Following the announcement of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor’s departure from Stafford County Schools (SCPS), the School Board held a Special Called Meeting on June 18. After a closed session, the School Board voted unanimously to appoint Chris R. Fulmer as the Acting Superintendent.
On June 25, the board will meet to select a Superintendent search firm.
Vindman, of Dale City, ran a campaign solely to oppose Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for President. He and his twin brother Alexander Vindman were key figures in Trump’s first impeachment in 2020.
“The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher; the passion behind my campaign comes from voters wanting integrity, moderation, and professionalism in a government that works for them; and our grass-roots movement is coming for the extreme MAGA agenda,” Vindman wrote in a prepared statement sent to the press after declaring victory about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18.
The Independent: “A law firm representing the Vindman campaign then contacted The Independent threatening litigation. The letter insisted that Vindman “is a Colonel and correctly identifies himself as such” and that “Pursuant to Army Custom and Regulation 25-50, the proper mode to address Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels is Colonel.” The letter also claimed that reporting Bedell’s statement would be defamatory.
The attorney for Vindman further stated that he “does not dispute that he retired at the grade of O5 [Lieutenant Colonel]. However, his pay grade at retirement has no impact on either pay or entitlements and on whether he is in fact a retired Colonel.”
For more volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Prince William at 703-369-5292 or visit volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thank you for all you do in our community!
Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the departure of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who has led SCPS since November 2021. Dr. Taylor will begin serving as Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools effective this fall. In a county-wide email, Dr. Taylor lauded accomplishments made in the schools, but also noted the county has dropped from 111 to 117 in state rankings for school funding.
During his tenure, Dr. Taylor implemented several measures aimed at improving educational outcomes, including the introduction of staffing standards and a streamlined budget focused on efficiency. SCPS saw an over 20% increase in average staff wages, as well as advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that exceed national and state averages. Dr. Taylor also oversaw the construction of three new schools and the renovation of Edward E. Drew Middle School to accommodate the county’s growth.
Historic Manassas Inc. (HMI) is now selling tickets for a July 4th Stars & Stripes Rooftop Picnic, set to provide the best view of the City of Manassas fireworks display. The event will occur on July 4, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., atop the downtown parking garage at 9102 Prince William Street.
The rooftop picnic promises a variety of food and drinks. Attendees can look forward to hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, chips, green beans, cupcakes, beer, wine, soda, and water. The evening will also feature a DJ and games, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages.
From Stafford County fire and rescue:
Just after 4 A.M. on Saturday, June 15th, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched for a reported structure fire along Melanie Hollow Lane in the southeastern part of Stafford County. Multiple callers reported a home on fire, and crews arrived within five minutes and found a two-story, single family home with fire showing throughout the second floor. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. The home was occupied by seven individuals at the time of the fire. All were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units on scene. They were evaluated; one was transported for non-life-threatening injuries.
Jesus Rosa, owner of The Puerto Rico Cafe in Manassas, is hosting the Manassas Puerto Rican Festival again. This marks the second year Rosa and his wife, Jamari, organized the event in Manassas.
“It’s a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, family, and bringing everyone together,” Rosa said. “It’s diverse; it’s not just for Puerto Ricans, it’s for everyone. We want everyone to come down and enjoy the food, the music, the entertainment of your Puerto Rican friends and neighbors.”
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is gearing up for its annual Free Community Baby Shower.
Following the success of last year’s event, which saw 1,000 attendees, this year promises to be even bigger and better. To accommodate the growing number of participants and enhance the experience, the event has been moved to a new location, offering more fun, education, and prizes for new and expecting mothers and their families.
Prince William County plans to pay panhandlers to stop panhandling by employing them in a litter removal program. What do you think about this initiative?
