Please be aware of what is about to go away:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the BOE members are naive. They have asked in every which way to slow down this process and see more data, transportation costs, etc. People have testified and it has been compelling. It is super obvious Niki Hazel Porter and the DCCAPS woman (Franklin?) were told what to pull together by the superintendent and the three of them are steam rolling forward with thumbs in their ears despite very serious feedback from thoughtful stake holders and others. I think Laura and Julie are very concerned.

Well, if the majority of the Board feels this way they can and should slow it down and make it clear to Central Office they will refuse to vote to approve the plan in December because they want them to slow it down a year to allow time for real community feedback (including from principals and teachers, which they're only starting now) and real study of the logistics, transportation, staffing, etc, etc.

I heard some rumor that Yang is talking about how the Board doesn't have authority over this and that's total BS. It may not be their role to get into the details of actual program implementation at a given school, but big questions like "Should we get rid of all consortia and countywide programs and instead launch dozens of new regional programs all at once, with the corresponding budgetary and academic implications?" is absolutely under their purview and they need to take responsibility for that.

What you heard is not rumor. I shared this part of her email response to me on some other forum (I forgot if I shared that here, but I did at least mentioned her response in this forum). I think BOE members do not have a clear understanding what they should and should not do.

I don’t think you shared it here. Please share if you can.

OK, before sharing, just as a disclaimer upfront: at least Yang replied every of my email suggestion, and brought some of the questions to the BOE meeting (maybe because she got emails from multiple stakeholders). So at least she is listening and tried. But the lack of follow-up is depressing. MCPS can always get away with an answer: "oh this is a great suggestion. We'll look into it." And next meeting, everyone forgets.

Here is Yang's response:
"The board and the school system have different roles. The board's role is policy and budget. The school system is in operation. In terms of the boundary study, boundary decisions will require a vote from the board. However, program design is under the Superintendent's purview. MCPS put in programs, modify programs, or eliminate programs all the time. These decisions do not require a board vote. For example, this past school year, MCPS eliminated one CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) program in high school.

However, the board can, through our questions and conversations, help adjust and improve the work of MCPS and can hold the Superintendent accountable for the results."

Thanks PP. But even if she is right that program decisions do not *require* a Board vote (although the Board could theoretically change its policies to require a Board vote in the future when programs are created or eliminated, or at least programs over a certain size), they are having a Board vote on this in December. So I don't understand her point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the BOE members are naive. They have asked in every which way to slow down this process and see more data, transportation costs, etc. People have testified and it has been compelling. It is super obvious Niki Hazel Porter and the DCCAPS woman (Franklin?) were told what to pull together by the superintendent and the three of them are steam rolling forward with thumbs in their ears despite very serious feedback from thoughtful stake holders and others. I think Laura and Julie are very concerned.

Well, if the majority of the Board feels this way they can and should slow it down and make it clear to Central Office they will refuse to vote to approve the plan in December because they want them to slow it down a year to allow time for real community feedback (including from principals and teachers, which they're only starting now) and real study of the logistics, transportation, staffing, etc, etc.

I heard some rumor that Yang is talking about how the Board doesn't have authority over this and that's total BS. It may not be their role to get into the details of actual program implementation at a given school, but big questions like "Should we get rid of all consortia and countywide programs and instead launch dozens of new regional programs all at once, with the corresponding budgetary and academic implications?" is absolutely under their purview and they need to take responsibility for that.

What you heard is not rumor. I shared this part of her email response to me on some other forum (I forgot if I shared that here, but I did at least mentioned her response in this forum). I think BOE members do not have a clear understanding what they should and should not do.

I don’t think you shared it here. Please share if you can.

OK, before sharing, just as a disclaimer upfront: at least Yang replied every of my email suggestion, and brought some of the questions to the BOE meeting (maybe because she got emails from multiple stakeholders). So at least she is listening and tried. But the lack of follow-up is depressing. MCPS can always get away with an answer: "oh this is a great suggestion. We'll look into it." And next meeting, everyone forgets.

Here is Yang's response:
"The board and the school system have different roles. The board's role is policy and budget. The school system is in operation. In terms of the boundary study, boundary decisions will require a vote from the board. However, program design is under the Superintendent's purview. MCPS put in programs, modify programs, or eliminate programs all the time. These decisions do not require a board vote. For example, this past school year, MCPS eliminated one CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) program in high school.

However, the board can, through our questions and conversations, help adjust and improve the work of MCPS and can hold the Superintendent accountable for the results."

Thanks PP. But even if she is right that program decisions do not *require* a Board vote (although the Board could theoretically change its policies to require a Board vote in the future when programs are created or eliminated, or at least programs over a certain size), they are having a Board vote on this in December. So I don't understand her point.

I have no idea either, but I suspect (and really worried about) that MCPS will fold the secondary program plan into their suggested boundary change option to BOE, just like the Big Beautiful Bill where there's no place to say no to part of the plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

Except that the boundary changes mean that AEHS will be under capacity with fewer students to support such programs so there are absolutely no guarantees that they will continue on the levels they are at currently. That they are rushing this through at the same time as the boundary changes without fully seeing how those are implemented is ridiculous.

So now your complaint is that a school will be slightly under capacity as opposed to over-capacity??? I'm sure HS with 12-20 portables would love to have that scenario.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

Except that the boundary changes mean that AEHS will be under capacity with fewer students to support such programs so there are absolutely no guarantees that they will continue on the levels they are at currently. That they are rushing this through at the same time as the boundary changes without fully seeing how those are implemented is ridiculous.

So now your complaint is that a school will be slightly under capacity as opposed to over-capacity??? I'm sure HS with 12-20 portables would love to have that scenario.

Why does it have to be one extreme or the other? We can’t MCPS or the BOE pause and gather more data and I don’t know actually try to engage the community? I’m an engaged parent/former PTA officer and the top-down communication and development of this just tack it onto the boundaries plan is astounding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

Except that the boundary changes mean that AEHS will be under capacity with fewer students to support such programs so there are absolutely no guarantees that they will continue on the levels they are at currently. That they are rushing this through at the same time as the boundary changes without fully seeing how those are implemented is ridiculous.

So now your complaint is that a school will be slightly under capacity as opposed to over-capacity??? I'm sure HS with 12-20 portables would love to have that scenario.

Why does it have to be one extreme or the other? We can’t MCPS or the BOE pause and gather more data and I don’t know actually try to engage the community? I’m an engaged parent/former PTA officer and the top-down communication and development of this just tack it onto the boundaries plan is astounding.

Because the one responds to your post must be coming from CO or BOE sides. They truly have their mindset setting in stone that we are just forever whiners and they are the glorified ones to save us stupid peasants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

Except that the boundary changes mean that AEHS will be under capacity with fewer students to support such programs so there are absolutely no guarantees that they will continue on the levels they are at currently. That they are rushing this through at the same time as the boundary changes without fully seeing how those are implemented is ridiculous.

So now your complaint is that a school will be slightly under capacity as opposed to over-capacity??? I'm sure HS with 12-20 portables would love to have that scenario.

The concern is losing students means losing staff and courses.

[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:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

Honestly, I think you are overstating VAPA. It's interest-based, and draws only from the DCC. Yes, it is a lovely program, and has produced a handful of kids who go the distance in terms of performing arts, but these claims that it will be "destroyed" ignores the fact that tons of other high schols manage to have vibrant performing arts without a dedicated academy. You don't need VAPA to put on a play or a dance recital.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the BOE members are naive. They have asked in every which way to slow down this process and see more data, transportation costs, etc. People have testified and it has been compelling. It is super obvious Niki Hazel Porter and the DCCAPS woman (Franklin?) were told what to pull together by the superintendent and the three of them are steam rolling forward with thumbs in their ears despite very serious feedback from thoughtful stake holders and others. I think Laura and Julie are very concerned.

Well, if the majority of the Board feels this way they can and should slow it down and make it clear to Central Office they will refuse to vote to approve the plan in December because they want them to slow it down a year to allow time for real community feedback (including from principals and teachers, which they're only starting now) and real study of the logistics, transportation, staffing, etc, etc.

I heard some rumor that Yang is talking about how the Board doesn't have authority over this and that's total BS. It may not be their role to get into the details of actual program implementation at a given school, but big questions like "Should we get rid of all consortia and countywide programs and instead launch dozens of new regional programs all at once, with the corresponding budgetary and academic implications?" is absolutely under their purview and they need to take responsibility for that.

What you heard is not rumor. I shared this part of her email response to me on some other forum (I forgot if I shared that here, but I did at least mentioned her response in this forum). I think BOE members do not have a clear understanding what they should and should not do.

I don’t think you shared it here. Please share if you can.

OK, before sharing, just as a disclaimer upfront: at least Yang replied every of my email suggestion, and brought some of the questions to the BOE meeting (maybe because she got emails from multiple stakeholders). So at least she is listening and tried. But the lack of follow-up is depressing. MCPS can always get away with an answer: "oh this is a great suggestion. We'll look into it." And next meeting, everyone forgets.

Here is Yang's response:
"The board and the school system have different roles. The board's role is policy and budget. The school system is in operation. In terms of the boundary study, boundary decisions will require a vote from the board. However, program design is under the Superintendent's purview. MCPS put in programs, modify programs, or eliminate programs all the time. These decisions do not require a board vote. For example, this past school year, MCPS eliminated one CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) program in high school.

However, the board can, through our questions and conversations, help adjust and improve the work of MCPS and can hold the Superintendent accountable for the results."

This doesn't make sense when the board voted to eliminate the MVA, an autism program, a trade program, and one school's extended school year. If they are managing the budget, then we should be holding them accountable for the mismanagement of the budget at a minimum and how do all these new plans fit within the budget, which includes opening up two new schools (which should be the priority as its very much needed).

That sounds pretty bad to remove CASE, depending on if it was a popular program or not.

Northwood still has CASE this year. Small classes, however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also there is no reason why you can't move to the regional model and still keep consortia. The new regions could be structured as consortia too. The last time the transportation budget for the consortia was estimated it was quite small, just a tiny drop in the bucket of MCPS's total budget, and the added cost would be even less now since they'll already be paying to run buses all across each region for the regional programs anyway.

In no way do I want to live in a consortium. I like the way they are doing it -- people go to their home school unless they want a speciality program. I want to know that my neighbors who choose public will be at our school--and that they kids we went to middle school will be, too--unless they make the choice to apply and then get into a magnet.

In a consortium you can still be guaranteed your home school. So are you saying you don't want.a consortium because you want to force your neighbors' kids into the same school your kids are going to, whether they want to or not? Lovely of you (And still doesn't even work because all your kid's middle school friends could still choose to go to a regional program at a different school anyway. So it has all the downsides of a consortia model without the benefits.)

Correct. I want my kids to go to a neighborhood school.

I feel the same way, and I'm a parent of a child who goes to a middle school magnet nad whose home school is Paint Branch. The commute is unbearable and is affecting my child's social life/activities/etc, in a negative way (though she loves going to the magnet). Make the neighborhood schools better and stop the brain-drain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

Honestly, I think you are overstating VAPA. It's interest-based, and draws only from the DCC. Yes, it is a lovely program, and has produced a handful of kids who go the distance in terms of performing arts, but these claims that it will be "destroyed" ignores the fact that tons of other high schols manage to have vibrant performing arts without a dedicated academy. You don't need VAPA to put on a play or a dance recital.

Many of the vac kids are also Vapa. Take away the high preforming kids and take away staffing, you leave Einstein with nothing.

[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:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

Honestly, I think you are overstating VAPA. It's interest-based, and draws only from the DCC. Yes, it is a lovely program, and has produced a handful of kids who go the distance in terms of performing arts, but these claims that it will be "destroyed" ignores the fact that tons of other high schols manage to have vibrant performing arts without a dedicated academy. You don't need VAPA to put on a play or a dance recital.

+1. I've had two kids at Einstein, one in VAPA, and it was fine, but really just some elective classes and a certificate at graduation. I don't see what they gained from having to choose an academy.

[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:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

Honestly, I think you are overstating VAPA. It's interest-based, and draws only from the DCC. Yes, it is a lovely program, and has produced a handful of kids who go the distance in terms of performing arts, but these claims that it will be "destroyed" ignores the fact that tons of other high schols manage to have vibrant performing arts without a dedicated academy. You don't need VAPA to put on a play or a dance recital.

+1. I've had two kids at Einstein, one in VAPA, and it was fine, but really just some elective classes and a certificate at graduation. I don't see what they gained from having to choose an academy.

I have a child at AEHS passionate about the arts, performing at a very high level and VAPA is more than just fine for them and lots of others. No one has to choose it, but many who do put a lot into it and get a lot out of it.

[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:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

And what of the current and future AEHS students? Just tough on them? I hate the scarcity mindset of MCPS that creates this really unhealthy hunger games for programs. All kids deserve access to a program like VAPA that 30% of Einstein students currently elect into.

Just to clear things up. VAPA is not a centrally-managed program. It's a local program open to any Einstein student. There's no reason this can't continue. The new program at Northwood is a centrally-managed, criteria-based performing arts (not visual arts) program, very different from VAPA.

VAPA draws artsy kids from 5 different schools to Einstein. Under the new model, it will only have the artsy kids within Einstein's boundaries, and not even all of those because most of those with interest/talent in performing arts will leave for the Northwood magnet program instead. There's no way it will be able to look anything like it does now. Maybe some shell of itself, yeah.

I'm not sure what your proposed solution is. Adding a criteria-based performing arts magnet is a long-needed change for MCPS. Do you just wish that program were going to be at Einstein rather than Northwood?

I agree with OP. VAPA and VAC are the two largest programs at Einstein and have gained national recognition. Why should Einstein be stripped of its identity and community? Einstein should keep its Visual and Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs, which have taken years—decades, even—to build from the ground up.

VAC is staying as an application program that will draw from 5 schools rather than countywide (which will have some impact but I suspect probably not a huge one in the grand scheme of things, although I could be wrong.)

But performing arts will be essentially destroyed beyond recognition. Rather than being a draw for students across the region, it will only be for Einstein kids, and only those who didn't get into the Northwood magnet.

Honestly, I think you are overstating VAPA. It's interest-based, and draws only from the DCC. Yes, it is a lovely program, and has produced a handful of kids who go the distance in terms of performing arts, but these claims that it will be "destroyed" ignores the fact that tons of other high schols manage to have vibrant performing arts without a dedicated academy. You don't need VAPA to put on a play or a dance recital.

Many high schools do not have great performing arts. Marching bands, plays, musicals, and higher level ensembles are not givens unfortunately in MCPS.