The Stafford County School Board is evaluating five scenarios for redistricting its high schools, aiming to address overcrowding, transportation inefficiencies, and community concerns. The school board held a public hearing on high school redistricting at its Tuesday, December 10 meeting. The discussions, which have drawn public input, focus on balancing capacity projections with operational feasibility and maintaining community stability.
Schools Facing Significant Changes
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At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Manassas City School Board approved the fiscal year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines significant facility and resource investments to improve the district's educational environment.
The Board unanimously passed the $73 million plan. It includes several projects aimed at upgrading school facilities, addressing maintenance needs and creating more engaging spaces for learning. A notable addition is the installation of new bleachers at Metz Middle School.
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The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.
The additional costs are attributed to land acquisition, off-site infrastructure improvements, and increased contingency funding.
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Under the new policy, students must store their cell phones in lockers or designated areas during school hours, a measure aimed at fostering greater focus and reducing distractions. Exceptions are made for medical needs and approved educational uses.
The policy represents a shift toward stricter regulations, replacing the previous system that allowed limited use during non-instructional periods such as lunch and class changes.
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From North Stafford High School’s Facebook page:
North Stafford High School’s Choir has reached the final round of the WashFM Christmas Choir Competition! Let’s bring the title of DMV Best Choir to Stafford—your vote makes all the difference! Cast your vote now and support our talented performers. #StaffordSchoolsArts
#WASH-FM’s 2024 Christmas Choir Competition | Win DMV Best Choir!!
The Board approved Option A, which has students starting school on Aug. 19 and finishing on June 12. Teacher workdays in this option begin on Aug. 11 and all major holidays — including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Presidents Day and Memorial Day, to name a few — will be observed.
According to a PWCS news release on Nov. 20, the first day of school may be moved to Aug. 18 depending on the Board's decision in January to revise its own policy to observe Eid al-Adha — one of the major holidays in Islam — which falls on May 26 and May 27 in 2026. PWCS already observes Eid al-Fitr, the other official Islamic holiday.
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Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.
The proposed legislation comes in response to growing concerns from law enforcement and community leaders who have noted the impact of the loophole on schools and extracurricular activities. While Stafford County schools reported a 21% decrease in vaping incidents over the past year, with 23 incidents in 2024 compared to 29 in 2023, officials remain vigilant about preventing access to these products by minors.
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Authorities have launched an investigation following a report of a sexual assault that occurred earlier this school year at Osbourn Park High School.
The incident, which reportedly occurred within a school bathroom during the first two weeks of the academic year, was disclosed to police and school officials on November 15, prompting an immediate response.
According to the Prince William County Police Department, an adult female student reported that while she was in a bathroom stall near the gymnasium on the first floor, an unknown individual entered her stall and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a Caucasian or light-skinned individual with a thin build, standing approximately 5’8” to 5’9”. The suspect’s gender remains unconfirmed. At the time of the incident, the individual was reported to be wearing an animal costume mask, a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, and full-length pants of an unknown color.
In a letter to parents dated November 22, Osbourn Park High School Principal Lisamarie Kane expressed sorrow over the incident and outlined steps being taken in response.
“As soon as our administration team was made aware, our school resource officer and law enforcement officials began an investigation,” the letter states. She added that the school cooperates fully with authorities and supports the victim and their family.
In light of the incident, the school has implemented additional safety protocols, including:
- Increased supervision in shared areas.
- Restricted bathroom access during instructional time.
- Enhanced safety education and support for students.
- Counseling services are being offered to any student who may need assistance.
The Prince William County Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously to help identify the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.
Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but now let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know David Rupert, Baldwin Elementary School's principal since 2020 and longtime MCPS educator. Rupert has been an educator in some fashion in MCPS since 2002, working at Metz Middle School, Weems Elementary, Mayfield Intermediate and coaching at Osbourn High.
