My open letter to LCPS new superintendent in 2023 on Loudoun Times-Mirror

Summary of the letter:

1. Prohibiting smartphone usage at LCPS.

2. Establish JROTC program at every high school at Loudoun

3. Admission policy of Academies of Loudoun and watered-down academic standards.

4. Take care of student's mental health issue starting at elementary school level

5. Eliminate iPads and other high-tech instruments from elementary schools

   
   

   Original letter is below

   
   

Welcome to Loudoun County, Dr. Spence. Our students and educators eagerly anticipate meaningful changes here at Loudoun County Public Schools.

Recognizing your success in implementing a ban on smartphone usage by students in Virginia Beach, I urge you to prioritize the same approach here in Loudoun. It's noteworthy that the Loudoun County School Board remained inert when I brought up instances of teachers employing phone bags for the same purpose. I hope prohibiting smartphones is your first priority.

The demand for the JROTC program has been considerable, but only one county high school offers it. There’s no finer way than JROTC to nurture students who understand civic responsibilities and are oriented towards patriotism and leadership and are prepared to answer their nation's call. Enlisting the ample population of military veterans to establish JROTC programs in each high school seems both feasible and beneficial. I believe the veterans will answer your call if you ask.

The tangle left behind by your two predecessors concerning the Academies of Loudoun magnet program — particularly its admission policy — requires your attention. A thorough examination of the matter is vital. I believe schools have watered down academic standards over the years. The ACL issue is part of that.

Regrettably, public schools in the Sterling area have long been disregarded in terms of academies and financial backing. It was only last year that the pressing issues at Park View High School began receiving due attention. Despite this, the school's restructuring remains years away due to inaction from the School Board and school division administrators. Therefore, I want to see progress in improvement under your watch for the Sterling schools and other neglected schools.

Mental health problems among young people are widespread and often begin in elementary school. Children who struggle with their mental health need to be identified and given meaningful help as early as possible.

Moreover, the employment of technology in education across the school has been marked by wastefulness. I am concerned about giving iPads to kindergarteners. If smartphones can be banned, a logical step would be to eliminate iPads from elementary schools as well. This should be the first step in examining technology usage in the county's public schools.

—Chuntao “Samuel” Yan, Ph.D., Broadlands

Yan: Suggestions for the incoming superintendent of schools | Opinion | loudountimes.com