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Fairfax County Public Schools will reach a key point in its budget process Thursday, February 26, when the School Board is scheduled to adopt the advertised budget for fiscal year 2027.
Superintendent Michelle Reid recently discussed the proposal and the board’s budget deliberations in her weekly reflections. Budget documents are expected to be posted with the meeting agenda before the vote.
The division is also planning six spring Community Conversations where residents can ask Reid questions and share feedback. Child care and interpretation will be available, and every session is open to the public.
The meetings are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
- Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
- Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
- Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
- Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
- Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Except for the March 17 event, sessions will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
New visitor screening reaches every school
All FCPS schools are now using the Raptor Visitor Management System as part of the division’s layered security measures. The system checks that visitors are not listed on the sex offender registry.
Visitors will generally continue to report to the front office and scan an identification document. Those who download the optional RaptorSafe app can create a Raptor Passport, verify their information before arriving and use a QR code during check-in.
The rollout follows the School Board’s February 12 approval of the fiscal year 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program. The five-year plan sets out the projected schedules and costs of renovations, additions, new schools and other facility investments.
Early-learning applications open
FCPS is accepting applications for Pre-K and Early Head Start programs serving qualifying Fairfax County children with economic and educational risk factors.
Pre-K gives priority to 4-year-olds but also considers children who will turn 3 by September 30 of the applicable year. Early Head Start serves families from pregnancy through age 2 at Clearview, Crestwood and Dogwood elementary schools. Together, the programs cover children from 6 weeks through age 4.
Space is limited and assigned according to need rather than application order, although families are encouraged to apply promptly. Applications may be submitted online, by email, by mail or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue in Falls Church. Families can call 703-208-7900 for assistance in English or 703-208-7901 for help in Spanish.
The FCPS Family Academy is also offering March programs for parents and guardians. Topics include co-parenting in Spanish, family life in the digital world, student career pathways, orientation for military families, and connection and critical thinking. Additional webinars will address parental stress, raising neurodivergent children, academic struggles and kindergarten preparation.
Culinary teacher earns statewide recognition
Sean Appleby, a Marshall Academy culinary instructor and FCPS graduate, has been selected as the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education’s 2026 New Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes excellence, innovation and leadership in career and technical education.
Appleby graduated from Marshall Academy and Madison High School in 2011.
His recognition comes during Career and Technical Education Month. Every FCPS middle and high school offers a core selection of CTE classes, with fields including business and information technology, family and consumer sciences, health and medical sciences, marketing, technology and engineering, and trade and industrial education. The courses are intended to prepare students for college and entry-level work while expanding access to practical learning opportunities.
Meal kits available for fasting students
Through Thursday, March 19, students fasting during the day may take home kits containing one breakfast and one lunch to eat after school.
A separate request form must be completed each week for every participating student. The meals are charged at normal school-day prices, collected at the end of the school day and selected for easy reheating at home. Questions may be directed to the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
Students can also showcase their cooking abilities at the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 28, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Teams drawn from family and consumer sciences electives will develop healthy meals that satisfy federal school-meal rules while reflecting the cultural traditions of local communities. Celebrity chefs will judge the recipes. The free event will feature streamed presentations, a public tasting at 11:40 a.m. and a demonstration by a local chef and restaurateur. Advance registration is required.
FCPS highlights fentanyl risks and mental health care
Families are being urged to discuss the dangers of fentanyl with teenagers. FCPS warns that a few salt-sized grains can cause an overdose and that even half of a fentanyl-laced pill may be fatal.
Counterfeit drugs pose a particular danger because fentanyl cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste. FCPS cited 2023 figures indicating that seven out of 10 counterfeit pills nationwide contained a potentially fatal amount. An overdose can deprive the brain of oxygen and cause damage or death within minutes.
All FCPS high school students can also access mental health teletherapy at no cost through Hazel Health. Parents may refer students experiencing anxiety, behavioral changes, or difficulties in relationships with family members or peers for weekly sessions with a licensed therapist.
Teen job fairs set for March
Fairfax County teenagers looking for employment, internships or volunteer positions can meet prospective employers at two job fairs and career-building workshops in March.
The events will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Chantilly High School and Saturday, March 21, at West Springfield High School. They are geared particularly toward students ages 16 and older.
Business-casual clothing and resumes are encouraged but not required. Resume workshops will be offered at the fairs, which are hosted by Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Springfield District School Board member Sandy Anderson.
FCPS is also marking Public Schools Week from February 23 through 27 by recognizing partnerships among students, families, educators, employees and the broader community. One program being highlighted is Riverside Elementary School’s monthly math class for parents and caregivers, designed to help adults participate in their children’s learning at home.