November News from
Jeanette Hough
I hope you and your family have settled into the new school year. While it doesn’t seem possible, Friday, November 4th, is the end of the first quarter! Remember all students will be released two hours early on the last day of each quarter.
Meals Tax Referendum
Meals Tax Facts
• The meals tax referendum will be on the ballot this November 8, 2016
• It proposes to add a 4% tax to prepared foods at restaurants, caterers, convenience stores, grocery stores and more.
• The 4% tax is in addition to the current 6% sales tax; resulting in a total of 10% tax on prepared food
• The 4% tax is projected to generate an estimated $100 million in tax revenue for Fairfax County. The planned allocation is:
> 70 percent of the net revenues to Fairfax County Public Schools.
> 30 percent of the net revenues to county services, capital improvements, and property tax relief.
How is money allocated to FCPS
• The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) transfers money annually from the county’s general fund to the school system. The transfer amount is not standardized and can increase (or decrease) every year.
• FCPS will receive 70% of the net meals tax revenue; but could simultaneously receive a lesser transfer amount from the county’s general fund. Potentially, the total fund allocation could be equal to or less than prior years.
• Although the BOS’ stated intent is to supplement and not supplant funds to the schools, there is no clause in the referendum which requires nor ensures that the funding will be supplemental
• FCPS has committed to using the vast majority of the funds for teacher salaries and critical classroom resources, both of which are recurring expenses.
• FCPS uses a baseline budgeting model. Starting with the previous year’s expenditures as the baseline, adjustments are added based on mandated costs, increasing salaries, and student enrollment and demographics.
• Beyond year one, the meals tax revenue will continue to be applied to the recurring expenditures and will not contribute to increased yearly expenditures.
Changes in FCPS
You may not be aware of some significant changes which have occurred since school began.
Leadership
On September 19th, Superintendent Karen Garza resigned from her position effective December 16, 2016. The School Board named current FCPS Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Steve Lockard, as the interim superintendent; he will assume the superintendent duties when Dr. Garza departs. Dr. Lockard joined FCPS as deputy superintendent in August 2014 after serving as deputy superintendent of Frederick (Md.) County Public Schools. Currently, he provides leadership to FCPS schools and centers, the five Region offices, the Hearings Office, and the Student Activities and Athletics program.
New FCPS Website
If you have accessed the FCPS website this year, you’ve seen the new look! The new website was launched in September to provide multiple information resources. Here are some tips for making the most of the new website. Let us know if you have suggestions or can’t find information you need. We are continuing to improve the website and your feedback if helpful.
Resource Guide
An online resource the 2016-17 Go to Guide is available for our parents, students, and staff. The guide provides a short overview of Fairfax County Public Schools and helpful information that every family needs, i.e. the 2016-17 school calendar, communications between school and home, parent advocacy, and FCPS resources.
What is an At-Large School Board Member
Several constituents have asked that question. The School Board is comprised of 12 members. Nine are district members who serve constituents residing in a defined boundary area. The remaining three (At-Large members) represent constituents throughout the county.
Just a reminder that I will be holding November office hours.
Friday, November 4
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Richard Byrd Library
Meeting Room #2
7250 Commerce Street
Springfield, VA 22150
Directions
Wednesday, November 30
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
John Marshall Library
6209 Rose Hill Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
Directions
If you would like to discuss any issues related to Fairfax County Public Schools, please drop by.
No appointment necessary.
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