PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA . . . On Feb. 14, 2012, Prince William County executed a $51.6 million refinancing bond sale that will result in $5.17 million of savings for the County. This refunding sale was completed for the purpose of applying the currently low interest rates to secure cheaper refinancing of existing County debt. As part of this sale, the County’s triple-A rating was reaffirmed by all three major rating agencies – Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). When this refinancing savings is combined with other recent refinancing savings, Prince William County will save $19.3 million and the schools will save $11.7 million on refinancing sales completed since 2010. This means that the combined County and schools refinancings since January 2010 will generate $31 million in savings over the next 18 years.
“This reaffirmation of triple, triple-A ratings is a testament to the hard work of this Board, this community and the staff,” said Corey A. Stewart, Chairman, Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “While other localities dipped into their reserves, Prince William County reduced the size of government and focused on the core essentials of government. Because of this, we are now a symbol of stability, growth and prosperity.”
 Credit ratings are tied strongly not only to the financial management of a local government, but also to the economic climate. Fitch listed several reasons for reaffirming the County’s rating, including the County’s prudent fiscal management; dynamic and strong local economy anchored by federal government presence; below average debt level; and sound reserve levels. Moody’s rationale for reaffirming the County’s Aaa rating includes the “County’s sizable, wealthy tax base; strong financial flexibility supported by effective management and ample reserve levels; and manageable debt burden.” And S&P listed the following reasons to reaffirm the County’s AAA rating: the County has a deep and diverse economy; a sizable and diverse property tax base; strong financial management, resulting in consistent operations and strong reserves throughout the recession; and low-to-moderate debt.
Prince William County is only one of 72 (out of 22,525) or 0.3 percent of local governments that has achieved triple, triple-A ratings.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the closure of all schools and offices for tomorrow, Monday, January 6, 2025. The decision, which affects over 23,000 students and 31 schools across the county, was shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The post reads:
“All Spotsylvania County Public Schools campuses and offices are closed on Monday, January 6, 2025. All school sponsored activities including student externships are cancelled. School employees: Code 0 – no employees report.”
The closure also halts all school-sponsored activities, including student externships, for the day. No details regarding the reason for the closure were provided in the announcement.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the impending winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to the area. The announcement was made on the school division’s official account on X, formerly Twitter.
“Fredericksburg City Public Schools will extend winter break by one day. This means all buildings will be closed on Monday, January 6. Tuesday, January 7, will be a staff workday. Students will report to school on Wednesday, January 8,” the statement read.
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has announced that all campuses will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, due to the anticipated winter storm expected to impact the region. The announcement was shared on the university’s official X account, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, January 5.
The message stated:
“Due to the forecasted winter storm later today, Sunday, January 5, 2025, all UMW campuses (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Dahlgren) will be closed all day Monday, January 6.”
UMW is home to approximately 4,000 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students, with campuses located in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren. The university comprises three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Business. UMW is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts and personalized learning experiences.
King George County Public Schools announced that all schools in the division will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, in anticipation of inclement weather. The announcement was made via X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns for the safety of students and staff.
The message stated:
“Due to the anticipated inclement weather forecast for tomorrow, January 6, King George County Schools will be closed. Code 1 for 12-month employees (do not report). Please stay safe and warm, and enjoy the extra time at home.”
King George County Public Schools serve approximately 4,400 students across five schools, including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The school division employs over 300 teachers and staff, working together to support the academic and personal growth of students in the community.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
