Fairfax County School Board Approves School Year (FY 2016) Budget

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1 Fairfax County Public Schools My FCPS Community May 2015 Editor s Note: The full online version of My FCPS Community can be found at Fairfax County School Board Approves School Year (FY 2016) Budget The Fairfax County School Board has adopted the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) FY 2016 Approved Budget of $2.6 billion which includes a step increase for all eligible employees and a market scale adjustment of 0.62 percent, which, when combined, will mean an average salary increase of 3.12 percent. The FY 2016 budget is an increase of $53.9 million, or 2.2 percent, over the FY 2015 Approved Budget. The budget includes an increase in the County transfer to the School Operating Fund of 3.2 percent, or $56.7 million, above the FY 2015 Approved Budget, which is $14.0 million less than requested in FCPS Advertised Budget. The revenue shortfall is partially offset by an increase in state aid and a reduction in the employer contribution to the Virginia Retirement System. Still, the Board needed to identify an additional $7.6 million in reductions, which was achieved by reducing the planned 1.0 percent market scale adjustment for employees to 0.62 percent. This year s revenue shortfall did not allow us to provide the full 1.0 percent market scale adjustment for employees that we had hoped we could fund, however, we remain resolved and dedicated to have employee compensation competitive with our neighboring school districts, says School Board Chair Tammy Derenak Kaufax. It is critical that we attract and retain the talented and skilled workforce necessary to support the increasing educational needs of our growing student population. The FY 2016 Approved Budget, which takes effect July 1, provides for an additional $22.1 million to cover the cost of enrollment increases and demographic changes, $4.9 million to implement the new start time schedule for students this fall, and $3.9 million to address large class sizes in targeted elementary schools. The Approved Budget contains reductions totaling $61.4 million. Since 2008, FCPS has reduced its operating budget by nearly half a billion dollars and eliminated more than 2,175 positions. Looking ahead, the funding challenges we face will continue in FY 2017 with a budget shortfall projected to be more than $100 million, added Derenak Kaufax. Without sufficient funding, future reductions will result in direct cuts to programs, requiring difficult choices that will impact our students, schools, and community. We recognize that the Board of Supervisors cares about our great schools and shares our vision to make education our community s top priority. We also recognize that there are no easy answers to our budget challenges. We will continue to work with the Board of Supervisors, along with state and federal representatives, to find solutions that support our students, families, teachers, and staff, maintaining FCPS reputation for excellence.

2 Additional budget details are available at FY 2017 Budget Information: FCPS is projecting a shortfall of over $100 million for the (2017) school year due to cost drivers both in and out of FCPS' control. Get accurate information and answers to frequently asked questions online. Learn more at Sixty-Four Fairfax County Public Schools Earn 2015 Virginia Index of Performance Awards Sixty-four Fairfax County public schools have earned a 2015 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) award for advanced learning and achievement from Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia Board of Education. The awards recognize schools and divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board. Learn more at Fairfax County School Board Requests Supervisors to Place Bond Referendum on November 2015 Ballot The Fairfax County School Board has approved a resolution to request that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors place a school bond referendum for $310 million on the ballot for the November 2015 general election. Out of the $352.5 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects listed in the bond referendum, the County already has bonding authority for $42.5 million. Consequently, FCPS only needs to seek bonding authority for $310 million in new bond sales. The referendum will provide construction funds for an addition at South Lakes High School, renovations at Herndon and West Springfield High Schools and six elementary schools (Cherry Run, Waynewood, Stratford Landing, Newington Forest, Hollin Meadows, and White Oaks), and three modular building relocations; and planning funds for a new elementary school in the northwest portion of the county and for the planning of renovations at three elementary schools (Annandale Terrace, Clearview, and Silverbrook) and two middle schools (Hughes and Cooper). Funds from the 2015 bond referendum are identified in the FY CIP (found online at which estimates that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) enrollment will be approximately 198,000 students by the school year. Staff members from the FCPS Department of Facilities and Transportation Services have been working with Fairfax County staff members to reconcile unused authority from multiple bond referendums over an extended period of time, an exercise that is performed periodically for all local government entities that use bond funds. It will reflect cumulative project savings over time, allowing the school district to request less bonding authority for projects currently identified for funding. The reconciliation does not alter the current annual cash flow allowance of $155 million from the county. The cost of the FY CIP over five years is $856 million. 2

3 Additional information about projects that will be funded by this bond referendum is available at Last Call for Blueprints for Impact Project Partners Time is running out to sign up and complete one of this year's Blueprints for Impact: short-term, hands-on projects for businesses and community groups looking for opportunities to impact schools and student learning. Learn more at Arts Alive: Cappies Review of Chantilly High School's Radium Girls Fairfax County Public Schools students are talented actors, musicians, and visual artists. Many FCPS high schools participate in the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, otherwise known as the Cappies. There are fifteen Cappies chapters across the United States and Canada. The Cappies is a program through which high school theatre and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers. Editor's Note: The following review of Centreville High School's production of Radium Girls was written by Alexis Apostolou of Langley High School. Too common is the impulsive fascination with new consumer technology, and too rare is the realization of the harmful effects of new products. Chantilly High School's production of Radium Girls presents the influential story of the U.S. Radium Corporation factory workers and their fight for justice against their employers. The show not only sets a precedent for fair treatment in the workplace but it is also pertinent to our growing consumer society. Set in 1926 and based on true events from the early 1900s, Radium Girls follows Grace Fryer's experience with radium exposure. In the context of an industrialized America and subsequently increasing municipal issues of poverty and the exploitation of factory workers, the play hones in on Grace's story to put a personalized lens on the plight of urban workers. At the age of 15 Grace began working at the radium factory to support her family. Using what their employers guaranteed was a harmless paint, the girls were instructed to lick their paintbrushes to ensure precision. After prolonged symptoms of jaw aches and back pain, the girls began leaving the plant. Two of Grace's coworker's deaths went on record as effects of bad hygiene-there was no mention of the factory or of the paint, thanks to a system of corrupt practitioners eager for quick money. Eventually, Grace decided to fight back against the corporation for causing the death of so many young women. Sacrificing her time, relationship with her fiancé, and her mental health, Grace took the company to court, and after a grueling process, won the case. On-stage chemistry and cohesive group work was consistent throughout a masterfully blocked performance. Ryan Rickard as Roeder displayed a spectrum of emotion from a headstrong company leader to a morally obligated man. His clean diction, impulsive emotion, and springy energy made him captivating from opening curtain to bows. Markley, played by Diego Encarnacion, exuded corporate 3

4 professionalism and showed off smooth control of body movements and speech patterns. As a pair, Roeder and Markley offered archetypes of both the good hearted and the bad willed. As Grace, Mia Rickenbach began as a timid yet sprightly young woman, but Grace's illness turned her body weak and her will strong. Further, Grace's chemistry with fiancé Tom (Jack David) was believable and endearing, making their struggling relationship all the more poignant. Throughout the duration of the show, Mia Rickenbach's performance revealed more risk and increasing passion, paralleling Grace's experience. Additionally, every featured performer and dedicated ensemble member was devoted and professional. From the funky Mrs. Fryer, played by Hannah Grudi, to the sophisticated Mrs. Roeder, portrayed by Aubrey Phares, every actor and actress provided a unique presence. To frame powerful scenes was a set of both simplicity and complexity. The backdrop modeled newspaper headlines about the Radium Girls while the foreground housed ladders, boxes, lofts, and desks, all efficiently utilized and artfully placed. Thanks to the makeup department, oozing tumors and gushing sores made for a wow-moment on stage. Chantilly's performance of the affecting Radium Girls was whole-hearted and fresh. The story showed the physical and mental decay caused by the hardships of the urban workplace in the early twentieth century, but more importantly reminded modern audiences that not everything that glitters is gold. Go See a Show! Find out what s playing in your neighborhood by visiting the Fairfax County Public Schools website, found at Once there, click on the blue "Events" tab. Or check out your local school s website. Many events are also publicized on FCPS Red Apple 21 cable TV channel and through the local media. Feedback Wanted: Fairfax County Government Human Services Needs Assessment The 2015 Fairfax County Government Human Services Needs Assessment will help identify human service needs and potential solutions in communities throughout Fairfax County. Your input is critical to help strengthen opportunities for individuals and families to be safe, healthy, and realize their potential. Feedback is being sought on topics such as: Availability of physical, dental, and behavioral health services. Accessible and affordable housing opportunities. Resources to promote financial stability. Opportunities and resources for children and youth. Resources for older adults that promote positive living and independence. 4

5 Opportunities for community engagement. The deadline to respond is June 15. For more information and to provide your feedback, go to Register Now for Summer 2015 Adult and Community Education Classes Register now for summer 2015 Adult and Community Education classes! Upcoming courses that might be of interest to you include: Microsoft Office Comprehensive. Mechanics of Written Communication. Osteoporosis Prevention. Beginner s Guide to Plumbing. Lunch Along the Mediterranean. Course offerings may be viewed at and online registration is available. The course catalog, ACE Classes, has been mailed to residents and is also available at Fairfax County public libraries and at the Plum Center. ACE is a self-funded program. 5