News - Page 13 of 1911 - Potomac Local News

What DEI Looks Like in Stafford Schools—And What It Doesn’t

Published May 12, 2025 at 9:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from addressing school transportation issues to tackling equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 5: Equity and Inclusion — DEI in Today’s Climate

Stafford Narrowly Approves $2.95M Warehouse Purchase Despite Pushback

By Potomac Local News

Published May 12, 2025 at 8:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved a $2.95 million warehouse purchase on Blackjack Road, siding with school officials who say the facility is essential to meet the district’s growing infrastructure needs, despite concerns from some supervisors who argued the deal was rushed and overpriced.

In a 4-3 vote, the board passed Resolution R25-105, authorizing Stafford County Public Schools to use leftover funds from its FY2024 budget to buy the building at 42 Blackjack Road. The warehouse currently houses several school division operations, including IT storage, bus driver training, and nutrition services. School leaders say owning the space will end the need to rent it and provide a long-term solution as the division grows.

Frogs Take the Field for the First Time Tonight in Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 1:16PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg Nationals are hopping into local history tonight as they officially take the field as the Fredericksburg Frogs for the very first time. First pitch against the Lynchburg Hillcats is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

The Frogs identity pays tribute to the city’s historic all-Black baseball team, which played in Fredericksburg from 1919 into the late 1930s. Known in the press as “the world’s hoppinest team,” the Frogs entertained crowds downtown for decades. With few surviving records or photos of the original team, the FredNats partnered with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group to research and bring the Frogs back to life for fans today.

‘Juan More Taco’ Says Goodbye to Fredericksburg, Leaves Loyal Fans Hungry for More

By Mike Salmon

Published May 9, 2025 at 1:00PM

Owner Maria Martin and her son, Jose, who operated Juan More Taco together, pose for a photo inside the restaurant. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Taco lovers along Caroline Street are disappointed as word spreads that Juan More Taco is closing its doors in Fredericksburg.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Plan Ahead: Dale City Rest Area Closures, Lane Shifts, and Road Work on I-95 and Local Roads This Week

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:46PM

Drivers traveling on Interstate 95 and local roads through Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region this week should plan for overnight lane closures, ramp work, and rest area closures, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Dale City Rest Area to Close for Paving

Stafford County Shines a Spotlight on Top Educators and Staff at 2025 Gold Star Gala

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:24PM

Tracey Watterson of Colonial Forge High School, honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, poses with district leaders at the Gold Star Gala in recognition of her exceptional dedication to students. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night to honor its top educators and staff members at the 2025 Gold Star Gala. The annual event recognizes employees across a wide range of roles who help students succeed every day.

The celebration, held before a crowd of staff, students, and community members, included student-led presentations. Gabriella Irish, the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board, kicked off the event with a welcome address. The North Stafford High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by Mountain View High School student Raina Chan singing the National Anthem.

A New Drew Middle School Is One Step Closer to Reality

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $2.5 million on land for the long-awaited rebuild of Drew Middle School.

The money, pulled from the county’s Capital Projects Fund, will be transferred to the Schools Capital Projects Fund to buy a new site for the school. The rebuild has been years in the making—and for many in the community, it’s personal.

Big Wins and Budget Warnings: Lawmakers Talk Session Highlights in Downtown Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 9:00AM

Attendees pack The 718 Venue in downtown Fredericksburg for a legislative recap on May 6, 2025, featuring local lawmakers who shared highlights and takeaways from this year’s General Assembly session. The event was co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Greater Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. [Photo: Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce]

The event was co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Greater Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors.

Each lawmaker was asked what they considered the biggest accomplishment of the session. Delegate Bobby Orrock pointed to increased education funding and roughly $1 billion in tax rebates coming back to Virginia families. Senator Tara Durant also highlighted education, calling the $222 million investment to eliminate the K-12 support cap “a real game-changer.” She also noted new funding for math instruction—a personal priority she’s worked on for years.

New Workshop Series Aims to Help Prince William Entrepreneurs Lead Through Uncertainty

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 8:00AM

Congressmen Eugene Vindman and Suhas Subramanyam share insights on their first 100 days in office during a discussion hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in April 2025.

MANASSAS, Va. – Leadership Prince William is launching a new Business Leadership Workshop Series designed to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the region.

According to a press release from the nonprofit organization, the new series is sponsored by Prince William County Economic Development and will offer workshops led by experienced professionals from a range of industries. The first session, titled “Leading Through Uncertain Times,” will be held on Thursday, May 14, with a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in Manassas.

Red Carpet Ready: Riverside Theater Honors Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 2:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway is meeting the ‘Burg this weekend as Fredericksburg native Tug Coker takes center stage as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The show opened Wednesday, May 7, and a special red-carpet celebration is set for Friday, May 9.

Coker, who was raised in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg Academy, brings an impressive résumé to the Riverside stage. Known for his roles on Broadway and on hit shows like The Office, Billions, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this marks his first professional performance in his hometown. He studied theater at the College of William and Mary and played professional basketball overseas before pursuing acting full-time.