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Meeting Recap: Budget Approval, Secondary Literacy Progress, and More (May 21, 2026)
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, at the Fairfax County School Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, May 21 (agenda | video), the Board considered several key priorities that reflect our continued commitment to academic excellence, equity, and innovation across the school division.
Most notably, the Board adopted the FY 2027 Budget, a $4.1 billion balanced spending plan focused on sustaining excellence while continuing to invest in students, staff, and school communities amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
The Board also received an Academic Matters presentation on secondary literacy progress, highlighting encouraging student reading growth and expanded literacy supports across middle and high schools. Additionally, the Board approved the contract for the Dunn Loring Elementary School construction project.
As always, I invite you to learn more about the various topics discussed during these meetings by reviewing the updates below. You are also welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents:
Financial Year 2027 Budget Approved
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board adopted the FY 2027 Budget, a $4.1 billion balanced spending plan focused on sustaining excellence while continuing to invest in students, staff, and school communities amid ongoing fiscal challenges. The budget maintains collective bargaining compensation agreements, supports classroom instruction and student services, and reflects the school division’s continued commitment to strong academic outcomes, with all schools remaining fully accredited and employee retention rates surpassing 90% for the second consecutive year.
The approved budget includes targeted investments in elementary special education department chairs, advanced academic resource teachers, certified athletic trainers, family liaison positions, and the continuation of middle school after-school programs. The budget also includes nearly $30 million in strategic cuts and operational adjustments designed to minimize direct impacts on classrooms and staff, while addressing state funding uncertainty as the General Assembly and Governor continue their work on the state budget.
Motion: Dixit, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Dunn Loring Elementary Construction Project Contract Approved
Meeting Materials
As part of the meeting’s consent agenda, the Board unanimously approved a contract for the Dunn Loring Elementary School New School Construction Project to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $57.33 million.
Academic Matters: Secondary Literacy Progress
Video | Meeting Materials
The Superintendent provided an Academic Matters presentation on secondary literacy, highlighting progress in improving reading achievement and expanding evidence-based literacy supports for middle and high school students. The presentation outlined division-wide efforts to strengthen literacy instruction through updated English Language Arts standards, expanded professional learning for educators and administrators, and targeted interventions for students needing additional support.
Data showed encouraging growth across multiple grade levels, including significant increases in the percentage of students performing at or approaching grade level in reading. Eighth-grade students demonstrated a 15.4 percentage-point increase from fall 2024 to fall 2025, while seventh-grade students saw a 9.2 percentage-point increase. The presentation also highlighted reductions in the number of students identified as at risk in reading and strong outcomes in advanced coursework, including a 99% overall pass rate on the AP Seminar exam.
As part of the presentation, the Superintendent shared the following video with the Board:
Resolution: National Law Day
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized National Law Day, reaffirming the importance of the rule of law, equal justice, due process, and the democratic principles that serve as the foundation of the United States. This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” emphasizes that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment under the law and that no person or institution is above it.
Motion: R. Anderson, Second: Dunne / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrating the many contributions AAPI individuals and communities have made to the United States, Virginia, Fairfax County, and Fairfax County Public Schools. The proclamation highlighted the rich diversity of cultures, histories, and languages represented across AAPI communities and recognized the important role AAPI students, families, and staff play in strengthening FCPS schools and communities.
Motion: McElveen, Second: Lady / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Children's Mental Health and Wellness Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized May 2026 as Children’s Mental Health and Wellness Month, highlighting the importance of supporting students’ mental health, well-being, and overall development. The proclamation emphasized that mental health is an essential part of overall health and recognized the critical role early intervention, supportive relationships, and access to care play in helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Motion: Meren, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Proclamation: Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized May 2026 as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, highlighting the importance of supporting students with communication disorders and recognizing the professionals who help students develop the skills needed to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The proclamation noted that communication disorders affect millions of children nationwide and emphasized the importance of early intervention, treatment, and ongoing support services.
Motion: Dannan, Second: Frisch / Vote: Yes 12, No 0
Student Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the national anthem by the Spring Hill Elementary School String Orchestra under the direction of Margot Mevinsky:
Board Matters: Providence District Update
At the end of most meetings, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and other relevant information. Here is a video of my short update from last week’s meeting:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya alcanal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
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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