The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.
At the heart of the controversy is the city's aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.
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Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
In recent years, the number of students with disabilities in 504 plans has nearly doubled, reaching 21% of the student body—up from 11% a decade ago. Similarly, the English learner population has surged by 211%, with over 4,700 students requiring specialized support. Meeting these students’ needs requires increased staffing, specialized programs, and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, he said.
“These aren’t just numbers; these are real children whose success depends on the support we provide today,” Smith said. “Our educators, counselors, and staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of every student, but we can’t do it without the necessary resources and funding.”
The FY26 budget request includes investments in staffing, new facilities, and educational programs to meet the needs of a more diverse and expanding student population. The budget proposal also seeks a 3% average pay increase for all staff, as competitive salaries are essential to attract and retain the high-quality educators and support staff required for a thriving educational environment. However, despite these necessary investments, the funding request still faces a substantial $14.2 million funding gap. The total proposed expenditures for FY26 amount to $490 million, while the projected revenue is only $470 million, creating a critical imbalance.
The Superintendent’s proposal emphasizes the need for additional state and local support to meet the demands of the growing school system. While the proposed budget includes $10.5 million in state funding and $5 million in local funding from the county board of supervisors, he said it falls short of what is required to maintain the quality of education and services for Stafford’s students.
“We are grateful for the support from the county and state, but we need to close the gap to fully meet the needs of our students,” Smith said. “Without additional resources, we risk compromising the foundation we’ve worked so hard to build.”
Stafford Schools has continued to achieve academic success. Last year, students earned over $19.4 million in scholarships, and thousands completed dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. However, the school division is seeking to do more, particularly with its growing number of students who require specialized support. The FY26 budget proposal includes funding for 36 new English learner teachers, special education teachers, and staff to meet the Virginia Standards of Quality requirements.
Stafford is also planning the expansion of its specialty centers, including programs in business and information technology, community health, and medical professions. These specialty programs provide students with valuable, hands-on learning experiences that help prepare them for the workforce, but they require continued funding to remain successful.
“The growth of our specialty centers is key to preparing students for the future,” Smith explained. “The demand for specialized skills in industries like business technology and healthcare is growing, and our students need access to programs that equip them for those careers.”
However, the division’s funding request does not meet all its identified needs. The FY26 budget still has over $59 million in unmet needs—critical areas that the division has been unable to fund due to budget constraints. These include new positions required by state standards, staffing for new schools, and expanding specialized programs, all necessary to ensure the district can continue to educate its growing student body.
In response to these challenges, the school division will host budget town halls to engage with the community and encourage public input on the FY26 funding request. These meetings will allow residents to learn more about the budget proposal and advocate for the resources necessary to ensure Stafford’s students have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
The funding gap, totaling $14.2 million, highlights the need for continued advocacy from the community, the Board of Supervisors, and the Virginia General Assembly. Supervisors will be forced to cut spending or raise real estate taxes on homeowners to fill the gap when they hammer out their fiscal year 2026 budget in April.
“If we don’t make the right investments now, we’re putting the future of our students and community at risk,” Smith said. “Every dollar we invest today is an investment in a brighter, more prosperous future for Stafford County.”
The school board will continue to refine the budget in the coming weeks, with approval scheduled for February 25, 2025. The community is encouraged to attend the budget town halls on February 4 and 6, 2025, to learn more and voice their support for Stafford’s educational future.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Brooke Point High School. This session will focus on the Aquia, Falmouth, George Washington, and Griffis-Widewater Districts.
- Thursday, February 6, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School. This session will focus on the Garrisonville, Hartwood, and Rockhill Districts.
In addition to attending the town halls, Smith encouraged residents to reach out to their local representatives and advocate for more funding. “The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be,” he said.
For residents interested in learning more about the proposed budget and getting involved in the advocacy process, detailed information will be available on the Stafford County Public Schools website and through social media channels.
“The future of Stafford Schools—and of Stafford County—is dependent on the investments we make today,” Smith concluded. “Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
The Trump administration’s latest move to freeze payments on several federal programs has sparked alarm among Virginia Democrats, who are questioning how the halt might impact critical funding, reports Insidenova.com.
“I am concerned that yesterday we learned that the Trump administration is pausing federal grants,” state Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, posted on X. “We have asked the Secretary of Finance in Virginia to inform us how this impacts our current budget and cash flow.” Lucas is chair of the Virginia Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee.
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If Max doesn’t have the most adorable smile, we don’t know who does! This affectionate collie mix has been waiting months at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter with minimal attention, which is surprising given his sweet personality. Max loves anyone who will give him affection—he’s a big fan of hugs and enjoys showing off his intelligence by responding to commands and walking well on a leash.
Max is best suited for leash walks and a home with a secure, adequate fence. In his previous home, he had a habit of escaping, likely due to a lack of stimulation. As a working breed, Max thrives when he has mental and physical exercise. Whether it’s puzzle toys, interactive games, or an active lifestyle, he needs engagement to stay happy.
Sadly, Max has been struggling in the shelter environment. The stress has taken a toll on his health, causing noticeable weight loss and a dulling of his once-shiny coat. While he previously lived with small dogs, he was protective of them, so he may do best as the only dog in his new home. He has not been tested with cats or children but may do well with older kids or teenagers.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion, Max could be the perfect fit for you. Visit him at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg, VA. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12–4 p.m. For more information, visit Spotsylvania Animal Control.
Help Max find the loving home he deserves!
Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.
The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.
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At the crack of dawn on Tuesday, a Democratic-led Senate subcommittee rejected or delayed several of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signature tax cut proposals, opting instead to fold them into ongoing budget negotiations or disregard them altogether, Virignia Mercury reports.
The Senate Finance Resources subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, killed or tabled measures ranging from phasing out Virginia’s unpopular car tax to nixing a proposal that would exempt service tips from the state income tax and extending the state’s higher standard deduction and a partially refundable earned income tax credit (EITC).
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Value City Furniture has opened its new store at 1731 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg’s Central Park shopping center. The company relocated its former store at 3545 Plank Road in Spotsylvania County, reports the Fredericksburg Free Press.
The push to allow a casino in Fairfax County has officially entered new territory, FFXnow.com reports.
After tabling similar legislation proposed by state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-35) last year, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 9-6 this morning (Tuesday) to report Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s (D-34) bill to add the county to Virginia’s list of eligible casino hosts to the full chamber.
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The ARTfactory in Manassas will feature DC native William Kennedy in a solo art exhibit, Beyond the Surface, from January 31 through March 1, 2025. An artist reception, sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will be held on February 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees can view Kennedy’s artwork and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public—RSVP here: RSVP Link.
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As Prince William County grapples with shifting enrollment patterns, declining birth rates, and increasing school capacity concerns, school leaders are moving forward with plans to open the county’s 14th high school in the 2029-30 school year.
The new school, which may feature specialized programs such as robotics and drone labs, is intended to relieve overcrowding in central and eastern Prince William County high schools, including Colgan, Freedom, and Woodbridge. However, with fewer students entering the school system than graduating, the long-term necessity of the new school and countywide redistricting remains a topic of debate.
