Virginia@: Governor Spanberger Meets With Students & Teachers at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Celebrates Start of School Year

Commonwealth of Virginia

Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Governor Spanberger Meets With Students & Teachers at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Celebrates Start of School Year

Bipartisan State Budget Includes Record $2 Billion in Investments in Public Education

Spanberger: “I Wish Students Across Virginia a Strong Start to the School Year, and I Look Forward to Seeing What They Accomplish in the Months to Come”

**CLICK HERE for Downloadable Photos of the Governor’s Visit**

MANASSAS, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today met with teachers and students in Manassas to celebrate the beginning of the new school year and highlight her Administration’s continued focus on making sure students receive a high-quality education that sets them up for success.

At Osbourn Park High School, Governor Spanberger toured classes specializing in automotive technology, biomedical sciences, and biotechnology and met with student leaders to discuss how these programs at their school can help prepare them for specialized career pathways.

“It was a pleasure meeting with the teachers, students, and parents in Manassas this morning,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “I firmly believe that every high school student should have confidence that there is a path to a stable career — no matter if they are entering the workforce, participating in an apprenticeship program, serving in the military, or pursuing higher education.”

Governor Spanberger continued, “Osbourn Park High School is leading the way by offering hands-on learning opportunities so students can be ready to succeed in careers that are in demand right now. By delivering record investment in public education and support for career-focused learning, my Administration is laser-focused on providing students and teachers the resources they need to succeed. I wish students across Virginia a strong start to the school year, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the months to come.”

Virginia’s bipartisan biennial budget, signed by Governor Spanberger earlier this year, includes a record $2 billion in new education funding — the largest investment in public education in Virginia history. This historic investment in Virginia’s public education system includes a 4 percent raise for teachers and support staff and allocates $519 million in grants to fund school construction — helping make sure students and teachers have safe, modern spaces to teach and learn.

The Governor has also signed dozens of bills supporting K-12 and higher education across the Commonwealth — aimed at strengthening schools, supporting teachers in helping students succeed, and keeping kids safe in and out of classrooms. The Governor has also signed legislation to support apprenticeships and hands-on learning across the Commonwealth, expanding support for a wider range of career pathways.

Governor Spanberger was joined by Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffery Smith, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway, Delegate Briana Sewell, Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, and state and local elected officials from Prince William County.

“I am grateful for Governor Spanberger’s leadership in prioritizing the needs of teachers, students, and parents across Virginia during the start of the school year,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffery Smith. “The record funding for education in Virginia’s budget that Governor Spanberger signed in June will help strengthen Virginia schools and help give students the opportunities they deserve.”

“We had an amazing visit to Osbourn Park High School today — it was an incredible opportunity to see great learning in action and hear from students about the exciting career paths they are pursuing,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway. “It’s inspiring to see Prince William County Public Schools build on its strengths and create opportunities for students to thrive.”

“It was such a pleasure to welcome Governor Spanberger, Secretary Smith, and Superintendent Conway to Osbourn Park High School today. We were proud to showcase our outstanding Career and Technical Education and Project Lead the Way programs while giving our student leaders the opportunity to share their experiences firsthand,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. “It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible learning, innovation, and leadership happening at Osbourn Park and a reminder of the exceptional opportunities our schools provide every day.”

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