The Fairfax County School Board has approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), focusing on maintaining essential services and competitive compensation. The budget, which totals $4.1 billion, represents a net increase of $197 million or 5% compared to the previous year.
The board emphasized that the FY 2027 budget is designed to meet core requirements and uphold the school division’s standards. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid stated, “I appreciate the School Board’s support in passing the advertised budget. This proposal focuses on essentials – restoring at least in part, critical supports, honoring our commitments to appropriate compensation, and continuing strategic investments that directly benefit students. It is a disciplined, responsible plan that keeps our attention where it belongs: on delivering strong outcomes for every student.”
A significant portion of the new budget addresses employee compensation, aiming to attract and retain high-quality educators and staff amid a high cost-of-living environment. The plan includes funding increases agreed upon through collective bargaining with both Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators (FCFPSA).
School Board Chair Sandy Anderson highlighted concerns about long-term funding sustainability: “With this budget, we are doing what we must to support students and staff in a challenging fiscal environment. While Fairfax County funds roughly 69 percent of our operating budget, that level of reliance on local dollars is not sustainable long term. The Commonwealth has an obligation to strengthen its partnership so we can maintain the quality our community expects.”
Nearly 85% of FCPS’ spending will remain dedicated to classroom instruction. Other priorities include partially restoring positions cut in previous years—such as Special Education Department Chairs and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers at non-Title I schools—and adjusting staffing formulas at all grade levels.
In addition to these measures, FCPS continues multi-year initiatives like certified athletic trainers in every high school, family liaisons, stipends for fine and performing arts programs, expanded student athletics offerings, K-12 robotics opportunities, and educator math credentialing.
Over the past decade, FCPS has implemented more than $800 million in reductions through staffing cuts, cost avoidance measures, and fee increases to align with available funding.
Further details about the FY 2027 Advertised Budget—including timelines—can be found on FCPS’ Budget webpage.
