Stafford - Page 78 of 83 - Potomac Local News

Shining a New Light: North Stafford High Powers Up Virginia’s Largest School Solar Array

Published September 12, 2024 at 3:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Submitted photo

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) celebrated a major step toward sustainability today with the unveiling of Virginia’s largest school solar array, a 1.8-megawatt installation atop North Stafford High School that is set to provide 90% of the school’s electricity while saving an estimated $2.8 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

On September 12, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to unveil Virginia’s most extensive school solar array. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students,” said Stafford County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. “Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future.”

Breaking News: Schools in Manassas and Stafford County on Alert Following Separate Incidents

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 1:09PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Schools across the region are on heightened alert today as police investigate multiple incidents at schools in Manassas and Stafford County. While no immediate danger has been reported, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure student and staff safety.

Incident at Osbourn High School, Manassas

Stafford School Board Chair Addresses Transportation Failures Amid Calls for Independent Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund, elected in 2021 to represent the Garrisonville District, spoke with Potomac Local News for the first time since the school division failed to provide transportation to more than 3,000 students at the start of the school year. The transportation issues, which affected about 10% of the student population, left parents struggling to find alternate ways to get their children to school for nearly two weeks.

Siegmund addressed the growing calls for an independent investigation into the transportation breakdown, stating, “We don’t know yet what that [investigation] will look like. The RFQs [Requests for Qualifications] are out, and once we get through that process, we’ll determine what that looks like.” When asked if any personnel changes had been made within the transportation department, Siegmund was unable to provide specifics but emphasized that discussions have been ongoing.

Stafford School Transportation Woes Spark Parent Outcry, Calls for Independent Review

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 11, 2024 at 3:16PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Multiple parents raised concerns about ongoing transportation issues in the school district at the Stafford County School Board meeting on September 10, 2024. During the citizen comment period, delays, missed buses, and lack of communication were highlighted.

Michael Schultz, a parent, addressed the board about the transportation challenges his daughter has faced. “We’re about in week five of the school year, and I can say that transportation has been consistently horrible and inconsistent in pretty much all aspects,” Schultz said. He described situations where students were left at school for extended periods, saying, “There were kids that were still at the school two hours and 45 minutes after dismissal.” Schultz expressed frustration at the lack of improvement and transportation discussions on the meeting agenda.

Stafford County School Board Awards $44 Million Contract for New Elementary School

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 11, 2024 at 2:49PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved the construction of Elementary School 19 during its monthly business meeting on September 10, 2024.

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

Stafford County Treasurer’s Office Recognized for Achieving Accreditation

By Aya Karouane

Published September 10, 2024 at 12:45PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County Treasurer Michael Sienkowski [Image: Stafford County]

Stafford County:

On June 24, 2024, the Stafford County Treasurer’s Office earned accreditation from the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia (TAV), demonstrating its commitment to excellence in public service. This recognition is part of the TAV voluntary Office Accreditation program, designed to ensure treasurer’s offices across Virginia uphold the highest standards of performance in treasury management. This year, 70 treasurer’s offices statewide received this prestigious accreditation.

Vindman Presses Anderson on Abortion Stance, Declines High-Profile TV Debate

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 9, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Vindman / Anderson

A press release from Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman’s (D) congressional campaign challenges his opponent, Derrick Anderson (R), to be transparent about his stance on abortion rights during upcoming debates and public events. Vindman’s campaign accuses Anderson of trying to hide his anti-abortion views due to their unpopularity.

Vindman, the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 7th District in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg, has openly shared his pro-choice position and plans to continue doing so at events throughout September and October. He pledges to vote for codifying Roe v. Wade and against a national abortion ban.

Stafford County Invites Citizens to Annual 9/11 Bell-Ringing

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 6, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County will host its annual 9/11 ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center in recognition and remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

This year marks 23 years since over 3,000 people died during attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Deep Dive: Exploring Stafford’s New SPARK Initiative for Business Success

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 5, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Zibibbo 73

Stafford County Economic Development is set to launch an innovative program called the “Strategic Pop-Up Advisory & Resource Knowledge” (SPARK) program.