for final judging. The students will publicly display their work, meet prominent scientists, and compete for additional awards, including a $250,000 top prize. Winners are scheduled to be announced March 11.
Kindergarten and Online Registration Open
Families preparing to enroll a child in kindergarten should first confirm eligibility, identify their neighborhood school, collect the required documents, complete registration forms, and schedule an appointment.
The student and one caregiver must attend the school appointment. Afterward, the child will be ready to participate in orientation and other introductory activities offered by the school.
Online registration for kindergarten through 12th grade is also open for the 2025-26 academic year. Parents and caregivers must create a SIS ParentVUE account or sign in to an existing one.
Disability Inclusion Awards Seek Nominees
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities is accepting nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards through Wednesday, February 19.
Presented annually, the awards recognize administrators, employees, students, and community partners whose inclusion efforts produce positive results for students. Nominees should demonstrate excellence related to special education, benefit disabled and nondisabled students, and help foster an inclusive environment.
Black History Month Celebration Planned
The Chief Equity Office will hold its inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, at Carter G. Woodson High School.
A light reception will be followed by “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future,” a program featuring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities for community connection. The event is open to everyone and will celebrate Black history and culture while looking toward a future grounded in equity and excellence.
February Programs Available for Families
The Family Resource Center plans several free webinars and events in February. Topics include executive-function milestones and at-home strategies for children in grades three through six, understanding childhood trauma in a Spanish-language presentation, risk prevention, sibling workshops, and suicide prevention and child support.
The Family Academy also offers a collection of classes, workshops, webinars, and programs designed to help families support children’s learning and other needs at home.
Music Teacher Recognized for Helping Student
Woodburn Elementary School band teacher Michael Secchi was among the November 2024 FCPS CARES of the Month recipients.
A parent nominated Secchi after he arranged an individual jam session before school for a student who was struggling with music. The extra help allowed the child to catch up and rediscover enjoyment in playing.
Other honorees included Kenyetta McNeil, Lawrence Randolph, and Noelle Titus of Willow Oaks; Kerrie Turner of Thoreau Middle School; Samantha Vivian-Beck of Twain Middle School; Christina Bruch and Courtney Cottrell of Deer Park Elementary School; and Alex Winiewicz of Braddock Elementary School.
Laurel Ridge Elementary School recipients were Lisa Fields, Susan Kane, Sheila Bartley, Barbara Fleck, Justin Quincy, Susan Waring, Caitlin Schifter, Natalie Schmid, Megan Counts, Gretchen O’Donnell, Mariama Diallo, and Cathy Wood.
Teacher Job Fair Set for February 1
FCPS will recruit teachers and candidates for other instructional positions at a job fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Participants will be able to network and interview with school representatives. Some candidates may receive employment offers for the current academic year during the event. Registration closes Friday, January 31. The Department of Human Resources can answer questions at 571-423-3000 or through its online portal.
Cellphone Policy Survey Nears Deadline
Parents and caregivers have until Monday, February 3, to respond to a survey about proposed options for the Student Rights and Responsibilities rules, cellphone policy, and cellphone storage.
The feedback will be used as FCPS considers policies affecting students and the broader school community.
Final Virtual Boundary Meeting Scheduled
The last virtual meeting in the Community Boundary Review series will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 10.
The online session will use the same format and information as the earlier in-person meetings. Registered participants will receive individual Zoom links, and language interpretation will be available.
Students Help Shape School Lunches
FCPS is incorporating student preferences into decisions about cafeteria menus as part of its work on school climate, belonging, health, and well-being.
Food and Nutrition Services Director Shaun Sawko discussed the student-driven approach in a video presented by Reid during a recent School Board update. Centering student input is part of the district’s 2023-30 strategic goal of ensuring students feel safe, supported, included, and empowered.
Lighthouse Schools Test New Classroom Ideas
Selected Lighthouse Schools are piloting instructional practices and technologies that could eventually be used across the district.
Teachers participating in the initiative are exploring ways to encourage creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning. FCPS plans to evaluate the approaches and share the most effective ideas with other schools.
Ombuds Office Offers Confidential Assistance
The Office of the Ombuds serves as an independent, confidential resource for FCPS employees, students, and families seeking answers, raising complaints, or trying to resolve concerns.
Its staff can assist with disagreements between families and schools but cannot change decisions or policies, take sides, create regulations, or give legal advice. The office can be reached at 571-423-4014, by email, or through its online question form.