Over 1,000 students may be left without bus transportation due to school boundary changes.
The school board approved providing free bus transportation to 69 high school students, but not to affected middle and elementary school students, due to budget constraints.
Providing transportation for all affected students would cost FCPS $3.1 million, while transporting only high school students would cost $241,386.
Some board members argue that prioritizing older students over younger ones is detrimental, as younger students need transportation and safety more.
A survey found that 81% of impacted families need bus transportation.
In January 2026, FCPS approved new boundaries, impacting 1,637 students. A subsequent proposal suggested eliminating free bus transportation for students who choose to remain at their current schools during the transition, except for high school students. This decision stems from a potential $44 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2027. The school board voted 7-4 to approve bus transportation for high school students only, leading to concerns about the impact on younger students and families who may not have alternative transportation options. Board members have suggested tapping into school board reserves or exploring savings from a projected enrollment decline to fund transportation for all affected students. The approved boundary changes are scheduled to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year, starting on August 24.
Q: Why are bus services being cut for some students?
Due to budget constraints and a prioritization of transportation for high school students.
Q: How many students are affected by this change?
Approximately 1,500 elementary and middle school students may be affected.
Q: What alternatives are available for families who will lose bus service?
Families may need to drive their students to school or consider moving to their newly-zoned school to receive free bus transportation.
The changes to bus transportation in Fairfax County could significantly impact families with elementary and middle school students. Affected families should explore alternative transportation options and engage with the school board to advocate for equitable solutions. This situation highlights the challenges school districts face when balancing budget constraints with the needs of students and families.
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