Dear LCPS Community,
The recent executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education has raised understandable concerns and questions from our community about the future of school funding and essential programs that support our students and staff. While the long-term impacts remain unclear, I want to assure you that LCPS remains focused on supporting our schools, our educators, and, most importantly, our students.
With regards to federal programming and changes that are happening now at the federal level, we believe that programs like Title I, special education services, and career and technical education (Perkins grants) will continue to receive funding within LCPS, at least in the short term, ensuring that students and staff who rely on these critical resources are not impacted. Also, as federal oversight structures evolve, it appears likely that many of these Education Department priorities are intended to be absorbed by other agencies within the federal government. Should that happen, the hope and expectation would be that federal funding will continue to support these vital programs in LCPS.
And, while some have suggested all federal funding for education should be given to the states to spend as they deem appropriate, in my observation, the data available from school divisions across the country point to the need for at least some continued, centralized federal oversight. For example, federal oversight through the Office of Special Education Programs, the Office of Civil Rights, and through the various grant programs helps to ensure that all students, no matter the circumstance, get the support they need to succeed. While it is uncertain whether other federal agencies have sufficient staffing or technical expertise to support the many programs currently overseen by the federal Department of Education, I want to assure you that we will carefully monitor any impact in these vital areas, and I commit to working with you to maintain the highest level of service for our students, staff and families.
While I am confident our students will continue to thrive, because of the support of our families, community and our Board of Supervisors, I recognize that not every district is in the same position as LCPS. Many districts across Virginia and the country–and especially those who rely heavily on federal funding–face uncertainty about the future of their programs and services. That’s not right, and that uncertainty is a burden that local communities should not bear alone. Education is a shared responsibility, and I believe that every student, no matter where they live, should have access to the resources they need to learn and succeed. Ensuring equal access to high-quality learning experiences should and must remain a priority at the state and federal levels.
Finally, I want to reflect on the idea that, in this moment of uncertainty, there may also be opportunity. For example, this may be a moment to reconsider the role of the federal government in school accountability. I believe local communities and the parents and business community with whom we partner know more about what skills their children need than the federal government, and I believe together we should seize this opportunity to think deeply about both what we want our children to learn and how we assess that learning. For decades, models of standardized testing have been driven by federal expectations, yet we know our learners are anything but standardized. Perhaps it’s time to explore a model that allows students to truly demonstrate mastery of essential skills and knowledge in ways that are meaningful—one that still ensures they are prepared for the workforce and post-secondary education but is shaped by the needs of local communities rather than a one-size-fits-all framework.
While these changes have led to many questions, again, I want to assure you that we remain committed to advocating for our students and staff while continuing to build strong partnerships that keep LCPS moving forward. Conversations like these—about how we assess learning, how we prepare students for the future, and how we ensure accountability—are vital to that progress. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your support for our students. Together, we’ll continue to make Loudoun County a place where education thrives — and where we lift others along the way.
Sincerely,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent