School bonds on November ballot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

That has nothing to do with school bonds which fund capital programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our property taxes are already SO high.

No they're not. Compare us to a state like Texas and we are half of their property taxes and yet we have better schools.

No state income tax in Texas. The state and localities get their revenue one way or another - nothing is free.

I think what may be bothering people more in Fairfax is the amount the property taxes have gone up in the last 10 years. Schools get over 50% of our property taxes.

The FY2020 Budget was $3.0B with 188,355 students.
The FY2024 Budget is $3.5B with 179,952 students.

That is a 4.5% drop in enrollment with a roughly 16% increase in the budget. I get inflation, but they are educating over 8000 fewer students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Additionally to voting no for the first time, I will also vote for Paul Bartkwoski for School Board because this is a cause he will definitely fight for.

From his campaign:
* I will also focus on solving the overcrowding problems in schools without placing burdens on students and families; the two groups who suffer consequences from overcrowding despite having no hand in causing the problem.

No idea what that means in practice. Care to elaborate?

What part do you need further elaboration on, that I will vote against school bonds, or that I will vote for Bartkowski for School Board because, among other good things, he will do something about the overcrowding at McLean HS?

My first assertion is clear: I will be exercising my right to vote. As for Bartkowski, I’ll leave this here for you:

https://ballotpedia.org/Paul_Bartkowski

What’s he going to do about the overcrowding? Be specific.

You won’t answer, which is why Bartkowski’s odds of getting elected currently are slim to none.

It appears that you are confusing being specific with justifying. I only justify my position on any issue when my intent is to persuade, and in this case, I’m only expressing my choices because I believe that each FCPS parent is entitled to their electoral choices based on their own circumstances and sets of beliefs. Attempting to persuade other parents would be patronizing on my part, and in other instances, a waste of my time.

I shared with you information on Paul Bartkwoski, including his contact information. If your concern about his plan to bring relief to overcrowding in our schools is genuine, you can reach out to him and get all the details. Who knows, maybe you’ll get inspired and support his candidacy. If you are just attempting to cause a stir, please be specific on why I should waste my time.

And, have you heard of David and Goliath?

People have spoken with him about the overcrowding at McLean, and he’s quite vague on how he’d propose to address it. There is no “plan,” just a position.

I’m just observing that he’s squandering an opportunity to get elected in a district that, while primarily Democratic in recent local elections, could potentially be flipped based on the dissatisfaction with local BOS and SB members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Remember: tax dollars are not able to be used on school construction/renovations. That money comes from bonds.

? Bonds means borrowing, that has to be paid back with interest. Where does that money come from. Your taxes. Of course these construction projects are paid by tax dollars/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

I don’t think FLES in its current incarnation provides a lot of value, but this forum seems to attract a post of posters who are virulently against teaching foreign languages. It’s odd because American kids are far behind kids in other countries when it comes to knowing multiple languages.

In any event, it’s not directly relevant to school bonds, which are for capital projects, not ongoing instructional costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

I don’t think FLES in its current incarnation provides a lot of value, but this forum seems to attract a post of posters who are virulently against teaching foreign languages. It’s odd because American kids are far behind kids in other countries when it comes to knowing multiple languages.

In any event, it’s not directly relevant to school bonds, which are for capital projects, not ongoing instructional costs.

I am very much in favor of teaching foreign languages. However, I can tell you that no child is going to learn a language by a brief class twice a week. I taught in DOD schools overseas. We had a foreign language class twice a week--the kids were living in the country and it was appropriate in that instance. However, the only children who learned the language were the ones who lived on the "economy" and played with the host nation children. They did not learn it from the Host Nation teacher who came in twice a week.

Again, FLES is a "nice to have" program, but, has little value when funds are needed elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

To those who say that our bonds are bloated, remember that Fairfax County is one of only a couple dozen localities in the country with a AAA bond rating from all three agencies.

Just about all local governments use bonds to finance key capital projects like schools. That's the best source of revenue for those kinds of long-term projects without raising taxes. Fairfax County's interest rate on bonds is exceptionally low compared to other localities. Bond debt payments (both principal and interest) is only 10% of the general fund.

[Anonymous]

Bond debt payments (both principal and interest) is only 10% of the general fund.

This does not send the message you think it sends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

I don’t think FLES in its current incarnation provides a lot of value, but this forum seems to attract a post of posters who are virulently against teaching foreign languages. It’s odd because American kids are far behind kids in other countries when it comes to knowing multiple languages.

In any event, it’s not directly relevant to school bonds, which are for capital projects, not ongoing instructional costs.

I am very much in favor of teaching foreign languages. However, I can tell you that no child is going to learn a language by a brief class twice a week. I taught in DOD schools overseas. We had a foreign language class twice a week--the kids were living in the country and it was appropriate in that instance. However, the only children who learned the language were the ones who lived on the "economy" and played with the host nation children. They did not learn it from the Host Nation teacher who came in twice a week.

Again, FLES is a "nice to have" program, but, has little value when funds are needed elsewhere.

Since the funds for FLES and cap improvements don't overlap, it is really a moot point.
But yes, let's takea way something that many kids enjoy and gets them prepared for HS and MS language.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To those who say that our bonds are bloated, remember that Fairfax County is one of only a couple dozen localities in the country with a AAA bond rating from all three agencies.

Just about all local governments use bonds to finance key capital projects like schools. That's the best source of revenue for those kinds of long-term projects without raising taxes. Fairfax County's interest rate on bonds is exceptionally low compared to other localities. Bond debt payments (both principal and interest) is only 10% of the general fund.

I think you’re conflating two different things - (1) whether the county can service the debt; and (2) whether bond proceeds are being spent efficiently and effectively on capital projects.

For example, you don’t have to be worried that the county is going to default on a bond obligation to think it’s crazy that FCPS issued bonds to expand West Potomac to 3000 seats when Mount Vernon is under capacity or to fund a future ES in Dunn Loring that no one asked for and isn’t needed at that location.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

I don’t think FLES in its current incarnation provides a lot of value, but this forum seems to attract a post of posters who are virulently against teaching foreign languages. It’s odd because American kids are far behind kids in other countries when it comes to knowing multiple languages.

In any event, it’s not directly relevant to school bonds, which are for capital projects, not ongoing instructional costs.

I am very much in favor of teaching foreign languages. However, I can tell you that no child is going to learn a language by a brief class twice a week. I taught in DOD schools overseas. We had a foreign language class twice a week--the kids were living in the country and it was appropriate in that instance. However, the only children who learned the language were the ones who lived on the "economy" and played with the host nation children. They did not learn it from the Host Nation teacher who came in twice a week.

Again, FLES is a "nice to have" program, but, has little value when funds are needed elsewhere.

Since the funds for FLES and cap improvements don't overlap, it is really a moot point.
But yes, let's takea way something that many kids enjoy and gets them prepared for HS and MS language.

At my kids school most kids DO NOT enjoy FLES in fact it turns them against wanting to take a foreign language. While there are some who probably enjoy FLES classes the program is costly and turns off a significant portion of the student population from wanting to learn a foreign language.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another place money could be saved: FLES teachers

Oh now the Rs are out in full force.
Where in Fairfax would parents ever say "oh they cut Spanish at my kid's school" & the majority would be happy?

What do you have against Spanish language that you singled it out? Because FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

And, what do Republicans have to do with your ignorance?

Because Republicans are the ones who want to cut everything in the name of "taxpayers".

And why is taxpayers in quotes? They are the source of the funding. Or in your world does money grow on trees?

FLES is a "nice to have" program that achieves little. Kids are not going to learn a foreign language through FLES. With budget woes and so many children who need so much else, that could easily be cut.

I don’t think FLES in its current incarnation provides a lot of value, but this forum seems to attract a post of posters who are virulently against teaching foreign languages. It’s odd because American kids are far behind kids in other countries when it comes to knowing multiple languages.

In any event, it’s not directly relevant to school bonds, which are for capital projects, not ongoing instructional costs.

I am very much in favor of teaching foreign languages. However, I can tell you that no child is going to learn a language by a brief class twice a week. I taught in DOD schools overseas. We had a foreign language class twice a week--the kids were living in the country and it was appropriate in that instance. However, the only children who learned the language were the ones who lived on the "economy" and played with the host nation children. They did not learn it from the Host Nation teacher who came in twice a week.

Again, FLES is a "nice to have" program, but, has little value when funds are needed elsewhere.

Since the funds for FLES and cap improvements don't overlap, it is really a moot point.
But yes, let's takea way something that many kids enjoy and gets them prepared for HS and MS language.

At my kids school most kids DO NOT enjoy FLES in fact it turns them against wanting to take a foreign language. While there are some who probably enjoy FLES classes the program is costly and turns off a significant portion of the student population from wanting to learn a foreign language.

Sounds right to me. It’s kind of lazy, half-assed instruction, with just enough occasional assessments to make most kids feel like they are “bad” at learning a foreign language, when the problem is really how they’re being taught.