Fauquier County Public Schools is currently facing criticism following the termination of a whistleblower who reported suspected sexual abuse of special education students. The allegations were not investigated by social services, according to reports.
According to Restoration News, the whistleblower, a special education teacher’s assistant within Fauquier County Public Schools, made several reports to the school principal between September 2024 and March 2025. These reports concerned a colleague accused of sexually inappropriate behavior towards profoundly disabled students. Allegations included encouraging a student to masturbate and referencing sex toys during class in front of students. Despite these reports being escalated to both the principal and central office administrators, the accused teacher remained in their position while the whistleblower was placed on administrative leave and eventually dismissed.
Virginia state law § 22.1-291.3 mandates that school boards must display information in all school buildings on how to report suspected child abuse or neglect, including legal protections for reporting employees. Restoration News reported that the whistleblower claimed she never received such training nor saw any signage about reporting protocols in her school building. Former educators interviewed by the outlet confirmed that these required postings and procedural instructions were absent, suggesting potential non-compliance with state child protection laws by the district.
Restoration News obtained Fauquier County Public Schools’ interagency agreement with the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), which stipulates that abuse reports made by school personnel must be forwarded immediately to DSS or a state hotline. The agreement also requires informing the reporting employee of DSS contact and providing written confirmation once an investigation is complete. In this instance, after no action was taken by the district, the whistleblower reported the abuse directly to DSS but was informed that no case had been opened—indicating possible failures by both the school division and DSS to meet statutory obligations.
Fauquier County Public Schools serves over 11,000 students across 20 schools in Fauquier County, Virginia. The division provides general and special education services under a superintendent and a five-member elected school board. According to its website, FCPS is committed to “educational excellence and continuous improvement” and must adhere to federal and state mandates, including child protection laws.
