STAFFORD — The Stafford Education Association is pushing the county School Board to reschedule a teacher workday so instructors may go to Richmond to lobby lawmakers for higher wages.
The association wants the workday, which is used for teachers to finalize grades for the first semester moved to Monday, Jan. 28 from Tuesday, Jan. 29. The planned workday has been on the books since last year when the school division approved its annual calendar.
Monday marks the SEA’s Virginia Education Association’s annual Lobby Day, also known as “Red for Education.” If the workday is moved, teachers would be able to attend and would and not have to use a sick day, says SEA spokesman Al Watkins.
Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner, who’s also an SEA member, has already approved a “professional day” leave for the 35 teachers across the county that have been selected to attend the rally in Richmond. Kizner will also be attending the rally.
Kizner and the School Board did not offer public comment about swapping the teacher workday.
“Red for Education day is extremely important to securing funds for our school system,” Kizner said during a School Board meeting Tuesday. “State funding for schools has not been in a positive trajectory.”
“I knew this request would inconvenience some folks in Stafford,” Watkins said. “The potential benefits outweigh the inconveniences. This is one of the most important days I have been a part of in my time in Stafford.”
According to Watkins, over 400 school employees have been surveyed and would like to attend the “Red for Education” event.
The selected attendees will meet with their locally elected leaders before the rally to discuss a plan for more funding to Stafford schools.
“I came from Arizona where school funding was an issue and teachers went on strike,” said Matt Lentz, Red for Education spokesman. “I ask the School Board for their support.”
The SEA has already asked Kizner to include a five percent across-the-board pay raise for all school employees.
“We have a lot of Educators who are talking about how 5% would significantly change their lives,” SEA President Christian Peabody wrote in an email to Potomac Local.
Members of the Prince William Education Association also plan to make the trip down to meet with their representatives and participate in the rally on the Capitol grounds.
“Virginia public schools are underfunded, and we are taking our case straight to the General Assembly to demand that our elected officials support our students and our schools,” states Riley O’Casey, PWEA president in a press release.
O’Casey went on to say state support for local public schools has declined:
- Since the Great Recession, Virginia’s state funding of K-12 schools has declined 9% when adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, student enrollments have risen.
- Virginia is the 12th wealthiest state but ranks 42nd in per-pupil state funding.
- The gap between what Virginia teachers make and the national average is at an all-time high. Virginia teachers currently earn $9,218 under the national average, ranking the state 34th in the country.
O’Casey says PWCS will benefit from greater state funding of local schools—and that’s well worth the trip to Richmond.
In December, Governor Ralph Northam proposed a 5 percent increase for all teachers in the state. Northam’s proposal is contingent on a funding match from local school districts would take effect on July 1. If the proposal were approved, it would be the state’s largest single-year raise in 15 years.
“The SEA’s plan predates the Governor’s by months and includes every Educator,” Peabody said.
Northam also announced his plan to throw more money at the state’s schools, this time school counselors would be receiving extra funds. Northam says that a $36 million increase would allow a better student to counselor ratio. The Virginia School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of one counselor to every 250 students.
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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.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
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.
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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:
