Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2026 Advertised Budget Focused on Excellence, Meeting Families’ Expectations and Students’ Evolving Needs

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget during their regular meeting last Thursday. The budget demonstrates the school division's commitment to providing an excellent education to every student while serving as a responsible steward of Fairfax County taxpayer dollars. 

Today's students require — and families expect — a broader range of educational opportunities that equip them for future careers and challenges including expanded access to modern science laboratories, qualified educators to teach advanced courses, and enhanced STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning opportunities. 

Meeting families’ expectations and students’ evolving needs is why competitive compensation is a critical component of the FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The budget includes $240.8 million for collective bargaining, providing a 7% salary increase for all employees with a goal of attracting and retaining the best educators. As school districts across the country, including FCPS, continue to navigate an ongoing teacher shortage, competitive pay is necessary to ensure Fairfax County children are in high-quality schools with high-quality teachers.

“Investing in our educators is investing in our students,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. “This budget reflects our commitment to supporting our dedicated staff and recognizing their vital role in each and every student reaching their greatest, unique potential."

The FY 2026 Advertised Budget totals $4.0 billion, a net increase of $297.1 million, or 7.9%, over the FY 2025 Approved Budget. FCPS is seeking an additional $268.3 million, which is a 10.4% increase from what Fairfax County provided in the prior year’s transfer. This transfer request is a 5.6% increase from last year’s request. The average Virginia school division receives less than 50% of its financial support from its local government — FCPS must rely on local funds for nearly 71% of its revenue.

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to classroom instruction, directly supporting students and teachers. 

“I can't think of anything more important than making sure every student has a world-class educator in their classroom and acknowledging our moral obligation to say that teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions,” said Fairfax County School Board Chair and Providence District Representative Karl Frisch. “That's what this budget is investing in.”

The FY 2026 Advertised Budget also continues to fund multi-year initiatives, including inclusive preschool, certified athletic trainers, family liaisons, and fine and performing arts programs.

Funding is also designated for school safety enhancements including security vestibules and cameras.

For the second year in a row, FCPS calls out the significant challenges of historical underfunding by the state of Virginia that impact school districts across the commonwealth. Virginia provides less funding per student than many neighboring states including Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The 2023 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) recommendations previously estimated that FCPS is underfunded by $568.7 million — approximately $3,100 per student. 

Despite this massive underfunding, FCPS is making the most of its limited resources by prioritizing initiatives that support FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan. The school district maintains a modest administrative structure, with only 1.1% of staff in central management roles, while surrounding divisions range from 2-4%. Recognizing its fiscal responsibility to Fairfax County taxpayers, FCPS is continuing to direct the majority of budget dollars to the classroom. 

Beyond the classroom, FCPS provides essential supports such as nutritious meals, mental health support, before- and after-school care, technology, and other resources. These offerings are fundamental to fostering a positive learning environment, enabling students to thrive. "Because schools are the heartbeat of our community, the story of FCPS' budget is the same as the story of Fairfax County's future. We all want the best for our young people — when our students thrive, our whole community thrives."

Advertised Budget at a Glance #InvestInExcellence

Providing competitive compensation 

At FCPS, we know that competitive compensation drives student success because well-paid educators are committed to high-quality instruction. To achieve this goal, the budget includes:

• $240.8 million for collective bargaining, providing a 7% salary increase for all employees.

Meeting the changing needs of Fairfax County’s youth

• The advertised budget includes $23.6 million for baseline adjustments to programs including our substitute teacher incentive, middle school late buses, online campuses, AP/IB test fees, and support for closing academic achievement gaps.
• $20.0 million to adjust for enrollment and changing student needs.

Safe school buildings

• $3.6 million to address the backlog of major maintenance.
• $9.3 million to enhance safety and security in schools to include additional security cameras, panic alert system, security vestibules, and the Rap Back program.

Empowering educators to provide differentiated services to students

• We will invest $4.9 million to help better prepare teachers by providing credentials in the Universal Design for Learning, advanced math credentialing, and Multilingual Learner initiatives.

Continuing multiyear initiatives for students and staff

• Inclusive Preschool Expansion – $2.0 million
• Certified Athletic Trainers (Year 3) – Funding to address the third year of a five-year plan to provide one additional certified athletic trainer at each of the 25 high schools - $0.7 million
• Fine and Performing Arts Stipends (Year 3) – Expand fine and performing arts stipends for middle school theatre and musicals, high school one act plays, indoor drumline, and indoor color guard - $0.7 million

The Fairfax County School Board will have a joint budget meeting with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, February 25.  

For more information about the budget, including the budget timeline, visit FCPS’ Budget webpage.