Fairfax County Public Schools has approved its first comprehensive school boundary plan in four decades, following an 18-month review aimed at addressing overcrowding, split feeders, and other longstanding issues. The Fairfax County School Board voted 8-3 on January 22 to adopt the revised boundaries proposed by Superintendent Michelle Reid, which will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. The plan initially affected over 2,200 students but was revised to impact approximately 1,697 students after public feedback. Community members expressed mixed reactions; some praised the efforts to balance school capacities and keep communities intact, while others voiced concerns about the potential disruption to students’ education and community ties. Notable issues include transportation costs, school program availability, and the impact on home values. Public hearings saw nearly 100 speakers, including students, parents, and PTA representatives, advocating for careful consideration of the changes. Reid emphasized that boundary reviews will now occur every five years to allow ongoing adjustments and improvements. The process faced challenges due to unexpected developments such as new school openings and legal issues, which added complexity to the review. Despite opposition from some board members, the majority supported the plan, acknowledging the importance of addressing capacity issues and community needs. The approved boundaries aim to improve school capacity utilization, reduce split feeders, and enhance program access, with ongoing reviews planned for specific neighborhoods and future adjustments related to new high school developments. Families affected by the changes will be notified soon, with efforts to ensure smooth transitions.