April Chandler, a member of the Loudoun County Board of Education who is endorsed by Democrats, has been a prominent figure in recent votes in Virginia’s largest school district. Her votes have sparked both support and criticism. Chandler, who represents the Sterling District, has been a consistent ally of the board’s small Democratic majority since her election in the year 2023. She has cast decisive votes for staff raises and union recognition as well as the retention of Policy 8040, which allows students to use locker rooms and bathrooms based on gender identity, rather than their biological sex.
Union Recognition Sparks Debate
Chandler played a key role in a landmark vote, where the board voted formally to recognize collective bargaining for LCPS staff. This resolution is a first in Loudoun County and allows unions such as the LEA to bargain contracts for wages, benefits, or working conditions. A 2020 Virginia law will reverse decades of restrictions on unions. Chandler, a former teacher and vocal advocate for labor rights, framed the vote in terms of fairness. She said, “Empowering the workforce strengthens schools.” Union representatives present applauded her.
Fairfax County’s union negotiations were cited as an example of how opponents should be wary. Parents are concerned that dues will drain teacher salaries. One user posted, “Chandler’s union vote prioritizes adult over kids.” The measure passed, however, with Chandler’s support. This cements Loudoun’s status as a union friendly district, and fuels partisan divisions before the November 2025 election.
Policy 8240: Bathrooms and Locker Rooms
Chandler’s vote for Policy 8040 was perhaps the most controversial. This 2021 measure allowed transgender students and those who are gender-expansive to use locker rooms and bathrooms that matched their gender identity. In early 2025, after being under pressure from students and parents as well as Governor Glenn Youngkin’s model policies for 2023, which urged a rollback of the policy, the board’s Student Services Committee re-examined the policy. Chandler was among the majority who voted to keep it in place, claiming that it protected “the dignity of all students” as she explained to 7News.
The Policy 8040, adopted in August 2021 by a 7-2 vote has become a lightning rod. This is especially true after a sexual assault that occurred in the Stone Bridge High School restroom in 2021 heightened scrutiny. However, it remains unclear what gender the attacker was. In 2023, Woodgrove High School students walked out and in 2024 parents protested, including those from the Muslim and Hindu community, to demand its repeal. They cited privacy and safety concerns for girls. During a protest in 2023, a Woodgrove High School student said that boys in girls’ locker room is not equity. It’s uncomfortable.
Chandler’s position has been sharply criticized. At the Loudoun meeting in February, a parent echoed that sentiment: “April Chandler’s vote leaves our daughters vulnerable.” Chandler’s vote, with Youngkin’s deadline for action on the policy fast approaching, ensures that Policy 8040 will remain–for now.
A polarizing figure in a divided district
Chandler’s vote reflects a larger Democratic agenda in the board. The board gained a majority of seats in 2023, amid controversy over fentanyl, bathroom policies and equity issues. In November 2025 all five seats on the board will be up for grabs. Her record — raises, unions and Policy 8040 — is likely to shape Sterling’s electoral battlefield.
Chandler is unapologetic despite Loudoun’s budget problems, staffing issues, and cultural hot spots. It remains to be determined whether that vision is shared by voters.
