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Supervisors debate equity office staffing; motion to remove two equity specialist positions carries
Summary
The Office of Equity and Inclusion requested two additional equity specialists to implement the Loudoun Equity Action Plan (LEAP). During debate, a motion to remove the two requested FTEs passed after discussion and a roll call voice vote at the March 10 budget work session.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion presented a request for two additional equity specialists on March 10 to support implementation of the Loudoun Equity Action Plan (LEAP), workforce readiness, inclusive community engagement and data governance. Director Marc Rush described the office’s role in leading a county DEIA assessment, drafting the county’s equity resolution and delivering trainings and department consulting services.
Rush said the two requested equity specialists would expand capacity to provide professional learning, tailored departmental support, data governance development and an external dashboard to track equity metrics. He said the positions would help departments “embed principles of equity throughout county operations” and support a three‑year LEAP implementation.
During debate, Supervisor Kirschner moved to remove the two requested equity specialist positions from the base budget; Supervisor LeTourneau seconded. Supporters of the motion cited concerns about prioritization and questioned whether existing recruitment and merit‑based hiring practices were sufficient without expanding the county equity office. Opponents said the roles support recruiting, retention and departmental capacity; supporters of the office noted it helps departments serve residents with limited English proficiency and other access needs.
The motion to remove the two positions was put to a voice vote. The chair called for “aye”; supervisors responded. The chair then called for opposed; no one said “no.” The chair announced the motion carried; the meeting record indicates the motion was made and seconded and the chair recorded the motion as approved during the March 10 session.
What this means: the requested two equity specialist positions were removed from the proposed base budget in the March 10 session. The office’s other existing staff remain in place. Director Rush and supervisors debated performance measures and outcome‑oriented metrics; Rush said the office will use LEAP KPIs and an equity readiness assessment to measure outcomes and will produce an annual equity report to the board.
