School board approves $3.3 billion budget

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:reductions of over $30 million

-increasing class size guidelines by one student in K-12 classes and reduction of 122.7 full time positions, reduction of 0.4 full time staff development teachers in MS and HS (goodbye, ssl coordinators?)

-retirements and other vacancies (are they forcing people to retire?)

-eliminating 20 central services positions from all employee groups (who is out?)

-eliminating Montgomery Virtual Academy

-delaying expansion of pre-k program until at least 25-26 school year

What are MVA families planning to do now?

The same thing they had been doing for decades before the MVA was created for Covid - the kids who have medical issues necessitating that they stay home will receive IIS instruction. Families can apply to have the county pay for private virtual learning in some cases. In the case of families that used the MVA for their kids because their kid was shy, socially awkward, bullied at school, etc. (i.e., no medical issues) they will return to their home school or apply for a prioritized COSA and go back in-person at another school.

bullied kids have to move schools?

There are a few bullies on here who are happy and glad these kids are forced back so they and their kids can continue bullying them. Mcps isn’t giving the cosa as promised. They left these families in a bad situation. Iis is not an education.

People need to apply for the COSAs in order for MCPS to give them. I'm surprised you can make this assertion since it's only been about a week since MCPS announced that the MVA will close, which then triggered the prioritized COSA application process that MCPS laid out in the MVA closure announcement. I know you just randomly threw that out there and lied, but let's try not to spread misinformation about the results of a prioritized COSA process that has been in existence for a week.

They made the decision weeks ago and met with families. Yes they are quickly denying them.

I'm sure they will deny the vast majority, but they haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. There aren't many legitimate reasons for COSA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:reductions of over $30 million

-increasing class size guidelines by one student in K-12 classes and reduction of 122.7 full time positions, reduction of 0.4 full time staff development teachers in MS and HS (goodbye, ssl coordinators?)

-retirements and other vacancies (are they forcing people to retire?)

-eliminating 20 central services positions from all employee groups (who is out?)

-eliminating Montgomery Virtual Academy

-delaying expansion of pre-k program until at least 25-26 school year

What are MVA families planning to do now?

The same thing they had been doing for decades before the MVA was created for Covid - the kids who have medical issues necessitating that they stay home will receive IIS instruction. Families can apply to have the county pay for private virtual learning in some cases. In the case of families that used the MVA for their kids because their kid was shy, socially awkward, bullied at school, etc. (i.e., no medical issues) they will return to their home school or apply for a prioritized COSA and go back in-person at another school.

bullied kids have to move schools?

There are a few bullies on here who are happy and glad these kids are forced back so they and their kids can continue bullying them. Mcps isn’t giving the cosa as promised. They left these families in a bad situation. Iis is not an education.

People need to apply for the COSAs in order for MCPS to give them. I'm surprised you can make this assertion since it's only been about a week since MCPS announced that the MVA will close, which then triggered the prioritized COSA application process that MCPS laid out in the MVA closure announcement. I know you just randomly threw that out there and lied, but let's try not to spread misinformation about the results of a prioritized COSA process that has been in existence for a week.

They made the decision weeks ago and met with families. Yes they are quickly denying them.

I'm sure they will deny the vast majority, but they haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. There aren't many legitimate reasons for COSA.

What would you consider "legitimate reasons" v not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:reductions of over $30 million

-increasing class size guidelines by one student in K-12 classes and reduction of 122.7 full time positions, reduction of 0.4 full time staff development teachers in MS and HS (goodbye, ssl coordinators?)

-retirements and other vacancies (are they forcing people to retire?)

-eliminating 20 central services positions from all employee groups (who is out?)

-eliminating Montgomery Virtual Academy

-delaying expansion of pre-k program until at least 25-26 school year

What are MVA families planning to do now?

The same thing they had been doing for decades before the MVA was created for Covid - the kids who have medical issues necessitating that they stay home will receive IIS instruction. Families can apply to have the county pay for private virtual learning in some cases. In the case of families that used the MVA for their kids because their kid was shy, socially awkward, bullied at school, etc. (i.e., no medical issues) they will return to their home school or apply for a prioritized COSA and go back in-person at another school.

bullied kids have to move schools?

There are a few bullies on here who are happy and glad these kids are forced back so they and their kids can continue bullying them. Mcps isn’t giving the cosa as promised. They left these families in a bad situation. Iis is not an education.

People need to apply for the COSAs in order for MCPS to give them. I'm surprised you can make this assertion since it's only been about a week since MCPS announced that the MVA will close, which then triggered the prioritized COSA application process that MCPS laid out in the MVA closure announcement. I know you just randomly threw that out there and lied, but let's try not to spread misinformation about the results of a prioritized COSA process that has been in existence for a week.

They made the decision weeks ago and met with families. Yes they are quickly denying them.

I'm sure they will deny the vast majority, but they haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. There aren't many legitimate reasons for COSA.

What would you consider "legitimate reasons" v not?

Look at the COSA policy:

UNIQUE HARDSHIP–Students may apply for a COSA when extenuating circumstances related to their specific physical, mental, or emotional well-being or their family’s individual or personal situation could be mitigated by a change of school assignment.

FAMILY MOVE–Students whose families have moved within Montgomery County who wish to continue attending their former home school may request a COSA without demonstrating a unique hardship. Such requests may be considered for the remainder of the current school year only, with the exception that students in Grade 11 or 12 may be granted a COSA to stay through high school graduation.

SIBLINGS–When a student seeks to attend the school where a sibling will be enrolled in the regular/general school program, or a special education program, during the year the student wants to enroll.

The issue is that people submit COSA applications with hardships that are not unique:

What is a unique hardship?
A unique hardship depends on the family’s
individual and personal situation. Problems that are common to large numbers of families, such as issues involving day care or program/course preference, do not constitute a hardship, unless there are other compelling factors.

[Anonymous]

Imagine being given a budget of over 3 billion dollars and responding that you can't operate on such a small amount.

[Anonymous]

Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

It originates from this Blueprint language.

https://marylandpublicschools.org/Blueprint/Documents/CCRReportSummer2022.pdf

"Students meeting the College and Career Ready (CCR) standard will have access to several Post-CCR pathways at no cost to students."

"There are three Post-CCR pathways detailed in The Blueprint:
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Dual enrollment or early college programs
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Imagine being given a budget of over 3 billion dollars and responding that you can't operate on such a small amount.

MCPS is the 14th largest school district in the US, so yes, it has a big budget and commensurate large needs to address.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

It originates from this Blueprint language.

https://marylandpublicschools.org/Blueprint/Documents/CCRReportSummer2022.pdf

"Students meeting the College and Career Ready (CCR) standard will have access to several Post-CCR pathways at no cost to students."

"There are three Post-CCR pathways detailed in The Blueprint:
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Dual enrollment or early college programs
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs"

Interesting. I think this is worth modifying. I think "minimal cost" would be a better standard applied here as the current approach is leading to a lot of waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:reductions of over $30 million

-increasing class size guidelines by one student in K-12 classes and reduction of 122.7 full time positions, reduction of 0.4 full time staff development teachers in MS and HS (goodbye, ssl coordinators?)

-retirements and other vacancies (are they forcing people to retire?)

-eliminating 20 central services positions from all employee groups (who is out?)

-eliminating Montgomery Virtual Academy

-delaying expansion of pre-k program until at least 25-26 school year

What are MVA families planning to do now?

The same thing they had been doing for decades before the MVA was created for Covid - the kids who have medical issues necessitating that they stay home will receive IIS instruction. Families can apply to have the county pay for private virtual learning in some cases. In the case of families that used the MVA for their kids because their kid was shy, socially awkward, bullied at school, etc. (i.e., no medical issues) they will return to their home school or apply for a prioritized COSA and go back in-person at another school.

bullied kids have to move schools?

There are a few bullies on here who are happy and glad these kids are forced back so they and their kids can continue bullying them. Mcps isn’t giving the cosa as promised. They left these families in a bad situation. Iis is not an education.

People need to apply for the COSAs in order for MCPS to give them. I'm surprised you can make this assertion since it's only been about a week since MCPS announced that the MVA will close, which then triggered the prioritized COSA application process that MCPS laid out in the MVA closure announcement. I know you just randomly threw that out there and lied, but let's try not to spread misinformation about the results of a prioritized COSA process that has been in existence for a week.

They made the decision weeks ago and met with families. Yes they are quickly denying them.

Appeal the decision. Often MCPS denies COSAs and then you need to appeal. It is a bit like dealing with a health insurance company. Appeal with letters from doctors and therapists documenting medically/therapeutically the child cannot attend the home school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

Maryland Blueprint mandates AP payment. A quick google will document this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

It originates from this Blueprint language.

https://marylandpublicschools.org/Blueprint/Documents/CCRReportSummer2022.pdf

"Students meeting the College and Career Ready (CCR) standard will have access to several Post-CCR pathways at no cost to students."

"There are three Post-CCR pathways detailed in The Blueprint:
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Dual enrollment or early college programs
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs"

Interesting. I think this is worth modifying. I think "minimal cost" would be a better standard applied here as the current approach is leading to a lot of waste.

I’m sure the school districts would agree. It’s made worse by the fact that students have to decide in October/November timeframe if they are taking the exam. But until such time that the requirement is changed or MCPS is given some type of exemption, they have to comply.

This is a prime example of a cost that people assume can just be lessened or eliminated but CO can’t just slash without consideration and additional explanation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:reductions of over $30 million

-increasing class size guidelines by one student in K-12 classes and reduction of 122.7 full time positions, reduction of 0.4 full time staff development teachers in MS and HS (goodbye, ssl coordinators?)

-retirements and other vacancies (are they forcing people to retire?)

-eliminating 20 central services positions from all employee groups (who is out?)

-eliminating Montgomery Virtual Academy

-delaying expansion of pre-k program until at least 25-26 school year

What are MVA families planning to do now?

The same thing they had been doing for decades before the MVA was created for Covid - the kids who have medical issues necessitating that they stay home will receive IIS instruction. Families can apply to have the county pay for private virtual learning in some cases. In the case of families that used the MVA for their kids because their kid was shy, socially awkward, bullied at school, etc. (i.e., no medical issues) they will return to their home school or apply for a prioritized COSA and go back in-person at another school.

bullied kids have to move schools?

There are a few bullies on here who are happy and glad these kids are forced back so they and their kids can continue bullying them. Mcps isn’t giving the cosa as promised. They left these families in a bad situation. Iis is not an education.

People need to apply for the COSAs in order for MCPS to give them. I'm surprised you can make this assertion since it's only been about a week since MCPS announced that the MVA will close, which then triggered the prioritized COSA application process that MCPS laid out in the MVA closure announcement. I know you just randomly threw that out there and lied, but let's try not to spread misinformation about the results of a prioritized COSA process that has been in existence for a week.

They made the decision weeks ago and met with families. Yes they are quickly denying them.

Appeal the decision. Often MCPS denies COSAs and then you need to appeal. It is a bit like dealing with a health insurance company. Appeal with letters from doctors and therapists documenting medically/therapeutically the child cannot attend the home school.

You can't do a COSA just because you don't like what the kids in your neighborhood school look like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Imagine being given a budget of over 3 billion dollars and responding that you can't operate on such a small amount.

Imagine being so small minded you can't see the bigger picture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will MCPS pay for AP exams next school year?

According to some folks on here we have to because of Blueprint. I'm not so sure that's true and I think MCPS needs to not pay for those exams for everyone across the board.

It originates from this Blueprint language.

https://marylandpublicschools.org/Blueprint/Documents/CCRReportSummer2022.pdf

"Students meeting the College and Career Ready (CCR) standard will have access to several Post-CCR pathways at no cost to students."

"There are three Post-CCR pathways detailed in The Blueprint:
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Dual enrollment or early college programs
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs"

Interesting. I think this is worth modifying. I think "minimal cost" would be a better standard applied here as the current approach is leading to a lot of waste.

Agreed.