ACPS Invites Public to Shape FY 2027 Budget: 'Nurture, Educate, Inspire'
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is inviting the public to weigh in on its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The theme of the budget is 'Nurture, Educate, Inspire', with a proposed $8.9 million for employee step increases, $2.9 million for a 1% market rate adjustment, $3.01 million for increased health care costs, and $1.5 million for non-personnel-related costs. The first public meeting will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus.
ACPS anticipates student enrollment to grow from 16,586 in FY 2026 to 16,711 in FY 2027, and peak at 16,817 in FY 2028. To meet these increasing needs, the school system is prioritizing funding for classroom resources, teacher recruitment and retention, technology upgrades, and addressing learning loss from the pandemic. Before the final budget adjustment in June 2026, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt will present the proposed FY 2027-2036 capital improvement program budget on Nov. 6, 2026, and the proposed combined funds budget on Jan. 22, 2026. A series of public meetings will follow these presentations, leading up to the final budget approval on June 11, 2026.
ACPS encourages all stakeholders to participate in the budget process. The public meeting on Oct. 15 is the first opportunity for residents to provide feedback and help shape the FY 2027 budget. The school system is committed to ensuring that the budget effectively meets the needs of its growing student population.
