LCPS Appoints Dr. Aaron Spence superintendent

The Loudoun County School Board voted to appoint Dr. Aaron Spence as the next superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools. 

Since 2014, Dr. Spence has served as superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, a school district of over 65,000 students and 10,000 employees. During his tenure, Dr. Spence supported significant growth in the division, ensuring all schools became and remained fully accredited and overseeing processes resulting in the division’s highest graduation rates on record.

Other work to meet the needs of students, staff, parents, and the community includes the implementation of full-day kindergarten, the development of an Environmental Studies Program classroom at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, an expansion of career and technical education opportunities in areas including manufacturing and renewable energy, and a significant increase in family and community engagement efforts, including focused voice groups and expanded supports for English learner families.  

Prior to that role, he was the Superintendent of Moore County Schools in North Carolina for two years. His previous positions have included Chief High Schools Officer for Houston Independent School District, Chief Academic Officer and Director of Curriculum for Chesterfield County Public Schools, Principal of Deep Run High School and Assistant Principal of Henrico High School for Henrico County Public Schools, and a French teacher at Brook Point High School in Stafford County Public Schools.

A recognized leader at the state and national level, Dr. Spence was named 2018 Virginia Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. In selecting him for the award, VASS lauded Dr. Spence as a “textbook example of leadership necessary to make large-scale changes in an organization that produce significant changes and positive results.” When presenting him with the award, VASS President Jennifer Parish said, “As a result of Aaron Spence’s leadership, Virginia Beach schools have been able to address achievement and discipline gaps . . . his communication and community engagement strategies continue to ensure the success of his school division.”

He was also named the EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators and CoSN at the 2021 National Conference on Education and serves as a mentor and teacher for new superintendents across the country.

“I am excited to meet with students, parents, staff and community members as I learn more about their hopes and aspirations for the school division,” Spence said. “I am honored to serve as your superintendent and look forward to building upon the already solid foundation of academic excellence in Loudoun County Public Schools.

“It will be my goal from day one to ensure we are leading together to build trust, create even greater transparency for our community around the outstanding work of our school division, recruit and retain a world-class team of educators, and leverage the power of relationships with families and stakeholders to strengthen us.”

“After a comprehensive, nationwide search, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Spence as the next superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools,” stated Board Chair Ian Serotkin. “His experience and success in running a large, complex public school division will ensure our students continue to receive the highest quality education.”

Dr. Spence is expected to relocate with his family to Loudoun County and assume office in the coming months. Dr. Daniel Smith will continue to serve as acting superintendent until that time. Dr. Smith said, “I look forward to welcoming Dr. Spence into the LCPS family and supporting a smooth transition.”

To learn more about Dr. Spence, visit Meet the Superintendent.