Stafford County Public Schools is moving ahead with plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from school meals, following the signing of a new state law that will ban certain synthetic color additives by 2027.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently signed HB 1910 and SB 1289, legislation that “prohibit[s] public elementary and secondary schools from serving any food that contains specific color additives for school meals or competitive food.”

“I’m encouraged by this truly non-partisan effort that started with Parents stepping forward and saying let’s work together to provide healthier food choices for our kids during the school day,” Youngkin said. “HB1910 and SB1289 are grassroots bills at their best and provide Virginia families with healthier options for school meals.”

HB910 had patrons included Republican Delegates Paul Milde (Stafford), Ian Lovejoy (Prince William), and Robert Orrock and Phillip Scott (Spotsylvania). SB1289’s patrons included Senators Tara Durant (R – Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford) and Danica Roem (D – City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Prince William County).

Durant recently visited Stafford’s Grafton Village Elementary School to speak with 5th-grade students on Career Day, which she has done for several years. She shared the bill with the students, who will be rising 8th-graders when the ban goes into effect. Durant said the fifth graders were surprised to see the number of ingredients in some of their favorite snacks, and asked questions about how manufacturers might change products to comply with the ban. Durant is seeing a shift towards healthier diets and lifestyles with the young adult generation, particularly as a mother of twenty-year-olds. She said they choose more holistic foods and lifestyle choices, avoiding processed foods, dyes, alcohol and smoking.

In Stafford, school nutrition staff have already begun preparations to comply with the law.

“We are working closely with our food vendors to remove and replace foods with the banned dyes,” said Brian Williams, Executive Director of Nutrition Services for Stafford County Public Schools. “Nutrition is in the process of updating product specifications in anticipation of the law,” he added, saying the nutrition services team is “currently working with our food manufacturers to identify and strategically replace food products containing the banned dyes going into the new school year.”

Williams confirmed that some products have already been removed: “In this school year, we found and removed several snacks that contained the Red Dye #3 and we are now in the process of conducting an in depth review of the new school year food specification list.”

New products are also being introduced: “Students will see more snack items produced without banned dyes as Frito Lay and other manufacturers have already begun to make their products compliant to the upcoming laws.” Dye-free Doritos were recently offered at elementary schools for “Walking Tacos,” a dish where chips are served with taco fixings.

Williams said the county had not received any feedback from students.

He also addressed broader efforts to reduce dyes through fresher menu items. “Stafford County Public Schools Nutrition Services has made tremendous strides in reducing highly processed entrees while increasing fresh, whole, and scratch cooked meals,” Williams said. “By offering more scratch prepared dishes, the department is able to reduce and eliminate the occurrences of many of these banned dyes from the student lunch menu.”

There are no current financial concerns or funding efforts tied to the transition. “No, not at this point,” Williams said when asked if there were financial obstacles. On the topic of funding, he added, “No,” the district has not received or applied for any.

Williams said the district plans to keep families informed. “Nutrition Services will work with the division’s communication department to best target our banned dye communications with families.”

California passed a ban on six artificial food dyes in school foods in September 2024, effective in December 2027. West Virginia passed a ban on seven artifical food dyes in January 2025, effective August 2025; the state will have a retail ban beginning in January 2028.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A long-delayed and now dramatically scaled-down high school project will take center stage at Wednesday night’s Prince William County School Board meeting, as division officials present updated plans for the county’s 14th high school.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on June 4, 2025, at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road in Independent Hill.

A Smaller School, Coming Later

Once designed to hold 2,557 students, the high school has been reduced to a 1,400-seat facility, according to the school division’s FY2025–29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Its expected opening has also been delayed from School Year 2027–28 to 2029–30.

Originally envisioned as a relief valve for overcrowded high schools like Freedom, Gar-Field, and Woodbridge, the school — planned for Summit School Road in the Occoquan Magisterial District — may now fall short of easing that pressure. Officials cited budget constraints and market volatility in construction costs as reasons for the change, noting the price tag still exceeds $189 million.

Community Input Shapes Vision

Despite its smaller size, school leaders say the new high school will be shaped by robust community engagement. From March to May 2025, Prince William County Public Schools hosted workshops and listening sessions with students, parents, educators, and local industry partners.

Key input sessions included:

• A VALUES Workshop on sustainability and user experience
• An Applied Learning Workshop on career and technical education
• A Photovoice Project where students shared their lived experiences through photography
• A Learning Futures Workshop imagining a future school day
• One-on-one interviews with School Board members

Across all sessions, participants expressed a desire for hands-on learning, flexible and inclusive spaces, mental health support, and strong connections to community and careers. Design preferences included natural light, quiet study areas, and comfortable, open environments.

“This is not just about building a school — it’s about building a place where students feel they belong, where they are seen, challenged, and supported,” said one participant during the Photovoice session.

Top priorities included CTE programs in health sciences, advanced manufacturing, IT, architecture and construction, and even social media/influencing. Internships and externships with local businesses were also emphasized.

What to Expect Wednesday Night

School division leaders are expected to explain how these community-driven ideas will be incorporated into the 1,400-seat school design. The presentation may also address how the reduced size will impact school boundaries and enrollment projections, with high school enrollment forecasted to rise by 153 students in 2024.

According to the CIP, construction is slated to begin in January 2027, with substantial completion expected by May 2029. A full design plan and updated construction timeline are expected during the meeting.

The public is invited to attend or watch the meeting online. Those wishing to speak during Citizens’ Comment Time must sign up before the meeting begins.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Covington-Harper Elementary School marked a special milestone this spring as its very first students returned—this time as high school seniors.

The school, which opened in 2017, welcomed back its original group of students for a celebratory “senior walk.” The event, shared by Prince William County Public Schools on Facebook, gave graduating 12th graders a chance to visit their former elementary teachers and inspire younger students.

Located at 2500 River Heritage Boulevard near Dumfries, Covington-Harper was established to serve the area’s growing population. Since then, it has faced overcrowding. As of 2024, the school was operating at 124% capacity, with 988 students enrolled in a building designed for 796. Eight trailers have been added to accommodate the overflow.

To help ease the strain, two new elementary schools are planned in Prince William County. One near Marumsco Plaza is expected to open in the 2026–27 school year, with another in Potomac Shores following in 2027–28.

Photos: Prince William County Public Schools

STAFFORD, Va. – Happy Last Day of School, Stafford students. As families head into summer break, school leaders are urging parents to start planning for next year, as the school day for some students will kick off earlier than usual.

The 2025–26 school year starts on Monday, August 11, with a special Transition Day for students entering kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. All other students will return on Tuesday, August 12.

Some Elementary schools will shift to new tiered start times to improve bus reliability and help with after-school schedules. Stafford County Public Schools announced the changes will take effect in August 2025.

Here’s how the new start and end times will break down:

8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

• Falmouth
• Grafton Village
• Hampton Oaks
• Kate Waller Barrett
• Margaret Brent
• Rockhill
• Rocky Run
• Stafford
• Winding Creek

8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• Anne E. Moncure
• Anthony Burns
• Conway
• Ferry Farm
• Garrisonville
• Hartwood
• Park Ridge
• Widewater

Middle and high school start times will stay the same. According to Stafford County Public Schools, the changes aim to reduce bus delays and make daily routines more predictable for families.

Updated at 4 p.m.

MANASSAS, Va. – The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is calling for stronger financial controls at the Prince William Education Association (PWEA) following a sharp drop in the local union’s cash reserves—from $1.4 million to just $63,000 in two years.

A letter from VEA President Carol Bauer, shared anonymously with Potomac Local News, outlines concerns from a recent internal review. The report shows PWEA is spending $53,000 more each month than it brings in and has accumulated $692,000 in credit card charges over a 20-month period.

“At current rates, PWEA might not be able to meet its financial obligations by the end of 2025, jeopardizing effective member representation,” Bauer wrote.

Despite the financial concerns, VEA has not taken control of the local union. Instead, it’s pushing a corrective action plan that includes a VEA-funded audit, new spending limits, and tighter restrictions on investment account withdrawals.

A VEA spokesperson confirmed the organization’s involvement in a statement to Potomac Local News:

“The Virginia Education Association confirms that we have communicated with Prince William Education Association leadership and members regarding financial oversight matters… VEA remains committed to supporting PWEA members and the important work they do on behalf of educators and students in Prince William County.”

As of this report, PWEA has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Gainesville District School Board Member Jennifer Wall told Potomac Local News she’s troubled by the situation and believes union members deserve transparency and accountability.

“While I do not independently have knowledge on the issue, and know only what has been relayed publicly through VEA’s communications, these allegations, if true, cause me great concern as a member of the PWCS School Board,” Wall said. “Our thousands of employees have a right to know how the PWEA is using their hard-earned dollars. If there is any fraud, waste or abuse by the PWEA, our PWCS employees not only have a right to know about it, but they have a right to hold their union leadership accountable. If the investigation shows that there has been any fraud, waste or abuse of employee funds, I encourage members to take action.”

Wall has consistently voiced concerns about collective bargaining and the PWEA’s leadership.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been a vocal critic of collective bargaining in general, and the PWEA’s approach in particular,” she added. “I’m on the record time and again, consistently expressing my concerns about the PWEA’s leadership, for precisely these types of concerns that VEA has raised with regard to fiduciary and financial responsibilities.”

Big Win, But Ongoing Tensions

The financial concerns come just months after PWEA and Prince William County Public Schools finalized a landmark collective bargaining agreement. Approved in January and celebrated in May, the deal expanded bereavement and parental leave, improved support for teachers changing grade levels, and continued the push for better compensation.

“When our educators have adequate employee benefits, they can devote their time and energy to their students and families,” said PWEA President Maggie Hansford in a school division press release.

But tensions between VEA and PWEA have lingered. In May 2024, then-VEA President James Fedderman launched a formal probe into PWEA’s finances and governance. Hansford fired back in a mass email to members, calling the move “an attempt to control and defame our union.”

Fedderman’s term ended in July 2024. Bauer, his successor, is now leading the oversight effort.

Hansford became PWEA President in 2020 and led the union through a VEA-imposed trusteeship in 2021 following previous financial and workplace concerns. Since then, two efforts to recall her leadership have failed.

Potomac Local News will continue to follow this developing story.

Stafford County Public Schools announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorians for the Class of 2025 today. The division will host ticketed graduation ceremonies for Mountain View and Stafford HS on Friday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, and North Stafford HS will host graduation on Saturday, May 31, at 8 a.m. All ceremonies will be available through a livestream link for those unable to attend.

The school division will graduate 2,611 seniors in total, setting them on their path to success. The Class of 2025 accumulated $10,125,381 in scholarships and will go into the workforce, serve in our military, and continue their education.

Brooke Point HS:
Olivia Holder, GPA: 4.703

Olivia has been accepted to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Alabama. Olivia participated in several organizations while at Brooke Point High School including Model UN, she was President of the German Club, and Co-Captain of the Varsity Academic Team. She was also Brooke Point’s representative for Girl’s State in 2024.

Karina Pacheco, GPA: 4.678

Karina Pacheco will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University with a double major in Performing Arts and Biomedical Science. She also plans on interning at the Capital and working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school. While at Brooke Point High School, Karina participated in Theatre, NHS, SSAC, HOSA, Crochet Club, Improv Art and DECA.

Colonial Forge HS:

Paulina Ilina, GPA: 4.875

Commonwealth Governor’s School senior Paulina Ilina is determined. She taught herself to swim and became swim captain two years later. She also coached younger athletes. Already bilingual in English and Russian, she earned her Seal of Biliteracy in French her junior year. She challenged herself to take a rigorous course load, including seven AP and one DE class her senior year. Outside of her classwork, Paulina has been an active volunteer with the Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Buddy Club, and served as vice president and then president of the French Honor Society and treasurer of Student Creators for Change. She has also volunteered in the community with her local swim teams, the Woodland Wahoos and the RAYs, and as part of GOYA, the Greek Orthodox Youth Association. She plans to double major in chemistry and world languages at the University of Virginia while working towards a career in pediatric emergency medicine.

Kelly Coulter, GPA: 4.859

In her four years with the Commonwealth Governor’s School, Kelly has earned numerous awards, including the CGS Math Award freshman year, and the CGS Overall Award in grades 10 and 11. She has been a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and the vice president of the History National Honor Society. She has volunteered her time with the Red Cross Club and UNICEF, and has served as an EMT. She also participated in French Club and DECA. Kelly hopes to make a difference and plans to pursue a pre-med path at the University of Virginia in the fall.

Mountain View HS:

Brody Kester, GPA: 4.907

Brody is a passionate and determined student, a mock trial and debate champion, a two-time varsity cross-country runner, a three-time FBLA regional event medalist, and an imminent Eagle Scout, honored with the Senior Patrol Leader Excellence Award. Through the MVHS gifted program, Brody attended the American Legion’s Boys State, earning Best City and winning the Moot Court Championship. As Cyber Club vice president, he competed on the winning CTF team, achieving top-three state finishes in the Commonwealth CyberCup for two consecutive years. Brody is a member of the Student Council Association, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he serves as a huddle leader and was recently awarded the Jersey Mike’s Champions of Faith Scholarship for his leadership. Every Sunday, Brody volunteers at church—either playing guitar or running the soundboard for worship. As a student leader, he heads the youth worship band with his keyboard and vocals. Informally, he enjoys reading physics and mathematics books, playing recreational soccer, and deconstructing orchestral chord progressions. This fall, Brody will attend the University of Virginia to major in computer science, pursuing a cybersecurity focal path including ethical hacking and data obfuscation, with prospective additional concentrations in law and data science.

Joline “Mei” Lee, GPA: 4.871

Mei is a dedicated and creative student, recognized as an AICE Cambridge Scholar and a U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist. Since moving to Mountain View, Mei has continued to pursue a rigorous academic path through a combination of IB, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. Passionate about the arts, she has received multiple Scholastic Art Awards and previously served as President of both Art Club and National Art Honor Society. While living in Florida, Mei worked as a graphic design intern for the school district, where she discovered her passion for design and connecting with her community. At Mountain View, she has continued her involvement in community service through volunteer opportunities in the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Bobcat Buddies. In her free time, Mei enjoys drawing, binge-watching her favorite shows, and collecting cute trinkets that make her smile. In the fall, Mei will be attending Northeastern University in Boston to study Mechanical Engineering and Design. She aims to explore the possibilities of artistic creativity with functional innovation.

North Stafford HS:

Caitlyn Spencer, GPA: 4.875

The daughter of a proud Filipina mother and a U.S. Air Force veteran father, Caitlyn has been committed to both academics and athletics. She was a part of the STAT engineering program and a proud National Honor Society member. Additionally, she participated in competitive Virginia aerospace innovation programs like the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) and the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS). On the field, Caitlyn was a varsity cross-country runner for four years while serving as a captain for two. She was also on the varsity girls soccer team for four years, leading the team as a senior captain. In the fall, Caitlyn plans to get a degree in aerospace engineering for astronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

Fabiola Rodriguez, GPA: 4.773

Fabiola is a STAT Biomedical Sciences program and the proud daughter of a Puerto Rican family rooted in service and education. Her mother is a dedicated teacher, and her father is a U.S. Navy veteran. Their values of perseverance, faith, and community have deeply influenced her journey. She served as President of the Hispanic Student Association, Vice President and Secretary of the Spanish Honor Society, and as an Officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and the All-County Choir. She is recognized as a College Board AP Scholar, received the National Hispanic Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy. She volunteers as a tutor and Sunday Bible School teacher.

During her senior year, inspired by her strong commitment to the well-being of the Hispanic community, she focused her STAT Capstone project on addressing mental health disparities affecting Hispanic adults. She conducted research and led an advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness and improving access to culturally competent mental health care. Fabiola will attend the University of Virginia to study Biology on the pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a neurologist.

Stafford HS:

Jenah Chase, GPA: 4.897

Jenah is the daughter of Tram and Julia Chase. She has been actively involved in sports, clubs, and activities over the past four years at Stafford High School. She has been a member of Varsity Field Hockey for four years, Girls’ Tennis team, and is the co-founder and co-president of Pickleball Club. Jenah is the secretary for Math National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is also a member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, and Key Club. Jenah has been a part of the Learn and Serve program for the past two years, where she has earned over 70 hours of community service each year. In her spare time, Jenah enjoys playing the piano and guitar, as well as playing board games, card games, and sports. Jenah will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall and plans to major in elementary education.

Rachel Kessler, GPA: 4.842

Rachel is a quadruplet born in Bethesda, Maryland to Captain and Mrs. George A. Kessler, Jr. Her father’s military career had the family move around as she grew up, which included living in Japan and Italy prior to arriving in Stafford. She has enjoyed her time at Stafford High School and was active in Key Club, National English Honors Society, Pickleball Club, and Girls Soccer. Her favorite class at SHS was AP European History. Her passions include reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Rachel plans to continue her academic career at Jacksonville University pursuing a degree in Nursing followed by a career in the U.S. Navy.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Walker-Grant Middle School is among just 220 schools nationwide selected to receive a $5,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.

The Fredericksburg school was chosen from applicants in 38 states to receive part of more than $1 million awarded this year. The funds will allow Walker-Grant Middle School to enhance its library offerings by purchasing new graphic novels, books in multiple languages, and updating its collection of essays.

The Laura Bush Foundation focuses on helping school libraries with the greatest need and aims to cultivate a love of reading among students. Since its launch in 2002, the foundation has provided $23 million in funding to more than 4,000 schools across the country.

Included in the list of highlighted titles for this year are I Loved You First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, and First Ladies Make History by Anita and Giovanna McBride. A copy of First Ladies Make History will be donated to every elementary school that has received a grant from the foundation since it began.

STAFFORD, Va. – A new class of future first responders is ready to serve.

In a Facebook post, Stafford County Public Schools congratulated the graduates of High School Fire Academy 6, a program that prepares high school students for careers in fire and emergency services. The photo shows a proud group of students in uniform standing in front of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, smiling with certificates in hand.

The High School Fire Academy is a partnership between Stafford County Public Schools and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. Students who complete the program receive hands-on training in firefighting skills and emergency medical response while earning high school credit and gaining a head start on their careers.

These young cadets represent the sixth class to complete the program — and judging by the photo, they’re more than ready for the next challenge 💪

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – As the Class of 2025 prepares to celebrate graduation, Prince William County’s School Board is expected to approve three major policy updates affecting religious expression, patriotic observances, and grading practices. The measures are on the consent agenda for the board’s meeting on Wednesday, May 21, and are likely to pass without discussion.

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STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Falmouth Elementary School students got a fresh taste of hands-on learning today, thanks to a Project Learning Garden enhancement grant from Cox Enterprises and the Captain Planet Foundation. The school celebrated the expansion of its outdoor classroom during a community event that drew local leaders and education supporters.

Originally built by students in 2017, the school’s learning garden now includes five raised beds filled with organic soil where students grow a variety of vegetables and herbs. With the help of a $500 grant, new gardening tools, a Vitamix blender, and a mobile cooking cart, students harvested their produce and prepared a garden-fresh salad—learning about nutrition, science, and sustainability in the process.

“This opportunity gives our students the resources to explore nutrition science, math, and language arts through hands-on learning,” said Principal Ashley Hall, in a press release. “With a deeper understanding of where their food comes from, our students will grow both in knowledge and appreciation for the world around them.”

Virginia House Delegate Joshua Cole (D-65, Fredericksburg, Stafford), Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke, Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton, and School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund attended the event. They were joined by Cox Enterprises representatives and members of the Captain Planet Foundation to recognize the school’s commitment to real-world learning experiences.

Captain Planet Foundation COO LaToya Henry called the garden a powerful educational tool. “It’s an excellent way to enhance students’ understanding of natural systems, food origins, and healthy eating,” she said.

Falmouth Elementary won the Project Learning Garden grant through an online winter contest. The program provides schools with raised beds, soil, seeds, and various instructional tools. It integrates with subjects like science, social studies, math, and language arts, helping students connect academic lessons with real-life experiences.

“Project Learning Garden significantly benefits children by inspiring them through direct engagement with nature,” said Kathryn Falk, Cox Communications’ Northern Virginia market vice president. “It aligns perfectly with Cox’s mission to empower millions to lead more prosperous lives by 2034.”