Stafford County is making history with the launch of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail, a new initiative designed to highlight the county’s rich African American history. The trail, developed in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Geography, local historians, and community members, officially debuts this week as part of Black History Month celebrations.
Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Deuntay Diggs, announced the trail’s opening at the board meeting on February 18, 2025. “This trail system is part of Discover Stafford’s commitment to sharing the complete story of the county’s history,” Diggs stated. “By walking this trail, residents and visitors can learn about the powerful contributions of African Americans to our community and honor their legacy.”
The Stafford African American Heritage Trail features centuries-old landmarks, stories of local African American leaders, and sites of historical significance. Among the highlights is the burial site of John DaBatiste, a Revolutionary War veteran who served aboard the Dragon, a ship known for employing more African Americans than any other vessel during the war. The trail also recognizes stories of resilience, including the founding of a volunteer fire department after a devastating house fire in 1963, which led to the creation of a thriving community rescue squad.
A special dedication ceremony for unveiling the Stafford African American Heritage Trail historical marker has faced multiple postponements due to inclement weather. Initially scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stafford Hospital, the event was postponed to Wednesday, February 19, due to an upcoming storm. However, as another round of winter weather approached, organizers were forced to cancel the unveiling event again. They now hope to reschedule the dedication for sometime in March.
Preserving and Celebrating African American Heritage
Connie Hiker, President of Discover Stafford, emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing these stories. “At Discover Stafford, our mission is to research, document, and share Stafford County’s rich history through storytelling tied to specific locations. By honoring the labor, struggles, and contributions of those who came before us, we recognize the courage of Stafford’s Black community—both enslaved and free,” Hiker said. “We also celebrate the resilience of entrepreneurs like the Walkers, who created spaces of joy in challenging times.”
Visitors can explore the trail using resources on Discover Stafford’s website, which provides interactive maps, historical background, and video content. During the board meeting, a special video presentation showcased key locations along the trail, encouraging residents to explore and reflect on the history that has shaped Stafford County.
The project is a result of strong community partnerships. Xavier Richardson, Chief Development Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare and President of the Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations, acknowledged the collective effort in bringing this initiative to life. “This project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of many community organizations, including the Walker Family, Stafford Hospital, and Stafford County Board of Supervisors,” Richardson stated. “It is our honor to bring this important piece of history to light and to celebrate the rich heritage of our community.”
Vice Chairman Tinesha Allen echoed the importance of this initiative. “We encourage everyone to take the tour, share the stories, and remember the importance of honoring the contributions of African Americans in Stafford,” Allen said.
Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) will hold a public hearing on its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The hearing will occur at 7 p.m. during the School Board's monthly business meeting at the School Board Chamber, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford. A work session will precede the meeting at 5 p.m.
Community members can sign up to speak in advance via an online form available until 4 p.m. on the meeting day. Afterward, in-person sign-ups will be available until 6:50 p.m. Written comments may be submitted via a digital public comment form by 6:50 p.m. on February 25.
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As Stafford County prepares its fiscal plan for 2026, officials are bracing for both financial opportunities and challenges. Expected increases in education funding and mounting concerns over the rising costs of tax exemptions for disabled veterans are heating up budget discussions among county leaders.
At the latest Board of Supervisors meeting, many residents expressed frustration over rising property taxes, urging officials to find alternative funding sources instead of raising taxes again.
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Stafford County has appointed Eugene Loew as its new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, bringing over two decades of experience in public recreation and leisure services. Loew joins the county from Prince William County, where he served as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
Loew’s selection follows the retirement of longtime Parks Director Brian Southall, who stepped down in January 2025 after more than 30 years of service to Stafford County. The Board of Supervisors honored Southall, recognizing his dedication and leadership across multiple county departments, including utilities and facilities management, before taking the helm of Parks and Recreation. “Brian has been a cornerstone of Stafford County, ensuring access to top-tier facilities and recreational opportunities,” Board Chairman Deontay Diggs said during the January 21st board meeting. “We thank him for his incredible contributions and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
County Administrator Bill Ashton expressed confidence in Loew’s ability to build upon Southall’s legacy and expand Stafford’s recreational and tourism offerings.
“Eugene has the expertise and vision to lead our Parks Department in expanding recreational and tourism opportunities for our growing community,” Ashton said. “His ability to forge strategic partnerships, secure alternative funding sources, and implement innovative solutions will ensure fiscal responsibility while prioritizing engagement, accessibility, and quality of life for all Stafford residents.”
Loew emphasized his commitment to improving operations and enhancing public recreation services to benefit all residents.
“My focus will be on implementing operational improvements, optimizing our budget, and enhancing our public recreation services to ensure access for all residents,” Loew stated. “Stafford’s location on the interstate halfway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond makes it a prime destination, and I look forward to enhancing our tourism program to attract more visitors.”
A George Mason University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management, Loew is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt holder, emphasizing his efficiency-driven leadership approach. His career includes roles in golf course and park maintenance in Fairfax County, as well as leadership positions in Dallas, Sacramento, and Prince William County.
Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
Here's a sample of what's on the agenda today:
Bylaws Change for Board AppointmentsÂ
The board will review proposed changes to the bylaws to formalize the appointment and removal process of members on Boards, Authorities, Committees, and Commissions (BACC). The proposed changes follow the recent controversial removal of a library board member and the board's subsequent censure of Supervisor Monica Gary.
Data Centers
There are currently several data center rezoning applications for centers throughout Stafford. A few are listed below:
- Potomac Creek Campus: Falmouth District, near Potomac Creek Drive, south of Eskimo Hill Road
- Accocreek Center: Falmouth District, near Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road
- GWV Data Center: Hartwood District, Ramoth Church Road across from Centreport Parkway
- Austin Ridge Logistics: Hartwood District, Cedar Lane near Courthouse Road
- Enon Road Tech: Hartwood District, Enon Road near Wyatt Lane
- Cranes Corner: Falmouth District, Richmond Highway near Centreport Parkway
In 2023, the Board amended the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan to define data centers, establish development standards, and specify permitted zoning districts. Data centers were allowed by-right in the M-2 zoning district and the ICTP overlay district.
Now, the Board is considering a new amendment requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for data centers in the M-2 district instead of allowing them by-right. CUPs allow for case-by-case review to assess factors such as traffic, environmental impact, noise, and infrastructure needs.
A new ordinance amendment (O25-08) has been proposed, and the Board has referred it to the Planning Commission. A joint public hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025, to discuss the changes. Data centers would still be permitted by-right in the ICTP district, though no parcels currently have this designation.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will vote on significant changes to its bylaws governing appointments to local and regional boards and commissions during its meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The proposed changes come in response to the controversy surrounding the removal of a Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees member and the subsequent censure of Supervisor Monica Gary.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.
Parents Demand More Investment in Schools
Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.
“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”
She emphasized that regardless of whether funding comes from local taxes, state allocations, or federal grants, it ultimately comes from the same taxpayers.
“I’ve heard multiple times about more money needing to come from the state, which sounds great and all. But what’s not explained to constituents is whether the money comes from the state, the federal level, or the county, all that money still comes out of the same pockets—all of ours.”
Fingerholtz also criticized what she described as misleading rhetoric surrounding education funding.
“So this year, let’s stop with smoke screens and call a spade a spade. I’m asking the board to own the responsibility to our educators and kids and not color the picture that it’s better for us if the money comes from the state or from donations or from the federal government. Because however you label the money, it’s really just coming out of our pockets.”
She urged the board to fully support the upcoming school budget request.
“The ask will be big. And I ask that when it’s presented to you, you will have the integrity to accept the responsibility and approve it.”
A Growing School System Faces Financial Strains
The funding debate comes as Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) grapples with financial challenges tied to continued student enrollment growth and increasing demand for specialized services.
In a January 28 presentation, Superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), calling for additional resources to support Stafford’s expanding student body. With 32,000 students—19.2% of the country’s population—enrolled in SCPS and an expected growth of 6,200 more over the next decade, the school division is struggling to keep pace with rising demands.
The system is also seeing a surge in students requiring specialized services:
- Students with disabilities under 504 plans have nearly doubled in the past decade, now comprising 21% of the student body.
- The English learner population has increased by 211%, with over 4,700 students requiring specialized support.
“These aren’t just numbers; these are real children whose success depends on the support we provide today,” Smith told the school board.
To meet these needs, the FY26 budget proposal includes:
- 36 new English learners and special education teachers to meet Virginia’s Standards of Quality requirements.
- A 3% pay raise for all staff to retain high-quality educators.
- Expanded business, healthcare, and IT specialty centers offer workforce-aligned career training.
- Facility upgrades to accommodate the county’s rapidly growing student body.
However, the budget request still faces a $14.2 million funding gap, with total proposed expenditures of $490 million and expected revenue of $470 million.
While the state has proposed $10.5 million in funding and the county board has earmarked $5 million, the superintendent warned that it is insufficient to meet all of Stafford’s growing educational needs.
“If we don’t make the right investments now, we’re putting the future of our students and community at risk,” Smith said.
A Look at Last Year’s Budget
The Board of Supervisors increased school funding by $13 million in the previous budget cycle, citing a continued commitment to education. That increase allowed for across-the-board pay raises for school employees and provided capital funding for ongoing maintenance projects.
The FY2025-34 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) also reflected the county’s focus on education infrastructure, with funding for:
- High School #6 is slated to open in 2026 (continuing development).
- Elementary School #18 (beginning construction).
- Elementary School #19 (starting construction in FY2025).
Board Members Debate Tax Policy
During board discussions, Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch reaffirmed her stance against any tax increases, citing the nearly 30% increase over the past three years.
“It is budget season, and I want to thank my two fellow conservative board members, Supervisor English and Supervisor Baumke, for, at the retreat, we made it very clear that we did not want to see a budget presentation that created a tax increase on our residents this year,” Vnuch said.
However, Board Chairman Deuntay Diggs pushed back on framing the budget discussion as a political divide, saying county priorities must be considered alongside tax policy: “We can sit here today and say no tax increase, but if certain things come back and there are certain things that we need in this community, we’re going to have to look at that—all of us.”
The Stafford County School Board will finalize its FY26 budget on February 25, 2025, and the Board of Supervisors will ultimately decide whether to increase funding, cut school spending, or raise taxes when it finalizes its fiscal year 2026 budget in April.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees as the citizen representative for Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed from the board in 2024.
Brown-Page brings experience in human and community relations, having served as a senior manager at the director level within the federal government. She is the President and CEO of JB Associates Enterprise International, LLC, providing mediation, individual and family coaching, and court-ordered co-parenting classes. Additionally, she is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator/Mentor in multiple court systems, including General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 4, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
Here's a sample of what's on the agenda today:
