FCPS is turning the new high school purchased to fix crowding into an Aviation magnet school instead of a high school??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard something around $50m, it took a lot of prodding to get them to share a high-level estimate for renovations. I bet they sandbagged that $50m number, and it'll end up being more like $75m. Either way, they finally admitted it wouldn't just be the $150m.

I don't think anyone pretended it would be just $150 million. It is still a bargain. But, I never heard anything near $75 million. And, if it were a business expanding and retrofitting, I bet it would be way less than $50 million.

You do realize that there are start up costs every year in every school?

The football stadium alone will be at least $10m. It’s gonna be more than $75m

Still way less than most new schools--or, for that matter, renovations of high schools that have been claimed lately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard something around $50m, it took a lot of prodding to get them to share a high-level estimate for renovations. I bet they sandbagged that $50m number, and it'll end up being more like $75m. Either way, they finally admitted it wouldn't just be the $150m.

I don't think anyone pretended it would be just $150 million. It is still a bargain. But, I never heard anything near $75 million. And, if it were a business expanding and retrofitting, I bet it would be way less than $50 million.

You do realize that there are start up costs every year in every school?

The football stadium alone will be at least $10m. It’s gonna be more than $75m

Still way less than most new schools--or, for that matter, renovations of high schools that have been claimed lately.

All they need is bleachers. Fields are already there. Goal posts,.bleachers.and a sound system will not cost anywhere near $10 million. If athletic boosters want to raise money and improve it later, they can.

And, a fence and a shed to sell concessions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard something around $50m, it took a lot of prodding to get them to share a high-level estimate for renovations. I bet they sandbagged that $50m number, and it'll end up being more like $75m. Either way, they finally admitted it wouldn't just be the $150m.

I don't think anyone pretended it would be just $150 million. It is still a bargain. But, I never heard anything near $75 million. And, if it were a business expanding and retrofitting, I bet it would be way less than $50 million.

You do realize that there are start up costs every year in every school?

The football stadium alone will be at least $10m. It’s gonna be more than $75m

Still way less than most new schools--or, for that matter, renovations of high schools that have been claimed lately.

All they need is bleachers. Fields are already there. Goal posts,.bleachers.and a sound system will not cost anywhere near $10 million. If athletic boosters want to raise money and improve it later, they can.

And, a fence and a shed to sell concessions.

I think the $75 million was a Facebook post from one of the Great Falls crankpots who already exaggerates costs.

It seems like the costs disclosed at today's work session were closer to $50 million, although that may not account for some of the enhancements needed for athletic facilities.

[Anonymous]

When all is said and done the new HS will open to grades 9,10, and optional 11 for the 2027-28 school year. Too many things to get sorted out to open any sooner.
Action Items:
1) Decide purpose and name of school
2) Decide on boundaries (extremely controversial and time consuming)
3) Renovate
4) Staff the building (huge undertaking)
5) Adjust other schools based on how staffing and school population has changed
6) Decide who and why are allowed to stay at previous school.
7) Organization of Busing kids from the same area to two different schools

These things take a lot of planning and FCPS does everything very slowly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard something around $50m, it took a lot of prodding to get them to share a high-level estimate for renovations. I bet they sandbagged that $50m number, and it'll end up being more like $75m. Either way, they finally admitted it wouldn't just be the $150m.

I don't think anyone pretended it would be just $150 million. It is still a bargain. But, I never heard anything near $75 million. And, if it were a business expanding and retrofitting, I bet it would be way less than $50 million.

You do realize that there are start up costs every year in every school?

The football stadium alone will be at least $10m. It’s gonna be more than $75m

Still way less than most new schools--or, for that matter, renovations of high schools that have been claimed lately.

Oh, so that explains it. Because there was nothing mentioned about that much cost. Some people are really against this school and have been from the beginnning.

All they need is bleachers. Fields are already there. Goal posts,.bleachers.and a sound system will not cost anywhere near $10 million. If athletic boosters want to raise money and improve it later, they can.

And, a fence and a shed to sell concessions.

I think the $75 million was a Facebook post from one of the Great Falls crankpots who already exaggerates costs.

It seems like the costs disclosed at today's work session were closer to $50 million, although that may not account for some of the enhancements needed for athletic facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When all is said and done the new HS will open to grades 9,10, and optional 11 for the 2027-28 school year. Too many things to get sorted out to open any sooner.
Action Items:
1) Decide purpose and name of school
2) Decide on boundaries (extremely controversial and time consuming)
3) Renovate
4) Staff the building (huge undertaking)
5) Adjust other schools based on how staffing and school population has changed
6) Decide who and why are allowed to stay at previous school.
7) Organization of Busing kids from the same area to two different schools

These things take a lot of planning and FCPS does everything very slowly

Have you listened to the work session?

1.They pretty much seem to agree it will be a comprehensive, traditional school. Naming should not be difficult if they keep it neutral--and, hopefully, geographical.
2. Boundaries should go pretty quickly. It's pretty clear what the priorities are. There may be some dissension between Fox Mill and Crossfield.
3. Little renovation will be needed to open in 26 for 9/10.
4. Staffing should get underway pretty quickly after Nov ember vote to be traditional school.
5. Minor adjustments to other schools will be needed.
6. No different from any other Pupil placement.
7. New boundaries should have extremely short bus rides. Should not be difficult--especially since half the kids will be greatly reducing their commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard something around $50m, it took a lot of prodding to get them to share a high-level estimate for renovations. I bet they sandbagged that $50m number, and it'll end up being more like $75m. Either way, they finally admitted it wouldn't just be the $150m.

I don't think anyone pretended it would be just $150 million. It is still a bargain. But, I never heard anything near $75 million. And, if it were a business expanding and retrofitting, I bet it would be way less than $50 million.

You do realize that there are start up costs every year in every school?

The football stadium alone will be at least $10m. It’s gonna be more than $75m

Still way less than most new schools--or, for that matter, renovations of high schools that have been claimed lately.

All they need is bleachers. Fields are already there. Goal posts,.bleachers.and a sound system will not cost anywhere near $10 million. If athletic boosters want to raise money and improve it later, they can.

And, a fence and a shed to sell concessions.

All they need is a football from Ollie’s and pennies. They could easily start their program for $17.98. Of course, the costs are going to be measured in the tens of millions, no matter how much we pretend that they won’t be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I watched today's work session.

From today's meeting, I THINK the decision is for it to be a comprehensive (traditional) high school with defined boundaries. That seems to be the consensus as of today.

However, Reid once again began with all the "possibilities." Looking to the 22nd Century. Moon later mentioned that we are still striving to teach for the 21st century.

There will be a boundary decision process, but not too much said about that. McDaniel mentioned that Oakton and South Lakes should be included in the decision--not just Chantilly, Westfield, and Centreville.
Meren said that her Floris constituents are very interested in staying together as a cohort at KAA (currently split between Westfield and South Lakes.)

Dixit (Sully district) said she would be voting for it to be a comprehensive, traditional high school with defined boundaries and no "outside" students --meaning, I think, no magnet.

Rachna wants to have something special there, but, I think, supports regular high school.

One thing that slipped out when McDaniel mentioned Oakton was that Reid mentioned that Oakton was one of the schools that exceeded their membership expectation this year. Does that mean it is now overcrowded?

Reid was asked about making the decision in line with the boundary review. Vague answer, but said we would include it. We'll see.
(I may be placing my negative opinion on her answer.)

Questions about how much to retrofit. They seem to plan to open next year with 9/10 grade. It does not sound like they've done a lot of planning on the building. This should have begun in June when they purchased it.

Meren was not pleased with the lack of answers.

Once again, Meren and Dr. Anderson seem to be the only ones that came prepared with real questions instead of with stars in their eyes.

Thanks for this. I don’t trust Reid. We will see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I watched today's work session.

From today's meeting, I THINK the decision is for it to be a comprehensive (traditional) high school with defined boundaries. That seems to be the consensus as of today.

However, Reid once again began with all the "possibilities." Looking to the 22nd Century. Moon later mentioned that we are still striving to teach for the 21st century.

There will be a boundary decision process, but not too much said about that. McDaniel mentioned that Oakton and South Lakes should be included in the decision--not just Chantilly, Westfield, and Centreville.
Meren said that her Floris constituents are very interested in staying together as a cohort at KAA (currently split between Westfield and South Lakes.)

Dixit (Sully district) said she would be voting for it to be a comprehensive, traditional high school with defined boundaries and no "outside" students --meaning, I think, no magnet.

Rachna wants to have something special there, but, I think, supports regular high school.

One thing that slipped out when McDaniel mentioned Oakton was that Reid mentioned that Oakton was one of the schools that exceeded their membership expectation this year. Does that mean it is now overcrowded?

Reid was asked about making the decision in line with the boundary review. Vague answer, but said we would include it. We'll see.
(I may be placing my negative opinion on her answer.)

Questions about how much to retrofit. They seem to plan to open next year with 9/10 grade. It does not sound like they've done a lot of planning on the building. This should have begun in June when they purchased it.

Meren was not pleased with the lack of answers.

Once again, Meren and Dr. Anderson seem to be the only ones that came prepared with real questions instead of with stars in their eyes.

Thanks for this. I don’t trust Reid. We will see.

I would suggest that all interested people watch it, but it was actually pretty useless except for a few of the questions. Most of the presentation was about the "possibilities." But, the questions were more enlightening. Some of them were too long and it seems like most just wanted to get their "vision" into the mix.
I think the presentation about the "possibilities" just made those in other parts of the county to say "wait a minute, we'd like some extras, too." The irony, is that the community that wants the traditional school could pretty much care less about enhancements. They just want a convenient community school that offers strong curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Reid is completely besotted with the idea that the new western HS needs to have some type of special program embedded within it. Otherwise she won’t be able to point to anything “visionary” or “22nd Century” on her resume when she looks for her next gig.

But if she only focuses on a special program in a western HS, other Board members will object to the lack of equity, so they had to come up with a larger plan to add new programs to other schools. The problem is that they don’t really have any idea yet what that new program would actually be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reid is completely besotted with the idea that the new western HS needs to have some type of special program embedded within it. Otherwise she won’t be able to point to anything “visionary” or “22nd Century” on her resume when she looks for her next gig.

But if she only focuses on a special program in a western HS, other Board members will object to the lack of equity, so they had to come up with a larger plan to add new programs to other schools. The problem is that they don’t really have any idea yet what that new program would actually be.

It's all about the "look and sound."

Most people just want solid English, Math, Science, and History. Also, foreign language and a decent selection of electives.

They were really pushing "AI" today--and, I hazard a guess that most students already know more about it than the School Board members-or staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reid is completely besotted with the idea that the new western HS needs to have some type of special program embedded within it. Otherwise she won’t be able to point to anything “visionary” or “22nd Century” on her resume when she looks for her next gig.

But if she only focuses on a special program in a western HS, other Board members will object to the lack of equity, so they had to come up with a larger plan to add new programs to other schools. The problem is that they don’t really have any idea yet what that new program would actually be.

It's all about the "look and sound."

Most people just want solid English, Math, Science, and History. Also, foreign language and a decent selection of electives.

They were really pushing "AI" today--and, I hazard a guess that most students already know more about it than the School Board members-or staff.

I'm watching the meeting and Reid doesn't even know the facts on Edison Global STEM. 90 students is NOT the 3 grade levels. It's 90/grade according to Edison https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/GSCP%20FAQs%2011.2022_0.pdf

2024-25 transfers from IB HS to IB Edison:
Lewis 54
Annandale 14
Mount Vernon 12
AP Hayfield is 51 - are they moving for IB? Doubt

That new school doesn't need extras to load the building. Thing should get the "standard" package at all region 1 schools . Herndon doesn't have a basic offered at all the other schools in the region. No add ins like at South Lakes. R Lady - AP, humanities magnet etc has content like what is already existing in POS. Lady also think a program with a cohort of 30 or 60 is too small. OMG-Reid would build a lab for 2 classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reid is completely besotted with the idea that the new western HS needs to have some type of special program embedded within it. Otherwise she won’t be able to point to anything “visionary” or “22nd Century” on her resume when she looks for her next gig.

But if she only focuses on a special program in a western HS, other Board members will object to the lack of equity, so they had to come up with a larger plan to add new programs to other schools. The problem is that they don’t really have any idea yet what that new program would actually be.

It's all about the "look and sound."

Most people just want solid English, Math, Science, and History. Also, foreign language and a decent selection of electives.

They were really pushing "AI" today--and, I hazard a guess that most students already know more about it than the School Board members-or staff.

I'm watching the meeting and Reid doesn't even know the facts on Edison Global STEM. 90 students is NOT the 3 grade levels. It's 90/grade according to Edison https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/GSCP%20FAQs%2011.2022_0.pdf

2024-25 transfers from IB HS to IB Edison:
Lewis 54
Annandale 14
Mount Vernon 12
AP Hayfield is 51 - are they moving for IB? Doubt

That new school doesn't need extras to load the building. Thing should get the "standard" package at all region 1 schools . Herndon doesn't have a basic offered at all the other schools in the region. No add ins like at South Lakes. R Lady - AP, humanities magnet etc has content like what is already existing in POS. Lady also think a program with a cohort of 30 or 60 is too small. OMG-Reid would build a lab for 2 classes?

Maybe, just maybe, if they would focus on education, they would have better results. Basics come first. That seems to be lost on these people.

[Anonymous]

Are Centreville students going to be moved to KAA or to Westfield? Seems like it’d be Westfield, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are Centreville students going to be moved to KAA or to Westfield? Seems like it’d be Westfield, right?

Not to KAA. Maybe, no move.