Melanie Meren's FB post about the calendar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other than people who just don’t seem to want to improve things, who is it that loses in a rational calendar year? Because for all the praise of “extra rest for high school students” I haven’t seen any advocacy for adding days off. Who are you all trying to save here?

Everyone’s definition of a “rational calendar” is different. I for example consider the 25-26 calendar to be bad, but would call the 26-27 and 27-28 calendars rational. Others want calendars from a decade ago. There’s no scenario where everyone is happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Other than people who just don’t seem to want to improve things, who is it that loses in a rational calendar year? Because for all the praise of “extra rest for high school students” I haven’t seen any advocacy for adding days off. Who are you all trying to save here?

Everyone’s definition of a “rational calendar” is different. I for example consider the 25-26 calendar to be bad, but would call the 26-27 and 27-28 calendars rational. Others want calendars from a decade ago. There’s no scenario where everyone is happy.

Should just end the thread right here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Other than people who just don’t seem to want to improve things, who is it that loses in a rational calendar year? Because for all the praise of “extra rest for high school students” I haven’t seen any advocacy for adding days off. Who are you all trying to save here?

Everyone’s definition of a “rational calendar” is different. I for example consider the 25-26 calendar to be bad, but would call the 26-27 and 27-28 calendars rational. Others want calendars from a decade ago. There’s no scenario where everyone is happy.

They could pass policies that keep some of the rational aspects of 26-27 and 27-28. They could end early release. What is the point of refusing to try to make things better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

Members of the school board seemed to disagree with you. Why do you think that is?

They probably disagree with the PP because they, along with most of society, seem to think schools have to solve all the problems in the community and in families. Schools should not have to solve all problems.

Teachers are now expected to be educators, social workers, nurses, judges, secretaries, law enforcement, therapists, parenting coaches, and surrogate parents.

It is insane how much more gets piled on schools every year. They cannot solve every problem in the world, but they are expected to, and the school board keeps perpetuating that problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

+1

Be a parent. Make sacrifices. Step up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

Do you think it is wise for them to be wasteful with the resources of their constituents? Would you support wasteful tax dollar spending? Why is it fine for them to spend parents money for them this way?

Because I personally don’t see it as expecting the school board to help me, I expect them to do their actual job, which includes prudent resource management. One of the resources they are expected to be prudent with is time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

Do you think it is wise for them to be wasteful with the resources of their constituents? Would you support wasteful tax dollar spending? Why is it fine for them to spend parents money for them this way?

Because I personally don’t see it as expecting the school board to help me, I expect them to do their actual job, which includes prudent resource management. One of the resources they are expected to be prudent with is time.

You’re so naive to politics, it’s almost cute.

The federal government wastes millions of tax dollars and resources everyday. So does the state. You’re a (your FAVORITE word) constituent of both.

I think you’re confused what the school board actually cares about. Newsflash, it’s not your finances…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

Do you think it is wise for them to be wasteful with the resources of their constituents? Would you support wasteful tax dollar spending? Why is it fine for them to spend parents money for them this way?

Because I personally don’t see it as expecting the school board to help me, I expect them to do their actual job, which includes prudent resource management. One of the resources they are expected to be prudent with is time.

You’re so naive to politics, it’s almost cute.

The federal government wastes millions of tax dollars and resources everyday. So does the state. You’re a (your FAVORITE word) constituent of both.

I think you’re confused what the school board actually cares about. Newsflash, it’s not your finances…

Are you familiar with the phrase; “it’s the economy stupid.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Other than people who just don’t seem to want to improve things, who is it that loses in a rational calendar year? Because for all the praise of “extra rest for high school students” I haven’t seen any advocacy for adding days off. Who are you all trying to save here?

Everyone’s definition of a “rational calendar” is different. I for example consider the 25-26 calendar to be bad, but would call the 26-27 and 27-28 calendars rational. Others want calendars from a decade ago. There’s no scenario where everyone is happy.

They could pass policies that keep some of the rational aspects of 26-27 and 27-28. They could end early release. What is the point of refusing to try to make things better?

So the only reasons next school year and the year after that have decent calendars is because the various religious holidays fall at better times, on say Mondays or Fridays, or on weekends. Another “bad” calendar year like this year will definitely happen at some point in the not so distant future.

I’d like to see a policy around not necessarily “5 day weeks,” but more “absolute minimization of school days off from January-April.” Jan-March are the months we’re likely to have snow days messing up the calendar, then you get SB usually in April. These mid-year months are most critical for instruction so we can make sure that our kids are well-prepared for end of the year testing and that they’re learning enough with no gaps or rushing through their lessons.

It may mean that in some years, we can’t give off every federal holiday and every religious observance. It may mean that the staff development days (not the one teacher work day at the end of the quarter, which is important for getting in grades ) need to be moved to another point in the school year. It may mean making tough decisions about the length of winter break, or spring break. Next year’s calendar happens to work out, but we may not be so lucky in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

Financially supporting and increasing your costs aren't the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I have two elementary aged children…

I’m just a firm believer that I should not expect the public school system / the politicians on the school board to help ME financially support MY children. It’s really that simple.

Financially supporting and increasing your costs aren't the same thing.

This. It’s a tax by any other name, but unlike taxes, I can’t see anyone who benefits meaningfully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I can't believe I just read all of this. This is... a lot.

The idea that the school board/school system is somehow responsible for easing the financial burden of child care costs (or the costs of ANYTHING outside of school is ludicrous. Your child is your financial responsibility. It's called being a parent. The fact that needs to be explained to people who are currently parents is incredibly sad.

For what it's worth, the Virginia Department of Education has a Child Care Subsidy Program. Explain your circumstance and try applying.

Here is the link for those who actually need it: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care

I truly feel bad for the people struggling, but help/solutions are out there beyond hoping that the schoolboard will change the schedule on the sole basis that it financially helps families. Hope isn't a plan. But YOU do need a plan on how to financially be responsible for YOUR child.

The calendar is released well in advance. There are numerous changes YOU can make as a parent for YOUR child to better be able to handle the financial burden of increased childcare needs besides hoping for someone else to help YOU afford YOUR child.

Own? Move to a smaller house with less of a mortgage. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Rent? Move to a cheaper apartment. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Have a car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper car. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Car paid off? Sell it and buy a used older car. Use the money you made off of your car sale to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat at home? Shop at cheaper grocery stores and buy in bulk. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

Eat out? Eat out a few times less per month. Use the savings to offset the increased childcare costs.

These are just a few of MANY solutions/sacrifices that YOU as a parent should be willing to make to financially support YOUR child.

Are these difficult changes? Yes, and I'm sure there will be lots of arguments why they're preposterous ideas to some and how they shouldn't have to make them. But again, it's YOUR child and YOU should be willing to do anything to be able to financially provide the best YOU can.

The hard truth is, if it was that important of an issue or was really hurting your pockets that much, you would. But it's easier to anonymously complain on the internet, send some emails to your school board politicians, and rely on hope.

I'm so happy your husband can afford to pay your nanny.

My wife and I pay child care for three kids. Both work full time. I almost six figures pretax and my wife makes less than 50k pretax. We factor childcare expenses into our budget at the beginning of the school year and put that money in a separate account each paycheck. We utilize the school calendar to know what random days we’ll need extra care and factor in 11 days extra for each of the potential snow days. If we don’t have the snow days, we put the excess money towards our family vacation in the summer.

We’re not rich by any means for this area, but we make it work. Some years we have more money left over, some we have less. Some months we eat out more, some months we eat out less. We chose to have 3 kids and their wellbeing comes first. The last thing we’re going to do is consider them or their needs a financial burden. It’s just part of being their parents.

So what would you do with an extra $5000 this year?

Presumably, as good parents, it would go to help your kids, right?

What is it that an erratic calendar does that is worth $5000 to you?

An extra $5000? Currently we’d put it towards a low cost starter car for our oldest. She’ll be getting her license soon and it would help us all if she had her own vehicle to drive. She already has a job she’s been saving money at for insurance, gas, and property taxes, but having her able to drive there herself and help with her siblings needs would be beneficial to herself and the whole family.

So why is supporting an erratic calendar, and resisting any efforts for elected officials to be accountable to the priorities of their constituents more important than your oldest getting a car?

Well, for starters, changing the current calendar would not save my family $5000 a year.

Right, I imagine as the parent of someone approaching driving age that is the case. If you can put yourself in the position of people with elementary age children, why should they support an erratic Calendar – – which does cost many of them $5000 or more per year— instead of advocating for better for their families?

I’m really curious how many days you’re stripping from the calendar for these $5k of savings. Is this the same poster who blamed FCPS for having to pay their nanny overtime because they refuse to utilize the childcare offered during early releases?