APS School Board race

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Lots of people run once and run again and win. That's what Priddy did. I don't mind people running twice. Audrey Clement is a different matter.

I continue to think Miranda Turner is an excellent candidate, and I agree with PP above saying it's unfair that she is associated with the worst of APE. She has certainly put in the work though to have credible, broad, APS experience. I bet she's done more analysis, attending more school board meetings, and knows more about the system as a whole than any other candidate.

It would actually be brilliant if APE was running several candidates. Since they want to take over APS entirely and impose Youngkin on us.

Priddy only won because Symone Walker was done dirty by another candidate. Erin apparently is a Fed too. It's just a question of when someone will report her too to whatever government authority is in charge of the Hatch Act.

She also aggressively went after anyone who even slightly disagreed with her on that AEM Facebook group, so let’s not pretend like she was guaranteed the nom otherwise. You obviously enjoy making up your own facts anyway.

I can name the posters on AEM who aggressively and rabidly go after people who disagree with them and are still doing it.

The owner of the group also created a fake account back in 2020/2021 and posted under it for months until someone finally called out the fake account on AEM after it was first exposed here.

So to sum up, any single person running for school board that has the backing of people defending AEM are horrible candidates and who associate with nasty self righteous people.

What? You are saying that the founder of AEM created a fake account? This is quite an accusation. Do you have any actual proof of this?

[Anonymous]

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jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Jeff/Admin: Can you explain why posts in this thread keep getting deleted if they mention APE?

There is a post directly above yours that mentions APE that did not get deleted. Posts are getting deleted for that reason. They are getting deleted for making false statements.

This group, which a SB candidate led for years, was an open schools group in Arlington. They were abusive online and in school board meetings. Some of their most aggressive, vocal members were anti-maskers, anti-CRT, pro-voucher. They were aligned with open schools groups out in FCPS and LCPS. Including Ian Prior, PDE (Koch bro), etc.

This is really really really offensive. To say APE - which has an EXTREMELY public website and biweekly newsletter - is anti-CRT or pro-voucher or supported by Koch brothers or Ian Prior is complete lies. You shouldn't be allowed to defame like this on a public website. Show us ANY proof of anti-CRT or pro-voucher or supported by Koch or aligned with Ian Prior. Literally anything.

Here's an idea - some people thought kids should be in school sooner than you did, apparently. That doesn't make them bigots.

APE website: www.arlingtonparentsforeducation.org

DP. Not an APE member and don't know who the members are. I agree with PP. However, while APE's work may be "extremely public," I don't understand why they are so anonymous. Those opinion pieces on various topics supposedly written by concerned parents or teachers are NEVER SIGNED. I can understand MAYBE a teacher being hesitant to have their name associated with a criticism of APS due to job concerns. But there is no reason for a parent to not sign their name to their own opinion piece. This just casts an air of secrecy and doubt: are these really pieces written by different concerned teachers and parents, or are they written by the same one or few members? APE proclaims its transparency - then OWN it and sign your names!

+1

I never took them seriously because the opinions were anonymous. And blatantly wrong at times. On some topics it was if they just started paying attention and had no history or understanding of the issues.

There is a reason why they don’t want you to know who they are. Because they know they’d lose all credibility.

It's funny how guilt-by-association only runs one way. Mary Kadera was pretty clearly aligned with "Smart Restart". And yet no one on this board thinks she has to answer for every Smart Restart acolyte who called people they disagreed with racist granny-killers. Or the teachers who drove around with child-sized coffins on their cars to protest the idea of re-opening schools. Or the people who were quite clearly using an obsession with ventilation statistics as an alternative to therapy and anxiety meds.

And that's because it's obviously dumb.

Miranda Turner, on the other hand, must answer for every single person who criticized APS leadership from March 2020 to February 2022. And that's not dumb, according to these people, because if you disagree with them you are a racist cryptofascist Trump supporter who wants to turn public schools into a cross between a Kid Rock concert and the Handmaid's tale.

I guess what I'm saying is self-reflection can be hard for some people.

The dumbest thing Smart Restart did was publicly doxx an APE member. IIRC, Kadera had to distance themselves from that group.

Otherwise one of them would be running for school board too. Miranda was wise to stay above it all.

I do hope there are more people running though because this seems like the bottom of the barrel in terms of candidates. Three unknowns and one who already lost once. Yay for APS. 🙄

Was that the FOIA of the FOIA?

Yup! How can anyone ever forget that! So dumb. APS musta been rolling their eyes so hard.

It’s too bad tho. They did have some good advocacy going at the time. They lost credibility instead.

That was funny, but that wasn’t really “doxxing”.

Anyway, they aren’t a lobbying group pushing a school board candidate. They are irrelevant.

Someone on here is obsessed with Smart Restart and Ventilation Lady and making up fake stuff about them. Still. It's sad and disturbing. This thread has nothing to do with a group that advocated for Covid safety 2 years go.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I can’t decide what is most bizarre about this thread. That anyone in 2023 is saying anti-mask like it’s a slur is hilarious - look around at almost everyone now. No one wants to wear them let alone require them on children now. And can there be a thread about APS without someone going down some weird conspiracy theory of some influence of Koch please? I find it bizarre and ironic as a supporter of public school policies traditionally held by the left that there is a constant desire by posters to give the GOP the issues of higher teacher pay and smaller class sizes, closing opportunity gaps etc that I am seeing on Arlington Parents’ website and twitter. These don’t seem like scary and conspiratorial concepts. You are giving away the platform of public schools to the right.

Is it really a weird conspiracy theory if the founder of APE works at a Koch bro think tank?

https://www.mercatus.org/staff-contacts

Wait - the Koch Bros are funding the excellent, hyper local newsletter pushing for smaller class sizes, increased teacher pay, less device use, independent auditors and a focus on learning loss?? I thought those guys were dirt bags? Or are they just paying parents off to tirelessly attend school board meetings and purposely avoid the faux culture wars for….to lay in wait for some big D-day when the opportunity for something nefarious arises? Like a republican gov? (Already happened and ape still not pushing that shit.). I hope the Koch bros keep giving them more money if they keep producing such great work! Thanks Koch brothers!!!!

No. They are funding the employer of the founder.

That could explain some of their earlier positions, talking points, and behaviors.

Wow that's interesting. Big tent indeed. Miranda will have an interesting time explaining that in the election.

Why is a bad thing that she can work with people of varying ideologies towards a common goal?

Again, for those accusing her of being a secret Republican operative, here’s her bio:

I earned my law degree at UVA Law, where I met my husband, Andy. We live with our three children in the Green Valley neighborhood. My mom, Barrett class of ’62, Kenmore ‘65, and Wakefield ‘69, still lives in the area.

I’ve been an APS parent since 2015. I was a founding member of the Drew PTA in 2019 and still serve as Social Media Chair, am involved with the Montessori Public School of Arlington PTA, and serve as site liaison for the Drew/Green Valley Girls on the Run team. I’m a member of the Early Childhood Education Committee for the Advisory Council on Teaching & Learning. I volunteer as a Precinct Captain for the Arlington Democrats and spent time last fall knocking doors and poll greeting to elect local Democrats. I’m also a member of Green Valley Civic Association’s Executive Committee and our delegate to the Civic Federation.

In my professional life as a lawyer, I devote substantial time to volunteer pro bono work. I currently represent Planned Parenthood and litigate abortion rights in federal court, and I’ve mentored younger lawyers in housing rights cases and parole proceedings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it was another candidate’s wife—they worked at the same agency. Anyway, surely Erin has run this by her agency.

Symone got cleared by her agency too. It got elevated after the other candidate’s wife issued a formal complaint.

It’s in the past. ACDC should probably do due diligence too so that they’re not embarrassed again though.

1) Symone had never actually filed as a candidate. Perhaps because she knew her candidacy while a fed govt employee was legally impermissible?
2) I remember the wife of that candidate posting here and on AEM explaining her position while Symone only had vague accusations without the receipts.
3) Symone’s campaign was plagued by “victimhood” episodes, including her complaining that her campaign manager was “fired” from AC/DC duties because she had an inherent conflict of interest between her precinct captain duties (trying to get voters to vote for Dems) while simultaneously encouraging people to vote against Dems in favor of Symone while she served as Symone’s campaign chair.

Symone’s loss was solely because of Symone. Not anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it was another candidate’s wife—they worked at the same agency. Anyway, surely Erin has run this by her agency.

Symone got cleared by her agency too. It got elevated after the other candidate’s wife issued a formal complaint.

It’s in the past. ACDC should probably do due diligence too so that they’re not embarrassed again though.

1) Symone had never actually filed as a candidate. Perhaps because she knew her candidacy while a fed govt employee was legally impermissible?
2) I remember the wife of that candidate posting here and on AEM explaining her position while Symone only had vague accusations without the receipts.
3) Symone’s campaign was plagued by “victimhood” episodes, including her complaining that her campaign manager was “fired” from AC/DC duties because she had an inherent conflict of interest between her precinct captain duties (trying to get voters to vote for Dems) while simultaneously encouraging people to vote against Dems in favor of Symone while she served as Symone’s campaign chair.

Symone’s loss was solely because of Symone. Not anyone else.

You articulated this well. It was really too bad because I wanted to support her but this stuff all got in the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it was another candidate’s wife—they worked at the same agency. Anyway, surely Erin has run this by her agency.

Symone got cleared by her agency too. It got elevated after the other candidate’s wife issued a formal complaint.

It’s in the past. ACDC should probably do due diligence too so that they’re not embarrassed again though.

1) Symone had never actually filed as a candidate. Perhaps because she knew her candidacy while a fed govt employee was legally impermissible?
2) I remember the wife of that candidate posting here and on AEM explaining her position while Symone only had vague accusations without the receipts.
3) Symone’s campaign was plagued by “victimhood” episodes, including her complaining that her campaign manager was “fired” from AC/DC duties because she had an inherent conflict of interest between her precinct captain duties (trying to get voters to vote for Dems) while simultaneously encouraging people to vote against Dems in favor of Symone while she served as Symone’s campaign chair.

Symone’s loss was solely because of Symone. Not anyone else.

You articulated this well. It was really too bad because I wanted to support her but this stuff all got in the way.

This is how I feel about Miranda. She disqualified herself with all the APE stuff and the vicious campaign attacks last time. Not who I want to go to if my kid has an issue.

[Anonymous]

Miranda speaks for her group of open schools parents whose new mantra is learning loss. Her base is privileged white parents who can afford tutors and private school. They are still mad at APS from Covid and want APS to pay them for it, because they pay their tax dollars and teachers work for them.

I'm not in this group so she doesn't speak for me or understand my community, and I don't think she ever will. I talked to her a couple of times. I tried to explain my kid's needs and the needs of my community but she did not get it at all. She didn't even listen. Instead she cut me off and jumped in to tell me how I felt, but she was totally off base. She substituted the views of her little narrow group for mine. Her campaign manager outright attacked me! I guess my views didn't fit her talking points for what my community *should* want.

I also think this group's view of teachers is downright disrespectful. Teachers are professionals, not servants. And servants should not be treated like that either, no one should.

I don't know who I will support yet but it will never be her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Miranda speaks for her group of open schools parents whose new mantra is learning loss. Her base is privileged white parents who can afford tutors and private school. They are still mad at APS from Covid and want APS to pay them for it, because they pay their tax dollars and teachers work for them.

I'm not in this group so she doesn't speak for me or understand my community, and I don't think she ever will. I talked to her a couple of times. I tried to explain my kid's needs and the needs of my community but she did not get it at all. She didn't even listen. Instead she cut me off and jumped in to tell me how I felt, but she was totally off base. She substituted the views of her little narrow group for mine. Her campaign manager outright attacked me! I guess my views didn't fit her talking points for what my community *should* want.

I also think this group's view of teachers is downright disrespectful. Teachers are professionals, not servants. And servants should not be treated like that either, no one should.

I don't know who I will support yet but it will never be her.

This gets at the root of what bothers me about APE/Turner. It seems more like a grievance group, fueled by spite, not parents truly looking out for kids' best interests. Plus, they were just so hostile and nasty to everyone. Add in the connections to right-wing organizations and they're just a hard pass from me.

[Anonymous]

I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

Yes I agree undoubtedly but that's the usual way APE operates. In secrecy. Just like they don't say who their members are or who writes their opinion pieces or who donates to them. If they have nothing to hide, why hide?

And while they hide they demand transparency from APS. APS must be laughing their *sses off at this, I know I am.

One thing is for sure, this race will be entertaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

APE does consider itself an APS parent advocacy group, right? Seems relevant for the SB position if she included PTA, etc. on her bio.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

APE does consider itself an APS parent advocacy group, right? Seems relevant for the SB position if she included PTA, etc. on her bio.

Sure does, that's why it's shady as heck not to include it.

She has no actual leadership experience in APS. She didn't lead a PTA or an advisory committee which is a pretty glaring absence compared to most of the past successful candidates.

She founded and led a parent group whose unhinged members screamed at school board members and said awful things about teachers and APS staff during the pandemic. That's the sum of her leadership experience as far as I can tell. And now she wants to hide that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

APE does consider itself an APS parent advocacy group, right? Seems relevant for the SB position if she included PTA, etc. on her bio.

Sure does, that's why it's shady as heck not to include it.

She has no actual leadership experience in APS. She didn't lead a PTA or an advisory committee which is a pretty glaring absence compared to most of the past successful candidates.

She founded and led a parent group whose unhinged members screamed at school board members and said awful things about teachers and APS staff during the pandemic. That's the sum of her leadership experience as far as I can tell. And now she wants to hide that.

Maybe she doesn't have time to lead a PTA being a big law firm lawyer. But then how on earth will she have time to be on the school board?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

APE does consider itself an APS parent advocacy group, right? Seems relevant for the SB position if she included PTA, etc. on her bio.

Sure does, that's why it's shady as heck not to include it.

She has no actual leadership experience in APS. She didn't lead a PTA or an advisory committee which is a pretty glaring absence compared to most of the past successful candidates.

She founded and led a parent group whose unhinged members screamed at school board members and said awful things about teachers and APS staff during the pandemic. That's the sum of her leadership experience as far as I can tell. And now she wants to hide that.

I don’t feel like she’s trying to hide it, but they’ve moved on from that particular aspect. Now they are (correctly imo) focusing on the learning loss. I work for APS and was very upset by some members of APE during that time. I was afraid to return to my special education classroom before a vaccine. I was likewise turned off by the extreme handwringing of some in Smart Restart. Now, I’ve been back in the classroom for two years. I’m not holding grudges. It was a scary, unstable time and I don’t think anyone was at their best. I’m ready to listen without prejudice now. FWIW I am a member of APE’s Facebook group (muted about 7 people) and I think they are doing some good advocacy for class sizes and salaries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's kind of sneaky and dishonest that Miranda has no reference to her role as a founder/leader of APE on her website. We know what you did and who you did it with. Just own it. Be honest.

What are you talking about? THere is literally a FAQ on her website.

About APE:

What is Arlington Parents for Education (APE)?
Arlington Parents for Education is a local bipartisan group of Arlington parents that formed during the pandemic out of a Facebook group to advocate for APS to provide the option of in-person school. I remain proud of my advocacy, which involved efforts on a county-wide basis to persuade, engage respectfully, and use evidence, and leadership in encouraging others to do the same. APE still exists and you can learn more on their website.

I have been also proud of how our Arlington community has moved past that divisive debate to work together to continue to better our schools. As we came out of the pandemic, I helped shift APE’s focus to good governance issues and academics. Currently, APE’s advocacy activities range from meeting with local elected and APS officials, to publishing a regular newsletter on APS and speaking at School Board meetings, to active participation in the Arlington Civic Federation. A number of members are active politically in Arlington Democrats.

I resigned from APE’s board last year in order to pursue election as your next School Board member. I’m asking for your vote!