Centreville High School is at the center of a major controversy after allegations surfaced that a social worker within Fairfax County Public Schools arranged and funded abortions for students without notifying their parents. The school, district officials, and state and federal agencies are now involved in multiple investigations as details continue to unfold.
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Allegations Emerge from a Teacher at Centreville High School
In August 2025, a teacher at Centreville High School named Zenaida Perez publicly accused a school social worker of facilitating abortions for at least two students in 2021. She claimed that one student’s procedure was scheduled and paid for by school personnel and that another student was pressured to consent without parental knowledge.
Perez stated that she had raised these concerns with school officials in the past but said her warnings were ignored and that she faced retaliation. She also implicated the then-principal of Centreville High School, Chad Lehman, alleging that he was aware of the situation and attempted to cover it up.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) responded by launching an external legal investigation, emphasizing that they take student welfare seriously and would fully examine the claims.
District’s Response, Internal Probe, and Legal Review
The school district engaged outside legal counsel to conduct an independent investigation. By mid-October 2025, interim findings from that review indicated that the allegations were “likely untrue.” The district released a detailed summary of the evidence gathered so far, outlining why the claims appeared to lack credibility.
Key points from the district’s findings included:
- No credible evidence was found that Centreville High School or FCPS funds were used to pay for any abortion procedures.
- The social worker in question, Carolina Diaz, was found to have followed standard protocol by referring students to a public health nurse rather than coordinating any procedures herself.
- A statement presented as proof of the allegations may have been fabricated. Forensic analysis suggested the handwriting on the document matched other writing samples from the teacher who made the accusations.
- One of the students allegedly involved stated during interviews that she was never pressured by school officials and only received information about options through the nurse’s office.
- Communication records showed that guardians were notified in at least one of the cases.
- Financial reviews found no record of payments or reimbursements related to abortion services.
While these findings strongly refute the original claims, the investigation remains ongoing to ensure all aspects are fully addressed.
Federal and State Investigations Intensify
DOE Enforcement Action
On September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) launched an enforcement action against Fairfax County Public Schools under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The Department requested extensive documentation from FCPS, including:
- Notices to parents outlining their rights under PPRA
- Policies and procedures for handling student medical or reproductive health matters
- Training materials and communications related to student health services
- Financial records demonstrating whether any district or federal funds were used in abortion-related services
- Explanations of the district’s response to the teacher’s allegations
The district was given until October 17, 2025, to provide the requested materials or risk possible federal funding consequences.
Senate HELP Committee Inquiry
In addition to the federal education enforcement action, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led by Senator Bill Cassidy, issued a formal request for information. The committee demanded clarity on several key points:
- Whether FCPS staff are required to notify guardians about student pregnancies
- Whether any employees recommended or facilitated abortions for students
- What roles were played by school administrators, including former Principal Chad Lehman
- Whether any federal or local funds were used in the alleged activities
- What protections exist for whistleblowers or staff who report misconduct
- A complete record of relevant communications and documentation
The district was required to respond to the committee by October 6, 2025. Lawmakers stated that the purpose of the inquiry was to ensure compliance with federal law and parental rights protections.
Virginia State Police and Executive Oversight
The controversy also prompted a criminal investigation by the Virginia State Police. Governor Glenn Youngkin directed the agency to review the allegations shortly after they were made public. Investigators are currently examining potential criminal violations, including whether any state laws were broken through alleged concealment of medical procedures or misuse of funds.
The governor’s office has stated that it was made aware of the allegations in August 2025 and acted immediately by calling for an independent law enforcement review. The investigation is ongoing and may result in legal action depending on the evidence uncovered.
How Centreville High School Is Affected
At the heart of the controversy is Centreville High School, a well-known high school in Fairfax County, Virginia. Serving grades 9 through 12, it has a large student population and plays a significant role within the district. While the allegations have not been substantiated, the impact on the school’s community has been significant.
Parents, students, and staff have expressed a mix of confusion and concern. Some are calling for stronger oversight of school social work and nursing services, while others have expressed frustration that the school’s name is being associated with claims that may not be true.
The school’s then-principal, Chad Lehman, now serves as a regional executive principal for FCPS. The teacher who made the allegations, Zenaida Perez, continues to work for the district while the investigations proceed.
Because the controversy centers around this particular school, the results of federal, state, and local investigations will have lasting implications for Centreville High School. They may shape future policies on parental notification, student privacy, and staff conduct.
What’s Next? Key Dates and Stakes
| Date / Timeline | Event / Deadline | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2025 | Response deadline to Senate HELP Committee | District required to address allegations in detail |
| October 17, 2025 | Response deadline to Department of Education | Failure to comply could impact federal funding |
| Ongoing | Virginia State Police criminal investigation | Potential for legal charges if violations are found |
| Ongoing | FCPS external legal review | Final report could lead to administrative or policy changes |
The stakes for the district and the school are high. The outcomes of these investigations could affect federal funding, district leadership accountability, and community trust in the education system.
Wider Implications for Fairfax County Schools
Although the allegations specifically name Centreville High School, the controversy has reverberated throughout Fairfax County Public Schools. The situation has prompted calls from both state officials and community members for clearer policies on sensitive medical issues, greater transparency with parents, and better training for staff.
It has also reignited broader debates over the balance between student privacy, parental rights, and the responsibilities of schools in matters of reproductive health. The district’s handling of this issue will likely influence future legal and policy decisions at both the local and state levels.
As the investigations continue, Centreville High School remains under close observation from the public, government agencies, and the media. With interim findings already casting doubt on the original claims, the final results will determine whether the allegations lead to significant changes—or if they ultimately prove unfounded.
The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of Centreville High School and how Fairfax County Public Schools handle sensitive student matters. Stay tuned for developments and share your thoughts below.