April 2026 Update
Longer Version
Since FY2019, Falls Church City has operated using a revenue-sharing approach that reflects a commitment to collaboration, predictability, and shared responsibility between the City and our schools. This model has helped reduce conflict and support long-term planning for both the city and the schools.
This year, during our budget process, the School Board made a deliberate decision to show restraint. We listened - to teachers, administrators, staff, our new superintendent, constituents, and to the City Council, who warned that this could be a year of uncertainty and potential revenue shortfalls. As of December 2025, tax revenue growth was forecasted to be between 0.6% or $0.6M and 4% or $4.3M. In February 2026, updated data told us that FCCPS would receive $2.3M or 4.1% in additional revenue to meet operational needs.
Grounded in the data available at the time, the School Board submitted a more limited budget request as a good-faith effort to practice strong stewardship and maintain trust during potentially turbulent times. We stated clearly that our budget request, at an increase of 4.1%, was below the needed 5.02% to maintain current service levels. We also shared our priority areas for investment should additional funds become available. Since then, revenue projections have strengthened beyond that initial outlook. As of April 17, projected revenue growth is 6.3%. That is welcome news for our city. The City Council is in the fortunate position to decide how to use those additional funds. Our restraint then should not result in reduced services for students now.
City Council has now signaled support for a tax rate cut and for sharing remaining increased revenues equally between the City and schools. I believe this approach is a reasonable and balanced step that reflects the realities we are facing while preserving the spirit of our partnership.
However, it is important to be clear about what remains unfunded.
The current proposal does not include several key positions identified as priorities, including:
An early childhood specialist to support our youngest learners
An elementary math specialist to strengthen foundational skills
A middle school reading specialist to support literacy development
A budget coordinator to ensure effective financial management
A custodial supervisor to support safe and well-maintained facilities
A student activities finance assistant to support growing program demands
Together, these gaps affect everything from classroom instruction to student support to day-to-day operations. These are not new initiatives; they are core supports that sustain the level of excellence our community expects. That’s why your voice matters right now.
School Board members consistently hear about school needs. City Council members, understandably, hear more often about other City priorities. Without hearing directly from constituents about the importance of our schools, that balance can shift.
If you share these concerns, I encourage you to stay engaged and make your voice heard:
Attend School Board office hours with Lori Silverman and me Wednesday April 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. @ Harvey’s.
Write a letter to City Council (cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov) and School Board (schoolboard@fccps.org). Template linked.
Share this message with your network and encourage them to make their voices heard.
Offer public comment, attend, and/or watch the Public Hearing and Budget Work Session #4 – April 27, 2026
Offer public comment, attend, and/or watch the Budget Town Hall #2 – April 30, 2026
Watch the Budget Work Session #5: Final Mark-Up – May 4, 2026
Offer public comment, attend, and/or watch the Second Reading, Public Hearing, and Adoption of FY2027 Budget Ordinance - May 11, 2026
Our representatives need to hear your priorities. These decisions will shape our schools and our community for years to come. Now is the time to speak up.
We have other important topics on the docket for this spring as well, and your voice, experience, and perspective are critical:
Tuesday April 28 7:00 p.m.: Work Session on Implementation of our new cell phone policy, which passed unanimously at our last meeting in alignment with a new state law.
Tuesday May 12 6:30 p.m.: Reception for teacher award winners; meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and will include the first read of our proposed AI policy.
Tuesday June 12 6:30 p.m.: Reception for student honorees; meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and will include the second read of our AI policy as well as our Advanced and Accelerated Math Policy Second Read.
I am working hard to bring my knowledge, experience, and heart to these topics, and am grateful in advance for your advocacy. Thank you for your continued care and engagement with FCCPS.
Warmly,
MK Hughes
