In the past few years, prices of everything from soda to movie tickets have increased. However, there is one thing that has not seen a raise in the past two years – teacher salaries.

Since July 2009, all Fairfax County employee salaries have been frozen in order to preserve money for other areas. Finally, the salary freeze is finally over for FCPS employees.

This month the School Board voted to adopt a new budget compiled by Superintendent Dr. Jack Dale. Langley teachers are, understandably, excited.

“No one was happy about [the frozen salaries,]” said Vice Principal Mr. Corey Bowerman. “We’re cautiously optimistic about getting raises.”

In addition to employee pay increases, bus routes will also be modified to be more fuel-efficient. There will also be increased funding for online SOL testing. Overall, FCPS will spend $71.1 million more than it did last year for education across all grade levels.

Another change that is important to many high school students is the elimination of AP test fees, which were just introduced this year. Because of a ruling by the Attorney General that the fees are a violation of students’ rights to a free education, FCPS will return the $2 million of fees that have already been collected. Parents will be notified when it has been decided how the money will be refunded.