The Stafford School Board kicked off its first meeting of the new school year with an enthusiasm reminiscent of school children.
But board members did remind parents, teachers and staff to “pack your patience” as the new school year begins next week. Aug. 12 is transition day for Stafford kindergartners, sixth graders and ninth graders.
Tuesday’s school board meeting — Chris R. Fulmer’s first as acting superintendent after former Superintendent Thomas Taylor resigned in June to take a position in Montgomery County, Md. — was swift and efficient.
The board heard an update from JG Consulting, the firm hired to lead the search for the next superintendent.
“We are in the community engagement aspect of the superintendent search after concluding two consecutive days here in Stafford County working… to solicit input and feedback as we develop the leadership profile,” said James Guerra, president and CEO.
The school division planned three community town halls — one virtual and two in-person — and also set up a website outlining the search process, which includes a survey for residents to offer input. The consultants will share the results of the community’s input in September.
Board action included adopting a budget development calendar for FY26, awarding a $46 million contract for the construction of Elementary School No. 18 to Howard Shockey and Sons and adopting the authorization to allow the county to borrow funds from the Virginia Public School Authority for the construction of Elementary Schools Nos. 18 and 19, High School No. 6 and the Drew Middle School rebuilding project. All three resolutions passed by a vote of 6-0, with board member Elizabeth Warner absent.
The bid for construction at Elementary School No. 18 came in around $10 million under the budgeted amount, and the savings will allow the school division to co-locate around 80 buses and 100 employee vehicles.
This school year sees the rollout of a new cell phone policy, a transportation app, and three specialty programs at area high schools.
For the 2024-25 school year, buses are being identified by route number — instead of fleet number as in past years — and information will be posted on an application called MyRide K-12.
Streamlined attendance reporting is now consolidated for parents to report student absences through ParentVue.
Also new this year, all cell phones and personal devices at all schools must be off and away during the entire instructional day.
Three new Specialty Centers open this fall, offering students specialized coursework and opportunities across multiple pathways. Brooke Point High School hosts the Community Health and Medical Professions (CHAMP) Center; Stafford High School hosts the Engineering Professions and Industries of Construction (EPIC) Center; Mountain View High School hosts the Leadership, Education and Public Service (LEAPS) Center.
