The voucher effect

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/08/05/arizona-public-school-closures-voucher-program/

This WaPo article about Arizona’s school vouchers should be required reading for a school board that does not listen to its constituents as it pushes through unnecessary boundary changes.

[Anonymous]

Back on topic-

The threat of vouchers is real, and rather than alienate key constituencies, the school board should really put a pause to the comprehensive changes and instead focus on the one or two schools that actually need relief now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back on topic-

The threat of vouchers is real, and rather than alienate key constituencies, the school board should really put a pause to the comprehensive changes and instead focus on the one or two schools that actually need relief now.

You are really a one trick pony. The boundary review is not the only issue facing FCPS nor is it implicated in every issue. Vouchers are a standalone issue.

The reconciliation bill requires the state to opt into the voucher program. So it’s not a done deal in VA. I don’t know the timing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back on topic-

The threat of vouchers is real, and rather than alienate key constituencies, the school board should really put a pause to the comprehensive changes and instead focus on the one or two schools that actually need relief now.

I, too, have problems with the boundary study. However, there are a lot of parents who have concerns far beyond boundaries. Title IX, for example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back on topic-

The threat of vouchers is real, and rather than alienate key constituencies, the school board should really put a pause to the comprehensive changes and instead focus on the one or two schools that actually need relief now.

I, too, have problems with the boundary study. However, there are a lot of parents who have concerns far beyond boundaries. Title IX, for example.

Sure, happy to discuss those too. Vouchers and the threat of vouchers will serve as a check on this school board’s worst impulses.

[Anonymous]

As the PP with all the questions I will add I am against boundary changes and have been from the beginning. I have written and attended community meetings arguing against. I am not a school board member or even pro-school board.
I also see no purpose in adding vouchers to public schools just because I am angry.

[Anonymous]

I think vouchers will probably happen in VA. Youngkin will support them. And for some kids they’ll make a positive difference—kids whose parents can almost but not quite afford elite privates.

I don’t think that’s the majority of kids. And, there is not enough elite private capacity in this area to wholesale absorb FCPS. So the majority of kids will either get a less well-funded public experience or a second-third rate private experience. So on balance vouchers will leave the area worse off.

And I completely see how this happened. FCPS has made it extremely clear that they have no interest in supporting working families (leaving aside the boundary studies— all the early dismissals, prolonged closures, etc) and they’ve had a million excuses. But at the end of the day when you don’t support the parents they don’t support you…

[Anonymous]

I’m counting on the vouchers! I already know which catholic school I want our children to go to. It’s not super pricey as far as private school goes but I could not afford otherwise. Our local public schools are decent but I hate the politics of fcps. I want out!

[Anonymous]

I agree the way they’ve conducted this boundary study will increase support for vouchers, because it’s underscored that the current School Board consists primarily of people who simply cannot be trusted. They aren’t the least bit honest about their motivations and, while people are still in the dark about what boundary changes will emerge, the loss of trust in those charged with the oversight of FCPS will translate into greater support for alternatives.

[Anonymous]

The School Board and Superintendent need to learn to "read the room."

But, as long as Fairfax County Democratic Committee determines who will get endorsed, it will only be the activists--not the normal, moderate Democrats.
Just remember how Abrar Omeish got the endorsement over Moon. And, what did she lobby for? Prayer rooms and a comment that the Muslims were the victims of 9/11.
For those who don't know, she schemed the endorsement by turning out her religious community and high school students--some who were not yet eligible to vote..

I will be shocked if they comply with the demands of Title IX. Spending more tax money on this and bodyguard for Reid is not the best look.

[Anonymous]

It seems only voucher enthusiastics are vocal on this debate.

I, as a FCPS parent, do not support vouchers. They are not going to solve problems in public education. If you don't like the politics (DEI, empathy, religious neutral) of FCPS, then spend your own money to find the school you like. I support your right to choose but not your right to take the money out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems only voucher enthusiastics are vocal on this debate.

I, as a FCPS parent, do not support vouchers. They are not going to solve problems in public education. If you don't like the politics (DEI, empathy, religious neutral) of FCPS, then spend your own money to find the school you like. I support your right to choose but not your right to take the money out.

But those supporting vouchers are putting money in as well, often a good bit more money than others with kids in FCPS.

When a supposed public good no longer really functions as a public good, but instead as a sandbox for those with a particular agenda, it’s no surprise that people want to abandon the charade.

I’d feel differently if FCPS was well run, but the incompetence gets worse every year while the politicization of FCPS only increases. FCPS has become the NPR of public school systems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems only voucher enthusiastics are vocal on this debate.

I, as a FCPS parent, do not support vouchers. They are not going to solve problems in public education. If you don't like the politics (DEI, empathy, religious neutral) of FCPS, then spend your own money to find the school you like. I support your right to choose but not your right to take the money out.

But those supporting vouchers are putting money in as well, often a good bit more money than others with kids in FCPS.

When a supposed public good no longer really functions as a public good, but instead as a sandbox for those with a particular agenda, it’s no surprise that people want to abandon the charade.

I’d feel differently if FCPS was well run, but the incompetence gets worse every year while the politicization of FCPS only increases. FCPS has become the NPR of public school systems.

First, I do not consider "NPR" as a derogatory term. Second, I don't know what you are talking about. How can you say with a straight face that FCPS "no longer really functions as a public good".

We live in different realities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems only voucher enthusiastics are vocal on this debate.

I, as a FCPS parent, do not support vouchers. They are not going to solve problems in public education. If you don't like the politics (DEI, empathy, religious neutral) of FCPS, then spend your own money to find the school you like. I support your right to choose but not your right to take the money out.

I actually align pretty closely with the politics you laid out above and I still think FCPS is going the way of vouchers. What you lay out I think really motivates about 5% of people.


But most parents have jobs. All the narrative about school not being childcare is fine— but most parents have jobs and want their kids in school five days per week. Early dismissal Monday’s when no other local district did that totally ruined FCPS’ credibility for me.

[Anonymous]

I see MAGA is back at it.