The City of Falls Church City Council held a work session on December 2, 2024, focusing on the fiscal forecast and the achievements of the local school system. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between the City Council and the School Board, emphasizing the positive outcomes of their partnership.

The session began with a presentation on the fiscal forecast, which noted an increased clarity in the budget due to several "baked items" resulting from a recent collective bargaining agreement. This agreement, effective this school year, outlines the school system's obligations to its employees and includes various contractual commitments. The key drivers of the budget discussed included employee care, contractual obligations, current conditions, and anticipated growth.

The presentation also celebrated the accomplishments of Falls Church City Public Schools, which has been recognized as the number one school district in Virginia for the seventh consecutive year. Recent accolades included Oak Street Elementary being named the top elementary school in the state and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School receiving similar recognition. The school system's commitment to excellence was further underscored by its status as one of only eight districts in the nation offering a full International Baccalaureate program from pre-K through 12th grade.

Enrollment figures were a significant point of discussion, with the current year marking the highest enrollment in the history of Falls Church City Schools at 2,714 students. The presentation noted a slight variance in growth projections, with an actual increase of 80 students compared to an anticipated 85.

The meeting also addressed the changing demographics of the student population, highlighting an increase in economically disadvantaged students and those requiring special education services. The percentage of students on free and reduced lunch rose to 13%, while the enrollment of students with disabilities reached 14.3%. Additionally, the number of English as a Second Language (ESOL) students hit a record high.

In conclusion, the work session underscored the strong relationship between the City Council and the School Board, the impressive achievements of the local schools, and the evolving needs of the student population. The council expressed its commitment to addressing these needs as they move forward with budget planning and resource allocation.