Governor McAuliffe today issued Executive Order 61, which will advance the cause of equality in Virginia by requiring all future state contractors with the Executive Branch to agree to a non-discrimination policy that includes discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This action builds on Executive Order Number 1 by extending the same protections offered to state employees to the employees of contractors that do business with the Commonwealth.

The public is invited to attend a presentation on conceptual plans of the 13-classroom addition to Lake Ridge Elementary School on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m., in the media center of Lake Ridge Elementary School.

SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools, will award or be the fiscal agent for scholarships to be presented to 18 graduating seniors in 2017. Applications are now available. For more information see criteria and application directions below.

A new state-funded commuter bus route linking Gainesville directly with the Pentagon started in December. In addition, Manassas OmniRide commuter bus service was split into two separate routes - one serving Washington, D.C., and the other serving the Pentagon.

Prince William School Board Members Shawn Brann (Acting Member, Brentsville District) and Alyson Satterwhite (Gainesville District) said Dec. 30 they have issued a call for a special meeting of the Prince William County School Board (PWCS) on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 to discuss the Board of Supervisors' resolution for new school construction.

State Senators and Delegates who represent parts of Prince William County at the state legislature (General Assembly) will conduct a hearing for the public on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Prince William County government's James J. McCoart Administrative Building, off Prince William Parkway at 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Prior to the 2012 Virginia Construction Code being adopted, the Building Official was primarily required to enforce requirements related to swimming pool safety barriers and swimming pool electrical requirements. Prince William County must now also enforce circulation design, diving water envelopes, new barrier requirements and energy conservation requirements, according to the county's Building Official. The comment period, procedures and time line are described below. Comments due by Jan.11, 2017.

See your tax money at work. Manassas City Public Schools will host community tours of the new Baldwin Elementary and Baldwin Intermediate schools on Monday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Division staff will provide guided tours throughout the evening and the public is invited to attend.