“Growth completely masked achievement realities,” Virginia Scope reported, quoting Virginia Superintendent of Public Education Emily Anne Gullickson during a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission meeting. “That’s limited our ability to really deliver the right support to meet individual students’ needs.”

“We want to make sure that students are making annual progress, that they are moving and that students are getting towards grade level or exceeding the grade level,” Gullickson said. “But growth cannot be more important than ensuring that students are truly prepared on the grade level content and are able to succeed and prosper upon graduation.”


“Do you know an MCPS educator who goes above and beyond every single day?” Manassas City Public Schools posted. “Now’s your chance to recognize them! Nominations are open for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year.”

“Whether they inspire students, lead with innovation, or build meaningful connections in and beyond the classroom — let’s give them the spotlight they deserve,” the school division stated.


Stafford County Public Schools to open two hours late Monday due to road conditions

“Due to current road conditions in some areas of the county, Stafford Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule on Monday, December 15, 2025,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This delay allows for safer travel conditions in the morning while preserving instructional time for our students.”


“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”

Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.


The Prince William County School Board voted 4-3 on Dec. 3 to extend the teacher contract day by 30 minutes, a move that drew heated opposition from educators who packed the boardroom in red and warned the change would add “nearly one hundred hours of unpaid labor each year.”

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“I returned to school after nearly two decades away. My first research assignment was a D — I almost quit,” Germanna Community College reported. “But a professor reminded me, ‘You’ve been out of school for years. Don’t give up.’ And I didn’t. My joy for learning was reignited. I finally allowed myself to be the person I always wanted to be.”

The college awarded 1,042 degrees, certificates, and credentials to more than 900 graduates during Thursday evening’s ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. Student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, shared her journey of returning to college after nearly two decades and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.


“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Fredericksburg City Schools family,” Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced. “I believe that every learner, educator, and school can grow, and I am excited to be a part of the next phase of academic growth in Fredericksburg City.” “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Albon to the FCPS family,” Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett said. “He understands the importance of educating all students to reach their fullest potential.”

Dr. Brendon Albon, a veteran education leader with more than 25 years of experience, will assume the role of Chief Academic Officer on December 15, 2025. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education, where he led statewide school-support initiatives and earlier held roles in STEM and innovation, school leadership, and classroom instruction. The appointment follows the School Board’s approval and reflects the division’s focus on instructional excellence and continued academic growth.


Brentsville District School Board member Erica Tredinnick is defending her work for a firm tied to the Prince William Digital Gateway, saying she follows Virginia conflict-of-interest laws and will not apologize for “earning a living” in real estate development.

Tredinnick issued a written statement after an interview on Potomac Local News’ “PLN on YouTube,” where Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef downplayed concerns about her employment with LSI Communications.


“Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has appointed Brooke LeVecchi as principal of ‘Woodbridge Area’ Elementary School, effective January 5, 2026,” the school division announced. “LeVecchi brings more than 20 years of experience in education and a proven record of fostering academic achievement and building strong, inclusive school communities.”

“She has served as principal of Neabsco Elementary School since July 2023… Under her leadership, Neabsco Elementary achieved notable progress, including increases in SOL assessment scores across several content areas, an increase in math SOL pass advanced scores, and English learner student growth.”


“On Monday night, the board voted to purchase Evolv weapons detection systems for the county’s seven middle schools,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The action was part of the consent agenda — a list of items typically approved wholesale without discussion. The board voted 4-0 to approve the $1 million purchase, with board members April Gillespie and Lisa Phelps absent for the final meeting of their tenures.”

The division previously installed Evolv scanners at all five high schools, along with the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center and the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. The expansion follows heightened security measures this fall after a shooting involving juveniles and threats made against school leaders.


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