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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You could cut consultants down to 0 and you still couldn't even fund MVA!

[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.

I guess it depends on whether these consultants are as bad at their job as the MVA is at educating kids, especially the youngest and poorest among the program’s cohort.

[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: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.

So what you are saying is that it’s ok to spend millions for their new office because they like it they want it and they plan for it? They can choose to spend our tax money based on their own preference regardless. It’s ok to not provide any details on the 100M contractual fees before any elimination/layoff behind close doors and made up any decisions because they plan for it - without any voting procedures. You don’t sound surprise maybe you have all the insiders information of where are all the money goes? Please share.

That’s a joke and being disrespectful if you think parents at MVA aren’t planning. Like any of the parents not planning for their kids. Keep believing in what you think. You are the one that know the best of everything

[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: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.

So what you are saying is that it’s ok to spend millions for their new office because they like it they want it and they plan for it? They can choose to spend our tax money based on their own preference regardless. It’s ok to not provide any details on the 100M contractual fees before any elimination/layoff behind close doors and made up any decisions because they plan for it - without any voting procedures. You don’t sound surprise maybe you have all the insiders information of where are all the money goes? Please share.

That’s a joke and being disrespectful if you think parents at MVA aren’t planning. Like any of the parents not planning for their kids. Keep believing in what you think. You are the one that know the best of everything

Ok, go with whatever plan you had for when they inevitably closed MVA. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You could cut consultants down to 0 and you still couldn't even fund MVA!

Say you can't do math without saying it. Sorry, cutting consultants would more than pay for the MVA. It would pay for the MVA and another couple schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You could cut consultants down to 0 and you still couldn't even fund MVA!

Say you can't do math without saying it. Sorry, cutting consultants would more than pay for the MVA. It would pay for the MVA and another couple schools.

You think you can run MVA off $1,222,330?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I guess it depends on whether these consultants are as bad at their job as the MVA is at educating kids, especially the youngest and poorest among the program’s cohort.

Explain to me why you think the MVA is bad? Lots of schools get bad test scores. Does that make them bad to and should we shut them down and transfer those kids to your high preforming schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You could cut consultants down to 0 and you still couldn't even fund MVA!

Say you can't do math without saying it. Sorry, cutting consultants would more than pay for the MVA. It would pay for the MVA and another couple schools.

You think you can run MVA off $1,222,330?

That's 1/4 of the budget. Its a good start.

[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: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.

It was out of no where. In March, there was a board meeting on the MVA and they pledged to keep it. There was no heads up to families or staff. We got the same public email everyone else got. Talk about disrespect.

[Anonymous]

Ok. The MVA advocates are nuts and shooting themselves in the foot.

According to this MoCo 360 article, they're planning on staging a student sit-in: https://moco360.media/2024/05/31/mcps-decision-to-close-virtual-academy-a-gut-punch-for-families-students/

Academy families say they are planning to advocate for the program by staging a student sit-in Monday at the school board headquarters in Rockville

If students are capable of showing up to Rockville to participate in a sit-in, then clearly they're capable of showing up to a school building regularly. This undercuts their point that the MVA is an ESSENTIAL solution because otherwise, their children have no way to learn.

[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.

Virtual learning from covid year is very different from what the MVA is doing. What experience do you have with the MVA? None, so you are ranting about something you know nothing of and don't care who you hurt. Yes, your kids need to be in person.

[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: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.

It was out of no where. In March, there was a board meeting on the MVA and they pledged to keep it. There was no heads up to families or staff. We got the same public email everyone else got. Talk about disrespect.

They couldn't "pledge" to keep it given that they don't fully control the budget. You knew they were going to have to make further cuts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. The MVA advocates are nuts and shooting themselves in the foot.

According to this MoCo 360 article, they're planning on staging a student sit-in: https://moco360.media/2024/05/31/mcps-decision-to-close-virtual-academy-a-gut-punch-for-families-students/

Academy families say they are planning to advocate for the program by staging a student sit-in Monday at the school board headquarters in Rockville

If students are capable of showing up to Rockville to participate in a sit-in, then clearly they're capable of showing up to a school building regularly. This undercuts their point that the MVA is an ESSENTIAL solution because otherwise, their children have no way to learn.

Look who's in that picture! Sterling's kids!

Perhaps they'll have just as good of turnout as last time.

[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: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.

It was out of no where. In March, there was a board meeting on the MVA and they pledged to keep it. There was no heads up to families or staff. We got the same public email everyone else got. Talk about disrespect.

DP. Join all the parents over the years in programs like the self-contained LAD classes, the secondary Learning Centers, Mark Twain, Darnestown LC, etc. who all had their programs shut down on short notice. MVA isn't special or more deserving than anyone else. OK, they pledged to keep it. That and $5 will get you a cup of coffee. They also promised to adequately staff classrooms, to have sufficient paper and glue sticks, to have safe schools, yet here we are. You aren't special or unique or more deserving of having promises kept vs. anyone else in the county that's being short-changed. I see no problem with making a shrinking program that was created in exigent circumstances and has barely been around longer than blinking, first on the chopping block and prioritizing other things. It's an obvious move. This should have been expected and constantly screeching about how persecuted and disrespected you are at the MVA is not winning anyone over when you look at the abominable state of things county-wide. I think there should be an independent audit just as much as the next person but that's separate from thinking that the MVA still isn't a good use of the funds it gets compared to other things and broader benefits can be found elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. The MVA advocates are nuts and shooting themselves in the foot.

According to this MoCo 360 article, they're planning on staging a student sit-in: https://moco360.media/2024/05/31/mcps-decision-to-close-virtual-academy-a-gut-punch-for-families-students/

Academy families say they are planning to advocate for the program by staging a student sit-in Monday at the school board headquarters in Rockville

If students are capable of showing up to Rockville to participate in a sit-in, then clearly they're capable of showing up to a school building regularly. This undercuts their point that the MVA is an ESSENTIAL solution because otherwise, their children have no way to learn.

Good for them. I would support any family whose program got pulled last minute. They should have pulled the plug earlier if this was always going to be the case. This doesn’t affect anyone complaining. I don’t know why you are running your mouth. But you know, this change could pull resources now from all of your kids’ schools. This is essentially the size of an entire (small) middle school that is being displaced. Now everyone has to figure out accommodations with only a few days left in the school year before most staff leave. Good job MCPS. Good job. Spineless idiots.