Schools - Page 22 of 210 - Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg City Public Schools Begins Search for New Hugh Mercer Elementary Principal as Leadership Shifts

Published February 14, 2025 at 11:33AM

Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) has initiated the search for a new principal for Hugh Mercer Elementary School, following the transition of current Principal James Snyder to a division-level role focusing on facilities and operations. Effective February 14, 2025, Courtney Wheeler will assume the position of Interim Principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary.

Wheeler’s extensive experience within FCPS includes serving as principal of Lafayette Elementary School until December 2024 and being appointed as principal of Gladys West Elementary School in August 2024. She began preparations in January 2025 to open Gladys West Elementary, the division’s third elementary school, scheduled to welcome students this fall.

Manassas City School Board Discusses Collective Bargaining Initiative

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 13, 2025 at 6:27PM

Manassas City Public Schools teacher. [Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The Manassas City School Board met on February 5, 2025, where members discussed the Manassas Education Association’s (MEA) decision to initiate a collective bargaining campaign. The discussion revealed concerns about funding, legal implications, and the potential impact on the school division’s ability to retain teachers.

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Stafford Parents Push for School Funding as Board Eyes No-Tax-Increase Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 1:11PM | Updated February 17, 2025 at 10:14AM

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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.

Parents Demand More Investment in Schools

Prince William County Board Debates $31.6 Million School Funding Transfer

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 10:00PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.

While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.

Osbourn Park High School Wins Virginia School Breakfast Award

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 8:50PM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 2:02PM

Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.

Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.

Prince William County Sheriff Announces 2025-2026 Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship Applications

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 2:34PM

Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

The scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending Virginia colleges and universities who are majoring in criminal justice, excluding those pursuing a law degree or legal career. Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from their resident sheriff before applying.

Prince William County residents must contact the Sheriff’s Office by April 4, 2025, to schedule an appointment with Sheriff Hill for the recommendation. The deadline to submit the online application and required documents is May 1, 2025. More details and application materials are available on the VSI website.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools to Launch Career and Technical Education Program with $1 Million Donation

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 6, 2025 at 10:32AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:21AM

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Stafford Schools Urge Parents to Help Curb Flu Spread Amid Rising Cases

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 5, 2025 at 11:04AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:23AM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools advise families and staff to practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds, and other viruses as cases rise in the community.

Parents are encouraged to ensure children wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their faces, and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. The CDC and Virginia Department of Health recommend flu vaccinations for anyone six months and older.

Prince William County Schools to Unveil FY 2026 Budget, Including $1B Capital Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 3, 2025 at 2:07PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:24AM

Prince William County Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade. [Courtesy of PWCS on X]

A significant component of this year’s budget is a $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aiming to address overcrowding, modernize aging facilities, and support long-term student enrollment shifts.

Major Investments in New Schools and Renovations

Stafford Schools to Host Career GPS Expo to Guide Sixth Graders’ Future Pathways

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 3, 2025 at 1:54PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:24AM

Stafford Regional Airport Terminal [Photo: Rick Horner]

The event is designed to introduce approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students to various career pathways through hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and connections with local professionals and businesses. The expo aims to help students begin planning for high school and their future careers by exposing them to various industries.

Director of Career and Technical Education Stephanie Carter emphasized that Career GPS is more than just a field trip. It calls it an opportunity for students to explore possibilities, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in selecting pathways that align with their interests. The event will feature interactive exhibits showcasing different career fields, high school student ambassadors who will share insights into academic programs, and opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals.