APS - Who is running for School Board?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, having a complete newcomer with no roots and no stake is always a great idea!

She’s not that new. Been in Arlington going on 5 years. She’s done a lot in those years and I look forward to what else she will do. It seems she reviews both the county and school budgets (poor thing) and sits on a third commission. Katie Cristol was elected to county board at 28 or 29 and is doing a fine job. I think Cristina will also do great.

She lived in NV until June 2016 and then first worked in DC in Sept 2016, according to linked in. How could she have been in Arlington for 5 years? You campaign staffers should really get your facts straight about your own candidate.

3, 4, ... that's going on 5. Just like every other bullet point in her resume, they're exaggerating.

Go Cristina go! Big Cristina believer here. We work together and went to undergrad at the same school. Love all the attention she's getting in here. I also love how threatened everyone is, meaning she will at least be one of the front runners right? She's shaking up the status quo. Considering the median age in Arlington is 33 and 80% of our residents also don't have children, she actually embodies Arlington. Get over yourselves and attack her policy positions, her impact on the 3 commissions, or her research based approach to using data. Arlington is getting younger, and some of you are just so out of touch. She already advises schools, districts, and state education leaders across the country. This week we were just on a call with California's secretary of education. He was taking his cues from Cristina. Imagine that. Not to mention that she does this full time every week. I'm sorry, but the problems we face in Arlington don't even compare to some of the issues other districts are up against. She's uniquely equipped to lead our system and I hope she wins. Her masters is in education... specifically it is in curriculum design (lol wake up people). She's one of only two candidates with an actual education background. While some of the naysayers attempt to attack her experience, the fact is that her and Sandy are the ONLY two who know exactly what its like to be in a classroom. She has more experience in the classroom than four of the other candidates. That argument is now weak, and weakens stronger arguments. I'm looking forward to her outlining everyones actual qualifying "education experience" in a public forum. The other do gooders are lost when it comes to the exact impact of every board decision. How could they ever know what its like for our students and teachers. They are the true "political climbers."

This is sad. Please stop. Next we’re going to hear from Cristina’s boyfriend who lives in Canada.

[Anonymous]

Re: Priddy, saw this on an email today about his kickoff event:

President of TJ PTA
Member of Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI)
County Council of PTAs (CCPTA)
NAACP Education Committee
Superintendent's Advisory Committee on Equity and Excellence
BLPC for the Career Center Expansion
Civ Fed Schools Committee
Arlington Heights Civic Association Schools and Facilities Committee
Tutors kids two days a week at Arlington Mill through Aspire

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you about Dave Priddy. He has a middle school and elementary school student. He grew up in Arlington and is a genuinely nice guy. He listens to people and thinks about things. He's coming from a business/construction background (elevators, I think) so brings that to the table.

He ran last time and started to build a coalition. Out knocking on doors. Not aiming for higher things. He's frustrated with how APS has been running things, lack of transparency, fiscally unwise decisions (see architectural wonder that is HB followed immediately by the cries of poverty to build at Career Center). He's concerned about equity.

Last time, he was a relative newcomer, but he has used the last year to gain a ton more experience. Lots of committees, PTA president for TJMS, and just in general making more connections and learning the system better.

He's genuinely motivated and has a stake in the game. He'll listen to you. I've met him and like him.

He definitely has one of my votes.

He has mine too, and I will be candid that I didn't vote for him the first time he ran. I didn't think he knew enough then but have been impressed since then how he's dug in and done the work and listened and learned. So he earned my vote.

That’s not enough for me. Sorry. I’m sure he is a really nice guy from the sounds of it but what are his qualifications? You mention that he’s got a ton more experience. Didn’t he just run last year? Asking for clarity.

Yeah I’m skeptical too. I’ve heard this refrain - he’s really learned a lot since last year - from multiple sources and it just sounds like a campaign talking point. The last caucus was 7 months ago. Do we really think someone can do a full turn around in that short period of time? Yes, he’s joined a bunch of committees. If that was the yardstick then we wouldn’t be 20 pages into a thread primarily about bashing Cristina’s time on those same committees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you about Dave Priddy. He has a middle school and elementary school student. He grew up in Arlington and is a genuinely nice guy. He listens to people and thinks about things. He's coming from a business/construction background (elevators, I think) so brings that to the table.

He ran last time and started to build a coalition. Out knocking on doors. Not aiming for higher things. He's frustrated with how APS has been running things, lack of transparency, fiscally unwise decisions (see architectural wonder that is HB followed immediately by the cries of poverty to build at Career Center). He's concerned about equity.

Last time, he was a relative newcomer, but he has used the last year to gain a ton more experience. Lots of committees, PTA president for TJMS, and just in general making more connections and learning the system better.

He's genuinely motivated and has a stake in the game. He'll listen to you. I've met him and like him.

He definitely has one of my votes.

He has mine too, and I will be candid that I didn't vote for him the first time he ran. I didn't think he knew enough then but have been impressed since then how he's dug in and done the work and listened and learned. So he earned my vote.

That’s not enough for me. Sorry. I’m sure he is a really nice guy from the sounds of it but what are his qualifications? You mention that he’s got a ton more experience. Didn’t he just run last year? Asking for clarity.

Yeah I’m skeptical too. I’ve heard this refrain - he’s really learned a lot since last year - from multiple sources and it just sounds like a campaign talking point. The last caucus was 7 months ago. Do we really think someone can do a full turn around in that short period of time? Yes, he’s joined a bunch of committees. If that was the yardstick then we wouldn’t be 20 pages into a thread primarily about bashing Cristina’s time on those same committees.

well- he has joined things where he has to actually produce- e.g. president of the TJ PTA. That being said- I'm still kind of skeptical, and I question if he can really be an effective member of all of those. (I'm on one of the same committees he is on and I rarely see him there- I'm sure he has numerous conflicts.)
Fortunately- since we rank the candidates instead of just voting for 2, I think it makes less difference exactly how they rank.

my current ranking (could change) is;
Munnell.
Walker
Sims
Priddy
Cristina
the Key grudge candidate whose name I am blanking on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, having a complete newcomer with no roots and no stake is always a great idea!

She’s not that new. Been in Arlington going on 5 years. She’s done a lot in those years and I look forward to what else she will do. It seems she reviews both the county and school budgets (poor thing) and sits on a third commission. Katie Cristol was elected to county board at 28 or 29 and is doing a fine job. I think Cristina will also do great.

She lived in NV until June 2016 and then first worked in DC in Sept 2016, according to linked in. How could she have been in Arlington for 5 years? You campaign staffers should really get your facts straight about your own candidate.

3, 4, ... that's going on 5. Just like every other bullet point in her resume, they're exaggerating.

Go Cristina go! Big Cristina believer here. We work together and went to undergrad at the same school. Love all the attention she's getting in here. I also love how threatened everyone is, meaning she will at least be one of the front runners right? She's shaking up the status quo. Considering the median age in Arlington is 33 and 80% of our residents also don't have children, she actually embodies Arlington. Get over yourselves and attack her policy positions, her impact on the 3 commissions, or her research based approach to using data. Arlington is getting younger, and some of you are just so out of touch. She already advises schools, districts, and state education leaders across the country. This week we were just on a call with California's secretary of education. He was taking his cues from Cristina. Imagine that. Not to mention that she does this full time every week. I'm sorry, but the problems we face in Arlington don't even compare to some of the issues other districts are up against. She's uniquely equipped to lead our system and I hope she wins. Her masters is in education... specifically it is in curriculum design (lol wake up people). She's one of only two candidates with an actual education background. While some of the naysayers attempt to attack her experience, the fact is that her and Sandy are the ONLY two who know exactly what its like to be in a classroom. She has more experience in the classroom than four of the other candidates. That argument is now weak, and weakens stronger arguments. I'm looking forward to her outlining everyones actual qualifying "education experience" in a public forum. The other do gooders are lost when it comes to the exact impact of every board decision. How could they ever know what its like for our students and teachers. They are the true "political climbers."

Fascinating. Cristina being defended by a co-worker at her "consulting" firm that is filled with most former TFA members. The firm seems like a huge echo chamber.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Krieger is running. I didn't think I could have a candidate I would rank lower than Cristina until I saw his campaign website. He is running to 'keep communities together' and 'bring back summer enrichment'. Umm- how exactly do you want to account for new growth if 'communities' always have to stay together?
https://www.stevenforschoolboard.com/nice-to-meet-you

Just what we need, a single issue grudge candidate. If the Key move happens it will be final before this guy takes office. So then what of his tenure?

At least he has kids in APS and is motivated by his interest in our schools, not a political career. None of the candidates are perfect, but so far Cristina is the only one to have no legitimate connection to our schools and it’s disgraceful that she’s being endorsed by the Arlington democrats. I’d rather a bunch of pissed off parents at the helm than someone without a vested interest in the day to day realities of our schools.

The fact that she isn’t a parent (yet) is actually better. I see her as completely objective in the decisions that she makes... more objective than some of the candidates who actually will be pursuing their own interests over the collective interests. Kids will not cloud her judgement based on their own preferences and interests.

LOL. It means she’ll do what the people who put her there want her to do. Which is make sure that schools - whether it’s funding, location, demographics, you name it — interfere with loading up South Arlington with ever more affordable housing. That is all the AC/DC cares about: more money for affordable housing, no matter what.

Do you mean make sure schools do NOT interfere with loading up SA with more AH?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Krieger is running. I didn't think I could have a candidate I would rank lower than Cristina until I saw his campaign website. He is running to 'keep communities together' and 'bring back summer enrichment'. Umm- how exactly do you want to account for new growth if 'communities' always have to stay together?
https://www.stevenforschoolboard.com/nice-to-meet-you

Just what we need, a single issue grudge candidate. If the Key move happens it will be final before this guy takes office. So then what of his tenure?

At least he has kids in APS and is motivated by his interest in our schools, not a political career. None of the candidates are perfect, but so far Cristina is the only one to have no legitimate connection to our schools and it’s disgraceful that she’s being endorsed by the Arlington democrats. I’d rather a bunch of pissed off parents at the helm than someone without a vested interest in the day to day realities of our schools.

The fact that she isn’t a parent (yet) is actually better. I see her as completely objective in the decisions that she makes... more objective than some of the candidates who actually will be pursuing their own interests over the collective interests. Kids will not cloud her judgement based on their own preferences and interests.

LOL. It means she’ll do what the people who put her there want her to do. Which is make sure that schools - whether it’s funding, location, demographics, you name it — interfere with loading up South Arlington with ever more affordable housing. That is all the AC/DC cares about: more money for affordable housing, no matter what.

Do you mean make sure schools do NOT interfere with loading up SA with more AH?

Sorry - I just saw your correction Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you about Dave Priddy. He has a middle school and elementary school student. He grew up in Arlington and is a genuinely nice guy. He listens to people and thinks about things. He's coming from a business/construction background (elevators, I think) so brings that to the table.

He ran last time and started to build a coalition. Out knocking on doors. Not aiming for higher things. He's frustrated with how APS has been running things, lack of transparency, fiscally unwise decisions (see architectural wonder that is HB followed immediately by the cries of poverty to build at Career Center). He's concerned about equity.

Last time, he was a relative newcomer, but he has used the last year to gain a ton more experience. Lots of committees, PTA president for TJMS, and just in general making more connections and learning the system better.

He's genuinely motivated and has a stake in the game. He'll listen to you. I've met him and like him.

He definitely has one of my votes.

He has mine too, and I will be candid that I didn't vote for him the first time he ran. I didn't think he knew enough then but have been impressed since then how he's dug in and done the work and listened and learned. So he earned my vote.

That’s not enough for me. Sorry. I’m sure he is a really nice guy from the sounds of it but what are his qualifications? You mention that he’s got a ton more experience. Didn’t he just run last year? Asking for clarity.

Yeah I’m skeptical too. I’ve heard this refrain - he’s really learned a lot since last year - from multiple sources and it just sounds like a campaign talking point. The last caucus was 7 months ago. Do we really think someone can do a full turn around in that short period of time? Yes, he’s joined a bunch of committees. If that was the yardstick then we wouldn’t be 20 pages into a thread primarily about bashing Cristina’s time on those same committees.

I'm on a committee with Symone. She just joined it and doesn't always show up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'm on a committee with Symone. She just joined it and doesn't always show up.

How many meetings is this committee having? How could she has "just joined" and "not always show up"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm on a committee with Symone. She just joined it and doesn't always show up.

How many meetings is this committee having? How could she has "just joined" and "not always show up"?

Joined at the beginning of this school year but touts it as part of her qualifications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm on a committee with Symone. She just joined it and doesn't always show up.

How many meetings is this committee having? How could she has "just joined" and "not always show up"?

Joined at the beginning of this school year but touts it as part of her qualifications.

Same here for David Priddy. I’m on a committee with him and he rarely shows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you about Dave Priddy. He has a middle school and elementary school student. He grew up in Arlington and is a genuinely nice guy. He listens to people and thinks about things. He's coming from a business/construction background (elevators, I think) so brings that to the table.

He ran last time and started to build a coalition. Out knocking on doors. Not aiming for higher things. He's frustrated with how APS has been running things, lack of transparency, fiscally unwise decisions (see architectural wonder that is HB followed immediately by the cries of poverty to build at Career Center). He's concerned about equity.

Last time, he was a relative newcomer, but he has used the last year to gain a ton more experience. Lots of committees, PTA president for TJMS, and just in general making more connections and learning the system better.

He's genuinely motivated and has a stake in the game. He'll listen to you. I've met him and like him.

He definitely has one of my votes.

He has mine too, and I will be candid that I didn't vote for him the first time he ran. I didn't think he knew enough then but have been impressed since then how he's dug in and done the work and listened and learned. So he earned my vote.

That’s not enough for me. Sorry. I’m sure he is a really nice guy from the sounds of it but what are his qualifications? You mention that he’s got a ton more experience. Didn’t he just run last year? Asking for clarity.

Yeah I’m skeptical too. I’ve heard this refrain - he’s really learned a lot since last year - from multiple sources and it just sounds like a campaign talking point. The last caucus was 7 months ago. Do we really think someone can do a full turn around in that short period of time? Yes, he’s joined a bunch of committees. If that was the yardstick then we wouldn’t be 20 pages into a thread primarily about bashing Cristina’s time on those same committees.

well- he has joined things where he has to actually produce- e.g. president of the TJ PTA. That being said- I'm still kind of skeptical, and I question if he can really be an effective member of all of those. (I'm on one of the same committees he is on and I rarely see him there- I'm sure he has numerous conflicts.)
Fortunately- since we rank the candidates instead of just voting for 2, I think it makes less difference exactly how they rank.

my current ranking (could change) is;
Munnell.
Walker
Sims
Priddy
Cristina
the Key grudge candidate whose name I am blanking on.

Why do you rank Sims so high? He also seems like a joiner and a resume-builder, not a doer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a student with a reading disability, I would be thrilled to have a school board member who has experienced that journey in APS and bring personal perspective to the issue. Symone has my vote. I’m also just generally glad to see the field has expanded beyond Cristina. She may have a promising future in politics and with the Democratic Party, but I’m very turned off by the fact that she doesn’t have kids in the system or a background of teaching in the system. Has she ever had to cry through an IEP meeting? Has she ever had to decide whether to move her child to a different school because of bullying or bad teaching? Until you’ve had to grapple with problems at your own child’s APS school, or had a career within APS, you’re not qualified to be making decisions about our schools on our behalf. I’m a democrat and I generally vote along party lines, but I think it was a blunder for the democrats to assume we wouldn’t notice that their proposed candidate lacks the basic life experience we should all require of our school board members.

I respect this perspective, however given that schools are funded by a wide array of Arlingtonians and not just parents, I don't think it's fair to exclude voices of non-parents. Certainly parents bring a unique perspective and experience that must be reflected on the board, but they aren't the only perspectives that need to be considered or heard. Especially since the bulk of community feedback will be from other parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a student with a reading disability, I would be thrilled to have a school board member who has experienced that journey in APS and bring personal perspective to the issue. Symone has my vote. I’m also just generally glad to see the field has expanded beyond Cristina. She may have a promising future in politics and with the Democratic Party, but I’m very turned off by the fact that she doesn’t have kids in the system or a background of teaching in the system. Has she ever had to cry through an IEP meeting? Has she ever had to decide whether to move her child to a different school because of bullying or bad teaching? Until you’ve had to grapple with problems at your own child’s APS school, or had a career within APS, you’re not qualified to be making decisions about our schools on our behalf. I’m a democrat and I generally vote along party lines, but I think it was a blunder for the democrats to assume we wouldn’t notice that their proposed candidate lacks the basic life experience we should all require of our school board members.

I respect this perspective, however given that schools are funded by a wide array of Arlingtonians and not just parents, I don't think it's fair to exclude voices of non-parents. Certainly parents bring a unique perspective and experience that must be reflected on the board, but they aren't the only perspectives that need to be considered or heard. Especially since the bulk of community feedback will be from other parents.

Lots of people in Arlington who don't have kids in the schools now either had 1) kids in APS in the past, or 2) raised kids somewhere else, or 3) have lived in Arlington a long time and are familiar with the community issues. She is 0/3 on these valuable perspectives. "Young renter who recently moved to Arlington and is passionate about public policy" is a demographic, sure, but maybe shouldn't be our highest priority to have representation when there are only 5 Board positions, and only 2 in this election. There are lots of advisory commissions that people can participate on and have their voices heard if they want to contribute. They don't have to take up a 4-year slot on the Board.

[Anonymous]

I'm on a committee with Priddy and he's been at every meeting.