Schools

Stafford School Board approves $457.2 million budget for FY24-25, prioritizing education and staff pay

By Uriah Kiser
(File photo)

The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating budget during a meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in a 6-1 vote. The approved budget, in line with the School Board’s established priorities, aims to support various aspects of educational development without employing descriptive language.

The budget request is $42 million more than last year. Of that,  about $19 million would need to come from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. The total approved budget is $457 million for the 2024-2025 academic year, is slated for submission to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors for final approval.

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High school students explore career paths at Fredericksburg Intern Expo

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce]

On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.

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Juvenile charged in Stafford County swatting spree: Authorities crack down on tech misuse

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County authorities have charged a juvenile with multiple swatting incidents that targeted area schools last year, creating widespread panic and concern among students, parents, and staff. The investigation, which spanned several months, culminated in a search warrant executed at the suspect’s residence, where investigators seized a large cache of electronic devices.

The young individual, whose identity remains protected due to their minor status, has pleaded guilty to charges including making terroristic threats and the false summoning of law enforcement, states a Stafford sheriff’s office press release. This plea led to the forfeiture of all seized electronic devices, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings and sending a strong message about the consequences of such actions, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports, it adds.

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Debate ignites over future of Metz Middle School: Community divided on solutions for academic improvement

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The status report given by second-year Principal Gary Morris at the meeting sparked calls to action to improve Standard of Learning scores and the overall school culture.

School Board member Sara Brescia said the unique nature of Metz – having a 50% turnover rate each school year because the school houses only children in 7th and 8th grades – makes building a consistent, positive culture challenging.

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Stafford schools superintendent urges action on teacher shortage amidst soaring enrollment

By Sarah Romero
Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor addresses business owners at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Stafford County, Virginia.

Stafford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor addressed the pressing need for additional teachers as student enrollment in the school division continues to climb.

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Time’s up for Stafford schools’ ‘power hour’ lunch; Division reverts to 3-bell lunch schedule amid safety concerns and student incidents

By Uriah Kiser
A reporter interviews Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor.

The school division announced it will revert to a three-bell lunch schedule starting Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Potomac Local was the first to tell you administrators were scrutinizing the extended “power hour” lunch period following the arrest of at least 10 students involved in an early-morning fight at Brooke Point High School on January 29, 2024.

Later that day, police placed the school on lockdown after students assaulted two Brooke Point teachers in a separate incident.

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Tonight: Stafford Schools $453 million budget public hearing; Speakers sign up before 4 p.m.

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County School Board wants to hear from residents about the school division superintendent’s proposed budget for the 2024-2025 school year tonight, Feb. 6, 2024, at 7 o’clock.

Dr. Thomas Taylor unveiled a $453.4 million operating plan to prioritize student success, address growth, and emphasize the need for increased investment in education.

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Manassas City School Board Members call for grading policy reevaluation to boost Metz Middle School performance

By Letters to the Editor
A Manassas City Public Schools teacher and students [Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

We write to you as individual members of the Manassas City School Board regarding the recent article “Metz Middle scores decline…” and the significant online discussion that ensued.

However, we reject the notion that a high share of ESOL students inevitably condemns Metz to its current level of performance. To move forward, we must thoughtfully and accurately identify the problems facing our middle school, and we firmly believe that our students can achieve at a higher level.

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Stafford school officials scrutinize ‘Power Hour’ following lockdown

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public School officials are reviewing the division’s “Power Hour” lunch periods. High school students can walk around campus to have lunch with friends, study, meet teachers and guidance counselors, or attend workshops during these periods.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor said the power hour lunch was an idea introduced by students and allowed for the first time by the school division for the 2022-23 school year.

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Brooke Point High School in lockdown after fight

By Uriah Kiser

At 7:22 a.m. today, Stafford sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported fight at Brooke Point High School. Afterward, authorities placed the institution on lockdown for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

According to the county sheriff’s office, this decision aimed to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of students and staff.

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