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Superintendent’s Jan. 22 Message to Families

Dear APS Families and Aquatic Center Pool Patrons,

I would like to address concerns and recent media reports about the presence of a registered sex offender at the Arlington Aquatic Center pools. We take the safety and trust of our community very seriously. We are fully committed to ensuring our environments and shared spaces balance the need to welcome community members to our pools, from our youngest residents to our most senior, while also maintaining critical safety measures.

The incidents did not occur during school hours and while part of the same facility, school and pool entrances and exits are separate. Immediately upon discovery that the individual was a registered sex offender, APS personnel banned, prohibited the individual from using any of the Aquatic Centers, notified law enforcement, and the individual has since been taken into custody.

When APS staff and members of the school board were contacted about the incidents, action was taken to address community concerns. Additional signage was added in our aquatic centers and guidance was provided to patrons about facility usage.

We will continue to review and adjust our security protocols for signing in and work with our government partners across the county to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.

Our commitment to the safety of our students remains steadfast, and we will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the well-being of our community. Arlington Public Schools will continue to foster an inclusive community for all, including those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our facilities are designed to be safe, welcoming spaces where our community can come to connect, engage and focus on their health and well-being.

Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools

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