Fairfax News Break

School Overcrowding

According to an article in the Fairfax Times, Fairfax County public schools (FCPS) are estimated to have around 184,477 seats for about 181,510 enrolled students scattered across 196 schools.  Dean Tistadt,   the Chief Operating Officer for FCPS said that while the school system has been able to keep pace with a growing student population, this will become an increasingly difficult challenge in the years ahead.  Nevertheless, Tistadt mentioned that the County is looking at “creative” solutions to this issue including the possibility of operating the schools year round, which Tistadt claims could increase school capacity by 33%.

I’m sure the kids will love that…

Transportation Funding Shortage

The Fairfax Times also reported on County outreach efforts to educate citizens about a potentially massive transportation funding shortfall.  According to the Times, the County estimates that there will be a $300 million per year budget shortfall for transportation projects throughout the next decade.  County officials are planning to hold nine public meetings to educate residents about this problem.   County officials will also outline the policy options that may be pursued in the years ahead.  Namely, whether to pursue new sources of revenue or scale back on some of the transportation projects available. 

While road maintenance and construction is the responsibility of the state, no state funding for secondary road construction has been available since fiscal year 2010.  In contrast, the County spends around $280 million a year on local transportation projects.