School budget public hearing set

Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor has presented a proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 operating budget of $416.5 million. The funding request calls for $161 million from Stafford County, an increase of $20 million, which represents a slight increase to 38.66% of the total school system’s budget.

Highlights of the budget include:

• An average pay increase for licensed staff of 8.5%

• An average pay increase for service staff of 7.7%

• A net increase of 59 new full-time (converted from part-time) employees to support the implementation of staffing standards, with particular focus on teachers to support English Language Learners and students with disabilities;

A public hearing on the budget will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. in the School Board chambers. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the budget Feb. 28.

New 55+ community opens

Atlantic Builders has announced the opening of its model home at Afton Villas, a new 55+ community.

Located at 10501 Afton Grove Court in Fredericksburg, the Quinn model will be open for tours on Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The community features attached villa homes with prices starting at $399,900 for to-bebuilt homes and quick move-in homes from $429,900. Homes range from 1,900 to 2,650 square feet and include an owner’s suite, kitchen, great room and dining room all on the first floor. The upper level includes a loft area, two additional bedrooms and a full bath, while the basement provides room for storage or extra living space.

A grand opening event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1-3 p.m.

Stafford Hospital welcomes first 33-week baby to Level II NICU

Stafford Hospital welcomed its first 33-week gestation baby to the newly expanded Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in December.

Halfway through Casey and Brett Perlier’s drive from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to visit family for the holidays, Casey began having contractions at just 33 weeks pregnant. Brett pulled off the interstate when contractions were two minutes apart. After an online search, they found Stafford Hospital nearby.

The clinical team at the hospital tried to stop her labor, but ultimately, Casey needed an emergency C-section, according to a news release. On Dec. 23, Bellamy Scotlyn was born, weighing 4 pounds, 5 ounces. Bellamy was admitted to Stafford Hospital’s newly expanded Level II NICU, where she received advanced specialized care, and is doing well.

Last April, Stafford Hospital expanded its Intermediate Level Nursery to become a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, partnering with Children’s National and Mary Washington Hospital to provide such care to premature infants in the Stafford community and beyond.