WOODBRIDGE, Va. — In his State of the County Address today, Prince William Chairman Corey Stewart will talk about class sizes and economic growth, and about how the two are intently related.
In his speech, the At-large chairman notes Prince William as business friendly, and says a broader economic tax base will help improve classrooms across the county now known to have the highest student to teacher rates in the Washington, D.C. region.
So, things are good, but we have much to do. Class sizes in Prince William Schools are still too high. Our School system has developed, however, a plan to begin reducing class starting next fall. It is a modest plan, but it will, at a minimum, get us started in the right direction. The plan will require the cost of hiring of a significant number of new teachers, but the impact of these new ongoing costs on taxpayers can be mitigated if we approach this problem gradually.
Stewart states for the schools to improve, there can be no more cuts to education at the state level, and he says Virginia should fund more of the Prince William school’s $1 billion annual budget. Now, Prince William County Government gives 57% of its annual budget to the school system in addition to the schools’ state and federal funds.
Stewart also calls for funding more police officers to the tune of 25 per year, up from the current funded 10 new officers per year as per the county budget.
On public safety, we must make certain that we keep pace with our growing population. This means that we must restore the police and fire and rescue staffing plans. Our Department of Fire and Rescue need additional staff to provide the entire County with top-of-the-line 24-hour fire and life support coverage. For police, this Board approved a comprehensive plan that calls for 25 new officers per year, but we have only approved a budget to provide 10 sworn officers per year. While this is a necessary step in the right direction, we as a Board must provide the necessary support to meet our goals.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors meets at 2 p.m. in Woodbridge, where Stewart will present his full speech to the Board.
Recent Stories
The Stafford Race Series is set to kick off on April 5, 2025, with four races scheduled throughout the year, bringing together runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts for a community-driven experience.
VDOT Announces Road Work in Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania for March 9-15
Prince William County will introduce a 3-1-1 system this spring, streamlining residents’ and businesses’ access to non-emergency government services. The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) officially recognized March 11, 2025, as National 3-1-1 Day, marking the county’s commitment to improving transparency and responsiveness in local government.
Get ready to go green at Full Distance Brewing’s St. Patrick’s Celebration on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12 PM to 9 PM! Enjoy live music from Ryan French and Anthony James Band, plus delicious eats from Gino’s Panino food truck.
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
