Arl Dems Caucus Endorsement - School Board - In the Candidates' Words

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Agree. As for PP who keeps saying that angry parents are responsible for the lasting harm done to our community. Puh-leaze. APS has always had groups of angry parents (remember past boundary fights?). The harm done to our community was in APS staying closed for far too long. Even the angriest of the APE haters agree that we stayed closed too long and kids have alot of unmet needs. The harm done to our community was not providing for kids of essential workers, like fairfax and ACPS did. The harms done to our kids were not in prioritizing the needs of students with disabilities, like PWC did. We had a roadmap on how to reopen schools safely in summer of 2020. Schools around the nation were figuring it out. Parochial schools in Arlington with far fewer resources than APS were figuring it out. You know what the lasting harms are in APS? The mental health issues and achievement gaps that are now chasms. Angry parents did not cause those lasting harms. It's now 2023. A few people are still stuck in 2020. Fortunately, it seems like those angry parents and Miranda aren't with them.

Huh? The kids went back to the classrooms after the teachers were vaccinated, which was a reasonable and common timeframe. What did Fairfax and ACPS do for essential worker kids that APS did not?

The pandemic harmed our kids. The bully parents harmed our community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

How did she respond to the bullying from members of the group that she led?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

How did she respond to the bullying from members of the group that she led?

When did you stop beating your wife?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

ummm what now? There are a few people who have taken up a mission of trashing MT on this thread at every single opportunity. There are repetitive and BASELESS claims about dark Koch money, that MT is a fake democrat, that MT is anti-trans and anti-diversity, and that she obviously can't manage her schedule as a working woman. Such disturbed fantasies are also sowing division? Or is it only okay because you're doing it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

How did she respond to the bullying from members of the group that she led?

bully bully bully. It's all you write about. I'm so sad for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

How did she respond to the bullying from members of the group that she led?

bully bully bully. It's all you write about. I'm so sad for you.

I'm sad for our community. Particularly the teachers who took the brunt of the hostility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

ummm what now? There are a few people who have taken up a mission of trashing MT on this thread at every single opportunity. There are repetitive and BASELESS claims about dark Koch money, that MT is a fake democrat, that MT is anti-trans and anti-diversity, and that she obviously can't manage her schedule as a working woman. Such disturbed fantasies are also sowing division? Or is it only okay because you're doing it?

She's a candidate for public office. Her actions and associations are up for discussion. She has worked closely for years with Republicans, including someone who works at a Koch organization and some who are anti-trans/CRT. Is anyone debating that?

She led a very divisive group that damaged our community. That is very relevant to the discussion of how well would she serve this community.

Why are you trying to silence other voices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Yes, this is the key question for me. She actually remained calm, used rational thinking, didn't take covid on as a political position, and clearly is able to respond to the threats - real or imagined - of bullying from other adults without caving out of fear. This is really the key skill that is missing from the current board. No one from the current board was able to do this. Not a single one.

How did she respond to the bullying from members of the group that she led?

When did you stop beating your wife?

It wasn't a hard question. And I don't have a wife.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

ummm what now? There are a few people who have taken up a mission of trashing MT on this thread at every single opportunity. There are repetitive and BASELESS claims about dark Koch money, that MT is a fake democrat, that MT is anti-trans and anti-diversity, and that she obviously can't manage her schedule as a working woman. Such disturbed fantasies are also sowing division? Or is it only okay because you're doing it?

She's a candidate for public office. Her actions and associations are up for discussion. She has worked closely for years with Republicans, including someone who works at a Koch organization and some who are anti-trans/CRT. Is anyone debating that?

She led a very divisive group that damaged our community. That is very relevant to the discussion of how well would she serve this community.

Why are you trying to silence other voices?

Why do you keep trying to imply Miranda Turner is a Republican when she clearly is not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

ummm what now? There are a few people who have taken up a mission of trashing MT on this thread at every single opportunity. There are repetitive and BASELESS claims about dark Koch money, that MT is a fake democrat, that MT is anti-trans and anti-diversity, and that she obviously can't manage her schedule as a working woman. Such disturbed fantasies are also sowing division? Or is it only okay because you're doing it?

She's a candidate for public office. Her actions and associations are up for discussion. She has worked closely for years with Republicans, including someone who works at a Koch organization and some who are anti-trans/CRT. Is anyone debating that?

She led a very divisive group that damaged our community. That is very relevant to the discussion of how well would she serve this community.

Why are you trying to silence other voices?

Why do you keep trying to imply Miranda Turner is a Republican when she clearly is not?

Bc some people insist that you aren’t a real Democrat unless you are the fringiest of the fringe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

I totally agree. People were reacting to a once-in-a-lifetime event. People were really suffering trying to work, raise their kids, and help with virtual schooling. It was a terrible time. I don’t understand why people are holding into this so hard and blaming a candidate who was not the voice of the fringe.

She was the leader of the fringe.

One of the worst "fringe" was her campaign manager and still involved with her now. He's on her contribution list and is photographed on her current website.

Untrustworthy.

Yep I remember that campaign manager's vicious and unfounded attacks on Miranda's opponent and her supporters last time. Not to mention our teachers. It was awful. How is someone like that supposed to bring the community together?

Exactly. So divisive. Just look at the comments from her supporters on this thread.

ummm what now? There are a few people who have taken up a mission of trashing MT on this thread at every single opportunity. There are repetitive and BASELESS claims about dark Koch money, that MT is a fake democrat, that MT is anti-trans and anti-diversity, and that she obviously can't manage her schedule as a working woman. Such disturbed fantasies are also sowing division? Or is it only okay because you're doing it?

She's a candidate for public office. Her actions and associations are up for discussion. She has worked closely for years with Republicans, including someone who works at a Koch organization and some who are anti-trans/CRT. Is anyone debating that?

She led a very divisive group that damaged our community. That is very relevant to the discussion of how well would she serve this community.

Why are you trying to silence other voices?

Why do you keep trying to imply Miranda Turner is a Republican when she clearly is not?

I didn't. I said she has worked closely with them, which is 100% true.

Why do you twist my words? Why do you try to silence others?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Agree. As for PP who keeps saying that angry parents are responsible for the lasting harm done to our community. Puh-leaze. APS has always had groups of angry parents (remember past boundary fights?). The harm done to our community was in APS staying closed for far too long. Even the angriest of the APE haters agree that we stayed closed too long and kids have alot of unmet needs. The harm done to our community was not providing for kids of essential workers, like fairfax and ACPS did. The harms done to our kids were not in prioritizing the needs of students with disabilities, like PWC did. We had a roadmap on how to reopen schools safely in summer of 2020. Schools around the nation were figuring it out. Parochial schools in Arlington with far fewer resources than APS were figuring it out. You know what the lasting harms are in APS? The mental health issues and achievement gaps that are now chasms. Angry parents did not cause those lasting harms. It's now 2023. A few people are still stuck in 2020. Fortunately, it seems like those angry parents and Miranda aren't with them.

Huh? The kids went back to the classrooms after the teachers were vaccinated, which was a reasonable and common timeframe. What did Fairfax and ACPS do for essential worker kids that APS did not?

The pandemic harmed our kids. The bully parents harmed our community.

Fairfax's SACC program operated for a subset of kids - mostly at title 1 schools. Districts all around us including DC and MoCo all had so-called equity hubs, usually staffed by lower-paid hourly workers. ACPS offered something similar through a program with the city. All of these were reasonably successful and served alot of kids who didn't otherwise have a place to safely go during the day. Good for their elected officials for figuring something out. APS had a tiny program that served only a few APS staff who had to be in person and our County only ever responded to requests saying they couldn't do any more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also want to point out, FWIW, that the reason the angriest APE types have settled down now is not because Miranda Turner is no longer in leadership there, it's because schools finally re-opened again and things are moving back to normal. The extreme, fringe, angry people were angry about Covid and school closures. Those people stayed loud and angry until schools fully opened again (which, in Arlington, took 1.5 years, and even then, our first year back was an odd one). So the fact that the tone of those people changed over time has nothing to do with leadership. They were reacting to circumstances.

I think it's fair to ask how Miranda advocated during that time, and the answer is that she clearly wanted schools open, but had a much more reasonable tone. So I really don't get the grudge holding and finger pointing here, but we are on pg. 22 of this thread, so I don't expect my thoughts here to change anyone's mind. But I do think it's ridiculous to blame her for all that anger. That was a societal anger.

Agree. As for PP who keeps saying that angry parents are responsible for the lasting harm done to our community. Puh-leaze. APS has always had groups of angry parents (remember past boundary fights?). The harm done to our community was in APS staying closed for far too long. Even the angriest of the APE haters agree that we stayed closed too long and kids have alot of unmet needs. The harm done to our community was not providing for kids of essential workers, like fairfax and ACPS did. The harms done to our kids were not in prioritizing the needs of students with disabilities, like PWC did. We had a roadmap on how to reopen schools safely in summer of 2020. Schools around the nation were figuring it out. Parochial schools in Arlington with far fewer resources than APS were figuring it out. You know what the lasting harms are in APS? The mental health issues and achievement gaps that are now chasms. Angry parents did not cause those lasting harms. It's now 2023. A few people are still stuck in 2020. Fortunately, it seems like those angry parents and Miranda aren't with them.

Huh? The kids went back to the classrooms after the teachers were vaccinated, which was a reasonable and common timeframe. What did Fairfax and ACPS do for essential worker kids that APS did not?

The pandemic harmed our kids. The bully parents harmed our community.

Fairfax's SACC program operated for a subset of kids - mostly at title 1 schools. Districts all around us including DC and MoCo all had so-called equity hubs, usually staffed by lower-paid hourly workers. ACPS offered something similar through a program with the city. All of these were reasonably successful and served alot of kids who didn't otherwise have a place to safely go during the day. Good for their elected officials for figuring something out. APS had a tiny program that served only a few APS staff who had to be in person and our County only ever responded to requests saying they couldn't do any more.

So, in Fairfax, it was organized/run by the county and it was limited to ~1% of of students. It's great they were able to offer that to vulnerable families but with respect to Arlington/APS you are misdirecting your anger. Yes, the county definitely prioritized bars/gyms over schools. That wasn't APS' call.