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New Podcast Episode: Honoring the Legacy of Jenny Dean and the Future of Manassas City Public Schools
Our latest Potomac Local News Podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Almeta Radford, spokeswoman for Manassas City Public Schools. We dive into the details of the $47 million groundbreaking project for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, set to open in 2026.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
1. The Significance of Jenny Dean’s Legacy
- Discover how Jennie Dean, born into slavery, became a trailblazer by founding the Manassas Industrial School for African American Children and how her contributions shaped the community.
2. A Community-Centered Design
- Hear how architects and community leaders worked together to design a building that honors Dean’s legacy while incorporating modern educational needs, including outdoor learning spaces, energy-efficient features, and state-of-the-art security.
3. Behind the Budget
- Learn how strategic timing and innovative procurement processes brought the project in under the $62 million budget originally estimated.
4. What’s Next for Manassas City Schools
- Get insight into future challenges and priorities for the school division as the city grows.
This episode captures the excitement and importance of a project that’s not just about a building but about celebrating history, serving the present, and shaping the future.
Tune in to hear Almeta’s reflections, the passion behind the project, and what this milestone means for the Manassas community.
Listen now and join us in celebrating this major step forward for our schools and students.
What are your thoughts on the new Jennie Dean Elementary School project? Please share them in the comments below.
Attempted Malicious Wounding
An incident was reported on December 17 at the Broadstone at River Oaks Apartments near Dumfries. A 42-year-old woman sustained minor injuries during a domestic dispute when an acquaintance, identified as Derrick Raynaun Jackson, struck her and dragged her a short distance with his vehicle, police said. Warrants have been issued for Jackson’s arrest, but he remains at large.
Bomb Threat Investigation
A bomb threat investigation occurred on the morning of December 17 at a construction site on Hayden Road in Manassas. A written threat was discovered on the door of a portable bathroom, prompting an evacuation. No credible threat was found after a search of the area.
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The Fredericksburg City Council held a work session on December 10 to discuss a proposed ordinance allowing the city to develop data centers.
The discussion focused on creating a data center overlay district, with the Celebrate Virginia South area next to Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals, being the primary proposed location. The ordinance would establish zoning, performance standards, and environmental protections for the potential development.
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Owning rental property is a rewarding investment, but challenges can often overwhelm even seasoned property owners. Freedom Property Management, led by Principal Broker and owner Tiffany Izenour, offers a full suite of management services designed to take the stress out of property ownership, providing clients with a smooth, hassle-free experience. With their hands-on approach, Freedom ensures that property owners can relax, knowing their investments are in expert hands.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Property Ownership
For many property owners, managing tenant issues, handling maintenance requests, and navigating legal requirements can significantly drain time and energy. “Our clients come to us because they want peace of mind,” says Tiffany. “We handle everything from tenant screening and rent collection to property inspections and legal compliance. Property owners know they don’t have to worry about the day-to-day details.” With Freedom Property Management, owners can rest assured that a team with deep experience and dedication manages every aspect of their property.
Keeping Owners Informed, Not Overwhelmed
Effective communication is at the heart of Freedom Property Management’s client relationships. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of keeping owners updated in a helpful and stress-free way. “We understand that our clients want to know what’s happening with their property without feeling bogged down by every minor detail. That’s why we maintain clear, regular communication and provide detailed monthly reports that cover everything they need to know.” By streamlining communication, Freedom keeps owners in the loop without overwhelming them, fostering a relationship built on trust and transparency.
Efficient Maintenance for Happy Tenants and Owners
One of the most critical elements of property management is handling maintenance requests quickly and effectively. Freedom Property Management has a well-defined process to ensure maintenance is completed promptly, which benefits both the owner and the tenant. “When a maintenance request comes in, we assess it, dispatch a trusted vendor, and follow up to confirm that it’s been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,” Tiffany explains. “We know that quick responses to maintenance issues lead to happy tenants and, ultimately, happier property owners.” This process keeps properties in top shape and contributes to higher tenant retention rates, maximizing the property’s profitability over time.
About Freedom Property Management
Freedom Property Management, based in Manassas, offers top-tier property management services tailored to Northern Virginia property owners. Led by Tiffany Izenour, Freedom is known for its client-centered approach, providing responsive, professional services that give property owners the peace of mind they deserve. From tenant management to property upkeep and legal compliance, Freedom Property Management handles every aspect of rental property ownership with a commitment to excellence.
To learn more about how Freedom Property Management can make property ownership stress-free, visit freedompm.com.
DST is one of the Divine Nine organizations, a group of historically African American fraternities and sororities that the National Pan-Hellenic Council governs. PWCAC-DST has been hosting this oratorical event for 40 years, which predates the first national celebration of the holiday in 1986.
Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year's six regional competitors must center their speeches on "Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future."
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Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, was formally censured by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for her role in the removal of Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.
The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.
Gary has yet to announce a re-election bid.
During the meeting, Gary defended herself, accusing her colleagues of retaliation and alleging violations of federal and state laws. “This is retaliation, it is illegal under federal law as it was when I was removed from the library board for making my colleagues look bad,” Gary said. “This is an abuse of power, and if I have to be the only person to stand up here and deal with it, I’m happy to do that.”
Gary further accused the board of damaging public trust. “The public doesn’t trust because this board is not trustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so. What we’re witnessing right now is an abuse of power,” she stated.
Dr. Pamela Yeung, who abstained from the censure vote, expressed regret over the entire situation. “Two wrongs don’t make one right,” Yeung said. “I regret that this mistake happened, but I’m not voting to remove Supervisor Gary because I believe that was a necessary decision to remove her from the library board itself.”
“I sincerely apologize to you. We made a mistake, and I just think that maybe we can correct it and not let it happen again in the future,” said Hartwood District Supervisor Darrell English.
“We are sincerely apologetic for any personal harm or distress we may have caused Ms. Becelia and her family, and we hope that the county can move forward and learn from this,” said Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor Tinesha Allen.
Community Outcry in Support of Mary Becelia
Residents strongly supported Mary Becelia, who had been accused of misconduct and removed from the library board in July. Several residents used the public comment period to call for accountability and to express their dismay at the treatment of Becelia, a long-time volunteer in Stafford County.
Becelia, speaking during the meeting, reflected on the ordeal: “This is about how a political body can go behind closed doors and recklessly accuse a citizen volunteer of wrongdoing without one shred of evidence and then double down when offered the chance to set things right.” She added, “Tonight, I was told there would be an apology. There was not an apology. There was a statement. And I add this to the long list of disappointments that I have suffered at the hands of this board.”*
Howard Rudat, a resident of the Rock Hill District, sharply criticized the board’s actions, saying: “You trusted, and by doing so, you became judge, jury, and executioner of Mary Becelia’s good name and reputation.” He called on the board to implement measures to ensure similar incidents don’t occur in the future. “Had you applied those same standards during the July 10th special meeting, no one would have ever heard of Mary’s name outside of her family, friends, and colleagues,” Rudat said.
The controversy stems from July 2024, when Becelia was removed from her role as a trustee. Becelia said Gary contacted her, requesting her position on a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director. Becelia declined, stating that it was not her decision to relinquish the seat.
At Thanksgiving, Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier in July.
Gary stated on Facebook that Becelia’s removal stemmed from misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She admitted to motioning for Becelia’s removal, which the board unanimously approved, and later described the action as unjust and illegal. Gary’s statement acknowledged that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee and that Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold.
Before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted on the censure of Gary, Bohmke read the following statement for the record, summarizing the findings of the board’s investigation and highlighting the basis for the censure:
“Before we cast our vote today on the censure of Supervisor Gary, I believe it is imperative for the community to understand the results of the investigation and information that was provided to our board in July and again in September.”
“Supervisor Gary provided misleading information to the entire board. Upon further investigation, it was brought to the board’s attention that Supervisor Gary reached out to the chair of the Stafford Democratic Committee asking for a new appointee recommendation to the library board before the Board of Supervisors took any actions on the removal of Ms. Becelia in July. Shortly after our board was provided misleading and inaccurate information from Supervisor Gary and the board voted to remove the library appointee, the Democratic Chair [Howard Rudat] notified Supervisor Gary that the library board member removed was in fact a Stafford Democratic Committee member.”
“Based on the investigation, this notification to Supervisor Gary is essentially what led her to changing her mind and requesting the board to reappoint Ms. Becelia in September’s closed session. The board clarified with Supervisor Gary and asked if her actions had changed from what she shared in July, and she said no. That behavior shared with the board can be characterized as disrespectful and unprofessional behavior. Based on that information, the board still felt what was being told to the board by Supervisor Gary was in fact misconduct and were unwilling to overturn the previous decision.”
“It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that the board’s continued investigation uncovered these motives from Supervisor Gary were political in nature and related to her upcoming re-election and gaining support from the Democratic Committee in her upcoming election. The misconduct she previously shared with the board, in fact, was a fabrication from Supervisor Gary.”
“Appointments to committees and commissions should never be made based on political affiliation requirements or traded for support.”
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees oversees the policies, strategic planning, and overall governance of the regional library system, which serves Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, and Fredericksburg. The board is composed of citizen appointees and elected officials nominated by participating local governments, tasked with ensuring the library system operates effectively and meets the needs of the community.
Trustees work to approve budgets, guide library programs, and oversee library leadership. Their decisions shape the library’s services and ensure accessibility for regional residents.
*This article was updated to state Gary has not announced her intention to seek re-election.
As Prince William County grows, officials highlight the need for new water sources to meet future demand. A primary concern is the expansion of data centers, which have become a significant consumer of water.
Calvin Farr, General Manager of Prince William Water, explained the county’s projected water needs: "We have dynamic hydraulic models we look at, really, to see if we can handle the additional growth. And if we don't, we identify capital needs. At that point, we put that in our master plan for capital needs that, you know, that is needed to supply additional growth."
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We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.
Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The proposed Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its impact on residents and local workers like teachers, police, and firefighters.
- Balancing affordable housing with school capacity concerns and infrastructure development in growing areas like Brentsville.
- The ongoing debate over the Bi-County Parkway extension to ease congestion on Route 28.
- Chair Jefferson’s favorite local restaurants—from the western side of the county to the east.
Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson
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