Stafford County officials announced on April 15 that residents are invited to participate in a public survey running from April 15 through April 27, aimed at updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a key guide for growth and development decisions in Stafford County. Virginia law requires counties to review these plans at least every five years, and Stafford’s last update was completed in 2021. The new revision is intended to reflect current needs and future priorities of the community.
The plan influences decisions about where development should occur, housing options, transportation improvements, school planning, infrastructure upgrades, and protection of natural and historic resources. County officials said that resident feedback will directly inform goals and policies shaping Stafford over the next two decades.
Residents can take part by visiting https://polco.us/sgyyw3 during the open period. The website offers access to the survey, information about the update process, project timelines, and an option for submitting additional comments.
According to the Virginia Department of Education, Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled 31,700 students during the 2023-24 school year. Brooke Point High School had the highest enrollment among all county schools with 2,242 students enrolled during that period according to state data. White students represented the largest ethnic group in local schools at nearly 39% of total enrollment (12,332 students), followed by Hispanic students who accounted for roughly one-quarter (7,780) as reported by education authorities. Total school enrollment increased by 1.7% compared with the previous year according to official figures.
Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers enrolled more pre-kindergarteners than any other facility in Stafford during this time—292 children or more than half of all pre-kindergarteners in county schools based on education department records. Rocky Run Elementary School had the largest kindergarten class with 148 students making up over seven percent of all kindergarteners locally according to state statistics.
Officials say there will be further opportunities for public comment throughout this year as work on updating the Comprehensive Plan continues.
