Tag: budget
School board candidates spar on budget issues, renaming Stuart High School
From the left: Chris Grisafe, Karen Keys-Gamarra, and Michael Owens. Candidates for an at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board funding and school names at a candidate forum Aug. 23 at McLean High School. The special election is Aug. 29. The polls will be open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. The last day for in-person absentee … Continued
Library volunteers oppose ‘money grab’ by Fairfax County Public Libraries
A book sale hosted by the Friends of George Mason Regional Library. Members of Friends groups who support Fairfax County public libraries are upset about proposed policy changes under consideration by the Library Board of Trustees that they say would tie their hands and take away some of their revenue. A key point of contention … Continued
School board approves budget that raises employee pay but cuts teaching positions
The Fairfax County School Board has approved a $2.8 billion budget for FY 2018 that raises employee pay but includes more than $50 million in cuts. The budget raises class sizes, resulting in fewer positions. The budget includes $44 million for an average step increase of 2.5 percent for eligible employees and an additional $26.6 … Continued
Board of Supervisors adopts budget for 2018
The Fairfax County Government Center. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally adopted a $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2018 that maintains the real estate tax rate at $1.13 per $100 of assessed value. Some homeowners, however, might see their real estate taxes go up next year due to a slight increase in the … Continued
School board increases elementary class sizes
By Jeffrey Longo The Fairfax County School Board has approved a measure increasing minimum elementary school class sizes from 17 to 18 students, school board chair Sandy Evans (Mason) told the audience at a School Budget Town Hall on April 3. Increasing the elementary class size formula floor by one student would save $4.7 million. … Continued
Fairfax County’s economic situation shows some improvement
The latest economic indicators report for Fairfax County prepared by the Department of Management and Budget presents a mixed bag. Here’s the positive news: Home prices are up. The average sales price of all homes that sold in January 2017 in Fairfax County was $545,772, an increase of 8.1 percent over the average price of … Continued
Bleak funding outlook presented at Budget Town Hall
Fairfax County’s financial situation remains stagnant, as cost pressures rise, revenue isn’t expected to increase much, and there aren’t any new funding sources available. That’s the bleak picture of the FY 2018 advertised budget presented by County Executive Ed Long at a Town Hall hosted by Mason Supervisor Penny Gross March 9. The county’s needs are greater … Continued
Process for exploring Stuart name change delayed
Stuart High School Opponents of changing the name of JEB Stuart High School are spreading misleading information about the cost of a consultant to facilitate a working group authorized by the Fairfax County School Board to develop recommendations on a name change. The school board passed a resolution July 29 calling for the establishment of … Continued
Meals tax debated at public forum
A forum on the meals tax featured (from the left) supporters Phil Niedzielski-Eichner and Pat Hynes and opponents Pat Herrity, and Jon Norton. At a forum on a Fairfax County meals tax, supporters of the referendum argued the extra revenue is needed to maintain a high-quality school system, while opponents said they preferred spending cuts. The … Continued
Fairfax County officials push for passage of meals tax
FCPS Superintendent Karen Garza speaks in support of a meals tax. Additional resources are essential if Fairfax County is to maintain a high-quality school system, said Schools Superintendent Karen Garza at a fundraiser Sept. 11 in support of a meals tax. “I’m profoundly proud of our school system and also deeply concerned about its future,” … Continued
Backlick Park is victim of budget cuts
A picnic table at Backlick Park. Backlick Park has deteriorated so much, it was featured Aug. 9 on WJLA’s “7 on Your Side,” which serves as an advocate for people who have trouble getting authorities to deal with their complaints. The TV news show followed up on an email from Annandale resident Binod Gupta, who … Continued
Supervisors to vote on meals tax referendum on June 7
A sign in Silverado. On June 7, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on whether a meals tax should be put to voters on the Nov. 8 election ballot. If the board approves the referendum, Fairfax County citizens will be able to vote yes or no on a meals tax on … Continued
Supervisors approve 4-cent tax increase
The FY 2017 Fairfax County budget adopted by the Board of Supervisors April 26 increases the real estate tax rate by 4 cents and gives a much-needed boost to the public schools. The tax rate for residential properties will rise from $1.09 to $1.13 per $100 of the assessed value. Homeowners on average will pay … Continued
School funds, meals tax among issues raised at Budget Town Hall
Long The Mason District Budget Town Hall March 26 offered a clash of opinions over spending on schools. The proposed 4-cent property tax increase in the advertised budget for FY 2017 approved by the Board of Supervisors last month would go a long way toward helping the county meet the needs of Fairfax County Public … Continued
The Fairfax County budget: 10 things you need to know
The slogan for school funding advocates. (1) The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board are engaged in a contentious conflict about how much of a funding increase should go to the public school system. The budget proposed by Deputy County Executive Ed Long proposes transferring $1.88 billion to FCPS for operating expenses, an … Continued