Prince William County reveals extensive plans to address overcrowding at Covington Harper Elementary

Prince William County School Board members gathered on April 23, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting local schools, particularly the overcrowding at Covington Harbor Elementary School. The meeting highlighted a significant 70% reduction in energy costs for county schools, showcasing ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational expenses.

A key focus of the meeting was the presentation by Mr. Bach and Dr. Matt Cartlidge, who outlined the factors contributing to the current overcrowding at Covington Harbor. Since its opening in the 2017-2018 school year, the school has seen a dramatic increase in student enrollment, now exceeding capacity by over 200 students. This surge is largely attributed to the rapid construction of townhouses in the Potomac Shores area, which has yielded approximately 450 new students.

The board discussed the delayed construction of Potomac Shores Number 2 Elementary School, originally slated to open in the 2021 school year but now pushed back to 2027 due to various land acquisition and development challenges. The school board is actively pursuing solutions to alleviate overcrowding, including the use of portable classrooms and the evaluation of new educational programs at Covington Harbor.

Looking ahead, the board plans to increase the capacity of Potomac Shores Number 2 by 300 seats to accommodate future growth. Redistricting efforts are set to begin in the fall of 2025, aiming to balance enrollment across schools in the region. However, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining student stability and compliance with updated redistricting policies, which aim to prevent schools from exceeding 105% capacity in the initial years following redistricting.

As the board continues to navigate these challenges, the community can expect ongoing discussions and actions aimed at ensuring adequate educational facilities for all students in Prince William County.