Falls Church School Board Begins Budget Discussions Tuesday Night

The school system, the fastest growing in Northern Virginia, is preparing for an additional 172 for a total of 2,593 students next year, according to the school board. FCCPS kindergarten enrollment grew by 19.5 percent this school year.

Outlined problems include old HVAC system, poor ADA access, inadequate electrical, old roofs and aging pipes. The budget proposal also includes:

•Realigning more resources resources and consolidation consolidation
•Enhanced Hybrid Learning for 8th‐12th
•Increased STEM
•Enhanced professional development
•Hiring Teachers
•Opening a new Pre‐K Facility Facility 
•Focus on Salaries 

To bring FCCPS salary scales in line with Arlington County or Alexandria City would require an increase of $2,700,000 according to FCCPS, in answer to a question on its Web site.

Here's how FCCPS stacks up in per-student spending in Northern Virginia:

• Arlington $18,675
• Alexandria $17,024
• Falls Church City $16,612
• Fairfax $13,564

The budget meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room, located at 800 W. Broad St.

The Superintendent's Budget Recommendation, matters related to the budget process, and answers to constituent questions are available online.

Other important dates:

• Feb. 8 - 9 a.m. (Central Office)  Budget Work Session #2 Public Hearing #1 
• Feb. 11 - 7 p.m. (City Hall) Budget Work Session #3 Public Hearing #2
• Feb. 25 - 7 p.m. (City Hall) Budget Work Session #4 Public Hearing #3