On the night before school started, Potomac Local News was the first to report that Stafford County Public Schools left more than 3,000 students and their parents scrambling when it failed to provide bus transportation to students who expected to ride the school bus.

The school division waited until the last minute to inform parents, causing many to rush to adjust schedules and make alternate arrangements to get their children to school.

Questions about what happened have only grown in the weeks since this debacle. Despite our multiple requests, no elected county school board member has agreed to be interviewed by Potomac Local News.

We have not forgotten, and we believe you deserve answers. We’ll continue reporting on this critical issue and cover the upcoming county school board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Intersestly, as of this post, there is no scheduled discussion about the school bus issues on the meeting agendas.

The School Board will meet next Tuesday, September 10, 2024, for a 5:30 p.m. work session and a 7 p.m. meeting where the public may speak. Both meetings will be live-streamed. The broadcasts will also be live on local cable channels: Comcast channel 18, Cox channel 89, and Verizon channel 38—replays air on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

You can read our previous reports for our continued coverage of this issue.

Thank you for your continued support of local news in our community. We are here to ensure you stay informed.

On September 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call reporting a suspicious event near the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street.

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Press Release:

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I’m excited to share that we’ve just published our sixth “Meet the Principal” post, and even more profiles are coming!

Our Manassas Local Editor, Caitlyn Meisner, is working diligently to spotlight nearly two dozen new principals who have just started their roles in Prince William County this year.

Additionally, Caitlyn has been hard at work posting the responses from the candidates for the Manassas City Council in our ongoing feature, the One-Question Candidate Survey. As voters look toward the future of their city, from taxes to schools, real estate development, and data centers, we’re committed to bringing you the answers that matter most.

Just to the south, Fredericksburg Local Editor Kelly Sienkowski works tirelessly to get answers from candidates running in the federal elections for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

We’re dedicated to connecting you to your community and ensuring you stay informed.

Three of the four candidates shared their thoughts in our second week of candidate survey responses. This feature series aims to help voters in the 7th District make an informed decision by providing insight into each candidate’s position on critical issues affecting our region.

• Explore our Meet the Principal Series to learn more about the individuals shaping education in our community.
• Check out our One-Question Candidate Survey to hear directly from the candidates for the Manassas City Council.
• See our 7th District Candidate Survey to hear from the candidates running for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

Your support helps us keep the community informed—please consider becoming a member today. Thank you for being part of Potomac Local News!

I chose to come to Pennington Traditional School because of its reputation for academic excellence, strong values, parent involvement, and being a great environment for teaching and learning. I previously served as the principal of Gravely Elementary School for the last eight years.

I served as the principal of Gravely Elementary for the past eight years, assistant principal of Newington Forest Elementary School in Fairfax for five years and spent another six years teaching in both Fairfax and Charlotte, N.C. Throughout my time at PWCS, I provided district leadership by serving on various committees, including the Superintendent Principal Advisory Council, PWCS Return to Learning Planning and Logistics Committee, and PWCS Standards Based Teaching and Learning Committee. I was also a nominee for Elementary Principal of the Year in the 2022-2023 school year.

Throughout my years of leadership, I have consistently demonstrated high levels of student achievement, engaged the community through events and volunteer opportunities, and collaboratively created a great school experience for students.                   

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On August 28, 2024, the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office charged the Spotswood Elementary Assistant Principal with misdemeanor assault and battery after a 5-year-old student said he was assaulted, according to a police report.

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I am thrilled to serve as the principal of Gravely Elementary School. I have a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on technology, and a doctoral degree in professional studies in education. I am certified in teaching kindergarten through third grade and in educational leadership and administration.

In 2010, my family moved to Gainesville. I knew I wanted to teach in Prince William County Public Schools where I could make a positive impact on students' lives by guiding them academically and supporting essential life skills. I've had the pleasure of teaching kindergarten at Gravely Elementary for five years (2013-2018) and served as the assistant principal at Gravely for the past six years (2018-2024).

My vision as principal is that all students will excel academically and have equal opportunities to learn. My goal is to build upon and continue the existing culture of excellence and achievement at Gravely Elementary. I am committed to empowering teachers and fostering student success, which is essential to building a thriving educational community. I will build a positive culture and climate, where students feel safe and enjoy coming to school. I aim to create a community that exudes positivity and inclusivity.