Leesburg Police Citizen Support Team

Congratulations to Ray Delpesche, Support Team President, and the other team members. And a big thanks to all of them for helping out at the Christmas and Holiday Parade.

Christmas at the Village at Leesburg

Tuscarora Mill Restaurant

Celebrates 40 years

The Tuscarora Mill Restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary and received a letter from the Leesburg Town Council lauding the establishment and late founder Kevin Malone for their contributions to the town. Kevin Malone opened Tuskies in 1985 as the anchor tenant in the Market Station complex, a collection of renovated historic buildings. From that beginning grew the Tuskie’s Hospitality Group that today includes Magnolias at The Mill, Fireworks Pizza, South Street Under, the Birkby House, The Old Brogue and Katie’s Coffee House. Tuscarora Mill was one of the first Northern Virginia restaurants to champion a farm-to-table approach. Kevin Malone partnered with area farmers, winemakers and artisans to highlight seasonal ingredients and regional products.

For more information, go to tuskies.com.

Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS)

https://www.loudoun.gov/538/Animal-Service

Low Cost Vaccination & Microchip Clinic January 8 and 22:

Time Details: 9am-11am

Location: Loudoun County Animal Services

Address: 42225 Adoption Drive

Leesburg, VA 20175

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Leesburg District Commission Representatives VACANCIES

Heritage Commission:

Supports and encourages the identification, documentation, protection, preservation, and celebration of the Heritage Resources of Loudoun County. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and other County offices regarding the preservation of the County’s Heritage Resources and accomplishes tasks approved by the Board of Supervisors. Heritage Resources are the County's valued natural, cultural, and historic locations, sites, objects, and qualities that have been passed down from previous generations

LCHC Bylaws.pdf

Advisor Commission on Youth (ACOY):

Serves as a conduit for Loudoun County youth by assessing youth needs, advising, and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors (Board) regarding youth programs, issues, opportunities, and priorities; fostering collaboration among stakeholders; and encouraging changes in law, policies, and procedures that will improve conditions for wholesome youth development.

Advisory Commission on Youth Bylaws, Rev 10-2025.pdf

If you are interested, or know of someone who might be interested, please read the Commission's bylaws (link provided), and read and compete the application found at

https://onboard.loudoun.gov/application/

Please do not hesitate to connect with us if you have any questions.

Loudoun County Government has many advisory boards, commissions, and committees which provide opportunities for direct involvement in local government by residents of Loudoun County.



Advisory Boards, Commissions & Committees | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

The Global Local's mission is to create an immersive & exciting shopping

experience that connects clients to their purchases through storytelling. They showcase over 25 local artists and makers as well as fair trade global brands.

New Town Hall Art Exhibit Features Local Student Art

The Leesburg Commission on Public Art (COPA) is pleased to announce a new art exhibit currently available for viewing on the first floor of Leesburg Town Hall (25 West Market Street). Mixed Media by Deborah Tripp features over 60 pieces of artwork created by students from the Academies of Loudoun. The exhibit will run through the end of February 2026. Read more here.

New Town Hall Art Exhibit Features Mixed Media by Local Students | News Archive | Town of Leesburg, Virginia

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2026 Leesburg Town Council Meetings: The Leesburg Town Council’s regular business meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Work sessions are held on the Mondays before each regular business meeting unless the meeting falls on a holiday. Agenda packets are posted no later than COB Wednesday before the Council meeting.

Upcoming Public Meetings | Town of Leesburg, Virginia

Boards and Commissions: The Town is always looking for residents and business owners to join our boards and commissions. To learn more, or to apply, visit www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and wishing you a very Happy New Year!

This month marked a milestone I’ve been working toward since the very beginning of my service on the School Board: I visited the 100th LCPS school. 

When I started my first term, I made a commitment to myself and to our community that I would physically visit every school in our division before the end of the term. I wanted to see the work up close, to listen to the people who live it every day and to build genuine relationships that would shape the way I serve. I believed then, and still believe, that the best decisions come from being present: walking hallways, sitting in classrooms, talking with students and educators, and experiencing firsthand the incredible work happening in our schools.

What I didn’t fully anticipate was how much these visits would ground me. At every school, I learned something new—about the culture, about the challenges, about the creativity and care that make each community unique. I met students whose excitement reminded me exactly why this work matters. I met teachers whose dedication inspired me to dig deeper and advocate harder. I met staff members whose commitment keeps our schools running with compassion and excellence every single day.

These moments have shaped my perspective, informed my decisions and strengthened my belief that leadership must be rooted in trust and understanding. It’s one thing to read reports or review data, but it’s another thing entirely to stand in the spaces where learning happens and to hear directly from the people who make it possible.

I am incredibly proud to reach this 100-school milestone. But more than pride, I feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the warm welcomes, open conversations, honesty, and the passion I encountered in every building. Gratitude for the educators and staff who generously shared their time. Gratitude for the students whose curiosity and joy fueled my commitment to this work.

Visiting all 100 schools wasn’t just a goal—it became a foundation for how I want to continue leading: by staying connected, by showing up, by listening, and by never losing sight of the people behind every policy.



Thank you to every school community that embraced these visits. I am more energized than ever to continue this work, grounded by the experience of seeing the heart of LCPS in all 100 of its schools.

School Spotlight: Catoctin Elementary School

I had the opportunity to join an Equity Learning Walk at Catoctin Elementary. These walks provide schools with an opportunity to reflect on student belonging and culturally responsive practices, and our teams visit classrooms to observe how these elements are implemented in daily instruction. I spent the morning in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classrooms, and I was truly moved by what I saw. Students were safe, seen, loved and engaged - clear evidence of the strong, caring communities the teachers and staff have built.

As I look forward to seeing the follow-up report, I’ve been reflecting on how we approach equity work as a division. My hope is that it never becomes something separate or disconnected from the rest of our work but reflects data and is rooted in the life of our schools. Children naturally lead with inclusion, kindness and acceptance, and I believe our efforts should lift up that authentic spirit, not overshadow it.



We always have room to grow in ensuring every student can thrive, but we should also honor the goodness already present in our classrooms. I’m continuing to process this experience and welcome ongoing learning and conversation as we move forward together. 

Board Happenings

Full Board Items of Note: 

FY 27 Capital Improvement Budget Approved: This year's addition of the strategic modernization plan, with a comprehensive look at each school profile and plan to move improvements forward intentionally and strategically, made it easy for me to support the Capital Improvement Budget this year. Additionally, there was an effort to clearly address Board member priorities and define efficiencies, as well as possible savings in the years to come, and that reflects responsiveness to Board feedback. This budget passed unanimously. 

Collective Bargaining Agreement: Last month, I shared that the Human Resources and Talent Development (HRTD) Department had presented the tentative inaugural agreements for the Certified and Non-Certified Bargaining Units following the conclusion of collective bargaining negotiations with the Loudoun Education Association (LEA) on October 29, 2025. I’m pleased to report that the ratification process has now concluded, and the School Board has officially voted to ratify Loudoun County Public Schools’ very first Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

I supported this milestone agreement as both the division and LEA worked collaboratively to reach terms that move our school system forward. The three-year contract, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, includes agreements on wages and benefits, as well as key working-condition topics: Safety; Union-Release Time; Due Process; and, for the Certified Unit, Planning Time and Unencumbered Lunches; and for the Non-Certified Unit, Duty-Free Lunches and Breaks.

Policy 8155 - School Assignment: The Board approved revisions to the language within this policy that pertains to special permission with several amendments. These include: emphasizing that documentation supporting the rationale for special permission decisions is strongly encouraged; adjusting the timeline to improve clarity and consistency; reducing school capacity threshold for consideration to 85%; and adopting additional changes recommended through committee and community feedback.

I also brought forward an amendment—approved by the Board—that directs us to work toward greater long-term clarity by developing a new Instructional Suitability policy. My hope is that this policy will become the primary, more transparent mechanism for student transfers going forward, reserving special permission for truly exceptional circumstances.

The updated policy will serve as a temporary framework while staff and the Board work over the next year to design anew instructional suitability approach for consideration, with opportunities for community engagement along the way. In my opinion, this step is especially important as we prepare for future rezoning and expanded programs, as a means to provide a more equitable, consistent, and well-documented process for students and families.

Revisions to Policy 8655- Student Personal Device Use: This item was initially presented at our Board meeting as an information item, but it later moved forward as an action item and passed with a vote of 6-1-2 with Vice Chair Donohue opposed, and Ms. Chandler and Chair Mansfield abstaining.

In April 2025, Virginia passed a new law restricting the use of all student personal devices including phones, smartwatches, and personal computers from bell to bell, during the school day. To comply with this new restriction, LCPS has updated Policy 8655. Currently, devices only need to be put away during instructional time, so this represents a significant change for high school students and staff.

Our existing cell phone policy has been highly effective, and we’ve consistently heard positive feedback from parents, students and teachers. Its success has come from clear, specific expectations that created consistency across schools. The revised policy, while stricter in scope, removes some of those specifics, which raised questions for me around teacher autonomy, building-level consistency, logistics, and enforcement.

I had a chance to speak with Dr. Spence and he provided a more detailed explanation of how the division plans to roll out and enforce the new policy, including phased implementation, support for school administrators and teachers, and clear communication with families. With that additional information and the assurance that expectations and protocols will be clearly defined before implementation, I voted for the policy revisions to ensure LCPS is in compliance with state law.

I strongly encourage parents to review the updated policy terms and talk with their children about what these changes will mean during the school day. Clear communication at home will be key to a smooth transition, and I appreciate everyone who has already reached out with feedback and questions.

Committee Work: 

Curriculum and Instruction Committee:  

1.   Welcome Center East Update. Since the opening of the Welcome Center in 2015, the vision has been to establish two Welcome Centers to ensure that services are provided in geographical locations close to families in the eastern and western parts of the county. The Welcome Center East is scheduled to open in early spring 2026. The presentation shared updates on the opening plans and outlined how the expansion will enhance services across the division.

2.   Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP) Update. Head Start and STEP are federal- and state-funded preschool programs designed to provide high-quality preschool instruction to 4-year-old (and some 3-year-old) eligible students. These programs support both students and their families in enhancing kindergarten readiness. Currently, the Head Start program serves 100 students, and the STEP program serves 320.

In addition to focusing on full enrollment, Head Start and STEP staff have been working to align our programs to strengthen the quality of services. This presentation showcased this alignment and provides consideration for future growth. I love talking about all things preschool and I am always actively looking for ways we can support the growth of these programs so more students have access!

3.   Instructional Technology Update. At my request, the Instructional Technology Office provided updates on work related to 1:1 devices in LCPS classrooms, including an update on instructional guidance for teachers and schools and data collected related to student use of 1:1 devices and device deployments at elementary grades.

This is a topic I frequently hear about from families: the amount of screen time students have at school, especially in the younger grades, and whether it’s developmentally appropriate or the best use of instructional time. I share these concerns, which is why I requested comprehensive data for our committee to review. I was genuinely grateful and impressed by the depth of information the staff gathered and presented. 

While I expressed my appreciation, I also shared my honest concern about the heavy reliance on technology in our schools. In many elementary classrooms, a significant portion of the day seems to revolve around slide decks, videos and Chromebook activities. I would love to see us shift away from that where it makes sense, especially in the primary grades.

To be clear: I recognize technology is an important part of the world our students are growing up in. It can be an engaging, high-leverage tool when used intentionally. I’m not advocating for removing it; I’m advocating for balance, especially for our youngest learners.

One proposal from staff was to move 1st grade from a 1:1 device model to classroom carts, similar to what we already do in kindergarten. Teachers would still have access to a full class set when appropriate, but devices wouldn’t follow children home every day. I appreciate this idea, and I’d love to explore whether a K–3 model might better support developmentally aligned instruction. I know it would require upfront costs and logistical planning, but it may be a worthwhile budget consideration.

I’d truly value your feedback as we continue this conversation. It’s an important and timely discussion about what best serves our youngest learners and how we can create classrooms that honor both innovation and childhood.

Legislative, Audit and Policy Committee: 

Policy 6330 - Distribution of Information and Posting within Schools, on School Grounds, or During School-Sponsored Events has a complicated history, at least from my perspective. This policy outlines the use of school spaces for community or political events, the permitted activities on election days, and the distribution of political flyers at Back-to-School Nights (BTSN) and Open Houses. It was originally drafted for the Finance and Operations Committee’s review under the previous School Board, but was never finalized due to several concerns. As a result, it was handed off to the Legislative, Audit & Policy Committee, and, two years later, we are taking it up again.

Staff presented its proposed redlined version that would completely remove political groups, or really any groups not directly supporting the educational purpose of the event, from distributing materials at LCPS-sponsored events (Open Houses, BTSN, sporting events, etc.). If you’ve ever gone to a Back-to-School Night and been handed campaign literature, this recommendation would discontinue that practice. Staff shared that there have been instances of disruption in the past, and many in the public have expressed discomfort with political activity at events meant primarily for meeting teachers and preparing students for the upcoming school year.

On the other hand, some organizations rely heavily on this long-standing practice as a way to reach voters and inform the public about upcoming elections. Although guidelines govern current practice, they are challenging to enforce. The responsibility typically falls on school staff and administrators, and managing disruptions takes them away from their main priority: welcoming families and supporting their school community.

Another Board member offered an amendment to retain the practice but tighten the restrictions. In my view, this would only increase the need for active enforcement. Since we did not clearly address how that would be managed, I could not support the amendment. After several rounds of clarifying amendments, questions and discussion, the policy advanced to the full Board with a vote of 2–1. I was the dissenting vote.



These are significant changes to a long-standing practice in Loudoun, and I want to emphasize this point: the major revisions did not go out for public feedback. They were introduced during the meeting after a prior draft, which was presented when this came before the committee as an information item, had already been sent to the community for public feedback. 

Given how sensitive and impactful this issue is, I believe our public deserved the opportunity to weigh in before we moved it forward. Without that input, I could not support advancing it out of committee. This policy requires further refinement, and I do not see any reason to rush it.

Please let me know your thoughts on this practice—whether in general or with specific feedback on the policy. Your perspective truly matters.

Performance Monitoring Committee (PMC): 

At the PMC, we reviewed recent English Learners’ (EL) data and heard a powerful presentation from Sugarland Elementary about the innovative ways they are leveraging professional development and implementing best practices for their EL students. What stood out is that these strategies aren’t only supporting EL students, they’re elevating achievement and engagement for all learners in their classrooms.

We are beginning to see substantial growth in several schools with their English Learners, and during the meeting, I shared that it feels like we are finally “cracking the code.” Watching this progress take shape is incredibly encouraging.

The next step for the School Board is clear: we must ensure that every school has the resources, training and support necessary to replicate this success. Every student deserves access to the same high-impact practices, and I’m excited about what this could mean for our division.

Meet the Loudoun County Sheriff Chapman at Tuskie's (Tuskie's Restaurant & Tavern in Leesburg) on January 6, 2026, at 7:30 AM, with the local Rotary Club.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is also promoting a larger "Save the Date" event with law enforcement leaders on January 22, 2026, hosted by the Loudoun Crime Commission, though the location isn't specified as Tuskie's, it's a great opportunity to connect with local law enforcement in January 2026. 

On Sunday, December 14, Loudoun Fire-Rescue responded to a small mulch fire on the construction site of Veterans Park. The site of the mulch was a significant distance from residences. The cause was determined to be spontaneous combustion from the decomposition of mulch. 

As a continued reminder, this remains an active construction zone. There is heavy machinery in operation, potential for falling debris, and uneven ground conditions. Public access to the restricted construction area is strictly prohibited due to significant safety risks. ‘No Trespassing’ signs have been placed at all trail access points. For your safety, please do not remove or tamper with construction safety or silt fencing to enter the site.

You can help keep the community safe by reporting any suspicious activity to the Leesburg Police Department’s non-emergency line at (703) 771-4500.

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

For more fire prevention and life safety tips, visit our website. 

Loudoun County’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Popular Annual Financial Report is online. The report is specifically designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to members of the general public who do not have a background in public finance.

The report is intended as a companion document to the award-winning Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, presenting the highlights of the county’s complex financial activities in a concise and accessible format.

Loudoun’s Popular Annual Financial Report has been recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the past eight years.



Links to both the Popular Annual Financial Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report are online at loudoun.gov/FinancialReports.

The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development will host a series of free, monthly “lunch-and-learn” sessions January through March 2026 to raise public awareness about fair housing law and how it protects different population groups from discrimination. Anyone involved in housing as a current or potential renter, buyer, financial adviser, realtor, property manager or builder is encouraged to attend.

Each monthly session will be held virtually on a Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Participants will be able to ask questions throughout the presentation. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

·      January 14, 2026 – The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact on Fair Housing Law: Learn how King’s vision of equal access to housing for all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin or religion, helped to shape today’s fair housing law. This session will explore housing’s role in equity, opportunity and long-term economic stability.

·      February 18, 2026 – Healthy Homes, Healthy Hearts – Fair Housing & Nutritional Health: Fair housing law protects individuals with disabilities, including conditions tied to nutrition, obesity and heart health. This presentation explains how individuals with disabilities are protected under fair housing law.

·      March 18, 2026 – National Women’s History Month – Access & Equity to Fair Housing: In honor of March being Women’s History Month, this session will highlight how adding sex as a protected class in 1974 helps prevent gender discrimination and unfair lending practices towards women.

Attendance is free and registration is not required. For more information about upcoming sessions, including how to join the virtual sessions, visit loudoun.gov/FairHousing.

Accommodation

Anyone who requires reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or needs language assistance to participate may call 703-737-8323/TTY-711. Three business days’ notice is requested.

For more information about housing programs offered by Loudoun County, visit loudoun.gov/housing or send an email.

Upcoming Events:

Budget-Friendly Cooking

Join VCE Loudoun for a free class on budget-friendly cooking to save money and eat well. This class offers practical strategies to help you create low-cost, nutritious and delicious meals.

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 • 1:00-2:00 p.m. • Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA

Thrive After 65: Aging Gracefully with Nutrition

Discover how smart, simple nutrition changes can help you feel energized, strong and vibrant in your later years. This free class offers practical strategies rooted in science and real-life application.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 • 1:00-2:00 p.m. • Sterling Library, 22330 S Sterling Blvd, Sterling, VA

New Year, New Money Goals

Start the year with clarity and confidence! Join VCE Loudoun Financial Literacy Educator Abbey Burnett for an interactive personal finance workshop designed to help you align your money with what truly matters to you.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Sterling Library, 22330 S Sterling Blvd, Sterling, VA •

Planting Rain Gardens with Native Plants

Join the VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for this free lecture. Learn about suggested designs and plants for rain gardens that will beautify your landscape and help with stormwater runoff and erosion.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. • Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA •

Tax Season 101: Filing with Confidence

This educational workshop will walk you through the basics of filing your taxes, highlight key updates for the upcoming tax year and share reliable resources for getting help and assistance when you need it. To register, contact abigail.burnett@loudoun.gov or 571-627-8209.

Please note: This workshop is for educational purposes only and does not include specific tax advice from a certified tax professional.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA •

 Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun (VCE Loudoun)

Government Cable Channel & Webcast 

Televised Meetings

A schedule of the Board of Supervisors meetings is posted on the Loudoun County Government Master Calendar. The Board of Supervisors’ business meetings, public hearings, and standing committee meetings are televised live on the Loudoun County Government cable channel:

• Comcast Government Channel 1075
• Verizon FiOS Channel 40

Public Input

• Learn how to provide input at public meetings.

Closed-Captioning

Television coverage of Board of Supervisors meetings and public hearings is closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Closed-captioning allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow the meetings by showing a transcript of speakers’ comments at the bottom of the screen. To view the captions, viewers must have a television set that is a 1993 model or newer. Viewers should follow the instructions in their television owner’s manual to access the captions.

Webcasts and Archived Meeting Videos

The Board of Supervisors’ business meetings, public hearings, and standing committee meetings also are live streamed on the county’s webcast system. 

View live and archived meeting videos and a schedule of future meetings at

loudoun.gov/meetings.

Earlier this year Loudoun County Transit launched a new pilot service, Transit On Demand, a service that operates on an on-demand basis, powered by a smartphone application. This flexible, app-based service operates in real time, allowing riders to request fare free rides within a defined 5-to-6-mile service area within the Leesburg zone. Using a smartphone app LC Transit On Demand, or by phone, passengers can request rides that offer short wait times and convenient pickup and drop-off locations near their starting point and destination.

Service Hours

Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Booking Options

LC Transit On Demand App: Riders can schedule trips using the LC Transit On Demand app, available for download on the Apple Store and the Google Play store.

Online: Riders can schedule trips using an internet browser. 

Phone: Riders can schedule a trip over the phone by calling   571-258-3464. 

Transit On Demand Service Area 

Transit On Demand currently operates within a 5-to-6 mile zone within Leesburg. A full list of bus stops can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions

Paratransit Service Users

For riders needing paratransit service, visit loudoun.gov/paratransit

Project Updates:

Capital Projects | Town of Leesburg, Virginia

Capital Project Status Interactive Map | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

Downtown Street Lights Phase II | Town of Leesburg, Virginia

Morven Park Road Crosswalk - West Market Street and Loudoun Street | Town of Leesburg, Virginia

Town of Leesburg, Virginia Evergreen Mill Road Widening Project Update

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Transportation & Capital Infrastructure

The Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure oversees planning, project development, utility relocation, construction, traffic engineering, transportation planning, space planning and renovation of county facilities. 

Transportation & Capital Infrastructure | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

You can find Who Maintains Roads; Projects, Studies & Plans; Report Concern, Paving Schedules; Residential Parking Permit Districts: Safe Streets Loudoun

Alert Loudoun | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

Alert Loudoun is the notification system Loudoun County uses to send citizens emergency information, news releases, traffic information, weather alerts, and more.

The system will send you information you need wherever you are. For example, subscribers may register to receive weather alerts that affect not only their home address, but also their work location, their children’s day care provider, their children’s school, or their parents’ home

Connect & Engage with Loudoun County:

Connect & Engage with Loudoun County | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website

There are many ways you can connect and engage with your county government. Loudoun County provides news about legislation, programs, services, and urgent alerts that impact the lives of people who live, work, learn and play in our community. Attend a Board of Supervisors meeting. Provide your input. Sign up to receive news directly into your email inbox or by text. We welcome your questions in person or by phone, email, and online.