FAQs

What is the difference between the City of Fairfax Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)?
Fairfax City Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools are two separate school districts, each governed by its own school board. The City of Fairfax School Board represents Fairfax City residents.

In 1962, a School Services Agreement (SSA) was established between the two school boards. Under this agreement, FCPS manages curriculum, staffing, transportation, and school meals, while the City of Fairfax is responsible for the four city-owned school buildings and managing the SSA. The City of Fairfax Schools pays an annual tuition bill to FCPS for these services.

What schools are part of the City of Fairfax Schools?
The City of Fairfax Schools include:
•    Fairfax High School (including Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts)
•    Katherine Johnson Middle School
•    Providence Elementary School
•    Daniels Run Elementary School

I am a City resident; why can’t I vote for the FCPS School Board?
City of Fairfax residents are represented by a five-member City School Board. The City holds elections for its School Board every two years. If you are a City resident, your School Board serves as your voice to FCPS. County residents vote for the FCPS School Board, while City residents vote for City School Board members.

What is the School Services Agreement (SSA) with FCPS?
The SSA, established in 1962, outlines the responsibilities of FCPS and the City of Fairfax Schools:
•    FCPS Responsibilities: Curriculum, staffing, transportation, and meals
•    City of Fairfax Responsibilities: Managing the SSA, the four city-owned school buildings, and major capital improvements
•    Tuition Payment: The City pays an annual tuition bill to FCPS based on the number of City students and a percentage of the FCPS operating budget.

Key elements of the SSA:
•    City schools welcome county students, offering diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities.
•    The City Superintendent oversees and manages the SSA.
•    City students are educated in City schools.
•    The City School Board appoints citizen representatives to FCPS advisory committees.
•    City and County Superintendents consult on topics such as boundary changes, school closings, and principal selection.
•    City students and parents have access to all services provided by FCPS.

How much is the annual tuition paid to FCPS?
For FY2024, the City of Fairfax Schools paid approximately $55.5 million in tuition to FCPS. The amount is determined by the number of City students and a percentage of the FCPS operating budget.

The City of Fairfax Schools maintains a five-year CIP plan, typically spending $1 million to $2 million annually on facility improvements. Recent projects include:
•    Installing turf fields at FHS
•    Building a new concession stand and bathrooms at FHS
•    Replacing HVAC systems
•    Transitioning carpet to tile floors at all four schools

What is the annual budget for City Schools? What programs/activities are funded?
The FY2024 budget is $60.6 million. Approximately 85% is allocated to tuition payments to FCPS. The remaining funds support:
•    School-related programs support 
•    Debt services for bonds (e.g., renovations at Fairfax High School and Katherine Johnson Middle School)

For more details, please visit the budget page on our website.

I have an issue with my child’s school; what should I do?
If you have questions or concerns about school policies or practices:
1.    Contact school staff to address the issue.
2.    If unresolved, you will be referred to the Region 5 Office in FCPS.
3.    The Region 5 Superintendent collaborates with the City Superintendent to supervise and support the four City-owned schools.

How can I express my opinion on FCPS decisions?
The City School Board serves as your voice to FCPS. You can:
•    Email the City School Board at [email protected]
•    Call the district office at 703-293-7131
•    Sign up to speak at a City School Board meeting

You can also contact the FCPS School Board directly or sign up to speak at an FCPS meeting. Visit the FCPS website for more information.

Who serves on the City School Board?
Current members of the City School Board are:
•    Carolyn Pitches, Chair
•    Amit Hickman, Vice Chair
•    Kristina Cecere
•    Sarah Kelsey
•    Lauren Bartelme

When are City School Board elections?
Elections for the five at-large members are held every two years in even-numbered years. The next election will be in November 2026.

Why do county students attend City schools?
The SSA allows county students to attend City schools and vice versa (e.g., for advanced academics, special education, or the IB program). Welcoming county students enhances diversity and allows for broader academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities.

How can I contact the City School Board?
You can connect with the City School Board through:
•    Phone: 703-293-7131
•    Email: [email protected]
•    Monthly newsletter: Sign up for CloseUp here

 

Social Media:

 X: @FairfaxSchools
 Facebook: City of Fairfax Schools

 Instagram: City of Fairfax Schools

 

How can I use City school facilities for a meeting or event?
For Daniels Run ES, Providence ES, and Katherine Johnson MS, visit the FCPS website for facility use information. For Fairfax High School, contact the school’s community use liaison through the FHS website.

How can I get more involved in schools?
Community members are welcome to mentor, volunteer, or donate their time and resources. Contact the schools directly to inquire about opportunities.