Fairfax County Public Schools announced on May 13 several updates including new policies, student accomplishments, and upcoming events. The district highlighted achievements such as the naming of 31 students as National Merit Scholarship winners from twelve county high schools and celebrated recognitions received by staff and students across various programs.
The announcement matters to families and staff because it outlines significant changes affecting daily school life, such as a new cellphone policy that will require all personal devices to be stored away during the entire school day starting July 1. This aligns with Senate Bill 108, which mandates a ‘bell-to-bell’ phone-free environment in all Virginia schools. High school students will also no longer be permitted to use their phones during lunchtime.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reported a $28 million budget gap following Fairfax County Government’s adoption of its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. She said adjustments have been proposed to balance the district’s finances while awaiting finalization of the state budget. Additional updates include revised guidance on suspensions, discipline investigations, harassment procedures, Title IX reporting requirements, and responses to incidents involving physical aggression or drug policy violations.
FCPS was named recipient of the Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence by The Partnership for Excellence—the first time an education applicant has won this award on their initial application. Other notable highlights include two elementary and middle school students advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee; scholarship awards from the Hispanic Leadership Alliance; celebrations honoring special education champions; and recognition for kitchen managers serving over 100,000 meals daily.
The district also promoted resources such as free bus passes for students using Fairfax Connector or CUE buses, discounted transit fares for low-income adults through TRIP, attendance support initiatives, reminders about early release days and holidays in late May—including Memorial Day—and encouraged families to download the FCPS mobile app for real-time information.
