New and returning Prince William County School Board Members took an oath of office at a ceremony held at the Kelly Leadership Center on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Their term will begin on January 1, 2024, and end on December 31, 2027. Four members will be returning to represent their districts: Jennifer Wall (Gainesville), who served as Vice Chair this year, Justin Wilk (Potomac), Loree Williams (Woodbridge), and Lisa Zargarpur (Coles). Three new members were elected on November 7 and took the oath of office: Richard Jessie (Occoquan), Tracy Blake (Neabsco), and Erica Tredinnick (Brentsville).
Tredinnick beat incumbent Adele Jackson in the November 7 General Election. Voters chose Jessie to replace his wife, Lillie, who did not seek reelection after serving three terms. Blake returns Diane Raulston, who didn’t seek reelection and was largely absent for most of her term.
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Prince William County Public Schools: “The Freedom High School football team secured the second state title in school history with its 42-34 win over Highland Springs High School on Saturday [December 9, 2023] in the VHSL Class 6 state football championship. The game took place at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Virginia Scott stadium. This caps off another undefeated season for the Eagles with a 2022 season at 15-0 and the 2023 season 14-0.”
“Both teams in this year’s final competition were state champions last year; the Highland Springs Springers were the VHSL Class 5 champions, and the Eagles were Class 6.”
Prince William police: “Assault & Battery | PWC Public School Staff Member Arrest – On December 8, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Beville Middle School located at 4901 Dale Boulevard in [Dale City] was notified of an alleged assault by a teacher’s assistant against a student. The investigation revealed a student, a 12-year-old male juvenile, and a teacher’s assistant, identified as the accused, were walking in a hallway when the accused grabbed the victim by the shoulders and pushed him into a door before the parties separated. The victim was evaluated by the school nurse where no injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Paul OPOKU AMPEM, was charged. Charged on December 12: [No Photo Available] Paul OPOKU AMPEM, 60, of 18201 Jillian Lane in Triangle. Charged with assault and battery. Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons.”
Prince William police: “Unlawful Filming on School Grounds – On December 4, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Hylton High School located at 14051 Spriggs Road in Woodbridge concluded an investigation into an inappropriate picture taken on school grounds. The investigation revealed on November 20 at approximately 1:30 p.m., a male student, identified as the accused, took an inappropriate photo of another juvenile male student while in a school restroom.”
“The accused later posted the photo to a social media app where another student saw the photo and notified a teacher. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile, was arrested. Arrested on December 4: [Juvenile] A 15-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge. Charged with unlawful filming. Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”
Prince William police: “Aggravated Assault | Firing Projectiles at an Occupied Vehicle – On December 8 at 2:41 p.m., officers responded to the area of Harbor Drive and Colby Drive in Woodbridge to investigate reports of injury and property damage from BB projectiles. The investigation revealed two occupied Prince William County Public School buses were struck by BB projectiles in the above area. Windows were damaged on both buses and one occupant sustained a cut from the broken glass. No additional injuries were reported. Additionally, a female juvenile and a male juvenile, both 17 years of age, were walking separately in the area of Old Bridge Road and Oakwood Drive when they were also struck by BB projectiles. Both juveniles were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Officers searched the area for the suspect(s), who were not located. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation continues.”
“Board members on Dec. 5 supported a revised version of an amendment proposed at the board’s last meeting; the revision was based on public comments and remarks submitted by board members.”
Prince William County Public Schools: “The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) selected 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students to perform in the 2023 VMEA Senior Honors Choir at the VMEA annual conference held recently.”
“PWCS is proud to have these exceptionally talented seniors represent our school division at this year’s VMEA honors choir,” said Michelle Milligan, administrative coordinator of the arts in PWCS. “Thank you to our dedicated teachers, students, parents, and community supporters, and congratulations to these students on your successful achievement in music that is being recognized and celebrated at the state level.”
“To be selected to perform in this choir, students go through an extremely rigorous process. They compete against the top high school vocal talent in Virginia, making it the most challenging audition and choir experience available in the commonwealth.”
The Prince William County Board of Suepervisors and School Board will hold swearing-in ceremonies.
The school board will hold its ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the school system's headquarters, Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road, near Dale City.
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“Freedom-Woodbridge High School defeated Highland Springs 42-34 Saturday at the University of Virginia to claim its second straight Class 6 state football title,” Insidenova.com reports.
