The Stafford County School Board is moving forward with plans to redesign and rebuild Drew Middle School, with an anticipated opening in August 2028. The proposed facility, located at Oak Knoll Farm off Farm Road, aims to modernize the school's infrastructure while accommodating growing student enrollment.
During a recent school board meeting, officials and architects presented multiple design concepts, emphasizing the need for an efficient, functional, and community-oriented space. One of the primary considerations in the redesign process is the inclusion of a performance space—a feature strongly supported by community feedback.
History and Justification for Replacement
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Summer fun at Signal Bay Waterpark will start a little later than expected this year. The city of Manassas Park has announced a delayed opening due to ongoing renovations. According to a statement from city officials, the park will now welcome visitors on Monday, June 23, about a month later than initially planned.
The city assured patrons that the delay is due to necessary improvements to enhance the park experience. "We appreciate your patience as we put the finishing touches on these exciting improvements," the statement read. "If any unforeseen construction setbacks affect the opening date, we’ll let you know right away!"
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Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal to the City Council on March 11. The proposal outline a $136.75 million spending plan to strengthen public schools, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.
The proposal includes a three-cent real estate tax increase to fund these initiatives, bringing the rate from $0.77 to $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. This tax hike is expected to generate additional revenue while helping to fund essential services such as a new middle school, a fire station, and water system upgrades.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Stafford County School Board met in a joint session Wednesday evening to address critical budget concerns, including school funding challenges, rising property taxes, and long-term infrastructure needs. The meeting, which focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, took place as county leaders continue to deliberate over a proposed $1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY26) that could result in higher property tax bills for homeowners.
A Budget for Growth: Addressing Stafford’s Expanding Student Population
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Prince William County officials are raising concerns about a high-voltage transmission line project proposed by Dominion Energy. The project could affect public parks, a public safety training center, and other county-owned properties.
According to Dominion's preliminary plans, the Wishing Star to Morrisville transmission line would run from Loudoun County into Fauquier County, requiring new right-of-way acquisitions and easements.
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Council approved the request based on nine conditions, none of which were based on parking, an issue in downtown Manassas. Pathway is anticipating a maximum capacity of 150 people each Sunday and must provide 38 parking spaces if one parking space is granted per four seats in a car. On-site, there are only 22 spaces available.
Audra Ovalle, a planner with the city, said because of the building's zone, there is no parking requirement.
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Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle presented an ambitious plan to replace aging fire stations, upgrade firefighting equipment, and implement a systemwide approach to purchasing fire apparatus during a Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) work session on Tuesday.
The proposal, which spans Fiscal Year 2026 through 2031, aims to improve response times, station reliability, and firefighter safety while addressing rising costs and resource demands. The plan also includes a $158.3 million investment in four new or replacement fire stations and overhauling the county’s equipment procurement process.
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Concerns Over Health and Safety
Woof Houze, located at 501 Musselman Road, has been a key facility for dog training and behavioral rehabilitation. Owner Adia Washington and several supporters spoke at a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4, 2025, detailing health concerns among staff, customers, and animals due to prolonged exposure to airborne silica dust.
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Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in downtown Manassas.
Beginning in March, crews will replace the leaking coolant pipes beneath the 23-year-old pavilion’s concrete surface to ensure the continued operation of the seasonal ice rink and other community events.
