During a tense Manassas Park Governing Body meeting on March 4, Mayor Alanna Mensing raised a pointed question about the city treasurer’s plan to publish the names of delinquent taxpayers.
"It is a shame tactic, right? You are putting out people's names to kind of compel them to pay so that they're not publicly shamed. And so does that actually work?"
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The Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) Board received an update on chronic absenteeism in the district on Feb. 25 from Jennifer Cassata, MCPS' executive director of accountability and finance.
Cassata said addressing absenteeism takes a village, and the district has just that. MCPS has employed a hierarchical structure of those accountable for students, including counselors, teachers, attendance officers, administrative associates and principals.
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Data centers in Prince William County could see an increase in the tax rate for computers and peripherals used by data centers as the Board of County Supervisors deliberates on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The proposed tax rate for computer and peripheral (C&P) equipment is set to rise from $3.70 to $4.15 per $100 of assessed value, a move that could significantly impact data center operators and businesses utilizing advanced technology.
The Board of County Supervisors voted to advertise the new C&P tax rate, meaning they can lower the rate during their upcoming budget discussions but cannot raise it beyond the advertised amount. Some supervisors expressed concerns about the increase, arguing it could deter business investment, while others emphasized the need for additional revenue to support county services.
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A Manassas mother of three, LaToya Crabbe, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the October 21, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Curtis Crabbe. This marks the second time she has been indicted, following the dismissal of an earlier indictment due to prosecutorial unpreparedness.
Late last month, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan ordered Crabbe's release from jail after dismissing a second-degree murder charge against her, citing repeated missed deadlines by the prosecution.
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The discussion over school security in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is intensifying as parents and advocacy groups push for armed security personnel in elementary schools, particularly in overcrowded schools like Covington-Harper Elementary School near Dumfries.
The debate comes after the recent installation of Evolv security scanners in middle and high schools, raising questions about whether elementary schools need enhanced security measures.
At the February 19, 2025, PWCS School Board meeting, speakers urged the board to consider adding School Resource Officers (SROs) to elementary schools, arguing that younger students are especially vulnerable in the event of a security threat.
Advocacy for Armed Security in Elementary Schools
Jen Donnelly, chapter chair of Moms for Liberty, spoke in favor of armed security personnel for elementary schools, explicitly citing security concerns at Covington Harbor, where hundreds of students walk between trailers used as classrooms due to overcrowding.
"I know that we have roving security guards who make regular stops at all of our elementary schools, but in my opinion, this doesn’t go far enough," Donnelly told the school board. "At a minimum, I urge that you find funds in the budget to ensure these children are safeguarded by SROs at each location".
Donnelly also emphasized the importance of securing funding for school security enhancements, warning that federal funding for PWCS could be at risk due to other policy decisions. She argued that prioritizing school safety is essential, even if budget constraints make it difficult.
Concerns About Over-Policing and Budget Constraints
While some parents support armed security officers in elementary schools, others and some school board members question whether this approach is necessary or practical.
School Board Member Loree Y. Williams (Woodbridge District) raised concerns about balancing security improvements with maintaining a welcoming school environment.
"We have taken major steps forward with Evolv security scanners in middle and high schools, ensuring our students are safer," Williams said. "But the question is whether armed officers in elementary schools will actually improve safety outcomes or if we should focus on expanding mental health and early intervention programs".
Evolv Scanners: A Step Forward in School Security?
On school campuses, Prince William County PWCS reported a significant decrease in non-firearm weapons, such as knives and brass knuckles. Over the last school year, these incidents dropped by 72%. Notably, since the implementation of the Evolv system, PWCS has not reported a single firearm on any campus.
The Evolv weapons detection system, approved by the school board in May 2023, uses artificial intelligence and sensors to detect weapons and other threats. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the system allows students to walk through in groups without stopping, reducing wait times and minimizing disruptions. While the system has been successfully deployed in middle, high, and nontraditional schools, it has not been implemented in elementary schools, leading to concerns about the lack of similar security measures for younger students. The school board has not yet formally proposed introducing armed security officers in elementary schools. However, the topic is expected to be discussed further in upcoming budget meetings as board members consider funding priorities and community concerns. The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
"We have intentionally designed some of the interior to not only focus on our learning but also honor the legacy of Jennie Dean," Deputy Superintendent Craig Gfeller said at the School Board's Feb. 25 meeting. "... I want to thank our partner, the Manassas Museum, who has been a real partner to us in gathering artifacts to be able to authentically honor the legacy of Jennie Dean."
As of January, construction began on the new school site with safety barriers and signage being installed. Due to inclement weather, the construction crew had to work around cold temperatures and wet conditions, the progress report stated.
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The Town of Haymarket’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget has sparked a mix of concern and debate among residents following its presentation to the Town Council on Monday, March 3. While the budget aims to balance financial stability with needed investments in public safety, infrastructure, and economic development, some residents question whether it does enough to address the town’s most pressing issues.
Residents Demand Transparency on Tax Rates
During the public hearing, several residents voiced concerns over rising property assessments and their impact on their tax bills. Bob Weir, a former Town Council member and current Prince William County Gainesville Distirct Supervisor, did not mince words when addressing the council.
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Residents and business owners in Manassas Park who have overdue taxes and other unpaid city bills may soon see their names displayed publicly. City officials plan to implement a new initiative to post the names of delinquent account holders on the city's website and an electronic message board at City Hall.
The policy, which is permitted under Code of Virginia §58.1-3924, is part of an effort by the Manassas Park Treasurer’s Office to increase collection rates for past-due payments.
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Manassas City Council members praised the Manassas City Police Department (MCPD) at its recent meeting for its resilience from leadership changes and efforts to reduce crime.
The body's Feb. 24 meeting featured an MCPD annual report on 2024. The former interim police chief, Trey Lawler, gave the presentation alongside Doug Keen, the former interim city manager who stepped down from his position as MCPD chief to fill the role in November 2023.
