Prince William County School Board members heard strong public opposition on Nov. 18 to any unilateral move to extend the teacher contracted workday from seven hours to seven and a half.

Monian/Manon Davis, who identified as a representative of a local bargaining group, told the board: “Any attempt to extend the school day from 7 hours to 7.5 hours without prior meaningful consultation … is unacceptable.” Other speakers echoed that call, warning that an uncompensated extension would amount to unpaid labor, disrupt childcare and extracurricular schedules, and worsen teacher retention.

The board received an informational presentation from Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Donna Eagle, who reviewed state rules and regional comparisons. Eagle said PWCS teachers are employed for 195 contract days while students attend 180 days, and that "the majority, 110 divisions in the Commonwealth, have a 7.5 hour workday," noting that Prince William and Williamsburg-James City County are among the few at seven hours.

Board members pressed administrators for additional, actionable information before any policy consideration: several called for a teacher survey covering the full workforce (Eagle estimated about 8,000 certified staff), sample daily schedules showing how an added 30 minutes might be allocated at elementary, middle and high schools, and school‑level logistics such as arrival/dismissal practices and how nurses’ schedules are affected.

On staffing changes flagged by Eagle, the board heard that teaching assistants’ workdays are slated to increase to 7.5 hours in the 2026–27 school year as an administrative budget initiative; Eagle said the extra TA time could support dismissal supervision, parent meetings and after‑school student work. She also said TA roles vary by assignment and that the division will provide details to the board.

No vote or formal action was taken on the teacher workday at the Nov. 18 meeting. The administration said it would supply comparative data, sample schedules, and additional school‑specific information to the board for further consideration.