FCPS is turning the new high school purchased to fix crowding into an Aviation magnet school instead of a high school??

[Anonymous]

Web archive of KAA facilities description

https://web.archive.org/web/20250502091109/https://www.kaa-herndon.com/about-us/facilities

Hightlights (List of 11 items.)

Buildings and grounds on 40-acres

Fourteen learning communities designed to maximize individual and group work

Three gymnasiums suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton etc.

Large multi-purpose halls

Indoor 8 lane heated swimming pool & weight lifting/fitness facilities

State-of-the-art theater and performing arts facilities

Library and study rooms

Dual dining room and cafeteria

Ceramics and robotics laboratories

Fine arts facilities

Soccer fields and Athletics oval

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Web archive of KAA facilities description

https://web.archive.org/web/20250502091109/https://www.kaa-herndon.com/about-us/facilities

Hightlights (List of 11 items.)

Buildings and grounds on 40-acres

Fourteen learning communities designed to maximize individual and group work

Three gymnasiums suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton etc.

Large multi-purpose halls

Indoor 8 lane heated swimming pool & weight lifting/fitness facilities

State-of-the-art theater and performing arts facilities

Library and study rooms

Dual dining room and cafeteria

Ceramics and robotics laboratories

Fine arts facilities

Soccer fields and Athletics oval

That sounds like plenty of space for a high school.

They can use trailers for overflow while construction is going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Web archive of KAA facilities description

https://web.archive.org/web/20250502091109/https://www.kaa-herndon.com/about-us/facilities

Hightlights (List of 11 items.)

Buildings and grounds on 40-acres

Fourteen learning communities designed to maximize individual and group work

Three gymnasiums suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton etc.

Large multi-purpose halls

Indoor 8 lane heated swimming pool & weight lifting/fitness facilities

State-of-the-art theater and performing arts facilities

Library and study rooms

Dual dining room and cafeteria

Ceramics and robotics laboratories

Fine arts facilities

Soccer fields and Athletics oval

That sounds like plenty of space for a high school.

They can use trailers for overflow while construction is going on.

No, it sounds like tons of amenities for a high school.

It doesn’t address the actual capacity or how much classroom space there is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we all want what is right for all our kids.

While KAA may need some adjustment, it sounds to me like the consensus is that relief for the area from the overcrowded schools is what is needed. A traditional school is the best solutions for starters. That seemed to be the attitude of the School Board--and is the right thing to do.

Now, it seems to me that first things first would be to figure out how to use the current space to achieve that goal. While it may not be ideal, the two additional buildings could provide an answer. And, certainly, it is better than the current solution FCPS uses of trailers and modulars.

I think a better use of staff's time than pipe dreams of magnets and schools of the future, would be to come back to reality and realize why FCPS purchased this school. They need to begin thinking of how to best use and adapt what is there.

I understand there is a similar school in Arlington designed by the same architect/designer. If I were FCPS, I would start there--I would like to think they already have.
1.Tour the Arlington school
2.Take a good look at the KAA space and envision ways in might be used.
2.Invite the company that designed it to suggest ways to adapt the KAA space in the most economic manner.

First: how many classrooms are needed? Could some be expanded/divided to make better use?
Are two cafeterias needed? Could one be adjusted for additional classroom space?

Hopefully, someone at FCPS has already considered this. However, after watching the presentation yesterday, it sounds like their time was spent in brain storming schools of the future instead of creating a school for now.

+100000

All the ideas are great for academies to be added all through the county and a curriculum ideas that could be implemented in various ways through FCPS.

They are ideas for when the budget allows. That isn’t now. We need to get back to basics, doing them well and within a budget that can support paying our teachers what they deserve.. and then get innovative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we all want what is right for all our kids.

While KAA may need some adjustment, it sounds to me like the consensus is that relief for the area from the overcrowded schools is what is needed. A traditional school is the best solutions for starters. That seemed to be the attitude of the School Board--and is the right thing to do.

Now, it seems to me that first things first would be to figure out how to use the current space to achieve that goal. While it may not be ideal, the two additional buildings could provide an answer. And, certainly, it is better than the current solution FCPS uses of trailers and modulars.

I think a better use of staff's time than pipe dreams of magnets and schools of the future, would be to come back to reality and realize why FCPS purchased this school. They need to begin thinking of how to best use and adapt what is there.

I understand there is a similar school in Arlington designed by the same architect/designer. If I were FCPS, I would start there--I would like to think they already have.
1.Tour the Arlington school
2.Take a good look at the KAA space and envision ways in might be used.
2.Invite the company that designed it to suggest ways to adapt the KAA space in the most economic manner.

First: how many classrooms are needed? Could some be expanded/divided to make better use?
Are two cafeterias needed? Could one be adjusted for additional classroom space?

Hopefully, someone at FCPS has already considered this. However, after watching the presentation yesterday, it sounds like their time was spent in brain storming schools of the future instead of creating a school for now.

+100000

All the ideas are great for academies to be added all through the county and a curriculum ideas that could be implemented in various ways through FCPS.

They are ideas for when the budget allows. That isn’t now. We need to get back to basics, doing them well and within a budget that can support paying our teachers what they deserve.. and then get innovative.

Sounds great, but some of those arguing for a specialized program at KAA rather than a traditional HS are doing so because they think the existing KAA building is better suited to a smaller, specialized program.

So they may have boxed themselves in to spending a lot more money:

* If they plan to open KAA as a traditional 9-12 school, they may have to spend quite a bit of capital funds over and above the initial $150 million purchase price to modify the building and add facilities so it can function as a traditional school.

* If they don't open KAA as a traditional 9-12 school because they think the current building isn't suitable for that purpose, they are going to have to add new Academy-like programs to schools in every region and/or magisterial district (which will also cost a lot of money from the operating budget), because the idea of having a specialized magnet program that is only available to students in one part of the county (Reid's non-starter of an idea) is not going to fly with School Board members and families in other parts of the county.

Unfortunately, it's unclear that they considered this before they agree to buy KAA, because they just assumed it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we all want what is right for all our kids.

While KAA may need some adjustment, it sounds to me like the consensus is that relief for the area from the overcrowded schools is what is needed. A traditional school is the best solutions for starters. That seemed to be the attitude of the School Board--and is the right thing to do.

Now, it seems to me that first things first would be to figure out how to use the current space to achieve that goal. While it may not be ideal, the two additional buildings could provide an answer. And, certainly, it is better than the current solution FCPS uses of trailers and modulars.

I think a better use of staff's time than pipe dreams of magnets and schools of the future, would be to come back to reality and realize why FCPS purchased this school. They need to begin thinking of how to best use and adapt what is there.

I understand there is a similar school in Arlington designed by the same architect/designer. If I were FCPS, I would start there--I would like to think they already have.
1.Tour the Arlington school
2.Take a good look at the KAA space and envision ways in might be used.
2.Invite the company that designed it to suggest ways to adapt the KAA space in the most economic manner.

First: how many classrooms are needed? Could some be expanded/divided to make better use?
Are two cafeterias needed? Could one be adjusted for additional classroom space?

Hopefully, someone at FCPS has already considered this. However, after watching the presentation yesterday, it sounds like their time was spent in brain storming schools of the future instead of creating a school for now.

+100000

All the ideas are great for academies to be added all through the county and a curriculum ideas that could be implemented in various ways through FCPS.

They are ideas for when the budget allows. That isn’t now. We need to get back to basics, doing them well and within a budget that can support paying our teachers what they deserve.. and then get innovative.

Sounds great, but some of those arguing for a specialized program at KAA rather than a traditional HS are doing so because they think the existing KAA building is better suited to a smaller, specialized program.

So they may have boxed themselves in to spending a lot more money:

* If they plan to open KAA as a traditional 9-12 school, they may have to spend quite a bit of capital funds over and above the initial $150 million purchase price to modify the building and add facilities so it can function as a traditional school.

* If they don't open KAA as a traditional 9-12 school because they think the current building isn't suitable for that purpose, they are going to have to add new Academy-like programs to schools in every region and/or magisterial district (which will also cost a lot of money from the operating budget), because the idea of having a specialized magnet program that is only available to students in one part of the county (Reid's non-starter of an idea) is not going to fly with School Board members and families in other parts of the county.

Unfortunately, it's unclear that they considered this before they agree to buy KAA, because they just assumed it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

It was clear to from the get go that it wasn’t suited to be a traditional high school without significant renovation. As much as they may have tried to convince themselves, anyone with any common sense could see that.

Those arguing for fancy school to benefit a smaller amount of student (looking at you Robyn Lady) are out of touch and need to be voted out asap.

Fortunately Reid and Lady were alone in their delusions last night.

[Anonymous]

Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

It is not good for kids to go a very long way on the bus for a couple of hours a day. I know there is a community that is in love with that idea, but most are not.
Westfield is already too far for most of those kids and Herndon is farther.

You seem very willing to move other people's children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

Or.. open a new high school to ease overcrowding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

We get it. You are very much against this school. Why? You really think having kids spend almost an hour each day on a bus is a great idea? Especially when there is a school so close to them? You do know they are having problems hiring bus drivers and need more buses, too, I guess from the meeting yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

We get it. You are very much against this school. Why? You really think having kids spend almost an hour each day on a bus is a great idea? Especially when there is a school so close to them? You do know they are having problems hiring bus drivers and need more buses, too, I guess from the meeting yesterday.

Almost an hour each way. Certainly more than 1 and a half hours total. Not to mention the ability or inability to participate in after school activities because it is too difficult for the parent to pick them up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

It is not good for kids to go a very long way on the bus for a couple of hours a day. I know there is a community that is in love with that idea, but most are not.
Westfield is already too far for most of those kids and Herndon is farther.

You seem very willing to move other people's children.

Your entire post was premised on moving kids out of Chantilly and Westfield.

And kids from other schools will get moved if KAA opens as a traditional school, including to schools other than KAA.

Remember what they say about people in glass houses...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

Or.. open a new high school to ease overcrowding.

Yes, another alternative But not the only reasonable one, nor the least expensive one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, with this school, they won't need for Centreville to have 3000. There is that.

Use some of the funds for that to make this school workable--and it will not be the $200 million someone suggested.

FACT: this school is needed for the population around it.

NO one has offered a reasonable alternative for Chantilly or Westfield. This is it. And, it is adaptable to meet the needs of a traditional school. It will still be far more economical than building a new school. It is a bargain.

Move Chantilly kids to Westfield and Westfield kids to Herndon. Would have saved money.

Alternatives are not only "reasonable" when they put your kids within a couple of miles of a HS. That's your new religion.

You can keep repeating this is a bargain, but it's telling they won't say how many kids this building can handle, or how much additional money they'd have to spend for it to handle even 1600 kids.

It is not good for kids to go a very long way on the bus for a couple of hours a day. I know there is a community that is in love with that idea, but most are not.
Westfield is already too far for most of those kids and Herndon is farther.

You seem very willing to move other people's children.

Your entire post was premised on moving kids out of Chantilly and Westfield.

And kids from other schools will get moved if KAA opens as a traditional school, including to schools other than KAA.

Remember what they say about people in glass houses...

Actually, Westfield will be fine. And, people keep denying it, but there si LOTS of new construction around Westfield. They definitely will be needing relief soon unless kids move out. And, they will not end up being a "small" school.

And, "they" say that Centreville needs relief. If needed, they could move one elementary school to Westfield.