New Loudoun School Board Members Sworn In, Mansfield Elected Chair

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The nine new members of the Loudoun County School Board were sworn in on Tuesday in Ashburn. No incumbents remained on the board after the 2023 elections.

Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk Gary M. Clemens administered the oath at the Loudoun County Public Schools administrative offices in Ashburn.

After the ceremony, the school board held an annual organizational meeting.

The new school board members unanimously elected Dulles district representative Melinda Mansfield as board chair. Arben Istrefi was unanimously elected vice chair after Mansfield nominated him.

Kari LaBell of the Catoctin district will represent the group at the Virginia School Boards Association. Lauren Shernoff will be the alternate.

Mansfield, Istrefi, Shernoff, Algonkian representative April Chandler, and Broad Run representative Linda Deans will serve two-year terms. The remaining school board members will serve four-year terms.

"As board chair, my hope is to build bridges. Build bridges between the board and administration, and build bridges with our families and community," Mansfield said. "Education is not just about curriculum, although that’s important; it's about connection—bridging gaps between ideas, communities, and, most importantly, hearts and minds. I envision a board that fosters an environment of inclusivity, where every voice is heard, valued and respected.”

This year, the school board will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings will begin at 4:30 p.m.