With recent events surrounding Loudoun County and Dr. Scott Ziegler’s indictment, parents, students, teachers, and administrators are uncertain about the future of LCPS. 

Loudoun County Public School’s (LCPS) search for a new superintendent is ongoing with the school board and county working together to gain insight about the community’s expectations for the position. According to WUSA9, LCPS has hired a recruiting firm, GR Recruiting, based in Arizona to find a new superintendent.

The recruiting firm has met with parents, students, and LCPS staff to figure out what kind of superintendent LCPS needs. According to county chairman Ian Serotkin, “We are confident that GR Recruiting has the experience and track record of success to help us identify the division’s next superintendent.” Serotkin added that LCPS needs a long term superintendent that is also experienced in leadership. 

While the search continues, acting superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith has hosted several “listening sessions” in schools. At these listening sessions, Smith and a school board member provide an opportunity for students, staff and community members to share “comments, concerns and feedback directly with Division leadership” and are a “personalized way to connect Dr. Smith…and stakeholders in a welcoming setting” according to the event flyer. 

As for the superintendent search, LCPS released a survey to get input on where the county is struggling and more importantly what the leader of LCPS needs to prioritize. The survey was the first among the first steps in the search for a new superintendent. According to the LCPS website, “We need your thoughtful and candid input to ensure that the voice of our community is part of our search to find the best superintendent for LCPS.” 

The survey consisted of questions about the current state of Loudoun County, opinions of the past superintendent, and what the next superintendent needs to be. The survey closed on Mar 21. 

According to the LCPS website, “At the Mar 28, 2023 board meeting, the School Board approved the Leadership Profile for the Superintendent’s Search.” To find out more information about the timeline concerning the search for a new superintendent, click here. 

The hope is that the new superintendent will be hired prior to the start of the 2023-2024 school year; preferably, by Jul 1 according to Smith, who said LCPS is taking many steps to “re-establish trust” in LCPS to ensure that everyone feels safe and heard.