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Insidenova – "The Manassas City School Board is requesting the appropriation of state funds for a pilot alternative education program.

The board discussed the possibility of such a program in December. Manassas City Public Schools currently has an agreement with Prince William County Public Schools to use its program at Independence Nontraditional School.

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One area of the city indicated they think Manassas is an excellent place to live (dark blue), while the rest said it was overall a good place to live (light blue). [Courtesy of the City of Manassas]
According to survey results recently released by the city at the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, 79% of Manassas City residents think it's an excellent or good place to live.

The survey, conducted by ETC Institute, a national market research firm for local governments, was conducted in 2024 as part of the city's efforts to poll its residents every two years on a wide variety of issues, city services, public safety and quality of life. The last citywide survey was conducted in 2022 by ETC, which has been working with the city since 2014.

Jason Morado, the director of community research at ETC, said the survey was sent out to random residents via mail and online mostly in September and October 2024. He also said 407 people responded, surpassing the city's goal of 400 respondents.

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On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board's annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city's electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city's electoral outcomes.

Voter Participation and Trends

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The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city's ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.

The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown's character.

“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”

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From left to right: Eric Brent, Ed.D., MCPS Culturally Responsive and Equitable Practices Lead; Craig Gfeller, Deputy Superintendent; Kevin Newman, Ed.D., Superintendent; Tracy Hammond, Special Education Teacher at Haydon Elementary School; Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., Principal at Haydon Elementary School; and Natalie Short, Assistant Principal at Haydon Elementary School.
Correction: An earlier version of this article did not include Laura Goldzung's educational distinction, an Ed.D. We have updated the article and photo caption to reflect her degree. Tracy Hammond, a special education teacher in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS), was recently given the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year award from the district. Hammond is currently a teacher at Haydon Elementary School. She's been with MCPS since 2007, but has been teaching special education since the early 1990s. "My goal as an educator is to not only teach academic content but also to inspire a love of learning, resilience, and self-advocacy in my students," Hammond said in an MCPS release. "Special education is more than just a profession to me; it’s a calling." Throughout her career, Hammond has worked with students in the special education program at all levels but currently focuses on students in kindergarten through fourth grade. She's also served as a grade-level team leader, a mentor for new teachers and a representative for the Manassas Education Association.

"My passion for special education is rooted in the belief that all students – regardless of their backgrounds or challenges – can succeed when given the right support and resources," Hammond said. "I am dedicated to providing that support, advocating for my students and creating an environment where each child can thrive."

Haydon Elementary Principal Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., said Hammond was a passionate advocate for students.

"I have rarely encountered a professional so unwavering in her commitment to equity for all students," Goldzung said. "Through her words and actions, she thoughtfully challenges assumptions and established practices to ensure that decisions are student-centered, data-informed and lead to high-quality instruction."

The Mary V. Bicouvaris Award is a statewide program where local districts can nominate a teacher each year to be considered for a statewide honor. The award was renamed for the 1989 winner of the Virginia and National Teacher of the Year award, Mary V. Bicouvaris. She was the Commonwealth's first recipient of the national honor. Bicouvais was a government and international relations teacher in Hampton City Public Schools. The Commonwealth's award was renamed for her in 2006 following her death in 2001. Recipients of this award are chosen based on their ability to inspire students, play an active role in the community, professional development and leadership in student learning.

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A photo of Tillman’s flatbed tow truck from a Facebook page associated with his business. (Facebook)

Tillman

A Prince William County resident, Bethany Selvage, has her car back nearly two months after an unlicensed tow operator stole it, according to police. On January 2, 2025, Manassas City Police located Selvage’s 2018 Nissan Sentra.

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16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge

At 9:48 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, firefighters were dispatched to the 16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge after reports of a fire in a home. All occupants evacuated safely before crews arrived, reporting the fire was in a basement bedroom. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which caused moderate damage to the home.

One adult occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local medical facility. The fire displaced five adults and three children. The Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Due to the extent of the damage, the building official declared the home unsafe for occupancy.

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Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega (center)[Yesli Vega/Facebook]
The future of the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project has come under scrutiny once again, as Supervisor Yesli Vega expressed a lack of confidence in its viability during a December 2024 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting. Vega directed county staff to draft a resolution for the board to formally consider canceling and closing out the county’s involvement in the project, expected to cost more than $300 million -- a massive amount for a local road project.

“The Route 28 Bypass Project is a major regional transportation project administered by Prince William County. While I acknowledge and appreciate all the planning, design, engineering, and community engagement that has occurred across multiple jurisdictions, I no longer have confidence the project is viable or maintains the necessary support to move forward,” Vega stated.

The proposed resolution, presented at an upcoming board meeting, aims to allow the board to deliberate openly and determine the next steps for the controversial project.

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[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated Daryl Price was a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School. Price was a 2024 graduate and is now attending MICA College. 

Daryl Price, a 2024 graduate of Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, now has his artwork on display in an international exhibition.

Price submitted his Advanced Placement (AP) art studio portfolio to the College Board in 2024, and was one of 50 students selected out of 80,000 to have their artwork displayed on the international stage.

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