The Fairfax County School Board recently approved a budget of nearly $4 billion. This budget includes pay raises for teachers. However, it may also lead to larger class sizes.
Under the new budget, non-union employees will get a 5% pay raise. Union members will receive a 6% raise. This is part of the first collective bargaining agreement reached by Northern Virginia school districts. At the same time, the budget includes cuts that could affect class sizes.
The final budget follows weeks of effort by district leaders. They tried to cut about $121 million while limiting the effects on students. Some board members blamed the cuts on the Board of Supervisors for not approving Superintendent Michelle Reed’s full budget request. On the other hand, the superintendent said the state is not giving enough money to Virginia’s largest school district.
Board President Carl Frisch said, “While this budget is historic, it is not what we wanted. We are disappointed that Fairfax County Public Schools was not fully funded by the state and county.” He praised the superintendent for working hard to close the $121 million funding gap. “She tried to reduce the impact of cuts on classrooms,” Frisch added.
Teachers in the union had hoped for a 7% pay raise. But when they learned how much money the county would provide, they had to return to the bargaining table.
Frisch said the agreement aims to improve education quality by supporting teachers. “Better working conditions for teachers lead to better learning conditions for students,” he said.
The budget cuts also affect how schools are staffed. General education positions will be reduced in elementary, middle, and high schools. Superintendent Reed told parents that class sizes will be larger but will still meet state and district guidelines.
Other budget cuts include a 3% reduction in the central office budget. Funding for electric buses and off-site professional development trips will also be cut. The district will delay the rollout of new social studies materials. It will also eliminate funding for classroom monitors, who help teachers plan lessons and supervise recess.
Board member Seema Dixit warned, “If budget cuts become normal, we risk losing years of progress toward fair, innovative, and accessible education for all students.”
Reed said these changes should not cause layoffs. The district currently has more open jobs than the nearly 275 positions affected.
Board member Mateo Dunn said that the news was hard for employees. “It was very traumatic for those who found out their jobs might be cut or laid off. Many worry about paying their mortgages and supporting their families,” he said.
Funding for special education department chairs and advanced academic resource teachers at elementary schools will also be reduced. Reed said the district is working with schools to try to keep these positions for at least another year through local school funding.
Board member Melanie Merron said the Board of Supervisors increases school funding each year. However, she added, “Fairfax County Public Schools needs more money every year to maintain the quality of education that the community expects.”
