Manassas City Public Schools
The School Board of the City of Manassas began the new year by electing Jill Spall as its new chair during its annual organizational meeting on January 5, 2026. Spall, who previously served as vice chair, takes over leadership of the board and says she’s focused on continuity and keeping students at the center of decision-making.
Dr. Zella Jones was elected vice chair, stepping into the role as the board looks ahead to another year of guiding Manassas City Public Schools. The board also approved several routine appointments, including continuing Alba Garza as Clerk and Maureen Wilcoski as Deputy Clerk.
The ARTfactory in Manassas will host its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition awards ceremony on Saturday, January 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with awards announced at 2:30 p.m. Guests can meet student artists, view the exhibit, and enjoy a live judging of Wearable Art designs.
This year’s exhibit, running from December 18, 2025, through January 25, 2026, features work by more than 70 students from nine Prince William County high schools. Categories include Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography, with professional adjudicators selecting winners in each.
“Only two of our nine schools have met the new state designation of being On Track, however, most (with two key exceptions) also showed meaningful improvement, and if this pace continues, most of our schools will likely meet the On Track designation in a year or two,” Sara Brescia, Manassas City School Board wrote. “I will give you an earnest assessment that celebrates our areas of success, but also doesn’t sugarcoat our problems.”
“What happened at Round last year and what has been consistently plaguing Metz in student achievement is nothing less than an emergency, and it will take full-building pivots to get to where our students need us to go,” Brescia stated.
“Do you know an MCPS educator who goes above and beyond every single day?” Manassas City Public Schools posted. “Now’s your chance to recognize them! Nominations are open for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year.”
“Whether they inspire students, lead with innovation, or build meaningful connections in and beyond the classroom — let’s give them the spotlight they deserve,” the school division stated.
“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”
Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.
“Due to the forecasted inclement weather, all Manassas City Public Schools and offices will be closed Friday, December 5, 2025,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “Code Blue for employees. AlphaBest is also cancelled.”
The division said the closure applies to all schools, administrative offices, and before- and after-school programs.
“We will operate on a two-hour delayed start for students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “This means students will report to school two hours later than their normal time. Bus riders will report to bus stops two hours later than their normal time. There is NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K.”
“Our internal IT team, working closely with outside cybersecurity experts, has made significant progress in restoring division systems after the recent cybersecurity incident,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman stated. “We truly appreciate your patience, trust, and understanding as we worked to ensure our systems and campuses were ready for students and staff to return.”
“Osbourn High School’s ‘It’s Academic’ team — made up of students Victoria, Gabrielle, and Marshall — proudly represented MCPS during the show’s 65th season taping on October 25,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “Special thanks to the team’s coaches, Mrs. Bond, Mr. Iqbal, and Ms. Hagood, as well as Chair Seaberg, Vice-Chair Spall, Ms. Tania, and Mrs. Cook for their support in making this experience possible.”
“We can’t wait to cheer them on when their episode airs January 10 — stay tuned!” the division added.
