MANASSAS, Va. – Hundreds gathered last night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to honor nearly 300 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees who are retiring this year.
According to PWCS, 278 educators, administrators, and support staff were recognized during the ceremony for their years of dedication to students across the county. The honorees included those who officially submitted retirement notices between April 2024 and April 2025.
“These employees have spent their careers creating safe spaces for students to learn and grow,” the division stated in an announcement. “Their impact on our schools and community will be felt for years to come.”
The full list of 2025 retirees is available on the PWCS website.
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POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.
According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Thousands of elementary students in Stafford County will head to different schools starting in the 2026-27 school year, following the School Board’s unanimous approval of a countywide redistricting plan.
The board voted on Tuesday, May 13, to adopt Scenario Lime, a boundary adjustment that prepares for the opening of two new elementary schools currently under construction—Elementary School 18 (ES-18) and Elementary School 19 (ES-19).
Which Schools Are Affected?
According to Stafford County Public Schools, the following elementary schools are affected:
- Barrett Elementary
- Conway Elementary
- Ferry Farm Elementary
- Garrisonville Elementary
- Hartwood Elementary
- Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
- Margaret Brent Elementary
- Park Ridge Elementary
- Rock Hill Elementary
- Rocky Run Elementary
- Stafford Elementary
- Widewater Elementary
- Winding Creek Elementary
- Elementary School 18 (ES-18)
- Elementary School 19 (ES-19)
- Neighborhoods such as Rappahannock Landing, Old Forge, and Clearview Heights are among those expected to see students move to different schools under the new boundaries.
Why the Change?
School officials say the redistricting is needed to relieve overcrowding and balance enrollment across the county’s elementary schools. The two new schools are being built to handle growth in areas like Westlake, where new housing developments are underway.
Based on projections shared by school staff, all schools are expected to open under capacity in 2026. However, by 2030, three schools could slightly exceed their limits, with the highest expected utilization at 103%.
What Happens Next?
The changes will go into effect when ES-18 and ES-19 open in fall 2026. School officials plan to notify affected families and provide transition support over the next year.
A proposal to let rising fifth-graders stay at their current schools for one final year—if parents provided transportation—was narrowly rejected in a 4-3 vote. As it stands, all impacted students will move to their new schools in 2026 unless they qualify for a transfer under existing policies.
Looking Ahead
School leaders acknowledge redistricting can be challenging but say this plan positions Stafford’s elementary schools to better serve students as the community grows.
More information, including new boundary maps and transition resources, is expected to be released soon by Stafford County Public Schools.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg Main Street is launching a new way to help residents get to know the people behind the storefronts that make downtown special. Its new “Meet the Merchant” series kicks off on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fraser Wood Elements, located on Caroline Street.
In a conversation with Potomac Local News, Main Street board member Dan Craddock shared that the goal of the quarterly event is to build connections between business owners and the community—especially those who are new to the area and might not have explored downtown yet.
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Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”
We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Steve Austin, the director of Criminal Justice Services for more than 15 years. Before coming to Prince William County, Austin worked in the National Institute of Corrections, as director of Community Corrections in Fredericksburg and as a state probation and parole officer for the Virginia Department of Corrections.
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Hey Everyone, I’m Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News.
Graduation season is here, and we have the full schedule for every local high school. We’re also bringing you highlights from student events across our region and breaking news about a significant elementary school boundary change coming to Stafford County in 2026. Here’s what you need to know.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Prince William Schools Honor Nearly 300 Retirees
Prince William County Public Schools celebrated 278 retiring employees during a ceremony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The group included teachers, administrators, and support staff who served students across the county.
Over 100 Students Shine in All-Virginia Music Ensembles
More than 100 students from Battlefield, Colgan, Gainesville, Osbourn Park, Patriot, Unity Reed, and Woodbridge earned spots in the 2025 All-Virginia Band, Choir, and Orchestra.
Class of 2025 Graduation Schedule
- Battlefield High School: May 28, 7 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Brentsville District High School: May 30, 7 p.m. at Brentsville Stadium
- C.D. Hylton High School: May 28, 2 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Colgan High School: May 30, 7 p.m. at Colgan Stadium
- Freedom High School: May 31, 2 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Forest Park High School: May 29, 7 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Gar-Field High School: May 31, 7 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Governor’s School @ Innovation Park: May 17, 10 a.m. at Colgan Auditorium
- Independence Nontraditional School: June 5, 6 p.m. at Hylton Center
- Gainesville High School: May 29, 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Osbourn Park High School: May 31, 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Patriot High School: June 2, 7:30 p.m. at Jiffy Lube Live
- Potomac High School: May 30, 2 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Unity Reed High School: June 2, 1 p.m. at Jiffy Lube Live
- Woodbridge High School: May 30, 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena
STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Conway Elementary’s Cougarpalooza Brings Big Smiles
Games, food trucks, obstacle courses, and a dunk tank delighted families at Conway Elementary’s Cougarpalooza.
See the photos on Facebook.
Senior Walk Tradition Returns May 28
Seniors are invited to visit their former elementary schools on Wednesday, May 28, to thank their teachers.
See the announcement on Facebook.
Stafford High Students Tour New High School 6
EPIC students got a behind-the-scenes look at High School 6, set to open in August 2026 off Route 17.
Heather Empfield Scholarship Honors Madison Marsden
Madison Marsden of Winding Creek was awarded the Heather Empfield Day School Scholarship for academic and community excellence.
Big School Shuffle Coming for Stafford County Elementary Students in 2026
Thousands of elementary students will move to new schools in 2026 as Stafford County opens two new elementary schools and redraws school boundaries to relieve overcrowding.
Read the full story here.
Class of 2025 Graduation Schedule
- Mountain View High School: May 30, 6:30 p.m.
- Stafford High School: May 30, 6:30 p.m.
- Brooke Point High School: May 31, 8:30 a.m.
- Colonial Forge High School: May 31, 8:30 a.m.
- North Stafford High School: May 31, 8:30 a.m.
View the full schedule and livestream links.
MANASSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Manassas Reads Delivers 3,000 Free Books to Students
Families gathered at Metz Middle School for Manassas Reads, helping PreK-12 students build their home libraries with free books.
Osbourn High School Class of 2025 Graduation
Thursday, May 29, at 2:00 p.m.
EagleBank Arena, Fairfax
FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Wellness Fair Supports James Monroe Families
Held on May 10, the Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair provided free haircuts, yoga, journaling, and more for Fredericksburg students and families.
Two Half-Days Added to May Calendar
Students will be released early on May 21 and May 22.
May 19 and May 20 remain full school days.
James Monroe High School Class of 2025 Graduation
Friday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Anderson Center, University of Mary Washington
MANASSAS PARK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Manassas Park High School Class of 2025 Graduation
Saturday, May 31
Final details coming soon from Manassas Park High School.
UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON
Brilliant Skies, Bright Futures: UMW Celebrates Class of 2025
Over 900 graduates celebrated UMW’s 114th Commencement on May 10, featuring a keynote speech from alumna Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt and recognition of seven students with perfect 4.0 GPAs.
MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas leaders agreed Monday night to keep the city’s tax rate steady for the upcoming fiscal year, despite calls from some on the City Council to lower it and give homeowners a break.
While the tax rate isn’t changing, rising property values mean most homeowners will still see bigger tax bills when they arrive later this year.
The council voted 5-1 to hold the real estate tax rate at $1.26 per $100 of assessed value, the same rate residents paid last year. That rate, combined with increased property assessments across the city, is expected to raise the average annual tax bill by about $406, according to city budget documents.
Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis cast the lone “no” vote, pushing for at least a 7-cent rate cut to keep bills flat. Councilwomen Sonia Vasquez Luna and Ashley Hutson also voiced interest in a smaller cut but ultimately voted to keep the rate unchanged.
“I just want to make sure that you feel heard,” Vasquez Luna told residents during the meeting. “We all want to reduce the financial burden on families. But high-quality services come at a cost.”
Council members supporting the flat rate pointed to growing costs for schools, police, fire services, and city workers. The adopted budget includes:
-
$1.5 million more for Manassas City Public Schools to help cover teacher and staff pay raises.
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Funding for five new public safety positions, including three firefighters.
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3% pay raises for city employees.
Vice Mayor Mark D. Wolfe defended the decision, noting that Manassas still has lower average tax bills and utility rates than most of Northern Virginia, even with the increase.
“You can’t have a great community with shrinking resources,” Wolfe said. “This budget invests in public safety, education, infrastructure, and quality of life.”
The council also unanimously approved keeping the personal property tax rate at $3.60 per $100, applying the same rate to data center computer equipment for the first time. Council members noted that this move brings Manassas in line with Prince William County’s rates but keeps small business equipment taxed at a lower $2.15 per $100.
Several residents urged the council to cut more, pointing to the strain of inflation and rising living costs. Others raised concerns about the city’s long-term reliance on new development and data centers to balance its budget.
The city will hold a public hearing on the full budget June 2, with a final vote scheduled for June 9.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – National Rescue Dog Day is coming up on May 20, and Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) is using the occasion to shine a spotlight on its mission to save, heal, and rehome dogs in need—every single day of the year.
According to a release from ODHS, the Fredericksburg-based nonprofit is calling on the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, and donate in support of the thousands of dogs that come through their doors. Since opening in 2013, the all-volunteer organization has found homes for more than 8,000 dogs—many rescued from neglectful situations, hoarding cases, and overcrowded shelters across the South.
Just this year, volunteers helped save 22 dogs from a hoarding case in Kentucky and 33 more living in poor conditions in southwestern Virginia. In the wake of hurricanes last fall, the group also stepped in to rescue several displaced dogs from South Carolina.
ODHS provides its animals with vaccinations, microchips, medical care, food, and—perhaps most importantly—human connection. The organization relies heavily on donations and local volunteers to keep its operation going. They’re especially in need of foster families, cleaning supplies, and dog food. Those interested can learn more or submit applications at olddominionhumanesociety.org.
Adoption events are held at their facility at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Advance applications are encouraged and receive priority over walk-ins.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
