The following was written by Supervisor Pat Herrity, the lone Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 2007. A lifelong resident who graduated from West Springfield High School and Virginia Tech with an accounting degree, Herrity held senior management positions including CFO and COO before entering public service. Known as a fiscal conservative and taxpayer advocate, he is the only Supervisor to receive the President’s Award from the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers and was named Best Public Servant by the Gazette newspapers for seven consecutive years.
You can sign up to receive Pat’s email newsletter, the Herrity Report, on his website.
Over the summer, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) spent $150 million to acquire the nearly 33-acre King Abdullah Academy private school campus in Herndon. At the time of the purchase, the School Board was unsure what they were going to use the school for, what the cost of conversion would be, and shared no analysis of the annual operating cost or whether a new school is really needed. This purchase comes as the County faces a $270 million shortfall in FY 2027.
The school was purchased with Economic Development Authority bonds outside of FCPS’s normal bonding capacity and without a formal discussion with the Board of Supervisors. This purchase will clearly impact the school system’s renovation queue and ongoing bonding capacity. I had the opportunity to briefly tour the school and it is beautiful with outstanding athletic facilities – three gyms and an eight-lane pool. Unfortunately, the school is actually six schools in one with an elementary school, middle school and high school for boys and the same on the other half of the building for girls – essentially six schools in one.
My major concerns with the purchase are as follows:
The steep conversion costs which were not analyzed before purchase. Because it is really six schools in one, the cost to convert it to a new high school will be significant. Preliminary FCPS cost estimates to convert the property into a high school are over $62 million dollars, resulting in over $200 million for a fully functioning high school while the current Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) lists the price at $160M. The early estimates do not include the costs for the athletic facilities, including the need to add a football stadium as we have at our traditional high schools. I am not aware of any analysis of conversion costs that was done prior to the purchase.
There is no documented need for a new high school. High school enrollment has been declining and is projected to continue to decline. Recent FCPS CIPs repeatedly state that a new Western High School is intended to relieve overcrowding in six high schools: Centreville, Chantilly, Westfield, Oakton, South Lakes, and Herndon (see CIP FY 2015-2019, CIP FY 2016-2020, CIP FY 2017-2021, CIP FY 2018-2022, CIP FY 2019-2023, CIP FY 2020-2024, CIP FY 2021-2025, CIP FY 2022-2026). However, three of those six high schools now have empty seats according to monthly enrollment data. These six high schools have a design capacity of 15,757 students and a program capacity of 15,467 students. Since 2019, the combined enrollment projection of all six schools has been consistently greater than their combined actual enrollment. This shows that even if some schools are overcrowded or undercapacity, the difference can be accommodated within existing high schools. As of September 2025, there were 431 empty seats in these six high schools according to program capacity and 721 empty seats according to design capacity. Based on FCPS’s latest CIP projections for FY 2026-FY2030, by 2030 we’ll have 1254 empty seats (program capacity) and 1544 empty seats (design capacity), without building a Western High School. The County’s declining enrollment at the elementary school level indicates we won’t need additional capacity at the high school level for at least the next 10 years, a trend Prince William County is also acknowledging.
Members of the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee have raised these concerns regarding declining student population and existing capacity. It seems that these concerns have fallen on deaf ears at the School Board. If there is a determined need for additional seats, it can be met by current vacancies and/or expansions at existing schools in the renovation queue.
There were no concrete plans for the school prior to its purchase. In late August (post purchase), the School Board was still torn between a traditional neighborhood high school, traditional HS with academies, a school within a school, a traditional yet unique organizational framework, and a magnet high school. (Fairfax school board torn). As of last week, the School Board was still trying to figure out what they would be doing with their new over $200M “shiny new school building.” I have heard that, “there are all kinds of possibilities” and “we don’t have any concrete plans.”
No one has discussed the increase in operational costs for a new high school. As far as I have seen or heard, there still have been no estimates, conversations or discussions on what the increased operational costs will be for the new school. These would include new facilities staff, new high school administrative staff, new equipment, not to mention the cost to run the new athletic facilities with pools being one of the most expensive sports facilities to run. With pending budget difficulties, the increase in operational costs should have been a part of the analysis prior to purchasing the property. This increase in operating costs will compete with teacher raises and other classroom needs.
Dismayed by the rhetoric that is being shared. I am perhaps most dismayed by the misleading rhetoric shared by FCPS on how much is being “saved” with the purchase of the building, even though it is more expensive than all past estimates for a western high school. Further, the purchase is being justified as necessary to relieve overcrowding, a problem that enrollment data shows does not exist.
While the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has no authority over operational decisions made by the elected Fairfax County School Board, I’m sharing my thoughts on this issue with you because the Board of Supervisors annually allocates over half of the County budget to FCPS.
Funding our schools is critically important, but equally important is making sure that the funding is going toward real needs. All projections show our birthrate declining and incoming kindergarten classes shrinking, we should be looking at capital projects that address renovations to existing school buildings, rather than increasing capacity with hefty investments.
If FCPS is going to spend over $200 million on the purchase and renovation of a new school during a difficult economy, our student enrollment data should indicate a significant need. Sadly, it doesn’t.
Where to go from here. Before FCPS sinks an additional $62+ million into this property, it should complete an analysis of all conversion costs, including athletic facilities, all additional operational costs, including new staff, maintenance costs and administrators, and perform a thorough analysis of enrollment projections. Once completed, these estimates should be compared to the ability and cost to meet the enrollment demand through renovations and/or expansions at existing high schools. Only then will the School Board and residents know whether the property should be retained and improved, repurposed or sold.
Over the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing more information with you on budget considerations, including a closer look at the FCPS CIP. Increasingly the CIP is being used to meet Board-directed environmental goals (some of which make sense and have reasonable payback periods) and other Board agenda items with renovations being further delayed. We can’t wait until next spring to start thinking about reducing County spending. The School Board will meet again to discuss the plans for the new school during New Business at its Thursday October 23 School Board meeting. Please consider contacting your School Board member and the At-Large School Board Members to share your feedback.
At last week’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors once again demonstrated how those that preach diversity can be the least tolerant of diversity of opinion. They once again rejected my request to recognize the history and service of the Christian Church in our communities, despite passing motions in the past by both other Supervisors and me to recognize other religions and churches such as Jewish American Heritage Month and Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. Please see my motion and the draft proclamation that they could not bring themselves to support here.
Early in-person voting starts Friday, October 24 for Braddock District residents to vote in the December 9, 2025 special election for the Braddock District Supervisor’s race at the Fairfax County Government Center, and on November 29 at Burke Centre Library.
You will need to go to two different locations at the Government Center to cast separate ballots—one for the statewide races and one for the Braddock District race. Confusing, yes—but this is the date the Board of Supervisors recommended so early voting for the general and special elections will overlap.
The special election for the Braddock District in Fairfax County, Virginia, is being held to fill the office of the Braddock District Supervisor for the remainder of the present term of office. This vacancy was created by the resignation of James R. Walkinshaw on September 10, 2025. Only registered residents of Braddock District are eligible to vote in this special election.
Beginning Friday, October 24:
Fairfax County Government Center:
Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Dec. 6
Beginning Saturday, November 29:
Burke Centre Library:
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Saturday, Dec. 6
Other News and Information
George Mason University has launched comprehensive support resources for displaced federal workers. They are offering a broad range of career, educational, and community resources to assist affected federal workers and their families. For more information and access to these resources please see Here.
Many companies in the DC/Northern Virginia region are offering help to furloughed government employees affected by the shutdown for their utilities and finances. Pepco, Baltimore Gas and Electric, WSSC Water, and Washington Gas are offering assistance programs to help with flexible payment and to ensure your utilities are not turned off. Navy Federal Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, and First Command are offering relief and loan options to help government employees during this time. For more information on these programs please see here.
Early voting for the November 4th general elections of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia House of Delegates, Local Offices (including the town of Clifton), and a $460 million School Bond issue will continue until Saturday, November 1st. The additional locations will open on Thursday, October 23.
You can cast your early vote at one of the following locations:
Opening Thursday, October 23, 2025:
For complete hours, locations and times please see In-Person Early Voting | Elections.
Braddock District residents can also vote separately in the Braddock District Supervisor’s race at two early voting locations – Fairfax County Government Center and Burke Centre Library. You will need to go to two different locations and cast separate ballots.
Fairfax County Government Center: Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Dec. 6
Burke Centre Library: Saturday, Nov. 29 – Saturday, Dec. 6
Marian Homes is currently hosting a series of 10 free community shredding events throughout the region over the next few months, including one tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 4 at St. Raymond of Penafort in Springfield. Dates and locations of each shredding event are listed below.
Help Scouting America Troop 1176 Conserve Rolling Forest Park
On July 12th, Scouting America Troop 1176 officially adopted Rolling Forest Park as part of a vital, long-term conservation project. This initiative was sparked after two trees fell on nearby homes, prompting the park’s owners, users, and impacted residents to collaborate with Troop 1176. Their goal is to conserve this beautiful park, enhance safety for both park users and residents, and improve the park’s overall health.
In the first year, Troop 1176 will lead efforts to remove fallen branches and leaves. This crucial step will reduce year-round saturation at the base of trees, a factor that contributes to their instability. Following this, the Troop and community will focus on invasive species removal, trail clean-up, and eventually, the construction of an outdoor classroom pavilion for both Scout and community use.
The next cleanup is scheduled for October 12–please see the flyer below for more details and join them to help conserve Rolling Forest Park
Fairfax Parkway Construction
Fairfax County will be installing several new storm pipe crossings underneath the Fairfax County Parkway as part of the Fairfax County Parkway Widening Project. Northbound Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) overnight between Ox Road (Route 123) and Burke Centre Parkway (Route 643) Sunday night, Oct. 19 through Thursday night, Oct. 23. Northbound Fairfax County Parkway will be closed to all traffic between Route 123 and Burke Centre Parkway on the following nights:
Traffic will be detoured via northbound Route 123 and westbound Burke Centre Parkway (Route 643) back to northbound Fairfax County Parkway.For more information of this project please see here: Fairfax County Parkway widening south | Virginia Department of Transportation
Workhouse Haunt
The Workhouse Arts Center’s 12th annual Workhouse Haunt continues this year with the “Apokalypse: Kingdom of Shadows” experience currently running on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until November 1st. For more information and to buy tickets please see here.
Crime Solvers Shred Event (October 25)
This Saturday, October 25th, the Fairfax County Crime Solvers will be hosting a free shredding at Walt Whitman Middle School from 9 am until 12 pm. This event is open to everyone and is free with a request of a 5 dollar donation per bag/box to raise money to support the Fairfax County Crime Solvers. To learn more about the Crime Solvers non-profit organization please see here.
Clifton Haunted Trail (October 25)
The Clifton Haunted Trail is this Saturday, October 25th, from 7 to 10 pm. Be sure to get your tickets online as this event typically sells out. Come out and walk the trail as Clifton area residents compete to scare participants. I am a proud sponsor of this great annual event. For more information and to purchase your tickets please see here.
Drug Take Back Day (October 25)
Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns Saturday, October 25th from 10 AM – 2 PM at multiple locations across Fairfax County. This offers the community an opportunity to safely dispose of any prescription drugs. During this event, Reworld Waste, who will be destroying all collected medication, will donate and distribute free prescription drug mail back envelopes which can be used year-round to safely dispose of unwanted medication. Please join me at the West Springfield District Station in the side parking lot to drop off any of your unused medications. See more details and participating locations here.
Occoquan Dam Siren System Test (November 16)
On November 18th, at 10 am, an audible test of the siren system along the banks of the Occoquan River between the Town of Occoquan and Belmont Bay will occur. The test will last roughly 5 minutes, no action is needed during the test, it is simply a safety measure to ensure the siren is functioning properly.
Noman Cole Open House (December 6)
The Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility will be holding an open house on December 6th from 10 am until 2 pm. This open house will give you an opportunity to tour the water recycling facility as well as providing activities and food. For more information, please see the flyer below.
