Loudoun County Democratic Committee Opposes Expansion of SROs to Elementary Schools, Urges Community to Speak Out
LCDC calls for transparency, research-based safety approaches, and public engagement ahead of Feb. 24 School Board discussion
Leesburg, VA – The Loudoun County Democratic Committee (LCDC) strongly opposes the expansion of School Resource Officers (SROs) into Loudoun County elementary schools and urges residents to participate in public comment at the upcoming School Board meeting.
Sheriff Chapman is once again pushing for SRO placement in elementary schools, and the School Board has scheduled a discussion item titled “Safety and Security Measures for Elementary Schools” for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the LCPS Administration Building. Public comment will occur approximately at 6:30 p.m.
This decision impacts our youngest students and demands meaningful community input.
Elementary schools serve very young children. Safety strategies must be developmentally appropriate. Research consistently shows that increased law enforcement presence in schools leads to significant increases in referrals, suspensions, expulsions, and arrests, particularly for minor disciplinary issues.
Research also shows that the introduction of SROs is associated with increased suspensions and referrals to law enforcement, with disproportionately larger impacts on Black students, students with disabilities, and male students. These disparities compound existing opportunity gaps and raise serious equity concerns.
Large Virginia school divisions do not routinely place SROs in elementary schools. School safety discussions must prioritize counselors, prevention strategies, mental health support, and student wellbeing, not expanded law enforcement presence in classrooms designed for young children.
Decisions of this magnitude require transparency, data, and community engagement. Parents, educators, and residents deserve to be heard before policy shifts are made that will shape the daily environment of our elementary students.
Call to Action
The Loudoun County Democratic Committee urges residents to participate in public comment at the School Board meeting:
📍 Location: LCPS Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
🕡 Public Comment: 6:30 p.m.
Residents may sign up for public comment:
• Online until noon the day of the meeting: https://www.lcps.org/page/citizen-participation
• In person by arriving early to the meeting
Community voices matter. Decisions about the safety and well-being of our youngest students should not be made without robust public participation.
The Loudoun County Democratic Committee stands for evidence-based policy, student-centered safety approaches, and equitable educational environments for every child.
