Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence has been named a recipient of the 2026 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. This award recognizes education leaders who have shown dedication to mentorship, expanding opportunities, and promoting inclusive leadership in public education.
Dr. Spence will receive the award at AASA’s 2026 National Conference on Education in Nashville on February 12.
“Dr. Spence’s selection for the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award is a well-deserved honor and a proud moment for Loudoun County,” said LCPS School Board Chair April Chandler. “His leadership reflects a passion for mentorship, equity, and expanding opportunities for all students. This recognition speaks not only to Dr. Spence’s values, but also to the collective work of our educators, staff, families, and community partners who share a belief in the potential of every learner and work every day to ensure our schools are places of belonging and opportunity.”
As superintendent, Dr. Spence oversees one of the largest school divisions in the country with nearly 83,000 students across 100 schools and centers. His tenure has focused on equity, inclusion, academic achievement, and building environments where students, educators, and families feel respected.
The Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award is given annually in memory of Dr. Effie Hall Jones—a noted educator and former AASA associate executive director—to leaders whose efforts have improved educational access for women and underrepresented groups in public schools.
