[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6275500,"mediaKeyId","2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927","parentId",2771884,"title","Osborne students, debate and music programs recognized at Manassas board meeting","audioSeconds",871,"startMs",136000,"endMs",1007000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927&start=136&end=1007","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927/thumbnail_136000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6275500/Virginia/Osborne-students-debate-and-music-programs-recognized-at-Manassas-board-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275500-ed43c5d8393cb45500fae333400f94dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770722580&Signature=KwFNSemJKb4jlrDMBLKPK9xJY4yQUxV-ozpakSeTQYy--W8wm3OCzGnmtkS8S24PpPwCEUuDmVLnuYnPg9bVleTxFe8U-9M673mb0ez5fgz1R05PW71gloXYSZhR891VWNfUEW3Uo4cXn64nLvXtcMEIopGZKGkpClGxpLUyUFeOzOaG9TkBAhIRFbSddZFonOFwqQvnXVj8z9bsJQQkEr41xR~PpPmoROaID5TLgvfOfveDx7s63fhrsipp0q0xvSddAZkExLcHe7x8bFL3lmlfSTpmUc0lxZ2KXaKysFAEaaQHBzaWXEZc7io~KuoJk7Uzl8oX6KsGw0ymgDSqnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-26T07:24:55.053Z","article","The Manassas City School Board highlighted student achievements March 25, recognizing winners from the division spelling bee and several Osborne High School performing-arts accomplishments.

The division’s spelling bee champion, eighth grader Charlotte Vargas of Metz Middle School, was recognized; winners from each school were also named, including Jaden Defo Chinda (Baldwin Elementary), Leopold Avenez (Dean Elementary), Elias Martinez Johnson (Hayden Elementary), Danica Patel (Round Elementary), Caden Jacobs (Weems Elementary), Noreen Lisco (Baldwin Intermediate), Haiyan Joshi (Mayfield Intermediate) and Charlotte Vargas (Metz Middle School).

Osborne High School’s fine arts program received several recognitions. Choir director Shirley Grama announced students who advanced to All-State-level auditions: Veil Abrego (alto 1), Adrianna Willard (soprano 1) and Isaac Quintana (first alternate, bass 1). Orchestra staff reported that the Osborne Symphonic Orchestra and Honors Chamber Orchestra earned superior ratings at assessment events. Band director Andrew Wassom reported that three students — Jude Lopez, Theodore Wehner and Valerio Lozano — made all-district band; all three qualified for all-state band auditions and Valerio Lozano placed first chair in District 9 auditions. The Osborne Symphonic Band earned straight superior ratings at the VBODA concert assessment, qualifying the program for the VBODA Program of Honor distinction for the fourth time in school history.

Osborne’s School of the Performing Arts will again receive the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon Award, the board was told; the program previously earned the award in 2019 and 2022. The board also recognized Osborne’s first-year speech and debate team; coach Mark Whitley reported the team competed at six tournaments, medaled or placed in five of six, and qualified for super-regionals.

Board members congratulated students, coaches and staff and invited the community to upcoming school and community events listed during board members’ reports.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting, March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Manassas City School Board recognized Osborne High School’s music ensembles and first-year speech and debate team, and the division crowned its spelling bee champion and school-level winners.","taxTitle","MANASSAS CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",38336,"location","Virginia","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275505,"Votes at a glance: Manassas City School Board actions March 25",494,4107000,4601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927&start=4107&end=4601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927/thumbnail_4107000.jpg","/articles/6275505/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Manassas-City-School-Board-actions-March-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275505-41f4ad73b8137b019fd93d3cdef5f47b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770722580&Signature=eXbO4oXXssGvPSsW14JRgoq1ZyfTEEBcqMQ~t8bq-pQ490ZlBnQDR5tqKOjwZ8iySL5OuYRXmTvPimn6HB7b38wQlUJiOmpW5iGQZvKOmEXuopZwoAzdB0CP7c1jI3TK7BlU~fc9nem9uT~Z3h9EiutN6qZizXM9k4aVwMifoOYtvSkE~5tG~XL88SQK~AWBjsusA5fXINMqOw6W4zqneFXjaWziUe96GGew9XPmBynqtCH9Z2hbcXGmXzEGzZvFKJATwq6ryuD8bkdXfPG-V8FGLCzgZXA2g6QgFjYizKxzDAh-j9F-lPfMHqnQSGnXOACWFm12O6mcThORYwi~gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Manassas City School Board recorded the following formal actions and outcomes during its March 25 meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Approve meeting agenda as presented — Motion by Mrs. Stevens; second by Vice Chair Spall. Result: carries 7–0.

- Approve consent agenda as presented — Motion by Mrs. Stevens; second by Vice Chair Spall. Result: carries 7–0.

- Adopt FY 2025–26 operating budget ($184,024,855) and authorize board chair to transmit schedules to City Council — Motion by Vice Chair Spall; second by Mrs. Stevens. Result: approved 6–1 (Chair Seberg opposed).

- Approve school year 2025–26 insurance plans and premium structure as presented — Motion made and seconded; recorded motion present in the meeting record. Vote tally: not specified in transcript.

- Approve Code of Ethics — Motion by Chair (mover read into record); second by Mrs. Breggia/Brescia. Result: carries 7–0.

- Adjourn meeting — Motion by Mrs. Stevens; second by Vice Chair Spall. Result: carries 7–0.

Notes: Where vote tallies are not explicitly recorded in the transcript extract, the article marks the tally as \"not specified.\" The adopted budget and other motions are recorded in the meeting minutes and the board instructed staff to transmit the adopted budget to City Council as required by policy and Virginia state code.","A summary of formal motions and recorded outcomes from the Manassas City School Board meeting, including budget adoption and other routine approvals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275510,"Residents and educators clash in public comments over proposed collective bargaining",832,1364000,2196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927&start=1364&end=2196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927/thumbnail_1364000.jpg","/articles/6275510/Virginia/Residents-and-educators-clash-in-public-comments-over-proposed-collective-bargaining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275510-078f0653a8d97695381186a21678a766/orig.mp4?Expires=1770722580&Signature=fWPgzq0ykEycjyxbct2SsX7cI4kwKe6LcdoHWZbZlaoudzGSEDZ1vBJ7r0ACk1BUtscQqYzg2bWebyCAMA9wH~HokHi9950HnfMXW8wR~nY1OCW0hSrNhCwlCW3pGQrMkYJ3AxHX1AKtR3xLokrPnGLQnxV3Bq5nb5AQvAI0wyRE-GBgvA7eSMWpZlRr4dslbkYjqbb~R36wQxSTnNSpm0ho46qh~KPlhhaDlkeN0FXXW2TwEaqOYyLlEeSu3rE~CIsZQaY0cV37QYiSvgQsR0mYHx4c68-3tIN9xiUuSOiycdLjBEUuzBT3BY3oBaFNfW7jLxbVQGCmg5cjiRKUjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the Citizens' Comments portion of the March 25 Manassas City School Board meeting, multiple residents and a local union representative addressed the board about the possibility of collective bargaining for teachers.

Nate Fritzon, speaking as a resident and former student council member, urged the board to focus on maintenance, facilities and student programs rather than collective bargaining; he warned that the timing was not good and asked the community to find creative solutions for teacher input without ceding negotiation authority. Tim Plevniak, also a resident, described his 34 years with a labor union at United Airlines and said his experience led him to oppose collective bargaining for local teachers, arguing that unions are businesses that seek dues and that the district should prioritize competitive pay and internal problem-solving.

Robin Williams, a resident, presented research she said showed potential negative impacts of collective bargaining on student outcomes and emphasized the district’s current investments in teachers. Williams noted the district is more than 70% Hispanic and said the costs of implementing collective bargaining could be substantial for a small division, including administrative setup costs she said can reach seven figures in similar Virginia districts.

Lynn Forkel Green and other residents urged caution about transferring decision-making authority away from elected board members, expressing concern that negotiated agreements could limit budget flexibility and the district’s ability to prioritize programs for students and taxpayers.

Tammy D. Haven, who identified herself as the secretary of the local teachers’ union, said some union members did not feel represented by existing meetings with the board and argued that the district’s working conditions are straining staff; she urged the board to consider collective bargaining because members still do not feel heard by the current process.

Speakers asked the board to consider competing priorities: residents and some speakers warned of cost and constraints from bargaining agreements, while union-affiliated speakers and teachers said current channels are insufficient to resolve working-condition and staffing problems. The board did not take a formal vote on collective bargaining at the meeting; the comments were recorded as part of the public comment period.","Several residents and union representatives addressed the Manassas City School Board during Citizens' Comments, offering conflicting views on whether the district should allow collective bargaining for teachers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275514,"Manassas City School Board adopts $184 million FY26 budget after debate over longevity pay",1678,2572000,4250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927&start=2572&end=4250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2771884-f7d65ac3053bff151eef086684b97927/thumbnail_2572000.jpg","/articles/6275514/Virginia/Manassas-City-School-Board-adopts-184-million-FY26-budget-after-debate-over-longevity-pay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275514-4494b4a25b2fdf42575feafba5118c67/orig.mp4?Expires=1770722580&Signature=FnoaoUC0PhucmWx4JnWC0gHhhi-n2bFmrRxwdHcWgatc3OzWcgRUcASpSdNgmHK5zEpOwvMWIBM5SMyTgzE5YuI9ek84YaaMqU-XyZOG9ANiTWk2ZjThblq28LDLYzRQ28xjt-j~P17ioxnJJFX8-e4rWjmDV3YA5p1FyOheREf4AdcVwQvfkrnrwFXtI1NBPuwPQ09ecGA8CXdxsW29as8wLuDm7iLO7NSPl2H8w0-P9M5Gl4wB6rTmk47ieXae7EgClI7Z5IETFfO0bB3~cehHG1~HuY0h81p6QlH1cRX1ZHxXhVfKNnCugPWUH4GP37WCo~FBhXcQXeQ-GyzUQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Manassas City School Board on March 25 approved a $184,024,855 fiscal year 2025–26 budget after extended discussion about a longevity step that would add a new pay step for employees who have reached step 30.

Board members said the budget maintains planned compensation increases and adds targeted strategic investments while keeping the district’s schedule for presenting the adopted budget to the City Council. The motion to adopt the budget passed on a 6–1 vote; Chair Seberg was recorded as opposed.

The budget presentation explained the division received about $330,000 in additional state aid after the Virginia Department of Education released an updated calculation tool, raising the operating fund projection to roughly $151,404,529. District staff said the total revenue increase in the proposal is $5.1 million and that the package preserves $5.2 million in compensation increases, adds $1.0 million in employer contributions for health insurance and about $396,000 in other strategic investments beyond compensation.

A central point of debate was the new longevity step, described by staff as a one-time, permanent top-step addition for employees who have completed roughly 30 years of service. The board was told the longevity step would provide about a 3.5% increase for eligible employees (above the standard cost-of-living adjustment of about 2.2%), would affect approximately 100 employees and carries an estimated initial cost of about $100,000. Supporters said the step helps retain highly experienced staff and reduce hard-to-fill vacancies; opponents said the funds might be used more surgically for recruitment incentives or other urgent staffing needs.

Board members discussed alternatives including sign-on bonuses and other targeted recruitment incentives, and noted that the longevity step had been included in the superintendent’s proposed budget and discussed during prior work sessions. Several board members said they would prefer to keep the longevity step in the adopted budget to avoid rescinding a promise to employees.

The adopted budget also includes new operating items flagged in the presentation: an alternative education coordinator moved from critical unmet needs into the budget; contingency language for providing meals to all students should federal programs change; and additions listed as critical unfunded priorities such as parental leave, an additional social worker and an additional speech-language pathologist.

Board Chair Seberg cast the lone dissenting vote when the board approved the budget and authorized the board chair to transmit the adopted schedules to the City Council, as required by school board policy and Virginia state law.

The board directed staff to present the adopted budget to the City Council at a joint meeting the following day. Staff said some numbers remain subject to final state and gubernatorial action expected later in April or May.","The Manassas City School Board approved a $184,024,855 FY 2025–26 budget March 25 after a lengthy discussion about a proposed longevity step for staff; the budget passed 6–1 with Chair Seberg recorded as opposed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Osborne students, debate and music programs recognized at Manassas board meeting

Votes at a glance: Manassas City School Board actions March 25

Residents and educators clash in public comments over proposed collective bargaining

Manassas City School Board adopts $184 million FY26 budget after debate over longevity pay