STAFFORD, Va. – For the second time in less than a week, Stafford County students experienced a school lockdown.

Stafford High School went into lockdown twice this morning, beginning at approximately 9 a.m., due to a malfunctioning alarm. Deputies and school staff confirmed there was no active threat. The lockdowns were lifted, and regular activity resumed. Parents arriving at the school were directed to nearby Chichester Park.


“Start small” for now: what we know so far
In response to our inquiries, Sandra Osborn, a school spokeswoman, confirmed that Falls Run and Crow’s Nest elementary schools will open at reduced capacity, and Hartwood High will open without a senior class in its first year. She also shared new details about staffing and the teacher transfer process.

Key takeaways:


The Fredericksburg City School Board has selected Elizabeth Rehm to temporarily fill the Ward 3 seat left open after Jennifer Boyd resigned on Sept. 8, 2025, when she moved out of the city.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg City School Board will meet tonight to choose a temporary replacement for Ward 3 representative Jennifer Boyd, who resigned earlier this month after moving out of the city.

Boyd’s departure on Sept. 8 left a vacancy the Board must fill by appointment. Whoever is chosen tonight will serve through the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2025.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – School leaders from across the region gathered Wednesday to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing local students—and how businesses can play a bigger role in preparing the future workforce.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the Sept. 17 Workforce Now luncheon at the Fredericksburg Country Club, drawing about 140 attendees and 50 students from area school divisions, Germanna Community College, and the University of Mary Washington. The panel included superintendents Marci Catlett of Fredericksburg, Sarah Calveric of Caroline, Clint Mitchell of Spotsylvania, and Daniel Smith of Stafford, along with King George Deputy Superintendent Troy Wright. Dr. Pete Kelly, Dean of UMW’s College of Education, moderated the discussion.


Stafford County supervisors clashed Tuesday over who should pay for road improvements tied to two new schools scheduled to open in 2026.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


Manassas leaders are weighing a new five-year roadmap that will tie directly into city budgets, with goals ranging from improving student outcomes to replacing the city’s oldest fire station.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


STAFFORD COUNTY, Va – Stafford County Public Schools will draw on its health benefits reserves to cover a sharp increase in employee healthcare costs.

The Board of Supervisors on Sept. 16 unanimously approved the school division’s request to use $1.5 million from its health benefits fund after claims rose 25% in the past year, far above normal levels.


The Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on September 3, 2025, to approve revisions to the division’s 2025–26 Code of Behavior, adding detail and correcting technical issues that surfaced after the policy was first adopted this spring.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


Parents and teachers pressed school leaders Thursday night over grading policies and accountability in Manassas City Public Schools, raising concerns that a controversial “50 floor” grading scale encourages students to coast rather than complete their work.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


View More Stories