How Arlington County and Public Schools Work Together to Save Money

Arlington Public Schools (APS) and Arlington County have had a long and productive relationship built on cooperation for many years.  Local revenues are shared according to the County Board's guidance for budget planning and revenue sharing and the two organizations cooperate and share resources in many other ways as well.

“Our partnership with Arlington County is one of the greatest relationships we have,” said School Board Member Sally Baird. “This partnership allows both organizations to share resources and work together to benefit not just students and families but the entire community as well,” she added.

What's New

The Arlington County Board and Arlington School Board met in March 2012 to discuss the proposed FY 2013 budgets, Schools capacity planning issues and recent successes in working together. Read the latest work plan update. Some highlights of the meeting:

• The Boards were briefed on proposed FY 2013 budgets for both Arlington Public Schools and Arlington County.
• The Boards were briefed on the capacity planning process in Arlington Public Schools. County staff briefed both boards on the County's development review process for possible School additions and new schools.
• The Boards heard about two recent collaboration efforts - ConnectArlington and the planned new softball field at Washington-Lee High School.

Better Services, Fewer Dollars

These are just a few of the many areas in which Arlington County and APS collaborate and share resources. “With our shared goals and collaborative working relationship, we’re able to achieve cost efficiencies that result in better services for fewer dollars,” said Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette. “This is a win-win-win for students, parents, and residents.” 

Arlington County and APS staff continue to look for even more ways to collaborate, share resources, and gain efficiencies. Both Boards -- Arlington County Board and Arlington School Board -- signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding on Collaboration that formalizes the collaborative work that has taken place for the past decade or more.  The agreement also calls for the two boards to meet two times a year to review the annual work plan and to discuss progress that has been made on collaborative projects. 

The ongoing effort includes a joint committee, which created and maintains a work plan and a briefing for the County and School Boards.

Examples of County-Schools collaboration at work

Click on the links below to view specific examples of how Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools are working together to save time, money, and resources. 

Community Services

Facilities

Health/Safety

Internal Efficiencies

>>>Read the full listing of collaborative activities.