[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6199112,"mediaKeyId","3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec","parentId",3840474,"title","Stafford outlines proposed specialty centers for 2026–27; debate emerges over audition vs. lottery for arts pathway","audioSeconds",3064,"startMs",3188000,"endMs",6252000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec&start=3188&end=6252","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec/thumbnail_3188000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199112/Virginia/Stafford-outlines-proposed-specialty-centers-for-202627-debate-emerges-over-audition-vs-lottery-for-arts-pathway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199112-7b6d323fcf893a92bee3303a74af19b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174364&Signature=OUsZg1hvL7GZK91crUVAcAjzzd1of23t0yfql-o99WWOgx9w7g2EcPt9LOSlPf8haUsDkd8qAcYBBMl-tnyYK84iTA6nwXgOGHDyFDUq277H5E1dM4RKQTTy8qM4KS5ReGZEzA~RBimvXn~-0FYBRdHWnVO1SwvCeEDJP429lKIztjB5tw3ovhjlJNc-t4enQTCL5XLQerueFB4i8XavEkHO3-Da8OK1RzRtGnoKzRdzD9zdLU3yvJoVDa32uZ0rjS5knArjDiY~1aAHXxJIPXboWA3GJYeZTPbCO5TbWchibUbzDirfT6y1mMgpmKsu2enTjP1IJGdlLcj7pSNvaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford County Public Schools","date","2025-06-11T10:51:14Z","article","Staff presented an update on the planned specialty centers for the 2026–27 school year and the work to refine pathways and launch recruitment, while the board and community members debated whether fine‑arts‑focused seats should be awarded by auditions or a lottery.

Division staff told the board that Colonial Forge will open a Business and Information Technology center in 2025–26 and that the division is continuing development of centers at North Stafford and the new High School 6 for 2026–27. For North Stafford, staff said current proposals include pathways in aerospace and unmanned technologies, geospatial/GIS, global logistics and supply‑chain management, and sustainable energy systems — a configuration staff said aligns with regional workforce needs and the nearby community college and industry partners.

For High School 6, staff presented proposed pathways that center on digital content production (video, animation, graphic design), digital marketing and strategic communications, live event and production management, and music production/audio engineering. Staff emphasized that the digital and production pathways are intended to provide multiple post‑secondary options including industry credentials, work‑based learning and college pathways. The division said the next formal step is to present the finalized program of studies in October and bring it to the board for final approval in November; recruitment events and application procedures would follow.

A recurring point of contention at the meeting concerned selection procedures for arts and performance courses. Several board members and presenters said the centers are intended to expand access to high‑demand career areas; other members and community speakers argued that performance‑based arts (theater, advanced choir, performing arts) traditionally rely on auditions and that a pure lottery would deny advanced students necessary continuity and audition experiences that matter for college and careers. Presenters said the division has not finalized a selection model, that performance auditions are widely used in conservatory and arts programs, and that they have encouraged broad community discussion. The board asked staff to return with recommendations that preserve access and do not, in staff’s words, “decimate” strong arts programs at existing schools.

Why it matters: Specialty centers are a major planning effort for Stafford County; pathway selection affects course offerings, staffing, facilities and student recruitment. The debate over auditioned versus lottery admission for advanced arts pathways reflects a larger equity question: how to balance access for all students while preserving pathways that require early skill development and selection by demonstrated ability.

Staff reiterated the timeline for program approval: draft program of studies to the board in October for review and a final recommendation in November, with recruitment and selection steps to follow so freshmen can enroll for the 2026–27 year. The division said it will continue stakeholder engagement, refine pathways with local higher education and industry partners, and bring back a fuller plan with selection criteria and enrollment policy language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford County Public Schools Stafford School Board 6 10 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff recommended provisional pathway groupings for North Stafford and High School 6 specialty centers and said it will present the final program of studies this fall; board members debated whether arts/performing seats should be chosen by audition or lottery.","taxTitle","STAFFORD CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14518,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199107,"Board approves multiple capital contracts; approves Hartwood design contract conditionally after seeking county confirmation of site conveyance",1200,10800000,12000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec&start=10800&end=12000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec/thumbnail_10800000.jpg","/articles/6199107/Virginia/Board-approves-multiple-capital-contracts-approves-Hartwood-design-contract-conditionally-after-seeking-county-confirmation-of-site-conveyance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199107-e24e47e994ca4a304fa7cb70da971631/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174364&Signature=eLNvOWT~24TFC-Zmtz6pDuR1I0ou951t09Nb~XDNU8MG1juQ4uauhPHBO2srI-9jBcevpmH0RBAwozmnnkLT9IY7DnMxvwhKjrF1QEwbT02-Qs-t512JZb5kfH-XIZYlJ586hokYIuYr~3z-pjKGZ1pCNnKcDjRet~iDDAVeAFsYQmepKMicwX7TJa72gWR8SediLIG7BLkr7nrlNYDx2zlXFdigZAuJ-IYKYRORni701WPB79De~axqItzBA-grTMPcfcXcsIvLz3hMxqxxirgdFj0GAvNMyGJmyBZaMXf~W8aX47MuvAZYqFClHbPQJOAuiBs3HwKvnoEP67ki7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The school board voted on a set of capital contracts at its June 10 meeting, approving mechanical design and court replacement contracts and conditionally approving the architectural contract for the Hartwood Elementary School rebuild while asking county supervisors to confirm conveyance of the proposed site.

Key votes and outcomes

- Architectural/engineering for Hartwood Elementary: The board voted 5–2 to award Samaha Associates a contract in the amount of $2,963,395 for architectural and engineering design services for a Hartwood Elementary rebuild on the Westlake/Crawford property. Two members opposed the award; the board approved a friendly amendment that asked staff to obtain a resolution or confirmation from the Board of Supervisors that the county intends to convey the Westlake site to the school division before the design contract is executed. Board members said the amendment was intended to reduce the risk of designing a school on land that might later be used for other public purposes. The motion carried 5–2 (dissenters recorded in the public minutes).

- Project management for Hartwood: A $192,223.92 contract to McDonough, Bulliard & Peck for project‑management services was placed on hold and deferred to a later board meeting so the board can act alongside site‑conveyance confirmation and final execution of the design contract.

- Rodney Thompson mechanical systems: The board approved a $395,644 contract with Mosley Architects to design the replacement of Rodney Thompson Elementary School’s mechanical systems. The project is in the capital improvement plan with an estimated total project cost of approximately $16.5 million; phases and schedule will be defined in the design phase.

- Dixon Smith tennis/pickleball courts: The board approved a $195,286.25 contract to replace the outdoor courts at Dixon Smith; staff said current practice is to add pickleball striping when resurfacing tennis courts to expand community use.

Board discussion and next steps

Several board members said they support moving the Hartwood project forward but wanted formal confirmation from the Board of Supervisors that the Westlake parcel will be conveyed for school use. Staff said the Westlake property is a large proffered parcel (roughly 65 acres after prior proffer amendments) and that preliminary discussions and the division’s CIP had identified the parcel for Hartwood; however, staff acknowledged the parcel is not yet formally conveyed and noted civil/site work is the most site‑sensitive portion of design. The board directed staff to seek a resolution from the Board of Supervisors confirming intent to convey the site and scheduled a short special meeting later in June to consider contract execution if county confirmation is received.

Why it matters: The Hartwood rebuild is a multiyear, multimillion‑dollar capital program that will affect staffing, facility capacity and neighborhood traffic patterns. The board’s conditional approval attempts to balance schedule pressures for design and permitting with public‑land conveyance risk.

Votes at a glance

- Samaha Associates (Hartwood Elementary architectural/engineering): Motion carried 5–2; amount $2,963,395; board requested county resolution confirming site conveyance before contract execution.
- McDonough, Bulliard & Peck (Hartwood project management): Deferred to a later meeting for alignment with Hartwood site confirmation.
- Mosley Architects (Rodney Thompson mechanical systems): Approved 7–0; contract $395,644; total project estimated in CIP at $16.5M; phasing to be determined in design.
- Dixon Smith courts (tennis/pickleball resurfacing): Approved 7–0; contract $195,286.25.

Staff said if county confirmation arrives quickly they will bring executed contract documents to a short special meeting in late June; otherwise staff will continue with other capital projects and return in August on deferred items.","The school board approved several capital contracts and conditionally approved the Hartwood Elementary design contract after asking staff to obtain a Board of Supervisors confirmation that the intended Westlake site will be conveyed for school use.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199118,"Stafford school transportation reports staffing gains, opt‑in routing rollout and driver discipline reforms",1908,2427000,4335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec&start=2427&end=4335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec/thumbnail_2427000.jpg","/articles/6199118/Virginia/Stafford-school-transportation-reports-staffing-gains-optin-routing-rollout-and-driver-discipline-reforms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199118-149da980bc244df672b17b674942c477/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174364&Signature=kCw2gHxFwg2kDy~bXA3yO7z7AXNMdiau9pLbTLOExfkI99mglIolh4rpAFm4yqWURde42dGUaMHuq1Wg0hqP7BVMOm7IsrOhD4DSIjRmaJS7XWAihs95fsV8~EEOOBUsrnh29MP8hAMpBpyC~orsp7ErFkTY6z6o2vc8xlpPXdRf8i8ptXsZiPgX~UMpFAeMW9w05TuuOOOWCw5KYtWC-cKDYMBuKrxtxtdEf8ZRPohe7W8Co0MX8VTsHYkYKeTR0G9Z11CUZ~ETfQ7JJglmse1Q9-Y9~OA-kTg0XtgAitM6me2WdmaYXS5k96kZ2AmqmWEmIqaaQLLeGK-4p2f0-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stafford County school transportation leaders reported staffing increases, an opt‑in routing rollout for 2025–26 and several operational changes intended to improve communication, driver support and student safety.

At the June 10 board meeting, transportation staff said the division closed the 2024–25 school year supporting 243 routes — 166 mainstream and 77 special‑needs routes — and concluded the year with 265 bus drivers and 76 attendants. The department reported 17 driver candidates and six new attendant trainees in summer training. “We actually have 17 candidates or bus driver candidates actually in training,” the department said, and staff described lower-than‑normal resignations and ongoing recruiting.

The department summarized three operational priorities: expand staffing and dispatch capacity (including adding a dispatch coordinator effective July 1), improve targeted communications with families and frontline staff, and streamline routing and intake for students with disabilities. Transportation staff also described a multi‑part “transportation enhancement plan” responding to a consultant review and internal surveys. Short‑term steps include improved templates, more training, digitization of special‑needs intake (TR‑1 form), and greater use of push notifications through the MyRide app.

Staff reported progress on the opt‑in routing process: 29,717 active PreK–11 students had recorded a morning/afternoon selection by May 31, with 5,640 students opting out of morning bus service and 5,224 opting out of afternoon routes. Staff said the data import from Synergy to the routing system began the night before the meeting and the division will continue routing through July; families should be able to view their opt‑in selection in ParentVUE on July 1, receive a route assignment July 29, and drivers will begin mandatory practice runs in August. The department said its goal is to publish route information to families on July 29 and begin driver assignments and practice runs before school opens.

Bus behavior and discipline were a major focus. Transportation staff said the department recorded 1,699 bus referrals in 2024–25 and acknowledged drivers’ concerns that they sometimes do not receive confirmation that campus staff addressed a referred incident. Presenters said they are closing that feedback loop with more structured follow‑up: clarifying what incidents merit driver‑level intervention, formalizing procedures for safe roadside stops and coordinator support, and asking campuses to acknowledge receipt and action when referrals are submitted so drivers know the situation has been addressed. The board and drivers also discussed privacy constraints that limit how much detail schools can share about disciplinary outcomes, but staff said drivers will be told if a student has been removed from bus privileges or otherwise restricted.

Parents and a student speaker described recurring technical and coverage problems with the MyRide tracking app; the student said the app “kept me locked out” and did not reliably show the bus location in some neighborhoods. Transportation staff acknowledged cell coverage limits and said the app cannot yet auto‑push targeted late notices for a single route; the department said it will study whether the routing app can send localized notifications and will work to improve enrollment and app reliability.

Why it matters: The opt‑in routing model and the department’s emphasis on driver feedback aim to reduce inefficient routes, improve on‑time performance and give drivers clearer signals that referrals have been handled. Parents and drivers told the board the changes are welcome but need more reliable communication tools and assurances around safety procedures.","Transportation staff reported increased driver staffing, an opt‑in routing process for 2025–26, new routing timelines and initiatives to close the communication gap between bus drivers and campus administrators over student referrals.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199123,"Design team recommends 'Option 1' for Drew Middle School site; board and neighbors press safety, parking and buffering details",803,287000,1090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec&start=287&end=1090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3840474-c8fa08644840e20c4c43235adb5ac7ec/thumbnail_287000.jpg","/articles/6199123/Virginia/Design-team-recommends-Option-1-for-Drew-Middle-School-site-board-and-neighbors-press-safety-parking-and-buffering-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199123-978329338c71c7291559aa82fd3acf99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174364&Signature=N4o66pSWoTN78IHnbiTHpBvUtqgCFxpFDhf0z4UIIOhmLqh4rGCWhN7AD9beQP9zk06OrVYcQIZwzAi5aexliyApZ3wthQatoTIplQEXMOHAj20p5vn0wcGBWjamDy~CgwaPiasPIVnbKkd4XUu9o2kM567cHijAAo4VAOGjCZ9ZzqGBerQs09OF9NM4PqHiyvmAsw-VviEr38qP-RDw~O5MGEFI2Gy9YTPDiLNq6ccOgyNfwSVOb1NGESQmlb6zFa5DnsJigdrNpzSWfMP2J1xPbS-vso1WJ-IZaHGkGuUEZ7EsQbK9GNYAhCM9s3cSIHOYUvZ~Bbfmt8ofHPX7Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Architects and school staff presented a design‑development update on the Drew Middle School rebuild and said they plan to move forward with the lowest‑cost site orientation — called “Option 1” — and submit site plans in about two weeks.

The update, given at the June 10 meeting of the Stafford County School Board, walked the board through changes made since schematic design, including stacked locker pods that can later convert to labs or classrooms, relocated drama space, simplified fire‑wall geometry and a designated rooftop mechanical area between the auditorium and gymnasium. The design team also said it had developed cost estimates with two consultants and that the project remains on schedule for the next permitting milestone.

Neighbors and several board members raised operational and safety concerns tied to the recommended orientation. Community commenters said the proposed arrangement places visitor parking and parent drop‑off in locations that would require pedestrians to cross active bus movements; they urged either flipping the plan or creating stronger, separated pedestrian connections so parents and visitors do not walk through bus queuing areas. School staff and the design team said they had studied a mirrored layout and two alternate site options but found operational or schedule impacts: Option 2 would split play fields and require a third access on Cliff Farm Road; moving the building far south (Option 3) would require relocating part of Cliff Farm Road and add an estimated $3 million–$5 million in site cost and a significant schedule delay.

The design team and staff also responded to questions about safety systems and materials. The presenters said “simplifying the firewalls” referred to straightening structural walls to reduce construction complexity and cost and that the change did not reduce safety or code compliance. The team noted a planned precast panelized facade on the three‑story portions as a value‑engineering step intended to speed construction and lower cost.

Board members pressed for additional design clarifications before final site‑plan submission. Topics the designers agreed to study further included: wider and more continuous visitor walkways from parking to the secure vestibule; whether a satellite check‑in table or SRO‑adjacent workspace could be added to better manage large‑event visitor screening; the number and distribution of accessible parking spaces; and options to increase the initial maturity and density of the landscape buffer to reduce early‑stage light and sightline impacts for adjacent homeowners. The design team said the site plan scheduled for submission in roughly two weeks reflects the option used for the current cost estimates but that staff could refine buffer planting sizes and lighting types as part of permit‑level drawings.

Why it matters: The board and public framed the decision as a trade‑off between preserving schedule and addressing neighborhood impacts. Moving the building or reworking the bus/parent loop could add millions of dollars to site costs and delay delivery; conversely, residents want stronger initial screening, quieter lighting, and safer pedestrian routing, not only longer‑term plant growth.

The presentation closed with the design team’s recommendation to proceed with Option 1 and submit the site plan on schedule, and staff said they would return with cost projections for upgraded buffer plantings and additional pedestrian/safety details if the board requests them.","Architects presented a design‑development update for the Drew Middle School rebuild and recommended the lowest‑cost site orientation, while neighbors and board members pressed for changes to visitor parking, pedestrian access, mechanical screening and landscape buffers before civil submission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stafford outlines proposed specialty centers for 2026–27; debate emerges over audition vs. lottery for arts pathway

Board approves multiple capital contracts; approves Hartwood design contract conditionally after seeking county confirmation of site conveyance

Stafford school transportation reports staffing gains, opt‑in routing rollout and driver discipline reforms

Design team recommends 'Option 1' for Drew Middle School site; board and neighbors press safety, parking and buffering details