DCPS students shafted again - sign petition to keep Jelleff field public

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

So students at Hardy should get behind students at Maret?

Just say it: you are a pay-to-play sort of person. If Maret can pay, their kids can play.

[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:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

PPusing a public pool in Md does not not exclude or displace Md residents.

[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:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

Maret is not a business; it’s a non- profit and does not pay taxes. Keep trying!

Paying taxes has nothing to do with it. The point is that it is in DC, and is the party signing the contract with DPR. That some kids don't live in DC doesn't matter in the slightest.

Of course it does. DPR charges all out of state residents fees to use the pools for example. YOu're doing some extraordinary mental gymnastics to justify 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:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

Maret is not a business; it’s a non- profit and does not pay taxes. Keep trying!

Paying taxes has nothing to do with it. The point is that it is in DC, and is the party signing the contract with DPR. That some kids don't live in DC doesn't matter in the slightest.

Of course it does. DPR charges all out of state residents fees to use the pools for example. YOu're doing some extraordinary mental gymnastics to justify this.

Maret is paying $25k a year. That's not enough, in your view, to cover some out-of-state students? Really?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

I’d be fine with that.

- DC resident and taxpayer

[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:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

Maret is not a business; it’s a non- profit and does not pay taxes. Keep trying!

Paying taxes has nothing to do with it. The point is that it is in DC, and is the party signing the contract with DPR. That some kids don't live in DC doesn't matter in the slightest.

Of course it does. DPR charges all out of state residents fees to use the pools for example. YOu're doing some extraordinary mental gymnastics to justify this.

Maret is paying $25k a year. That's not enough, in your view, to cover some out-of-state students? Really?

Really. It’s a bargain for Maret and it displaces DC resident students.

[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:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

DPR should prioritize the use of its facilities by DC taxpayers. Many Maret families do not pay DC taxes. Those students should not have the use of DPR resources before DC taxpayers.

How very Trump of you. Why should someones taxpayers status disqualify them from public resources?

Huh? Of course that matters. If I take my family to a public pool in Md, we pay a fee. Local public assets are for local residents primarily.

All people/entities renting space from DPR, including Maret, pay a fee. And Maret is a business in DC, unlike you using a public pool in MD.

Maret is not a business; it’s a non- profit and does not pay taxes. Keep trying!

Paying taxes has nothing to do with it. The point is that it is in DC, and is the party signing the contract with DPR. That some kids don't live in DC doesn't matter in the slightest.

Of course it does. DPR charges all out of state residents fees to use the pools for example. YOu're doing some extraordinary mental gymnastics to justify this.

DPR charges every entity to rent DPR space. Charity, non-profit, school, soccer league, etc.

None of you have answered the question about Stoddert yet.

Look, I get that it's frustrating. But there are a couple of inescapable facts here:

- DPR and DCPS facilities are not interchangeable.
- DPR allows rentals such as this, to all sorts of organizations.
- DCPS has not provided sufficient facilities that will satisfy Hardy parents.
- DPR is not responsible for providing extra-curricular space for DCPS students.

And while these aren't "facts," not everything in DC is subsidiary to DCPS, and the people who head DPR are more concerned with their mission than DCPS's mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

This absurdity has only been introduced because DC decided to create a market by renting Jelleff field out in the first place. What we DC taxpayers are saying is that PUBLIC fields are NOT part of the private marketplace. They should be allocated for the public good - which in this case, is quite obviously giving Hardy the priority.

Oh, so you don't think DPR facilities should be rented out *at all.* Again, what about Stoddert soccer - one of the largest youth rec leagues in the country? It is not affiliated with DCPS, and includes non-DC residents. DPR shouldn't rent to them, either?

What about a church with Maryland parishioners that wants to rent a field for a picnic - DPR shouldn't rent space to them either?

Surely you can see how unworkable this is . . .

Surely you can see the difference between a one-time permit for a church picnic, and a $$$ private school monopolizing a field during prime after school hours for 10 years?

I don't have any issue with DPR (and DCPS) giving access to facilities - I just think that in cases where an adjacent DCPS school has limited outdoor space, the DCPS should have priority. That's pretty self-explanatory to most people.

[Anonymous]

A private school should make arrangements with another private entity, not bigfoot in on public space that needs to be available to many members of the community.

The school within the lack of outdoor resources appears to be Maret. . .

[Anonymous]

We’re in a city- space is a premium. It’s ridiculous to say that “DCPS is responsible” for ensuring adequate space, as if all it had to do is snap its fingers or simply allocate funds.

Why is Maret renting this space in the first place? Because it can’t easily acquire land next to its campus to build a field on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:so doing the right thing doesn't factor in. got it.

What is the right thing? The field doesn't belong to the school, it's a public field. The school didn't offer to lease it the way Maret has. And the school has access to a field, just not that one.

Do you think it’s right for middle school students to have long daily commutes just to participate on their school sports team?

Do you think it’s right for exclusive use of public facilities be auctioned off to the highest (or most connected) bidder? Is the purpose of having public facilities just to generate rental income? Funny, but that sounds like a business more appropriate for the private sector.

That's precisely what you are suggesting - that exclusive use of the DPR facilities be auctioned off to the most connected (DCPS).

Wow. Sounds like some Maret parents got wind of this thread and are making crazy arguments to support their position. I suddenly have a lot less respect for this school's admin and parents.

I'm not a Maret parent. I'm just a person who doesn't understand why a school thinks it should have rights to a rec center, purely because of proximity.

Eh...I have been back and forth on this one all day and think ultimately I agree with PP. I am a DCPS parent if that matters (at one that has no field or gym). Ultimately, the pressure ought to be placed on DCPS, not DPR, for inadequate facilities.

?? DCPS and DPR are agencies in the SAME CITY using the SAME TAX DOLLARS. When a school needs land, they should coordinate. They are not private entities competing in a marketplace. And it's not like DCPS can just materialize an extra field for Hardy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so doing the right thing doesn't factor in. got it.

What is the right thing? The field doesn't belong to the school, it's a public field. The school didn't offer to lease it the way Maret has. And the school has access to a field, just not that one.

Do you think it’s right for middle school students to have long daily commutes just to participate on their school sports team?

Do you think it’s right for exclusive use of public facilities be auctioned off to the highest (or most connected) bidder? Is the purpose of having public facilities just to generate rental income? Funny, but that sounds like a business more appropriate for the private sector.

That's precisely what you are suggesting - that exclusive use of the DPR facilities be auctioned off to the most connected (DCPS).

Wow. Sounds like some Maret parents got wind of this thread and are making crazy arguments to support their position. I suddenly have a lot less respect for this school's admin and parents.

I'm not a Maret parent. I'm just a person who doesn't understand why a school thinks it should have rights to a rec center, purely because of proximity.

Let's say it again one time louder for the people in the back: PUBLIC DC LANDS SHOULD GO TO PUBLIC DC PURPOSES FIRST.

PP here. Number of DC residents: 700,000 Number of DCPS students: 48,000

DPR and the rec center is concerned with a lot more of the DC public than just students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re in a city- space is a premium. It’s ridiculous to say that “DCPS is responsible” for ensuring adequate space, as if all it had to do is snap its fingers or simply allocate funds.

Why is Maret renting this space in the first place? Because it can’t easily acquire land next to its campus to build a field on.

Exactly. Maret is *significantly* enriching itself by paying pennies (not even the cost of 1 annual tuition fee!) to help itself to DC public land. If Maret wants more land, MARET should pay market rate for it, and build a paying field on a rooftop or something. Or let Maret bus its sports teams across town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So only Maret students who are also DC residents should get to use the fields?

Anyone can use the fields, when organizations haven't made arrangements for their use. This is common. My daughter's Stoddert soccer team has games at Jelleff; you can't use the field when they're playing, either. The issue here is that many PPs believe that DCPS should have first call on the DPR fields, and should be able to force DPR to forgo lucrative arrangements that help everyone in DC (without offering similar compensation), because DCPS has failed in its responsibility to provide adequate facilities for its students.

Also, Maret is paying for the upkeep and improvement of the field. What many of you are saying is that DPR (not DCPS) has to pay for that upkeep and improvement? DCPS pays for DCPS fields; the arrangement many of you are suggesting would shift that responsibility to DPR.

Your argument is that DPR is responsible to all DC residents, not just DCPS students. So the non-DC residents at Maret should not have the same access as the DC residents at Maret.

That's silly. Maret is a DC entity. It has rented the fields. That's enough.

Stoddert has teams from Maryland - by this logic, and I'm being generous using that term, those teams shouldn't be permitted to practice or play on DPR (or DCPS) facilities.

No, Maret is a private school that has been allowed to purchase public facilities and block the public out of them, apparently completely. That's unacceptable in a city with scarce public space. Green space should go #1 to the public schools and open recreation leagues.

Purchase? No. Block the public out completely? Again, no. They rented the fields for 10 hours a week, or so.

It's your position that all public schools (and I assume this includes charters?) have first crack at all DPR space? And after that, "open" rec leagues?

OK, I guess. those rec leagues have to pay to rent the space. Should DCPS?

Sure. The DC government can pay the DC government for use of the DC government’s field. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't work for DCPS, though.

It isn't all just one pot of money. I don't know, of course, but I'd bet that DCPS would strongly object to the notion that they have to pay market-rate rent to DPR for Jelleff.

This absurdity has only been introduced because DC decided to create a market by renting Jelleff field out in the first place. What we DC taxpayers are saying is that PUBLIC fields are NOT part of the private marketplace. They should be allocated for the public good - which in this case, is quite obviously giving Hardy the priority.

Oh, so you don't think DPR facilities should be rented out *at all.* Again, what about Stoddert soccer - one of the largest youth rec leagues in the country? It is not affiliated with DCPS, and includes non-DC residents. DPR shouldn't rent to them, either?

What about a church with Maryland parishioners that wants to rent a field for a picnic - DPR shouldn't rent space to them either?

Surely you can see how unworkable this is . . .

Surely you can see the difference between a one-time permit for a church picnic, and a $$$ private school monopolizing a field during prime after school hours for 10 years?

I don't have any issue with DPR (and DCPS) giving access to facilities - I just think that in cases where an adjacent DCPS school has limited outdoor space, the DCPS should have priority. That's pretty self-explanatory to most people.

Once again - what about Stoddert? That league consumes for more DPR space than this arrangement every day.

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Anonymous wrote:so doing the right thing doesn't factor in. got it.

What is the right thing? The field doesn't belong to the school, it's a public field. The school didn't offer to lease it the way Maret has. And the school has access to a field, just not that one.

Do you think it’s right for middle school students to have long daily commutes just to participate on their school sports team?

Do you think it’s right for exclusive use of public facilities be auctioned off to the highest (or most connected) bidder? Is the purpose of having public facilities just to generate rental income? Funny, but that sounds like a business more appropriate for the private sector.

That's precisely what you are suggesting - that exclusive use of the DPR facilities be auctioned off to the most connected (DCPS).

Wow. Sounds like some Maret parents got wind of this thread and are making crazy arguments to support their position. I suddenly have a lot less respect for this school's admin and parents.

I'm not a Maret parent. I'm just a person who doesn't understand why a school thinks it should have rights to a rec center, purely because of proximity.

Let's say it again one time louder for the people in the back: PUBLIC DC LANDS SHOULD GO TO PUBLIC DC PURPOSES FIRST.

PP here. Number of DC residents: 700,000 Number of DCPS students: 48,000

DPR and the rec center is concerned with a lot more of the DC public than just students.

Clearly, DPR is concerned with giving a sweetheart deal to a $$ private school full of non-DC resident students. Sounds like a really great use of scarce DC resources.