Opinion: Calls for Cutting School Funds by $100 Million
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Opinion: Calls for Cutting School Funds by $100 Million

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Calls for Cutting School Funds by $100 Million

My wife and I have been homeowners in Fairfax County since 1968. I am a Board Member of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance (FCTA). I have been protesting both the budget and taxes for over 50 years! I am here to protest the outrageous salaries of executives of the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). I understand that the Chief Experience and Engagement Officer is paid $244,255 and the Chief Equity Officer is paid $248,693. This is more than the U.S. Secretary of Defense who is paid $221,400 and is responsible for a trillion-dollar budget and millions of military and civilian employees. The Superintendent is paid $407,832. That is more than the President of the United States who makes $400,000 annually. These are examples of overpaid executives. Keep in mind that a Senator and Congressman makes $174,000 annually. The Majority and Minority Leaders in Congress as well as the President Pro Tempore make $193,400 annually. 

I understand that Mr. Chairman that you had a real problem with this FCPS budget. I believe that you stated, “the FCPS requested for the school transfer of $165 million is unrealistic.” I certainly agree. This transfer to the school should be substantially reduced especially that they expect a 6% salary increase which should not have given to the top 25 high paid executives of the FCPS. The advertised budget of $3.8 billion that includes an increase of 8.6% over the previous budget of $301.8 million even though the enrollment is estimated to rise 1%. In the meanwhile, the latest nationwide inflation rate (cost of living) is 3.5% and yet the FCPS wants their budget more than double the inflation rate. This is outrageous!

Recently the FCPS Board Members were given raises to $48,000 annually and the Chairman at $50,000. How many hours per year do the School Board Members work?

FCPS spending has increased six times faster than enrollment since the year 2000 through FY2024. So, my request is to cut the transfer of funds to the FCPS by $100 million.

I look forward to your written response and also responses from the Superintendent and School Board Members that I am forwarding this presentation to at this time.


Charles McAndrew, FCTA Board Member

Oak Hill