Dozens of Prince William County residents urged the school board on Dec. 3 to oppose a proposed Dominion Virginia Energy transmission route — known locally as the "Blue Line" — that they say would place high‑voltage lines near school property and student walkways.

Speakers from Braemar and Brentsville communities described the proposed route as a safety and health concern for children at Claywood Elementary, Patriot High School and nearby schools. "Please use your voice to advocate for us because your students are being impacted by this," said Rena Stapp, who asked board leaders and the superintendent to press elected officials and the utility to choose an alternate route.

Feliciano Rivera, an electrical engineer and parent, said the Blue Line would place high‑voltage infrastructure close to daily child travel corridors and create construction zones, heavy equipment traffic and lane closures that could disrupt bus routes and increase risk at morning and afternoon travel times. "Routing high voltage lines here brings construction zones, heavy equipment ... that also means increased traffic, lane closures, and congestion that will also interfere [with] school bus routes," Rivera said.

Several speakers cited a Prince William County facilities guidance document and Virginia Department of Education language that recommend avoiding locating schools near electric transmission lines. Commenters also questioned whether the State Corporation Commission and the county have sufficient mechanisms to require burial or alternate routing.

Board members did not take formal action on the transmission route during the meeting. Several members said they could amplify community concerns and urged residents to submit formal comments to county and state review processes. The board’s role is largely advocacy in matters regulated by the State Corporation Commission, and multiple speakers acknowledged the board cannot directly force Dominion to change routes, but can send letters and advocate through elected officials.

What happens next: residents asked the board to write a formal letter opposing the Blue Line’s proposed routing near schools and to coordinate with the County Board of Supervisors, local delegates and the State Corporation Commission review process.