The revenue streams for Fairfax County have dramatically diminished due to a state budget deficit and poor housing values. Currently, the County is looking at a $316 million shortfall for FY2011 (which starts next July), and the schools are projecting a shortfall of at least $162 million. This presumes the County will provide the same amount of money to the schools as this current fiscal year; however, this is not a guarantee.
Jack Dale, FCPS Superintendent, is currently circulating a list of potential cuts. It will be very difficult to cut $162 million from an already pared-down school system. These cuts will impact the instruction at Rutherford pyramid schools: Little Run, Frost, and Woodson. The cuts include the elimination of full-day kindergarten, summer school, band and strings in the elementary school, and two high school sports teams. The cuts would also further increase class size, resulting in teacher layoffs.
To learn more about the budget process, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget. To find the complete list of school programs that may be considered for reduction or elimination, click on FY2011 Schools Fiscal Outlook.
