Fairfax School Leaders Secure Historic First Contract with Near-Unanimous Approval

In a historic milestone for school leaders in Fairfax County, Virginia, the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators (FCFPSA), AFSA Local 147, has secured its first-ever collective bargaining agreement, ratified by an extraordinary 99.2% of voting members and unanimously approved by the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board in  January. The full contract goes into effect starting in July 2026.

The agreement establishes a foundational contract for administrative and supervisory leaders and delivers immediate, meaningful gains through a collaborative, interest-based bargaining process.

“This first contract represents a defining moment for our union,” said Jeff Litz, interim president of FCFPSA. “From the foundational collective bargaining agreements that built the modern American labor movement to this moment—a near-unanimous ‘yes’ vote by our members and a unanimous vote by the School Board—this contract sends a clear message of unity, strength, and shared purpose to the School Board and the broader community.”

The School Board’s unanimous ratification of this agreement at its last meeting, follows the overwhelming approval of the tentative agreement by FCFPSA members. By strengthening the collective voice of school leaders, the agreement supports better decision-making, stable school leadership, and learning environments that allow administrators to focus on what matters most—student success.

“The voice of our membership has been heard in a way that will be etched into the history of this union,” said Aron Sterling, interim vice president. “This agreement reflects what can be achieved when educators’ voices are respected and collaboration is prioritized.”

The agreement immediately secures significant improvements for FCFPSA members, including:

  • Leading Protections: Establishing some of the strongest "Just Cause" standards and resolution process protections for school administrators in the nation.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: Enhancing working conditions and supporting a healthier work-life balance.
  • Compensation: Increasing compensation and creating a clear framework for fair and transparent salary negotiations in future contracts.
  • Leave and Contract Enhancements: Improving annual leave with a compressed leave scale and securing an initial commitment to 12-month contracts for middle school Assistant Principals.

FCFPSA noted that the agreement’s 18-month term was intentionally designed to allow the parties to return to the bargaining table quickly, build on early successes, and continue strengthening the positive, collaborative relationship between FCFPSA and FCPS.