Virginia’s school funding formula plays a major role in class sizes, staffing, and student supports in Alexandria City Public Schools. This explainer breaks down how the Standards of Quality (SOQ) and Local Composite Index work, what the state’s own research found, and why Alexandria funds a significantly larger share of its schools than most Virginia localities.

At our first meeting of the school year, the School Board began the FY27 budget conversation. Projections show ACPS will need at least $19.3 million in additional revenue to sustain current services, covering staff pay, healthcare costs, and inflation. Through “Funding Our Future” community sessions, we are breaking down what drives these costs, why it matters, and how families can engage in the process.