LCPS must further address the disinformation that has been spread far and wide about suspected student overdoses and notifications. From the media to elected officials, false claims and inflated statistics have painted an inaccurate picture of LCPS.

It has been reported that a single LCPS high school had anywhere from 8-11 student overdoses within the school walls in a short period of time. This is false. These numbers, which have been inconsistent and repeated by reputable organizations, are inflated and inaccurate. While any number of overdoses in a school is concerning, it is important that we are working with accurate data. LCPS has made numerous attempts to correct this misinformation with no success.  

Dr. Spence has written letters to the Attorney General and the Commonwealth’s Superintendent of Public Instruction to ask for corrections related to the inaccurate information.

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.

Once again a local media outlet is spreading disinformation about LCPS and the proposed FY26 budget. The leadership and staff of LCPS strive each year to provide the best service to its students and families while being responsible stewards of allocated funds. Here are some of the misrepresentations that are circulating around the community and the correct information:

Misrepresentation: LCPS is planning to add more than 400 staff members despite the fact that enrollment remains nearly at its current level.

Truth: Projections suggest a potential growth of 372 students for the 25-26 SY, while the Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON) is seeking to add about 376 full-time employees from the FY25 Revised Budget. It is also important to note that 94.6% of these added positions are school-based or facing, meaning they work directly with schools and students.

Increases in staff also represent investments to support students, particularly addressing program needs for unique learners, such as EL and special education students. For example, 40 new specialized programs are included in this SEON. As a result, 282.6 additional teachers, teacher assistants, and other positions providing these specialized supports are included and represent 75% of the total new positions added.

Misrepresentation: The budget proposes adding positions to the communications department and more than doubling the office’s budget.

Truth: The 44 existing Family Liaison positions were moved to the Department of Communications and Community Engagement as part of a reorganization. This move does not require the hiring of any additional personnel or any increase to the department’s budget.

Misrepresentation: The increase in the proposed budget could increase property or car taxes.

Truth: Historically, Loudoun County real property tax rates have decreased every year since FY17.

Remember that LCPS is the best source to find true and accurate information about your schools and the division. If you have not already, check out the LCPS Podcast episode where Dr. Spence speaks to CFO Sharon Willoughby about the budget process and the division’s commitment to financial responsibility.

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.

Staff and families may have found political flyers on their cars at an LCPS middle school recently that contained disinformation and propaganda about the division. Topics that were mentioned include DEIA, Fentanyl, library books, and immigration. 

Students, staff and families are reminded that LCPS is the best and truest source of information about our schools and division.  We recommend to anyone wishing to learn the real information about LCPS to reach out to your student’s school or LCPS administration.  

 LCPS is dedicated to providing accurate, timely and relevant information through numerous channels to our community.  Follow us on social media, subscribe to the LCPS Letter and listen every Thursday to the latest LCPS Podcast episode.

Stay connected and stay informed!