King Abdullah Academy Closing: FCPS Buy for HS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Madison is not a "western" high school, lol.

Chantilly and Westfield are absolutely enormous already and far above what FCPS has stated is the ideal high school size. Whether they have room in their many trailers for one more classroom of kids before they are considered 100% full is a complete non sequitur.

Look at Madison's boundaries and you'll see it serves kids who live west of South Lakes.

You want to create substantial excess capacity at schools in western Fairfax, several of which already got big additions, in exchange for greater convenience for your own kids. No surprise there, but should others in the county really have to pay for it?

Someone who is clearly not familiar with those areas that are winding back roads with few connecting arteries.

What a non sequitur. It doesn’t negate PP. You want the expanded schools and then a new school on top that will delay other school renovations.

[Anonymous]

What eastern high schools are over capacity besides West Springfield?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What eastern high schools are over capacity besides West Springfield?

Marshall, McLean, Edison and, depending on how you define "eastern," Woodson are all projected to be over capacity in 2029.

And that's based on projections that don't take some additional expected growth into account.

[Anonymous]

Just picked up my kid from a summer camp at Chantilly and some of those trailers (modulars?) closest to the school are in rough shape. They must be the oldest ones. How long do those things generally last?
It would be nice if the new school enabled FCPS to make enough room at Chantilly to get rid of those and not spend money replacing "temporary" classrooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just picked up my kid from a summer camp at Chantilly and some of those trailers (modulars?) closest to the school are in rough shape. They must be the oldest ones. How long do those things generally last?
It would be nice if the new school enabled FCPS to make enough room at Chantilly to get rid of those and not spend money replacing "temporary" classrooms.

Yes. We love Chantilly, but the powers that be say they have to kick many out. So, this solves a problem in a great way.
Chantilly has had temporary classrooms for decades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

I see what you're trying to do here but McLean isn't going to object to a new high school near Carson. If anything, from what I've heard, the local community group will support it and argue some of the potential $281 million in savings the School Board is pointing to (compared to building a new western HS from scratch) should eventually find its way to McLean.

[Anonymous]

Chantilly has a really small acreage compared to other Western schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

Well, KAA isn't in the eastern part of the county and ot can't just magically be moved there, so I'm confused about why you're even bringing up the eastern side of the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chantilly has a really small acreage compared to other Western schools.

But don’t they use the Parks Authority owned sports fields across the street?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

Well, KAA isn't in the eastern part of the county and ot can't just magically be moved there, so I'm confused about why you're even bringing up the eastern side of the county.

DP. Because they don’t have a separate eastern Fairfax and western Fairfax renovation queue, so when western takes $150 million, it has knock in effects all over the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

Well, KAA isn't in the eastern part of the county and ot can't just magically be moved there, so I'm confused about why you're even bringing up the eastern side of the county.

DP. Because they don’t have a separate eastern Fairfax and western Fairfax renovation queue, so when western takes $150 million, it has knock in effects all over the county.

Western high school has been in the CIP in the queue before those eastern renovations this whole time. Your argument hinges on jumping it in the queue and spending that money first. You are just upset that a site fell in the boards' lap at 1/3 the price and there is no logical argument you can even take against it that makes any sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

Well, KAA isn't in the eastern part of the county and ot can't just magically be moved there, so I'm confused about why you're even bringing up the eastern side of the county.

DP. Because they don’t have a separate eastern Fairfax and western Fairfax renovation queue, so when western takes $150 million, it has knock in effects all over the county.

If you look at the CIP most of the projects that are scheduled for upcoming renovations are in western Fairfax. That's because the renovation queue was largely based on the age of facilities, and they are about to get to a bunch of schools in western Fairfax built in the 1970s or later.

So it's mostly going to be schools in western Fairfax that see their renovations deferred. On the flip side, they had budgeted about $450M for a western high school and some of that money is going to get reallocated if they can reopen KAA as a new HS for substantially less. Schools in eastern Fairfax may ultimately be beneficiaries of that reallocation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Not everything is a conspiracy. FCPS made a mistake when selling this land and corrected it. It's been on the books to have a high school there for 20 or 30 years. There is no conspiracy.

Citizens asking for good governance and stewardship of taxpayer money are not conspiracy theorists.

When some of those citizens live less than 3 miles from one school and 13 miles from the school they currently attend, it is hard to justify the "taxpayer money" issue.

Purchasing this school IS good stewardship of taxpayer money:

1. It reduces bus transportation costs. THRU is adding MORE students to 30 minute bus rides. Hundreds of students are already being sent on these bus rides. Thru will add many more.
2. It reduces schools that the School Board claims are overcrowded.
3. It eliminates a very huge attendance island.
4. It reduces constant boundary adjustments of the community.
5. It keeps neighborhoods together that THRU plans to split.

Oh, you’re the poster that would rubber stamp $150 million because you dislike great falls. Big surprise. 🙄

DP but I am fine with the purchase because $150 million for a ready built building is a lot less then the over $400 million and multiple years to build option. I like saving time and money. And I don't see it as rubber stamping when the Western HS has been discussed for 20 or so years and no progress has been made.

A pro for me is that there is a chance my kid might end up there. Another pro, even if my kid doesn't end up there, the other schools int eh area will see a drop in enrollment opening up good pupil placement options that don't exist right now.

And I don't buy for a second that the Great Falls group is up in arms with the procedure that was used. Great Falls likes to present themselves as the champion for everyone but the reality is that all they care about is not moving to Herndon. If they can spin it so it looks like they are against all movement, then great, but the level of protest sure seemed to drop once they sae that Great Falls wasn't moving. And now that there is the possibility of a new school that would reduce overcrowding in the area and they are all worried about procedure. My guess is that GF is in part worried about more space at Herndon and a desire to move kids to Herndon and in part worried that they will only get a renovation and not an expansion because there is now space at Herndon.

GF is for GF and only GF. And that is fine, pretty much everyone is looking out for what they see as their kids interests and less worried about what happens to other schools. The difference is that the other groups are honest about it.

The GF people are smart enough to realize that merely objecting to the possibility of GF getting moved to Herndon isn't a winning strategy. So they've very sensibly framed their concerns in broader terms that appeal to people in other pyramids AND they've been more than willing to continue to do legwork on behalf of others even when the boundary consultant's recommendations didn't include moving anyone out of Langley. If they were your School Board representative or member of Congress you'd say they are very good at constituent service.

I would contrast that with the attitude of the those near KAA who, once they got wind of the KAA acquisition, have made it clear they only care about getting a new school in their neighborhood and don't care about anyone else. They don't care if other renovation projects now get deferred. They don't care if other areas with facilities needs continue to get ignored. They don't care if there is already excess capacity at some schools in western Fairfax. They don't want to hear any questions that the utlimate price tag could be well in excess of $150M. All they want is their new school and they want it NOW.

You do realize that we have been asking for a new HS for over 20 years and that the number of schools that are at the 99th percentile or higher capacity is near 100%? This si not a new topic, it has been around for ages. We would not be talking about massive boundary shifts if the HS had been built when it was first proposed. And there probably wouldn't ahve been the expansions at the schools that you have seen. I started this topic in February when the school first shut down. I am shocked that FCPS did the sane thing and bought the building. It is long overdue.

It also saves money for the County allowing for renovations because the cost is less than half the projected cost to build a new building. And it removes the need for expansions. It provides relief to Westfield and Oakton. It could provide relief to Chantilly and maybe SLHS. That means it is serving to help 4 large communities and save money.

No one buys that GF cares about anything other then GF. You just said that they framed their concerns in a large view to obscure that all that mattered to them was not moving to Herndon.
And now the protest about the cost has little to do with transparency and more to do with the renovation, which McLean very much needs, potentially being pushed back. Now GF is all worried about the kids at ES that are undergoing renovations and how they might be harmed. It is all a big PR stunt geared towards McLean and Langley getting what they want and screw everyone else.

McLean should get a renovation. It shouldn't be expanded, just like Centerville should be renovated but doesn't need an expansion. And the money saved from those expansions will help to pay for the new school, that has been needed for years. That was in the CIP as a future project for years. And that means that there are seats in other close by schools that the GF families don't want to move to.

Hate to break it to you but the eastern part of the county needs capacity relief way more than western. So you are good with the western school that the school board never allocated make than 25 millions for. And they have not said how they will fund operating expenses since they are can’t afford current expenses without a new school. And McLean and centreville should kiss expansions goodbye. Maybe centreville with this school but not McLean

Well, KAA isn't in the eastern part of the county and ot can't just magically be moved there, so I'm confused about why you're even bringing up the eastern side of the county.

DP. Because they don’t have a separate eastern Fairfax and western Fairfax renovation queue, so when western takes $150 million, it has knock in effects all over the county.

If you look at the CIP most of the projects that are scheduled for upcoming renovations are in western Fairfax. That's because the renovation queue was largely based on the age of facilities, and they are about to get to a bunch of schools in western Fairfax built in the 1970s or later.

So it's mostly going to be schools in western Fairfax that see their renovations deferred. On the flip side, they had budgeted about $450M for a western high school and some of that money is going to get reallocated if they can reopen KAA as a new HS for substantially less. Schools in eastern Fairfax may ultimately be beneficiaries of that reallocation.

My point is that claiming it has no impact on eastern Fairfax is not accurate, though your analysis might be right- time will tell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chantilly has a really small acreage compared to other Western schools.

But don’t they use the Parks Authority owned sports fields across the street?

Do they use the two little league fields? No. I don't even think they are HS sized.