ASHBURN, Va. - As Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) continues to post gains in academic achievement, student engagement and school climate, the Loudoun County School Board (LCSB) voted to extend Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence’s contract through June 30, 2030.
Per Dr. Spence’s contract, provided he receives at least a “proficient” performance rating by the Board for the preceding fiscal year, he is entitled to an annual salary increase equal to the average annual cost-of-living adjustment and the average step increase provided to all employees. The School Board also approved an increase in the deferred compensation Dr. Spence is entitled to under his contract to $38,500 for the 2025-26 school year.
“The Board engaged in a collaborative and productive conversation about the progress of the school division, the challenges we continue to navigate, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Those discussions reinforced our confidence in Dr. Spence’s leadership of the school division,” Board Chair April Chandler said. “I appreciate the stability Dr. Spence has brought to the division and the clear, strategic direction he has established to support student success, strengthen our workforce and position LCPS for the future. His commitment to listening, building strong relationships and keeping students at the center of our work has helped foster trust and momentum across the division. I am encouraged by the progress we have made under his leadership and optimistic about the future of LCPS as we continue working together on behalf of our students, staff and community.”
The extension comes during a period of measurable progress across the division, including improvements in student achievement, expanded access to advanced coursework, reductions in chronic absenteeism and increased feelings of belonging and trust among students, staff and families.
Academic Achievement and Student Growth
Since Dr. Spence became superintendent, LCPS has seen a six-percentage-point increase in Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates across mathematics, science and history and social science, while maintaining a strong overall graduation rate of 97 percent.
Significant gains have been made among student groups that have historically faced barriers to success. Students with disabilities demonstrated growth across all SOL subject areas, with increases ranging from three percentage points in reading to a nine-percentage-point improvement in history and social science. English Learners also made substantial progress, including a 14-percentage-point increase in history and social science, alongside gains of eight percentage points in mathematics and nine percentage points in science.
Advanced Coursework and College Readiness
Students are participating in more rigorous coursework and demonstrating stronger college readiness outcomes. Enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses increased by five percentage points overall, while participation among English Learners and students with disabilities increased by seven percentage points. Honors enrollment rose across all student groups, including a nine-point increase among English Learners and a 10-point increase among students with disabilities.
Academic performance in advanced coursework also improved, with the percentage of AP exams earning a score of three or higher increasing by eight percentage points overall and nine percentage points among students with disabilities. Average SAT scores increased by 18 points divisionwide, while students with disabilities achieved a 36-point increase.
Graduation outcomes improved among several student groups, including a six-percentage-point increase for students experiencing homelessness and a three-percentage-point increase for both English Learners and economically disadvantaged students. Participation in the PSAT also increased among English Learners, expanding access to college and career readiness opportunities.
Attendance, Climate and Family Engagement
The division has made meaningful progress in student engagement and school climate. Chronic absenteeism declined by 4.7 percentage points overall and decreased among both English Learners and students with disabilities.
Students and staff reported stronger feelings of belonging, including a 10-percentage-point increase among high school students and a nine-point increase among staff members. Perceptions of safety remain strong, with more than 90 percent of students, staff and families reporting positive views of safety in LCPS schools.
Trust in the division has also increased significantly. Family trust in LCPS, as measured by Net Promoter Score, increased by 10 points, while division-level staff trust increased by 40 points. At the school level, family trust increased by eight points and staff trust increased by 23 points. Families also reported higher levels of engagement with schools during this period.
Dr. Spence has also elevated student voice through Student Town Halls held at each high school and student advisory meetings to gather authentic feedback to improve the student experience.
Operational Highlights and Division Initiatives
In addition to these outcomes, LCPS has continued to expand opportunities and support systems for students and families. Over the past year, the division opened Welcome Center East to better serve multilingual learners and newly arrived families, implemented a divisionwide Instructional Framework and Curriculum Resources Library to strengthen teaching and learning, and maintained recognition for all 17 middle schools as Schools to Watch and six high schools listed in the top 20 in Virginia.
LCPS also began the school year with more than 99 percent of licensed positions filled, expanded career and technical education opportunities through partnerships with more than 2,000 community organizations and businesses, and opened the Recovery, Inspiration, Strength and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Academy to support students recovering from substance use disorders.
“I am honored to continue serving the students, families and staff of Loudoun County Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “LCPS is a truly remarkable community committed to our children’s future. Our dedicated educators, engaged families and talented students inspire me every day. Together, we have made meaningful academic progress, and I remain committed to ensuring every student feels supported, challenged and knows they belong in our schools. I look forward to continuing our work alongside the School Board and this remarkable community as we build on our successes and create even greater opportunities for students in the years ahead.”