Reactions from Prince William’s eight-member school board show a deep divide—not just over federal law, but over whose rights the policy protects and how the board should have responded.
Jennifer Wall, who represents the Gainesville District and is one of two Republican-endorsed board members, criticized the division’s decision to reject OCR’s resolution.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Prince William William County Public Schools joins other public school divisions in Northern Virginia, and is rejecting the U.S. Department of Education’s directive to reverse policies that allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity.
On Friday, August 15, 2025, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) formally rejected the federal agency’s proposed Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA), calling it legally flawed and out of step with binding case law in Virginia.
MANASSAS, Va. — Community members packed the Aug. 12 Manassas City School Board meeting to demand the reinstatement of longtime Osbourn High School football coach Mike Johnson, whose employment with the division ended Aug. 8.
The school division confirmed this week that Johnson worked for Manassas City Public Schools from 2007 to 2022, and again from 2023 until last week. His roles included assistant indoor track coach, assistant football coach, and head football coach. He has been replaced by Mel Morgan.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools says its bus system ran smoothly on the first regular day of the 2025–26 school year, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with only minor delays typical of the first week back.
“Overall things are going very well — we are hearing from our principals and our community that they are happy with transportation this year,” said school spokeswoman Sandra Osborn.
Updated 4:15 p.m. – Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) has called for a full criminal investigation into allegations that Fairfax County Public Schools helped minors get abortions without their parents’ knowledge—and may have used public funds to do it.
The governor’s office announced today that the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now involved. The move follows media reports that school staff may have arranged and paid for multiple student abortions, potentially using state, federal, or local funds.
MANASSAS, Va. – The 2025–26 school year in Manassas opened Tuesday with excitement, new initiatives, and a shared focus on student safety and family engagement.
Several School Board members greeted students at bus stops and school entrances, marking the first day with messages of teamwork and optimism. “Today was more than just the start of a new school calendar, it’s the start of new possibilities,” said Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg. “Let’s make this year one of great learning, great connections, and great memories.”
Classrooms across Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) filled this morning as more than 31,500 students returned for the 2025–2026 school year. SCPS operates 34 schools and maintains an average student–teacher ratio of 13:1. Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith leads the division, headquartered at 31 Stafford Avenue.
The county kicked off the year with its Transition Day on Monday, August 11, 2025. Designed for incoming kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade students, Transition Day provides a softer start—allowing these students to tour their schools, meet teachers, and get familiar with their surroundings before the whole student body arrives. School officials say the program reduces first-day anxiety and helps build connections that last throughout the year.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The folks at Prince William County Public Schools just told Potomac Local News about some big wins for local students at the 2025 Virginia Junior Academy of Science Research Symposium. From middle school to high school, these young scientists brought home top awards in fields ranging from animal science to engineering and psychology.
Forest Park High School’s Anuj Dahal, Kevin DiMattina, and Oguzkhan Kutlan took first place in Physics & Astronomy, while Rania Lateef of Colgan High earned top honors in Psychology—along with two special statewide awards in genetics and service. Osbourn Park High School saw multiple wins, including Sajeela Ahmad, who not only placed in Zoology but was also named next year’s VJAS Editor-in-Chief.
