Proposed cuts in Fairfax County could eliminate middle school after-school programs

FAIRFAX, Va. — After school programs for middle schoolers in Fairfax County are in jeopardy. 

County leaders are facing a nearly $300 million dollar budget gap. Fairfax County's proposed budget for 2026 includes nearly $60 million in cuts, raising concerns about the potential impact on everything from public safety to education. 

The proposed reductions include the Middle School After-School (MSAS) Program. It was created to address some of the most vulnerable students being home alone after school. For nearly 20 years under this program, middle school students in the county have had access to after school activities for free.

"It allows students the opportunity to engage in things they can’t do at home, or their parents can't afford. Things like art, dance, sports, robotics," said Mark Emery, MSAS Program Administrator.

The program serves about 23,000 students a year, five days a week at most middle schools in the county. Late transportation is also provided for the students who participate. School leaders say the statistics prove this program works. 

"We have seen behavior improve, grades improve, daytime absences decrease. Children attending the after-school program are not chronically absent," said Emery. 

The MSAS Program has about a $4 million price tag, and is a partnership between the schools and the county. FCPS contributes about $1.9 million dollars to the program, but relies on the county to pay for the staff who run the program. 

The long-time administrator of the program says cutting this from the budget would affect some of the most vulnerable students. 

"The big concern is the impact on youth and working parents. This will be a huge impact on parents. Thirty-nine percent of parents report their student would be home alone if it weren’t for the after school program. That’s a huge number," said Emery. 

County leaders tell WUSA9 that many concerned parents have reached out about the proposed cuts. Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Jeff McKay emphasized that the current budget is far from a done deal. 

"I would say right now we’re in concerned but learning mode. We just saw this reduction a couple weeks ago. We’re hearing from a lot of people in the community about the value of this program," said McKay. 

McKay added that during this budget process the board will discuss ways to continue offering this service, even if it looks different than it has in past years. 

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on the budget from April 22-24. A final vote on the budget is set for May 13.