Loudoun Public Schools Superintendent Addresses U.S. Education Dept Uncertainty

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — After families shared concerned about programs and funding that would be affected by eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, Loudoun County Public Schools' superintendent reassured families about no changes, at least in the short term.

Superintendent Aaron Spence told families in a letter that federally-funded programs like Title I, special education services, and career and technical education through Perkins grants, will continue to get funding at LCPS. Although LCPS doesn't expect any changes in the short term, it is anticipating a shift in how it receives funding.

"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," said Spence. "Should that happen, the hope and expectation would be that federal funding will continue to support these vital programs in LCPS."

Federal funding makes up a small part of the LCPS budget, as a large majority comes from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors' county budget. That may not be the case in some other Virginia school districts.

"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," said Spence. "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."

President Donald Trump had signed an executive order seeking the ultimate closing of the U.S. Department of Education to "return authority over education to the States and local communities," according to the Associated Press. Closing the department completely should require action from Congress.

The president indicated core services could remain, like funding for Title I schools, students with disabilities, Pell grants and student loans. However, Trump indicated student loans oversight would be passed to the Small Business Administration, while services for students with special needs could go the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to NPR.

On the Trump administration's goal of giving more authority on education to local and state authorities, Spence said at least some federal oversight is necessary. That includes the department's Office of Special Education Programs, the Office of Civil Rights and grant programs to provide student supports. The superintendent said LCPS will monitor impacts to the federal government maintaining key programs.

On the other hand, Spence said there could be an opportunity to "reconsider the role of the federal government in school accountability." That could include making changes to standardized testing that has been based on federal expectations.

"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," Spencer wrote. "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."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.