Manassas City Public Schools

Opinion

Editorial: Manassas School Board Finally Wakes Up

By Potomac Local News
Manassas Public Schools HQ at 8700 Centreville Road.

It appears the Manassas City School Board is finally waking up — to the needs of its students, and to the voices of the parents who pay for their education.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Editorial: Manassas School Board Finally Wakes Up Read more
Manassas

Class Act! Manassas Launches $2 Million Fix for Failing Grades

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The Manassas City School Board heard its first full update Tuesday night on Manassas Pathways, a $2 million alternative education program set to open in January 2026 for students who need a nontraditional path to graduation.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Class Act! Manassas Launches $2 Million Fix for Failing Grades Read more
Manassas

Osbourn High’s Victoria Ingram named National Merit Semifinalist

By Uriah Kiser
Osbourn High School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

Ingram was surprised with the honor during a recent celebration at Osbourn, attended by school administrators, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman, members of the School Board, and her family. Principal Dr. Jennifer Chapman praised Ingram as one of the school’s most dedicated and future-focused students.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition that began in 1955. Students enter the program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors; over 1.3 million students from 20,000 U.S. high schools competed this year. Only about 16,000 earn Semifinalist status.

Go to Osbourn High’s Victoria Ingram named National Merit Semifinalist Read more
Manassas

Manassas School Board moves to revisit ‘50 floor’ grading policy after parent pushback

By Uriah Kiser
Members of the Manassas City School Board meet at City Hall on Sept. 25, 2025, where they voted to send the division’s grading policy back to the Policy Committee for revisions.

The Manassas City School Board will review its grading policy after parents and teachers voiced frustration that the division’s “50 floor” system allows students to coast instead of completing their work.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Manassas School Board moves to revisit ‘50 floor’ grading policy after parent pushback Read more
Manassas

New State Rules, Same Classroom Debate: Brescia Says 50% for Missing Work ‘Isn’t Worth the Tradeoff’

By Uriah Kiser
Brescia (right)

Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia says giving 50% for missing work is an “unacceptable tradeoff,” arguing the division should shift detailed grading rules out of School Board policy and into a superintendent-set regulation to de-politicize decisions and focus on student engagement, attendance, and behavior.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to New State Rules, Same Classroom Debate: Brescia Says 50% for Missing Work ‘Isn’t Worth the Tradeoff’ Read more
Manassas

With Students Lagging on State Tests, Manassas Sets 5-Year Roadmap for Schools, Housing, Safety

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas leaders are weighing a new five-year roadmap that will tie directly into city budgets, with goals ranging from improving student outcomes to replacing the city’s oldest fire station.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to With Students Lagging on State Tests, Manassas Sets 5-Year Roadmap for Schools, Housing, Safety Read more
Manassas

Parents Clash With School Leaders Over Grades and Low Test Scores

By Uriah Kiser
Community members gather around a table to share concerns over the “50 floor” grading policy during the Manassas schools town hall on Sept. 11, 2025.

Parents and teachers pressed school leaders Thursday night over grading policies and accountability in Manassas City Public Schools, raising concerns that a controversial “50 floor” grading scale encourages students to coast rather than complete their work.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Parents Clash With School Leaders Over Grades and Low Test Scores Read more
Manassas

Manassas City Schools to Provide Day Therapy for Students

By Caitlyn Meisner
The Manassas City Public School Board. [Courtesy of MCPS]

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) will provide therapeutic day treatment for students through the National Counseling Group beginning this school year.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Manassas City Schools to Provide Day Therapy for Students Read more
Schools

Public Rallies Behind Removed Osbourn Football Coach

By Uriah Kiser
Osbourn High School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

MANASSAS, Va. — Community members packed the Aug. 12 Manassas City School Board meeting to demand the reinstatement of longtime Osbourn High School football coach Mike Johnson, whose employment with the division ended Aug. 8.

The school division confirmed this week that Johnson worked for Manassas City Public Schools from 2007 to 2022, and again from 2023 until last week. His roles included assistant indoor track coach, assistant football coach, and head football coach. He has been replaced by Mel Morgan.

Go to Public Rallies Behind Removed Osbourn Football Coach Read more
Schools

Stafford, Manassas Students Return for the Earliest First Day of School in the Region

By Uriah Kiser
Kindergarten students get off the bus at Park Ridge Elementary School on "transition day," Monday, August 11, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Classrooms across Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) filled this morning as more than 31,500 students returned for the 2025–2026 school year. SCPS operates 34 schools and maintains an average student–teacher ratio of 13:1. Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith leads the division, headquartered at 31 Stafford Avenue.

The county kicked off the year with its Transition Day on Monday, August 11, 2025. Designed for incoming kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade students, Transition Day provides a softer start—allowing these students to tour their schools, meet teachers, and get familiar with their surroundings before the whole student body arrives. School officials say the program reduces first-day anxiety and helps build connections that last throughout the year.

Go to Stafford, Manassas Students Return for the Earliest First Day of School in the Region Read more
View More Stories