Joint Board of Supervisors & School Board Committee Meeting - November 17, 2025

The Joint Board of Supervisors and School Board Committee met on November 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The meeting covered several information items, including a presentation on unpaid meal debt, findings from confiscated vape device testing, and a detailed review of the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LCPS, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), and the Leesburg Police Department (LPD). The committee also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and made additions and deletions to the 2026 work plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shinaz Kahn (Special Education Advisory Committee – CIAC): Expressed full support for keeping schools safe and appreciated SROs, but noted that students with disabilities are still referred to law enforcement at a higher rate. CIAC voted unanimously to recommend adding language to the MOU requiring SROs to receive training on understanding disabilities, de-escalation, and behavioral intervention plans, and to work closely with special education teams before intervening when a student’s behavior may be disability-related. She shared a personal story about her son with Down syndrome.
• Meredith Ray (community member): Raised concerns that the draft MOU strips baseline training requirements for SROs (crisis intervention, cultural competency, implicit bias), removes foundational language about supporting student growth and developmental differences, expands law enforcement access to student records without referencing FERPA boundaries, and shifts evidence documentation responsibilities to law enforcement. She also noted the sheriff’s intent to assist mass deportation plans and asked for clear limits on information sharing.
• Aaron Kunkel (immediate past chair of the Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee – MSAC): Spoke as a mother of three LCPS students. Stated the MOU blurs boundaries between education and policing, allows questioning of students without meaningful parental notification, and treats middle and high school students as less deserving of protection. She commended CIAC’s recommendations and affirmed MSAC’s support for clear boundaries, trauma-informed training, and guaranteed parental notification before questioning, except in rare imminent danger cases.
• Anushe Ahmed (online, representing immigrant families): Shared a story from a mother named Fernando about fear of ICE collaboration. She described personal experiences of racism in LCPS schools and urged that SROs not share information with immigration enforcement. She stated that immigrant families live in constant fear of separation and asked for respect of rights and human dignity.

Discussion Items

• 1. Loudoun County Public Schools Unpaid Meal Debt: Sharon Willoughby (LCPS Business & Financial Services) presented. LCPS feeds all students regardless of ability to pay, per policy and federal mandate. Students cannot incur debt for a la carte items. Communication about negative balances is directed to families only, not students. The federal nutrition program cannot subsidize debt; at year-end, the school operating fund transfers funds to cover outstanding debt, which is then written off. Total debt: FY23 $138,000 (written off $101,000 after $36,000 in donations); FY24 and FY25 amounts increased. The current year (FY26) shows a 53% increase in debt compared to the same period last year, and a 180% increase in free/reduced lunch applications. Donations have decreased; the Feed It Forward program and Giant Food round-up program help offset debt. Rising meal costs (20-cent increase to $3.55) and low federal reimbursement rates are contributing factors. Members asked about income cap adjustments, application process barriers, and potential solutions. School Board Member Shernoff expressed concern that costs are being passed to families and asked for contingency plans. The presentation included a request for ongoing monitoring and budget initiatives.
• 2. Contents Testing of Confiscated Vape Devices: Dr. Michelle Peace (VCU, forensic science professor) presented findings from the confiscated vapes project, which analyzes devices seized from Virginia schools. The project began in 2019; currently 5% of schools participate (6% this year). Key findings: 14-15% of confiscated vapes are cannabinoid-based (likely an underestimate because some go directly to law enforcement). In the northern health region, 30% were cannabinoid vapes. 12% of vapes came from middle schools. Devices are often contaminated with yeast, mold, bacteria, and coliform (fecal contamination), which are aerosolized and inhaled. Common brands include Geek Bar; flavors are fruity and appealing to children. 60 students reported buying vapes themselves from shops. The project also surveils unregulated stores (head shops, “dispensaries,” bakeries) that sell products with inaccurate labeling, dangerous synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., HHC), and high levels of contaminants. Dr. Peace noted that Virginia’s tobacco control program ended in April 2025 due to federal funding cuts. She is working with the General Assembly to close loopholes in Virginia Code regarding synthetic THC derivatives. Loudoun County participates with five middle schools and five high schools. Discussion included enforcement strategies (building inspectors, fire marshals, financial audits) and potential for expanding participation.
• 3. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LCPS, LCSO, and LPD: Mr. Allen (LCPS) presented the draft MOU, which was last finalized in 2023. The new draft includes sections on body-worn cameras and overdose notification. The MOU was posted for public comment in July 2025; the three entities met in August and September to finalize a second appendix on adult students. The final mutually agreed draft was presented. Major discussion points:
  • Training: Supervisor Brisckman and School Board Member Chandler expressed concern that the redlined version removed specific training requirements (cultural competence, implicit bias, crisis intervention, trauma-informed). Lt. Col. Sawyer (LCSO) explained that training is not reduced; the list was removed because it is lengthy and varies between departments, and all training aligns with the School Law Enforcement Partnership (SLEP) guide. He offered to provide a list of all trainings. Supervisor Brisckman requested that the MOU include language that SROs will not cooperate with ICE or mass deportation efforts.
  • Parental Notification: Supervisor Brisckman and School Board Member Chandler asked for mandatory parental notification before questioning minors, except in imminent danger. The draft uses “when appropriate” language; Lt. Col. Sawyer explained that in cases of victim/witness situations where the parent may be the offender, immediate notification may not be appropriate. Supervisor DeGroni requested that the committee look at Fairfax County’s MOU for clearer language.
  • Student Records and FERPA: School Board Member Chandler noted that the draft removes language stating that SROs are not designated school officials under FERPA and asked for its inclusion. The committee also discussed a potential inconsistency in the MOU’s disclaimer about creating contractual obligations versus language about students with disabilities.
  • Disability Provisions: Co-chair Mansfield asked why CAC recommendations (e.g., notifying SROs of unique needs of students with disabilities) were not included in the main body, noting that the appendix may not be read. Staff explained that the three entities reached consensus on the final language, but they will review the recommendations again and provide written responses.
  • Process: School Board Member Chandler asked for a record of votes during negotiations; staff said no formal votes were taken. The MOU will go to the School Board for final action. The committee requested that the three entities provide written responses to specific questions and recommendations from the public and advisory committees.

Action Items

• 2026 Schedule of Meetings: The committee approved the 2026 meeting schedule (motion by Co-chair Glass, seconded, passed 5-0, one absent).
• Additions to 2026 Work Plan: The committee approved adding the Eastern Loudoun Community Arts Center and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center’s GED program to the 2026 work plan (motion by Co-chair Glass, seconded by Co-chair Mansfield, passed 5-0).
• Deletions from 2026 Work Plan: The committee approved deleting the item on covering the cost of DARE T-shirts for Title I schools and potentially all elementary schools (motion by Supervisor Brisckman, seconded). The matter will be handled through the county budget process, with an estimated cost of $75,000 for all elementary schools. The committee also approved deleting the congestion and traffic update for various identified schools (motion by Co-chair Glass, seconded by Supervisor Brisckman), as the Congestion Must Go program no longer exists with LCPS.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the 2026 meeting schedule for the Joint Committee.
• Added two new work plan items: Eastern Loudoun Community Arts Center and LCPS/Sheriff’s Office GED program.
• Deleted two work plan items: DARE T-shirt funding (to be addressed via county budget) and congestion/traffic updates (program no longer exists).
• The MOU discussion will continue; the three entities (LCPS, LCSO, LPD) will provide written responses to specific questions and recommendations from supervisors, school board members, and advisory committees before the MOU goes to the School Board for action.
• The committee expressed appreciation for the partnership and collaboration, especially regarding the vape testing project and the DARE T-shirt funding solution.