Opinion
The Prince William County School Board’s abdication of responsibility in this current budget cycle shows their refusal to manage our crucial investment in our students’ future and is an outrage to county families.
Every year, citizens of Prince William County pay almost 60% of their property taxes to educating the children in our county. Educating the next generation is perhaps the most important responsibility of this county that will determine our future. We have an obligation to do the best job possible to prepare students for college or vocational opportunities.
Currently, Prince William County educates almost 86,000 students on approximately $1 billion. This money must be managed effectively to ensure our students receive the best possible education. Every four years, Prince William County residents vote for their elected representatives to the School Board who they trust to prioritize funding to ensure our students are prepared for the future.
This year, the School Board faced tough decisions with its budget. Citizens across the county joined in the discussion about where funds could be saved and put toward priorities and critical unmet needs. The budget was analyzed, ideas were formed, board members were prepared – and then only one idea was brought up at the work session.
Through the budget process, School Staff lobbied for increased funding by threatening cuts to programs including specialty programs, full day kindergarten, bussing, school maintenance, and other essentials. However, at the Wednesday March 11, work session, the deficit was resolved in five minutes through adjustments including admitting they had been intentionally padding savings in a budget item.
While the budget gap was quickly resolved, School Board members were pressured out of presenting their ideas for prioritizing spending that would lead to long term savings and critical investments in our children. While one proposal from Alyson Saterwhite and Gil Trenum to increase critical special needs staffing was passed, no other proposals were offered.
The members of the School Board were silenced by the Chairman who insured the budget process was dictated by unelected bureaucrats and administrators. Our elected officials abdicated their responsibility to oversee the budget process and manage our investment in the system.
When elected school board members default to staff, the people have no way to insure their interests are being heard.
Their approval of a balanced budget at the work session only kicked the can down the road for the hard decisions on prioritizing spending and investing in our future. The School Board refused to make sure that the tax dollars of Prince William County residents were being spent in the best way possible.
At work or at home, staying within budget isn’t an accomplishment – it’s an expectation. It is how wisely that budget is spent that matters. Similarly, the School Board balancing a budget is not an accomplishment. It is a requirement. What is needed is making sure the money spent is educating our children as effectively as possible.
The purpose of the School Board isn’t just to rubber stamp budgets given to them by staff. The Board of Supervisors could do that just fine without them. We elect our School Board members to face the important duty of establishing priorities and critically examining spending and programs to make sure they are accomplishing the priorities.
Parents should expect their School Board members to do everything possible to ensure their children are being educated in an effective manner – one that prepares them to be our next generation of leaders. Taxpayers should expect their School Board members to effectively manage the investment made in the county. Simply rubberstamping budgets created by staff accomplishes neither.
This election cycle ask your School Board members what they are doing to protect your investment in our children’s future and consider whether you can truly trust them to represent you, your children, and our future.
This post was submitted by Willie Deutsch, a candidate for School Board for the Coles District seat.
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Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
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Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
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Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
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Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
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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,
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