King Abdullah Academy Closing: FCPS Buy for HS?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

Guess they weren’t looking too hard. Again, no sense of urgency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

DP. Please point us to the school that's had a "$400 million renovation."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

DP. Do you realize how absurd it is that you’re dismissively telling someone to “Keep up” when the main issue is that the school board has kept everyone in the dark on their plans for the new school?

Like, that’s the whole point, we want to keep up, but the school board won’t give us the info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

DP. Do you realize how absurd it is that you’re dismissively telling someone to “Keep up” when the main issue is that the school board has kept everyone in the dark on their plans for the new school?

Like, that’s the whole point, we want to keep up, but the school board won’t give us the info.

They plan to put students in it. There is a process for determining which students. Go watch the school board meeting. It's pretty clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

FCPS has a residential development applications dashboard that tracks current and potential development and the five pyramids with the most anticipated residential growth are, in order:

Marshall
McLean
South Lakes
Westfield
Edison

I'm sorry. Applications are not the same as current construction in progress and being delivered. So, we have to wait to find new land for a high school in Tyson's? while there is a current need in western Fairfax? with a bargain opportunity?

Now you’re just being argumentative. You asked about the need elsewhere.

And go look at the new townhouses off Route 7 and the new apartments going up in Tysons and WFC. It might cure you of the illusion that the only growth taking place in the county is off Route 28.

BASIS McLean is going to close any day now, you can probably have that once it goes under.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

FCPS has a residential development applications dashboard that tracks current and potential development and the five pyramids with the most anticipated residential growth are, in order:

Marshall
McLean
South Lakes
Westfield
Edison

I'm sorry. Applications are not the same as current construction in progress and being delivered. So, we have to wait to find new land for a high school in Tyson's? while there is a current need in western Fairfax? with a bargain opportunity?

Now you’re just being argumentative. You asked about the need elsewhere.

And go look at the new townhouses off Route 7 and the new apartments going up in Tysons and WFC. It might cure you of the illusion that the only growth taking place in the county is off Route 28.

BASIS McLean is going to close any day now, you can probably have that once it goes under.

I keep reading here that Langley has extra capacity. It’s not that far.

[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:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

DP. Do you realize how absurd it is that you’re dismissively telling someone to “Keep up” when the main issue is that the school board has kept everyone in the dark on their plans for the new school?

Like, that’s the whole point, we want to keep up, but the school board won’t give us the info.

They plan to put students in it. There is a process for determining which students. Go watch the school board meeting. It's pretty clear.

You keep saying go watch the school board meeting, and it’s an attempt to pretend That they’ve given info.

To be clear for everyone who does not like being gaslight by people with an agenda: the school board has not provided any details about how the new school will be used or the need for the school. At the school board meeting, the board members patted themselves on the back and just proclaimed that this school has been needed. That’s really it. No detail whatsoever.

The person here pretending that the school board had a fulsome discussion on the school wants to sell you the Brooklyn bridge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

DP. Please point us to the school that's had a "$400 million renovation."

Centreville HS is already estimated at $295 million and that renovation hasn't even started. Remember, Falls Church's renovation was originally estimated at $100 million, and voters ended up approving $130 million. It is now over budget at $173 million and still not complete. Centreville could easily reach $400 by 2029.

[Anonymous]

The person here pretending that the school board had a fulsome discussion on the school wants to sell you the Brooklyn bridge.

No one ever said/pretended it was "fulsome." The need for the school was explained. The process was simply explained--including the need to act quickly and quietly. And, no, they did not spend much time on it as the need was clear.

[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:New residential constructions are happening along silver line and Rt. 28 from 20171 to Chantilly. I am sure there is a need for a new HS in western FFX. No idea why some people say there should not be a new neighborhood HS.

Maybe because so many schools have been expanded and the school board has spent the last several years lecturing people there is no money to add more capacity and boundary changes are the only option.

It may be this school is a great idea but when they pivot like that and suddenly find money they said they didn’t have people feel gaslit.

It is costing less than a renovation. And, the need is great and growing.

We don’t know what the final price tag will turn out to be, and there are other areas with a need for additional seats.

Where is the need this great?

DP. Look, this is why we need more of an explanation from the SB, rather than just argue on an anonymous forum whether the school is a wise purchase. They should just lay out their case publicly, especially since it’s been what, 17 days since they voted. They should act with urgency getting us key metrics and info on what we are giving up since the school costs $150 million.

+100. There are a few posters who come on here and imply that everyone must agree this is a great acquisition addressing a compelling need, and no questions should be asked. I don’t see anyone saying it’s a bad idea, only that FCPS should be addressing some basic questions about the need for another high school, how it will be financed, and what the implications are for other projects and the ongoing boundary review.

And the $150M is just the initial purchase price. The final price tag may be considerably higher by the time they are ready to re-open KAA as a public school.

Well, so, do you understand the meaning of a current need? And, for sure, it will not cost the same as a $400million dollar renovation. Remember, it comes furnished. Sure, there will be other expenses, but nothing like starting from scratch.

And, now that they are thinking "outside the box" maybe they will find a vacant building in Tyson's to convert for the future needs there.

If the need was that great, why did the latest CIP not ever have FCPS bothering to acquire land before 2031 with construction not starting until several years later. Doesn’t sound like there had been any sense of urgency.

Because they could not find a site in a good location. Keep up. This has been going on for years.

DP. Do you realize how absurd it is that you’re dismissively telling someone to “Keep up” when the main issue is that the school board has kept everyone in the dark on their plans for the new school?

Like, that’s the whole point, we want to keep up, but the school board won’t give us the info.

They plan to put students in it. There is a process for determining which students. Go watch the school board meeting. It's pretty clear.

You keep saying go watch the school board meeting, and it’s an attempt to pretend That they’ve given info.

To be clear for everyone who does not like being gaslight by people with an agenda: the school board has not provided any details about how the new school will be used or the need for the school. At the school board meeting, the board members patted themselves on the back and just proclaimed that this school has been needed. That’s really it. No detail whatsoever.

The person here pretending that the school board had a fulsome discussion on the school wants to sell you the Brooklyn bridge.

Um. Sure there was a lot of back patting about how great they are and all that, but they specifically mentioned the following during that meeting:

1. Capacity relief at Chantilly
2. Students from Sully being sent to Oakton was too far
3. Offering the western half of the county capacity relief so that other parts of the county could address capacity as well (Anderson always beating the drum for Glasgow.)

So you are correct in that they didn’t definitively state their intention to make it a neighborhood school, magnet, or fill it with academies. But these were their stated priorities in acquiring the school.

[Anonymous]

The price tag for KAA will skyrocket by the time they reopen it as a 2100-student public high school. Wait and see. It’s absurd how poorly FCPS is managed. They can’t take care of the basics when it comes to managing their current facilities but when they saw a shiny toy was up for sale they had to have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The price tag for KAA will skyrocket by the time they reopen it as a 2100-student public high school. Wait and see. It’s absurd how poorly FCPS is managed. They can’t take care of the basics when it comes to managing their current facilities but when they saw a shiny toy was up for sale they had to have it.

Nonsense. Its practically turnkey. They even sold the furnishings. NOT buying this property would have been the most financially foolish thing FCPS has done in a long time.

[Anonymous]

https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-public-schools-private-school-building-new-high-school-king-abdullah-academy-herndon-chantilly-high-school-western-overcrowding-students#

It APPEARS that the article is confirming via an interview with Dunne that a Western HS is the plan. We shall see...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The price tag for KAA will skyrocket by the time they reopen it as a 2100-student public high school. Wait and see. It’s absurd how poorly FCPS is managed. They can’t take care of the basics when it comes to managing their current facilities but when they saw a shiny toy was up for sale they had to have it.

Nonsense. Its practically turnkey. They even sold the furnishings. NOT buying this property would have been the most financially foolish thing FCPS has done in a long time.

KAA had like 850 kids. The ultimate price for FCPS will be much higher than the initial purchase price.

Mateo Dunne just wants to play hero ball. Doesn’t matter if it’s a good or a bad deal as long as he gets attention.