The statement, released during the commission’s monthly meeting, seeks to reassure residents that county protections remain in place regardless of potential changes at the federal level brought on by President Trump’s executive order "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.”
The commission’s decision to issue the statement sparked discussion among its members, with some questioning the urgency and others supporting action. Chair Curtis Porter defended the timing, emphasizing the importance of preventing confusion and ensuring residents know their rights under county law.
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McDade proposed an operating budget of $1.9 billion, a 6.2% increase — or $111.3 million — from what PWCS received in fiscal year 2025 at $1.8 billion. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of January, the national inflation rate is 3%.
“Each year, our budget is driven by the strategic priorities set forth in our long-term plan,” McDade said in a press release about the budget. “We are focused on investing in people, programs and initiatives that directly enhance student achievement and well-being.”
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Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg opened the discussion by acknowledging the Manassas Education Association notification that they intended to begin their campaign: "The MEA would like to initiate their collective bargaining campaign. So we can talk about that in the future, or if you have any questions now, we can try and address them. We’re gonna have to budget more money for the attorneys. It’s gonna be a lot."
Board Member Sara Brescia questioned the necessity of the MEA’s formal notification. "I don’t think they had to tell us that they were initiating a collective bargaining campaign." However, she noted that the MEA may have wanted to inform the board before making a public announcement. "They wanted to let us know before they put it on Facebook and heard it from somebody else."
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The president framed the order as a defense of women's athletics against unfair competition, stating, "Under the Trump administration, we will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and our girls. From now on, women’s sports will only be for women."
Merianne Jensen and her two daughters, Prince William County Public Schools students, attended the ceremony. Jensen emphasized the importance of the executive order, saying, "Being the mother of two daughters, their safety is the most important thing, and it’s important they are not put in physical danger playing against a male in sports."
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The Manassas Regional Airport is on the verge of a major transformation as it progresses toward becoming a Part 139 certificated airport, a designation that would allow it to offer commercial airline service. This advancement, along with ongoing modernization efforts, was a key focus of the latest Manassas City Council meeting on February 10, 2025.
Airport Commission Chairman Rod Hall underscored the significance of the upcoming certification, noting that it would place Manassas in an elite category.
"Today, the airport stands at the cusp of becoming a Part 139 certificated airport, offering commercial service, working in collaborative efforts with our partner, Avports. Our team is working up and down the certification checklist from ARF, security, and environmental assessments work to addressing current infrastructure deficiencies. All parties are working diligently towards achieving certification this year."
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The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.
During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.
"This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly," said Chief Sibert. "We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed."
