City and school leaders reported progress on multiple education investments and new programs at a joint meeting of the Manassas City Council and Manassas City School Board.

"The program the project remains on time and within budget," Dr. Quesada told the joint body when describing the $50 million bond project to build the new Jenny Dean Elementary School. Staff said site work is progressing, underground stormwater detention and site grading are underway, roof joists and decking are being installed and enclosure milestones are on track ahead of winter.

Dr. Quesada also summarized recent city investments in personnel compensation: the city provided a $750,000 midyear allocation in January 2024 and increased the baseline transfer in FY25, and the current year’s funding allowed roughly a 6.7% salary increase for eligible employees. Staff reported teacher retention rose from 81.4% (2023–24) to 86.2% (2024–25).

The school system said the city approved use of $10,750,000 in fund balance to buy 8700 Centerville Road for a new central office; staff set a tentative closing date for Nov. 18. The property will house an alternative education pilot program, Manassas Pathways. Construction to convert the building into instructional space was underway with a completion target of Dec. 1; the pilot is scheduled to open in January 2026 with anticipated enrollment of 30–40 students and hiring in progress.

School staff said the initial capital for the pilot covers conversion work, initial staffing and startup costs; ongoing staffing costs will move into future operating budgets. Patrick (staff) added that construction costs were not the majority of the pilot funding because the conversion emphasized economical reuse rather than major structural renovations.

Staff also reported that the Osborne Connector project is near substantial completion (target Nov. 10) and that the project will increase internal connectivity, safety and flexible space for student services.

Dr. Newman invited council and board members to a brief site tour of the new Jenny Dean school on Nov. 6 during the legislative breakfast; the tour will follow contractor safety rules, including no inside photography by attendees.