Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), presented his FY26 Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON) to the School Board on Tuesday, January 14, at the LCPS Administrative Offices. The proposed $1.95 billion operating budget represents a 7.2% increase from the current fiscal year—an additional $131.7 million investment to address the evolving needs of students and staff.
Approximately 90% of the proposed budget increase is dedicated to personnel costs, reflecting LCPS’s commitment to supporting students and retaining and attracting high-quality educators and staff. These cost increases include compensation and benefits for staff. “I am proud that this budget not only includes step increases and top-of-scale payments but also a 4% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and an average 4% strategic teacher scale adjustment,” said Dr. Spence.
The budget also includes new staff positions. 95% of all new positions proposed in the budget are school-based and/or work in the schools on a daily basis. For example, new positions in the budget include teachers and teacher assistants to address program needs for our unique learners, including English Learner and Special Education students. The remaining positions are proposed to support central support needs in maintenance and technology, amongst others. “I have stated and continue to state my intention to ensure staffing in LCPS remains focused on students,” Dr. Spence explained.
Other items in the budget include investments in support for students and staff, including behavioral support and additional athletic trainers; programs such as a Recovery School and the ACCESS Academy with George Mason University; funding to address inflationary operational costs; and investments in school safety and security.
“With much to celebrate, I look forward to going through this important process with the community and look forward to collaborating on how best to serve our students, staff and families in Loudoun County Public Schools moving forward,” said Dr. Aaron Spence. “As I hope you can see, we are more committed than ever to providing the best possible experience to meet the needs of our LCPS community. We are grateful to the School Board and Board of Supervisors, and to the staff, parents and citizens of Loudoun County for their ongoing investment in those efforts.”
Dr. Spence emphasized that the proposed budget is not just about meeting financial requirements but about ensuring the success of LCPS students and staff. “Our schools are a reflection of our community’s values, and this budget is a testament to our shared belief in the importance of education,” he said.
The Loudoun County School Board will hold multiple FY26 Operating Budget School Board Work Sessions at the LCPS Administration Building:
January 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
January 23, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (Includes Public Comment)
February 4, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (Includes Public Comment)