Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán has introduced the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which totals $855.69 million. This represents a 1.3% increase from the previous fiscal year.
The proposed budget focuses on aligning investments with the goals outlined in the district’s 2024-30 Strategic Plan. Employee compensation is a key priority, along with identifying cost savings and efficiencies. The plan also aims to limit reliance on general reserve funds for ongoing operating expenses.
“This proposed budget reflects my ongoing commitment to investing in our outstanding staff,” said Dr. Durán. “Our teachers and staff are the heart of our school system—they are the key to advancing student outcomes. During my tenure, employee compensation has been a steady focus, and I am proud that employees have seen an overall increase of nearly 27% in the last five years, which equates to approximately 5.4% annually.”
Key aspects of the proposal include an average salary increase of 4.45% for all staff through collective bargaining agreements with unions. The budget also provides for hiring additional full-time special education teachers at four middle schools and one high school to support inclusion goals and expand co-teaching models.
Other priorities highlighted in the budget are strengthening safety measures and maintaining access to special education services such as occupational therapy, speech, and hearing.
Despite these investments, some needs remain unmet in this cycle. The district identified more than $18.81 million in unfunded requirements related to instructional resources, staffing for important programs, and other student supports.
The School Board will review the superintendent’s proposal over the coming weeks as part of its FY 2027 budget process. Important dates include a joint work session with Arlington County on March 24, presentation of the School Board’s Proposed Budget on March 26, and a public hearing scheduled for April 14.
The final adoption of the FY 2027 budget by the School Board is set for May 14, 2026, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026.
