Fairfax High School
Summary
Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run, Tax Map Parcel 58-1-02-003) is a City of Fairfax public high school that has appeared in municipal proceedings in multiple capacities. On April 8, 2025, the City Council unanimously approved (6-0) a Special Use Permit allowing the City of Fairfax School Board to install temporary modular classrooms on the site for up to 8 years, with a condition requiring removal of sheds from required parking spaces. The school was also identified in September 2024 as staff's recommended venue (or comparable location) for a 2025 July 4th proximity fireworks show; by July 2026, the fireworks event had in fact taken place at Fairfax High School stadium, with council members commenting positively on the outcome. The school is additionally referenced in connection with capital improvement funding: following a November 2024 voter-approved $220 million school bond referendum (supported by nearly 70% of voters), the FY 2026 budget included funding for Fairfax High School roof replacement, and the FY 2027 adopted budget appropriated $22 million toward the next phase of related capital projects. The school is a recurring community hub, hosting events such as a cultural celebration night, a "Hire a Lion" career fair, and a Rotten Tomatoes arts show, and its 2026 graduation was held at Eagle Bank Arena. Construction and utility pole realignment activity on Blenheim Boulevard in front of the school has also been a notable neighborhood concern as of mid-2026.
Open questions & options on the table
- The 2025 July 4th fireworks were held at Fairfax High School per the July 2026 transcript, but no formal council action confirming the venue selection was recorded — the underlying public engagement process requested by Councilmember Ross in September 2024 has no recorded outcome in the material.
- The full scope and timeline of capital projects funded under the $220 million school bond referendum as they relate to Fairfax High School (beyond the roof replacement and the $22 million FY 2027 appropriation) remain to be determined.
- Ongoing construction/utility work on Blenheim Boulevard in front of the school was active as of June 2026, with a public meeting scheduled for June 30, 2026 — the outcome of that meeting and the construction timeline are not recorded in the material.
What members have said
At the September 10, 2024 meeting, Councilmember Ross requested that the July 4th fireworks venue item be placed on a future agenda for public engagement, following staff's recommendation of Fairfax High School stadium as the preferred site for the 2025 event.
At the July 14, 2026 meeting, Councilmember Bates thanked staff for the Fourth of July celebration, specifically noting the prioritization of safety for staff and residents.
At the July 14, 2026 meeting, Councilmember McQuillen echoed praise for the event, commending the city manager's decision to cancel the parade and noting that the fireworks at Fairfax High School were a success despite rain, describing attendees as 'happy wet people' and praising the band and fireworks as showcasing community resilience.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.
Full history
[15] Fairfax High School stadium was identified as staff's recommended venue for the 2025 July 4th proximity fireworks show.
[5b] Site of the approved Special Use Permit for temporary modular classrooms; located at 3501 Lion Run, Tax Map Parcel 58-1-02-003.
passedApproval of Special Use Permit for temporary modular classrooms at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Tax Map Parcel 58-1-02-003, valid for 8 years, with condition that sheds in the parking lot in proximity to temporary classrooms be removed from any required parking spaces.✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson