Loudoun County School Board Bids Farewell To 3 Outgoing Members

ASHBURN, VA — The Loudoun County School Board is saying farewell to three outgoing members at Tuesday's meeting.

Chair Melinda Mansfield of the Dulles District and Broad Run District representative Linda Deans did not seek re-election and Sterling District representative Arben Istrefi did not win his re-election bid.

New members joining the school board in 2026 will be Jonathon Pepper in the Dulles District, Ross Svenson in the Broad Run District and Amy Riccardi in the Sterling District.

Superintendent Aaron Spence presented personalized plaques to the outgoing school board members. He noted accomplishments of the school board's term like opening a transition center for students with disabilities to transition to adulthood, supporting a recovery school for students battling substance use, launching a global and linguistics studies academy, advocating for free after-school care for families in need.

"This board was formed in a moment of transition," said Spence. "All nine of these board members were new with new responsibilities, new challenges and even a new superintendent, and from day one you set the bar for what collaboration, professionalism and shared purpose should look like."

The three school board members brought different aspects of educational experience to the board. Mansfield has done extensive work in positions educating students with disabilities. Deans is a retired teacher who has served in various roles, from teacher and adjunct college professor to dean of girls and principal. Istrefi is a parent and executive at a tech education company who has worked in other technology and nonprofit leadership roles.

The completely new school board was elected in 2023 following the appointment of new Superintendent Aaron Spence. The school division had been enveloped in controversy due to 2021 student sexual assaults, but it's gained national attention again from its transgender locker room investigation lawsuit at Stone Bridge High School.

The Loudoun County School Board moved to staggered terms, so five of the nine seats were up for election in 2025. Along with the three new members being elected, Algonkian District representative April Chandler and Leesburg District representative Lauren Shernoff were re-elected.

The new school board members' swearing in ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA. An election for the school board chair will also be held.