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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 FCPS Community,
At last night’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented the proposed FY 2027 budget to the Board. As we continue through this challenging budget season, I want to provide an update on where things stand and what these discussions mean for our students, staff, and families.
FY27 Budget Update
The Superintendent’s proposed FY 2027 budget reflects the difficult balancing act we continue to face as a school division. While FCPS is still facing a funding gap, I am encouraged that the current proposal makes significant reductions and adjustments while still avoiding staff reductions. Protecting our classrooms and maintaining stability for students has remained the top priority throughout this process.
The proposed budget continues to prioritize the core instructional experience for students while addressing rising operational costs, state funding challenges, and ongoing financial pressures facing public education across Virginia. FCPS’ proposed budget totals approximately $4.1 billion and focuses on sustaining existing services and supporting students and staff during a period of continued fiscal uncertainty.
Importantly, several programs that families have consistently voiced strong support for will remain fully funded under the proposal. This includes:
- Middle school after-school programs
- VIP Camps
- Core student support services and instructional programming
I know many families are concerned about the possibility of cuts to these programs, and I appreciate the advocacy and feedback from community members throughout this process.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that budget discussions are not over. We still have a remaining funding gap that will require continued collaboration between the School Board, the Board of Supervisors, and our state partners. In the absence of a state budget, I remain committed to finding solutions that protect classrooms, support staff, and maintain strong educational opportunities for every student.
Community input remains an essential part of the budget process. There will be an upcoming public hearing where families, staff, students, and residents can provide feedback directly to the School Board.
Residents interested in speaking can sign up here.
I strongly encourage everyone interested in the FCPS budget to participate and share their perspectives.
Skyview High School Boundary Update
Thank you to the many residents who have contacted me regarding the proposed boundary scenarios for Skyview High School in the western part of Fairfax County.
At a work session earlier this week, the School Board received an update on the staff work for the proposed boundaries, along with a broader update on Skyview High School’s land use approval process and planned buildout.
One of the most significant developments from the discussion was the decision to remove all proposed elementary school boundary changes from consideration. This decision came after substantial community feedback regarding the three draft boundary scenarios that had been presented publicly. I worked closely with the Superintendent, her staff, and my colleagues on the School Board to help facilitate this outcome.
Going forward, future boundary scenarios will honor existing elementary school boundaries while aligning students vertically to their middle and high school pyramids. I believe this approach better reflects the concerns raised by families and helps provide greater long-term stability for our communities.
Additionally, a third version of the proposed boundary scenarios has now been added, providing the community with another opportunity to review and provide feedback before a final decision is made. As a result, the final School Board vote on the boundary maps is now scheduled for July 16. I was pleased to work collaboratively with the Superintendent and fellow Board members to ensure the community has additional time and opportunity for input.
I also want to share the following joint statement regarding the Lees Corner Elementary School community from Sully District Representative Seema Dixit and myself:
“Thank you to the parents and community members who have reached out to us regarding a draft boundary scenario that would move Lees Corner Elementary School from Chantilly High School to Westfield High School. This move is indicated in two of the three draft scenarios generated for the new Skyview High School boundaries. Based on the feedback from the Lees Corner community, it is our expectation that Lees Corner remains within the Chantilly High School pyramid.”
As always, please continue reaching out with your feedback and perspectives as this process moves forward over the coming weeks. Community engagement remains essential to ensuring the best possible outcome for students and families. You can learn more here.
Calendar Update
The School Board also continued discussions surrounding future school year calendars. Last night, several motions related to the calendar were introduced before the Board. All of those motions, aside from a motion to study the benefits and drawbacks to a year-round school calendar, were ultimately rejected, and I voted against all of the motions presented. I could not support them because the policy has not yet come to the full Board for consideration. I am a stickler for process, and the policy work needs to be finished before changes to it should be considered.
As I have shared previously, I believe calendar decisions must balance instructional time, family needs, teacher planning time, and the diverse perspectives of our community. These conversations continue to generate different opinions across Fairfax County, and it is important that we approach this work thoughtfully and collaboratively with appropriate public input. Dr. Reid is beginning a public input process on our calendar and I look forward to seeing where the community stands before moving forward.
Additionally, the Governance Committee is currently in the final stages of its work on calendar-related policy discussions and recommendations. That work will also soon come before the full School Board for consideration and approval.
Earlier this spring, the Board approved the SY 2026–27 calendar, reducing the number of days off from 40 this school year to 33 next year while adding additional full five-day instructional weeks. The Board also directed the Superintendent to bring forward recommendations for the SY 2027–28 and SY 2028–29 calendars for future Board action.
I appreciate the many parents, staff members, and community members who have shared thoughtful feedback throughout this process. Your input continues to shape these important conversations.
🔎 School Spotlight: Crossfield ES
This week, I was pleased to visit Crossfield Elementary School for the ribbon cutting officially marking the completion of the school’s renovation. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with the Crossfield community and see the renewed learning spaces that will serve students, staff, and families for years to come.
Crossfield Elementary, home of the Rockets, opened in 1988 and is named in honor of A. Scott Crossfield, an aeronautical pioneer, local neighbor, and friend of the school. Crossfield was the first aviator to fly twice the speed of sound and the first test pilot to fly the X-15. His legacy of intellectual curiosity, preparation, innovation, and high standards of excellence continues to be a fitting inspiration for the students who learn there today.
The renovation represents an important investment in the Crossfield community and in the future of FCPS. The project modernized the school facility, enhanced learning environments, and upgraded major building systems, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure.
🚶🏼♂️Kyle in the Community
The past month, I have continued my tour around FCPS. I started at Stone MS in Centreville, where I got to hear about the great impacts of the Middle School After School program and see some of the great programing and staff they offer. Go Panthers! 🐈⬛
Earlier this week, I got to tour Mosaic ES in Fairfax where they are also finishing up an exciting renovation. Go Mustangs! 🐎
Earlier in April, I was given a tour led by some wonderful students at Whitman Middle School in Alexandria, which is seeing some great improvements in attendance. Go Wildcats! 🐾
Finally, I also got to tour Woodson HS lead by members of their student leadership team where I was shown some great classes. Go Cavs! ⚔️
Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement, partnership, and advocacy on behalf of our students and schools.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Other Updates
🍴 FCPS Caters to Food Allergies
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.
To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.
💉 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th GradersThe following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
📱 Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app, you can:
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Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.
☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
📞 Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
🙌 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!
In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at your school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
📰 FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Caters to Food Allergies
- Immunizations Needed Before 7th and 12th Grade
- Thank you Teachers and Staff!
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
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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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