The event is designed to introduce approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students to various career pathways through hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and connections with local professionals and businesses. The expo aims to help students begin planning for high school and their future careers by exposing them to various industries.
Director of Career and Technical Education Stephanie Carter emphasized that Career GPS is more than just a field trip. It calls it an opportunity for students to explore possibilities, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in selecting pathways that align with their interests. The event will feature interactive exhibits showcasing different career fields, high school student ambassadors who will share insights into academic programs, and opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals.
Community partners and exhibitors are encouraged to participate in the expo to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of professionals. Organizations interested in getting involved can find more information at staffordschools.net/careergps or contact Work-Based Learning Coordinators Ferida Cralle or Scott Flath at [email protected].
More in the press release:
Stafford County Public Schools is pleased to announce the inaugural Career GPS: Guiding Pathways to Success Expo, an engaging and interactive event aimed at sparking students’ interest in diverse career pathways as they begin preparing for high school and their future endeavors. The expo will take place on April 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Stafford Regional Airport.
The Career GPS Expo is designed to provide approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students with hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and valuable insights into a wide range of regional industries. By connecting students with local professionals, businesses, and organizations, the expo helps lay the foundation for robust academic and career planning, ensuring students are prepared to excel into high school programs.
“Career GPS is more than just a field trip—it’s an opportunity to empower our students to imagine possibilities, make informed decisions, and pursue excellence as they explore potential career paths,” said Stephanie Carter, Director of Career and Technical Education. “We are excited to collaborate with community and industry leaders who can provide invaluable insights to help our students confidently navigate their journey and select the pathways best suited to their interests.”
Highlights of the Expo Include:
Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on activities and demonstrations from local businesses and organizations, showcasing career opportunities across industries.
High School Ambassadors: High school program and pathway exploration led by currently-enrolled student ambassadors.
Student Engagement: Opportunities for students to connect their strengths and interests to potential career paths and high school programming..
Community partners and exhibitors are invited to join this impactful event and share their expertise with the next generation of professionals. Participation in the expo is a unique opportunity to inspire young minds, highlight the skills and experiences necessary for success, and strengthen connections between education and the workforce.
For more information about Career GPS, or to learn how your organization may participate, please visit www.staffordschools.net/CareerGPS or contact Ferida Cralle or Scott Flath, Work-Based Learning Coordinators, [email protected].
On Saturday, February 1, 2024, Stafford County Public Schools hosted its highly anticipated Health and Wellness Fair at Colonial Forge High School, drawing hundreds of community members to participate in a day filled with activities, demonstrations, and fun.
The fair offered attendees a variety of informative experiences, including CPR and "Stop the Bleeding" demonstrations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, learning critical life-saving techniques. One popular demonstration involved a "Stop the Bleed" course, where attendees practiced applying pressure and gauze to a simulated wound, preparing them to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
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Due to an unforeseen number of staff absences, Stafford County Public Schools is experiencing bus delays this afternoon.
Several schools are being significantly impacted by delays, including North Stafford High, Brooke Point High, and Colonial Forge High, which have reported delays ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. The elementary and middle schools, such as Garrisonville Elementary and Stafford Middle, are also experiencing delays, particularly for routes that have been combined or affected by traffic.
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Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
In recent years, the number of students with disabilities in 504 plans has nearly doubled, reaching 21% of the student body—up from 11% a decade ago. Similarly, the English learner population has surged by 211%, with over 4,700 students requiring specialized support. Meeting these students’ needs requires increased staffing, specialized programs, and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, he said.
“These aren’t just numbers; these are real children whose success depends on the support we provide today,” Smith said. “Our educators, counselors, and staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of every student, but we can’t do it without the necessary resources and funding.”
The FY26 budget request includes investments in staffing, new facilities, and educational programs to meet the needs of a more diverse and expanding student population. The budget proposal also seeks a 3% average pay increase for all staff, as competitive salaries are essential to attract and retain the high-quality educators and support staff required for a thriving educational environment. However, despite these necessary investments, the funding request still faces a substantial $14.2 million funding gap. The total proposed expenditures for FY26 amount to $490 million, while the projected revenue is only $470 million, creating a critical imbalance.
The Superintendent’s proposal emphasizes the need for additional state and local support to meet the demands of the growing school system. While the proposed budget includes $10.5 million in state funding and $5 million in local funding from the county board of supervisors, he said it falls short of what is required to maintain the quality of education and services for Stafford’s students.
“We are grateful for the support from the county and state, but we need to close the gap to fully meet the needs of our students,” Smith said. “Without additional resources, we risk compromising the foundation we’ve worked so hard to build.”
Stafford Schools has continued to achieve academic success. Last year, students earned over $19.4 million in scholarships, and thousands completed dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. However, the school division is seeking to do more, particularly with its growing number of students who require specialized support. The FY26 budget proposal includes funding for 36 new English learner teachers, special education teachers, and staff to meet the Virginia Standards of Quality requirements.
Stafford is also planning the expansion of its specialty centers, including programs in business and information technology, community health, and medical professions. These specialty programs provide students with valuable, hands-on learning experiences that help prepare them for the workforce, but they require continued funding to remain successful.
“The growth of our specialty centers is key to preparing students for the future,” Smith explained. “The demand for specialized skills in industries like business technology and healthcare is growing, and our students need access to programs that equip them for those careers.”
However, the division’s funding request does not meet all its identified needs. The FY26 budget still has over $59 million in unmet needs—critical areas that the division has been unable to fund due to budget constraints. These include new positions required by state standards, staffing for new schools, and expanding specialized programs, all necessary to ensure the district can continue to educate its growing student body.
In response to these challenges, the school division will host budget town halls to engage with the community and encourage public input on the FY26 funding request. These meetings will allow residents to learn more about the budget proposal and advocate for the resources necessary to ensure Stafford’s students have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
The funding gap, totaling $14.2 million, highlights the need for continued advocacy from the community, the Board of Supervisors, and the Virginia General Assembly. Supervisors will be forced to cut spending or raise real estate taxes on homeowners to fill the gap when they hammer out their fiscal year 2026 budget in April.
“If we don’t make the right investments now, we’re putting the future of our students and community at risk,” Smith said. “Every dollar we invest today is an investment in a brighter, more prosperous future for Stafford County.”
The school board will continue to refine the budget in the coming weeks, with approval scheduled for February 25, 2025. The community is encouraged to attend the budget town halls on February 4 and 6, 2025, to learn more and voice their support for Stafford’s educational future.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Brooke Point High School. This session will focus on the Aquia, Falmouth, George Washington, and Griffis-Widewater Districts.
- Thursday, February 6, 2025: 6:00 – 7 p.m. at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School. This session will focus on the Garrisonville, Hartwood, and Rockhill Districts.
In addition to attending the town halls, Smith encouraged residents to reach out to their local representatives and advocate for more funding. “The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be,” he said.
For residents interested in learning more about the proposed budget and getting involved in the advocacy process, detailed information will be available on the Stafford County Public Schools website and through social media channels.
“The future of Stafford Schools—and of Stafford County—is dependent on the investments we make today,” Smith concluded. “Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
In a recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her commitment to students, families, and educators. Throughout her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
"Mrs. Healy’s wisdom and dedication have ensured that our decisions remain student-centered and focused on our future," said school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Healy’s legacy includes the opening of one-third of the county’s schools during her tenure, as well as overseeing renovations and rebuilds across the district. She will continue to serve through the current term, which concludes in 2028, marking an unprecedented 28 years of service.
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As Arctic air brings frigid temperatures to the region, multiple school districts have announced schedule adjustments for Thursday, January 23, 2025:
- Stafford County Public Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Spotsylvania County Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Twelve-month and essential employees report on time as safety permits. All other employees report two hours late.
- King George County Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Employees should report two hours late.
Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service
The region continues to experience well below average temperatures due to an Arctic air mass. Key details:
- Thursday:
Highs in the upper 20s to mid-30s with a mix of sun and clouds. - Thursday Night:
Lows between 10°F and 20°F, with colder spots in the single digits. - Friday:
Highs will remain cold, reaching the upper 20s to mid-30s, with dry conditions following light snow showers along the Allegheny Front.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board received a presentation detailing the root causes behind the failure of the school bus transportation system, which left about 3,000 students without a ride during the first week of the 2024-2025 school year this past August.
The analysis, conducted by Transportation Advisory Services (TAS), highlighted organizational restructuring and the rushed implementation of new routing software as major contributors to the debacle.
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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board voted 6-1 to approve redistricting plan F1 in preparation for the county’s sixth high school opening this Fall 2026. The plan addresses overcrowding and balances student populations across the district's high schools.
Key Changes Under Plan F1
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Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs.
Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
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Prince William County Public Schools
All schools and offices will be closed Code Red on Tuesday. Inclement Weather Employees are the exception and should follow their assigned schedule.
Stafford County Public Schools
Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to adverse weather and an extended winter storm warning. All activities and events scheduled for the day are canceled. Tuesday was originally a professional learning day, so students were not scheduled to attend.
Manassas City Public Schools
Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday. Code BLUE is in effect for employees.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Schools will be closed, and buildings will remain closed as crews work on clearing parking lots and sidewalks. Essential personnel will be contacted by their supervisors for report times.
Manassas Park City Schools Closure for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to snowy conditions. **Code RED** is in effect for employees.
King George County Schools
Schools will be closed Tuesday. Code 1 is in effect for 12-month employees.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All schools and central offices will be closed on Tuesday.
University of Mary Washington
All UMW campuses, including Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren, will be closed all day Tuesday following the January 6 snowstorm.
Germanna Community College: Due to inclement weather, all Germanna locations will be closed on Tuesday, January 7.
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Code Purple for Tuesday, January 7, 2025. All NOVA campuses are operating virtually, with classes and services available online only.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
All schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Code 1 is in effect—essential personnel should report to perform emergency services as necessary. All school-sponsored activities, including student externships, are canceled.
