Superintendent's Letter to Community About 2023-24 Fiscal Year Budget

Hello FCPS Community,

We have proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 that focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students which widened during the pandemic. This budget also gives our youngest learners a strong start and includes investments for our special education students that were impacted during the pandemic, while continuing to attract and retain teachers and staff who are the backbone of our organization. 

The Proposed Budget focuses on several key areas:

• Innovative investments that close the achievement gap for all students:
  • Equitable access to literacy.
  • Increased access to PreK programming.
  • Supports for students with special education needs. 
  • Funding for students in Advanced Academic Programs.
  • Changing student enrollment needs.
  • Increase in student and family supports, including access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being. 
• Continuation of green investments.
• Increased security measures.
• Proposed increases in employee compensation.

This is an exciting time for FCPS. Our new strategic plan will place us at a crossroads to decide where we go next. The FY 2024 Proposed Budget totals $3.5 billion – a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. To support the investments included in this budget, we are requesting an additional $159.6 million, or a 7.0%  increase, from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nearly 86% of the budget is targeted at instruction. 

I look forward to working with the Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors to support FCPS in taking the next steps as we plan our future direction.

Innovative Investments That Close the Achievement Gap for All Students 

Equitable Access to Literacy

Literacy has a strong impact on overall academic success, economic well-being, and health outcomes. We firmly believe that early and equitable access to literacy will transform learning for students. This is acknowledged in the Proposed Budget by designating $15.0 million to support the implementation of the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, with evidence-based language arts basal resources for students. Also, $6 million dollars is included to develop and implement innovative strategies toward closing the achievement gap.

Increased Access to PreK

PreK programs help build the foundation for young children to be ready to learn and develop the social, emotional, verbal, and self-regulation skills that will become critical to their success in school. The FY24 Proposed Budget addresses this need by including $2.0 million to provide resources to accommodate 10 additional PreK classrooms.

Supports for Students with Disabilities

The budget includes $2.0 million to be allocated to the Special Education Compensatory Services Fund to address learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Funding for Students in Advanced Academic Programs

Funding of $1.6 million is included for implementation of the final phase-in of recommendations from the advanced academic external review.

Changing Student Enrollment Needs

Student enrollment has rebounded as we emerge from the pandemic, and student needs, as measured by special education services, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services, and eligibility for free and reduced-price meals (FRM), are increasing. Required adjustments in the FY24 Proposed Budget include $65.2 million and 679.2 positions to support changing student needs, including increased numbers of students requiring English as a Second Language Services and special education services, and enrollment growth.

Increase in Student and Family Supports

• Creation of a dedicated family liaison position at each of the 42 Title I schools and a family engagement region representative in each of the five regions to help make them a full-time position.
• The extension of high school counselor contracts to increase student support throughout the school year.
• Funding to provide middle school spring and fall athletic activities to support student well-being for any student who wants to participate.

Continuation of Green Investments

We are committed to continue funding for key multiyear initiatives that will pay significant dividends for our students and community. These include fulfilling the Year 2 recommendations of the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) which supports the transition of FCPS’ bus fleet from diesel to electric by 2035, and the Safe Routes to School and Get2Green programs.

Increased Security Measures

The FY 2024 Proposed Budget also emphasizes safety measures, including cybersecurity upgrades, background checks for employees, and additional security officer positions.

Proposed Increases in Employee Compensation

The FY 2024 Proposed Budget aims to continue to make FCPS one of the most attractive places to work in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area through a series of financial incentives for staff that keep pace with a recent rise in the cost of living. The budget includes:

• $80.9 million to provide a market scale adjustment of 3.0% for all employees. 
• $58.2 million to provide a step increase for all eligible employees.
• $19.9 million to provide a 1.0% retention bonus for all current employees who remain employed with FCPS into FY 2024.
• $4.3 million to provide a step extension for all scales.

Special Education Teacher Extended Day contracts currently funded in FY 2023 with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds will continue to be funded with ESSER III in FY 2024.

Additional Information

You may watch the Proposed Budget presentation on YouTube. I also encourage you to stay up-to-date on the budget process and opportunities to make your voice heard by visiting FCPS’ Budget webpage. 

Warmest regards,

Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools