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

[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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

[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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Give poor Sterling a break! He has brain fog with his long covid.

[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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

[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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

Consultants have their own line item.

[Anonymous]

Just sharing the link for reference if anyone interested in looking at the budget. What are the problems? It is clearly listed out

https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/05/28/are-layoffs-necessary-at-mcps

“MCPS is not getting cut. It’s getting an increase. Since the pandemic began, MCPS has received significant budget increases despite a drop in enrollment. In the past, the county council has often given MCPS less than the school board wants and there have not been layoffs. MCPS had a significant fund balance as recently as 11 months ago, raising questions about what it has now. Finally, contractual services have been a major factor in rising spending but MCPS is discussing layoffs of union members.”

[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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

Which is why the "it doesn't affect you, we're not asking for YOU services to be cut" line from the MVA supporters is BS. They're proposing cutting the budget for my kid's speech services. They're just not honest enough to admit it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

Which is why the "it doesn't affect you, we're not asking for YOU services to be cut" line from the MVA supporters is BS. They're proposing cutting the budget for my kid's speech services. They're just not honest enough to admit it.

What are you talking about. Your kid will not get more speech if they cut the mva. You are being spiteful and petty. Get your kid into private speech.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

Which is why the "it doesn't affect you, we're not asking for YOU services to be cut" line from the MVA supporters is BS. They're proposing cutting the budget for my kid's speech services. They're just not honest enough to admit it.

What are you talking about. Your kid will not get more speech if they cut the mva. You are being spiteful and petty. Get your kid into private speech.

Get your kid into private online school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just sharing the link for reference if anyone interested in looking at the budget. What are the problems? It is clearly listed out

https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/05/28/are-layoffs-necessary-at-mcps

“MCPS is not getting cut. It’s getting an increase. Since the pandemic began, MCPS has received significant budget increases despite a drop in enrollment. In the past, the county council has often given MCPS less than the school board wants and there have not been layoffs. MCPS had a significant fund balance as recently as 11 months ago, raising questions about what it has now. Finally, contractual services have been a major factor in rising spending but MCPS is discussing layoffs of union members.”

There's no big secret. The vast majority of the increase in spending comes from staff salaries and benefits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

Which is why the "it doesn't affect you, we're not asking for YOU services to be cut" line from the MVA supporters is BS. They're proposing cutting the budget for my kid's speech services. They're just not honest enough to admit it.

Oh I agree! I just want them to understand what they are proposing. No one wants to teach special education so we spend money contracting people to fill these needs. They charge more than teachers. This was discussed at the education committee with Jawando.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

Yes money for contractors has increased by millions not sure why people are calling them consultants.

Because they are in there too.

They're actually not. A lot of contracted services are 3rd parties filling gaps for special services

Which is why the "it doesn't affect you, we're not asking for YOU services to be cut" line from the MVA supporters is BS. They're proposing cutting the budget for my kid's speech services. They're just not honest enough to admit it.

What are you talking about. Your kid will not get more speech if they cut the mva. You are being spiteful and petty. Get your kid into private speech.

Get your kid into private online school.

Bingo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

DP. It felt like a promise and I feel betrayed. I thought I had another year to figure out what cones next. Now we’ll try to scrape together sone funds to enroll in private online I guess. We don’t want our home school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They can protest if they want, but staging a student sit-in and arguing that in-person school is not a safe option for your child are contradictory statements and actions. Both things can't be true. If it's safe for your kid to protest, it's safe for them to come to school to learn.

But the sit in kids will largely be masked. Masks have gone away in classrooms. Big difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sharing the link for reference if anyone interested in looking at the budget. What are the problems? It is clearly listed out

https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/05/28/are-layoffs-necessary-at-mcps

“MCPS is not getting cut. It’s getting an increase. Since the pandemic began, MCPS has received significant budget increases despite a drop in enrollment. In the past, the county council has often given MCPS less than the school board wants and there have not been layoffs. MCPS had a significant fund balance as recently as 11 months ago, raising questions about what it has now. Finally, contractual services have been a major factor in rising spending but MCPS is discussing layoffs of union members.”

There's no big secret. The vast majority of the increase in spending comes from staff salaries and benefits.

https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/05/28/are-layoffs-necessary-at-mcps/

To be more specific, there’s a line item under Fact #6 where contractual services is up to $99M+. Where are all these money goes? It’s so vague listed as a line item and after being questioned for weeks by the union still no one can come up with a detailed break down. Why taking up extra $30M from the budget in upcoming school year? Would it be a continuous trend? This will indicate if it will continue to jeopardize so many other existing programs and services within the county in upcoming years that all of us should care. I hope truely there’s no big secrets there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

DP. It felt like a promise and I feel betrayed. I thought I had another year to figure out what cones next. Now we’ll try to scrape together sone funds to enroll in private online I guess. We don’t want our home school.

If you don't want your home school, then it sounds like you were always planning on going private. I don't see the problem.