Opinion
The United States Navy just expanded their maternity leave because they are “continually looking for ways to recruit and retain the best people.” Prince William county Schools (PWCS) should follow their lead.
Nationally, over 75% of public school teachers are women. Not only will an attractive maternity leave policy show women the respect they deserve it will allow PWCS to draw a better candidate pool for open positions within the school system. The policy will, in part, help pay for itself by increasing teacher retention that reduces costs by having to hire fewer teachers every year.
It’s time for Prince William County Schools to take the lead on becoming the most women-friendly school system in the Commonwealth. Attracting and retaining the best teachers should be the goal of Prince William County Schools, and, in a female dominated profession, paid maternity leave is a step in that direction.
PWCS should offer paid maternity leave to new mothers who are teachers and full-time staff in our school system. Just like Title IX, the long view of this policy, and subsequent pro-women policies will make PWCS the most pro-women school system in the Commonwealth, if not the country. The new maternity leave policy can take many shapes and should be crafted with input from women and mothers with cooperation from the School Board and administration.
In their press release, the United States Navy stated, “For families, increased time following the birth of her child has tangible benefits for the physical and psychological health of both mother and child.” They continued, “… there is the likelihood that women will return to and stay in her career, yielding higher readiness and retention.” This would also apply to PWCS when it comes to attracting and retaining the best female teachers.
Currently, teachers must use their sick days for childbirth and maternity leave. Young teachers often don’t have the accrued days to spend any significant time with their child. They often even go into debt by taking leave without pay by having to pay more into health insurance out of their check once they do return to work. Even if a teacher does have enough sick days accrued they then run out of days to use for follow up doctor visits for them or their child. The current policy does not reflect the strong family values that our communities cherish.
Teachers should have more available to them for maternity leave other than their accrued sick days. Counting on the “sick bank” (a pool of sick days voluntarily submitted by other PWCS employees) for additional time off is not something a new mother can reliably count on for maternity leave.
Therefore, as Chairman of the School Board I will work for Prince William County Schools to offer paid maternity leave to our employees. I will also work closely with all groups involved to formulate a policy that keeps the balance between family values and fiscal responsibility.
*Ryan Sawyers is a candidate for School Board Chairman in Prince William County Schools.
Recent Stories
With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we called some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives to ask about their visions for 2025.
Senator Mark Warner (D) said:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes major decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding, drawn from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.
Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The staff has recommended approval of the proposal, stating that it aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports commercial development in suburban areas. Additionally, the clinic’s location and intended use are consistent with the existing development pattern along Garrisonville Road.
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.
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.
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