Tell me more about the School Board election process

[Anonymous]

Well yes, FCPS has money but if they spend it on proper management of facilities where will they get the funds to pay consultants to do things that are the duties of salaried staff? How would they be able to spend thousands on zoom speakers and books to inform them that they are racist? Won’t someone think of the parasitical entities that thrive off the blood of the tax money allocated for the education of our children?

This!

It's not that they need more money--it is how they spend the money they have:
Follow the money!

I learned as a very young teacher that this is a problem:

New programs? Who is choosing and what are they getting?
New textbooks? "

People in headquarters: what are they doing? :
Requiring paperwork from teachers that requires time that could be spent helping students.
Meeting with vendors of textbooks and programs.

Here is a little secret: vendors wine and dine the choosers, They are lobbied.

Now--look at all the funds that FCPS spends on vendors, consultants, and contractors.
Look at who is choosing to deal with the vendors, consultants, and contractors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The parties pick who appear on their sample ballots. And then most people in Fairfax County do not use their own critical thinking and then just vote the D sample ballot.

"do not use their own critical thinking" describes everyone who votes for any Republican candidate for school board in every recent election. The last McLean-based candidate, running at-large, was a traitor who joined the terrorists on the Mall on January 6. The big attention-getter this time is violent wife-beating thug Harry Jackson running in Hunter Mill. Everyone else the GOP endorses is also a Trump cultist wanting to initiate creeping theocracy and fascism in the schools through book-bannings and demonizing gays and minorities. You don't hear any of them talk about real issues that ordinary parents care about. There is much that needs improvement in our largely terrific school system (I have 3 kids in FCPS right now), but the GOP isn't offering any alternative voices on any of that.

What about Mafia Don Melanie Meren who doxes parents that make critical comments about her performance (considering she can't work 7 hrs a day) on Facebook posts, copying their employer, in an attempt to get them fired? There is also the child porn and pedophilia she doubled down on, blamed and shamed rape victims, and has ties to the Loudon Love Warriors who have advocated for shooting, dismembering, and killing those of the opposition.

You sound bat-sh*t crazy but Hunter Mill deserves better than Meren: Paul Thomas is challenging her for the Democratic endorsement.

Meren definitely seems unstable but I am not up on her latest scandal of trying to get someone fired. I hope that Paul Thomas runs in the general even if he loses the FCDC endorsement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax Democrats posted on their website re: the endorsement process: https://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org/2023endorsement/

This is a change from 2019 and I don’t want anyone to forget it. In 2019 they did not have the qualified voter caveat and Omeish got a ton of people who couldn’t vote in the regular election to vote for her in the FCDC sample ballot process. They did change their rules as a result but that doesn’t change the fact that largely based on their endorsement she won.

Since 2019, FCDC has kicked out lifelong Dems, and did not allow anyone to join who was critical of the school board. They are in an echo chamber and further radicalizing. The ones left to sign a petition to endorse candidates are fringe left. Their only hope is to paint opposition as a extreme right wing.

LOL, which immature local Republican child are you? You're obviously one of the wingnuts who tried to join FCDC when you're not a Democrat. I'm on FCDC and, to other readers out there, not only have Dems not been kicked out, there were a couple who publicly refused to vote for certain Democratic candidates in recent general elections and still had FCDC membership approved for the subsequent membership term. It's amazing what b.s. some of you feel "safe" posting under the handle "Anonymous."

Yup.

[Anonymous]

How was Saundra Savis treated by the FCDC? I heard she was a lifelong Democrat who is now endorsed by the GOP. Anyone know why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax Democrats posted on their website re: the endorsement process: https://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org/2023endorsement/

This is a change from 2019 and I don’t want anyone to forget it. In 2019 they did not have the qualified voter caveat and Omeish got a ton of people who couldn’t vote in the regular election to vote for her in the FCDC sample ballot process. They did change their rules as a result but that doesn’t change the fact that largely based on their endorsement she won.

Since 2019, FCDC has kicked out lifelong Dems, and did not allow anyone to join who was critical of the school board. They are in an echo chamber and further radicalizing. The ones left to sign a petition to endorse candidates are fringe left. Their only hope is to paint opposition as a extreme right wing.

LOL, which immature local Republican child are you? You're obviously one of the wingnuts who tried to join FCDC when you're not a Democrat. I'm on FCDC and, to other readers out there, not only have Dems not been kicked out, there were a couple who publicly refused to vote for certain Democratic candidates in recent general elections and still had FCDC membership approved for the subsequent membership term. It's amazing what b.s. some of you feel "safe" posting under the handle "Anonymous."

Yup.

I’m so upset at all the local Dems have is insults.

What the hell happened to the party in this county?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax Democrats posted on their website re: the endorsement process: https://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org/2023endorsement/

This is a change from 2019 and I don’t want anyone to forget it. In 2019 they did not have the qualified voter caveat and Omeish got a ton of people who couldn’t vote in the regular election to vote for her in the FCDC sample ballot process. They did change their rules as a result but that doesn’t change the fact that largely based on their endorsement she won.

Since 2019, FCDC has kicked out lifelong Dems, and did not allow anyone to join who was critical of the school board. They are in an echo chamber and further radicalizing. The ones left to sign a petition to endorse candidates are fringe left. Their only hope is to paint opposition as a extreme right wing.

LOL, which immature local Republican child are you? You're obviously one of the wingnuts who tried to join FCDC when you're not a Democrat. I'm on FCDC and, to other readers out there, not only have Dems not been kicked out, there were a couple who publicly refused to vote for certain Democratic candidates in recent general elections and still had FCDC membership approved for the subsequent membership term. It's amazing what b.s. some of you feel "safe" posting under the handle "Anonymous."

Yup.

I’m so upset at all the local Dems have is insults.

What the hell happened to the party in this county?

Progressives

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How was Saundra Savis treated by the FCDC? I heard she was a lifelong Democrat who is now endorsed by the GOP. Anyone know why?[/quo

She claims she as a lifelong Democrat, but to my knowledge she was never a member of the FCDC. After she appeared on TV and in articles about her support for Youngkin, she attempted to join FCDC for the first time. Guess what? You can’t join the FCDC if you’re going to vocally support Republicans. I think it was just a stunt so she could say, “Waaaa, the Democrats won’t accept me.”

I somewhat understand her motivation for supporting Youngkin. She was upset about the schools being closed during COVID and then fell into the Open FCPS, anti-CRT, book banning, parents’ rights crowd. I know keeping the schools closed was a controversial decision and I can see both sides. She says she’s and an Independent now (technically all SB members are), but she has leaned heavily into the Republican Party and is running with their endorsement. People here keep saying that Saundra Davis is "not a Republican." But her campaign is being managed by far-right nuts who want to completely dismantle public education. Her treasurer is a guy named Woodfin? who also worked for Republican Nick Freitas.

Here’s the thing, I think she could have run as true Independent, tapping into both Republican and Democratic anger over school closings, without tapping into the crazier elements of anti SB sentiment. I know it’s tricky to run without party endorsement, but she could have set a precedent for a new type of SB campaign that appeals to members of both parties. She did not and I can’t in good conscience vote for her due to the company she keeps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How was Saundra Savis treated by the FCDC? I heard she was a lifelong Democrat who is now endorsed by the GOP. Anyone know why?[/quo

She claims she as a lifelong Democrat, but to my knowledge she was never a member of the FCDC. After she appeared on TV and in articles about her support for Youngkin, she attempted to join FCDC for the first time. Guess what? You can’t join the FCDC if you’re going to vocally support Republicans. I think it was just a stunt so she could say, “Waaaa, the Democrats won’t accept me.”

I somewhat understand her motivation for supporting Youngkin. She was upset about the schools being closed during COVID and then fell into the Open FCPS, anti-CRT, book banning, parents’ rights crowd. I know keeping the schools closed was a controversial decision and I can see both sides. She says she’s and an Independent now (technically all SB members are), but she has leaned heavily into the Republican Party and is running with their endorsement. People here keep saying that Saundra Davis is "not a Republican." But her campaign is being managed by far-right nuts who want to completely dismantle public education. Her treasurer is a guy named Woodfin? who also worked for Republican Nick Freitas.

Here’s the thing, I think she could have run as true Independent, tapping into both Republican and Democratic anger over school closings, without tapping into the crazier elements of anti SB sentiment. I know it’s tricky to run without party endorsement, but she could have set a precedent for a new type of SB campaign that appeals to members of both parties. She did not and I can’t in good conscience vote for her due to the company she keeps.

Have you ever worked at the polls? I have. People want the 'cheat sheet" that tells them who to vote for. Most voters are not well informed--most are not informed at all.
I remember one woman who freaked out after she was already checked off at the voter desk. She had picked up the "wrong" sample ballot. She could not go out of the area once signed in, so she dug through the trash to find a Democratic sample ballot. Did not even have sense enough to figure out that if she wanted to vote Democrat, she could just vote opposite of the GOP sample ballot.

[Anonymous]

Paul Bartkowski - https://paulforfcsb.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Paul Bartkowski - https://paulforfcsb.com

It’s a sparse web site. What’s his position on addressing the needs of aging schools within Dranesville like McLean HS? Will he fight for fair funding or is his real goal school vouchers?

[Anonymous]

I just want a SB member who does not think this is okay. May 11 School Board meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wa3DuSiqqo

Start at 1:37

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just want a SB member who does not think this is okay. May 11 School Board meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wa3DuSiqqo

Start at 1:37

There is a time and place for everything, and it's called college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How was Saundra Savis treated by the FCDC? I heard she was a lifelong Democrat who is now endorsed by the GOP. Anyone know why?[/quo

She claims she as a lifelong Democrat, but to my knowledge she was never a member of the FCDC. After she appeared on TV and in articles about her support for Youngkin, she attempted to join FCDC for the first time. Guess what? You can’t join the FCDC if you’re going to vocally support Republicans. I think it was just a stunt so she could say, “Waaaa, the Democrats won’t accept me.”

I somewhat understand her motivation for supporting Youngkin. She was upset about the schools being closed during COVID and then fell into the Open FCPS, anti-CRT, book banning, parents’ rights crowd. I know keeping the schools closed was a controversial decision and I can see both sides. She says she’s and an Independent now (technically all SB members are), but she has leaned heavily into the Republican Party and is running with their endorsement. People here keep saying that Saundra Davis is "not a Republican." But her campaign is being managed by far-right nuts who want to completely dismantle public education. Her treasurer is a guy named Woodfin? who also worked for Republican Nick Freitas.

Here’s the thing, I think she could have run as true Independent, tapping into both Republican and Democratic anger over school closings, without tapping into the crazier elements of anti SB sentiment. I know it’s tricky to run without party endorsement, but she could have set a precedent for a new type of SB campaign that appeals to members of both parties. She did not and I can’t in good conscience vote for her due to the company she keeps.

Calling names won’t erase what the democrat-dominated board has done.

As to you saying she’s never joined the local party apparatus, so what?

My mom has been a dem since the 1960s and she’s never joined any of the party’s local organizations either. You can be a decades long democrat (or whatever) without that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How was Saundra Savis treated by the FCDC? I heard she was a lifelong Democrat who is now endorsed by the GOP. Anyone know why?[/quo

She claims she as a lifelong Democrat, but to my knowledge she was never a member of the FCDC. After she appeared on TV and in articles about her support for Youngkin, she attempted to join FCDC for the first time. Guess what? You can’t join the FCDC if you’re going to vocally support Republicans. I think it was just a stunt so she could say, “Waaaa, the Democrats won’t accept me.”

I somewhat understand her motivation for supporting Youngkin. She was upset about the schools being closed during COVID and then fell into the Open FCPS, anti-CRT, book banning, parents’ rights crowd. I know keeping the schools closed was a controversial decision and I can see both sides. She says she’s and an Independent now (technically all SB members are), but she has leaned heavily into the Republican Party and is running with their endorsement. People here keep saying that Saundra Davis is "not a Republican." But her campaign is being managed by far-right nuts who want to completely dismantle public education. Her treasurer is a guy named Woodfin? who also worked for Republican Nick Freitas.

Here’s the thing, I think she could have run as true Independent, tapping into both Republican and Democratic anger over school closings, without tapping into the crazier elements of anti SB sentiment. I know it’s tricky to run without party endorsement, but she could have set a precedent for a new type of SB campaign that appeals to members of both parties. She did not and I can’t in good conscience vote for her due to the company she keeps.

Calling names won’t erase what the democrat-dominated board has done.

As to you saying she’s never joined the local party apparatus, so what?

My mom has been a dem since the 1960s and she’s never joined any of the party’s local organizations either. You can be a decades long democrat (or whatever) without that.

Someone asked about how Saundra Davis was treated by the FCDC. I was pointing out that she was never a member until she applied very recently after she made her Republican intentions known. Of course one doesn’t have to belong to their local Dem organization to be a Democrat.

I didn’t see any name calling? I was specifically talking about Davis as a candidate and my opinion on what she could have done differently.

I admitted that the Dems made some controversial decisions and said I understood why people were upset. I hold the SB members running for re-election accountable for those decisions, but the new Dems running are not to blame.

This would have been an amazing opportunity to run some moderate Republicans that would appeal to Dems upset about the SB.

I don’t know why I thought nuanced discussion was an option here.

[Anonymous]

It seems like the allegations about Meren harassing the now-retired FCPS clerk may help Paul Thomas in Hunter Mill. It’s just odd to think Meren would have had a particular beef with someone who had essentially an administrative and not a policy role.