Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan presented his proposed FY 2026 budget to the School Board, outlining a plan that addresses significant enrollment growth while maintaining the division's commitment to educational excellence.
The $4.67 million proposed increase represents a needs-based budget for FY 2026. For the first time in seven years, the school system's request of the City Council exceeds the projected organic revenue growth guidance of 5.9% with a requested increase of 6.3%, or $347,780. This increase reflects two primary drivers: the anticipated enrollment growth of 159 students for the 2025-26 school year and the division’s commitment to ensuring competitive compensation for FCCPS’s outstanding staff.
The budget proposal benefits from increased state funding, including $289,311 in additional state aid and $535,816 in sales tax revenue. The division also strategically set aside $545,377 from last year's state funding to help address this year's growth needs.
"This budget request reflects our highest priorities and needed investments to support students and staff and is responsive to our collective needs now and into the future," said Dr. Noonan. The proposal comes as FCCPS continues to be ranked as the #1 school district in Virginia and #2 in the D.C. area.
Key components of the proposed budget include:
Contractual obligations totaling $3.41 million, including a 2.5% cost of living adjustment and step increases for staff
Enrollment growth funding of $1.18 million to maintain class sizes and support services
Current obligations of $759,201 for essential operational needs
Identified reductions of $683,181 to help offset increases
The budget maintains FCCPS's commitment to competitive staff compensation, with 85.4% of the total budget dedicated to employee salaries and benefits. This investment supports the division's position as one of Virginia's top three "Best Places to Teach."
The proposed budget relies on Falls Church City to provide 80.3% of operating revenue, down from 80.9% in FY 2025, while state revenue accounts for 16.0% of the total budget, up from 15.1% in the current year. The remaining 3.7% comes from federal and other revenue sources.
Key Dates:
Budget Work Sessions - January 28 & February 25
Public Hearings - February 11 & March 11
Adoption of the FY2026 School Board Advertised Budget - March 11
City Council Budget Ordinance Adoption including School Transfer - May 12
Public Hearing, Budget Work Session, and Adoption of the FY 2026 Budget - May 13
For more detailed budget information, visit: https://www.fccps.org/budget