Schools - Page 13 of 205 - Potomac Local News

Manassas School Board Set to Vote on Collective Bargaining Ban

Published April 7, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Manassas City School Board will vote Tuesday, April 8, 2025, on whether to formally prohibit collective bargaining with employee unions—a decision that could halt a movement launched earlier this year by local educators.

The resolution up for consideration, R2025-03, declares that no official or employee of the school division has the authority to recognize a labor union as a bargaining agent or to enter into collective bargaining agreements. It reaffirms the board’s current stance of non-engagement with employee unions and instead promotes a “meet and confer” model for addressing employee concerns.

Delays to New Elementary Schools Mean More Trailers, Overcrowding for Students at Covington-Harper

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 4, 2025 at 2:00PM

Two new elementary schools that could help ease overcrowding in Prince William County won’t open until at least 2026 and 2027, respectively, school officials say.

The Woodbridge Area Elementary School, located across from Marumsco Plaza along Route 1, is now slated to open for the 2026-27 school year, following a series of delays. The civil plan approval process with Prince William County took six extra months due to floodplain considerations.

Manassas School Board Honors Top Spellers, Musicians, and First-Ever Debate Team

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 28, 2025 at 1:00PM

It was a night of celebration at the Manassas School Board meeting as students from across the city were recognized for excellence in academics, fine arts, and public speaking.

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Manassas School Board Approves Budget with Many Priorities Unfunded

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published March 28, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Manassas City Public School Board. [Courtesy of MCPS]

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Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Manassas Council Voices Support for Competitive Teacher Pay Amid Budget Constraints

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 10:00AM

Members of the Manassas City Council voiced support for efforts to keep teacher pay competitive with neighboring Prince William County Schools during a joint meeting with the city’s School Board on March 26, 2025—even as the city faces tighter fiscal limitations and a far smaller student population.

The meeting came one day after the School Board adopted its overall budget for the next fiscal year on March 25, which includes $60.9 million in funding for Manassas City Public Schools. While the budget already includes a 5.5% average pay raise for all school employees, School Board members said an additional $1.7 million would allow them to offer a 7% increase—matching the raise announced by Prince William County Schools.

City, Schools Partner to Expand Recreation Programs for Fredericksburg Residents

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 8:00AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

A new agreement between the City of Fredericksburg and its public school system will open school gymnasiums and facilities to the public, expanding access to recreation programs for children, teens, and families.

On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved a shared-use agreement with Fredericksburg City Public Schools that gives the Parks, Recreation, and Events Department expanded access to school buildings, including the former Walker-Grant School, now Gladys West Elementary.

GMU Unveils Plans for Innovation District in Manassas, Seeks City’s Support

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated March 26, 2025 at 4:46PM

Katherine Johnson Hall on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University

George Mason University is leading a major effort to create Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, a sprawling 3,800-acre economic development zone centered around GMU’s SciTech Campus in Manassas and neighboring areas of Prince William County.

During a presentation at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for BioHealth Innovation at GMU, detailed the university’s vision for the Innovation District. The project would be anchored by George Mason’s research presence and designed to spur growth in four key sectors: aerospace and defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.

Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 5:05PM

Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.

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New Schools, New Boundaries: Stafford’s Plan to Relieve Overcrowding

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 7:00AM

(File photo)

As Stafford County continues to experience rapid population growth, school officials are moving forward with plans to open two new elementary schools—ES18 and ES19—in Fall 2026. These additions aim to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and are central to the school division’s redistricting plans under Scenario Green, which is currently under public review.

The Stafford County School Board recently reviewed projections showing both ES18 and ES19 will open at 95% capacity. The redistricting scenario ensures no elementary school will exceed 100% capacity in the first year of implementation. By 2030, only three schools are projected to be over capacity.

Manassas Park Schools Unveil $64.8M FY26 Budget Focused on Literacy, Staff Pay, and Student Wellness

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 22, 2025 at 9:00AM

On Tuesday, Manassas Park City Schools presented the governing body with a $64.8 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget outlines key priorities to improve academic performance, boost teacher compensation, and expand student wellness and mental health services.

Superintendent Dr. Melissa Saunders and Finance Director Mr. Lyon led the presentation, which showcased the division’s efforts to balance rising costs with a continued decline in student enrollment.