Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Andrew Wilson, the principal of Round Elementary School since 2018. Wilson has been with MCPS since 2013 and has worked at Osbourn High School as assistant principal and dean of students. He also has experience in teaching special education.
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Public officials and real estate executives broke ground on the new Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station house at Potomac Shores on Saturday.
Many community members met to both celebrate the completion of the $24 million, 350-spot parking garage and the beginning of the 20,000-square-foot station house project. Along with the station house will be two levels of retail space: restaurant space with indoor and outdoor dining and any number of retailers, such as ice cream or coffee shops.
A press release stated that the station house is designed to feature an arch pass-through for station access, which leads to a paved boardwalk overlooking the Potomac River. The boardwalk has been designed to connect to the Potomac Shores Trail System.
Located near the Potomac Shores Town Center, the hope is to spur further economic development and investment in the area, the real estate executives present and integral to the project stated.
Biddle Real Estate Ventures (BREV), a New York City-based firm, was responsible for the building aspect of the project and spearheaded the building efforts of the site’s parking garage.
“Today marks another step forward towards our dual goals of welcoming VRE service to Potomac Shores and bringing retail investment to the Marketplace within the Potomac Shores Town Center,” Peter Chavkin, a managing member of BREV, said. “We’re grateful for the leadership of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors as we continue to advance these projects.”
Many members of the Prince William County government were in attendance for the groundbreaking, including the Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large DeShundra Jefferson.
“New commercial investment here at Potomac Shores will spur economic development that benefits all of Prince William County. Our county will continue to bring all resources to bear to move this process forward to completion,” Jefferson said.
Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey also spoke at the groundbreaking, stating this is an important step in the county’s goals.
“The completion of the VRE garage and groundbreaking for the Station House at Potomac Shores brings us closer than ever to our long-held goals of VRE Service and commercial development within this community,” Bailey said. “I intend to work closely with relevant agencies and with private sector partners to see these goals realized.”
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin said this project will benefit the county as a whole.
“Improved transportation access and economic development that benefits our county as a whole have been a focus for me ever since I took office,” she said. “Today’s milestones at Potomac Shores mark a major step forward and I look forward to continued progress.”
The station house is expected to be completed in the final months of 2025. It is anticipated that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority will acquire land adjacent to the station house next year as well, which will further the goal of 1 million square feet of commercial space in the area, a press release stated.
On Nov. 15, UVA Health announced its medical centers in Haymarket and Manassas received “A” safety grades — the highest possible grade — for the fall by the Leapfrog Group.
The group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns a letter grade from A to F to hospitals across the United States based on more than 30 measures, including errors, accidents, injuries, infections and systems in place to prevent harm.
Hospitals that receive As “excel in 22 evidence-based measures and by actively protecting patients from harm and improving outcomes such as reduced length of stay and mortality rates,” a press release from UVA Health stated.
The UVA Health centers in Haymarket and Manassas received the A grade for the 13th year in a row; less than 30% of hospitals in the U.S. received this distinction this year.
“I am proud to once again recognize the dedication and hard work of our exceptional healthcare team, whose commitment to meeting the needs of our communities while prioritizing patient safety is unwavering,” Erik Shannon, CEO of UVA Health’s community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper, said. “Quality and patient safety are central to our 10-year strategic plan and guide us on delivering a positive patient experience. Our extraordinary team exemplifies dedication to a culture of safety and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of care for everyone, every day.”
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said this was a significant accomplishment for the local hospitals.
“It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first,” Binder said.
Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but now let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Ed Stephenson, Ph.D., Manassas City Public Schools' (MCPS) director of instruction, spoke to the Board about two potential options for each of the upcoming school years, which would follow a similar pattern to the current 2024-2025 schedule.
In the spring, MCPS went through an overhaul of the current year's calendar in an effort to maximize instructional time and professional development. The changes also moved certain holiday observances to align with professional development schedules. For example, the 2024-25 calendar extended winter break through Jan. 6 instead of having students return on Jan. 2, which is typical for most school districts.
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More than 300 people were at the unveiling of the new aircraft in Manassas, including industry professionals, partners, customers and government officials.
According to a press release from Electra, the hybrid aircraft will be able to conduct “ultra-short” takeoffs and landings in soccer field-size spaces, which were previously limited to helicopter landings.
“This unlocks thousands of new locations for direct air service, including small regional airports or unconventional sites like grass fields or parking lots, offering seamless point-to-point regional connectivity for both passengers and cargo,” the press release stated.
The EL9 also operates with lower carbon emissions and noise than conventional planes. The press release stated the plane can recharge while in flight.
“[Wednesday’s] reveal of the EL9 showcases the dedication of our incredible team and partners,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This aircraft is more than a new design — it’s the gateway to a cleaner, quieter and more affordable future for regional travel.”
THe plane can take off and land in 150 feet and cruises at 175 knots. The EL9 has the capacity for nine passengers and a cargo weight limited to 3,000 pounds. So far, Electra has received more than 2,100 orders from 52 global operators. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and service entry anticipated in 2029.
There are several vacancies in the county, and here’s a comprehensive list of the immediate openings with the roles and responsibilities. For information on expired or ending terms, please visit the boards, commissions and committees website.
If residents are interested in participating on any of these bodies, they should contact their Board Supervisor or Chair At-Large DeShundra Jefferson.
Agricultural and Forestal Districts Advisory Committee
To advise the local governing body and the local Planning Commission on land use policies in relation to other land use actions that relate to the conservation and protection of agricultural and forestall lands in Prince William County.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? As necessary, to review petitions to establish or change agricultural or forestal districts.
Administer County ordinance which delineates historical sites and adjacent historical districts. Review and approve certificates of appropriateness to erect, reconstruct, alter or restore a building or structure, including signs, in Historical Overlay Districts. Reviews National Register nominations. Provides advice on historic preservation issues to the BOCS. Maintains the County’s “Certified Local Government” status provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
- How many vacancies? Two.
- When do they meet? As needed; meets a minimum of four times per year.
Review and decide appeals of zoning determinations and variances to zoning provisions.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Third Monday of each month at 2 p.m.
Cherry Hill Community Development Authority
The CDA is organized for the purpose of exercising all powers granted by the Act, including financing, funding, planning, establishing, acquiring, constructing or reconstructing, enlarging, equipping, operating and maintaining all or a portion of the infrastructure improvements generally described in the Petition to create the CDA, as amended by addendum to Petition. The CDA shall have all the powers granted to a “community development authority” under the Act. Creation of an Authority to provide public facilities and improvements within the District through a special assessment; established in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding in conformance with Prince William County’s Policy Guidelines for Approval of the Creation of a CDA, Res. No. 97-989 (Dec. 2, 1997), as amended by Ord. No. 98-101 (Dec. 15, 1998).
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Identify and promote better understanding of the problems of the aging in the County, Manassas and Manassas Park; plan and promote programs meeting needs of elderly; serve in an advisory capacity to BOCS and Prince William Area Agency on Aging.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Community Policy and Management Team For Comprehensive Services Act- At-Risk Youth & Families
The General Assembly of Virginia has passed the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families which requires local governments to change the way they fund and provide services to at-risk youth and their families to achieve child-centered, family-focused, community-based services for these children and their families.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Third Thursday of each month.
Fire Prevention Code Appeals Board
Each governing body that enforces the Statewide Fire Prevention Code must establish a Local Board of Fire Prevention Code Appeals to hear appeals of the fire marshal’s decisions concerning the application of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
- How many vacancies? Three.
- When do they meet? As needed.
To establish a separate administrative Housing Board responsible for overseeing and directing the implementation of housing and community development programs administered by OHCD; expenditure of housing funds, as budgeted and appropriated by the BOCS; and the development of recommendations and goals to address housing needs in Prince William County; effective June 1, 2007, subject to Memorandum of Agreement and Housing Board Bylaws.
- How many vacancies? Two.
- When do they meet? Second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Joint Recreation Center Advisory Board
Provide operational and policy advice to George Mason University. George Mason University operates this facility.
- How many vacancies? Two
- When do they meet? Quarterly.
Lake Jackson Sanitary District Advisory Committee
To provide advice and recommendations to the Board of County Supervisors on the operation of the Lake Jackson Sanitary District and any service district that may be created for the maintenance of roads in Lake Jackson.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Second Tuesday of every other month at 7:30 p.m.
Provide guidance and direction on the management of the library system.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Fourth Thursday of each month between January and October. The Library Board combines the November and December meetings and holds one combined meeting on the first Thursday of every December.
Manassas Regional Airport Commission
Manage the Manassas Regional Airport by overseeing the operation and maintenance of existing and future facilities to ensure the enforcement of the Minimum Standards and the Rules and Regulations of the Airport as adopted and subsequently amended, and to discharge the responsibilities as delegated by City Council.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Metropolitan Washington Council Of Governments
To provide policy guidance to Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and its member local governments.
- How many vacancies? One.
Committee for Persons with Disabilities
To act in an advisory capacity to provide a central focus and coordination in reviewing all disability-related issues brought before the County government.
- How many vacancies? Four.
- When do they meet? First Tuesday of every other month at 7 p.m.
Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission
To develop and implement the transportation plan on a regional basis.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? First Thursday of each month.
Prince William County Arts Council
The Council shall promote and support local artists and arts organizations and enlighten and educate audiences about the arts in Prince William County, the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park, hereinafter referred to as the Greater Prince William Area.
- How many vacancies? Two.
- When do they meet? Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Prince William County Trails And Blueways Council
The Council’s purpose is to serve as an advisory group to the BOCS, and shall support development and growth of trails and blueways within Prince William County. Other services may include, but not limited to, the following: publicity, promotion and community outreach.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? At least eight meetings annually.
Prince William Parkway District Advisory Board
To advise the Parkway District Commission on matters affecting the District.
- How many vacancies? Three.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Provide water and sewer utilities to County residents.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Second Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Racial and Social Justice Commission
The Racial and Social Justice Commission will initially examine the state of racial and social justice for people of color in the areas of policing, the provision of government services and public education, subject to the establishment of a partnership with the Prince William School System.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Regional – Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia
Plan for orderly development of health care facilities in Northern Virginia, principally hospitals and nursing homes.
- How many vacancies? Three.
- When do they meet? Second Monday of each month at 8 p.m.
Route 234 Bypass Transportation Improvement District Advisory Board
- How many vacancies? Six.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Social Services Advisory Board
To interest itself in all matters pertaining to the public assistance and social services need by people of PWC. Monitor the formulation and implementation of public and social services programs. Meet with local gov’t official or his/her designee who constitutes the local Board at least four times a year for purpose of making policy recommendations on policy matters concerning the dept. Promote a positive image of the department through advocacy and education for the community. Act as a conduit from citizens to the members of the BOCS on needs for social services within the community. Provide input to BOCS on adoption of four-year County Strategic Plan. Provide input to the Director of Social Services on annual budget recommendations to CXO as part of the budget process. Present annual report concerning the administration of the public assistance and social services programs. Recommend two members to serve on the County Executive’s hiring panel for selection of Social Services Director. Submit to BOCS other reports the Advisory Board deems appropriate.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? First and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Stafford Regional Airport Authority
To acquire, construct, maintain and operate an airport. Seven members, four members appointed by Stafford, two members appointed by Prince William and one member appointed by the City of Fredericksburg.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? Second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
To consider and act upon applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and appeals from actions to the Taxicab Inspector’s Office; and to review and update Chapter 27 of the Taxicab Ordinance.
- How many vacancies? Three.
- When do they meet? On call by chairman.
Tourism Industry Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is comprised of eleven members who represent the interests of local tourism industry organizations and stakeholders within Prince William County and shall advise the BOCS, the County Executive and the Director of the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism on matters related to promoting Prince William County as a tourism destination in accordance with Virginia Code Section 58.1-3819. The Advisory Board shall assist staff in the Prince William County Office of Tourism in identifying and securing new tourism opportunities.
- How many vacancies? Three.
- When do they meet? Quarterly.
Virginia Gateway Community Development Authority
Creation of an Authority to provide public facilities and improvements within the District through a special assessment; established in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding in conformance with Prince William County’s Policy Guidelines for Approval of the Creation of a CDA.
- How many vacancies? One.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Study requests of the Board of County Supervisors and citizens relevant to the Weapons Control Ordinance.
- How many vacancies? Two.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Review and approve all (nonexempt) construction activities proposed for intertidal area. Appeal of Board decisions made to Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
- How many vacancies? Two.
- When do they meet? As needed.
Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee
Review and comment on existing regulations and recommended revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and the Design and Construction Standards Manual. Provide continuity between the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Design Construction Standards Manual.
- How many vacancies? One.
Prince William County Police Department reopened its field office at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge earlier this month.
The field office will be utilized to support the mall, its visitors and tenants, but will also house members of the department’s recruitment team. According to a press release, the office will be available for new hire testing, report writing, meetings, training seminars and processing people who commit minor offenses. The location within the mall is behind the Round Bowling & Amusement.
Lt. Jonathan Perok, a public information officer with PWCPD, said this won’t be a regularly staffed location open to the public and the department has always had a space but was relocated within the building. He also said the office is able to process individuals as of now, but recruitment testing operations are expected to become operational in early 2025.
Potomac Mills is the Commonwealth’s largest outlet mall with more than 200 stores and 25 eateries. This field office will expand the PWCPD’s reach in the community, in addition to its existing 700 sworn officers and 14 bureaus. The police department has — either in the past or currently — had other field offices in other parts of the county.
On Nov. 5, the field office hosted a meet and greet event, where people had the opportunity to speak with PWCPD officers and receive a free Build-A-Bear!
In the race for four Board seats, the eight candidates ran spirited campaigns discussing a variety of issues, including absenteeism, standardized test scores, community engagement and the like.
The results
