Stafford County Public Schools

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How Stafford Schools Are Adapting for English Learners and Students with Disabilities

By Potomac Local News

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity

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Big Changes Coming to Stafford’s School Buses—Here’s What Parents Need to Know

By Potomac Local News

Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”

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Stafford Residents Warn of Overdevelopment as County Pushes for Growth

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – Concerns over development, infrastructure, education, and environmental protection took center stage at a packed town hall meeting held Tuesday, April 29, at Colonial Forge High School. The meeting brought together Board of Supervisors Chair Deuntay Diggs, Supervisor Tinesha Allen, and School Board members Maureen Siegmund and Maya Guy, who answered questions from roughly 60 residents over two hours.

Residents questioned whether the project would include affordable units for public servants like teachers, nurses, and law enforcement officers. Officials responded that while Attain is aimed at attracting high-end tenants, broader affordable housing efforts are complicated by density limits and a competitive state tax credit system.

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Stafford School Officials Seek Approval to Buy Warehouse Property for Training, Storage

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools officials are asking the Board of Supervisors to approve a $2.95 million property purchase for warehouse and training space currently used by the school division.

The request was discussed during a Board of Supervisors work session on April 22, 2025. Chris Fulmer, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer for Stafford County Public Schools, said the division has leased the Blackjack Road facility for the past three to four years. It houses school nutrition services, furniture and technology storage, and a training site for school bus drivers and attendants.

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Stafford

Stafford County Government, Schools to Host Joint Job Fair April 30

By Potomac Local News

Stafford County Government and Stafford County Public Schools will host a joint job fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rowser Building, 1739 Richmond Highway, Stafford. Stafford County Government is hiring for positions including Administrative Specialist II, Deputy Sheriff, Building Inspections Supervisor, Environmental Inspector, and Transportation Program Director. Stafford County Public Schools is hiring teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and more. The event is aimed at helping federal employees and others continue their careers in public service.

Here’s the full press release:

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Stafford Property Taxes Up 62% Since 2012 as FY2026 Budget Clears

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. — The average homeowner in Stafford County will pay $130 more in property taxes starting July 1, 2025, after the Board of Supervisors approved a three-percent increase to the real estate tax rate—the county’s central funding source for local government and schools. Homeowners with a property assessed at the county average of $434,400 will receive a $4,069 bill.

According to data from Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky, average residential tax bills have increased 62% since 2012, when the typical homeowner paid $2,506. Over the same period, the average home value rose nearly 60%, slightly trailing the pace of tax increases.

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Meet Dr. Daniel W. Smith — Listening, Learning, and Leading Stafford County Schools Forward

By Uriah Kiser
Smith

When Dr. Daniel W. Smith started his new role as Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools on December 9, 2024, he didn’t come in with plans to make sweeping changes overnight. Instead, he saw an opportunity to listen.

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Stafford Schools Warn of ‘Devastating’ Cuts After Youngkin Veto

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on Friday defended his decision to veto a bill that would have let Stafford County voters decide whether to raise the local sales tax by one cent to help pay for school construction.

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Teachers of the Week: Stafford County’s Theatre Educators Take Center Stage

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund, Michael D’Addario of Stafford High School, Lisa Cover Tucci of Colonial Forge High School, School Board member Maya Guy, Superintendent Daniel W. Smith.

In celebration of Theatre in Our Schools Month, the Stafford County School Board has honored two of its most inspiring theatre educators, Michael D’Addario of Stafford High School and Lisa Cover Tucci of Colonial Forge High School.

Both teachers were recognized during the March 11, 2025, School Board meeting, where board members praised their commitment to student growth, creative excellence, and community engagement through the performing arts.

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Stafford Residents Split Over Proposed Tax Hike to Fund $1 Billion County Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Dozens of Stafford County residents packed the chambers Tuesday night during a special-called meeting of the Board of Supervisors to weigh in on the proposed $1.015 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget — and the tax increase that may come with it.

The meeting featured a detailed budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Andrea Light, followed by a public hearing where residents delivered emotional appeals both for and against the proposed increase in the county’s real estate tax rate.

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