Fairfax High School
Summary
Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run) is a City of Fairfax public high school that has appeared across multiple municipal topics in recent years. On April 8, 2025, the City Council unanimously approved (6-0) a Special Use Permit allowing the City of Fairfax School Board to place temporary modular classrooms on the site for up to 8 years, with a condition requiring removal of sheds from required parking spaces. The school's stadium was also identified in September 2024 as staff's recommended venue for the 2025 July 4th proximity fireworks show, and by July 2026 the fireworks event had in fact taken place at Fairfax High School. The school is also connected to capital improvement funding: a $220 million school bond referendum approved by city voters in November 2024 (with nearly 70% support) includes a roof replacement at Fairfax High School, with FY 2026 funding appropriated for initial design/planning and FY 2027 budget approving $22 million toward the next phase. The school is a frequent community hub, hosting events such as a cultural celebration night, the Hire a Lion Fair, Rotten Tomatoes theater performances, and graduation ceremonies, and is situated along Blenheim Boulevard, an active construction corridor of local interest.
Open questions & options on the table
- Completion timeline and scope details for the Fairfax High School roof replacement funded through the school bond program remain to be determined as design and construction phases proceed.
- The public meeting scheduled for June 30 (2026) regarding Blenheim Boulevard construction — which directly affects access to Fairfax High School — had not yet occurred as of the latest records; outcomes and any resulting changes are not yet recorded.
What members have said
At the September 10, 2024 meeting, Councilmember Ross requested that the July 4th fireworks venue item — including the staff recommendation of Fairfax High School stadium — be placed on a future agenda for public engagement.
At the July 14, 2026 meeting, Councilmember Bates thanked staff for the 4th of July celebration and noted the prioritization of safety for staff and residents.
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