Schools

Manassas officials huddle to find school funding solution as residents face massive tax increases starting in 2020

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS — Record enrollment in Manassas Public Schools is driving the need to build a new elementary school, which could send the city’s tax rate skyrocketing.

The news of the potential tax hike comes on the heels of a 3.72 percent tax increase approved this week by the city council that takes effect in the fiscal year 2019 starting July 1, which hiked the average homeowner real estate tax bill to $4,075 percent to cover a promise to provide an additional 2.65 percent school funding increase. Last year, taxes jumped five percent to fund new capital improvement projects like a new police station to be built on South Grant Avenue.

Go to Manassas officials huddle to find school funding solution as residents face massive tax increases starting in 2020 Read more

As schools search for more space, Stafford leaders question plan to close an elementary school

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD — What seemed like a good idea about years ago may not seem like such a good idea anymore.

Stafford County leaders are questioning their plan to close Moncure Elementary School in North Stafford after a replacement school opens nearby next fall.

Go to As schools search for more space, Stafford leaders question plan to close an elementary school Read more

Pilot program to bring new school protection officers to Stafford elementary schools

By Uriah Kiser
(File photo)

STAFFORD — Three Stafford County elementary schools will have armed protection officers beginning the fall.

The Stafford Board of Supervisors voted to fund a low-cost pilot program that will place three new part-time sworn sheriff’s deputies and their full-time supervisor, a deputy sergeant, at the county’s sheriff’s office, will work as part of a $481,000 program during the 2018-19 school year.

Go to Pilot program to bring new school protection officers to Stafford elementary schools Read more

Schools superintendent urged to spend his summer on a listening tour after Reagan Middle School fallout

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts.

GAINESVILLE — After a former Reagan Middle School Principal was transferred following allegations of bullying, the way the school division announced the move has now sparked as much or more controversy as the original bullying allegations.

Alfie Turner, a Prince William County school administrator whose worked at Coles Elementary, Potomac Middle, and most recently Reagan Middle School was reassigned to public schools headquarters in the human rescues office the following staff and parent and teacher allegations that she bullied them.

Go to Schools superintendent urged to spend his summer on a listening tour after Reagan Middle School fallout Read more

Corey Stewart and his one-time opponent, now interim Chairman of the Prince William School Board, agree on something: More cops in elementary schools

By Uriah Kiser
Lateef

Dr. Babur Lateef, the newly appointed Prince William County School Board Chairman, says a plan funded by the county’s Board of Supervisors to put five armed community safety officers in elementary schools is a good idea.

“I fully support the pilot program. I believe it is another layer of security we can provide on a system that has multiple layers already. I look forward to the implementation of the program and the ultimate results. I think this program is a good example of community agencies, elected officials and community stakeholders working together to address serious concerns of the public,” Lateef states in an email to Potomac Local.

Go to Corey Stewart and his one-time opponent, now interim Chairman of the Prince William School Board, agree on something: More cops in elementary schools Read more
View More Stories