Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Chris McManus, the new principal of Antietam Elementary in Lake Ridge. He’s a Prince William County native and an educator for nearly 20 years.


Deputies investigated a complaint about gunfire in the 2100 block of Mountain View Road in Stafford County, prompting temporary secure status at Mountain View High School and Margaret Brent Elementary School. The status was lifted without issues at the schools, and deputies remain on the scene. Further updates are pending.

Press release:


Occoquan Elementary is set to become the first net-zero school in Prince William County Schools and will be located in Woodbridge. The new 120,000-square-foot, three-level building will replace the oldest school in PWCS.

“The new Occoquan Elementary School will be a beacon of progress, embodying our dedication to providing an exceptional learning environment while respecting and preserving our planet,” Babur B. Lateef, chairman of the PWCS School Board, said at the ceremony. “This school will be a place where innovation thrives, where students are inspired to think critically and creatively and where they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. By harnessing the power of the sun and the earth, we are setting a precedent for future generations, teaching them the importance of sustainability and the impact of their choices on the world around them.”


Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Milagros “Milly” Polanco, the new principal of Unity Reed High in Manassas. Polanco started her teaching career with Prince William County Schools in 2015, and most recently served as assistant principal of Gar-Field High School.


Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Abigail Martinez, the new principal of Lake Ridge Elementary in Woodbridge. Martinez has been an educator for nearly 20 years and recently served as The Nokesville School’s assistant principal for two years.


Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Erin Sikes-Thurston, Ed.D., the new principal of Unity Braxton Middle in Manassas. Sikes-Thurston has been an educator for nearly 20 years and has spent the majority of her career in Northern Virginia.


The new elementary school will serve 1,070 students in a 130,000-square-foot building. The $46.1 million project is expected to be completed by June 2026, with substantial completion for temporary occupancy by April 2026.

The groundbreaking comes just days after the Stafford County School Board awarded a $44 million contract for constructing Elementary School 19. During its September 10, 2024, meeting, the board unanimously approved the contract with Branch Builds, Inc., to build the new school next to Brooke Point High School at 80 Black Hawk Lane. Similar in size to Elementary School 18, the 131,000-square-foot facility will also accommodate 1,070 students and is scheduled to open in 2026.


Traffic congestion and school bus delays dominated discussions at the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on September 17, 2024, as board members tackled the growing transportation issues facing the county.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Amanda Johnson, the new principal of The Nokesville School. Johnson has been a Prince William County Schools educator since the start of her career.


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.

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