The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.

“The primary focus has been on improving and extending the life of our historic facility,” said UMW Aquatics Coordinator and Pool Operator Kyle Diederich, a senior on the men’s swim and dive team. “It has long been a place of opportunity, potential and excitement for those who use it. With this renovation, Goolrick Pool has been transformed into a modernized and improved aquatic facility, continuing to serve its purpose for current and future generations of UMW students and the local community.”

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Insidenova – “The Manassas City School Board is requesting the appropriation of state funds for a pilot alternative education program.

The board discussed the possibility of such a program in December. Manassas City Public Schools currently has an agreement with Prince William County Public Schools to use its program at Independence Nontraditional School.


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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board received a presentation detailing the root causes behind the failure of the school bus transportation system, which left about 3,000 students without a ride during the first week of the 2024-2025 school year this past August.

The analysis, conducted by Transportation Advisory Services (TAS), highlighted organizational restructuring and the rushed implementation of new routing software as major contributors to the debacle.

Departmental Restructuring: Confusion Amid Major Changes

One of the central contributors to the transportation system failure was the significant restructuring of the Stafford County School District’s transportation department. Key changes included shifts in leadership roles, reassignment of personnel, and an overhaul of departmental processes. These changes were introduced without a clear plan for ensuring staff understood their new roles and responsibilities.

The lack of clarity created a ripple effect of confusion among staff, who were left uncertain about their duties and how to collaborate effectively under the new structure. Misaligned expectations and unclear lines of communication resulted in operational inefficiencies, including delays in routing students and coordinating schedules. The confusion further weakened an already strained system, making it difficult to address the logistical challenges that emerged at the start of the school year.

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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board voted 6-1 to approve redistricting plan F1 in preparation for the county’s sixth high school opening Fall 2026. The plan addresses overcrowding and balances student populations across the district’s high schools.

Key Changes Under Plan F1

The approved plan prioritizes reducing capacity pressures at North Stafford High School and maximizing enrollment at Mountain View High School, which has struggled with underutilization. Board members cited geographic challenges and transportation logistics as key considerations in selecting the F1 scenario over others, such as plan E.

North Stafford High School, for instance, would see its projected capacity reduced from 97% to 93%, while Mountain View would experience increased enrollment to maximize its facilities.

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Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.

During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services’ mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.

Dr. David Doré, Virginia Community College System chancellor, praised Gullickson for fostering innovation, fiscal strength, and community partnerships at Germanna, positioning it for continued success.

Gullickson, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University, expressed pride in Germanna’s role in creating opportunities for students and driving regional economic growth. A nationwide search for her successor begins this fall.

One of Virginia’s largest community colleges, Germanna serves a diverse population across a region larger than Delaware, supported by over 800 employees and an annual budget exceeding $55 million.

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Daryl Price, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, now has his artwork on display in an international exhibition.

Price submitted his Advanced Placement (AP) art studio portfolio to the College Board in 2024, and was one of 50 students selected out of 80,000 to have their artwork displayed on the international stage.

“I feel so incredibly honored to have my work be chosen to be part of such an awesome exhibition,” Price said.

Price was in the two-dimensional studio art class. According to a Prince William County Schools (PWCS) press release, Price created scenes paying homage to punk music.

“In my years in PWCS, I think all of my art teachers have been really supportive of just creation and my imagination in general,” Price said. “Colgan itself … really helped me find and establish my creative voice.”

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