By URIAH KISER
OCCOQUAN, Va. — A retired educator and administrator with 35 years experience at Prince William County Public Schools will make a run for the School Board.
Lillie Jessie, of Lake Ridge, will run as a Democrat to represent the School Board’s Occoquan District — one of eight seats on the countywide Board. She will face Michael E. Wooten, who was appointed to the Board this spring following the sudden resignation of Grant Lattin in May.
Working now as an educational consultant and small business owner, Jessie retired from Prince William schools as Principal of Elizabeth Vaughn Elementary School in Woodbridge. During her tenure with the school system, she focused her work on the U.S. Department of Education’s Title I program that works to ensure fair access to higher education.
“Middle-class kids, my kids, I know are going to go to college. But some children don’t have that chance,” said Jessie.
Candidate Jessie appeared publicly for the first time Sunday night at Occoquan Town Hall. There she noted Prince William’s public schools as some as the best in the nation.
If elected in November, she said she’d do more to educate parents on the inner workings of schools, show them what educational options are available to their children.
She also said students need fewer multiple choice test and more exams that require critical thinking.
“I’m sticking with Prince William County School’s ‘World Class’ motto, and if our schools are world class you’ve got to make them teach students to be competitive in a world market,” said Jessie.
A product of a segregated school system in Newberry, S.C., Jessie was the first in her family, and was one of only a handful in her graduating class to go to college, she said. She credits the encouragement of a teacher, and his help filling out college applications, as the reason she continued her education beyond high school.
Jessie also has ties to Virginia Tech, and she developed a program called “Kindergarten to College” where fifth grade students at Vaughn Elementary School traveled to the Blacksburg school annually.
Wooten, her opponent, served as Marine Corps officer, holds a Doctorate of Higher Education Management, and serves as Vice Chairman of the Board at Northern Virginia Community College.
Jessie said her experience will make all the difference in this race.
“[Wooten] has a degree in education. I have a background in education, and my experience is documented,” she said.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
