Stafford - Page 54 of 93 - Potomac Local News

What DEI Looks Like in Stafford Schools—And What It Doesn’t

Published May 12, 2025 at 9:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from addressing school transportation issues to tackling equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 5: Equity and Inclusion — DEI in Today’s Climate

Stafford Narrowly Approves $2.95M Warehouse Purchase Despite Pushback

By Potomac Local News

Published May 12, 2025 at 8:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved a $2.95 million warehouse purchase on Blackjack Road, siding with school officials who say the facility is essential to meet the district’s growing infrastructure needs, despite concerns from some supervisors who argued the deal was rushed and overpriced.

In a 4-3 vote, the board passed Resolution R25-105, authorizing Stafford County Public Schools to use leftover funds from its FY2024 budget to buy the building at 42 Blackjack Road. The warehouse currently houses several school division operations, including IT storage, bus driver training, and nutrition services. School leaders say owning the space will end the need to rent it and provide a long-term solution as the division grows.

Plan Ahead: Dale City Rest Area Closures, Lane Shifts, and Road Work on I-95 and Local Roads This Week

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:46PM

Drivers traveling on Interstate 95 and local roads through Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region this week should plan for overnight lane closures, ramp work, and rest area closures, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Dale City Rest Area to Close for Paving

Stafford County Shines a Spotlight on Top Educators and Staff at 2025 Gold Star Gala

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:24PM

Tracey Watterson of Colonial Forge High School, honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, poses with district leaders at the Gold Star Gala in recognition of her exceptional dedication to students. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night to honor its top educators and staff members at the 2025 Gold Star Gala. The annual event recognizes employees across a wide range of roles who help students succeed every day.

The celebration, held before a crowd of staff, students, and community members, included student-led presentations. Gabriella Irish, the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board, kicked off the event with a welcome address. The North Stafford High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by Mountain View High School student Raina Chan singing the National Anthem.

A New Drew Middle School Is One Step Closer to Reality

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $2.5 million on land for the long-awaited rebuild of Drew Middle School.

The money, pulled from the county’s Capital Projects Fund, will be transferred to the Schools Capital Projects Fund to buy a new site for the school. The rebuild has been years in the making—and for many in the community, it’s personal.

Hazmat Spill Shuts Down Road in Stafford After Crash Near Ferry Road

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 6:32PM

STAFFORD, Va. – A vehicle crash involving hazardous materials shut down a section of Town and Country Drive on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

According to Stafford County Fire and Rescue, crews were called just before 1:30 p.m. to the 100 block of Town and Country Drive, near Ferry Road, for a reported traffic accident. On arrival, responders discovered that the vehicle involved was transporting a large container of herbicide, which was actively leaking at the scene.

Red Carpet Ready: Riverside Theater Honors Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 2:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway is meeting the ‘Burg this weekend as Fredericksburg native Tug Coker takes center stage as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The show opened Wednesday, May 7, and a special red-carpet celebration is set for Friday, May 9.

Coker, who was raised in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg Academy, brings an impressive résumé to the Riverside stage. Known for his roles on Broadway and on hit shows like The Office, Billions, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this marks his first professional performance in his hometown. He studied theater at the College of William and Mary and played professional basketball overseas before pursuing acting full-time.

Stafford Could Soon Use Speed and Red-Light Cameras in School Zones, Work Areas

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 8, 2025 at 5:59PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took a major step toward launching a traffic camera program aimed at slowing down drivers in school zones and highway work areas.

Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize County Administrator Bill Ashton to advertise a public hearing for June 17, 2025. The hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed ordinance that would allow speed and red-light enforcement cameras in designated areas.

From Federal Jobs to Classrooms: How Stafford Schools Are Hiring Local and Teaching for Tomorrow

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 9:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 4: Building a Workforce for the Future — Hiring Local, Teaching Real-World Skills

Help Name the Horse at Laudenbach Brewing’s Taproom

By Potomac Local News

Published May 7, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 7, 2025 at 1:35PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Brewing wants your help naming a key part of its identity—the horse in its logo.

In a playful twist, the family-owned brewery announced it never gave the horse a name and is now turning to customers to fix that. Through May 18, guests visiting the taproom can submit their best name ideas by writing them down and dropping them into the suggestion box at the bar. The brewery’s owners will narrow the list to five finalists.