Stafford County Public Schools

Schools

Stafford County Schools Celebrate Record-Breaking 15th Annual Band Together to Fight Hunger

By Uriah Kiser

“It was an unforgettable night, featuring a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the Office of Stafford County Sheriff – David ‘DP’ Decatur, Sheriff Quartet, and a moving performance of ‘America the Beautiful’ by the All-County Marching Band,” Stafford County Public Schools shared. “The incredible show by our five Stafford County High School Marching Bands helped us achieve new heights in giving: 4,304 pounds of food collected and $17,340 in donations raised!”

The 15th Annual Band Together to Fight Hunger brought together students, families, and community partners to support local hunger relief. Donations from the event will benefit SERVE, local pantries, and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. Sponsors included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Boy Scout Troop 2220, Girl Scout Troops 15 and 26, the University of Mary Washington’s Women’s Softball Team, and Manhattan Pizza – Stafford.

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Stafford

Construction 75% Complete at $139 Million Hartwood High School

By Uriah Kiser
An aerial view of Stafford County's sixth high school under construction. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Construction crews are putting the final touches on Hartwood High School, Stafford County’s sixth and largest high school, slated to open to students in the fall of 2026.

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Politics

Stafford GOP Rift Continues as Three-Way School Board Race Takes Shape

By Uriah Kiser
Blackwell, Siegmund, Mojica

A split inside the Stafford County Republican Committee continues to shape one of the county’s most closely watched local races, as early voting enters its final week.

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Schools

‘Clown Show’ at School Board Meeting as Parents Battle Over Gender Rules

By Uriah Kiser
Shamgar Connors, a Stafford County parent, delivers remarks in costume during the Oct. 14, 2025, Stafford County School Board meeting. Connors has used satire at previous meetings to criticize the school division’s gender identity policies.

The October 14 Stafford County School Board meeting turned contentious as several residents used the public comment period to debate gender identity, religion, and what some described as “truth in education,” culminating with one parent calling the controversy “a manufactured crisis.”

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Newslinks

Stafford Schools to Host 4th Annual Multicultural Fair

By Uriah Kiser
The second annual Stafford County Public Schools Multicultural Fair was held November 18, 2023 at North Stafford High School [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools Facebook Page]

 

Stafford County Public Schools – Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith invites the community to the 4th Annual Stafford Schools Multicultural Fair on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mountain View High School.

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Schools

Parents, Teachers Push for More Inclusive Classrooms and Events in Stafford County Schools

By Potomac Local News
Kindergarten students get off the bus at Park Ridge Elementary School on "transition day," Monday, August 11, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

From calming spaces at school dances to smaller group participation at crowded events, parents and educators in Stafford County are working to make school life more inclusive for students with disabilities.

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Schools

Data centers drive Stafford’s 2026–27 career program overhaul

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County School Board

Stafford County Public Schools unveiled sweeping curriculum updates for 2026–27, featuring two new specialty centers, major state-mandated changes to career and technical education, and a redesigned program for English learners.

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Stafford

Traffic relief, new schools on deck for Stafford Supervisors

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County supervisors this week will weigh two major projects aimed at easing traffic and adding classroom space for a fast-growing community.

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Schools

Stafford Schools Principal Appointed to National Assessment Governing Board

By Press Release
SIdebotham

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools proudly congratulates Michael Sidebotham, principal of Grafton Elementary School, on his appointment by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to the National Assessment Governing Board, the body that oversees the Nation’s Report Card.

The National Assessment Governing Board plays a critical role in shaping the assessment of student achievement nationwide, including determining which subjects and grades to assess and setting performance standards. This appointment recognizes Principal Sidebotham’s extensive expertise in educational assessment and his dedication to using data to support student growth.

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Schools

Stafford’s New Schools Start Small as Teacher Transfers Open This Fall

By Uriah Kiser
An aerial view of Stafford County's sixth high school under construction. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

The new elementary schools and Hartwood are part of Stafford’s broader strategy to relieve overcrowding and rebalance school boundaries. In a March 2025 article, Potomac Local noted that the division’s redistricting plan (Scenario Green) aimed to open ES-18 and ES-19 near 95 percent capacity initially, ensuring none exceed capacity in year one. (Potomac Local News)

Key takeaways:

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