McLean students will get March 9, 2027, off for Eid al-Fitr after Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) updated its school calendar. The district also picked up a national budget transparency award, according to its Sept. 30 newsletter.

Both developments affect McLean families directly. The calendar update applies to McLean High School, Langley High School, Cooper Middle School and every other FCPS school. The budget award signals that outside reviewers found the district's spending plan meets high standards for financial clarity.

Eid al-Fitr calendar change

FCPS published an updated school year calendar that builds a three-day Eid al-Fitr window into the spring schedule:

  • Monday, March 8, 2027: evening-only observance. School is in session, but no major after-school events such as auditions or tryouts.
  • Tuesday, March 9, 2027: full holiday. No school for students or staff.
  • Wednesday, March 10, 2027: daytime observance. School is in session, but no major tests, field trips or mandatory events.

On observance days, verified student absences for religious reasons may not be marked unexcused and students will not be penalized, according to FCPS policy. The district noted the exact dates could shift because they depend on anticipated lunar sightings.

Budget award

FCPS earned the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International) for its 2026-27 budget, the district said in a Sept. 23 announcement. School finance experts reviewed the budget documents against national criteria before granting the recognition.

Jim Rowan, executive director of ASBO International, called the budget "a vital tool for building trust and engaging the community" and said the award recognizes districts that prioritize financial clarity and accountability.

The honor is the second financial-reporting recognition FCPS has received this fall. The district also earned the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, announced Sept. 2.

No FCPS board member or Superintendent Michelle Reid has commented publicly on either development. The updated calendar is available on the FCPS website.