Fairfax Educators Reach Historic Tentative Agreement After 50 Years

Historic Agreement Reached Between Fairfax County Educators and School District

WASHINGTON—In a landmark development, Fairfax County Public Schools and its educators have reached a tentative contract agreement, the first in nearly five decades. This agreement follows months of negotiations between the Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) and the Fairfax County Public Schools, representing Virginia’s largest school district. The FEU is linked nationally with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA).

AFT President Randi Weingarten commented, “For decades, educators and school support personnel in Fairfax have worked tirelessly on behalf of their students; what they asked in return was to be treated with dignity and respect, which is what the right to collectively bargain a fair contract is all about.” She emphasized that the agreement represents a commitment to fair compensation, healthcare, and workplace safety, benefiting both educators and the community.

NEA President Becky Pringle highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “This is a historic win for Fairfax students, educators and the community.” She noted that the agreement sets a precedent for future contracts and ensures that students receive the resources necessary for success.

Upon ratification, the agreement promises competitive compensation for employees, including salary and step increases, and additional planning time for educators. Notably, it maintains an eight-hour contract for special education teachers and initiates a process to explore more affordable healthcare options starting January 2025. The agreement also secures defined health and safety protocols, enhancing the environment for both students and staff.

The FEU, representing 27,000 public school personnel through the Fairfax Education Association and the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, is poised to bring this agreement to fruition. FEA President Leslie Houston remarked, “After 47 years, we’ve made significant strides toward fairness and unity for every educator in Fairfax County.” She described the agreement as a testament to the unity and resolve of educators.

FCFT President David Walrod expressed enthusiasm about the agreement's potential impact. “We are thrilled to reach our first tentative agreement in Fairfax County Public Schools history,” he said, hoping it will inspire further labor movements across Virginia and enhance the educational system in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Public Schools district is the ninth-largest in the U.S., and its employees recently gained collective bargaining rights through a decisive vote, marking a significant shift in labor relations and empowering educators to advocate for improved conditions. The FEU remains committed to addressing pressing issues such as class sizes, school safety, mental health resources, and preparation time.

The National Education Association represents over 3 million educational professionals across various sectors. For more information, visit nea.org.

The AFT, with 1.8 million members, represents a broad spectrum of educators and public sector employees.