Stafford County Public Schools' new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.
Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
In a recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her commitment to students, families, and educators. Throughout her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
"Mrs. Healy’s wisdom and dedication have ensured that our decisions remain student-centered and focused on our future," said school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Healy’s legacy includes the opening of one-third of the county’s schools during her tenure, as well as overseeing renovations and rebuilds across the district. She will continue to serve through the current term, which concludes in 2028, marking an unprecedented 28 years of service.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
As Arctic air brings frigid temperatures to the region, multiple school districts have announced schedule adjustments for Thursday, January 23, 2025:
- Stafford County Public Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Spotsylvania County Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Twelve-month and essential employees report on time as safety permits. All other employees report two hours late.
- King George County Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Employees should report two hours late.
Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board received a presentation detailing the root causes behind the failure of the school bus transportation system, which left about 3,000 students without a ride during the first week of the 2024-2025 school year this past August.
The analysis, conducted by Transportation Advisory Services (TAS), highlighted organizational restructuring and the rushed implementation of new routing software as major contributors to the debacle.
This article is for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade and Become a Locals Only Member today! Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board voted 6-1 to approve redistricting plan F1 in preparation for the county’s sixth high school opening this Fall 2026. The plan addresses overcrowding and balances student populations across the district's high schools.
Key Changes Under Plan F1
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs.
Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Prince William County Public Schools
All schools and offices will be closed Code Red on Tuesday. Inclement Weather Employees are the exception and should follow their assigned schedule.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the closure of all schools and buildings for Monday, January 6, 2025, due to the forecast of snow and ice overnight. This decision also extends to canceling all activities and events scheduled for Monday.
SCPS, one of Virginia’s largest school divisions, serves approximately 31,000 students across 33 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The division emphasized that safety remains the top priority, urging residents to stay off the roads if possible.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.
The Career Pathways Program is designed to align with the Stafford County School Board's strategic plan by offering thematic specialty centers at local high schools. Each center focuses on specific career fields, ensuring students receive tailored education and experiences. For example:
