Schools
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“We’re proud to share that our Superintendent, Dr. Daniel W. Smith, has been appointed by the Governor to the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This honor recognizes Stafford Schools’ strong partnership with military families, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and our commitment to supporting military-connected students across Virginia.”
The council works to address educational challenges faced by children of military families who frequently relocate, helping ensure consistent enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements across state lines. Stafford County is home to a large population of military-connected students due to its proximity to Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Rollins Kay will continue representing Ward 4 on the Fredericksburg City School Board following her re-election and swearing-in ceremony held Jan. 8.
Kay has served on the Fredericksburg City School Board for more than three decades and has been repeatedly re-elected to the nonpartisan position, often without opposition. Her new term continues her long-standing role in overseeing city public schools, including participation in budget and policy decisions.
The Platinum Design Award recognizes excellence in educational facility design, highlighting schools that support innovative instruction and adaptable learning spaces. Innovation Elementary was honored among projects showcased statewide during the annual VSBA Exhibition of School Architecture.
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The Education Freedom Tax Credit, also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit—up to $1,700—when donating to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These funds will provide scholarships to help families pay for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other services beginning in 2027.
In his announcement, Youngkin emphasized the program’s potential to help students with the greatest needs and praised former President Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for their support of education choice. Eight SGOs, including two Virginia-based organizations—Step Up, Virginia! and the Torah Education Scholarship Fund—have been approved to serve local students.
Middle school students across the Fredericksburg area will soon have a new way to explore civic engagement through the launch of the Fredericksburg Regional Civics Bee.
Hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with WorkForce NOW and the Oberle Academy, the event brings the national U.S. Chamber of Commerce competition to Planning District 16 — including Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.
“Congratulations to Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch, on his appointment to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committee,” Germanna Community College announced. “Your leadership, integrity, and dedication to keeping our community safe make this honor well deserved.”
“Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart,” the college added in its congratulatory message.
“Growth completely masked achievement realities,” Virginia Scope reported, quoting Virginia Superintendent of Public Education Emily Anne Gullickson during a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission meeting. “That’s limited our ability to really deliver the right support to meet individual students’ needs.”
“We want to make sure that students are making annual progress, that they are moving and that students are getting towards grade level or exceeding the grade level,” Gullickson said. “But growth cannot be more important than ensuring that students are truly prepared on the grade level content and are able to succeed and prosper upon graduation.”
“Do you know an MCPS educator who goes above and beyond every single day?” Manassas City Public Schools posted. “Now’s your chance to recognize them! Nominations are open for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year.”
“Whether they inspire students, lead with innovation, or build meaningful connections in and beyond the classroom — let’s give them the spotlight they deserve,” the school division stated.
Stafford County Public Schools to open two hours late Monday due to road conditions
“Due to current road conditions in some areas of the county, Stafford Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule on Monday, December 15, 2025,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This delay allows for safer travel conditions in the morning while preserving instructional time for our students.”