Superintendent presents proposed FY2022 Budget
During the February 3, 2021, School Board Meeting, Dr. Walts presented a budget for the next school year that builds upon the success of PWCS and focuses on the future, with six key priorities:
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Pandemic-related student and employee support, including resources and staff necessary to continue to meet the unique and significant needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Teachers and staff, providing a step of 2.8 percent average increase for eligible employees, and a COLA of 1 percent for eligible employees. In addition, there is no health care cost increase for the third year in a row.
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Educational equity, and academic achievement for all, including funding for the Regional Special Education Program, increased Summer School supports, and English Language Arts textbooks.
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Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) access, adds an additional five Pre-K classrooms.
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Student mental health and wellness, hiring additional school counselors, psychologists, and nurses.
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Sustainable facilities, school safety, and support infrastructure, focusing on Capital Improvements Program investments in our oldest schools including natural daylighting and door replacement (fenestration) projects and investment in modernization of our legacy financial and payroll systems.
The School Board will hold a hybrid physical/virtual budget hearing on February 17. The County Board of Supervisors will hold a public budget hearing on April 6.
Watch Video: Dr. Walts shares overview of FY22 Budget at the February 3 School Board Meeting
For more about the FY2022 Budget, visit our PWCS Budget Updates webpage.
Learn more about SwimKids
This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.
Now available: School start and end times effective February 23
School day operation schedules will vary from school to school. Your child's school will communicate directly specific daily scheduling information including period/blocks and lunch shift information.
As a reminder, on January 12, the School Board approved an updated plan for the in-person return dates for all fourth – 12th grade students (whose parent/guardian have chosen for them to return in-person).
PWCS Shares Reminder Regarding Hybrid In-Person Start Dates
If a student has opted to remain virtual-only, they will continue to remain virtual. Should a parent/guardian wish to change from in-person to virtual, please contact your school directly to make the change.
The Board further directed that information regarding the feasibility of these new dates be provided by the Superintendent at its February 17, 2021, Board Meeting. In the interim, the Superintendent shall retain the authority to take such measures as he considers necessary to protect the health of students and staff, including measures needed to respond to the impact of the pandemic on individual schools. This includes the sudden change of operations, including closure if needed, such as in a weather emergency.
PWCS, Novant Health UVA Health System, Prince William Health District partnership provides vaccinations to staff
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Thanks to a partnership with Novant Health UVA Health System and the Prince William Health District, 2,400 vaccinations were administered to PWCS employees on January 30 and 31, at Unity Reed High School. Governor Ralph Northam, First Lady Pamela Northam, and Secretary of Education Atif Qarni made a visit to the school clinic site as well. Read more.
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Return to in-person learning in PWCS is ahead of Governor Northam's call to make in-person learning options available
PWCS is well ahead of the Governor’s announcement and has been a leader in the state of Virginia in the safe return of students to in-person learning and in delivering hybrid learning. Since the first day of school in September, PWCS has had its most vulnerable learners in-person four days a week at all grade levels. Pre-K and Kindergarten returned in-person in November, first grade returned in-person in December, and second and third grade returned in-person in January. Additionally, PWCS provides in-person learning once a week for some Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes.
The School Board recently adopted a plan that returns fourth, fifth, sixth, and ninth grades on February 25, and seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades on March 2. The Board further directed that information regarding the feasibility of these new dates be provided by the Superintendent at its February 17, 2021, Board Meeting. PWCS continues to offer all parents and guardians the choice for their student(s) to be fully virtual.
PWCS also offers summer school programming annually for students who may benefit, including last summer. PWCS plans to offer further robust summer school programming this summer and had already announced such plans prior to the Governor's recent announcement.
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Parent Resource Center holds workshop on February 16
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A Parent's Guide to Section 504 in the Public-School System
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Live Zoom Session
This session will review the definition of a disability under Section 504, the qualification process in public schools, and equal access to educational programs, services, and activities for qualified students with disabilities. Participants will also learn how this definition differs from disabilities as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Zoom registration for February 16 session
Need accommodations for the session?
February is School Board Appreciation Month
Join us this month in saluting our Prince William County School Board members. These elected officials play a crucial role in public education and building the future of our students. Thank you to our School Board members for their service to the students, staff, and families of PWCS.
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