Budget
While the beginning of the budget cycle this year seemed less than optimistic, I am happy to share that we have had some very good news from both the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the state government this past month.
Based on action taken today by Board of Supervisors’ Budget Committee and increases in state funding passed in Richmond, we now expect a substantial increase in revenue of approximately 5.7 percent for the FY 2017 Budget. While approximately $9.4 million short of the approved budget with additional savings and one-time funds, it brings us much closer to closing our budget gap. For more information on the superintendent’s recommendation to the school board on how to close the gap, you can view the presentation here.
While this is the early recommendation, the board will continue to work with staff and the community to come to a final decision on May 26th. The increase means that we now have the opportunity to begin to address our two major priorities, employee compensation and reducing class sizes, while not cutting vital student programming.
The school board calendar for the remainder of the budget cycle is as follows:
May 2
School Board conducts budget work
session
May 12
School Board FY 2017 Approved
Budget presented for new business
May 17
School Board holds public hearings
on budget (May 18 if needed)
May 19
School Board conducts budget work
session
May 26
School Board adopts FY 2017
Approved Budget
While we have good news, there is room for caution especially as our teacher salaries still need an additional bump to be fully competitive and many of our schools continue to have class sizes around 30 students. That is why I believe, that as a county, we must look for diverse sources of revenue to allow us to create a multi-year investment that is not solely a burden on property owners. If you would like to share your thoughts, feel free to email me at: dapalchik@fcps.edu.
I thank you for your advocacy and urge you to thank our state and local leaders who voted in favor of this change, and to urge them to continue to work toward a sustainable funding source.
To view the full budget calendar, click here.
PRE-LABOR
DAY START
This week, following the review and discussion of the results of the community survey, the school board decided to prepare a motion to vote on this option at our next meeting. The motion would direct the superintendent to create a school year calendar for the 2017-18 (not the 2016-17 year) to create a start day of one week before Labor Day in August 2017.
For clarity purposes, if approved, the shift would create a shorter summer the first year, but would then shift the calendar to end school earlier the following year. In addition, the final details of the calendar would go through the regular calendar process from August to December of this year. The decision will be based on community preference (53% of parents were in support) and the impact on learning and best practices.
If you would like to share additional comments or opinions with me before the final vote, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at: dapalchik@fcps.edu.
Parents: What
Are Your Thoughts About Grading?
Fairfax County Public Schools is examining the grading policies in middle and high schools to ensure that
grades represent learning and that grading practices are equitable across
schools.
Share
your thoughts about current grading practices and on how best to
ensure grade equity within the school division.
Students
from Lanier Middle School won two first place awards at the fifth annual School
Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) held at George Mason University.
Lanier teams took first place in the Caring for Our Watersheds competition with
a plan to plant native grasses, and first place in their division of the
KidWind Challenge for the most efficient wind turbine design. Lanier Middle
School is a Fairfax County Public School.
Special recognition went to the Madison High School Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter, named a gold level Virginia FCCLA Outstanding Chapter. Students from eight Fairfax County public schools competed in 20 categories of Star Events.
McLean High School Band earned the Sweepstakes Award during the Instrumental Festival at the recent WorldStrides Heritage Festival in Chicago.
Five Fairfax County Public School teams from Oakton HS and TJHSST qualified for the championship rounds in three categories of the statewide Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance.
Providence Elementary School’s STEM Lab was recognized as one of 24 programs worldwide as a program of excellence from the International Technology and Engineering Educator Association (ITEEA).
April 23 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Techstravaganza!
TJHSST (6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312)
Upper elementary and middle school students are
invited to enjoy a day to explore science, technology, math, and engineering by
doing hands-on science experiments, witnessing demonstrations, and speaking to
scientists. Activities are run by TJHSST students, faculty, and
professionals from participating organizations.
June 8th -
FCPS Honors
George
Mason’s Center for the Arts
The FCPS Honors recognizes excellence in our
school system, with awards for outstanding support employees, principals,
teachers and business partners.
The 2016
Graduation Calendar is now
available.
STUDENT
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive
Management Area; Calendar
Saturday,
May 7:
10 am
– 12 pm, Panera, 8191
Strawberry Ln, Merrifield, VA 22042
Saturday,
June 4:
10 am
– 12 pm, Panera, 8191
Strawberry Ln, Merrifield, VA 22042
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Oakton
Library, 10304
Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA 22124 * New Location
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