LCPS sex assault prevention plan outlined

“This will require reflection and action,” said Smith, who replaced Scott A. Ziegler who was fired on Dec. 6 and indicted on Dec. 12. “My heart goes out to all LCPS families whose loved ones have had their safety and security infringed upon. Especially the families of those discussed in the report. I will work to examine our process, structures and procedures in a collective effort to ensure that something like this never happens again.”

The report said the second assault was preventable. It blamed a lack of communication and coordination within LCPS and the county Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court Services Unit, and the Sheriff’s Office.

Since being appointed on Dec. 8, Smith said he’s met with interim Leesburg Police Chief Vanessa Grigsby, Purcellville Chief Cynthia McAllisater, and Loudoun Sheriff Michael L. Chapman to improve communication. The report criticized Chapman for bickering with Ziegler about how and when LCPS was notified that the assailant had been arrested for the first assault. Work on an updated memorandum of understanding between LCPS and the Sheriff’s Office is continuing.

The mishandling of the scandal led to the firing of former chief of staff and Title IX coordinator Mark J. Smith. Title IX is a federal anti-discrimination law.

Daniel Smith noted a new Title IX coordinator was hired in March, and two Title IX investigators were hired in the summer. New software will track Title IX investigations and staff are receiving more Title IX training. Other reforms include:

• Creation of a student support team for school transfers.
• Creation of a transition team for students moving to and from alternative education settings.
• Districtwide improvements of case management for problem students.
• Smith also met with school principals and the student representatives from the district’s 17 high schools to improve communication and relations.
• Revamping the district website to make it easier for the public to navigate it.

Scandal-related policy updates underway include school threat assessments, disclosure of personally identifiable student information, acceptable use of school technology by students, and a board member code of conduct. Public input on the policies can be made on the LCPS website through Sunday.

—Evan Goodnow