|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Mason District Community,
In July 2025, the School Board voted unanimously to provide phasing options to students impacted by pending boundary adjustments in Policy 8130. The adjustment to the policy allowed the following:
On December 18, 2025, the Superintendent presented a proposal that estimated costs for transportation at $10M which also outlined a need for 57 additional drivers and electric buses.
The School Board did not approve this plan and requested the Superintendent to present more specific details.
At the School Board’ s Regular Meeting this Thursday, February 26, 2026, Superintendent Reid will present the most recent transportation proposal for students eligible for phasing or grandfathering provisions. The most current presentation has determined the following:
- Transportation to non-boundary (current) school cost for all tiers (elementary, middle and high schools) is $3.10M
- Transportation to non-boundary (current) school cost for high school is $1.35M
- Transportation to non-boundary (current) school cost for high school (absorbing buses, 10 each) is $804,620
- Transportation to non-boundary (current) school cost for high school juniors & seniors is $402,310
- Transportation to non-boundary (current) school cost for high school seniors only is $241,386
As per the presentation, the Superintendent’s recommendation is to provide transportation based on new boundary adjustments for high school seniors only.
I will oppose this recommendation because transportation should be provided to all eligible students to prevent the creation of opportunity gaps. Additionally, if the School Board approves this recommendation, it will mark the first time in several decades that FCPS would not provide transportation to students impacted by a boundary adjustment.
To that end, at the February 26, 2026 Regular Meeting, Ms. Meren and I will bring forth a motion for the School Board’s consideration and approval to use funds from the School Board’s Flexibility Reserve to fully fund the $3.1M needed to provide transportation to students. The language of the motion is below:
I move that the School Board authorize $3.10M in funding from the School Board Flexibility Reserve to provide transportation to non-boundary (current) students for all tiers which includes elementary, middle and high schools.
In a survey administered to eligible FCPS parents and guardians earlier this month, it was reported that 81% of those who responded would require FCPS bus transportation and 44% would remain at their current school if FCPS bus transportation is not provided.
I have also heard from many families across Fairfax County who are concerned about the lack of transportation for their children. Those students will have to sever ties to their current schools despite a Board policy allowing them to finish their final years.
FCPS should not contribute to the creation of opportunity gaps and most importantly should remain aligned to the system’s equity commitments. Furthermore, students and families entrusted the School Board’s vote to provide a choice if desired, for select grades. Not providing transportation undermines the intention and letter of phasing in Policy 8130.
In the past, the School Board has elected to use its Flexibility Reserve to purchase computers, conduct facilities assessment and support School Board office improvements. An investment in transportation for our students will allow access to the provisions in Policy 8130 and offer parents and guardians with the assurance that their students will be able to complete their time in their current schools.
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.
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
|
