APS budget is unacceptable

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Sorry, but Outdoor Lab isn’t *LiFe ChAnGiNg* for anyone. (Well, other than the kid who was sexually assaulted recently… Yet another reason to shut it down.)

Keep TJ as an option, as sending kids there isn’t more expensive than keeping them at their home school. (And it actually IS a life-changing experience for those kids.)

And I love teachers, but if they want 12-month employee level salaries, let’s make them 12-month employees. So many kids need summer school at this point, and any excess staff could help solve the summer camp availability problem.

Outdoor Lab has indeed had life-changing impacts on numerous kids. Many kids became interested in science/environmental science/teaching specifically because of their experience there. And that experience was very special for one of my kids because of the way the adults there treated him, out of the ordinary school setting and usual mundane activities.

Agree about the 12-month employment and compensation. I don't think the comparisons AEA and its main spokesperson always make about paid/unpaid days off is fair. You can't make a straight comparison between a yearly employee with a yearly salary and specific benefits to a contracted employee paid for "x" # of days' work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Both of you should run for county or school board, it’s clearly very easy to make program and budget decisions (of course there are no constituencies that will give you any pushback or provide evidence/public support for the opposite position). Why don’t we just make all these changes tomorrow, since it’s so obvious what the right/best answer is?

Nobody said it was easy. But it's time our SB and administrative leadership to actually lead and make decisions in the best interest of the system and its students as a whole instead of catering to every interest group and avoiding all pushback. The community has been making the decisions for way too long and now it's time for our leaders to actually lead. "Leading" involves unpopular decisions and some "losers;" but overall, in the end, everyone "wins" with a strong school system. Clearly, you have no answers at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

it's a myth that options are more expensive. maybe montessori is but the rest are not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Sorry, but Outdoor Lab isn’t *LiFe ChAnGiNg* for anyone. (Well, other than the kid who was sexually assaulted recently… Yet another reason to shut it down.)

Keep TJ as an option, as sending kids there isn’t more expensive than keeping them at their home school. (And it actually IS a life-changing experience for those kids.)

And I love teachers, but if they want 12-month employee level salaries, let’s make them 12-month employees. So many kids need summer school at this point, and any excess staff could help solve the summer camp availability problem.

Outdoor Lab has indeed had life-changing impacts on numerous kids. Many kids became interested in science/environmental science/teaching specifically because of their experience there. And that experience was very special for one of my kids because of the way the adults there treated him, out of the ordinary school setting and usual mundane activities.

Agree about the 12-month employment and compensation. I don't think the comparisons AEA and its main spokesperson always make about paid/unpaid days off is fair. You can't make a straight comparison between a yearly employee with a yearly salary and specific benefits to a contracted employee paid for "x" # of days' work.

tell me why APS kids can't take a field trip to one of our many nature centers right here in the County and learn the same things?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Advocate to the County and State to Increase APS Funding

The Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for FY 2025 focuses on a 3.3% increase in compensation for staff, maintenance of core needs, and significant cuts as we work to close a $29.5 million gap.

The County’s budget process is underway. We urge all to advocate to the County to pass a 2.5 cent tax increase to support our schools. There are two upcoming opportunities to advocate for schools. Make your voices heard!

Public Hearing at 7 p.m., on April 2 and April 4.
Members of the public who wish to sign-up to speak at a budget public hearing can do so online.
All work sessions and public hearings are open to the public and will be live-streamed and broadcast on Cable Channel 70 and Verizon FIOS Channel 41.
Budget wrap-up session on April 11, from 3-5 p.m.
Final budget decisions will be made during the April 16 budget mark-up session, from 3-5 p.m. This will be the last meeting before board members vote to formally adopt the final budget on April 20.

Anyone can advocate by attending the hearing or by writing to the County Board at [e-mail]. All are also encouraged to advocate to the State to increase funding for APS – the current budget proposed by the Governor cuts APS. Contact the Governor today!

who is "we"?

APS community members who want our schools to have proper funding.

Ok, so you don't want to say what group wrote that? Why not?

Don't you know? Because it will start the whole APE ranting again.

Is APE pushing Youngkin for more funding?

good question, maybe the APEs will answer, we know they're on here

Of course they're not. They supported him and support his tax cuts.

Is this true?

What is APE’s position on Youngkin **cutting** the funding of K-12?

They've been silent. They are not a "for education" group after all. Anyone surprised?

No I am not surprised. I recall quite a few pro-voucher, Republicans and DINOs in the APE group. Undermining public ed seems to be a feature for them, not a bug. A lot of APE voted for Youngkin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Sorry, but Outdoor Lab isn’t *LiFe ChAnGiNg* for anyone. (Well, other than the kid who was sexually assaulted recently… Yet another reason to shut it down.)

Keep TJ as an option, as sending kids there isn’t more expensive than keeping them at their home school. (And it actually IS a life-changing experience for those kids.)

And I love teachers, but if they want 12-month employee level salaries, let’s make them 12-month employees. So many kids need summer school at this point, and any excess staff could help solve the summer camp availability problem.

Outdoor Lab has indeed had life-changing impacts on numerous kids. Many kids became interested in science/environmental science/teaching specifically because of their experience there. And that experience was very special for one of my kids because of the way the adults there treated him, out of the ordinary school setting and usual mundane activities.

Agree about the 12-month employment and compensation. I don't think the comparisons AEA and its main spokesperson always make about paid/unpaid days off is fair. You can't make a straight comparison between a yearly employee with a yearly salary and specific benefits to a contracted employee paid for "x" # of days' work.

tell me why APS kids can't take a field trip to one of our many nature centers right here in the County and learn the same things?

+1. Outdoor Lab is cool but it’s essentially a field trip. A very expensive field trip. It’s time to cut it unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Both of you should run for county or school board, it’s clearly very easy to make program and budget decisions (of course there are no constituencies that will give you any pushback or provide evidence/public support for the opposite position). Why don’t we just make all these changes tomorrow, since it’s so obvious what the right/best answer is?

What are YOUR suggestions? Keep asking for more money? For that ship that continues to sink… sink… sink…

Be careful, guys. Even those of us who lean liberal are beginning to see the upsides of school choice and vouchers.

So APS would get even less while you're subsidized to go private? In what universe is that liberal thinking?

I'm a liberal but I also have kids in APS and have seen the shortcomings. A voucher program makes sense.

Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Both of you should run for county or school board, it’s clearly very easy to make program and budget decisions (of course there are no constituencies that will give you any pushback or provide evidence/public support for the opposite position). Why don’t we just make all these changes tomorrow, since it’s so obvious what the right/best answer is?

What are YOUR suggestions? Keep asking for more money? For that ship that continues to sink… sink… sink…

Be careful, guys. Even those of us who lean liberal are beginning to see the upsides of school choice and vouchers.

So APS would get even less while you're subsidized to go private? In what universe is that liberal thinking?

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love the 12-month teacher idea. Have them staff summer programs and pay them for the full year.

Agree! We have lots of need for summer school!

Then they can be paid a 12 month salary, presumably making Arlington more affordable for them. Win-win!

Yup. We get what we pay for.

The county needs to fix this budget issue. WTF does CIP funding get covered out of operating funds?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

No, APS is UNDERfunded. The operating budget includes $$$$ CIP projects which distort the actual operating budget.

Youngkin *cut* the budget this year. Even with the recent big jump in COL.

The CB needs to step up and fix this budgeting issue.

How does our budget compare to neighboring districts? We spend A LOT more per student already. And they want MORE dollars to waste?

Because our operating budget includes non-operating expenses: CIP.

It’s not comparing apples to apples.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Advocate to the County and State to Increase APS Funding

The Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for FY 2025 focuses on a 3.3% increase in compensation for staff, maintenance of core needs, and significant cuts as we work to close a $29.5 million gap.

The County’s budget process is underway. We urge all to advocate to the County to pass a 2.5 cent tax increase to support our schools. There are two upcoming opportunities to advocate for schools. Make your voices heard!

Public Hearing at 7 p.m., on April 2 and April 4.
Members of the public who wish to sign-up to speak at a budget public hearing can do so online.
All work sessions and public hearings are open to the public and will be live-streamed and broadcast on Cable Channel 70 and Verizon FIOS Channel 41.
Budget wrap-up session on April 11, from 3-5 p.m.
Final budget decisions will be made during the April 16 budget mark-up session, from 3-5 p.m. This will be the last meeting before board members vote to formally adopt the final budget on April 20.

Anyone can advocate by attending the hearing or by writing to the County Board at [e-mail]. All are also encouraged to advocate to the State to increase funding for APS – the current budget proposed by the Governor cuts APS. Contact the Governor today!

who is "we"?

APS community members who want our schools to have proper funding.

Ok, so you don't want to say what group wrote that? Why not?

Don't you know? Because it will start the whole APE ranting again.

Is APE pushing Youngkin for more funding?

good question, maybe the APEs will answer, we know they're on here

Of course they're not. They supported him and support his tax cuts.

Is this true?

What is APE’s position on Youngkin **cutting** the funding of K-12?

They've been silent. They are not a "for education" group after all. Anyone surprised?

No I am not surprised. I recall quite a few pro-voucher, Republicans and DINOs in the APE group. Undermining public ed seems to be a feature for them, not a bug. A lot of APE voted for Youngkin.

There are some vocal APEers on DCUM.

What’s the word about Youngkin cutting k-12 funding in APEland?

[Anonymous]

You don’t see APE complaining about the state, just expect the world of APS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don’t see APE complaining about the state, just expect the world of APS

If they are advocating for our kids why aren’t they pushing for proper funding - from Youngkin and the county?

They are a lobbying organization.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don’t see APE complaining about the state, just expect the world of APS

If they are advocating for our kids why aren’t they pushing for proper funding - from Youngkin and the county?

They are a lobbying organization.

I have no idea, go ask APE

(but I suspect it's because APE is actually good with defunding public schools, then they get their vouchers, sail off to private and leave the school system in the lurch - not their problem!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the 2.5¢ tax Duran is asking for?

APS is very well funded already. They just WASTE those funds on unnecessary programs and positions. Get rid of Syphax bloat. Cut Outdoor Lab. Cut the 80/20 immersion program back to 50/50 if it’s more expensive. Get rid of ALL the option schools if they’re more expensive to run than neighborhood schools. FFS, get rid of iPads in K-5, switch to Chromebooks for 6-12.

Agree and disagree.
Rid the bloat - YES.

Cut relatively inexpensive programs that provide a unique and often lasting/life-changing learning experience like Outdoor Lab that are unique to APS? NO. (That goes for TJHSST, too)

80/20 immersion is only "more expensive" as they transition to the model and implement the new parts of the curriculum and provide teacher training. Once the model is established, it is no longer has the extra expense. And again, if this is an instructional model that has a notable positive impact on learning and achievement, especially for English learners and underprivileged students - and especially especially for underprivileged English learners - then NO.

Get rid of option schools that do not show a significant benefit for students v. a typical neighborhood school of similar demographics or less diverse? YES.
Get rid of option programs that are not clearly distinctive from non-option programs and any specific characteristics of which could be incorporated into every school? YES. (looking at you, MPSA, ATS, and HB)

Get rid of iPads entirely? YES YES and YES
Replace iPads 6-8 with laptops/Macbooks? YES. (But maybe not start 1:1 at all until 7th. 6th can continue with classroom sets)
Replace MacBooks with Chromebooks - POSSIBLY. I'd like to see the side-by-side comparisons in costs and security, maintenance, etc.

Sorry, but Outdoor Lab isn’t *LiFe ChAnGiNg* for anyone. (Well, other than the kid who was sexually assaulted recently… Yet another reason to shut it down.)

Keep TJ as an option, as sending kids there isn’t more expensive than keeping them at their home school. (And it actually IS a life-changing experience for those kids.)

And I love teachers, but if they want 12-month employee level salaries, let’s make them 12-month employees. So many kids need summer school at this point, and any excess staff could help solve the summer camp availability problem.

Outdoor Lab has indeed had life-changing impacts on numerous kids. Many kids became interested in science/environmental science/teaching specifically because of their experience there. And that experience was very special for one of my kids because of the way the adults there treated him, out of the ordinary school setting and usual mundane activities.

Agree about the 12-month employment and compensation. I don't think the comparisons AEA and its main spokesperson always make about paid/unpaid days off is fair. You can't make a straight comparison between a yearly employee with a yearly salary and specific benefits to a contracted employee paid for "x" # of days' work.

tell me why APS kids can't take a field trip to one of our many nature centers right here in the County and learn the same things?

The curriculum is coordinated with APS.
Our nature centers don't afford a camping overnight experience.
Our nature centers aren't out farther away from all the city light which hides the stars.
Our nature centers don't have boating/canoeing opportunities.
Our nature centers just don't have the space to accommodate the various activities.