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♪ ♪ >> Good evening. The May 12th 2026 public hearing of the Fairfax County Cool Fy 2027
approved budget is calm to order at 06:00:08PM. Once we have quorum, we will watch it. >> In the sport members missed
a mister MS Lady, Mr. Fish and Ms we'll have asked to parse people are chilly. And to that point, those board members may be listening online but not
able to fire speech in the public hearing at this time. Welcome to the public hearing of the 25 approved budget on behalf this entire school board. I would like to thank
you for sharing your comments with us. This hearing is being broadcast on channel 99 and live streamed on YouTube in our Web site at Fcps Dot Edu.
Far mustache live stream at the May 7. 2026 regular meeting. Dr be presented. Hart Efi 2027, a food budget. Tonight's will be carrying is an opportunity for the public
to provide comments on the approved budget. We have pre-registered and walk-in speakers who will address the board at this public hearing speakers allotted to 2 minutes
and ask you to stay within that time limit the time, the stock, then you begin to speak at the time the sound after 2 minutes. These ensure that
Matson limited to the EFI 2027 approved budget and you'll get Moss adhere to the school board's expectation for community participation included in those expectations
are not only one person is allowed at the podium when speaking, neither adult are children. May company a speaker to the podium. Copies of politics, but patients out
of it. But the back of the auditorium to assist with the flow of tonight's hearing isn't sure you're following along with the speakers list and ready to go as your name is called. If you have a hard
copy of your testimony, please give it to the clerk. If you are virtual least on your camera on vineyard next in line to speak to that, you just have to unmute. are
called to speak. If you have electronic office, if your testimony and would like to share with the board, these e-mail it to community
participation at FCPS DOT Edu. Menu name is called the clerk call your name 2 times before moving to the next individual on the list, you may find copies of the speaking order
and the back of the are on board. Docks. Madam Clerk, please call our first speaker.
My memory. >> school board members and Dr Reid has been a long time since I've been on the side.
Our commute ministry to the middle school after school program advocating for continued funding of the program in the VIP summer camps. These programs are not mere extracurricular activities for the past 20
years, these programs have enrich students lives enhanced or schools, supported our families and strengthen our community. These programs provide critical academic support through tutoring and homework assistance, bridging
the gap between school and home for students who may struggle academically or lack resources outside of school. They develop social skills by offering safe environment where students in Iraq
collaborate and build friendships, essential for personal development and future success. The program provide vital supervision and safety during work hours, giving working families peace
of mind that the children are safe and engage in productive activities. 53% of middle school parents report that their children would be home alone without the up to school program. The program encourage
physical health and wellness to sports and recreational activities. Recognizing that sports are an important activity for after school, but not an adequate substitute for the broad spectrum of project
based enrichment activities. The success of these initiatives is driven by. 26 true professionals, the afterschool specials to build these programs from scratch. It is their expertise,
dedication and passion that makes these programs that success and welcoming for all students. The after school program and the P summer camps or investments to be
protected, not expenses, to be cut. urge you to prioritize their funding in this upcoming budget and in future years, budgets ensuring these essential programs continue
benefiting our youth or schools or families and our communities. Thank you very much for your consideration.
>> Natalie Duncan. Natalie Duncan. Molly Kronon. >> I wanted to Mr. Mark Henry of for coming and speaking to
us today a former school board Chance. Thank you. Good evening. School board members and Doctor Reed. I'm a special
education teacher and Fcps speaking tonight as an individual I your February budget hearing, I shared my hopes that the Board of Supervisors would fully fund the request to transfer to schools, unfortunately. And
unsurprisingly, that did not happen at CPS will receive 51.2% of the general fund Dispersement this year down from 51 0.5% the past 2 years
and below the 27 year. Average of FIFTY-TWO 0.3 7%. That percentage difference may sound small and represents tens of millions of dollars for schools each year. Please
know the last time Fcps received a comparable percentage wasn't Fy 2002 when I was a first grader and called seems class. I want to thank the superintendent and leadership team for proposing
a budget last week that prioritizes students and staff by fully funding after you bargaining units centrally funding special education or tease in elementary schools,
supporting family liaisons and partially restoring the staffing Formula Adjustment. Competitive salaries are essential to retaining educators and operational staff. Rising costs and years
of inconsistent compensation have made it increasingly difficult for employees to remain in Fairfax County and my first 4 years with Fcps I received either a 0 or 2%
raise and step increases were not guarantee aired next year will be my 9th year in Fcps yet I only will be on set 5 upholding the collective bargaining agreement through a
step increase and 3% market scale adjustment. We'll make a meaningful difference. And retaining staff strong schools depend on experienced educators and fully supported staff. I appreciate this
board's continued commitment to our employees, students and school communities. We must also continue holding our county and state leaders accountable for properly funding public education. I remain hopeful that future
county budgets will fully support. Fcps is needs-based budget and that the state may help close the remaining 29 million dollar Cap. Thank
you. >> Eli Balaton.
>> My name is Eli Balaton and I am the parent of a joyfully snugly determine little first grader who happens to get. Support from the special education program. Now, last
time I spoke about how our principle that some magic with the budget to make sure special education department chairs, state full-time positions. So when my daughters, special education teacher left the job before the 1st quarter even ended.
The department chair stepped in to fill that gap. So I am grateful that the proposed budget fully restored the funding for special education department chairs. our tease.
I'm cautiously optimistic that the current budget shortfall will shrink even be close. But until state and local governments work on budgets, more collaboratively, I am compelled to highlight items
that important my family just in case hard choices do have to be made. So let's talk ratios. Last year. My daughter's kindergarten class had 23 students. That class
had a dedicated instructional assistant and my daughter received support from special education teacher in additional I A's, which meant that the ratio of students to adults in the room was never worse than 12 to one, but
often was closer to 8 to one. But this year, my daughter started the year at 26 to one. There's no special education teacher know just a single teacher with a room full of
first graders. This year, secondary classrooms or even worse with 28 students in each classroom. So I am deeply grateful that the proposed budget addresses class sizes.
Next. National Association of School Psychologists recommends and ideal ratio of 500 students for every psychologist. But due to being halftime ratios and 501, it's
1300 to one. Psycologist did have time for the legally mandated IP evaluation. But we are missing out on the full range of mental health, behavioral and academic support. He could be providing. So in closing,
thank you so much for the support for special education and class sizes and robotics and dance and in the future that strive for more school
psychologist and dedicated
steep teachers as well.
>> Juliet Adams. And uncertainty of 28 million in
one of the nation's premier school system. Underscores the significant importance of song procedure from Politico and business leaders now
procedure. Every fiber of educational system should have a contingency framework and that person fight funding mechanism for uncertainty. I jus Adams Union member,
Glasgow educator, advocate for a one Fairfax Blended commission, a creative innovative funding vehicle to create the formal structure for innovative partnership by
leveraging the extra ordinary human capital, inclusive of leaders from Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft. Call it Adam Smith framework. This
trend foreman proliferated, stagnation of politics that we have within our school system needs to be converted into and economic and educational engine of innovation,
creativity, to ensure every student has an equitable opportunity for excellence. I also offer my own experience as an example of why procedure
matters. Although I was certified by the D O E on May the 26th 2023 retroactive to July 2022. compensation issues of approximately 5,000 were
never resolved. Despite repeated advocacy efforts. As you all know, Fairfax County possesses the intellectual professional and civic capital
to become a national trail Blazer challenge in leadership from Richmond to Gatehouse the vehicle that sparked ready to go one Fairfax Blended
Commission built an innovation partnership, contingency planning and share responsibility to create and sustain the contingency fund ready to ride run. What at a
strategic innovate to have on creative commission. I offer my service as an architect in the construction. Thank you.
>> Called Cole, doubling militia Jackson. Alicia
Jackson. Emily Van der Hoff. >> Good evening. Budget Chair D*** Cent. Dr Reid and members of the board. My name is Emily Van Der Hoff and I'm speaking as the president St Ft and the
CO president of F you. I want to celebrate the doctor. Reed and Spartans team have managed to present a balanced budget, protects positions and leaves few contracts intact. Despite challenges presented by our
funding partners. Tonight is a stark difference from this time last year, the short list of speakers should be seen as an acknowledgement and a celebration that you have heard are consistent advocacy
over the past year that we cannot have another year last-minute position, cuts and unfilled contract promise us this updated budget proposal provides a sigh of relief to the elementary special
education department chairs and advance academics, resource teachers. been wondering all year if their position is safe. Quell the fears among staff that we won't see it the same a rash of last-minute the staff that
we saw last year. It means we can start to walk back growing class sizes and instills confidence in few representative employees that are negotiated compensation will actually materialize. At
the same time. This budget still represents cuts that will be felt across the district and deferred instructional materials, DeLay, technology, replacement, ever growing
maintenance list. Dre in the budget. He made the right choice to protect positions and employees, livelihoods. First. But it was a choice. You should not have been forced to make. I'm hopeful that the General Assembly
finalizes the state budget soon and that it will provide enough funds to restore these material cuts and deferrals. And finally, I promise that Cft we'll keep building power
and educating community until we elect a board of supervisors that will make the bold investments in education that the children of Fairfax
County Thank you. >> So we are ya. Good evening.
My name is so weak that I a and thank you for person speak to you today. part that we know can the mentor school at 5 to one school in Fairfax? my
first time speaking speaking out for many of the 5 to one family who kind of fit here tonight, parents working second jobs for us without child care for We don't know
this decisions being bought their children, of course, are title one. Schools know every child qualifies for free lunch. This students don't just glitter. See in my support. They need mental health counseling, social
work. Richmond programs next. And and before and after school. With it, one funds shrink to some of the programs caught pretty much today's world which stems not taught
in school for with trauma is affecting our students and there's no social work. the day to support the child. That's not good. And those of
the funds to deceptive programs that would be cut first title one funds are showing it. I know that there's different factors for this because some of it is of
Regina centrist, home as well as Virginia saw from LA and this board may not be able to Stick one minute before may 21st, but there are 3 things you can still do before that
foot. First designate a portion of the board flexibility to surf specifically FOX Stop mental health enrichment was issues. I want schools to fit our
investment ought to Lake second direct the superintendents to treat this programs as a protected from any mid-year c*** that last to go? Not first. was a foot foot
floodwaters ocean urging the jazz somebody to fix up river to get out. That's a formula and it's a staffing standard in the next budget. And then I
think you I really appreciate it. Like I said, this is my first time and I'm looking forward to. Hopefully working
with the guys. >> Debra Roadie. Deborah Rowe,
D. Brian Thorson. >> Thank you for this opportunity. As a member of the ACE Advisory Committee, I'm here to ask that the so if
transfer to the East program be fully funded from last year's staff has completed the strategic business plan has
ramped up the marketing and communications efforts in part actually through school board member newsletters. So we thank you for that support. Transfers needed to keep these
program staff this upcoming year to be able to execute the business plan. One goal, which is to move to a more sustainable self-sustainable operating model. Our
preliminary a flight. 26 results show a 233 $1000 increase in revenue. But unfortunately, the program is expecting a $271,000 increase
in staff staff salary and benefits and a 4.27. So there's still much work to be done but a path forward we think is established. As a
parent and as part of the Fcps theater community. I'm here to ask that middle school theater, arts education be strengthened. I've seen the benefits with my own children.
And as I've come to learn arts education is an amazingly powerful approach to building foundational life skills in children. I provided you
details concerning this advocacy via e-mail, including a fun little AI generated video that I hope to get a chance to watch. I want to thank Dr Reid for her.
Amazingly quick reply to that e-mail. Did not expect that at all. So the request is to please rescind the the
staffing notices for one year for middle school theater arts teachers whose departure would eliminate the department from that school and 2 is to provide direction to fcps
staff and other supporting. >> Parties to take the
necessary. >> Michelle Durst. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I would like you to
evaluate the effectiveness of spending on student devices, digital curriculum, technology, staff and digital tools and resources. According to our website, elementary schools have access to 388
digital tools and resources. Middle schools have 394 and high schools. 571. This seems excessive. excessive number of platforms and subscriptions.
How much money could by reducing subscriptions to the hundreds of digital resources. Removing one to devices in kindergarten through second grade using shared computer cards and upper grades and
providing more teachers support instead of tech support. Right now, the budget reflects an over-reliance on technology. Research shows too much screen time can harm children's focus, slave mental
health, motor skills, vision and academic performance. At the same time, Fcps is most recess. Well, scores show that the gaps have widened compared to pre-covid levels increasing
in equities instead of reducing man providing children with highly stimulating devices throughout the school day does not prepare them for the work. Force of students are losing critical thinking skills.
Attention span and the ability to focus deeply technology can be a valuable tool when used intentionally and in moderation. But Fcps should re-evaluate whether current
spending levels and device usage are improving outcomes as intended. I urge the board to pursue a more balanced and evidence-based approach to reducing investment and unproven technology and prioritizing direct support
for students and teachers. Thanks so much.
>> Mana see long. Thanks. First of all for saying my name correctly. Good evening.
I'm Dr. Long and I'm here to speak about the fiscal year 2027 approved budget. The 4.1 billion dollar budget before you labels ubiquitous internet
and modernization of it systems as baseline essentials, it also formalizes our shift toward implementing Our partnerships. I'm here to argue that by making digital
tools, the default, we are fostering a high consumption complacency. That's both cognitively and environmentally damaging. We cannot ignore the invisible footprint of our digital
mandates. Large scale AI and data centers require staggering amounts of and of electricity and millions of gallons of water. For cooling by indoctrinating our students and to the casual indiscriminate use of these
tools. We are raising a generation that's not only tech dependent but also insensitive to the heavy environmental costs of their consumption. This leads me to my primary concern the erosion
of analog competencies are portrait of a graduate aims for creative and critical thinkers who can problem solve difficult tasks. However, true critical thinking requires the
ability to solve complex problems independently of an algorithm. In the prior cycle. Fcps administered over 825,000 digital assessments. We are
over digitizing at the exact moment that this world could really use humans who can function without a screen. Therefore, I have a specific read recommendation that the
fiscal year 2027 budget include an increase. It increase. For it and digital infrastructure should be
reallocated. With those additional funds away from further device refreshes our AI software and instead dedicated towards establishing an a LA competencies investing
this money in an unplugged curriculum development tack tell problem solving labs. >> And face-to-face aquatic
instruction. So. >> Ms. Dixit that was our last speaker. >> Thank you sharing your comments today. The board that
have an evening work session on May 14th 2026. just because the Fy 2027 approved budget and is scheduled to take action on the Fy. 23 27
approved budget at a regular meeting on Thursday. May 21st 2026, if you wish to provide any feedback to the board before the vote, to submit written copies of your
testimony provided today. Please do so by sending your comments to community participation at FCPS DOT Edu. Thank you for your participation and have a nice day. The public hearing of the
Fairfax County School board is adjourned as all 06:31PM.