Fairfax County schools’ employees to receive 4% raises

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees will receive a 4% pay increase next fiscal year.

The Fairfax County School Board adopted its FY25 budget during its meeting on May 23.

Superintendent Michelle Reid originally aimed for 6% raises, to put FCPS teachers on par with the highest paid in the region, but the hike was unfeasible due to a shortfall in state funding.

Some board members opposed the blanket 4% pay raises, instead suggesting targeted raises aimed at supporting teachers and school-based staff. Other board members opposed the approach, suggesting it could pit staff against each other.

Mateo Dunne, of the Mount Vernon district, pointed to the lofty salaries of upper level administrators.

“We have a great superintendent, but she’s paid more than the President of the United States,” Dunne said of Reid’s nearly $400,000 salary.

In many cases, the raise plan will widen the pay gaps among administrators and educators. First year teachers’ pay will increase from $56,011 to $58,251, where as an administrator earning $200,000 a year will see an $8,000 raise next year.

Board members also critiqued “outdated” funding formulas used to determine how much money the state gives to the division.

“$568.7 million. That is half a billion dollars. Think of what FCPS does with what we have now. What could we do if we had half a billion dollars more?” Vice Chair Melanie Meren said, referencing a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report, that found FCPS has been greatly underfunded by the state.

The pay increases will take effect on July 1.

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