Manassas leaders weigh role at school graduations; debate centers on visibility, logistics and student focus

At the joint meeting, board and council members discussed a request for elected officials to participate in the Jenny Dean graduation processional and to sit on stage during ceremonies.

A council member asked whether participation meant walking in as a group in the processional, sitting on stage, or simply greeting graduates. School board members and several council members said the idea has precedent in other localities and that the visual of elected leaders with graduates is meaningful. "It is about representation, and it matters," one board member said, noting that more than 70% of students at the district are Hispanic and that visible leadership may matter to families and students.

Other members raised logistical concerns: multiple ceremonies can occur in one day at venues such as EagleBank Arena, strict event timelines may limit how much procession or stage seating can be added, and graduation programs are often student‑driven with students selecting speakers and event format. Staff said they will discuss the request with their respective bodies and return with a concrete request that reflects scheduling and security constraints.

No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; members agreed to discuss the request internally and coordinate between the council and the school board before making a final decision.