FCPS’ Garza’s Listening Tour Stops in Reston Saturday

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will visit Hunters Woods Elementary School in Reston on Saturday as part of the Superintendent’s Listening Tour.

Students, parents, employees, and community members are invited to the meeting at 9 a.m. in the Hunters Woods cafeteria. Hunters Woods is located at 2401 Colts Neck Rd.

Garza will discuss school issues and the priorities for Fairfax County schools and listen to ideas, comments, and questions from the audience, according to a county press release.

FCPS is getting ready to plan the 2016-17 budget, and is facing a budget shortfall. The school system is expected to have more than 186,000 students. Since FY 2008, FCPS’ enrollment increased by nearly 22,000 resulting in increased costs of more than $190 million, Garza said in a county presentation last week.

FCPS needs an additional $74.5 million for 2016 alone to cover capital needs, debt service and the additional cost of adding full-day Mondays, among others, according to the county budget forecast.

Those planning to attend the meeting are asked to please register on the FCPS website.