Schools

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

By Uriah Kiser
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.

Go to GMU Unveils Plans for Innovation District in Manassas, Seeks City’s Support Read more

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

By Uriah Kiser

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.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford), sought to add Stafford County to the list of localities eligible to consider the tax through a ballot referendum. McPike criticized the governor’s decision on social media, calling it a move that blocks local communities from choosing how to fund needed school improvements.

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

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

By Uriah Kiser
(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.

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

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

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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

Fredericksburg Schools Closed Amid FBI Search for Missing Teen; Suspect Now in Custody

By Uriah Kiser

The closure of schools Friday was a precautionary measure after the FBI’s Washington Field Office informed Fredericksburg Police on Thursday evening that Fasihullah may be in the city. Local authorities recognized the teen from the March 19 incident at the high school, where he fled the campus after being approached by a School Resource Officer.

Working with the FBI, police followed numerous leads throughout the day Friday, all of which initially turned up empty. Investigators believe Fasihullah stole a vehicle in Stafford County late Thursday evening, which was later recovered out of state on Friday afternoon.

Go to Fredericksburg Schools Closed Amid FBI Search for Missing Teen; Suspect Now in Custody Read more

Prince William School Board Approves $2.4 Billion Budget

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade, Ed.D. [Alan Gloss]

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

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

Go to Prince William School Board Approves $2.4 Billion Budget Read more

Prince William County School Board Set to Vote on Final FY 2026 Budget

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade, Ed.D. [Alan Gloss]

The Prince William County School Board will cast its final vote on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget during its meeting on Wednesday, March 19. The budget, which includes significant investments in teacher salaries, student programs, and school security, was reviewed during a work session on March 12.

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

Go to Prince William County School Board Set to Vote on Final FY 2026 Budget Read more

Teachers Talk Collective Bargaining in Manassas Schools Budget Hearing

By Caitlyn Meisner
Baldwin Elementary School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

Teachers and Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) employees were vocal about the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a recent Board meeting, voicing concerns over collective bargaining and funding.

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

Go to Teachers Talk Collective Bargaining in Manassas Schools Budget Hearing Read more

Snap, Crackle, Fall: Grafton Village Students Set Off a Chain Reaction

By Kelly Sienkowski

What sound do 1,455 cereal boxes make when they fall? Light thuds, and big cheers. Stafford’s Grafton Village Elementary School students filled the hallways on Friday, March 14 to cheer as cereal boxes toppled like dominoes through the school.

The breakfast, which was tumbled, wrapped up a two-week cereal donation drive. Students brought in unopened cereal boxes to their classrooms. The classroom with the highest total number won a Domino’s pizza and popsicle party. The winning 5th grade class brought in 162 boxes.

Go to Snap, Crackle, Fall: Grafton Village Students Set Off a Chain Reaction Read more

Stafford County Faces Tough Budget Choices Amid Rising Costs and School Funding Needs

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Stafford County School Board met in a joint session Wednesday evening to address critical budget concerns, including school funding challenges, rising property taxes, and long-term infrastructure needs.

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

Go to Stafford County Faces Tough Budget Choices Amid Rising Costs and School Funding Needs Read more
View More Stories