A significant component of this year's budget is a $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aiming to address overcrowding, modernize aging facilities, and support long-term student enrollment shifts.
Major Investments in New Schools and Renovations
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The event is designed to introduce approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students to various career pathways through hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and connections with local professionals and businesses. The expo aims to help students begin planning for high school and their future careers by exposing them to various industries.
Director of Career and Technical Education Stephanie Carter emphasized that Career GPS is more than just a field trip. It calls it an opportunity for students to explore possibilities, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in selecting pathways that align with their interests. The event will feature interactive exhibits showcasing different career fields, high school student ambassadors who will share insights into academic programs, and opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) students and staff were honored at the Virginia General Assembly for their work on the FCPS Youth Mental Health Taskforce. The delegation, invited by State Senator Tara Durant, spent the day in Richmond serving as legislators and meeting with state officials.
The students arrived at the Virginia General Assembly Building at 9:45 a.m. January 29, 2025, where they met with Senator Durant before touring the historic Capitol. They then participated in a Q&A session with legislators, discussing the importance of youth mental health initiatives.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The department is split into a few divisions: long-range planning, which deals with the vision for land use through policies, ordinances, studies and project planning; development services, which deals with plan reviews, permitting and inspections; property code enforcement, which enforces the city's codes; and the parks and recreation division, which maintains the facilities and puts on public programs.
The presentation only covered the progress made between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, since fiscal year 2025 began on July 1, 2024.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman At-Large of the Prince William County School Board, has entered the race for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, positioning himself as an education-focused candidate in a crowded Democratic primary. With years of experience overseeing Virginia’s second-largest school division, Lateef brings a track record of pushing for increased teacher pay, improved graduation rates, and infrastructure investments—all issues he hopes to prioritize at the state level.
An Education-First Platform
Lateef, an ophthalmologist and longtime public servant, has served on the Prince William County School Board since 2018. Under his leadership, teacher salaries have increased by 61%, making the county more competitive with neighboring school divisions. Additionally, the county’s graduation rate has risen to 95%, the highest in its history.
“We know the biggest impact on student performance is the quality of the teacher in the room,” Lateef said during a recent appearance on the Potomac Local News Podcast. “Our commitment to teacher pay has helped us retain top educators and improve student outcomes.”
If elected Lieutenant Governor, Lateef says he will advocate for increased state funding for public schools, citing Virginia’s historically low contribution to education compared to other states. He believes more money should be returned from Richmond to local districts to help fund essential programs, maintain school facilities, and reduce the financial burden on county governments.
“Virginia ranks 42nd and 43rd in the nation in state funding for public education,” he noted. “That means less affluent school districts are paying more for education than their counterparts in other states. We need to change that.”
A Record of Advocacy and Leadership
Lateef has championed several education reforms in Prince William County, including a cell phone ban in classrooms, expanded specialty programs, and increased career and technical education investments. He has also emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities such as robotics, debate, and academic competitions to prepare students for high-paying jobs in the future.
“We’re seeing record amounts of scholarship money awarded to our students,” he said. “That’s real money in the pockets of real families, helping kids access higher education and better opportunities.”
His leadership in one of Virginia’s most diverse counties—where the student population reflects a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds—has shaped his perspective on equity in education. He has called for the state to lift support caps on key school positions, including counselors and instructional coaches, to provide students with more resources.
Lateef Opposes Expansion of Gambling in Virginia
Babur Lateef voiced strong opposition to the expansion of gambling in Virginia, particularly the push to install skill-based gaming machines in convenience stores and grocery outlets.
Lateef criticized efforts to increase gambling accessibility, arguing that such measures do not align with the real concerns of Virginia families.
While acknowledging that casino projects, such as The Rose in Dumfries, have been approved through local referendums, Lateef drew a sharp distinction between those developments and placing gambling machines in everyday retail spaces. He called the latter “predatory gambling” and warned of the risks associated with exposing children to flashy, attention-grabbing slot machines in highly trafficked areas.
He also questioned the necessity of gambling revenue as a funding source for the state. “If your best idea for raising money is putting slot machines in convenience stores, that’s just an awful idea,” Lateef said. “We’re running surpluses in the state—our lawmakers should be working harder to come up with better solutions.”
Instead of expanding gambling, Lateef advocated for diversifying economic development strategies, pointing to the success of data centers in Prince William County as a potential model for other areas. He suggested that distributing data center projects across the state could generate significant local revenue without the social costs associated with gambling.
Statewide Impact and the Race Ahead
Lateef’s bid for Lieutenant Governor comes when education remains a hot-button issue in Virginia politics. He has argued that strengthening public schools should be a bipartisan priority and has pledged to work across party lines to secure more student funding and resources.
His campaign is also expected to focus on other economic issues, including workforce development and infrastructure improvements. Lateef has expressed support for expanding data centers across Virginia to boost local economies rather than concentrating them in just a few areas.
As he competes in a crowded field of Democratic candidates, Lateef hopes that his record in Prince William County will set him apart. With primary elections approaching, his ability to mobilize educators, parents, and voters who prioritize school funding could be a deciding factor in his campaign.
“We have a responsibility to invest in our kids,” he said. “If we do that right, we’re investing in Virginia’s future.”
As of February 3, 2025, the Democratic primary for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor race features a competitive field of candidates, including Alex Bastani, Carl Eggleston, Ghazala Hashmi, Aaron Rouse, Victor Salgado, and Levar Stoney. Each candidate brings a unique background and policy focus, setting the stage for a dynamic contest as they vie for the party’s nomination. With education, economic growth, and healthcare emerging as key issues in the race, voters will have a range of choices in shaping Virginia’s leadership for the coming years.
Alex Bastani is an attorney and labor rights advocate known for his progressive stance on workers’ rights and economic justice. With experience in public service and community organizing, Bastani has positioned himself as a candidate focused on fighting income inequality and strengthening labor protections in Virginia.
Carl Eggleston is a longtime community leader and former Farmville town councilor with a history of public service and civic engagement. A small business owner, Eggleston has been an advocate for economic development in rural communities, emphasizing the need for investment in small businesses and infrastructure in underserved areas.
Ghazala Hashmi has served as a state senator representing Chesterfield County since 2020. She made history as Virginia’s first Muslim state senator and has been a vocal advocate for education reform, healthcare access, and reproductive rights. As chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, she has sponsored legislation focused on expanding early childhood education and increasing funding for public schools.
Aaron Rouse is a former NFL player turned Virginia Beach city councilor and state senator. Since his election to the Senate in 2023, he has focused on social justice, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Rouse, who also runs a nonprofit supporting underserved youth, has been a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable housing and creating pathways for workforce development.
Victor Salgado is a federal prosecutor and law professor who entered the race as an outsider with a focus on ethics reform and government accountability. With experience in prosecuting corruption cases, Salgado has positioned himself as a candidate dedicated to increasing transparency in state government and ensuring fair access to legal resources for all Virginians.
Levar Stoney is the former mayor of Richmond and a seasoned political leader who has championed racial equity, economic development, and education reform. Stoney, who previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of the Commonwealth, is best known for leading efforts to remove Confederate monuments and invest in Richmond’s public schools. His campaign emphasizes reducing poverty, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring economic opportunities for all Virginians.
With such diverse candidates, the Democratic primary is expected to be a highly contested race, with each hopeful offering distinct visions for Virginia’s future.
The Haymarket Town Council is set to meet tonight, Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. to receive an update from the town manager on several ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting will occur at the Council Chambers, located at 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, in Haymarket.
Among the key topics on the agenda, town officials will discuss:
- Park Sidewalk Project: Progress continues on the asphalt work, tree planting, and signage installation along Washington Street, with lighting and benches set to be delivered soon.
- Stormwater Assessment Program: Officials have identified three major problem areas for stormwater drainage improvements, with full surveying expected to be completed by April 2025.
- Town Center Development: Town staff are reviewing the latest submission of the site plan, with discussions focused on prioritization and financing.
- Highpointe at Haymarket: The rezoning application for a proposed workforce housing project remains on hold.
- Local Business Check-Ins: Town representatives continue outreach efforts to area businesses, including local breweries, restaurants, and shops.
- Public Works and Maintenance: Officials will discuss snow removal efforts, sidewalk repairs, and other infrastructure updates.
- Upcoming Community Events: Planning is underway for the 2025 Farmers Market season, Summer Concert Series, and Haymarket Day.
Additionally, updates will be provided on zoning inspections, new business openings—including the recent soft launch of the Himalayan Grill—and the implementation of the new CivicPlus system for town communications.
Several ARTfactory theatre productions and individuals were named “Best Of” in the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, with winners announced on January 16.
ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now known as Actors Theatre, secured seven awards in the non-professional category. Notable accolades include:
- Best Choreography of a Play or Musical – Kimberly Geipel for The Rocky Horror Show
- Best Musical, Best Dance Production, Best Music Direction & Orchestra – Chelsea Majors for Kinky Boots
- Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical – Jimmy Conroy for Kinky Boots
- Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical – Chelsea Majors for Kinky Boots
- Best Supporting Performer in a Play or Musical – BrandRick Levy for Kinky Boots
Additionally, ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre won Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
The DC Broadway World Awards are determined through online voting, with patrons nominating and selecting their favorite performances, actors, directors, and productions in various categories. The results highlight the preferences of theatre-goers alongside professional recognition.
For a complete list of the 2024 DC Broadway World Award Winners, visit https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/.
ARTfactory serves as the home for Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory, a professional theatre company, as well as its youth theatre program, ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre. To learn more about ARTfactory and its productions, visit www.virginiaartfactory.org.
Birmingham Green Announces New Nursing Home Administrator
Birmingham Green, ranked Northern Virginia’s #1 Nursing Home by Newsweek Magazine, has named Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024.
Smith comes to Birmingham Green with a wealth of experience and expertise. He has held leadership positions in senior living communities based in Oregon, Florida, New Mexico, and Missouri.
Smith’s educational background is equally impressive. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Political Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, and holds an Associate of Science and an Associate of General Studies from Northwest Arkansas Community College. Additionally, he completed the Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Northwest Technical Institute and holds active licensure in multiple states, including Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, and Washington.
Smith has also been actively involved in community organizations and has received notable recognition for his contributions. He was nominated for Man of the Year in Sullivan, MO, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce. He also served as vice president of the Florida Health Care Association.
In accepting his position, Smith said, “I am excited to join the talented team at Birmingham Green. Birmingham’s reputation for excellence and quality is well-known throughout the industry and becoming a part of this incredible leadership line-up is an honor. I look forward to contributing to the Birmingham legacy of superior senior care.”
Birmingham’s CEO, Denise Chadwick Wright, added to Smith’s comments by saying, “At Birmingham Green we are committed to hiring the best and the brightest and Duane Smith brings a formidable depth of experience to Birmingham’s leadership team. Not only will our nursing home residents thrive under his care, but we will all benefit from Duane’s gifts, knowledge, and talent.”
For more than 90 years, Birmingham Green has been home to Northern Virginians needing long-term care but who do not necessarily have the personal resources to afford the services. Birmingham Green has continually provided dignified, caring assistance to its residents.
Today, the campus comprises the recently refurbished 30-bed District Home Assisted Living, a 180-bed Northern Virginia Health Care Commission facility built in 1991 to provide nursing and rehab services, and Willow Oaks Assisted Living, a 92-unit supportive housing facility opened in 2008 to offer additional assisted living services.
Birmingham Green is located at 8605 Centreville Road in Manassas.
We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community.Â
The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses.Â
To join the Mounted Patrol Unit, an officer must be in good standing and no longer be on academy probation. The application is competitive since officers must have prior riding experience. If chosen, they attend a ten-week training school to learn how to perform their duties on horseback. The Prince William Police Department is working on creating its certification process to simplify the process.Â
Since the unit is part-time, officers have full-time jobs elsewhere in the department. The unit has seven members, including detectives, officers, and administrative staff. Ramos was one of the earliest members of the unit, joining in 2010 and serving as the Community Engagement Officer. Â
Mounted Patrol officers have similar duties to regular officers: patrolling communities, investigating suspicious activity, and engaging with local community members. One of the most significant benefits of the Mounted Patrol Unit is its visibility.
The horses draw much attention and increase neighborhood engagement with the officers; an aspect Ramos said he found surprising. The horses make it easier to navigate crowded or narrow streets and give the officer a wider field of view, enhancing their surveillance capabilities. Â
The Prince William Police Department owns no horses. Instead, it uses four horses on loan from Manassas National Battlefield Park.
The horses are well trained; the Mounted Patrol Unit has dedicated training days each month. The training ensures that the horses’ skills remain fresh and desensitizes them to any possible triggers, such as noise or crowded spaces.Â
Other than patrols, the Mounted Patrol Unit attends community events, visits schools, and participates in engagements such as the National Police Week Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
On Saturday, February 1, 2024, Stafford County Public Schools hosted its highly anticipated Health and Wellness Fair at Colonial Forge High School, drawing hundreds of community members to participate in a day filled with activities, demonstrations, and fun.
The fair offered attendees a variety of informative experiences, including CPR and "Stop the Bleeding" demonstrations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, learning critical life-saving techniques. One popular demonstration involved a "Stop the Bleed" course, where attendees practiced applying pressure and gauze to a simulated wound, preparing them to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
