Tell me more about the School Board election process

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Say what you want about Republicans but under Republicans, Fairfax had the number one school in the country for decades and one of the highest scoring and achieving and most sought after school districts in the entire country. In just a decade or so, Democrats have destroyed that. Voting for anything but these destructive people. Destructive of an amazing school system, my children’s education, my property values. Just vast and unparalleled distruction.

You think it’s that and not the changing demographics and policies like NCLB?

DP, but it is a combo of bad ideas (e.g., IB at high ESL and high F/R lunch high schools) from the Democratic School Board and changing demographics (bad policy by Democrats at the federal level).

High schools in FCPS w/IB switched over in the late 90s and early 00s. Pretty sure the School Board was more Republican then than now. Now if you want to complain about leaving IB at high ESOL/FARMS high schools, that’s a different story.

More Republican, but I am pretty sure they have never controlled the Board since it was elected. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

And yes, the Democrats refuse to review IB. To the point of it being either a weird obsession or so that students can pupil place out.

Wasn't Schultz the only GOP member when she served?

No. In Schultz’s first term, Patty Reed was the other R on the School Board. In her second term, Wilson and, until she resigned, Jeanette Hough were the other Rs on the School Board.

And, they had no clout at all. Dems stick together always. Except Megan--occasionally. She, at least, seems to listen and try to see other points of view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Say what you want about Republicans but under Republicans, Fairfax had the number one school in the country for decades and one of the highest scoring and achieving and most sought after school districts in the entire country. In just a decade or so, Democrats have destroyed that. Voting for anything but these destructive people. Destructive of an amazing school system, my children’s education, my property values. Just vast and unparalleled distruction.

You think it’s that and not the changing demographics and policies like NCLB?

DP, but it is a combo of bad ideas (e.g., IB at high ESL and high F/R lunch high schools) from the Democratic School Board and changing demographics (bad policy by Democrats at the federal level).

High schools in FCPS w/IB switched over in the late 90s and early 00s. Pretty sure the School Board was more Republican then than now. Now if you want to complain about leaving IB at high ESOL/FARMS high schools, that’s a different story.

More Republican, but I am pretty sure they have never controlled the Board since it was elected. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

And yes, the Democrats refuse to review IB. To the point of it being either a weird obsession or so that students can pupil place out.

Wasn't Schultz the only GOP member when she served?

No. In Schultz’s first term, Patty Reed was the other R on the School Board. In her second term, Wilson and, until she resigned, Jeanette Hough were the other Rs on the School Board.

And, they had no clout at all. Dems stick together always. Except Megan--occasionally. She, at least, seems to listen and try to see other points of view.

They may not have had clout in the sense that they couldn’t dictate outcomes or decide votes. But they could challenge the majority in public, which we don’t get at all with a 12-0 (all-D) School Board. That has proven to be really unhealthy from a policy and governance perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Say what you want about Republicans but under Republicans, Fairfax had the number one school in the country for decades and one of the highest scoring and achieving and most sought after school districts in the entire country. In just a decade or so, Democrats have destroyed that. Voting for anything but these destructive people. Destructive of an amazing school system, my children’s education, my property values. Just vast and unparalleled distruction.

The White and wealthy population of FCPS is doing better than ever. What has changed in the past two decades is that Fairfax now has more people of color and more poor people. Of course the total average scores are going to go down, but scores for White kids are still great.

How are the scores of your children affected by the scores of some poor Black kids down the hall?
If someone wants to pay less for your property because there are now a few more poor Black/Brown kids around, that sounds like a problem between you and the buyer.

Most of the wealthy people I know have left FCPS. They did before covid and didn't return. If they did, they left again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Say what you want about Republicans but under Republicans, Fairfax had the number one school in the country for decades and one of the highest scoring and achieving and most sought after school districts in the entire country. In just a decade or so, Democrats have destroyed that. Voting for anything but these destructive people. Destructive of an amazing school system, my children’s education, my property values. Just vast and unparalleled distruction.

You think it’s that and not the changing demographics and policies like NCLB?

DP, but it is a combo of bad ideas (e.g., IB at high ESL and high F/R lunch high schools) from the Democratic School Board and changing demographics (bad policy by Democrats at the federal level).

High schools in FCPS w/IB switched over in the late 90s and early 00s. Pretty sure the School Board was more Republican then than now. Now if you want to complain about leaving IB at high ESOL/FARMS high schools, that’s a different story.

More Republican, but I am pretty sure they have never controlled the Board since it was elected. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

And yes, the Democrats refuse to review IB. To the point of it being either a weird obsession or so that students can pupil place out.

Wasn't Schultz the only GOP member when she served?

No. In Schultz’s first term, Patty Reed was the other R on the School Board. In her second term, Wilson and, until she resigned, Jeanette Hough were the other Rs on the School Board.

And, they had no clout at all. Dems stick together always. Except Megan--occasionally. She, at least, seems to listen and try to see other points of view.

The board hasn’t always been unified. Remember that stupid truth in education resolution that Anderson was pushing? Others stopped the insanity. There was some disagreement about religious holidays in the calendar, too. And the vote on the new superintendent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

Cohen, Keys Gamarra, and Pekarsky want to pretend they had nothing to do with the learning loss, delayed social development, and mental health issues of the kids they kept out of school so long just to bolster their standing with the FEA and FCFT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

What is the salary now, 50k? Do you think that is a huge amount of money in Fairfax County?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

What is the salary now, 50k? Do you think that is a huge amount of money in Fairfax County?

No. But, watch a Board meeting and tell me if they deserve it.

I understand that these resolutions are important to them politically, but these meetings are way too long and their comments don't help. Some PP mentioned that the public is limited to 2 minutes and yet they go on and on and on with their comments. I don't understand why they cannot shorten that.

They have spent more time on social issues than academics. They closed schools and at least one put her own children in a learning pod. etc.What have they done right? They could have reacted appropriately to the books that were protested--instead, they don't want the books read aloud "because children are here" but still demand that the books stay in school libraries where minors have access to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

What is the salary now, 50k? Do you think that is a huge amount of money in Fairfax County?

No. But, watch a Board meeting and tell me if they deserve it.

I understand that these resolutions are important to them politically, but these meetings are way too long and their comments don't help. Some PP mentioned that the public is limited to 2 minutes and yet they go on and on and on with their comments. I don't understand why they cannot shorten that.

They have spent more time on social issues than academics. They closed schools and at least one put her own children in a learning pod. etc.What have they done right? They could have reacted appropriately to the books that were protested--instead, they don't want the books read aloud "because children are here" but still demand that the books stay in school libraries where minors have access to them.

There is a deficit of current Board members with any common sense. Megan McLaughlin was an exception but they treated her very poorly in return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

What is the salary now, 50k? Do you think that is a huge amount of money in Fairfax County?

No. But, watch a Board meeting and tell me if they deserve it.

I understand that these resolutions are important to them politically, but these meetings are way too long and their comments don't help. Some PP mentioned that the public is limited to 2 minutes and yet they go on and on and on with their comments. I don't understand why they cannot shorten that.

They have spent more time on social issues than academics. They closed schools and at least one put her own children in a learning pod. etc.What have they done right? They could have reacted appropriately to the books that were protested--instead, they don't want the books read aloud "because children are here" but still demand that the books stay in school libraries where minors have access to them.

Regardless of what you think of the current school board, members shouldn't be paid only 32k a year. I have had very qualified friends consider running for the board but couldn't because they would impact their be throwing their personal careers in jeopardy for only 32k a hour if they even got elected. And that would be on top of the regular things they'd have to deal with like leaving their family behind for extended periods of time to go to different school events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When the school board contains all or close to the majority representing only one party, what happens is that then the administrators think they are safe to get away with whatever they want. No checks. Having a school board that changes hands means that checks will also trickle down to the schools. It is easier for teachers, students, and parents to be heard when there isn't just one agenda being addressed.

Say what you want about the Dems but I saw the Republicans hand out at my kids back to school night. Yikes. They’re completely out of touch.

I’ll stick with the Dems this year.

Worrying about academic achievement and special ed services is "out of touch"?

When Republicans are the party of banning books and banning certain curriculum, they are not the party of "academic achievement." And I'm laughing my a$$ off that you typed that with a straight face.

No party hurt education in fairfax county more than the all D school board closing in person school for a year - I can't believe YOU typed that with a straight face. The actual data doesn't support you. You're only feelings, not data on test scores and quantifiable academic achievement.

It’s weird that PP is such a partisan supporter of the all-D School Board when they don’t even stick around themselves to defend their records. Only 4 of the current 12 are running for re-election; others are either retiring or running for other offices and trying to capitalize on their limited name recognition (while at the same time trying to distance themselves from their own past decisions on the SB).

They had to face so many attacks and so much vitriol, it’s not a surprise so many are done with it.

You really have to care about this school system in order to want to continue to serve for another 4 years when you've gotten death threats, work such long hours, and get so much grief from everyone in every direction. Can we at least appreciate their personal dedication to their positions that barley pay anything to begin with?

I can appreciate their personal dedication to raising their own pay. That got a lot more attention from them than almost anything else (besides the “truth-in-education” resolution).

What is the salary now, 50k? Do you think that is a huge amount of money in Fairfax County?

No. But, watch a Board meeting and tell me if they deserve it.

I understand that these resolutions are important to them politically, but these meetings are way too long and their comments don't help. Some PP mentioned that the public is limited to 2 minutes and yet they go on and on and on with their comments. I don't understand why they cannot shorten that.

They have spent more time on social issues than academics. They closed schools and at least one put her own children in a learning pod. etc.What have they done right? They could have reacted appropriately to the books that were protested--instead, they don't want the books read aloud "because children are here" but still demand that the books stay in school libraries where minors have access to them.

Regardless of what you think of the current school board, members shouldn't be paid only 32k a year. I have had very qualified friends consider running for the board but couldn't because they would impact their be throwing their personal careers in jeopardy for only 32k a hour if they even got elected. And that would be on top of the regular things they'd have to deal with like leaving their family behind for extended periods of time to go to different school events.

I would do it for $32K/hour.