Kristen Umstattd
- Loudoun County Addresses Utility Infrastructure Realities
A recent meeting in Loudoun County featured discussion on the placement of power lines and the factors keeping them above ground. Participants explored the practical aspects of utility infrastructure decisions. The exchange provided insight into the considerations that influence these choices. Several elements contribute to the continued use of overhead lines in the area. Existing […]
- Loudoun County Boosts Sheriff Funding for Overtime and Equipment Amid Growth
Loudoun County has approved increased funding for the Sheriff’s Office overtime and equipment upgrades as part of its FY2026 budget. The allocations respond to ongoing population growth and rising demands for law enforcement services in expanding suburban areas. County officials have tied these increases to measurable trends in call volume and staffing requirements. Population Growth […]
- Loudoun County School Board Considers Cell Phone Policy Adjustments
Loudoun County School Board member Lauren Shernoff spoke at a meeting about reconsidering cell phone storage practices. She suggested adding specific language to policies aimed at protecting instructional time throughout class periods. The comments focused on maintaining focus from the start to the end of each school day segment. This proposal comes amid ongoing reviews […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Caleb Kershner Highlights Concerns Over Zoning Ordinance Adjustments
Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner has drawn attention to the challenges associated with modifying zoning ordinances to focus on particular development projects. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors manages these land use regulations as part of its responsibilities. Kershner’s statements focus on the possible consequences for consistent policy application. Potential Effects on Development
- Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner Examines Vineyard Zoning Compliance Issues
Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner addressed questions regarding new zoning ordinances during a board meeting. The ordinances may classify vineyards as non-resident uses subject to a 50 percent standard. This development has prompted discussions about compliance for existing properties in the county. Details of the Proposed Zoning Standards Mike Turner explained that a vineyard could […]
- Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Hears Concerns on Data Center Growth
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors received comments from a resident during a public meeting. The speaker inquired if the county was on track to become known primarily for data centers. This statement occurred amid discussions of local development priorities. Details of the Public Comment The resident described a situation where data centers take precedence […]
- Loudoun County School Board Updates Student Dress Policies
The Loudoun County School Board conducted sessions focused on updating its dress code regulations. Participants examined ways to define tops and bottoms more clearly while exploring compromises related to hoodies and pajamas. These efforts sought to address both regulatory needs and everyday school realities. Discussions involved multiple perspectives on how clothing policies affect daily operatio
- Loudoun County School Board Reviews School Funding Percentages Over 100 Percent
The Loudoun County School Board held a meeting to examine how certain school funding statistics can total more than 100 percent. This situation arises in the context of data used for meal program eligibility. Presenters explained the role of Community Eligibility Provision or CEP information in generating these results. The board reviewed historical data spanning […]
- Expert Testimony at Loudoun County School Board Examines Word Usage
The Loudoun County School Board convened to hear an expert discuss the meaning of the word cleavage in relation to gender. The testimony formed part of a larger debate on language appropriateness in educational environments. Attendees observed the expert’s detailed explanation of the term’s application. The expert indicated that girls have cleavage and that women […]
- Loudoun County School Board Discusses Potential Changes to School Calendar
Loudoun County School Board member Lauren Shernoff addressed the topic of school calendars in a recent public session. She posed questions regarding whether the existing summer schedule is meeting student needs. Shernoff inquired about the possibility of year-round schooling as an alternative approach. Her statements were part of a broader examination of educational structures in […]
- Loudoun County Mother Advocates for Daughter Amid Testing Concerns
A mother residing in Loudoun County has shared observations regarding the nature of SOL tests. The tests are presented as indicators of test-taking proficiency rather than comprehensive learning. She has sought assistance from the school on behalf of her daughter diagnosed with dyslexia. The school has not fulfilled the requests for additional support. This account […]
- Loudoun County School Board Considers Amendment on Retiree Health Benefits
Loudoun County School Board member Amy Riccardi introduced an amendment focused on protecting retiree health benefits at a recent board session. The measure seeks to address potential silent budget gaps in the district’s financial planning. It also aims to increase transparency regarding staff benefits. This development occurred during standard proceedings on school district matters. The […]
- Loudoun County School Board Reviews Year-Round Calendar Option
The Loudoun County School Board is reviewing Option 5 as a potential phased transition to a year-round school calendar beginning with the 2028-29 school year. Under this plan the initial phase would feature an early August start date and a mid-June end date with two-week breaks scheduled in fall, winter, and spring. Only federal holidays […]
- Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Requests School Board Review of Transmission Line Routes to Address Community and Health Priorities
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution on June 30, 2026, during a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission that asks the Loudoun County School Board to schedule an emergency meeting before July 20, 2026. The request asks the School Board to consider authorizing the use of Loudoun County Public Schools property […]
- Loudoun County School Board Members Address Student Dress Code Concerns
Loudoun County school board members Lauren Shernoff and Amy Riccardi are leading a discussion regarding student dress codes. The focus includes concerns about pajama pants and identity concealment within classroom settings. This development has prompted public attention to potential policy updates. The board members have highlighted specific issues that may impact daily school operations. Their […
- Loudoun County School Board Passes Budget Increase for Employee Bonuses
The Loudoun County School Board convened to address a proposed adjustment to its operating budget. Member Ross Svenson put forward a motion seeking an additional 6.2 million dollars dedicated to staff bonuses. The proposal received consideration during the meeting and advanced to a vote. The board members present reached a consensus in support of the […]
- Loudoun County Parent Highlights Limitations of SOL Tests for Dyslexic Student
A parent residing in Loudoun County has shared observations about the Standards of Learning tests used in Virginia schools. She states that these assessments primarily evaluate test-taking skills instead of reflecting students’ actual learning and knowledge acquisition. The comments arise in the context of her attempts to address the educational needs of her daughter who […]
- Valley Link Transmission Project: Proposed High-Voltage Lines Spark Debate Across Virginia and Beyond
A major infrastructure initiative known as Valley Link is advancing through planning stages to address growing electricity demand in the Mid-Atlantic region. Developed by Valley Link Transmission LLC—a joint venture of Dominion Energy, Transource (involving American Electric Power), and FirstEnergy—the project features 765kV transmission lines intended to enhance grid reliability. However, it has
- Loudoun County Schools Nutrition Fund Faces Projected $6.6M Shortfall
Loudoun County Public Schools has identified a projected operating loss of $6.6 million in the School Nutrition Fund for fiscal year 2026. The projection accounts for cost increases driven by personnel that continue to exceed revenue growth rates. Fewer serving days contribute to the shortfall by reducing revenue while fixed costs persist. The ending fund […]
- Supervisor Juli Briskman Voices Opposition to 50 New Substations in Loudoun
Loudoun County Supervisor Juli Briskman stated that 50 more substations are planned for the county. She indicated her plan to vote against the proposals because of the appearance of current designs. These structures have been described as visually unappealing to nearby residents. The issue has arisen in the context of ongoing county development activities. Briskman […]
- Loudoun County School Board Discusses Year-Round Schooling Proposal
During a meeting of the Loudoun County School Board, member Jon Pepper addressed the topic of year-round schooling. Pepper stated that he is vehemently against the idea and believes it would represent a mistake for the district. He outlined specific reasons for his position during the discussion. Pepper mentioned that year-round schooling could lead to […]
- Dave Beckwith Highlights Parental Rights and Academic Priorities in Virginia Congressional Campaign
Candidate’s Background and Personal Education Choice Dave Beckwith, a Republican candidate seeking the nomination for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, is drawing attention to his experience as a homeschooling parent. The 30-year Air Force veteran and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense has described homeschooling his three children alongside his wife Sally as one of his […]
- Loudoun County Supervisor Advocates Innovation in Data Center Infrastructure
Loudoun County Supervisor Laura TeKrony spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about advancing innovation in data center infrastructure. She stated that it is time to move away from constructing unattractive substations in favor of designs that better serve community interests. TeKrony highlighted the role of companies such as Dominion in exploring new methods for […]
- Loudoun Board Chair Addresses Dominion Energy Stance at Supervisors Session
Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall spoke at a Board of Supervisors meeting about interactions with Dominion Energy. She characterized the company’s attitude as intransigent and dismissive in her statements. Randall described the challenges posed by this approach during discussions on local matters. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors includes Chair Phyllis Randall along with […]
- Parent Raises Concerns Over Special Education Staffing at Stone Bridge High School
A parent spoke during the public comment portion of a Loudoun County School Board meeting to discuss staffing issues at Stone Bridge High School. The remarks focused on the recent departures of special education personnel and the need for prompt responses from administrators. The speaker called for immediate steps to address these developments. This presentation […]
- Loudoun County Board Advances Data Center Approval on Consent Agenda
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors moved a data center approval to its consent agenda during a recent session. Phyllis Randall participated in the decision along with other Democratic members of the board. This action resulted in the item receiving approval without extended discussion or individual votes. The procedural choice has led to comments from […]
- Special Education Issues at Stonebridge High School Prompt Community Discussion in Loudoun County
Special education students in Loudoun County have been described as facing an alarming state of affairs within the public school system. Parents from Stonebridge High School have brought attention to the treatment of these students and their dedicated teachers. The core message underscores that students and staff members are not expendable in educational planning. Families […]
- Testimony Raises Concerns Over Special Education at Stonebridge High School
A parent associated with Stonebridge High School provided public comments at a Loudoun County School Board meeting. The remarks centered on the status of special education within Loudoun County Public Schools. Attendees listened as details emerged about recent experiences shared by families. The parent stated that special education students are not expendable within the school […]
- Time for New Leadership: Loudoun’s Bloated FY 2027 Budget
Loudoun County has released its proposed FY 2027 budget, and it sends a clear message: business as usual continues. The County Administrator is proposing a 5% increase in operating expenditures and a 7% increase in local taxation compared to FY 2026. For schools, the proposal is even more aggressive — an 8% increase in operational spending, paired with that same 7% local […]
- Loudoun County Examines Pay for Substitute School Bus Drivers
Substitute bus drivers serving Loudoun County Public Schools perform duties that include extra safety procedures and routine pre-trip inspections, setting their work apart from standard route assignments. These added elements require substitute drivers to follow detailed protocols on a consistent basis, increasing the overall demands of each assignment. The position carries the same title and […]
- Loudoun County Teams Advance to World Championships in Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics
Students from Loudoun County schools have qualified for the World Championships in Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics. The teams earned their spots through strong performances at the state competitions. Pinebrook Elementary in Leesburg contributed to the success with its Odyssey of the Mind team. The group achieved a first-place finish at the state level […]
- Loudoun Education Foundation Highlights Collaborative Efforts with Loudoun County Public Schools to Enhance Student Outcomes
These initiatives span categories including programs for students, support for educators, key events, and collaborations with various organizations. The foundation, which engages the community to fund critical and innovative efforts fostering student and teacher well-being, credits this teamwork for amplifying its reach. Specific examples include the Fueled program, serving meals to 2,000 students
- Loudoun County Public Schools Address Health Insurance Fund Challenges in Latest Budget Review
The first quarter analysis indicated the fund balance was forecasted to run an operational loss without a FY26 fund balance transfer from the county amounting to approximately $28 million, as reflected in the adopted budget which incorporated a 50 percent premium adjustment. Similar patterns emerged in the second quarter, where closing positions relied on transfers […]
- A Not So Star Spangled Banner
In a Nation deeply divided and searching for common ground, one would think a unifying theme would be the founding of our Great Nation, a Nation created under the guise of “No Kings” and a nation of “We the People”, vice the governmental opposite, “His Majesty”. If you thought this, you would be wrong. Apparently, […]
- Loudoun County Proposes New Taxpayer-Funded Short-Term Rent Supplement Program
Loudoun County, Virginia—one of the wealthiest counties in the United States—may soon launch a new county-funded “short-term rent supplement program” aimed at promoting housing stability. The initiative, advanced by Supervisors Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), has drawn attention for its broad eligibility criteria. The program would provide up to six months […]
- Inventory Uncovers Compliance Gaps in Loudoun County Venues Posing Public Safety Concerns
The review detected volume anomalies across the venues, described as warranting further investigation from both administrative and investigative standpoints. Officials noted that such discrepancies are not dismissed as insignificant but represent potential areas of concern requiring scrutiny. Enforcement actions have been linked to generating complaints, while numerous issues appear to exist witho
- Virginia Delegate Lopez Critiques School Curriculum Limits in House Address
Lopez pointed to Youngkin’s inauguration day actions, where the governor issued multiple executive orders, including one targeting inherently divisive concepts in curricula. This order sought to end teachings promoting ideas associated with critical race theory, such as claims of inherent racial superiority or oppression. Lopez described these as an ill-defined mandate setting sights on race […]
- Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Delivers Swift Justice: Transgender-Identifying Substitute Teacher Arrested for Alleged ‘Murder Spree’ Threats Against Virginia High School
In a decisive move that underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and strong law enforcement in protecting our children, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Hadyn Dollery of Chantilly on charges of making threats of bodily injury. Dollery, a biological male who identifies as a transgender woman, was taken into custody off […]
- Public Comment Urges Solar and Battery Integration for Proposed Virginia County Government Center
The commenter commended these provisions as successful steps toward environmental protection but advocated for additional requirements: installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems. Describing the site as suitable for a model public property, the speaker called on the board to treat the opportunity as a chance for government to demonstrate leadership by example […]
- Loudoun County Allocates $85.8 Million to Attainable Housing Since FY2023 in Proposed FY27 Budget
Key components of the FY27 proposal include $10.5 million allocated to a loan program anticipated to fund 100 units and $4.5 million for the attainable housing fund targeting 110 units. Starting in FY2027, a penny from cigarette tax revenue will be dedicated to down payment and closing cost assistance. These efforts build on a property […]
- Loudoun County Farmer Highlights Concerns on Agrotourism’s Impact on Rural Preservation
Rockland Farm’s history traces back over 200 years within the Rust and Brown-Devlin family lineage, including figures like Elizabeth Devlin. The site has weathered regional changes, such as legal issues surrounding White’s Ferry operations that halted service in 2020. Since launching his farm in 2020, Devlin has engaged with networks of seasoned Loudoun farmers committed […]
- Purcellville Town Council Member Voices Strong Opposition to Valley Commerce Center Rezoning at Loudoun County Hearing
PURCELLVILLE, Va. — Loudoun County residents and local officials packed the Board of Supervisors chambers on April 15 for a contentious public hearing on the proposed Valley Commerce Center, a large-scale industrial development that has ignited debate over growth, rural character, and resource protection in western Loudoun County. At the center of the opposition stands…
- Loudoun County Approves Zoning Amendments to Facilitate Reconstruction of Agricultural Buildings
Rural zoning in Loudoun County is designed to promote and protect agricultural land use. Essential structures like barns support daily farm activities, including crop storage and animal care. Under the former rules, however, farmers encountered barriers if prior activities on the property conflicted with zoning classifications, preventing rebuilds despite clear natural disaster origins. Board disc
- Loudoun Supervisor Koran Saines Denies Data Center Financial Ties During April 7 Board Meeting, But VPAP Records Show $15,000 in Donations from Construction Firms Tied to Data Center Projects
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — In a pointed defense of his integrity amid ongoing public scrutiny of data center development in Loudoun County, Sterling District Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D) told fellow Board of Supervisors members and residents on April 7, 2026, that he has not accepted any campaign contributions from data center companies. Yet Virginia […]
- Public Input Calls for Enhanced Sustainability Features in Loudoun County’s Tuscarora Land Bay 4 Government Center Proposal
The application addresses development on the property designated for county government use. Proposed conditions encompass stormwater protection and related design elements, invasive species certification and management, low-impact development practices, and water quality tree conservation. These measures aim to minimize ecological disruption while advancing the facility’s construction. The speaker
- Loudoun County’s FY 2027 Proposed Budget, Non-Departmental Expenditures
Loudoun County’s FY 2027 Proposed Budget lists Non-Departmental Expenditures as one of the largest single categories in the General Fund, totaling approximately $2.103 billion — an increase of $119.5 million over the FY 2026 adopted amount of $1.984 billion. While this broad line item supports legitimate centralized functions, its size and lack of granular detail…
- Loudoun Education Foundation Bridges Meal Gap for LCPS Students During Snow Day Closures
LEF’s Fueled program supplies weekend meal bags, in-school food pantries, and snacks to 56 LCPS schools. By mid-school year, the program had distributed more than 30,000 weekend meal bags, helping students maintain focus on learning. The foundation coordinates with volunteers, including LCPS staff, high school students, and retired educators, to pack and distribute these resources […]
- Loudoun County Resident Opposes Proposed Maintenance Facility Citing Child Safety and Recent Fatal Crash
The speaker stated, ‘I believe this location is not befitting for the purpose that it is being intended for,’ emphasizing the facility’s potential as a warehouse generating noise and activity unsuitable for family areas. With a two-week-old daughter, he noted the proposal would make him ‘think twice about letting my child play at the tot […]
- Oakhill Farm, Monroe’s Loudoun County estate on pause
Landscape near Oak Hill Farm in Loudoun County, the former seat of President James Monroe, where legislators are trying to create a public park. (Photo by Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service) By Alessandra Caceres Mendoza/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to purchase the former estate of the fifth Founding Father for use […]
- Loudoun County Democrat School Board Votes Down Expansion of School Resource Officers to Elementary Schools
In a 5-3-1 vote during a special meeting on March 5, 2026, the board declined to endorse the expansion. The full board includes Chair April Chandler (Algonkian District), Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg District), Amy Riccardi (Sterling District), Ross Svenson, Jonathan Pepper, and members representing Ashburn, Blue Ridge, Catoctin, Dulles, Lovettsville, and Sugarland districts. Shernoff, speaking emoti