Prince William County Public Schools
“Each year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our schools that go above and beyond to foster a culture of support, understanding, and resilience for our military-connected students,” shared Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist, as Prince William County Public Schools announced the recognition of 18 schools as 2025 Virginia Purple Star schools. “The Purple Star designation is a powerful acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that ensure every student, regardless of background or mobility, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
The Virginia Department of Education recognized 18 PWCS schools—including four first-time honorees and 14 renewals—for their continued support of military-connected students. With this recognition, 51 PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation, representing 53% of the division’s total schools.
I was proud to be part of PWEA under its previous leadership — a team of board members and reps who genuinely cared about educators and worked tirelessly for members, not for show. They listened, they answered, and they put people first. What we have now under VEA control couldn’t be more different.
This trusteeship has turned into a blatant power and money grab disguised as “rebuilding.” It’s not about supporting educators — it’s about control. The VEA can’t even answer the office phone or respond to emails, yet somehow finds time to cash our dues checks. That’s not leadership — that’s greed.
The joint meeting, which took place on Oct. 8, came only one week after the federal government shut down. The shutdown went into effect on Oct. 1 when the Senate could not pass the spending bill; many Democrats have cited healthcare funding as their primary reason for opposing the bill.
And while government services have begun to slow or cease altogether, thousands in the DMV region are being impacted. Around 30,500 federal workers lived in Prince William County in February according to a county presentation. It’s unknown how estimates have and will change due to the Trump administration’s cuts to federal agencies.
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
Tracy Blake (Facebook) – “No matter what’s happening around us, the mission stays the same: make sure every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement to thrive — in school and in life,” Blake wrote on Facebook.
This is Blake’s first public statement since the Prince William County School Board voted to censure him on October 18, 2025.
|
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
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
Go to Under State Control, PWEA Budget Devotes Nearly Half of Spending to Leadership Costs
Read more
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
