Gov. Spanberger Tours Manassas High School, Touts State Education Investments

MANASSAS, VA – Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger met with students and teachers at a Manassas high school and discussed STEM programs and school infrastructure intended to propel students toward specialized careers, the governor’s office said in an announcement.

In a release, Spanberger’s office said she visited classes specializing in automotive technology, biomedical sciences and biotechnology at Osbourn Park High School and spoke with student leaders about their education.

“Osbourn Park High School is leading the way by offering hands-on learning opportunities so students can be ready to succeed in careers that are in demand right now,” Spanberger said during the meeting. She touted her administration’s investment in education, including a record $2 billion in new education funding in the state’s budget this year. The funding includes a 4% raise for teachers and support staff and allocates $519 million in grants to fund school construction.

According to Prince William County Public Schools, the school district is the second largest in the state, with more than 90,000 students, as well as the state’s most diverse. The school district employs nearly 20,000 people and, over the past few years, has equaled or slightly exceeded the state average in assessments, according to the Virginia Department of Education.

Governor Spanberger was joined by Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway, Delegate Briana Sewell, Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade, and state and local elected officials from Prince William County.