Mclean boundary changes - can someone please update?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a done deal? All of Colvin run now will go to copper/Langley and also parts of west brier and Spring Hill?

Looking at a map, this looks like it makes sense.

I have a current 6th grader who will be attending cooper next year. I welcome diversity and so do most other people I know.

Why didn’t the apartments get moved to Langley?

Very doubtful parents try to keep multi family housing out.

The apartments didn't get moved to Langley, as the staff had proposed, because Elaine Tholen was browbeaten by parents who said eliminating the split feeder at Colvin Run and having a "cleaner" boundary map was more important. You don't have to keep people out when you let the ones begging the hardest to be let in have their way.

This is what FCPS has done over and over again for more than a decade, and then they act shocked when the disparities in nearby schools (Annandale/Woodson, Lewis/West Springfield, McLean/Langley) keep increasing. It's their doing, and they know how to look sad about it but not fix it or avoid it.

You have been repeating yourself over and over. It makes zero sense to draw weird boundaries all in the name of “equity” - as if an apartment here or there would make any difference at all. It’s an asinine argument. Boundaries *should* be drawn cleanly and simply, with no ulterior motives. It’s people like you, ranting about apartments, who have gummed up this whole process. Most parents just want a boundary that makes sense. Split-feeders are ridiculous. I’m glad they fixed that.

If you want to traffic in what's good planning, building out a school with a declining enrollment in a remote corner of the county to over 2350 students, as FCPS did with Langley, probably isn't going to win any awards.

Every student they decided to move to make the boundaries "cleaner" will travel further to Langley than it would take them to travel to McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Motion One: I move to adopt the FCPS recommendation of Option B, as presented to the community on December 7, 2020. This would adjust the boundaries of McLean HS, Langley HS, Longfellow MS, and Cooper MS. The change would adjust the feeder pattern of the Colvin Run ES split feeder area, a portion of the Spring Hill ES split feeder area, and a portion of Westbriar ES from Longfellow MS and McLean HS, to Cooper MS and Langley HS. The adjustment will not change the elementary school boundary.



In addition, the following phasing plan will implement the boundary change:
Rising 7th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2021-22 school year, with rising 8th graders grandfathered to remain at Longfellow MS in the 2021-22 school year. Both 7th and 8th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2022-23 school year.

Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the area will be grandfathered and remain at McLean HS. The high school boundary change will begin with rising 9th grade students in the 2021-22 school year; 9th and 10th grade students in the 2022-23 school year; 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in the 2023-24 school year; and 9th through 12th grade students in the 2024-25 school year.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Karl V Frisch.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch
No: Abrar Omeish
Not Present at Vote: Tamara D Kaufax
Rising 9th graders residing in the area changed will have the option to attend Langley HS in SY 2021-22 or be grandfathered at McLean HS with transportation provided through 12thgrade in the 2024-25 school year. The option chosen for the 2021-22 school year will determine the school through the 2024-25 school year and will not be able to be changed.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Melanie K Meren.
Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Tamara D Kaufax, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Abrar Omeish, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch

So this is the final decision, right?

Totally different than the recommendation of the modified C from the last meeting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Motion One: I move to adopt the FCPS recommendation of Option B, as presented to the community on December 7, 2020. This would adjust the boundaries of McLean HS, Langley HS, Longfellow MS, and Cooper MS. The change would adjust the feeder pattern of the Colvin Run ES split feeder area, a portion of the Spring Hill ES split feeder area, and a portion of Westbriar ES from Longfellow MS and McLean HS, to Cooper MS and Langley HS. The adjustment will not change the elementary school boundary.



In addition, the following phasing plan will implement the boundary change:
Rising 7th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2021-22 school year, with rising 8th graders grandfathered to remain at Longfellow MS in the 2021-22 school year. Both 7th and 8th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2022-23 school year.

Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the area will be grandfathered and remain at McLean HS. The high school boundary change will begin with rising 9th grade students in the 2021-22 school year; 9th and 10th grade students in the 2022-23 school year; 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in the 2023-24 school year; and 9th through 12th grade students in the 2024-25 school year.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Karl V Frisch.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch
No: Abrar Omeish
Not Present at Vote: Tamara D Kaufax
Rising 9th graders residing in the area changed will have the option to attend Langley HS in SY 2021-22 or be grandfathered at McLean HS with transportation provided through 12thgrade in the 2024-25 school year. The option chosen for the 2021-22 school year will determine the school through the 2024-25 school year and will not be able to be changed.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Melanie K Meren.
Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Tamara D Kaufax, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Abrar Omeish, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch

So this is the final decision, right?

Totally different than the recommendation of the modified C from the last meeting.

Yes, earlier in this thread I noticed the same thing. At the last minute they changed to option B. Some people responded and explained Tholen got a lot of pressure to go with B. It's a done deal, but quite generous to not only gradnfather in rising 10-12th graders, but also rising 9th graders. Seems like a reasonable first step, but they need to get McLean in line for an expansion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Motion One: I move to adopt the FCPS recommendation of Option B, as presented to the community on December 7, 2020. This would adjust the boundaries of McLean HS, Langley HS, Longfellow MS, and Cooper MS. The change would adjust the feeder pattern of the Colvin Run ES split feeder area, a portion of the Spring Hill ES split feeder area, and a portion of Westbriar ES from Longfellow MS and McLean HS, to Cooper MS and Langley HS. The adjustment will not change the elementary school boundary.



In addition, the following phasing plan will implement the boundary change:
Rising 7th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2021-22 school year, with rising 8th graders grandfathered to remain at Longfellow MS in the 2021-22 school year. Both 7th and 8th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2022-23 school year.

Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the area will be grandfathered and remain at McLean HS. The high school boundary change will begin with rising 9th grade students in the 2021-22 school year; 9th and 10th grade students in the 2022-23 school year; 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in the 2023-24 school year; and 9th through 12th grade students in the 2024-25 school year.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Karl V Frisch.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch
No: Abrar Omeish
Not Present at Vote: Tamara D Kaufax
Rising 9th graders residing in the area changed will have the option to attend Langley HS in SY 2021-22 or be grandfathered at McLean HS with transportation provided through 12thgrade in the 2024-25 school year. The option chosen for the 2021-22 school year will determine the school through the 2024-25 school year and will not be able to be changed.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Melanie K Meren.
Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Tamara D Kaufax, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Abrar Omeish, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch

So this is the final decision, right?

Totally different than the recommendation of the modified C from the last meeting.

Yes. It's done. Stick a fork in McLean.

They dragged this out for years and then changed the recommended option at the last minute and after the public hearing. Brabrand didn't even try and hide his bemusement at having a staff recommendation ignored yet again by this School Board.

[Anonymous]

Depressing how political everything with this SB is - why even have staff recommendations if the loudest parent groups with the most $ drive the decisions.

VA needs to start adding party affiliation for SB candidates to the ballot - it is a farce that they are independent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depressing how political everything with this SB is - why even have staff recommendations if the loudest parent groups with the most $ drive the decisions.

VA needs to start adding party affiliation for SB candidates to the ballot - it is a farce that they are independent.

I am just glad they provided for an extended phase-in of the boundary change. It will reduce the stress for current Longfellow and McLean students and give those of us tired of the incompetence and hypocrisy of FCPS more time to switch to privates or unload our homes before the effects of their decision are obvious.

[Anonymous]

I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Motion One: I move to adopt the FCPS recommendation of Option B, as presented to the community on December 7, 2020. This would adjust the boundaries of McLean HS, Langley HS, Longfellow MS, and Cooper MS. The change would adjust the feeder pattern of the Colvin Run ES split feeder area, a portion of the Spring Hill ES split feeder area, and a portion of Westbriar ES from Longfellow MS and McLean HS, to Cooper MS and Langley HS. The adjustment will not change the elementary school boundary.



In addition, the following phasing plan will implement the boundary change:
Rising 7th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2021-22 school year, with rising 8th graders grandfathered to remain at Longfellow MS in the 2021-22 school year. Both 7th and 8th grade students will attend Cooper MS in the 2022-23 school year.

Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the area will be grandfathered and remain at McLean HS. The high school boundary change will begin with rising 9th grade students in the 2021-22 school year; 9th and 10th grade students in the 2022-23 school year; 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in the 2023-24 school year; and 9th through 12th grade students in the 2024-25 school year.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Karl V Frisch.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch
No: Abrar Omeish
Not Present at Vote: Tamara D Kaufax
Rising 9th graders residing in the area changed will have the option to attend Langley HS in SY 2021-22 or be grandfathered at McLean HS with transportation provided through 12thgrade in the 2024-25 school year. The option chosen for the 2021-22 school year will determine the school through the 2024-25 school year and will not be able to be changed.

Motion by Elaine V Tholen, second by Melanie K Meren.
Motion Carries
Yes: Megan McLaughlin, Ricardy J Anderson - Chair, Melanie K Meren, Rachna S Heizer, Elaine V Tholen, Tamara D Kaufax, Karen Corbett Sanders, Karen A Keys-Gamarra, Stella Pekarsky - Vice Chair, Abrar Omeish, Laura Jane H Cohen, Karl V Frisch

So this is the final decision, right?

Totally different than the recommendation of the modified C from the last meeting.

Yes, earlier in this thread I noticed the same thing. At the last minute they changed to option B. Some people responded and explained Tholen got a lot of pressure to go with B. It's a done deal, but quite generous to not only gradnfather in rising 10-12th graders, but also rising 9th graders. Seems like a reasonable first step, but they need to get McLean in line for an expansion.

If you think Elaine Tholen, who just threw McLean under a bus and made sure Langley will remain apartment-free, or any other School Board member is going to lift a finger to "get McLean in line for an expansion" any time soon, you will be disappointed.

That school is going to be on a downward trajectory for a long time, and they won't make any significant investment in it until it finally crumbles to the point where they are forced to either renovate it or close it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

How does pulling more kids out of MHS than recommended by the staff improve the odds that it will "likely get in the line for expansion"? They'll spend money anywhere but McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

From reading this thread, it appears that some of the wealthier families from McLean High are getting moved to Langley. There was a pp who said that some of the most involved families are in the neighborhoods that have been assigned to Langley.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

From reading this thread, it appears that some of the wealthier families from McLean High are getting moved to Langley. There was a pp who said that some of the most involved families are in the neighborhoods that have been assigned to Langley.

Yes, those Vienna kids and families were always among the most actively involved at the school. Now they are shifting McLean to a school with a higher concentration of transient families living in apartments in Tysons and Merrifield, while keeping Langley almost entirely single-family neighborhoods (it has no apartments and only a handful of expensive townhouses). And because they are moving more kids than staff had recommended, it will delay, not expedite, any permanent addition to McLean and keep kids there in a cheap modular and moldy trailers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

This is not a negative for McLean. It is good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am confused because it seems many are suggesting this is a negative for McLean. How is this a negative for those in McLean district long term if it will relieve some overcrowding and McLean will likely get in the line for expansion?

This is not a negative for McLean. It is good.

I wish it were, but I've seen this movie before and it's not. No school comes out ahead when the School Board both under-invests in its facilities and moves a significant proportion of its higher-achieving kids to other schools.

The only school this is good for is Langley.

[Anonymous]

There are already local realtors highlighting single-family neighborhoods that will move from McLean to Langley. Langley will be a powerhouse; McLean will be a has-been.

[Anonymous]

I hadn’t been inclined to support those seeking Elaine Tholen’s recall until now, but this breach of trust has changed my mind. It is unconscionable after all these years to switch the plan at the last minute. Like they really couldn’t have bothered to tell people they’d changed their mind, explained why, and scheduled a follow-up hearing? It’s so obvious she didn’t want to deal with people honestly.