Schools

New Specialty Center Prepares the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Analysts, and Cybersecurity Experts

By Potomac Local News
Stafford schools suggests wellness fair participants bring a canned food donation to benefit those in need through S.E.R.V.E. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E.]

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County Public Schools just told Potomac Local News they’re opening a new Business and IT Center at Colonial Forge High School—and more than 130 students are already signed up.

This specialty program is all about getting teens ready for the jobs of tomorrow, with pathways in Business Administration, Business IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. Students will learn from industry-recognized curriculum, earn certifications, and tackle real-world projects—all while connecting with local business leaders.

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Exclusive: Hansford Blocked from Returning to PWCS After VEA Takeover of Local Teachers Union

By Alan Gloss

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has told suspended Prince William Education Association (PWEA) president Maggie Hansford it will not consider her for employment, citing concerns raised in the Virginia Education Association’s (VEA) recent takeover of the local teachers union.

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Exclusive: Stafford Schools Say Transportation System Ready After Last Year’s Collapse

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County Public Schools Transportation Director John Wilcots

Stafford County Public Schools officials say they’re more prepared than ever to get students to class this year, thanks to sweeping changes in the division’s transportation department.

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Early Birds Could Snag Full-Ride Scholarships, UMW says

By Potomac Local News
University of Mary Washington sign

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is now accepting applications for first-year students hoping to begin classes in Fall 2026—and those who apply early could land some of the school’s top scholarships.

According to a university press release, applications opened August 1 and can be submitted through the Common App or directly at umw.edu/admissions/apply. Early decision (binding) applications are due by November 1, while early action (non-binding) applicants have until November 15. Regular decision applicants have until February 1, 2026. Students who apply early are given priority for scholarships and admission decisions.

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PWEA Shake-Up: Alcohol, Pajama Parties, and Union Infighting — Ousted Board Members Speak Out

By Alan Gloss

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) will hold a formal hearing on August 23, 2025, to determine the future of the Prince William Education Association (PWEA), which it placed under emergency trusteeship in late July.

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A ‘Glorious’ Opening, Shadowed by Spending: Walker–Grant Middle School Begins a New Chapter in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Community leaders, educators, and descendants of historical figures gathered Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly built Walker–Grant Middle School, celebrating what many called the start of a new era in Fredericksburg education.

The former middle school at 1 Learning Lane, just off Route 1, will be repurposed as Gladys West Elementary School. 

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Manassas Park Schools Hit by Ransomware—Here’s What We Know So Far

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The folks at Manassas Park City Schools just told Potomac Local News they were the target of a ransomware attack back in June—and some personal information might’ve been exposed.

The school division says it first learned of the incident on June 13, 2025, and quickly brought in IT staff and outside cybersecurity experts to investigate and secure its network. Hackers had reportedly accessed the system a day earlier and encrypted parts of it. While there’s no confirmation that anyone’s personal data was taken or misused, officials are alerting those who might be affected—just in case.

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Manassas City Council Approves Schools’ Purchase of 8700 Centreville

By Caitlyn Meisner
Manassas Public Schools HQ at 8700 Centreville Road.

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Stafford Schools Rolls Out SCOUT, a New Mobile Engagement Vehicle

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

The event, held in the parking lot of Target at Stafford Marketplace, featured music, giveaways, children’s book readings, and the collection of filled Empower Packs—backpacks stocked with school supplies for students in need.

SCOUT, which stands for Strengthening Community through Outreach, Understanding, and Trust, was unveiled at 9 a.m. to applause and chants of “Roll out SCOUT!” led by School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund. The vehicle is designed to bring educational resources, enrollment help, wellness information, and support services directly into neighborhoods across Stafford County.

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Locked Out: PWEA Office Shuttered, Members Barred as State Union Control Deepens

By Potomac Local News

New images obtained by Potomac Local News show school supplies and personal items—once housed inside the union office—discarded in a dumpster outside the building. According to a PWEA member who shared the photos, union employees have been unable to retrieve their belongings.

The latest development adds to the turmoil surrounding the VEA’s July 21 decision to take control of PWEA, the largest local teachers union in Virginia, citing what it described as “gross financial mismanagement” and falsified board records. The VEA has not publicly commented on why the office is locked or why staff and members are being denied access to their property.

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