Leesburg School Board Member Beth Barts Resigns

LEESBURG, VA — Beth Barts, who represents Leesburg on the Loudoun County School Board, is resigning. Her resignation will take effect on Nov. 2, Barts announced on Facebook on Friday.

Barts was originally elected to the school board in 2019. Her term was scheduled to continue until Dec. 31, 2023.

"This was not an easy decision or a decision made in haste," Barts said in a news release. "After much thought and careful consideration, it is the right decision for me and my family."
Barts did not say whether her decision was related to any of the recent controversies at the Loudoun County school system. Yesterday, a parent announced their intention to file a lawsuit against the school system after their child was sexually assaulted at a school in May.

"I am grateful to have had a role in empowering students to achieve academic and personal success in supportive and most importantly inclusive school environments," Barts said. I am especially proud to have participated in helping steer the Loudoun County School System through the uncharted waters of educating students throughout a global pandemic."

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Bart's tenure on the school board, which began in 2020, has also seen a great deal of controversy. During the pandemic, many parents voiced displeasure about the school system's reluctance to return to in-person learning.

Read more: School Board 'Cowards' For COVID Closures: Loudoun Man Says

Later in the year, attendees at school board meetings became increasingly frustrated as they voiced concerns about critical race theory and policies for transgender students. Rallies and protests have become a regular site outside school board meetings.

A new representative will be selected by the Loudoun County School Board to finish Barts's term. The school board has not announced when that process would begin.

"While I look forward to a return to a simpler life of volunteer service, I will miss my office hours and the conversations I had with so many of you in our community," Barts said. "The emails and conversations allowed me to advocate for and facilitate solutions for our local Leesburg families. Thank you for putting your trust in me."