2024-2025 LCPS Innovation & Achievement Report

2024-2025

LCPS INNOVATION & ACHIEVEMENT REPORT

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

Joint Letter from the School Board Chair and the Superintendent Dear LCPS Families, Staff and Partners, As we reflect on this past year, we are proud to share the story of how our schools, together with families, community partners and dedicated staff, continue to provide every student with the opportunities, resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

This year, we’ve prepared a report on the Innovation and Achievement across LCPS, highlighting the milestones we have reached and the people and partnerships that make them possible.

We launched new programs aligned to community and workforce needs, and offer advanced academic pathways to hands-on career training.

Recruiting and retaining top talent remains a priority, as exceptional teachers and staff are at the heart of student success. We are committed to fostering an environment where educators feel valued, supported and empowered to excel.

Thank you for your trust, partnership and support. Together, we are ensuring that every student has a pathway to success – one that reflects their strengths, honors their aspirations and prepares them for the world ahead.

Read the full report at www.lcps.org/annualreport2025.

Aaron Spence, Ed.D. Superintendent

Melinda Mansfield Chair, Loudoun County School Board

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS New Programs Address Community and Workforce Needs

01

Community Partners Powering Possibilities

05

LCPS Exemplary Staff - Profiles and Achievements

09

Student Achievement - Stories and Stats

14

Financials - Your Tax Dollar at Work

18

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report

NEW PROGRAMS ADDRESS COMMUNITY & WORKFORCE NEEDS Students are why we do what we do as educators. And, we couldn’t create opportunities for students without the support of our local community partners, nonprofits, businesses and families.

This year, LCPS has expanded programming options and centers that care for students’ well-being and academic needs. We have been intentional about expanding access to workforce partners and celebrating their contributions to helping our students understand possible academic pathways that could lead to fulfilling careers, high-earning careers or fields of study that align with their passions.

In addition, we know that students need support as they grow into young adults. Working with community partners to help take care of their mental health and well-being, offering ways to support them when they need it and helping ensure no child passes through our halls unnoticed by the staff is what we commit to every day.

As superintendent, I want for LCPS students the same thing I want for my own children – for them to feel like they belong, are connected to caring support and challenged to learn in ways that prepare them for the future.

Offering programs that align with their interests and address their needs is paramount to creating classrooms where everyone experiences opportunity and feels like they belong.

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 01

WORKFORCE FOCUSED PROGRAMMING In collaboration with George Mason University and NOVA, LCPS launched the ACCESS Academy at Potomac Falls High School to provide dual-enrollment credits, IT certifications and real-world learning for students pursuing high-demand tech careers.

To find out more visit www.lcps.org/accessacademy.

Project Lead the Way Recognition for Empowering Students to Develop STEM Skills Ten Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) high schools have been recognized as 20242025 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. PLTW high school programs prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow by incorporating STEM skills into their learning and by building students’ collaboration, teamwork and communication skills so they can be ready for whatever path they take. The recognized high schools are Briar Woods, Freedom, Heritage, Independence, Lightridge, Loudoun Valley, Riverside, Stone Bridge, Tuscarora and Woodgrove.

The second annual LCPS Cake Wars featured middle school Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) students showcasing their creativity, collaboration and culinary skills in a Candy Shop-themed event at Trailside Middle. Eight teams from Belmont Ridge, Blue Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Stone Hill and Trailside middle schools participated in the friendly baking competition that drew family, staff and community members. Students applied skills learned in FACS classes to design, bake and decorate elaborate cakes, presenting their creations to a panel of judges that included LCPS leaders, culinary professionals and community members. The event highlighted the importance of FACS in preparing students with practical, real-world skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and communication, blending academic concepts with hands-on learning.

CyberSlam 2025 brought together students from 22 high schools across Virginia for an immersive exploration of cybersecurity careers. Co-founded

by Briar Woods High School teacher Chris Starke, the home-grown Loudoun County program is now a leading student-focused cybersecurity event in the state, supported by educational institutions, government agencies and industry leaders. In its fourth year and hosted at George Mason University, CyberSlam connected students with industry experts in digital forensics, drone security, ransomware defense, crypto-malware protection and other emerging technologies for hands-on workshops applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Students gained valuable insight into the opportunities and responsibilities of safeguarding the digital world.

Digital Transformation ©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

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SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING Now in its second year, the LCPS Dual Language Immersion program for elementary students starts students off early on a successful path through daily, immersive instruction in English and Spanish. Elementary students build foundational literacy, numeracy and collaboration skills in two languages while embracing the rich diversity of their classrooms. This year, students at Potowmack and Sanders Corner elementary schools celebrated at the end of the year with songs in English and Spanish, certificates and medals, recognizing months of learning and growth. The event highlighted students’ progress in building biliteracy, embracing diverse cultures and preparing for a globally connected future. To find out more, visit www.lcps.org/dli.

Planning is underway for the Academy of Global and Linguistic Studies, set to open in 2027-2028, a future-forward program with pathways in Global Leadership and Global Business featuring immersive Arabic and Mandarin instruction.

LCPS will support students in early recovery from substance use disorders with the Loudoun Recovery Academy program, offering academic and therapeutic support, opening in the 2025-2026 school year. To find out more, visit www.lcps.org/lra.

Fentanyl prevention activities for students included the April 29 Fentanyl Awareness Day when Student Assistance Specialists (SASs) conducted an informational hallway campaign with colorful displays, discussions, stickers and buttons to help increase awareness and student sharing of information about the dangers of fentanyl. During Advisory, lessons and a video from Song for Charlie about the dangers of fentanyl were presented. Prevention activities like these help make a difference in raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

United for Wellness, the seventh annual LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Resource Fair, held on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Watson Mountain Middle School, provided approximately 400 LCPS community members with the opportunity to learn about and better understand mental health and wellness strategies.

Nearly 40 sessions provided parents and the community with guidance to help increase awareness of youth trends and tips to support their families. Topics included coping with anxiety, navigating teen eating disorders and body image issues, understanding ADHD, fostering healthy relationships and many more.

Dr. Michelle Peace of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Forensic Science provided the keynote presentation, sharing highlights of her research into the dangers posed by electronic cigarettes and vapes. The resource fair featured over 100 local businesses, nonprofits, local government agencies, as well as LCPS resources, showcasing services and opportunities for community members to support their families.

Digital Transformation ©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 03

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LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 04

COMMUNITY PARTNERS POWERING POSSIBILITIES Engaging business partners to extend and enhance learning opportunities across LCPS and the community creates true partnerships to anticipate, advise, and address the needs of our future workforce.

LCPS ADVISORIES The School-Business Partnership Executive Council (SBPEC) brings together leaders from business, industry, nonprofit organizations, higher education and LCPS to create meaningful connections between our schools and the broader community.

With up to 24 members, the Council represents the strength of Loudoun’s business and education communities working side by side. Together, we focus on strengthening schools, enriching student experiences and preparing the next generation for success in college, careers and life.

The SBPEC fosters partnerships that matter – encouraging shared commitment, collaboration and lasting relationships across sectors. By helping guide and expand partnership efforts, the Council ensures that the work of our schools aligns with the needs and opportunities of our community.

If your business or organization would like to get involved in shaping the future of Loudoun’s students, we invite you to learn more about the SBPEC and join us in building strong schools together. To find out more, visit www.lcps.org/sbp.

The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC) is comprised of 30 community members, representing LCPS and the 17 Virginia Department of Education Career Clusters. CTEAC meets monthly during the school year to discuss the planning, implementation and assessment of career and technical education programs. The CTEAC advises LCPS on CTE needs, supports strategic planning, reviews policies and contributes to state and federal program reviews.

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LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 05

PARTNER AND COMMUNITY EVENTS The division focuses on workforce development and future-ready education across key industries like cybersecurity, health innovation and aerospace, by hosting the first LCPS Workforce Summit, bringing together more than 250 community and business leaders.

In partnership with the Loudoun Education Foundation and Amazon, LCPS launched four new Amazon Think Big Corners at elementary schools, bringing hands-on STEM learning directly to students. The “corners” are a smaller version of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Think Big Space launched at Simpson Middle School in Leesburg in 2022.

LCPS hosts an annual Job For A Day program offering 11th and 12th-graders the chance to explore careers. Nearly 600 students spent a day in November 2024 shadowing professionals in various fields to support informed career choices, develop job-related skills and connect academic learning to real-world applications. The day offered a look at 177 career opportunities provided by 82 businesses, matching students with experiences with tasks and responsibilities associated with careers that match their interests or aptitudes.

The AWS Girls Tech Day in October had more than 200 LCPS middle schoolers visit Amazon's Arlington headquarters. Organized with support from Amazon Web Services and the Loudoun Education Foundation, the event inspired these young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math — fields where women are still underrepresented. Hands-on workshops included forensic science and programming robotic cars. Inspiring women leaders from NASA and AWS addressed the girls, who were encouraged to see what’s possible when they pursue their passion for learning and innovation.

LCPS partnered with Virginia-based humanitarian aid organization Mercy Chefs and Center of Change, the charitable foundation of Washington Commander’s starting center Tyler Biadasz, to help support students in need. Mercy Chefs and Center for Change, with help from Sterling Middle School students and other volunteers, packed approximately 500 backpacks with easy-to-prepare meals and snacks, such as macaroni and cheese, applesauce pouches, granola bars and cheese crackers. Mercy Chefs partners with professional athletes to provide support and inspiration to thousands of children and families in underserved communities.

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PARTNERS IN SERVICE Hands-On Heroes, a day-long interactive event held May 20 and May 30 at Dominion High School, hosted more than 570 high schoolers, made possible through partnerships with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, INOVA Hospital and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. These partners offered real-world emergency response training and insight into public safety and healthcare careers.

On Tuesday, June 24, LCPS thanked Loudoun County First Responders at an annual cookout held at Heritage High School. LCPS joined the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, the Loudoun Education Foundation and Flags of Valor to express gratitude to the heroes who serve and protect our community. Held at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, the event honored hundreds of first responders who answer the call each day to keep our communities and students safe. Representatives from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Leesburg, Middleburg and Purcellville Police Departments and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, attended. Staff and community volunteers prepared and served more than 600 hot dogs and hamburgers to officers, firefighters and EMTs. The second annual Together in Remembrance event supported more than 3,100 firstgrade students from 36 elementary schools, honoring Memorial Day through service learning and community partnerships. Students worked with Veterans, older students and volunteers to assemble wooden American flags from kits provided by veteran-owned Flags of Valor. Flags were displayed in schools, donated to Veterans or taken home to honor the holiday. With support from partners including AFCOM Potomac Chapter, Salesforce, HITT and others, materials were delivered to schools across the county.

Curriculum-guided classroom discussions on the history and meaning of Memorial Day connected classroom content to real-world service and possible careers.

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 07

PARENTS AS PARTNERS Family Academy Launched in 2025 The LCPS FACE Family Academy is dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to actively engage in their child’s education. Through a series of online workshops, parents learn about the school division, how to build stronger connections with their schools and how to effectively advocate for their children’s success. Workshops offered focus on Family Advocacy, Championing Student Success and Being Connected and Informed. Look for sessions on the LCPS Community Events Calendar and at www.lcps.org/FACE. The Family Engagement Survey Results Each year, we ask families across the division to tell us how they felt about their school experience and how they are feeling about their child’s education in LCPS. And the news is good. The 2024-2025 results reveal what happens when we truly listen, engage and create schools where people belong.

More families feel empowered to be partners in their child’s education.

High school parents reported increased confidence that we’re preparing their children for life after graduation.

Families said we’re doing a better job of communicating – especially around clubs, activities and teacher expectations.

And most importantly, we saw an increase in families who said their schools feel welcoming, inclusive and respectful of diversity. (LCPS Annual Family Survey, 2025)

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL At Heritage High School, under the leadership of Mr. Adam, we saw remarkable gains.

And I want to pause to tell you why.

Each morning, Mr. Adam starts the school day with the same message: “Good morning.

I am Mr. Adam, your principal. I love you and I am glad you are here.” He says it in both English and in Spanish. And every student starts their day with that simple, powerful affirmation: You belong here.

But it’s not just what he says. It’s how he leads. He’s worked with his staff to adjust the schedule to make more activities accessible. They’ve strengthened the IB program to include even more of their students, and he has worked diligently to increase student voice in the building, giving them a part in leadership and decision-making in the school. Jeff and his team model what it means to build belonging into every decision they make. And the results speak for themselves: A more than 11-point increase in students feeling their teachers care.

A 10-point increase in families feeling included in decision-making.

And a 9-point increase in perceptions of inclusivity. (Annual Family Survey, 2025) That’s leadership. That’s love in action. That’s what happens when we lead with belonging.

Dr. Spence’s remarks to LEAD Loudoun, 2025

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LCPS EXEMPLARY STAFF PROFILES AND ACHIEVEMENTS In the 2024-2025 school year, more than 82,000 students were enrolled across 100 schools in LCPS, and the division employed over 13,000 staff. The division’s workplace excellence is recognized by Forbes’ list of America’s Best-in-State Employers, 2024. LCPS staff have been recognized for their achievements nationally and across the state.

LCPS Educators Named The Washington Post Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year The year 2025 was the first double win for LCPS since 2013, with two outstanding LCPS educators selected as Washington-area winners of The Washington Post awards. Principal of the Year, Jeff Joseph, has been an educator and administrator at Loudoun County Public Schools for over 23 years and principal of Dominion Trail Elementary since 2013. The Washington Post Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Poole, is a career Mustang at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School. Working at the helm of the Simpson Middle School Career and Technical Education department, she helps every 6th-grader study technology, integrating her students’ project-based learning with the dedicated Amazon Think BIG Space.

My 30 years at Simpson Middle School have filled me with JOY! Teaching is my calling, and I am blessed to impact LCPS students each day. Education is all about investment; it’s our opportunity to pour into future generations and make a lasting impression!

Kimberly Poole, Teacher, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 09

I chose to work at LCPS because of the strong relationships built among students, parents and colleagues. There's a wonderful sense of community in LCPS and I believe that when we have fun together, we create a more joyful and effective experience for everyone.

Jeff Joseph, Principal, Dominion Trail Elementary

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 10

Stone Bridge High School Library and Librarians Honored Stone Bridge High School’s library program was named the 2025 School Library Program of the Year award winner by the Virginia Association of School Librarians. This recognition celebrates excellence in school library programs across the Commonwealth. The award reflects the outstanding efforts of the Stone Bridge library team in delivering an innovative student-centered program that promotes literacy, collaboration and lifelong learning.

Laura Channing and Erin Curry, librarians at Stone Bridge, have been named 2024 Public Educators of the Year by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area. This award recognizes their outstanding efforts in bringing history to life for students and educators. Channing and Curry developed a series of artifact trunks chronicling multiple American history eras. Each trunk contains original and reproduction artifacts, primary documents, lesson plans and digital resources, offering students hands-on learning experiences. Covering topics ranging from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War, these trunks will be available to educators across the county.

Demonstrating Leadership Liberty Elementary School’s Courtney Peckham was selected as the 2025 Outstanding Assistant Principal for Virginia by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP). Ms. Peckham has been with LCPS for 11 years, having worked as a teacher, dean and now assistant principal.

Potomac Falls High School is one of only 13 high schools nationwide – and the only one in Virginia – to be named a Model School by the Center for Model Schools. The school earned the national distinction through a competitive application and interview process, demonstrating a sustained commitment to student success, innovation and collaborative, high-quality instruction. Potomac Falls presented at the 2025 Model Schools Conference, a national event attended by more than 5,000 educators.

Eight LCPS Schools Named 2024 Purple Star Schools This award is presented to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. The Purple Star is conferred through a vote by the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Purple Star schools retain their designation for three years before having to reapply. This is the second time Brambleton and River Bend middle schools have been recognized as Purple Star schools. LCPS has 1,565 military-connected students.

The LCPS schools named 2024 Purple Star schools are: Brambleton Middle School Broad Run High School Independence High School John W. Tolbert Elementary School Little River Elementary School

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

River Bend Middle School Stone Bridge High School Smart’s Mill Middle School

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RECOGNIZING DEDICATION LCPS recently celebrated 248 aspiring educators at this year’s Teacher Cadet Ceremony, held as part of the Division’s “Grow Your Own” initiative to build a strong, sustainable teaching workforce from within the community. The event welcomed more than 566 attendees and highlighted the full range of support LCPS offers students pursuing careers in education—from hands-on classroom experience and dual enrollment through Shenandoah University to mentoring and substitute opportunities during college. 130 Teacher Cadets received letters of intent from LCPS, pledging a job offer upon college graduation and certification. With 14 high schools in attendance and 15 schools offering the program, the evening was a testament to the power of partnerships, purpose and preparation.

More than 950 educators have completed LETRS Volume 1 and more than 550 educators have completed Volume 2. LETRS is Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning. Grounded in the science of reading, LETRS is a multiyear training program that equips teachers with research-based strategies to support all learners. This in-depth training aligns with the LCPS Instructional Framework and helps ensure that students build strong literacy foundations for success in school and beyond.

The 2025 LCPS Employee Mental Health and Physical Fitness Fair, held in May, provided employees and their families with helpful resources for improving physical and emotional wellness as well as fun, educational hands-on activities. Numerous vendors provided stations from complimentary seated massage, the healing power of nature peaceful planting area, hydration and blood pressure testing stations, hands-only CPR, smoking cessation and a healthy heart booth.

LCPS honored its own, with 21 employees in instructional and operational roles receiving recognition as LCPS Employees of the Year, celebrating their dedication to making every day a great day for all students.

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 12

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 13

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTSTORIES AND STATS LCPS students stand out in the state and across the nation. Schools focus on academic excellence, creating a learning environment of care and belonging so all students feel welcome, and serving students and their families with the very best staff and programming.

As a result, Niche’s Virginia rankings place LCPS as the 4th Best School District and the #1 Best School District for Athletes. Seven high schools are listed in the top 20 in the state, with Independence High School ranked as the #2 best high school in Virginia.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE National Merit Scholarship winners included 18 LCPS students for the 2024-2025 school year. Five students won college-sponsored scholarships, eleven were named National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, and two received corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships.

The College Achievement and Multicultural Program for Unique Students (CAMPUS) program held its 2025 Senior Celebration on Tuesday, June 3, honoring the 143 CAMPUS seniors. In total this school year, 759 students participated in CAMPUS at 18 LCPS high schools. Next year, CAMPUS is expanding to serve over 1,000 students. Of the graduating seniors, 90% have indicated that they are continuing their education at either a 2-year or 4year college.

Goshen Post Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) team, The Sigmas, won fourth place at the World Finals tournament for the Division 1, Problem 2 Technical Challenge, called “Mech-Animal Sidekick,” a highly technical challenge in which the team designed, built and operated an original robotic animal that performs tricks to cheer people up. To advance to the World Finals, the team won first place at both the Catoctin Region tournament and the Virginia State tournament. Odyssey of the Mind is an international problem-solving competition. Over 13 countries and 29 states competed at the World tournament.

GRADUATION ACHIEVEMENT

6,932 SENIORS

75%

Received an Advanced Diploma

87%

Report they will attend college

97.2%

On-Time Graduation Rate

While going to college was the most common choice for graduates, 5% plan to enter the workforce, 2% will enter military service and another 2% plan on taking a gap year.

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 14

LCPS PASS RATES OUTPACE THE STATE In August, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released the 2025 Standards of Learning (SOL) test results, which showed that for LCPS, SOL proficiency rates have increased or stayed the same in all subject areas.

LCPS significantly outpaced Virginia in all five subject areas.

Virginia

LCPS

“We are seeing the results of our collective focus on belonging, highquality instruction and targeted supports for students. These gains show what is possible when we stay committed to meeting the needs of every learner. I am grateful to our teachers, staff and leaders for their dedication, and to our families and community partners for working alongside us.”

100

80

60

40

20

Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent

ce Sc ie n

M at he m at ic s

ce s

H is to r

y

&

So ci al Sc ie n

W ri ti ng En gl is h

En gl is h: R ea di ng

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STUDENTS SHOW CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT ON THE 2025 SOL TESTS Out of five subject areas, LCPS saw an increase in four subject areas, with English Writing remaining the same.

2021-2022 Pass Rate

2022-2023 Pass Rate

2023-2024 Pass Rate

2024-2025 Pass Rate

English: Reading

80

80

81

82

English: Writing

81

81

90

90

History and Social Sciences

81

80

82

86

Mathematics

74

76

79

82

Sciences

75

74

75

80

Subject

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 15

Willard Music Department Earns Fourth Consecutive Blue Ribbon Award The Willard Middle School music department has once again earned the prestigious designation of Blue Ribbon School of Musical Excellence, marking an extraordinary fourth consecutive year of this achievement. This honor, awarded by the Virginia Music Educators Association, is the highest recognition for music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A school qualifies only when all top-performing ensembles— band, orchestra and choir—receive superior ratings at the VMEA District Concert Performance Assessment.

Loudoun County High School Cheer Team Participating in Thanksgiving Day Parade The Loudoun County High School Cheer Team performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The appearance was nearly a year in the making, with their coach submitting an audition video in November of 2023, and the team learning of its selection in January of 2024. The team shared the news, held fundraisers and practiced their routine. Being able to perform in the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade was, as the coach stated, “such a huge accomplishment and truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.“

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LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 16

STUDENTS CARE Students Glow Their Own Way at Annual HOPE Dance The Freedom High School HOPE Club hosted its annual HOPE Dance. The HOPE Club – HOPE stands for Helping People Everyday – provides connection and engagement for students with intellectual and emotional disabilities.

Over the past decade, participation in the dance has steadily grown, with this year marking a milestone as all LCPS high schools and approximately 300 students participated in the dance. The theme of this year’s dance was Glow Your Own Way. No Place for Hate LCPS is proud to have four elementary schools, nine middle schools, and four high schools designated as No Place For Hate schools. Students and staff in these schools work together to build a learning community of belonging, respect and opportunity by engaging in dialogue and active learning about topics like bias, bullying, inclusion and allyship. This commitment helps build a sense of community, belonging and care within that school. The elementary schools are Belmont Station, Creighton’s Corner, Discovery and Lowes Island. Middle schools include Belmont Ridge, Brambleton, Harmony, Harper Park, J. Michael Lunsford, J. Lupton Simpson, Smart’s Mill, Stone Hill and Trailside. High schools are Dominion, Heritage, Independence and Woodgrove.

SPOTLIGHT ON DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL After seeing an increase in situations of hurtful words and students acknowledging they were unaware of others' feelings, this school set a goal to create and maintain a Culture of Care. They worked with No Place for Hate and created a C.A.R.E. Team, which stands for Council for Active Respect and Empathy, for their 4th and 5th-graders.

Students applied to be part of the team and agreed to a set of shared responsibilities such as being a role model every day, meeting monthly with administrators, counselors and teacher leaders for roundtable discussions, and reading books in the lower grade levels to share how to be caring citizens at school. They also held Quarterly House Meetings focused on engaging students around understanding the power of their words, their identity and how to identify bullying. Their United Mental Health Team and equity lead collaborated with the county SEL Department to create additional targeted SEL lessons for classes to engage in twice a month. While this work is ongoing, they have made meaningful progress and taken important steps to establish systematic, researchbased structures and they’re positioned to make a lasting difference for their students — not just in how they feel today, but in how safe, valued and connected they feel at school.

Great work, Discovery team! ©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

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FINANCIALS YOUR TAX DOLLAR AT WORK The FY25 budget focused on three priorities: placing students at the center of our work, recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest, and supporting new and ongoing initiatives. With the support from the School Board and the Board of Supervisors, these priorities were funded. The budget provided staff with annual step increases and additional cost of living increases. Additional funding was approved to support the growing number of students who are English learners (up 6.4% over the previous year), special education students (up 4.1%), and those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (up 1.8%).

FY24 FTE Distribution Source: FY24 WABE Guide

92.1%

of the budget supports School-Based Employees.

90%

of School Operating Fund is Personnel Costs.

District

Non-School Based FTE

School Based FTE

Fairfax

7.6%

92.4%

Loudoun

8.3%

91.7%

Arlington

9.2%

90.8%

Prince William

9.7%

90.3%

Alexandria

10.7%

89.3%

Operations/ Maintenance 9.4%

Capital Outlay 0.6%

LCPS has an average cost per pupil of

$21,793 ©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools

LCPS Innovation and Achievement Report | 18

FISCAL NEWS Energy Performance Project Delivers First Zero Energy Utility Bill Over the last two summers, as part of the Critical Systems Renewal Program, LCPS Support Services completed extensive upgrades to Ashburn Elementary School to improve indoor air quality, enhance occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption. A geothermal well field consisting of 96 400-foot deep wells replaced the outdated HVAC system with ground-source heat pumps and dedicated outdoor air systems. LED lighting with dimming capability was installed, as well as a 500-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array, which came online in late January. These energy-efficient upgrades enabled the school to reduce energy consumption and produce enough energy onsite to support all of the school's electrical needs without impacting occupant comfort.

These improvements have enabled Ashburn to achieve Zero Energy status, as demonstrated by zero kilowatt-hours purchased from the utility on the first bill after full system integration. This is a dramatic reduction from the $9,216 in heating and electrical costs ($6,748 electricity, $2,468 natural gas) incurred at the same time last year. Similar upgrades are planned for Ball’s Bluff Elementary School.

Spotlight on Sustainability In June 2025, the Loudoun County School Board approved the first LCPS Sustainability Framework, which formalizes the division’s commitment to environmental responsibility by integrating sustainability into instruction, operations, leadership and long-term planning. LCPS is committed to promoting and enhancing the economic, environmental and social impact of sustainability. This Framework adds a fourth pillar: leadership, emphasizing the importance of modeling sustainable practices across all levels of the school system and connecting student learning with real-world sustainable practices.

LCPS Staff Compensation Study During the 2025 school year, LCPS conducted a compensation study to identify and recommend improvements to classification structures. The School Board heard updates in January of 2025, presented as part of the budget information. Alignment and improvement across compensation activities can help assure recruitment and retention and contribute to LCPS becoming the Employer of Choice.

Support for Students taking AP exams LCPS covers the cost of the first four AP tests each student takes across their high school career. This practice began in the 2021-2022 school year. Students not enrolled in an AP course but wishing to take a test should contact their school's Testing Coordinator.

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LCPS Funds for Teacher Classrooms For the past five years, LCPS has provided educators with funds to set up their classrooms at the beginning of the school year or to purchase school supplies. First-year teachers are eligible for a classroom supply allotment of $250, and returning teachers are eligible to receive an allotment of $100. While we know it may not fully outfit a classroom, the allotments can help LCPS teachers make sure their classrooms are set up to best support their work with students.

Spotlight on Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) The Loudoun Education Foundation’s Fueled program is much more than a food security initiative; it's a foundation for student success. Last school year, Fueled provided 47,455 meal bags to LCPS students, marking an increase of over 30% in reach from previous years. Fueled supports students through meal bags and in-school pantries, serving more than 40 schools. This direct student impact is a powerful investment in their ability to focus, learn and thrive. Visit https://www.loudouneducationfoundation.org/fueled.

Every school should be deeply committed to eradicating hate, to getting rid of harmful speech and to teaching kids and ourselves that we cannot thrive in an environment where it is accepted. Every school should be deeply focused on belonging not just as a noun but as a verb, a way of being and of treating one another. In our classrooms. In our schools. And in our communities.

Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent

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21000 Education Court Ashburn, VA 20148 www.lcps.org

©2025 All Rights Reserved. Loudoun County Public Schools