In mid-May, Fairfax County Public Schools and City of Fairfax Schools sent out another mailing of census forms to those households that have not yet responded to the 2008 Virginia School Census. Thousands of households in Fairfax County have responded to the school census, but more responses are needed.

The commonwealth of Virginia requires each school division to conduct a census every three years as a means to distribute a portion of our state sales tax dollars to school divisions. Fairfax County Public Schools counts all persons residing in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax with birth dates on or between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 2007. This census also includes residents under the age of 20 who are enrolled in a private school, home-schooled, away at college, or serving in the military.

Each child counted in the 2008 census will bring approximately $1,000 per year, or $3,000 over the next three years, back to Fairfax County Public Schools in tax dollars.

There are four ways to respond to the 2008 Virginia School Census. The preferred method is via the web at www.fcps.edu/census. Each household also has the option of faxing or mailing the form or responding via an Interactive Voice Response system at 703-752-0950. For questions or further information about the census, please contact the census office at 703-329-7765 or Census2008@fcps.edu. All responses are confidential and translation assistance is available.

Please respond to the census. Our kids are counting on you.