Without full context or knowledge of the situation or of LCPS’ response, local media has recently been reporting on incidents surrounding a specific student, known and identifiable within the student’s school and surrounding community. We have been clear that we will not discuss individual students and their circumstances with the media or the community.  The media is well aware of the federal and state privacy laws that prevent us from doing so. 

At the October 8, 2024 School Board meeting, a number of individuals sought to discuss what was reported in the media and discuss a specific student despite repeated requests from the Board Chair not to do so. As a result, the Board Chair concluded public comment to restore order, in accordance with School Board public comment procedures.

Let us be clear: LCPS will not support a forum where information about specific students is discussed publicly. We cannot allow our students’ safety, privacy, or well-being to be used as talking points at Board meetings or in the media to advance what appears to be a political agenda. 

We cannot emphasize enough: allegations are not facts. Allowing unverified information to spread in a public forum, particularly one offered by the School Board, would be irresponsible. When media outlets or individuals make claims without naming or verifying sources, they do a disservice not just to the individuals involved but to the entire community. This is particularly dangerous when it involves our children and their safety. 

As we have stated before, LCPS is vigilant and we would not ask parents to send their children to school if we had specific or credible concerns about their safety. LCPS's safety measures are comprehensive and multi-layered. We collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal counsel to ensure we meet the highest standards of safety. Some security measures are visible, while others must remain confidential to maintain their effectiveness. However, rest assured that we take every concern seriously and address them promptly and in accordance with state and federal law, School Board policy and division regulations. 

LCPS is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students, which includes proactive education, support services, counseling and peer support groups, and more steps to prevent drug use, empower students to make informed choices about substance use and support those who may be struggling. 

Some in the media have used this national epidemic as a way to spread disinformation about LCPS. Numerous media stories and social media posts have included inflated statistics, false information and bias narratives that are not only a disservice to the community, but dangerous if taken for fact.

We recognize the importance of collaboration with parents, guardians, and community organizations to reinforce these efforts and provide a network of resources for our students. By working together, we strive to create a culture of wellness and resilience that promotes healthy choices and supports the well-being of every student.

LCPS will also continue to provide information to the community as prescribed by the law and division policy. If you have any questions or concerns about this initiative or any other aspect of our school's safety measures, please reach out to us.

At the October 8, 2024 School Board meeting, the Board unanimously passed the Secure Storage Notification Resolution, which aims to equip parents with vital information regarding state laws on firearm storage. By doing so, we hope to empower families to make informed decisions that prioritize safety at home.

While media reports suggest that this resolution “isn’t even in the purview of the board,” we believe that safety extends beyond the walls of our schools. While we cannot ensure that every family in our district complies with safe firearm storage practices, education and awareness is power. By providing information to families, we hope to make an impact on reducing the risk of unintentional firearm injuries across our community. 

With this resolution, we will be updating the Student Handbook to include information regarding parents' obligations for the secure storage of firearms. Additionally, a notification will be created and included in the annual registration materials distributed at each school. Despite what may have been heard in the community, parents and guardians do not have to sign anything and no information is being tracked by LCPS.

In June 2020, the School Board initiated an action plan to combat systemic racism, including a review of all LCPS facility names and mascots. LCPS contracted with History Matters, LLC, for this comprehensive school name review. 

Unfortunately, there was misinformation in the community stating that it would cost the school division $25M to achieve.  This is inaccurate.

LCPS has estimated costs for renaming schools at each level:

• Elementary school - approx.  $125,000 - $135,000 per school

• Middle school - approx.  $130,000 - $140,000 per school

In accordance with School Board policy, Renaming Committees will be formed to elicit community feedback for all name changes. LCPS and the School Board are committed to addressing and correcting historically inappropriate school names and look forward to the renewed excitement and school spirit the renamings will bring about.

A number of false media stories have attempted to portray the Superintendent as absent during school hours for lavish travel and junket conferences.  The reality is that Dr. Spence is a nationally recognized leader in education and utilizes professional development as a way to bring other ideas back to LCPS.

In fact, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) encourages this behavior from superintendents as outlined in their model performance standards:

Performance Standard 7: Professionalism

The superintendent fosters the success of teachers, staff, and students by demonstrating behavior consistent with legal, ethical, and professional standards, engaging in continuous professional development, and contributing to the profession.

Sample Performance Indicators

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

The superintendent:

7.1 Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions.

7.2 Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with stakeholders to promote and support the mission, vision, and goals of the school division.

7.3 Respects and maintains confidentiality and assumes responsibility for personal actions and responds appropriately to the actions of others.

7.4 Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development that results in the enhancement of student learning.

7.5 Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community by participating on state and/or national committees, being active in professional and community-based service organizations, and serving as a mentor.

7.6 Takes a leadership role and encourages staff to do so as well, by presenting workshops at local, state, regional, or national conferences, authoring publications, or delivering coursework for institutions of higher education.

7.7 Maintains a high level of personal knowledge regarding new developments and techniques and shares the information with appropriate staff.

7.8 Actively seeks and engages in opportunities to network, share knowledge, and stay abreast of the latest research to promote individual and organizational knowledge, skills, and success.

Articles have spread numerous falsehoods regarding time off, cost and other aspects of professional development. To be clear, Dr. Spence has not missed “a month” of work and has always been reachable and actively engaged in the work of the school division.