MCPS Hires Nancy Navarro to Clean Up Its Messes and Fix Its Relationship Problems

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

Yes, while I do think public education is a safety net that can help improve the lives of the majority, the reality is that we can't save everybody, especially if some of those families don't want to be saved. We expend way too much time, energy and resources trying to save and manage a minority of the student population instead of engaging and enriching the majority who there are to learn and do normal student things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

Yes, while I do think public education is a safety net that can help improve the lives of the majority, the reality is that we can't save everybody, especially if some of those families don't want to be saved. We expend way too much time, energy and resources trying to save and manage a minority of the student population instead of engaging and enriching the majority who there are to learn and do normal student things.

*this*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

[Anonymous]

I think you've confused 'equity' versus 'equality' again.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. If equity deprives one group to ensure an "equal outcome", it's actually a form of discrimination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you've confused 'equity' versus 'equality' again.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. If equity deprives one group to ensure an "equal outcome", it's actually a form of discrimination.

Exactly. Equity is illiberal. Many progressive things are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you've confused 'equity' versus 'equality' again.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. If equity deprives one group to ensure an "equal outcome", it's actually a form of discrimination.

Yes, the county is all about equity at the expense of equality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you've confused 'equity' versus 'equality' again.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. If equity deprives one group to ensure an "equal outcome", it's actually a form of discrimination.

Yes, the county is all about equity at the expense of equality.

I wonder what percent of MoCo understands this and what percent actually supports it? My guess is that only a small percentage of people understand what equity actually is but progressives have done a good job selling it to actual liberals who then support it because they don't know any better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

Nice troll, but no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

Nice troll, but no.

Of course it is. Didn't you see the Biden Harris cartoon in 2020? Equity means everyone will do what they can and get what they need to end up equal in the end.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

Nice troll, but no.

Of course it is. Didn't you see the Biden Harris cartoon in 2020? Equity means everyone will do what they can and get what they need to end up equal in the end.

C'mon. Cite your source, then analyze its author's bias and point of view. Just like middle school kids are expected to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I hope county council sees what a sham this is and laughs in their faces. Why does McKnight always need to hire someone else to do her job? How much is this costing the system?

The council would laugh, except they are asked to fund this ever increasing number of high-priced central office staff. I hope the council says no to the budget increase the school district is asking for next year.

Does anyone know how many central office staff there are? There are approx 11,000 non-teacher staff. That includes everyone from lunch ladies to principals in schools. But that's a 16 to 1 student to (non-teacher) staff ratio which seems crazy.

Security, paras, bus drivers, building services, speech, OT, PT, playground aides, etc. It's a long list of non-teaching positions to make things run.

Yes, but a 16 to 1 ratio is nuts don't you think?

Doesn't seem so. What do other comparably large school systems look like?

Great question. I took these numbers from wiki and had to do some math to separate out staff and teachers. It looks like FCPS has about half the number of non-teacher staff. Or to put a number on it, 5000 fewer employees. That's quite significant. Looks like MCPS is insanely bloated with non-teachers.

MCPS
Students 160,554
Teachers 13,994
Staff 25,232
Non-teacher staff 11,238
Student–teacher ratio 11.5:1

Fairfax Co. PS
Students 178,479
Teachers 13,199
Staff 19,077
Non-teacher staff 5,878
Student–teacher ratio 13.5:1

Can we put something on the ballot that caps the number of admin jobs to a percentage of teachers?

While I 100% agree with you in spirit, they would just fill the roles with consultants. This has to start with BOE members who care more about the students than the organization. But with the teacher's union influencing the elections so heavily, this is a long shot. MCPS will continue downward until it is an unrecognizable shell of its former self. Only then will people finally wake up and make changes. This is still probably a decade away though.

Change will occur when the real estate prices plunge in recognition of our craptastic school system.

Nah, not really. We see this happen in other areas where the large urban public school systems collape. The wealthy can stick around and pay for private. Middle class families flee. And, the poor just continue to use the craptastic public schools.

The question is, why are we letting this happen? I blame Republicans for the no child left behind concept and I blame progressives for taking it to an extreme (equity). This simply isn't working. It's clear that we have to leave a few children behind: kids who don't show up to school, criminals, super-disruptive kids, etc. We should stop focusing 80% of our time and money on this group and focus it on the kids who want to be there.

I agree with this poster. I would say, instead of thinking of it as leaving a child behind, it could be that we are helping each child reach their goals and potential. In other words, instead of all kids going to college if they want to or not, maybe some get certified to do a different job such as plumber or electrician. If that is the path the student wants, why not?

MCPS is already going with that concept. There have been several board presentations about working towards College and Career Readiness.

But the goal of equity is to ensure that all outcomes are the same. This doesn't seem very equitable.

Nice troll, but no.

Of course it is. Didn't you see the Biden Harris cartoon in 2020? Equity means everyone will do what they can and get what they need to end up equal in the end.

C'mon. Cite your source, then analyze its author's bias and point of view. Just like middle school kids are expected to do.

Source for what? That Biden promised equitable outcomes?

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-federal-agencies-can-advance-equity-through-bidens-second-executive-order/

"The Biden administration’s recent executive order makes clear its intent to swiftly advance racial equity and support underserved communities by directing federal agencies to deliver equitable outcomes and foster an inclusive and prosperous America for all."