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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Hello, Springfield District,
Good afternoon,
I want to reach out because we are in the final phase of the budget process to approve the FY26 fiscal year. The Board met last night in our last budget work session, and we will vote on the Superintendent’s revised approved budget for FY26 at Thursday night’s regular meeting.
During the discussion last night, the Board learned that while we will still have a reduction to the funding from central office for the Special Education Department Chair and Advanced Academic Readiness Teacher positions, the Superintendent and her staff have a strong plan in place to help principals work the remaining funding of these positions into individual school budgets. After hearing about the importance of these two positions and other impacts from more than 150 speakers at last week’s public hearing, I am grateful for the work our staff is doing to ensure this important work continues for our students and staff.
I am also beyond grateful that with the hard work of our union leadership that we have an essential step toward more reasonable compensation for our teachers and staff. This year’s budget process is likely an indicator of the road we have ahead over the next couple of years, and I am hopeful that we can further build on the collaborative relationship we will need with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure our children receive the world class education we expect in Fairfax County Public Schools.
I will be in touch soon!
Sandy Anderson
Next Steps in the School Division’s Budget Process
Last week, the School Board held a nearly six-hour public hearing where more than 150 students, educators, parents, and community members shared their views on the FY 2026 budget. Their input came as we consider the Superintendent’s revised proposal, which outlines how FCPS plans to address a $121.3 million shortfall in requested funding while continuing to prioritize classrooms, educators, and student success.
The proposal includes several expenditure adjustments, including a reduction in the initially proposed 7% salary increase for all employees. The revised proposal includes a 6% pay increase for teachers and operational employees and a 5% increase for all others. To meet the funding gap, the proposal also defers new social studies instructional materials and implements staffing formula changes that would reduce an average of fewer than 1.5 positions per school.
Last night at the Board’s budget work session, the Superintendent addressed the impact of staffing formula adjustments related to Special Education Department Chairs and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers. Schools will have significant flexibility in using carry-forward funds. This flexibility will help schools address their students’ unique needs and maintain a high level of educational quality. Region Assistant Superintendents will work closely with all principals to prioritize school trades and resources. Additional support may also be provided through the central staffing reserve. This collaboration will help ensure a smooth and effective transition to the new fiscal year. In summary, we will:
- Assist elementary school principals in reviewing their budgets and potential for shifting funds to trade for staff necessary to accommodate their school needs.
- Allow one-time 25% carryover for elementary schools from FY25 to FY26, subject to available balance.
- Allow use of the central staffing reserve for unusual or unique circumstances.
See the details of the FY Proposed Approved Budget online. Find more information about the budget on the FCPS Budget webpage.
The next step in the budget process is the final vote this Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the regular School Board meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School. The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. It will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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