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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.
Dear Fairfax County Community,
I hope everyone is enjoy the first glimmers of spring weather, and that snow days are behind us. It has been a busy few weeks for the School Board as we navigate our upcoming budget and finalize some important decisions for the next school year. Below are several important updates on our work and my recent visits throughout the community.
Budget Update
Last night, the School Board officially adopted the FY 2027 Advertised Budget. This is the first step toward passing the final budget later this spring, and it kicks off a community conversation around budget priorities. The $4.1 billion plan represents a 5% increase and is focused on sustaining our current programs while supporting our hard-working students and staff. The top priority of this budget is a compensation increase for our educators and employees, as they are our greatest asset. Of the $198m in increased spending, $178m is compensation. The Superintendent has also prioritized a reduction in class sizes, maintaining special education staffing, and funding advanced academic resource teachers. On my priority list is the Middle School After School programming that traditionally has been funded by the Board of Supervisors but has now shifted to the FCPS budget. I am working with other School Board Members and the Superintendent to identify funding and program reforms to ensure this critical, and very popular, program is maintained for tens of thousands of middle school students.
However, there is a $43 million gap due to significant challenges with state funding. During our deliberations, we discussed the difficult balance between "needs" and "nice-to-haves". This budget cycle is a long process that continues through May. We will continue advocating for the state to adopt JLARC recommendations, which could bring over half a billion dollars in additional funding to our schools annually and help reduce pressure on our local government.
More information on the budget can be found here, and information on budget town hall meetings can be found here.
Boundary Phasing and Transportation
Also last night, the School Board approved transportation services for high school students (grades 10-12) who are authorized to remain at their old base school as a result of recently adopted boundary changes. You may recall that this decision came before the School Board earlier this year; however, a 5-0-5 vote resulted in it being brought back last night.
Following an extensive outreach effort to families impacted by boundary changes, the Superintendent recommended transportation services only for 12th graders. I was unwilling to support that for several reasons, mostly because a bus carrying a 12th grader can also carry 10th and 11th graders.
After weeks of this decision being on the agenda, an 11th-hour amendment was brought forward to vastly expand bussing services from 12th graders to 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This ballooned the annual budget impact from $800,000 to over $3,000,000. The timing of this proposal was a bit ironic because the next day the School Board and Board of Supervisors held its annual joint budget meeting, and the message was clear: this is not the time to unnecessarily increase spending on nice-to-have items.
There is another key piece of information that helped inform my decision last night: survey results indicated that 44% of students would need transportation to remain at their old base school; this represented 154 students, which extrapolates to 300 students based on the response rate. The other respondents were moving to the new school or were legally required to be provided transportation anyway (ie students with IEPs and 504s). This is to say that the decision last night was around whether to spend $3,000,000 per year to bus 300 kids above and beyond what is already done. That is not even close to reasonable.
Throughout this process, the biggest concern I heard from constituents was regarding changes for high school students, and the unique period in their lives (academically and socially) that these years represent, and the academic and extracurricular records that feed into college applications. I wanted to find a way to target transportation supports to those students, but only if it could be done within existing budget constraints. I worked with the Superintendent to explore options, and it was concluded that a hub transportation model could be established for high school students within existing funding for the most part. The hub system is very similar to how students are transported to Thomas Jefferson. Out of an abundance of caution, I also placed language in my substitute motion that in the event of cost increases, end-of-year funding could be used to cover those.
I am happy that my proposal was adopted by the School Board last night, and that high school students will be given transportation should they choose. I recognize that some families at the middle and elementary levels will be disappointed, and I share that disappointment. I am disappointed that there is a $43 million budget gap that is threatening other critical initiatives too (Middle School After School programming, advanced academic resource teachers, reducing class sizes, maintaining special education staffing support, and more).
When I made the motion to adopt this plan, I stated that this strikes the best balance between addressing the equity concerns that have been raised and recognizing the fiscal reality of the day. While we could not get there for all 7 grade levels, I am happy that we were able to get there for 3 of them.
School Spotlight: Herndon MS
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Herndon Middle School, home of the Hawks, which is proudly celebrating its 65th anniversary. Opened in 1961 and originally the site of Herndon High School in 1912, this campus has been an educational cornerstone in Herndon’s community. Today, it serves one of the most culturally and economically diverse student populations in the county and continues to build on its storied history.
Herndon stands out for its strong academic programs, including AVID and Advanced Academics (AAP), as well as new opportunities like Google Robotics, Capital One Coders, and an annual STEAM Night that connects students with real-world learning. The school is also recognized as part of the ISTE Lighthouse Schools network, highlighting its innovative teaching and learning. Go Hawks!
 
In the Community
I have had a busy week around the county. Last Tuesday, it was an honor to attend a special event at Lewis High School where the legendary civil rights activist Dolores Huerta spoke to our students. Her message of advocacy and community strength was truly inspiring.
In celebration of Black History Month, I joined Superintendent Dr. Reid at West Potomac High School for Mr. Cooper’s 15th Annual Soul Food Lunch. The food was delicious and it was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the history and contributions of the Black community in Fairfax County.
Finally, I toured the new Skyview HS with staff to get an update on getting ready for opening and new community partnerships. I am happy to report that progress toward our fall opening is looking great! I am so excited to see our newest school open this fall.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Other Updates
🎙️ Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
⚠️ Become Unskippable: Share the Facts About Fentanyl With Teens
Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug, and what they can do to keep themselves and their communities safe.
Share these important facts with your child:
- Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
- More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
- Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
- Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.
Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.
🍳 Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast
Multiple studies show that school breakfast is important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.
This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? View Nutrition Services’ printable menus.
🖍️ Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service
📰 FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- The FCPS Budget
- School Safety
- Community Conversations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Calendar Reminder
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
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⏰ Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward) Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m.: Daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
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🌙 /🪻Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz (evening only observance day, holiday) Thursday, March 19: An evening only observance day for Eid al-Fitr, which begins at sundown.
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🌙 /🪻Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz (evening only observance day, holiday) Friday, March 20: A holiday and all schools and offices are closed for Eid and Nowruz.
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See the complete school year calendar.
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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