This past Tuesday, I had the distinct honor to introduce eight former students of mine at the County Board of Supervisors. These students are all currently seniors and attend Gar-Field, Woodbridge, and Potomac High Schools. These six students are planning on attending college after graduation, but most importantly, all of these seniors have felt the direct impact of our county's unwillingness to provide "world-class" funding to our public schools.
As a former teacher, I had the responsibility to educate my students, while also assisting in their personal growth and development. Because of this, I could never forget the students’ voices; they ring out loud and clear every day. Unfortunately, many of our elected officials have failed to realize how important it is to hear from students on key issues facing our school district.
I myself could go on stating the facts residents in Prince William County are all too familiar with - whether it’s having some of the lowest teacher compensation packages in the region, the highest class sizes in the entire Commonwealth, or the irresponsible spending. These facts alone mean nothing unless we hear about the direct impact this has on our students in the classroom. Fortunately, those in attendance Tuesday night got to hear the first-hand accounts from our own high school seniors, and their shared experiences of being in over-crowded classrooms with over-worked teachers.
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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced that all its locations will remain closed today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, citing “continued dangerous road conditions.”
This decision comes after the library had initially planned to open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following a delayed start due to inclement weather. The announcement was first made on Monday, January 6, in response to winter storms that have left roads icy and treacherous throughout the region.
Residents are encouraged to check CRRL’s website and social media channels for updates regarding reopening plans. Library services, including online resources and virtual assistance, remain available for those looking to access books, learning tools, or other materials remotely.
Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
Supervisor Monica Gary, Aquia District, confirmed the meeting is still being held despite the county government and schools closing for weather conditions.
Tonight’s meeting is primarily organizational, with the board set to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman. They will also review their proposed meeting schedule for the new year, and consider appointments to a number of committees and boards.
Stafford’s Board of Supervisors is comprised of seven elected representatives, who each represent a district in the county.
Meg Bohmke, the 2024 chair of the board, represents the Falmouth District. She moved from the county School Board to Board of Supervisors in 2014; her current term ends December 2025.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
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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:
