Schools

Dr. Tashika Griffith selected as new president of Germanna Community College

By Uriah Kiser
Dr. Tashika Griffith

“It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I assume the role of President of Germanna Community College,” said Dr. Tashika Griffith, who was appointed by Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, to become Germanna’s seventh permanent president, VCCS announced. “I extend my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Doré, the college’s Advisory Board, the search committee, and the many faculty, staff, students, and alumni who participated in this process.”

“I have been deeply impressed by Germanna’s strong sense of community and its steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success,” Dr. Griffith added. “I look forward to building upon this remarkable foundation as we continue advancing the College’s mission and impact across the region.”

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Teachers’ Union in Trouble: PWEA PAC Slapped With $1K Fine as Members Revolt

By Uriah Kiser

The Virginia Department of Elections has fined the Prince William Political Action Committee of Educators $1,000 for failing to file a required campaign finance report — the latest controversy to surface as the Prince William Education Association (PWEA) remains under state control and faces growing calls for transparency.

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Stafford School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund Addresses Title IX ‘Misinformation’ Ahead of Election

By Uriah Kiser

“Unfortunately, this time of year often brings an increase in misinformation and fear meant to influence local and state elections,” Maureen Siegmund wrote. “Recently, there has been renewed concern about Title IX and, in particular, student bathroom use in Stafford County Public Schools.”

Siegmund said district policies “are public, reviewed regularly, and fully compliant with all state and federal laws.” She cited legal guidance presented by the school board’s attorney confirming that the Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board case remains controlling law in the 4th Circuit, guaranteeing transgender students the right to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. Siegmund, running as an independent for re-election, added, “The law is the law, and I will continue to follow it.”

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Manassas City Public Schools Receives Telehealth Grant to Expand Student Mental Health Support

By Uriah Kiser

“Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) is pleased to announce a new initiative to provide mental health support to all students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “The division has been selected as a recipient of a telehealth grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).”

The telehealth grant will allow MCPS to expand access to mental health services through digital platforms, ensuring that students receive timely and confidential care. The initiative aligns with statewide efforts to increase behavioral health resources in schools across Virginia.

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Books and Bucks: School Board Balances Trust and Pay Talks

By Uriah Kiser
Members of the Manassas City School Board meet at City Hall on Sept. 25, 2025, where they voted to send the division’s grading policy back to the Policy Committee for revisions.

The Manassas City School Board’s next work session may look a little more like a book club than a government meeting — but the conversation could lead to real money matters.

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Prince William Leaders Worry About School Impacts as Shutdown Continues

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo by Karola G via Pexels]

The joint meeting, which took place on Oct. 8, came only one week after the federal government shut down. The shutdown went into effect on Oct. 1 when the Senate could not pass the spending bill; many Democrats have cited healthcare funding as their primary reason for opposing the bill.

And while government services have begun to slow or cease altogether, thousands in the DMV region are being impacted. Around 30,500 federal workers lived in Prince William County in February according to a county presentation. It’s unknown how estimates have and will change due to the Trump administration’s cuts to federal agencies.

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‘Clown Show’ at School Board Meeting as Parents Battle Over Gender Rules

By Uriah Kiser
Shamgar Connors, a Stafford County parent, delivers remarks in costume during the Oct. 14, 2025, Stafford County School Board meeting. Connors has used satire at previous meetings to criticize the school division’s gender identity policies.

The October 14 Stafford County School Board meeting turned contentious as several residents used the public comment period to debate gender identity, religion, and what some described as “truth in education,” culminating with one parent calling the controversy “a manufactured crisis.”

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Stafford High School Bands Unite for 15th Annual “Band Together to Fight Hunger

By Uriah Kiser
(Photo: Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

A countywide showcase of music and community spirit will return next month as Stafford County’s five high school marching bands come together for the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event.

Event coordinator Deb Pickeral and the drum majors representing each high school announced plans for this year’s concert during a presentation before the Stafford County School Board.

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Blake issues first public statement since School Board censure

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Blake campaign website]

Tracy Blake (Facebook) – “No matter what’s happening around us, the mission stays the same: make sure every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement to thrive — in school and in life,” Blake wrote on Facebook.

This is Blake’s first public statement since the Prince William County School Board voted to censure him on October 18, 2025.

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Schools Across Northern Virginia to Close October 20 for Diwali

By Potomac Local News
Brooke Point High School [Photo: PTSO Facebook page]

Public schools across Northern Virginia will close on Monday, October 20, 2025, in observance of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Stafford County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park schools will all recognize the holiday this year, giving students and staff the day off. Offices and administrative buildings in each division will also be closed.

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