The pilot funding request was approved unanimously by the MCPS School Board on May 13 and needed to be formally approved by City Council. The Board requested $2 million from its fund balance be used to get the program off the ground.
Council's approval of this funding went hand-in-hand with its approval of the Board's purchase of 8700 Centreville Road, where the program would be housed along with the district's Central Office staff and operations.
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Manassas City Council approved the purchase of 8700 Centreville Road, the Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) headquarters, for $10.7 million in a 6-1 vote on July 28.
MCPS has leased parts of the space for more than 10 years, but began entertaining conversations regarding a purchase in 2022. MCPS was considering renovating the former police station at 9518 Fairview Ave., which was estimated to cost upwards of $11 million. It also considered leasing a new space entirely or continuing its current lease.
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As Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) prepare for the first day of school on August 12, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman introduced a group of new administrators who will be stepping into key leadership roles across the division. The announcements, made during the July School Board meeting, reflect a mix of fresh talent and internal advancement designed to strengthen support for students and staff in the year ahead.
New Principal at Round Elementary
Janita Boatwright was named the new principal of Round Elementary School. She joins MCPS with a strong background in instructional leadership and a student-centered approach to school culture.
“Ms. Boatwright brings energy, vision, and a deep commitment to student learning,” said Dr. Newman. “We’re excited to have her leading Round Elementary.”
Osbourn High Expands Administrative Team
Two new assistant principals were also welcomed to Osbourn High School: Fernando Montanez and Ashley Burnett. Their appointments come at a time of continued growth and innovation at Osbourn.
“Osbourn is a dynamic school with increasing academic and extracurricular opportunities,” Dr. Newman noted. “Mr. Montanez and Ms. Burnett will be valuable additions to the leadership team as we support the whole student.”
Central Office Adds Budget Services Leader
In the central office, Tamika Lovett‑Miller has been named Senior Manager of Budget Services. She will oversee fiscal operations, planning, and resource allocation across the school division.
“Tamika’s experience in public education finance will help ensure we’re investing wisely in our students and schools,” said Dr. Newman.
Internal Promotion at Metz Middle School
Dr. Leslie Jones, a well-known educator within MCPS, has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Metz Middle School. Previously serving as the division’s Science Content Specialist, Dr. Jones brings a strong instructional background and deep understanding of the MCPS community.
Though unable to attend the meeting, her promotion was announced with enthusiastic support from division leadership.
The newly appointed administrators were invited to gather for a group photo during the meeting, with board members and audience members offering their congratulations and support.
“It’s always important to connect names with faces,” said Board Chair Suzanne W. Seaberg. “These new leaders represent the future of our schools, and we’re proud to welcome them into their new roles.”
MCPS serves more than 7,000 students in the City of Manassas and is preparing for a strong start to the new school year. Families are encouraged to attend open house events in early August and to stay connected with their schools as the new leadership team gets to work.
For more information, visit www.mcpsva.org.
MANASSAS, Va. – Families in Manassas may be pleasantly surprised to learn that every student enrolled in Manassas City Public Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch again this school year—but it’s not a new perk.
The school division has been participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) since the 2021–2022 school year, a program that allows schools in low-income areas to serve free meals to all students without collecting household applications. What began during the height of the pandemic has quietly become the new normal for Manassas schools.
“This is not a new offering,” said school division spokeswoman Almeta Radford. “MCPS first offered CEP in SY 2021–22, while concurrently operating under COVID waivers and increased reimbursement. MCPS has operated CEP since that time, even when additional funding ceased.”
All schools in the division were eligible to participate under the Virginia Department of Education’s 2021 policy, which required participation in CEP unless doing so was not financially viable. At the time, pandemic-related funding made the model sustainable, and even after that extra funding ended, the division chose to continue providing meals to all students for free.
“Ensuring free meals was a priority for our students, which we have continued to do while remaining financially stable,” Radford said.
Before the switch to CEP, families had to submit income-based applications or qualify through direct certification in order to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Today, the program benefits all 7,700+ students in the school division, regardless of income.
And don’t expect lower quality because of the program. Radford says students still enjoy a wide selection of food that meets USDA nutrition standards.
“Schools have multiple options for main entrees, sides, and milk. MCPS’ menu blends speed-scratch cooking with batch-cooked, heat-and-serve items to provide popular options for all,” she said.
Students can purchase extra Ă la carte items for an additional cost. But each student is guaranteed one free breakfast and one free lunch per school day.
MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City School Board will meet Tuesday, July 22, to review progress on key projects ahead of the new school year, including construction of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, changes to the division’s Code of Conduct, and strategies to address bullying in schools.
Jennie Dean construction update
Crews are continuing to make progress on the $46.7 million replacement for Jennie Dean Elementary School, with the project still on schedule and within budget. The main building’s concrete slab is nearly complete, and masonry walls are now in place in the administrative, first, and second grade wings.
Mechanical trades are working ahead of finishing crews to ensure infrastructure is in place, and an exterior façade mockup will be assembled next month. Sitework this summer includes utility connections and construction of the new side parking lot, which is expected to reopen in time for the first day of school on August 12.
The future of the original Jennie Dean school building remains undecided, as city officials and community advocates continue to debate whether it should be demolished or repurposed.
Updated Code of Conduct for 2025–26
The board will also review the final draft of the updated Student Code of Conduct, which includes several major policy changes:
- Stricter cell phone policy: A new “Cell Phone-Free Education” initiative will restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
- PreK–4: No devices allowed
- Grades 5–6: Devices must be turned off and stored, not used at all
- Grades 7–12: No device use from first bell to dismissal, including lunch and between classes
Violations involving cyberbullying, sexting, or filming fights will lead to disciplinary action.
- Gang-related discipline: A formal re-entry conference will now be required following a 10-day suspension for gang-related activity.
- OTC medication misuse: The code adds new language clarifying disciplinary procedures for the misuse of over-the-counter medications such as cold remedies.
- Expanded use of restorative practices: Conflict mediation, behavioral interventions, and counseling are encouraged as alternatives to traditional discipline.
Focus on bullying prevention
The meeting will also include a presentation titled “Culture of Caring: Strategies for Addressing Bullying,” led by school administrators and counselors. The presentation will outline how bullying is defined and addressed under school policy, as well as the supports in place for students.
Key components include:
- Clear definitions of bullying, hazing, and cyberbullying, including the requirement that bullying involves a power imbalance and causes harm or emotional trauma.
- Investigation protocols: School administrators are responsible for gathering evidence, notifying parents, and applying appropriate consequences, which may include restorative practices or law enforcement referrals.
- Prevention programs: MCPS incorporates classroom lessons, peer mediation, individual and group counseling, and the division-wide “Sources of Strength” program to promote mental health, mentorship, and positive peer relationships.
Students and families are encouraged to report bullying to a trusted adult, with concerns escalated to the Director of School Leadership, Betty-Jo Wynham, if necessary.
The School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Manassas City Hall, 9027 Center Street, and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on the division’s website.
The project was first proposed by Superintendent Kevin Newman, Ed.D., in 2022, and recently began construction at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
"The project is generally described as demolition of the existing covered walkway, stairs and ramp and the construction of a new enclosed connector of approximately 5,650 square feet and associated site work," a website detailing contractor bids on the project states.
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Abigail Huser, a life science teacher and department lead at Metz Middle School, has been named Manassas City Public Schools’ 2025 Washington Post Teacher of the Year. Known for her energy, leadership, and dedication, Huser is being recognized for going the extra mile to support students’ academic and personal growth.
Huser joined MCPS in 2022 and quickly became a mentor, coach, and instructional leader. From translating lessons for multilingual learners to coaching the volleyball team, she brings creativity and heart to everything she does. Metz Principal Juliet Finnegan called her “the teacher every student hopes to have,” praising her ability to create a classroom culture rooted in curiosity and respect.
Her impact was on full display during a recent school math event, where students showcased their math skills in interactive ways. A crowd favorite was Dash the Robot, which helped students explore coding through hands-on programming activities. The school community turned out in force, with staff, families, and volunteers all contributing to the event’s success.
“She’s more than just a teacher—she’s a role model who empowers students and builds lasting connections,” said a parent of one of Huser’s students. Former students echoed that praise, calling her classes fun, engaging, and a safe space to learn and grow.
Huser was one of 13 finalists from the region considered for the prestigious Washington Post honor.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) employees may get an additional 1.5% salary increase for the 2025-2026 school year, pending School Board approval on June 24.
At the beginning of the budget process in February, the MCPS Board wasn't able to even fund a 5.5% salary increase due to budget constraints from City Council and the Commonwealth.
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MANASSAS, Va. – A spirited discussion emerged at the June 5 Manassas City School Board work session as board members debated whether the district should allow teachers to assign zeroes to students who fail to turn in assignments.
The proposal, introduced by board member Sara Brescia, aims to revise the current grading policy, which uses a 50–100 scale and does not allow grades below 50%, even for missing work. Brescia argued that the lack of a true zero disincentivizes student effort.
“Some students are calculating how many assignments they can skip and still pass,” Brescia said. “We need to help students develop habits that prepare them for life after graduation.”
Brescia’s proposal was modeled after policies in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, which use placeholders like “M” (missing) or “I” (incomplete) to indicate missing work. If a student makes no attempt within two weeks, a zero may be recorded. Brescia clarified that her proposal would retain the current grading scale but introduce a structured consequence for prolonged inaction.
Background: Ongoing Debate Over Grading Policy
This latest conversation follows a series of policy discussions stretching back nearly a year. On July 24, 2024, the board approved an amendment to the 2024–2025 grading policy allowing students to receive full credit for assignments turned in up to two weeks late and before the end of the quarter. The policy was adopted with a 5–1 vote, with only board member Robyn Williams dissenting.
Prior to the vote, the board had reviewed three different late-work policies, each retaining the 50–100 grading scale and incorporating flexibility around remediation and retakes. All were part of a broader effort to reimagine grading systems in response to post-pandemic challenges and declining student engagement.
Brescia also addressed this issue on an August 1, 2024 podcast episode hosted by Potomac Local News, where she outlined her perspective on why grading policies must evolve to better reflect both student learning and accountability.
The topic resurfaced publicly again in October 2024 as a major campaign issue during the school board election, when Potomac Local News reported on declining Standards of Learning (SOL) scores and community frustration with inconsistent grading expectations across classrooms.
Board Member Perspectives
In Favor of Exploring Zeroes (with Conditions):
- Sara Brescia: Advocated for zeroes as a last-resort tool after a grace period, saying current policy allows students to “game the system.”
- Dayna-Marie Miles: Supported the proposal based on personal and professional experience, arguing it encourages responsibility and prepares students for college and employment.
Opposed to Zeroes:
- Dr. Zella Jones: Warned that zeroes discourage students, distort academic achievement, and deepen learning gaps.
- Diana Brown: Emphasized the need for data-driven decision-making and cautioned against changes based on perception alone.
- Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman: Defended the 50–100 scale as a normalized 10-point system and stressed the need for equitable policies that account for external challenges facing students.
Other members, including Vice Chair Lisa A. Stevens and Chair Suzanne W. Seaberg, called for deeper analysis and input from teachers, students, and families before any further action.
While only two members expressed immediate interest in revisiting the grading policy, the board agreed decided not to conduct a broader data review in the coming school year. That analysis may would have included:
- Counts of 50s assigned for attempted vs. missing work (newly trackable in PowerSchool).
- Feedback from students, parents, and educators.
- Comparisons with college acceptance trends and GPA recovery rates.
Initially, the school board discussed setting a goal to bring back a comprehensive report before determining whether to propose formal changes, but most members changed their minds.
Editor’s note: This article has been corrected.
"I felt happy, excited, grateful, valued and above all blessed," Riveron-Wong said of winning the award. "Being recognized with this award has a very big and important meaning because it shows that I’m on the right path, that I’m doing things well and that my work is valued and appreciated by others."
The RISE, or the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, Award is given to support staff who "go above and beyond in their service to students, staff and the broader school community," an MCPS release stated. Nominees from each MCPS school, central office and the Transportation Department are evaluated in five areas: work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, support from colleagues and community members and enhancement of the public image of classified employees.
