When the school year started, Yug Mehta and his friends at Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon, Virginia, participated in tryouts for all the clubs they were interested in.
There are over 50 to choose from, and he was eager to participate in the Going Green Club, which focuses on environmental issues, and the debate team. The debate team meets on Mondays, and Going Green gathers on Thursdays, and the sessions start when the dismissal school bell rings. They conclude at 4:30 p.m.
For months, Mehta said, participating in the after-school activities has provided him with an outlet to apply what he learns in class to real-world scenarios. But the future of those programs is in jeopardy.
In his 2026 budget proposal, the Fairfax County Executive is proposing cutting the middle school after-school programs. The idea comes as county leaders grapple with how to work through a nearly $300 million budget deficit.
“This is really close to my heart, since it’s helped me grow academically, socially, emotionally, and it’s given me so much in so little time,” Mehta said.
The programs are run through the county government’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. The school district administers it and provides late bus transportation four days each week, according to county documents.
Cutting the initiative would save $3.93 million, county documents said, citing the school division’s expanded offerings of clubs, activities and sports that middle school students could consider instead.
“FCPS will need to identify resources if they wish to continue the MSAS program or these other initiatives in the current form,” the county said.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay told WTOP in an email that this is still just a proposal that the Board is considering.
“I’ve heard from many community members about how valuable this program is, and that feedback is very important as we navigate a challenging budget year. The Board is exploring ways to continue this program, even if it may look different than in the past. I encourage everyone to stay engaged by sharing your input with my office or attending the public hearings from April 22 to 24.”
Mehta came across a news story that described possible cuts to the programs he’s a part of. Ever since, he and his friends have been attending town hall meetings and urging county leaders to reconsider.
Through their Going Green Club, Mehta said, students have created a project that aims to reduce plastic waste, specifically targeting plastic water bottles on school grounds. In debate, meanwhile, he’s learning about understanding two sides of an issue, and “you should look at both sides to decide which one’s better,” he said.
Debate has also helped him improve his public speaking skills, he said. More than 23,000 middle schoolers across the county, he said, participate in similar activities, “so that means that they’re definitely doing something right.”
His mom, Kinnari Koradia, said she’s seen “tremendous growth in him.”
“It is very convenient for the parents,” Koradia said. “Also, it is in the comfort zone of the school with your friends. What can be better than that? You are staying with friends, and you are learning better stuff other than the everyday theory.”
That convenience, she said, is also connected to the time. Middle school ends at 2:15 p.m., which Mehta said could be a tricky pickup time for parents who work conventional business hours.
“This after-school program gives parents the flexibility to pick up their kids at a time that’s comfortable for them, instead of having to come here two hours earlier than what they should be,” Mehta said.
Mehta plays two instruments. If the cuts are approved, he said he’s going to practice those and play tennis more frequently. But, he said, that’s not necessarily an option for every student.
“I have things to do at home,” Mehta said, “but some kids may not have that ability to do things that they have at home.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story stated that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proposed this cut. The story is now corrected to say that the Fairfax County Executive proposed the cut, and the Board of Supervisors has not yet acted on that proposal.
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