Fairfax County public is facing a $140 million budget shortfall. Fairfax County has been unable to keep up with the enrollment and increasing cost in schools.

As a result this could possibly affect many of the ways students go through school today. Some of these changes could include larger classes, elimination of foreign language immersion in elementary schools, staff cuts, and furloughs. Other ideas include limiting librarians, custodians, secretaries, charging athletic fees, and social workers. Many people and parents believe that cuts should be kept out of the classrooms because students are the most important things of course.

“I feel as if the cuts should be made as necessary but no that affect the students, because students must learn,” teacher Ruth Mohr said.

In January of 2014 the superintendent will bring forth the outline for the budget and the school board will make the budget. As of now, no cuts have been made though choices are being discussed.

“We are responsible to work constructively together to solve the issue,” school board member Ted Velkoff said. “It’s going to take the school system and supervisors to chime in together to solve this. It’s our responsibility to make cuts to help the school system.”

The Virginia retirement system has increased by 37 million dollars, more students will cost 25 million, and paying for more workers will add another 75 million. All unavoidable costs. The school system will also be paid 21 million dollars less from Virginia.

“I am concerned about the possible impact from potential cuts could have on South Lakes,” Principal Kim Retzer said. “It’s very important for our community to advocate for thing they feel is important to ensuring students education.”