PWCS students

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade presented a comprehensive update on the PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan during the November 18 School Board meeting, celebrating four years of measurable progress, strengthened systems, and significant gains for students across the school division.

“In just four years, PWCS moved from planning change to achieving sustainable progress for all students,” Dr. McDade shared. “This presentation shows our journey—how we turned strategy into action and measurable results.”

Dr. McDade praised the collective efforts of families, teachers, school counselors, staff, and community partners, emphasizing their vital role in ensuring every PWCS student graduates with a clear, confident path toward future success.

The vision—“Every student will graduate on time with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community”—remains the foundation of the division’s work. During her remarks, Dr. McDade highlighted that the collective vision guides every decision. The PWCS Profile of a Graduate continues to serve as a compass, outlining the characteristics students need to thrive after graduation.

Notable successes include a graduation rate of 94.8%, along with a 6.7 percentage point decrease in chronic absenteeism, a 2.2 percentage point decrease in dropout rates, and significant reductions among key groups—24.4% decrease for English learners and 12.2% decrease for Hispanic students. SOL pass rates also improved: writing by 6.5 points, math by 7 points, and science by 6.4 points. 

“We now have 45.7% of all graduates earning post graduate credentials and 65% of career and technical education (CTE) graduates earning one or more college or career credentials,” reported Dr. McDade. The Superintendent also shared efforts to recruit and retain quality teachers and staff. PWCS implemented significant compensation improvements, with salary increases ranging from 29% to 30.5%.

“When we started four years ago, we ranked third in entry level pay for bachelors and fourth for masters,” stated Dr. McDade. “To date, PWCS has the highest entry-level teacher salary in Northern Virginia.” The county has also expanded recruitment strategies and new development pathways for teachers, including apprenticeships, teacher residencies, and programs designed to “grow our own” educators.

A key driver of Vision 2025 has been preparing students for postsecondary success. “Our vision proclaims our responsibility, defines the collective goal, and acknowledges life beyond the graduation stage,” she said. “If we do our jobs well, then our students can acquire rewarding careers, experience economic mobility, and live a fulfilling life.”

The Superintendent highlighted a telling example. In 2022, 2,756 juniors paid to take the SAT with 50% of them meeting the benchmark for both reading and writing. In 2025, PWCS offered every student the SAT with 41.1% meeting the same benchmark. “Before, only 1,378 students met the SAT benchmark,” she explained, “but with equitable access, 2,292 students have met the benchmark.” A 66.3% increase in passing rates.

Whether pursuing pathways in career, military service, or entrepreneurship, PWCS has intentionally expanded opportunities in CTE for students to explore their interests, earn credentials, and build concrete postsecondary plans. Dr. McDade reported CTE has delivered 150 state licensures, 27,049 total postsecondary credentials, and 4,405 summer jobs for students.

Looking ahead, Dr. McDade outlined the next chapter with PWCS Elevate 2030: Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan. While the vision and mission remain steadfast, the next four years will focus on global competency, personalized and adaptive learning, and teacher empowerment. “Our students are explorers—curious, engaged, and ready for the future,” she said. “Our responsibility is to elevate their experience and ensure they graduate prepared to shape the world.”

PWCS will share more about Strategic Plan 2030 in the coming months as the division prepares for its next chapter of growth and innovation.

For more information on Dr. McDade’s presentation on Strategic Plan 2025, visit the PWCS website.