Support the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) from Budget Cuts!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MVA sounds like one of many luxury items MCPS needs to cut to live within their budget.

Luxury means something is not absolutely needed. Yes you may not need it but hundreds of families and kids who pay taxes and live in the county do!! Just like a normal school. Defining basic education necessity as “luxury” would be a completely misguided. These kind of essentials public services should never be treats as expendable or unimportant.

How about 100M misc contractual services an increase of 30M from previous years? Is this level of vague contractual services not considered as luxury? Do we absolutely need them in upcoming school year? Taking priority over education?

Lots of things are luxuries in MCPS, but the MVA is not one of them. Outdoor ed and field trips are luxuries, slush funds for admin are luxuries, all the extra's that in person school offers like sports, music, clubs and more are luxuries. The grants to non-profits that do not provide direct services to MCPS are luxuries. Those crazy bus contracts are luxuries. We are talking less than $5million. The fancy new offices for the BOE are luxuries.

It’s a luxury to waste money on a form of instruction that doesn’t work just because some parents think their kids should stay home.

When it comes to education, it is generally not appropriate to label it as a waste of money. The effectiveness of education can vary for different individuals and in different contexts. Just like in physical schools, not all students may thrive in every educational setting or graduate successfully. However, this does not imply that the investment in education is a waste of money.

Education is a fundamental right and a crucial societal investment. It plays a vital role in shaping individuals, imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and preparing them for future opportunities. While not every student may achieve the desired outcomes, education still holds immense value in providing opportunities for personal growth, developing skills, and expanding knowledge.

It is important to recognize that education is a complex process influenced by various factors, including individual learning styles, support systems, and external circumstances. Different approaches and methods may be more or less effective for different students. The goal should be to continuously improve educational systems and tailor them to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that every student has access to quality education.

It is inappropriate to categorize education as a waste of money based on individual outcomes or occasional challenges. Instead, it is crucial to focus on enhancing educational experiences and providing equitable opportunities for all students.

It's bizarre how the Virtual Academy supporters are just posting AI generated gibberish here instead of actually composing their thoughts.

Well use of AI. Well use of technology.

It’s actually a complete waste of time to elaborate our thoughts continuously when someone's ears are completely shut for “luxury” thoughts and it’s in fact more bizarre to spend time explaining to a grown up over and over again about why it’s not a “waste of money” on essential public education!!

A separate program now largely attended by kids who are too shy or socially awkward to go to real school is not “essential public education”

too shy? Too socially awkward? Are you accusing the MVA kids? Is this an appropriate comment?

When you don’t fully understand the unique circumstances for each and how difficult already it is for lots of family just be grateful with what you have and refrain from depriving. Everyone deserves equal opportunity to learn regardless of the form of teaching and learning.

When the virtual opportunity is available in our county we are so proud because our county/our BOE, MCPS are so considerate and caring. You can oppose the budget approval for your own closed minded reasoning, but STOP making comments attacking our kids!!!

It’s ok to choose another option if public school isn’t a good fit for your kids. That doesn’t mean you can expect taxpayers to pay for what you consider the best option for them given your “unique circumstances .” That’s really entitled IMO. Plenty of families paid for private in fall 2020 because there was no in person public school option at that time in MCPS. Others have opted for private all along for other reasons.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Remind me again why there is now girls flag football in HS?

Because it's a cool opportunity for female students (Title IX!) and is ZERO cost to MCPS. All of it is being funded by the Ravens and Under Armor.

Interest in football is dropping nationwide and the NFL has figured out that mothers are a barrier to participation. The goal is to get more women and mothers in to football so they will let their sons participate.

Flag football for girls is a marketing tool to increase interest in the NFL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to but why refuse others the opportunity if it works best for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to but why refuse others the opportunity if it works best for their kids.

Because funding MVA would mean cutting other programs at MCPS that would affect a much larger number of kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to but why refuse others the opportunity if it works best for their kids.

Because funding MVA would mean cutting other programs at MCPS that would affect a much larger number of kids.

False. MCPS has yet to justify the massive increase in consultants. Cut them and then classrooms/MVA are not touched.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MVA sounds like one of many luxury items MCPS needs to cut to live within their budget.

Luxury means something is not absolutely needed. Yes you may not need it but hundreds of families and kids who pay taxes and live in the county do!! Just like a normal school. Defining basic education necessity as “luxury” would be a completely misguided. These kind of essentials public services should never be treats as expendable or unimportant.

How about 100M misc contractual services an increase of 30M from previous years? Is this level of vague contractual services not considered as luxury? Do we absolutely need them in upcoming school year? Taking priority over education?

Lots of things are luxuries in MCPS, but the MVA is not one of them. Outdoor ed and field trips are luxuries, slush funds for admin are luxuries, all the extra's that in person school offers like sports, music, clubs and more are luxuries. The grants to non-profits that do not provide direct services to MCPS are luxuries. Those crazy bus contracts are luxuries. We are talking less than $5million. The fancy new offices for the BOE are luxuries.

It’s a luxury to waste money on a form of instruction that doesn’t work just because some parents think their kids should stay home.

When it comes to education, it is generally not appropriate to label it as a waste of money. The effectiveness of education can vary for different individuals and in different contexts. Just like in physical schools, not all students may thrive in every educational setting or graduate successfully. However, this does not imply that the investment in education is a waste of money.

Education is a fundamental right and a crucial societal investment. It plays a vital role in shaping individuals, imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and preparing them for future opportunities. While not every student may achieve the desired outcomes, education still holds immense value in providing opportunities for personal growth, developing skills, and expanding knowledge.

It is important to recognize that education is a complex process influenced by various factors, including individual learning styles, support systems, and external circumstances. Different approaches and methods may be more or less effective for different students. The goal should be to continuously improve educational systems and tailor them to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that every student has access to quality education.

It is inappropriate to categorize education as a waste of money based on individual outcomes or occasional challenges. Instead, it is crucial to focus on enhancing educational experiences and providing equitable opportunities for all students.

It's bizarre how the Virtual Academy supporters are just posting AI generated gibberish here instead of actually composing their thoughts.

Well use of AI. Well use of technology.

It’s actually a complete waste of time to elaborate our thoughts continuously when someone's ears are completely shut for “luxury” thoughts and it’s in fact more bizarre to spend time explaining to a grown up over and over again about why it’s not a “waste of money” on essential public education!!

A separate program now largely attended by kids who are too shy or socially awkward to go to real school is not “essential public education”

too shy? Too socially awkward? Are you accusing the MVA kids? Is this an appropriate comment?

When you don’t fully understand the unique circumstances for each and how difficult already it is for lots of family just be grateful with what you have and refrain from depriving. Everyone deserves equal opportunity to learn regardless of the form of teaching and learning.

When the virtual opportunity is available in our county we are so proud because our county/our BOE, MCPS are so considerate and caring. You can oppose the budget approval for your own closed minded reasoning, but STOP making comments attacking our kids!!!

It’s ok to choose another option if public school isn’t a good fit for your kids. That doesn’t mean you can expect taxpayers to pay for what you consider the best option for them given your “unique circumstances .” That’s really entitled IMO. Plenty of families paid for private in fall 2020 because there was no in person public school option at that time in MCPS. Others have opted for private all along for other reasons.

Yes it’s by choice.

First and foremost MVA teachers, parents and kids are not given a choice. We are not asking to start up a new virtual program. It’s an existing one that’s been up and running and proving to work for hundreds of kids. And it is promised to keep up for another year just a couple months ago - there will be thorough evaluation/consideration of the program before eliminating it. Now less than 3 months of time, while most other options’ enrollment applications are already closed, we are not given a choice but forced to. All decisions are made closed doors at MCPS without going thru proper voting of the BOE!

We are taxpayers too. We paid for all special programs out there. IEP because there’s a need. Gifted talented because they are the high achievers. Immersion program for all diversity. Aren’t these all unique circumstances? It’s ok to funded those but not ok for us to advocate for our kids?

It’s ok to let go of that 100M miscellaneous contraction services without questioning? It’s ok for close door decisions made? It’s ok to be unfair? It’s ok to layoff teachers? It’s ok to spend millions on new offices? It’s ok to spend money, actually overspend, in a fiscal year, on things other than people.

PEOPLE FIRST THEN THINGS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to. This is not virtual for all campaign.

Nonetheless, in fact, BOE is purposing an emergency plan to the State and that will be virtual learning, not asynchronous, if necessary for all. They expect everything to be up and running within 14 days in case of long term unexpected disaster like fire burning down a school, massive shooting, etc. The transition is anticipated to be 100% smooth - there will be NO scheduled drill on an annual basis. We just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. Teachers and kids will be ready again anytime transitioning to virtual. There will be an imaginary standard up to date guideline for schools and teachers to follow. Everyone will be all ready to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to but why refuse others the opportunity if it works best for their kids.

Because funding MVA would mean cutting other programs at MCPS that would affect a much larger number of kids.

False. MCPS has yet to justify the massive increase in consultants. Cut them and then classrooms/MVA are not touched.

Wrong. The budget for consultants dropped by $100k, and is much less than MVA anyway.

You might be thinking of contractors, which includes a variety of student-facing positions, such as speech therapists.

[Anonymous]

At this point, given that the MVA is not continuing next year, what's the point of the ongoing debate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At this point, given that the MVA is not continuing next year, what's the point of the ongoing debate?

No dog in this fight, but nothing is official until they vote on June 11th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At this point, given that the MVA is not continuing next year, what's the point of the ongoing debate?

No dog in this fight, but nothing is official until they vote on June 11th.

A letter from OSSWB informing parents that its over and they'll be supporting their transition to home schools and further confirmed by an MCPS spokesperson to a media outlet is pretty confirmation that the MVA won't be continued next school year means it's over, boo. Make peace with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh and I had plenty of experience with “virtual” learning for my ES kids and no thanks. I would never willingly sign them up for that.

You don’t have to but why refuse others the opportunity if it works best for their kids.

Because funding MVA would mean cutting other programs at MCPS that would affect a much larger number of kids.

False. MCPS has yet to justify the massive increase in consultants. Cut them and then classrooms/MVA are not touched.

This right here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At this point, given that the MVA is not continuing next year, what's the point of the ongoing debate?

No dog in this fight, but nothing is official until they vote on June 11th.

A letter from OSSWB informing parents that its over and they'll be supporting their transition to home schools and further confirmed by an MCPS spokesperson to a media outlet is pretty confirmation that the MVA won't be continued next school year means it's over, boo. Make peace with it.

As I said, boo, I have no dog in this fight. The fact remains that people are going to keep arguing and lobbying for their positions until the board votes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At this point, given that the MVA is not continuing next year, what's the point of the ongoing debate?

No dog in this fight, but nothing is official until they vote on June 11th.

A letter from OSSWB informing parents that its over and they'll be supporting their transition to home schools and further confirmed by an MCPS spokesperson to a media outlet is pretty confirmation that the MVA won't be continued next school year means it's over, boo. Make peace with it.

As I said, boo, I have no dog in this fight. The fact remains that people are going to keep arguing and lobbying for their positions until the board votes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MVA sounds like one of many luxury items MCPS needs to cut to live within their budget.

Luxury means something is not absolutely needed. Yes you may not need it but hundreds of families and kids who pay taxes and live in the county do!! Just like a normal school. Defining basic education necessity as “luxury” would be a completely misguided. These kind of essentials public services should never be treats as expendable or unimportant.

How about 100M misc contractual services an increase of 30M from previous years? Is this level of vague contractual services not considered as luxury? Do we absolutely need them in upcoming school year? Taking priority over education?

Lots of things are luxuries in MCPS, but the MVA is not one of them. Outdoor ed and field trips are luxuries, slush funds for admin are luxuries, all the extra's that in person school offers like sports, music, clubs and more are luxuries. The grants to non-profits that do not provide direct services to MCPS are luxuries. Those crazy bus contracts are luxuries. We are talking less than $5million. The fancy new offices for the BOE are luxuries.

It’s a luxury to waste money on a form of instruction that doesn’t work just because some parents think their kids should stay home.

When it comes to education, it is generally not appropriate to label it as a waste of money. The effectiveness of education can vary for different individuals and in different contexts. Just like in physical schools, not all students may thrive in every educational setting or graduate successfully. However, this does not imply that the investment in education is a waste of money.

Education is a fundamental right and a crucial societal investment. It plays a vital role in shaping individuals, imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and preparing them for future opportunities. While not every student may achieve the desired outcomes, education still holds immense value in providing opportunities for personal growth, developing skills, and expanding knowledge.

It is important to recognize that education is a complex process influenced by various factors, including individual learning styles, support systems, and external circumstances. Different approaches and methods may be more or less effective for different students. The goal should be to continuously improve educational systems and tailor them to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that every student has access to quality education.

It is inappropriate to categorize education as a waste of money based on individual outcomes or occasional challenges. Instead, it is crucial to focus on enhancing educational experiences and providing equitable opportunities for all students.

It's bizarre how the Virtual Academy supporters are just posting AI generated gibberish here instead of actually composing their thoughts.

Well use of AI. Well use of technology.

It’s actually a complete waste of time to elaborate our thoughts continuously when someone's ears are completely shut for “luxury” thoughts and it’s in fact more bizarre to spend time explaining to a grown up over and over again about why it’s not a “waste of money” on essential public education!!

A separate program now largely attended by kids who are too shy or socially awkward to go to real school is not “essential public education”

too shy? Too socially awkward? Are you accusing the MVA kids? Is this an appropriate comment?

When you don’t fully understand the unique circumstances for each and how difficult already it is for lots of family just be grateful with what you have and refrain from depriving. Everyone deserves equal opportunity to learn regardless of the form of teaching and learning.

When the virtual opportunity is available in our county we are so proud because our county/our BOE, MCPS are so considerate and caring. You can oppose the budget approval for your own closed minded reasoning, but STOP making comments attacking our kids!!!

It’s ok to choose another option if public school isn’t a good fit for your kids. That doesn’t mean you can expect taxpayers to pay for what you consider the best option for them given your “unique circumstances .” That’s really entitled IMO. Plenty of families paid for private in fall 2020 because there was no in person public school option at that time in MCPS. Others have opted for private all along for other reasons.

Yes it’s by choice.

First and foremost MVA teachers, parents and kids are not given a choice. We are not asking to start up a new virtual program. It’s an existing one that’s been up and running and proving to work for hundreds of kids. And it is promised to keep up for another year just a couple months ago - there will be thorough evaluation/consideration of the program before eliminating it. Now less than 3 months of time, while most other options’ enrollment applications are already closed, we are not given a choice but forced to. All decisions are made closed doors at MCPS without going thru proper voting of the BOE!

We are taxpayers too. We paid for all special programs out there. IEP because there’s a need. Gifted talented because they are the high achievers. Immersion program for all diversity. Aren’t these all unique circumstances? It’s ok to funded those but not ok for us to advocate for our kids?

It’s ok to let go of that 100M miscellaneous contraction services without questioning? It’s ok for close door decisions made? It’s ok to be unfair? It’s ok to layoff teachers? It’s ok to spend millions on new offices? It’s ok to spend money, actually overspend, in a fiscal year, on things other than people.

PEOPLE FIRST THEN THINGS.

You act like this was out of nowhere. It wasn't.

You knew, or should have known, that MVA was never going to be a long-term program. People have been saying for years that it would be difficult to maintain after ESSER funds expired, which they are this year.

You knew, or should have known, that the BoE did not strongly support MVA, and intended to at least cut the elementary level next year.

And you knew, our should have known, that the BoE was putting forward a budget proposal that was not going to be fully funded by the council.

How could you possibly be surprised by what they are ultimately choosing to cut? Don't blame everyone else for your lack of planning.