Schools

NOVA Receives Gift for Manassas Trades Center

By Potomac Local News

The funding names the HITT Energy Innovation Lab inside the 24,000-square-foot facility, which will focus on electrical and advanced trade skills. State data show that electricians remain a top workforce priority in Virginia, with strong demand for technicians who can handle building automation, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. The center’s groundbreaking occurred last year, and it is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

NOVA President Anne M. Kress said the partnership creates a learning environment that matches industry needs. HITT Co-President Evan Antonides highlighted the focus on technical skills and safety values. Provost Dr. Molly Lynch called the center a game-changer for preparing students for high-paying careers in the region.

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New Stafford Schools Move Forward Amid Higher Property Taxes

By Potomac Local News

The Stafford County School Board unanimously adopted its FY27 operating budget Thursday evening, one day after the Board of Supervisors approved a real estate tax rate that will significantly raise taxes for homeowners to help fund school construction and operations.

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Breaking: Measles Exposures Confirmed at Grafton Village Elementary School in Stafford County

By Potomac Local News

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed two new measles cases, with potential exposures reported at Grafton Village Elementary School in Stafford County and KidMed Stafford Urgent Care.

The patients are a pre-school age child and a school-age child who recently traveled together domestically. Health officials are working to identify and notify people who might have been exposed.

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Fredericksburg Schools Admit ‘We Can’t Keep Up’ with Bus Complaints, Allocate $100K for New Transportation Office Manager

By Potomac Local News

Transportation challenges for Fredericksburg City Schools continued to draw attention during the April 14, 2026, joint work session between the School Board and City Council, as officials reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget and explored ways to improve bus timeliness and routing.

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Aging School Infrastructure Takes Center Stage: JM Boilers, Hugh Mercer Roof, and Other Capital Needs

By Potomac Local News
[Image: James Monroe High School]

As Fredericksburg City Schools prepares its FY2027 budget, aging building systems and deferred maintenance took center stage during the April 14, 2026, joint work session with City Council.

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Fredericksburg Schools Face 29% Teacher Turnover; Officials Debate Retention Strategies in Joint Session

By Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg City Schools reported a 71% teacher retention rate for the current year, equating to 29% turnover, during a joint work session with the Fredericksburg City Council on April 14, 2026.

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Expected storms prompt prompt early school closures, dismissals

By Potomac Local News

Severe weather prompts widespread school adjustments across Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg on Monday, March 16, as a strong cold front brings risks of damaging winds over 70 mph and possible tornadoes.

Prince William County Public Schools will dismiss two hours early, Manassas Park City Schools will dismiss two hours early with specific times by level, Manassas City Public Schools will operate on early release with no PreK, while Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg City Public Schools will close fully or shift to remote learning.

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Stafford School Board Explores Revenue Sharing Deal with Supervisors for More Predictable Funding

By Potomac Local News

The Stafford County School Board is examining a potential revenue-sharing agreement with the Board of Supervisors that could provide schools with more stable, multi-year funding and reduce the uncertainty tied to the annual budget cycle.

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Jumping Shad, Diving Eagles: Witness Stafford’s Hidden Spring Wonder Along the Rappahannock

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources]

From mid-March through early May, thousands of anadromous fish surge upstream, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, and families to the riverbanks. Stafford County stands out as a prime, accessible spot to witness this ancient migration—often called one of the region’s best-kept secrets for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience blending wildlife, history, and seasonal wonder.

American shad (*Alosa sapidissima*) and hickory shad (along with river herring like alewife and blueback) are the stars. These fish spend most of their lives in the salty Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay but return each spring to freshwater rivers to spawn.

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Could your child walk farther to school? Stafford considers using fewer buses, explores efficiencies

By Uriah Kiser
Kindergarten students get off the bus at Park Ridge Elementary School on "transition day," Monday, August 11, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Stafford County Public Schools is considering expanding non-transportation zones (NTZs), areas where no bus service is provided, and families are responsible for getting students to school.

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