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Fairfax County’s first divisionwide school boundary review in more than 40 years will reassign an estimated 1,700 students across 46 schools for the 2026-27 school year.

Board members approved Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s proposed changes during their Jan. 22 regular meeting. The review supports the school system’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

The 18-month process began after Boundary Policy 8130 was updated in July 2024. The policy guides decisions involving enrollment, facilities, academic programming and student well-being as community needs change.

Officials sought to address long-standing issues such as split feeder patterns, attendance islands and enrollment imbalances. They analyzed extensive data and gathered feedback from families, employees and residents through nearly 50 community meetings and several interactive tools.

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee also provided input that helped shape draft scenarios and Reid’s final recommendation.

“Boundary decisions affect families in very real ways, shaping students’ daily experiences, family routines, and a sense of stability, community, and belonging that helps children learn and thrive,” Reid said. She said the review emphasized excellence, equity, transparency and sustained community engagement.

Chair and Springfield District Representative Sandy Anderson thanked families, staff members and residents for contributing time, energy and feedback throughout the process.

The newly adopted changes will not end the broader boundary work. Some schools and communities will undergo additional study during the next year, with recommendations scheduled for January 2027.

Other areas have been marked as priorities for the next boundary review cycle, expected in about five years. The school system plans to engage affected communities as those future phases move forward.