Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has been in the international spotlight for four years, becoming a symbol of a misguided educational culture. Yet, what has the Board of Supervisors (BOS) done to rectify this? Absolutely nothing. Chairman Randall and her majority (Briskman, Saines, Turner, and Glass) claim their hands are tied, that they can only approve the LCPS budget. But their continuous rubber-stamping of approvals tells a different story. Their inaction is not due to a lack of power, but a lack of will, and this will not go unnoticed.
Adding insult to injury, Randall and her majority embarked on costly trips to Uruguay and Ghana in 2023, costing taxpayers over $62,000, primarily on airfare. Despite Randall’s claims to the contrary, these expenses were indeed borne by taxpayers. Even more concerning, plane tickets for Uruguay were purchased in January 2023, a full month before Uruguay was officially recognized as a sister city on February 21, 2023.
Loudoun residents are left with a rogue school district that operates like an Autonomous Zone, accountable to no one. Meanwhile, we’re witnessing corruption, fraud, waste, and deception from BOS Randall and her majority. This, coupled with their refusal to eliminate the car tax for Loudoun residents and their approval of a 40% hike in Greenway tolls, paints a picture of a county spiraling out of control.
So, what’s the solution? We need to elect officials who are committed to rectifying this chaos. We need an Inspector General and a BOS that will exercise Educational Oversight over LCPS. It’s time for a change, and it’s time for action. Loudoun County deserves better.
Hopefully some of our BOS candidates will see and read this post. They are our last hope.
WHAT AN INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR LOUDOUN WOULD LOOK LIKE
As Loudoun County continues to grow and evolve, the need for an independent, non-partisan Inspector General (IG) becomes increasingly clear. The IG’s mandate should be to ensure that our local government operates with the utmost efficiency, effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility.
Promoting efficiency and effectiveness across the county is a key role of the IG. By identifying areas of waste or inefficiency, the IG can recommend improvements that ensure the county operates at its best.
The IG is also crucial in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse within the county. Through audits and investigations, any misconduct can be uncovered and addressed, protecting our county’s resources and maintaining public trust.
Ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies is another vital role of the IG. By reviewing operations and activities, the IG can verify compliance and recommend corrective actions when necessary, helping to avoid legal issues and maintain a positive reputation.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to good governance. The IG can maintain these principles within the county by reporting findings and recommendations to both the organization’s leadership and the public.
Operational improvements are another area where the IG can make a significant impact. By identifying operational weaknesses and recommending improvements, the IG can enhance the overall performance of the county.
The IG also plays a crucial role in protecting whistleblowers. By providing a safe channel for County and LCPS employees to report wrongdoing and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, the IG encourages a culture of openness and integrity.
Advisory management for the Board of Supervisors (BOS), Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and county-wide is another area where the IG can provide value. By offering guidance on risk management, control, and governance processes, the IG can help improve the county’s overall performance.
The IG operates independently of the county’s BOS and LCPS, providing an unbiased perspective and ensuring that all activities are subject to oversight. With specialized expertise in areas such as auditing, law, investigations, and public administration, the IG can effectively identify and address complex issues.
Public reports issued by the IG enhance transparency and accountability, while risk assessment services help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the county and recommend strategies to mitigate these risks. Through training and education, the IG can promote a culture of integrity and compliance among county staff. And by ensuring accountability, compliance, and transparency, the IG can build confidence among stakeholders, including the public, employees, partners, and funding entities.
In conclusion, the establishment of an IG is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Through such a role, we can ensure that Loudoun County continues to thrive and serve its residents effectively and efficiently.