Could your child walk farther to school? Stafford considers using fewer buses, explores efficiencies
Schools
In a decision that underscores the protections afforded to union leaders under Virginia’s collective bargaining laws, a neutral arbitrator has ruled that Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) committed unfair labor practices by refusing to rehire former Prince William Education Association (PWEA) President Mary “Maggie” Hansford in August 2025. Hansford, who led the union through historic wage negotiations, described the ruling as a moment of “relief and gratitude” in an exclusive statement to Potomac Local News.
The case centers on PWCS’s denial of Hansford’s applications for a speech-language pathologist position and a substitute teacher role. The school division cited media reports of a Virginia Education Association (VEA) audit alleging mismanagement during Hansford’s PWEA presidency, which led to an emergency trusteeship imposed on July 21, 2025. The trusteeship, which suspended Hansford and the PWEA board, was upheld following a contentious 14-hour hearing in August 2025.
A Brentsville District High School senior has become the first high school student in the nation to serve as chair of a county Farm Bureau committee, according to Prince William County Public Schools.
Hunter Ringer, president of the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, was selected to lead the Prince William-Fairfax Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee after the position was left vacant for the year. Farm Bureau President Stephanie Cornnell proposed Ringer for the role after noticing his leadership and dedication to agricultural education.
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Prince William County officials defended new permitting rules for school theater stages after teachers and students raised concerns at a School Board meeting on February 18.
The controversy stems from a January 13, 2026, memorandum issued by Prince William County Risk Management, enforced through the county permitting office. It mandates county permits, structural reviews by licensed engineers or contractors, and a four- to six-month approval timeline for any temporary theatrical stage or platform exceeding 16½ inches in height or 120 square feet in area, particularly when supporting 10 or more people.
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Multiple school divisions in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and surrounding areas closed schools Monday, February 23, 2026, as heavy snow accumulated overnight, while others maintained delays.
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Fredericksburg City Public Schools has proposed a $68.4 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027, a 5.8% increase, as the division works to address ongoing academic gaps highlighted in its latest Standards of Learning results.
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The Stafford County School Board will consider a resolution on Tuesday seeking authorization for future school construction bonds.
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Several school divisions across Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region will operate on modified schedules on Thursday as crews continue to address lingering snow and ice from the January 25, 2026, ice storm. One division plans a full return to normal operations, while others will open with delays. Some systems have not yet announced a decision.