WWW.STAFFORDSCHOOLS.NET STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CULTIVATING A DYNAMIC WORKFORCE IN VIRGINIA
CULTIVATING A DYNAMIC WORKFORCE IN VIRGINIA STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHAT: A forward-thinking school district building a talent pipeline through career-focused specialty centers, free dual enrollment degrees, and strategic community partnerships. WHERE: Stafford County, Virginia WEBSITE: www.staffordschools.net 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
Nestled in a region of growth and change, Virginia’s Stafford County School District is a district in motion. With a diverse population of over 32,000 students, the district is simultaneously managing significant infrastructure expansion, including three new schools set to open within the year. Under the new leadership of superintendent Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D., Stafford County Schools is executing a forward-thinking strategic plan focused on community-aligned career readiness, balanced technological integration, and systemic investment in both infrastructure and human capital, ensuring it meets the economic needs of both today and tomorrow. HOW CAREER-FOCUSED EDUCATION AND STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ARE DRIVING REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
CORE MISSION AND DEMOGRAPHICS Stafford County Schools operates on a significant scale, comprising 35 schools and programs, including seventeen elementary schools, eight middle schools, and five high schools. The population is remarkably diverse, with students representing 121 countries and speaking over 116 languages. Guiding this expansive and growing operation is a concise, action-oriented mission. “Each and every day we inspire and empower every student,” Smith states, outlining a goal to maximize every child’s potential and prepare them to excel on whatever path they choose. This mission is underpinned by six core values that function as the district’s strategic operating principles.“First and foremost our students, keeping our students at the front and center of our work,” Smith details, “making sure that we do that with integrity, with respect, providing opportunities and access. Making sure that we involve our community and develop that sense of community also with excellence.” These are not merely aspirational but are designed to be reflected in the daily work and outwardfacing partnerships of the district, creating a direct link between its internal culture and the broader community it serves. COMMUNITY AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER The district’s strategic direction is deeply interwoven with the needs of its regional economy. Smith maintains a direct pipeline to the community through a Superintendent’s Community Advisory Group, which he meets with regularly. “Last meeting this month we had 44 folks attend,” he notes, describing the group as “key leaders in our community” from faith, business, and civic sectors who want an active role in the school system.This is complemented by a robust network of over 200 active partnerships renewed annually to ensure mutual value.“We’re both seeing value in the partnership and able to support each other,” Smith adds. The most tangible output of this collaboration is the development of career-focused Specialty Centers. These centers, housed within existing high schools, are a direct strategic response to local workforce demands. “This really is tied to our strategic plan that every student will be successful in the postsecondary path they choose,” Smith explains. “So regardless if they choose to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or go directly into the workforce, we want them to be prepared.” The process is data-driven and collaborative, involving community surveys, state and national economic development data, and chamber input. The result is a set of centers focused on high-need fields such as Business and Information Technology, 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Leadership/Entrepreneurship/Public Service, Construction Trades, as well as Community and Medical Health. This initiative functions as a precise talent pipeline, deliberately designed to supply local businesses and industries with a future workforce possessing relevant, in-demand skills.“Our community really has their arms wrapped around our school district,” Smith notes, “and so it’s something we’re very proud of.” A BALANCED AND FORWARD-LOOKING APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY In an era of rapid technological change, Stafford County’s approach is defined by strategic intentionality rather than adoption for its own sake. “I think about it in terms of instructional technology,” says Smith, explaining that the focus has shifted from sheer infusion to optimizing its use. The district empowers its educators to make key decisions about when technology genuinely assists learning and when to step back for hands-on or maker-space activities, ensuring tools serve the mission rather than dictate it. “I think we have learned that there’s a balance there. We’ve learned that there are times that you can really optimize technology to really assist to make sure that students are learning at their potential, and there’s some times where we don’t need to use technology. It’s those key decisions that our educators make that’s most important,” Smith explains. This forward-thinking mindset is most evident in the district’s pioneering stance on Artificial Intelligence. “We were the first school district in the state of Virginia to have a policy on AI,” Smith states. Recognizing that the technology is evolving, this policy is reviewed annually. The implementation strategy is grounded in comprehensive capacity building.The district has established a “badge” system for its 5,500 employees, allowing them to progress as beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners based on their understanding of AI’s benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, Stafford County is leveraging partnerships with institutions like George Mason University to create cohorts focused on using AI for school improvement and harnessing data to close achievement gaps. “Some of our staff are specifically working on school improvement processes and how we can utilize and leverage AI to help us think about school improvement and really harness some data that we might not have been able to access,” Smith states. The ultimate goal is careful integration, “when we start to roll it out to students, we are clear about when AI can be used, should be used, and when it should not be used,” Smith explains, ensuring that when rolled out to students, it is done so effectively and ethically. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
Quality, Commitment, & Partnership Since 1987 Associated Building Maintenance Co., Inc. is a contract cleaning company in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We are proud to be recognized as the trusted strategic partner for Stafford County Public Schools and other leading institutions. At Stafford County Public Schools, we maintain 3.8 million square feet across 40 locations, including 36 schools and 4 administrative buildings serving students in grades K-12. We offer the expertise required for high-traffic, specialized facilities in your community. Full-Service Facility Solutions We deliver a complete suite of services tailored to the unique demands of large and complex institutions. We create environments that promote learning and health. • General Cleaning • Disinfecting Services • Porter Services • Floor Maintenance • Window Washing • Event Cleanup Industries We Serve Our comprehensive maintenance services are trusted across a wide range of industries, including: • Educational Facilities (K-12) • Commercial Offices • Medical & Healthcare Facilities • Government Buildings • Manufacturing & Industrial Sites • Retail & Hospitality Ready to partner with the experts trusted by the DMV’s top school districts? Contact Associated Building Maintenance today for a comprehensive facilities assessment. (800) 721-9068 | www.abmcoinc.com | 2140 Priest Bridge Court Suite 3, Crofton, MD 21114 Inquire Today
SWEEPING THE COMPETITION WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Associated Building Maintenance Co., Inc., based in Crofton, Maryland, is a trusted leader in the janitorial and building maintenance industry. With over 30 years of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, dependable services to commercial clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Founded in 1987 as a small cleaning contract company, Associated Building Maintenance has steadily grown by staying true to its core principles: consistent service, transparent communication, and a commitment to client satisfaction. Today, the company is proud to serve a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, office spaces, residential buildings, and automotive dealerships. What sets Associated apart is a winning formula, top-tier service, competitive pricing, and a personalized, professional approach. Every member of the team is dedicated to exceeding client expectations through attention to detail, reliable performance, and a strong work ethic. With a team of skilled professionals who bring decades of experience to each project, clients count on quality results every time. The company also promotes innovation by using modern management technologies and internal support systems to ensure efficient service delivery. Ongoing staff training and proactive safety measures are integrated at every level of operation, fostering high standards and peace of mind for our partners. At the core of Associated Building Maintenance’s success are its people. The team takes pride in their work and approaches each job with professionalism and a smile. Whether you need daily janitorial services, specialized cleaning, or general maintenance, you’ll find a dependable partner in Associated. CORE SERVICES • Janitorial Services • Porter Services • Floor & Carpet Care • Window Cleaning • Disinfection Services • Event Cleanup • “Go Green” Sustainable Cleaning Program With a proven track record and a forward-looking mindset, Associated Building Maintenance Co., Inc. continues to set the industry standard by delivering exceptional service with care and commitment.
INVESTING IN EDUCATORS The strategic direction of Stafford County is embodied by its leader, Smith, who was personally drawn to the district by the clarity of its strategic plan. “The number one thing that drew me to Stafford County was the strategic plan and the direction that we were headed in,” he says, highlighting its focus on postsecondary success and its explicit goal of investing in staff. Smith brings a unique, ground-level perspective to this work, with experience at every level of K-12 education. “I’ve taught kindergarten through 12th grade. I’ve been a principal at elementary, middle, secondary, and high school levels,” Smith explains.“I was very much about ensuring that there was high quality instruction in every classroom everyday, and that’s part of my focus here as superintendent,” noting his instructionally driven focus is on ensuring highquality teaching and removing barriers for educators. This commitment to human capital is operationalized through robust support systems aligned with the strategic plan’s goals. For staff, this includes coaching and a recently submitted state grant for telehealth services to support mental health. The district has also established “flight teams” involving rapidresponse units of social workers and psychologists deployed when a school experiences a crisis. This investment in its educators is a direct investment in the district’s mission, ensuring it can attract and empower the high-quality staff essential to student success. DUAL ENROLLMENT AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE The district’s strategic initiatives culminate in tangible, high-value opportunities for students. A significant shift toward dual enrollment is underway, with over 2,000 students participating. Critically, the district has removed the financial barrier. “All of our dual enrollment courses are free to all of our students and all of our families,” Smith states. This access is expanding into full associate degree pathways, with two new programs launching at 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
At Express-tek, we believe that safe, connected campuses create stronger learning environments. Our work with Stafford County Schools and districts across Virginia reflects a shared commitment to reliable infrastructure, enhanced communication, and lasting community partnership. From outside plant and inside plant construction to engineering and electronic security, Expresstek delivers the connectivity that keeps schools operating efficiently. Our experience includes access control, CCTV, and audio-visual solutions that support secure and collaborative learning spaces. With decades of experience in educational infrastructure, our team combines technical expertise with an understanding of what schools need to stay connected and prepared for the future. Whether supporting new construction or upgrading existing facilities, we help create dependable, technology-ready environments designed to empower students and staff. Beyond education, Express-tek provides technology solutions for healthcare, government, and commercial facilities. Our full range of services includes utility construction, structured cabling, electronic security, fire alarm and life safety, and paging, intercom, and AV. We deliver the reliable systems and support organizations depend on to stay safe, connected, and ready for what comes next. Learn more or schedule a FREE security walkthrough at express-tek.com. Visit our website: UTILITY CONSTRUCTION UTILITY CONSULTING STRUCTURED CABLING ELECTRONIC SECURITY FIRE ALARM & LIFE SAFETY PAGING & INTERCOM / AV WE SUPPORT ELEVATING THE STAFFORD MISSION Partnering with Stafford County and schools across Virginia to provide reliable cabling, access control, and AV solutions that enhance communication and safety.
North Stafford and Stafford High Schools, allowing students to graduate with a cost-free Associate of Science degree. A standout initiative is the Future Educators Academy. Students in this program can earn their associate degree on the path to becoming an educator and are offered a contract to return and teach in the district. Beyond the classroom, every specialty center pathway integrates direct work experience. “They have those work-based learning experiences, those internships that are embedded into that program… and each pathway also includes a capstone project,” Smith notes. These are not abstract concepts, the local hospital, for instance, hosts students and has hired several. “Several of our partners have really committed to not only hosting our students but then if they are able to complete the certifications and complete the coursework to hiring them when they’re done,” Smith explains, “it’s a part of what I shared earlier about the community really wrapping their arms around our students, our staff, and our school system to make sure that we are really lifting up the values of our community.” INFRASTRUCTURE AND DATA-DRIVEN INSTRUCTION Looking ahead, the district’s priorities are strategically split between physical infrastructure and instructional precision.The first priority involves a significant capital investment program.“In the next 10 months we’re going to be opening up three new schools and then… within two years after that we are rebuilding two more,” Smith says. Concurrently, the second priority is sharpening the academic core through data and early career alignment. The focus is on “understanding where each one of our students is and using data to help us to know what we need to do next so that we can truly meet the needs of each one of our students,” Smith explains. To guide this development, the district is launching a new academic and career tool, SchoolLinks. This platform will allow students and parents to explore potential careers as early as elementary school, 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Associated Building Maintenance Co., Inc www.abmcoinc.com Associated Building Maintenance Co., Inc. provides reliable janitorial and buildingrelated services across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. With over 30 years of experience, the company offers sustainable, high-quality cleaning solutions for schools, healthcare facilities, commercial offices, and more. Committed to excellence, Associated combines professionalism, expertise, and a focus on customer satisfaction. n Express-tek www.express-tek.com Express-tek designs and installs integrated technology systems for education, healthcare, government, and commercial clients. Our services include utility construction, structured cabling, electronic security, fire alarm and life safety, and paging, intercom, and AV. We deliver reliable, connected solutions that enhance safety, communication, and efficiency across every industry we serve. connecting coursework, work-based learning, and specialty center pathways into a coherent roadmap for post-secondary success. A MODEL OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Under Smith’s leadership, Stafford County Schools demonstrates a powerful, unified strategy. By deeply aligning specialty centers with local economic needs, taking a measured and pioneering approach to technology like AI, and making significant investments in both infrastructure and educator development, the district has forged a cohesive model for student preparation. In doing so, the district becomes a vital partner in regional prosperity, deliberately cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce that prepares the entire community for the future. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
WWW.STAFFORDSCHOOLS.NET WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE Stafford County Public Schools
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx