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Fairfax County Public Schools is advancing a proposed fiscal 2026 budget that includes a 7% salary increase for every employee, while families and students face several approaching deadlines for academic programs and community events.
During a Feb. 4 work session, board members examined enrollment, investments for students needing additional support, compensation comparisons with neighboring school divisions and progress under the Baldrige performance-improvement framework. A public hearing on the spending proposal was also held that day.
More than 85% of the proposed budget is devoted to instruction. FCPS said the 7% raise would likely give it the highest starting salary for teachers with master’s degrees among nearby counties, helping the division recruit and retain employees amid a continuing teacher shortage.
The county executive is scheduled to present the advertised county budget Feb. 18. The FCPS board will hold another work session on the school division’s proposal that day.
Academic lottery deadlines approach
Registration for the 2025-26 first-grade Dual Language Immersion lottery closes at 4 p.m. Feb. 13. Current prekindergarten students have until 4 p.m. March 6 to apply for kindergarten immersion.
Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Families may also attend informational meetings at participating schools.
The elementary magnet lottery will accept registrations from March 4 through April 4. Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary and Bailey’s Upper offer enhanced instruction in science, technology and the performing arts.
Black History Month event moves to Feb. 19
An inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The community event will open with a light reception before a formal program titled “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” Performances, personal accounts and reflections will celebrate Black history and culture while looking toward a future centered on equity and excellence.
Students invited to showcase inclusion projects
The 2025 FCPS Family Summit is scheduled for March 15 at South Lakes High School. Students are invited to present projects and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering inclusion in school communities.
Presentations may take the form of posters, essays, videos, songs or artwork. Participants can earn service hours and discuss their work with attendees. Submissions are due Feb. 17.
Glasgow’s mentor network continues growing
More than 60 volunteers serve as mentors at Glasgow Middle School, which has over 1,800 students and is the county’s largest middle school. The program is intended to create closer personal connections across the large campus.
Mentors typically meet with students once or twice a week, although schedules depend on each student’s needs. More volunteers are being sought through MentorWorks.
FCPS also marked National School Counseling Week, observed Feb. 3-7, by highlighting counselors’ work through classroom lessons, group meetings, individual counseling and career planning.
Students face May immunization cutoff
Families are being asked to ensure children have the vaccinations required to attend Virginia schools. Starting May 19, students who have not supplied proof of required immunizations may be prevented from attending classes.
Parents and caregivers can check records and submit updated information through SIS ParentVUE. Families needing vaccinations may contact a health care provider or use clinics offered by the county health department.
Boundary review reaches final virtual session
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met Feb. 3 at the Gatehouse Administration Center as the division continued its comprehensive examination of school boundaries.
The last virtual community meeting is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10. Registrants will receive unique Zoom links, and language interpretation will be offered.
The board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Agenda items include recognition of Virginia High School League and academic teams, the proposed fiscal 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program and an update on the strategic plan.
Calendar reminders
Elementary schools in the Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, Lake Braddock, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss students early Feb. 10.
All FCPS schools and offices will be closed Feb. 17 for Presidents Day.