Author: Christopher Hirons

Follow me on Twitter for more local government coverage @ByHirons. Student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University– the nation's leading communications school.

Schools

Stafford closer to final elementary school redistricting plan

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — The Stafford County School Board held its first town hall for the parents of elementary-aged students to hear about the county’s elementary school redistricting plans.

The redistricting meetings come after discussions the School Board had during Capital Improvement Plan negotiations in June 2018, when it and the county’s Board of Supervisors agreed to re-district schools if the Board of Supervisors purchased the old Fredericksburg Christian Schools campus, located in North Stafford to house the division’s head start program.

Go to Stafford closer to final elementary school redistricting plan Read more
News

Maurer won’t seek another term in Stafford. Her hand-picked replacement says she’ll seek the seat.

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — Rock Hill Supervisor Wendy Maurer will not be seeking re-election for her seat come November.

Maurer, currently serving her first term on the Board of Supervisors announced her decision during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8 meeting.

Go to Maurer won’t seek another term in Stafford. Her hand-picked replacement says she’ll seek the seat. Read more
News

Stafford Supervisor: Ferry Farm Elementary School renovation is underfunded

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — Ferry Farm Elementary School will be getting a $10 million renovation.

The Stafford County School Board chose this option instead of rebuilding the school from the ground up. The School Board voted to start phase one of the renovation during a special called meeting on Dec. 4, 2018.

Go to Stafford Supervisor: Ferry Farm Elementary School renovation is underfunded Read more
News

Stafford sheriff’s deputies continue to leave. Here’s how the sheriff plans to retain them.

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — The turnover rate at the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has long been a problem.

“The turnover of personnel is a significant issue because deputy sheriffs receive basic, continuing and specialty training at a significant effort and cost to the county and the sheriff’s office,” Sheriff David Decatur wrote in an email to Potomac Local.

Go to Stafford sheriff’s deputies continue to leave. Here’s how the sheriff plans to retain them. Read more
News

Elementary school redistricting process begins

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — The purchase of a shuttered Fredericksburg Christian Schools campus triggered a new round elementary school redistricting.

Schools officials earlier this month held an information session with parents about elementary redistricting at Rodney Thompson Middle School. The session was held to inform parents who have children in overcrowded elementary schools that their students may soon be moved to another school.

Go to Elementary school redistricting process begins Read more
News

The proposal that aims to raise teacher pay to match Prince William, Spotsylvania would hike property taxes

By Christopher Hirons
????????????????????????????????????

STAFFORD — Teachers and school faculty could see a five percent increase in their yearly salaries if a new proposal is included in the School Board’s budget.

The Stafford Education Association proposed an across-the-board increase for all employees during a budget committee meeting with the School Board held in early November.

Go to The proposal that aims to raise teacher pay to match Prince William, Spotsylvania would hike property taxes Read more
News

Stafford schools would allow transgender students to choose bathroom, locker room preference; provide counseling for students opposed

By Christopher Hirons
Kinzer

STAFFORD — Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner has followed through with a promise to draft a policy that will allow transgender students to use the locker and bathrooms of their choice.

The policy will allow transgender students to use the locker rooms that correspond with their self-identified gender identity. They’ll need a confirmation letter from either a parent, health care provider, school staff member familiar with the student or other family members or friends to do so, according to the new policy.

Go to Stafford schools would allow transgender students to choose bathroom, locker room preference; provide counseling for students opposed Read more
News

Stafford leaders prolong bike trails study a second time

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — There are new delays in Stafford County’s effort to expand bike and walking trails in the county.

Leaders late last month once again approved an extension to allow staff to prolong to February 19 the study period for the planned bike and pedestrian trails throughout Stafford.  

Go to Stafford leaders prolong bike trails study a second time Read more
View More Stories