Vote out the FCPS school board

[Anonymous]

I recall reading what I regarded as silly conspiracy theories about the "snow" days and how FCPS was using these to circumvent the post-Labor Day opening. This talk was happening way back in January, when it seemed inconceivable that we would even approach using all the days allotted. Guess I was wrong--this was clearly their plan from the beginning.

Whether or not you agree on the merits of each closure, which I'm not interested in debating, FCPS greatly inconvenienced families--with little to no notice--all winter with these closures. Now, again with little to no notice, they're about to wreck preplanned family vacations (assuming anyone still has leave).

Maybe you love the idea; maybe you don't. The point is, parents/taxpayers had no say in this decision.

For those who agree this is wrong, what's the best way to make our voices heard? I'm thinking of emailing each individual member of the school board and letting them know I will actively campaign against them next time they're up for election. They weren't subtle in their tactics, so that's what they get in return.

The lack of transparency here is disgusting.

[Anonymous]

It's also the Superintendent. They aren't being subtle. Look at this link:

http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2705

I'm all for snow days (when it makes sense), but if they cancel school tomorrow in order to apply for a waiver for Labor Day, I'll be really mad. They should be having snow days for the safety of our children, when necessary, not for some secret agendas.

[Anonymous]

Definitely the superintendent. Lots of quick and not well-thought out (or fund!) changes coming from her.

[Anonymous]

They're not going to cancel school tomorrow in order to apply for the waiver. You conspiracy theorists are starting to get REAL annoying.

Have you read the forecast? The snow is supposed to start around 6 am and end around 9.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My original subject line was "Kick out Garza," but I believe she was hired by the school board--so another one of their asinine decisions.

If there's a way to get rid of her, so much the better. It would generate more publicity as well, which might remind other alleged civil servants whom they are supposed to be serving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're not going to cancel school tomorrow in order to apply for the waiver. You conspiracy theorists are starting to get REAL annoying.

Have you read the forecast? The snow is supposed to start around 6 am and end around 9.

Yes, and I heard WTOP this morning--expect delays and closures, they said. Remember, we don't need any actual snow in order to close.

[Anonymous]

I also dismissed the early conspiracy theorists but that notice they put out a few days ago about needing just one day for a waiver made me totally reconsider. I am sure they will mess with tomorrow's schedule to get the waiver. What I don't know is if a 2 hour delay will qualify them for a waiver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's also the Superintendent. They aren't being subtle. Look at this link:

http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2705

I'm all for snow days (when it makes sense), but if they cancel school tomorrow in order to apply for a waiver for Labor Day, I'll be really mad. They should be having snow days for the safety of our children, when necessary, not for some secret agendas.

If there is no school tomorrow, it just means they can apply for a waiver, it is not a guarantee of a waiver, especially if who decides thinks they are trying to manipulate it. I predict no waiver granted even they cancel tomorrow, the political will in Richmond is pushing the other way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also dismissed the early conspiracy theorists but that notice they put out a few days ago about needing just one day for a waiver made me totally reconsider. I am sure they will mess with tomorrow's schedule to get the waiver. What I don't know is if a 2 hour delay will qualify them for a waiver.

+1 I to thought people were crazy in January for even mentioning this theory. But after the email the FCPS sent out last Friday explains how if we use one more snow day that will apply for a waiver to the State to start school 5 days earlier this September. I was floored! Regardless of whether people want the start time change the possibility that they may have "planned" this with using snow days is infuriating. I guess if we have 5 snow days next year they will most definitely apply for a waiver. I could care less about 5 days before or after Labor Day but I hope the state denies the waiver if submitted.

[Anonymous]

It's already starting before Labor Day with the "optional" open house, meet-your-teacher days. We can't know who our child's teacher before school start unless we go to the event. Complete BS.

I wish FCPS would just move to year round if that's is their ultimate goal rather than this death by a thousand cuts approach.

[Anonymous]

I think the law is awful. FCPS definitely is on the border every year with snow days. School should start before Labor Day. All the testing is done well before the end of May. Kids need time in school before the tests--not after.

[Anonymous]

How many more days was Fairfax closed/delayed than Loudoun? Was Loudoun in on the conspiracy also?

[Anonymous]

Or, they've brilliantly beat the VA legislators who have refused request after request from FCPS to start school when they deem best. I say well-played.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many more days was Fairfax closed/delayed than Loudoun? Was Loudoun in on the conspiracy also?

Loudoun already has a waiver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or, they've brilliantly beat the VA legislators who have refused request after request from FCPS to start school when they deem best. I say well-played.

It doesn't mean the waiver will be granted.