Highlighting successful programs and the high test scores of Fairfax County's students, School Board Chairman Dan Storck presented the school system's budget to county supervisors April 1, telling them that it can't be trimmed any more without harming the quality of education.

"We need to keep critical resources that help students achieve at the highest levels possible," Storck said.

To give the schools what they are asking for, the supervisors would have to raise taxes, something they've expressed reluctance to do.

But on March 10, they decided on a split vote to advertise a tax hike of 3 cents – bringing the real estate tax rate to 92 cents per $100 assessed value – to have that flexibility when they approve the budget later this month.

Several people speaking at the budget hearings encouraged the increase, which, because of declining property values, would keep most residents' tax bills flat.

There has to be a balance in providing fair taxes to county taxpayers and maintaining the quality of education, said Leonard Bumbaca, president of the Fairfax Education Association. In addition to supporting the tax increase, Bumbaca also suggested the county tap into its rainy day fund because “it's raining."

Bill Lecos, president of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, also encouraged the Board of Supervisors to fully fund the School Board's request and expressed support for the tax increase.

"It would be a far better approach than compromising our critical investment in education, affordable housing, environmental stewardship and economic development,” Lecos said.

Strapped for funds, the county told the School Board to plan for no increase in county funding for fiscal 2009. The School Board voted to try for a $2.3 billion budget that includes $1.65 billion from the county and is a 4-percent increase from the fiscal 2008 budget.

Superintendent Jack Dale originally proposed a budget that required a $55 million increase from the county, but the School Board felt it needed to ask for a higher amount to fund expansion of full-day kindergarten, the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools program, teacher salary increases and unanticipated growth in the student population.

Ed Stapleton, who has taught in the school system for 28 years, spoke about the need for teacher pay increases.

“I've seen my purchasing power and my ability to provide for my family erode,” Stapleton said. “We serve in good faith, and in good faith we ask for your service.”

"What would happen to our tax base if people stop moving to Fairfax County?” asked Margaret Panik, vice president of the Fairfax Education Association.

Jay McClain, a representative from the Fairfax Association of Elementary School Principals, called the School Board's proposed budget “a compromise between our needs and the tough economic times.”

Fairfax County schools already “achieve more with less,” and many aspects of its infrastructure are breaking, McClain said.

"It is a lean budget that we hope will maintain your school system in a condition that will allow us to move forward in the years ahead, when, we all hope, revenues will increase," Storck told the supervisors.

In the middle of his presentation, Storck gave three students the opportunity to speak about the impact of school programs on their lives.

"All I'm asking is that my siblings also enjoy and navigate the great journey of the FCPS," said Annandale High School student Carlos Garcia.