School Board Update - FCPS Resources for Families with Federal Workers

News from Kyle McDaniel, Fairfax County School Board, Member, At-Large

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear FCPS Families,

With the unfortunate news of a federal government shutdown, I want to take a moment to share resources available to support families in our community who may be affected.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Families can apply at any time during the school year. A change in household income, such as a furlough, layoff, or job loss, may make families newly eligible. Once approved, benefits last through the school year and extend 30 school days into the next, even if income later increases.
County & Community Support: Fairfax County Government and local organizations provide food, financial, and housing assistance. Families in need can visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) for information.
Reduced Transit Fares: The Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) offers 50% off fares for eligible low-income residents ages 18–65.
Free Community Resources: Fairfax residents have access to outstanding public libraries, parks, and recreation areas. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass, which allows them to check out up to three items for six weeks.

I remain hopeful that the shutdown will end quickly, and in the meantime, I encourage anyone in need to take advantage of these resources. Together, we can continue to support one another and ensure our community thrives.

Sincerely,

Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.

October 7th at 10 a.m. - Work Session: New Western High School Programming/Boundaries; AI at FCPS
October 9 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Review of Strategic Plan Goal One; Performance & Policy Review on Financial Planning
October 23 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: New Western High School Discussion, Secondary Course Offerings

Please note that times and topics are subject to change.

The work sessions and meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

New Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has launched a brand-new scholarship to support graduating seniors across the Commonwealth. The VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service, helping them continue their education after high school.

Details:

Who Can Apply? High school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who attend a public high school in a division that is a VSBA member. (Fairfax County Public Schools is a member and part of the Northeastern Region.)
Scholarship Award: $5,000 per regional winner
Scholarship Theme: Champion for Impact: Share how you plan to use your education to make a difference.
Deadline: January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
How to Apply: Apply Here
More Info: Download the Scholarship Guide PDF

Winners will be announced in February 2026 and recognized at the VSBA Regional Spring Networking Forums. Northeastern Region recipients (including FCPS students) will be honored on May 12, 2026. Attendance at the forum is required to receive the award (location to be announced).

Other Updates

⏰ K-12 School Start Times Survey

FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.

Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. A new School Start TImes Survey is open through Tuesday, September 30. It includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs. Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. Find more information about adjusting school start times.