Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2024 Budget With Focus on Student Achievement
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Approved Budget at their regularly scheduled Board meeting. The FY 2024 Approved Budget focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students, and maintaining a world-class public school division by recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
“Our budget funds innovative investments focused on closing the achievement gap for each and every student,” said Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools Dr. Michelle C. Reid. “A fully funded budget, with spending directed by our new student-centered and future-focused strategic plan, with core tenets of excellence, equity, and opportunity, maintains FCPS as the world-class public school division that is a point of pride for our community.”
The FY 2024 Approved Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $221.7 million or 6.7% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the Approved Budget is targeted at instruction, including:
- $15.0 million to support the implementation of the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, with evidence-based language arts basal resources for students.
- $2.0 million to increase access to Pre-K programs by providing resources to accommodate 10 additional Pre-K classrooms.
- $1.6 million for implementation of the final implementation of recommendations from the advanced academic external review to support students in Advanced Academic Programs.
- $65.2 million and 679.2 positions to address 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 including additional family liaisons and access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.
In light of the ongoing teacher shortage throughout the country, the FY 2024 Approved Budget seeks to position FCPS as the preferred place to work by offering competitive financial packages to attract and retain excellent teachers and staff. 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.
- $4.3 million to provide a step extension for all scales.
“We are grateful for the collaboration with the Board of Supervisors and for their support in providing raises to recognize the hard work and invaluable contributions of our staff,” Elaine Tholen, budget chair and Dranesville District representative, Fairfax County School Board.
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.
“I believe this is a good budget that sets us up for success, particularly as we prepare to align our work with our new strategic plan,” said Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Fairfax County School Board chair and member-at-large.
Increased security measures and the continuation of green investments are also acknowledged in the FY 2024 Approved Budget.
Watch the budget presentation.
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