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Allegation Loudoun Co schools is covering up teen fentanyl overdoses sparks quick action from governor

November 3, 2023 | | Print Article

Virginia’s Loudoun County School Board is once again making disturbing headlines after Loudoun County high school students have been connected to at least nine drug-related overdoses since September.

Of those nine, eight of the fentanyl ODs happened in the last three weeks, 7News reports.

Journalist Nick Minock attempted to question Loudoun County School Board Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi, but, as a video he posted on X shows, the school official declined to comment.

“It’s clear now that Loudoun County Public Schools knew about the many fentanyl overdoses for weeks. It still appears the Loudoun County Superintendent didn’t notify all parents who have kids at the school about these overdoses,” Minock reported. “If Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman didn’t notify the public about these fentanyl overdoses yesterday, we still probably wouldn’t know about them.”

“Now, Gov. Glenn Youngkin has issued a statewide executive order due to Loudoun County Public Schools extreme lack of communication to parents and a lack of transparency,” he continued. “Because of how serious this issue is, I’ve asked all nine school board members if they plan to ask for Dr. Aaron Spence’s resignation as Loudoun County Superintendent and what changes they are going to make so this doesn’t happen again. I will let you know what they say.”

In a follow-up post, Minock stated, “Loudoun County School Board Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi refused to answer my questions about several student fentanyl overdoses.”

According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), four of the eight overdoses at Park View High School occurred in the school. Narcan was administered to three students, and school personnel performed CPR on two of the students.

“I am concerned and saddened by this crisis impacting the Park View community,” Dr. Aaron Spence, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Superintendent, said in a statement. “LCPS is taking active steps to support our students, families and staff with fentanyl awareness and education, including training and supplying staff in each of our high schools with Naloxone for emergencies.”

“For the past three weeks, the school had not sent out a notice to parents, until Tuesday, when an email was sent to all families at the school,” 7News reported on Tuesday. “The email does not mention the number of overdoses but does state, ‘We are seeing students ingesting drugs prior to school and suffering the effects while in school. We are hearing reports of young people outside of school experiencing medical emergencies.'”

Hours after the outlet’s report on the situation, Gov. Youngkin issued an executive order requiring “schools in the state now required to notify all parents within 24 hours of a school-connected student overdose while protecting the privacy of the victim,” according to 7News. “Schools must also issue guidance on what they are doing to prevent student overdoses, including collaboration efforts with law enforcement agencies.”

“Parents have a right to know what’s going on in their child’s lives, especially in schools,” Youngkin wrote Thursday on X. “Overdoses that occur on school grounds or are connected to the school must lead to an immediate parental notification.”

Melissa Fine
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