By KRISTINA SCHNACK KOTLUS
Schools and Education Reporter
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Woodbridge residents were appointed a new school board representative last night in the form of Steven Keen, but their representation might be sparse.
While long-time school board member Betty Covington, who served with Keen on the original county school board, said that Keen was “just wonderful”, Woodbridge District residents who would like to see any changes during Keen’s tenure may have another thing coming.
Keen promised the board members who appointed him that he would listen respectfully and vote on agenda items presented by elected board members, but that as an appointed member, he would take a back seat to elected officials and “not introduce any new items” on behalf of those he was selected to represent.
Keen’s brief resume and statement of interest to the board include completion of two years of college, work for the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control, and service as a three-time president of the Woodbridge Kiwanis Club, in addition to his promise to stay out of the way of the current board members.
Occoquan District’s Lillie Jessie provided the only dissenting vote, quite a shake-up for a board that typically votes unanimously.
According to Prince William County Schools, Keen has served on the School Board before:
Keen previously served as the elected Woodbridge Member of the School Board, from 1995-99.
Keen was selected from among six applicants for the post vacated with the November resignation of former Board Member Denita Rameriz. The soon-to-be-sworn-in Board designee will serve on an interim basis until Woodbridge District voters elect a replacement to complete the term that ends December 31, 2015.
Board Chairman-at-Large Milton C. Johns praised all six applicants as, “excellent and highly qualified.” He noted the difficulty of selecting just one from a group he described as, “motivated by service to the community and to children.”
“Children will be the top priority.” says Keen. As a non-elected Board Member, he says he will focus on, “providing continuity of leadership for the Woodbridge District.”
A department manager for Office Depot, Keen has more than 35years of experience in the retail and training fields. He is also a three-term president of the Woodbridge Kiwanis Club. Keen has resided in the county for 35 years, and has three daughters who attended Prince William County Schools.
In other School Board news, the governing body last night elected a new Vice-Chairman who will replace Neabsco District School Board member Lisa Bell:
The Board’s annual organizational meeting also resulted in the election of Longtime Coles District Board Member, Dr. Michael Otaigbe of the Coles District, to serve as Vice Chairman for 2013. Dr. Otaigbe replaces 2012 Vice Chair, Lisa Bell, who will continue her service on the School Board, representing the Neabsco District.
Recent Stories
Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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.
