Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) celebrated a major step toward sustainability today with the unveiling of Virginia's largest school solar array, a 1.8-megawatt installation atop North Stafford High School that is set to provide 90% of the school's electricity while saving an estimated $2.8 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.
On September 12, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to unveil Virginia's most extensive school solar array. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students," said Stafford County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. "Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future."
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Schools across the region are on heightened alert today as police investigate multiple incidents at schools in Manassas and Stafford County. While no immediate danger has been reported, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure student and staff safety.
Incident at Osbourn High School, Manassas
At 12:23 p.m., Manassas City Police responded to a suspicious event at Osbourn High School. The School Resource Officer (SRO) quickly began an investigation and contained the situation. According to police, no current threat exists to the school, and operations are continuing as usual. Additional police presence will be maintained while the investigation continues, though officials have no plans to alter the school day.
Social Media Threats in Stafford County
In Stafford County, school officials and law enforcement are addressing threats circulating on social media, particularly at the middle school level. The messages reportedly made general threats of harm to multiple schools in the area. However, law enforcement has thoroughly investigated the claims and does not believe the threats are credible now.
Stafford County law enforcement emphasized their commitment to school safety and encouraged the community to report suspicious behavior. “If you see or hear anything of concern, say something right away,” said local authorities. “Report it to your School Resource Officer, school administrator, or teacher.”
Both school districts have reassured parents that they are maintaining vigilance and working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff.
No disruptions to the school schedule have been announced in either county, though parents and students are encouraged to stay informed and report any concerns.
*Incident Alert* at 12:23pm Police responded for a suspicious event at Osbourn High School. The SRO began an investigation and contained it immediately. The schools are operating normally with no plans to change that. There is an extra police presence during the investigation. pic.twitter.com/pa78pfRZVp
— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) September 12, 2024
Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund, elected in 2021 to represent the Garrisonville District, spoke with Potomac Local News for the first time since the school division failed to provide transportation to more than 3,000 students at the start of the school year. The transportation issues, which affected about 10% of the student population, left parents struggling to find alternate ways to get their children to school for nearly two weeks.
Siegmund addressed the growing calls for an independent investigation into the transportation breakdown, stating, "We don't know yet what that [investigation] will look like. The RFQs [Requests for Qualifications] are out, and once we get through that process, we'll determine what that looks like." When asked if any personnel changes had been made within the transportation department, Siegmund was unable to provide specifics but emphasized that discussions have been ongoing.
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Multiple parents raised concerns about ongoing transportation issues in the school district at the Stafford County School Board meeting on September 10, 2024. During the citizen comment period, delays, missed buses, and lack of communication were highlighted.
Michael Schultz, a parent, addressed the board about the transportation challenges his daughter has faced. "We’re about in week five of the school year, and I can say that transportation has been consistently horrible and inconsistent in pretty much all aspects," Schultz said. He described situations where students were left at school for extended periods, saying, "There were kids that were still at the school two hours and 45 minutes after dismissal." Schultz expressed frustration at the lack of improvement and transportation discussions on the meeting agenda.
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The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved the construction of Elementary School 19 during its monthly business meeting on September 10, 2024. The new school will be located at 80 Black Hawk Lane, next to Brooke Point High School, in the central portion of the county. It is set to open in 2026.
The board awarded Branch Builds, Inc. a contract worth $44 million to construct the school. The school will have a capacity of 1,070 students and will occupy approximately 131,000 square feet at 80 Black Hawk Drive. The project will be funded through the capital projects budget.
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[Image: Stafford County]
Stafford County:
On June 24, 2024, the Stafford County Treasurer’s Office earned accreditation from the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia (TAV), demonstrating its commitment to excellence in public service. This recognition is part of the TAV voluntary Office Accreditation program, designed to ensure treasurer’s offices across Virginia uphold the highest standards of performance in treasury management. This year, 70 treasurer’s offices statewide received this prestigious accreditation.
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A press release from Yevgeny "Eugene" Vindman’s (D) congressional campaign challenges his opponent, Derrick Anderson (R), to be transparent about his stance on abortion rights during upcoming debates and public events. Vindman’s campaign accuses Anderson of trying to hide his anti-abortion views due to their unpopularity.
Vindman, the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 7th District in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg, has openly shared his pro-choice position and plans to continue doing so at events throughout September and October. He pledges to vote for codifying Roe v. Wade and against a national abortion ban.
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Stafford County will host its annual 9/11 ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center in recognition and remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
This year marks 23 years since over 3,000 people died during attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
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Stafford County Economic Development is set to launch an innovative program called the “Strategic Pop-Up Advisory & Resource Knowledge” (SPARK) program.
This program aims to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with direct access to county resources and personalized advice. The SPARK program will serve as a form of "office hours," where community members can meet with members of the Economic Development office to discuss business matters and ask questions.
