How to make an inforned decision on Fairfax county meal tax referendum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Every other jurisdiction around has a meals tax.

This is why I'll be voting no. When every jurisdiction has a meals tax and this issue continues to get promoted, FFX has the opportunity to siphon off business from those jurisdictions that have the tax. Let the revenue grow that way, rather than adding a disincentive to dine out as often.

This is a perfect opportunity to promote the fact that families in Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria can realize that we won't levy a tax on your meal, come dine in FFX.

Do you honestly believe people take this into account prior to deciding where to go out to dinner?

Judging by the fact that the majority of these comments aren't "Nanny nanny boo boo", yes, I think informed people will vote and dine with their feet.

Just ask New Hampshire liquor shop owners the percentage of their business that comes from Massachusetts, especially around the holidays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

In addition to this, we are educating kids up to the age of 22 in our high schools. It is likely that some of these were not even in school until they crossed the border. If you think this doesn't cost more than educating a Kindergartener who was born in Fairfax County, you are very naïve. The undocumented immigrants are a huge drain on our school system. I know of churches that even provide food for these kids on the weekends. It is very sad--but we need to stop the flow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

This doesn't show the change, but it does give numbers.

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps

"As the 10th largest school division in the U.S., Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) serves a diverse student population of more than 186,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12. More than 52,000 (28 percent of total population) of those students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals; more than 28,000 (17 percent of total population) receive English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) services, and more than 25,000 (13 percent of total population) receive special education services. Demographically, 40 percent of FCPS students are White, 24 percent are Hispanic, 19 percent are Asian American, 10 percent are African American, and five percent are multiracial."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

No, they are not awesome. We moved kids from very regarded private school to a great FCPS in the high school and I very regret it. FCPS education is not great. You need to educate yourself. Kids doing fine (all grades are As) and findign the curriculum is very easy with a lot of AP courses. There are a lot of volume but zero substance taught. I think people who say that FSPS education awesome have never been exposed to a great education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

This doesn't show the change, but it does give numbers.

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps

"As the 10th largest school division in the U.S., Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) serves a diverse student population of more than 186,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12. More than 52,000 (28 percent of total population) of those students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals; more than 28,000 (17 percent of total population) receive English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) services, and more than 25,000 (13 percent of total population) receive special education services. Demographically, 40 percent of FCPS students are White, 24 percent are Hispanic, 19 percent are Asian American, 10 percent are African American, and five percent are multiracial."

I would like to know what percentage are children of illegal immigrants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

In addition to this, we are educating kids up to the age of 22 in our high schools. It is likely that some of these were not even in school until they crossed the border. If you think this doesn't cost more than educating a Kindergartener who was born in Fairfax County, you are very naïve. The undocumented immigrants are a huge drain on our school system. I know of churches that even provide food for these kids on the weekends. It is very sad--but we need to stop the flow.

This is federally mandated for eligible special ed students. I have a child using special education services. You're an ass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

This doesn't show the change, but it does give numbers.

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps

"As the 10th largest school division in the U.S., Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) serves a diverse student population of more than 186,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12. More than 52,000 (28 percent of total population) of those students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals; more than 28,000 (17 percent of total population) receive English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) services, and more than 25,000 (13 percent of total population) receive special education services. Demographically, 40 percent of FCPS students are White, 24 percent are Hispanic, 19 percent are Asian American, 10 percent are African American, and five percent are multiracial."

I would like to know what percentage are children of illegal immigrants.

FCPS would never disclose that number.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Like other children, undocumented students are obliged under state law to attend school until they reach a mandated age. As a result of the Plyler ruling, public schools may not:
Deny admission to a student during initial enrollment or at any other time on the basis of undocumented status.
Treat a student differently to determine residency.
Engage in any practices to "chill" the right of access to school.
Require students or parents to disclose or document their immigration status.
Make inquiries of students or parents that may expose their undocumented status.
Require social security numbers from all students, as this may expose undocumented status.
Students without social security numbers should be assigned a number generated by the school. Adults without social security numbers who are applying for a free lunch and/or breakfast program on behalf of a student need only indicate on the application that they do not have a social security number.
Changes in the F-1 (Student) Visa Program do not alter the Plyler obligations to undocumented children. These changes apply only to students who apply for a student visa from outside the U.S.
Finally, school personnel -- especially building principals and those involved with student intake activities -- should be aware that they have no legal obligation to enforce U.S. immigration laws. (U.S. Supreme Court, 1982)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

I guess the census tract data could be compared with school enrollment for specific years. Even if a child is in private or home schooled that number must be reported since enrollment in school is mandatory. So if there are ie 120,000 on the census in specific age groups - 120000 in public, 40000 private/home schooled the diff is 40,000. Illegal/undocumented on census?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

Do you have any proof, any whatsoever, of either end of this statement? Because I mostly find right wing websites that claim this. My kid's in FCPS. It's expensive because the school is effing awesome.

Not the pp, but look at the FCPS budget. When ESOL students comprise 20% of the student population in FCPS, that is quite a chunk of the budget. FCPS supports over 36,000 students with ESOL services, and many of those also need SpEd services. Any teacher will tell you that a large number of these students are in our country illegally.

I guess the census tract data could be compared with school enrollment for specific years. Even if a child is in private or home schooled that number must be reported since enrollment in school is mandatory. So if there are ie 120,000 on the census in specific age groups - 120000 in public, 40000 private/home schooled the diff is 40,000. Illegal/undocumented on census?

Illegal immigrants are counted in the census. The census counts all the people in the country, not just US citizens.

[Anonymous]

Yes- i see I was wrong. Census lumps all immigrants together. http://www.census.gov/population/intmigration/about/faq.html


I did stumble upon this https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-news/without-social-security-numbers-illegal-immigrants-face-eviction/2016/02/10/2fcd64c2-ca9d-11e5-a7b2-5a2f824b02c9_story.html#comments

interesting that in DC we had to provide SS to rent.

[Anonymous]

My issue is that there is no guarantee that they won't redirect other revenue to another project since they will have money from the meals tax for the schools. My understanding is that here is nothing to compel them to use this money in addition to other money they already received and this could end up not really being of benefit to the schools if they pull other funding instead of treating this as addiitonal money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My issue is that there is no guarantee that they won't redirect other revenue to another project since they will have money from the meals tax for the schools. My understanding is that here is nothing to compel them to use this money in addition to other money they already received and this could end up not really being of benefit to the schools if they pull other funding instead of treating this as addiitonal money.

Your understanding is correct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My issue is that there is no guarantee that they won't redirect other revenue to another project since they will have money from the meals tax for the schools. My understanding is that here is nothing to compel them to use this money in addition to other money they already received and this could end up not really being of benefit to the schools if they pull other funding instead of treating this as addiitonal money.

Your understanding is correct.

PP here. So, what do you think is the likely result? Will the schools end up with more money or no?