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The Alexandria City School Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Combined Funds (CF) Budget at the Alexandria City School Board meeting Feb. 20. The FY26 Combined Funds Budget directly aligns with the budget priorities approved by the School Board at the Oct. 10, 2024 meeting and puts improvements in staff compensation and benefits, increased key school-based staff positions, operations and safety enhancements, technology integration and security reinforcements and funding supporting redistricting at the forefront.
The Approved FY26 CF Budget, includes the Operating Budget, School Nutrition Funds as well as Grants and Special Projects Fund, totaling $395.2 million. The ACPS Operating Budget of $364.3 million (excluding the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) transfer) for the 2025-26 school year is an increase of 4.8% from the FY25 CF Budget.
The Approved Budget dedicates funding for a step increase and 1% market rate adjustment (MRA) for all eligible employees, health benefit increases and recruitment and retention bonuses. The FY26 Approved Budget also includes a labor relations position to further support the division’s workforce and foster a strong culture of collaboration in preparation for collective bargaining.
“The FY26 Combined Funds Budget represents a collective commitment to strengthening our school community,” said School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief. “With key investments in staff compensation, school-based positions, operations, safety, technology and redistricting efforts, this budget ensures we are meeting the evolving needs of the ACPS community while preparing for the future.”
The student growth and support services in the Approved Budget were also emphasized by ACPS Chief Financial Officer Dominic Turner, saying “The Approved Budget was thoughtfully prepared to reflect a strategic commitment to advancing the success of our students, staff and community–addressing immediate and long-term needs. Prioritizing numerous staffing areas and enhancing the daily operation, safety and technology needs of our division is vital in ensuring we continue to provide a welcoming, equitable and safe learning environment for all. I encourage everyone in the ACPS community to engage in the budget process over the next few months.”
Additionally, the Approved Budget also increases school-based staffing positions, including increases in homeroom K-5 teachers, English Learner (EL) teacher positions, student support team staff, advanced academic services teachers, the addition of an American Sign Language teacher and a Title IX position. The budget also includes an increase in funding for public carrier services and the Middle School Athletics Program.
“Creating a budget that truly serves our students, staff and community requires collaboration and strategic decision-making while balancing fiscal responsibility,” said ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “I am thankful for the School Board’s partnership and approval of the FY26 Combined Funds Budget and immensely grateful for our dedicated financial services team. Together, we will continue to advocate for the funding necessary to sustain and strengthen our division.”
ACPS has provided several engagement opportunities for the community to partake in, including a Community Budget Forum on Oct. 15, 2024, two work sessions and a Public Hearing were held throughout January. The School Board will adopt the Final Budget on June 12, 2025.
The full budget timeline and a summary of this year’s budget process can be found on the ACPS FY26 Budget webpage. The Feb. 20, 2025, School Board meeting, at which the budget was approved, is available to view online.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves more than 16,300 students who hail from more than 118 countries and speak 127 languages. ACPS has 18 schools, including two middle schools, two K-8 schools, one pre-K school and the internationally recognized Alexandria City High School. ACPS is committed to putting racial equity at the heart of all decisions and ensuring that each and every student succeeds. Visit www.acps.k12.va.us.
