FCPS Boundary Review Updates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone watching the working session at 2:30 today? Will be interesting to see what they have to say about the $150 million in new obligations and how that might impact the CIP.

The newspaper articles I have read have said that the moeny for the purchase will come from the CIP. I take that to mean some projects will be pushed back but in the long run, there will be more money for renovations because the purchase of the existing land and building is far less expensive than purchasing the land and building a new building. I thought I saw a number that the projected cost of a new HS was in the $400 million range and this building was $150 million.

If it means that you don't need the Centerville expansion, that saves something like $40 million.

Once they decide what schools will be attending the new HS, they will see where there is space in the schools that lost students and can shift kids from Centerville and Chantilly, if it is needed. Since most people have been pointing to the fact that enrollments in both schools are declining, that might mean that there are fewer moves anyway. If Oakton or Langley or McLean see a bump in enrollment, due to new construction, there is space in SLHS and Herndon to absorb some of those moves.

The immediate impact is that the schools that were at 99%-105% capacity in the area will drop to the low 90%. Carson should not be a split feeder problem child. And there will be more money for renovations in the near future because the new school costs less than expected.

The CIP is just a document, not a source of funding.

You can finesse the point but only $25M has actually been funded for a new western HS. Everything else was an unfunded commitment that FCPS had not even specified a future date to fund.

If we proceed with this now, it means deferring or canceling other projects. Scaling back the Centreville expansion and postponing Dunn Loring indefinitely could be positive developments. On the other hand, few at elementary schools like Bren Mar Park, Armstrong, and Dranesville ES that were about to be renovated will be thrilled if their renovations are now postponed.

Also, if this is really going to free up money in the long term, people near Carson shouldn't be telling others they can be moved to South Lakes and Herndon before FCPS has addressed how those savings can be put to use in other parts of the county.

I got the impression they were planning to originally pay for the 450m western high school with one of those bond referendums, which would pause other renovations in the queue at that time for 2 years. Since this sale is happening NOW, I don't know the specifics and legality of how they could fund it now though without a bond referendum. But assuming they find funding in a similar manner, it would only pause 150m in renovation funding for presumably less time than 2 years.

The way it works is the 2023 bond referendum passed giving FCPS the ability to sell up to $435 million in bonds to support the CIP. They don't sell them all at once, they sell as the need for the money arises. There is another bond referendum on this November's ballot for $460 million. I'm assuming there was still enough room in the 2023 bond money to make this offer since it is expected to close by mid August at the latest. We'll find out soon enough if it will impact the schedule of other immediate projects or not.

[Anonymous]

What complicates matters even further is that they have about 8 elementary renovations that are not close to being finished but have all started. Do they just get paused for a few years and left as construction sites while this school takes priority?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone watching the working session at 2:30 today? Will be interesting to see what they have to say about the $150 million in new obligations and how that might impact the CIP.

The newspaper articles I have read have said that the moeny for the purchase will come from the CIP. I take that to mean some projects will be pushed back but in the long run, there will be more money for renovations because the purchase of the existing land and building is far less expensive than purchasing the land and building a new building. I thought I saw a number that the projected cost of a new HS was in the $400 million range and this building was $150 million.

If it means that you don't need the Centerville expansion, that saves something like $40 million.

Once they decide what schools will be attending the new HS, they will see where there is space in the schools that lost students and can shift kids from Centerville and Chantilly, if it is needed. Since most people have been pointing to the fact that enrollments in both schools are declining, that might mean that there are fewer moves anyway. If Oakton or Langley or McLean see a bump in enrollment, due to new construction, there is space in SLHS and Herndon to absorb some of those moves.

The immediate impact is that the schools that were at 99%-105% capacity in the area will drop to the low 90%. Carson should not be a split feeder problem child. And there will be more money for renovations in the near future because the new school costs less than expected.

The CIP is just a document, not a source of funding.

You can finesse the point but only $25M has actually been funded for a new western HS. Everything else was an unfunded commitment that FCPS had not even specified a future date to fund.

If we proceed with this now, it means deferring or canceling other projects. Scaling back the Centreville expansion and postponing Dunn Loring indefinitely could be positive developments. On the other hand, few at elementary schools like Bren Mar Park, Armstrong, and Dranesville ES that were about to be renovated will be thrilled if their renovations are now postponed.

Also, if this is really going to free up money in the long term, people near Carson shouldn't be telling others they can be moved to South Lakes and Herndon before FCPS has addressed how those savings can be put to use in other parts of the county.

I got the impression they were planning to originally pay for the 450m western high school with one of those bond referendums, which would pause other renovations in the queue at that time for 2 years. Since this sale is happening NOW, I don't know the specifics and legality of how they could fund it now though without a bond referendum. But assuming they find funding in a similar manner, it would only pause 150m in renovation funding for presumably less time than 2 years.

The way it works is the 2023 bond referendum passed giving FCPS the ability to sell up to $435 million in bonds to support the CIP. They don't sell them all at once, they sell as the need for the money arises. There is another bond referendum on this November's ballot for $460 million. I'm assuming there was still enough room in the 2023 bond money to make this offer since it is expected to close by mid August at the latest. We'll find out soon enough if it will impact the schedule of other immediate projects or not.

Thanks. Looks like this is doable.
As for the other projects, Centreville can still get a renovation--but the large expansion would not be needed.
Is there an urgent need for Dunn Loring?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone watching the working session at 2:30 today? Will be interesting to see what they have to say about the $150 million in new obligations and how that might impact the CIP.

The newspaper articles I have read have said that the moeny for the purchase will come from the CIP. I take that to mean some projects will be pushed back but in the long run, there will be more money for renovations because the purchase of the existing land and building is far less expensive than purchasing the land and building a new building. I thought I saw a number that the projected cost of a new HS was in the $400 million range and this building was $150 million.

If it means that you don't need the Centerville expansion, that saves something like $40 million.

Once they decide what schools will be attending the new HS, they will see where there is space in the schools that lost students and can shift kids from Centerville and Chantilly, if it is needed. Since most people have been pointing to the fact that enrollments in both schools are declining, that might mean that there are fewer moves anyway. If Oakton or Langley or McLean see a bump in enrollment, due to new construction, there is space in SLHS and Herndon to absorb some of those moves.

The immediate impact is that the schools that were at 99%-105% capacity in the area will drop to the low 90%. Carson should not be a split feeder problem child. And there will be more money for renovations in the near future because the new school costs less than expected.

The CIP is just a document, not a source of funding.

You can finesse the point but only $25M has actually been funded for a new western HS. Everything else was an unfunded commitment that FCPS had not even specified a future date to fund.

If we proceed with this now, it means deferring or canceling other projects. Scaling back the Centreville expansion and postponing Dunn Loring indefinitely could be positive developments. On the other hand, few at elementary schools like Bren Mar Park, Armstrong, and Dranesville ES that were about to be renovated will be thrilled if their renovations are now postponed.

Also, if this is really going to free up money in the long term, people near Carson shouldn't be telling others they can be moved to South Lakes and Herndon before FCPS has addressed how those savings can be put to use in other parts of the county.

I got the impression they were planning to originally pay for the 450m western high school with one of those bond referendums, which would pause other renovations in the queue at that time for 2 years. Since this sale is happening NOW, I don't know the specifics and legality of how they could fund it now though without a bond referendum. But assuming they find funding in a similar manner, it would only pause 150m in renovation funding for presumably less time than 2 years.

The way it works is the 2023 bond referendum passed giving FCPS the ability to sell up to $435 million in bonds to support the CIP. They don't sell them all at once, they sell as the need for the money arises. There is another bond referendum on this November's ballot for $460 million. I'm assuming there was still enough room in the 2023 bond money to make this offer since it is expected to close by mid August at the latest. We'll find out soon enough if it will impact the schedule of other immediate projects or not.

Thanks. Looks like this is doable.
As for the other projects, Centreville can still get a renovation--but the large expansion would not be needed.
Is there an urgent need for Dunn Loring?

There was never any need for Dunn Loring but is Karl Frisch going to agree that money earmarked for a new ES in his district (Providence) got spent on a high school in Sully instead? Way to bring home the bacon for his constituents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

Do keep telling us how all this will work. Can't wait to the part where you fast forward to the part about who's going to move to Herndon. We know it won't be you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

Do keep telling us how all this will work. Can't wait to the part where you fast forward to the part about who's going to move to Herndon. We know it won't be you.

Who would have to move TO Herndon as a result of a new HS that is vaguely nearby?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

Do keep telling us how all this will work. Can't wait to the part where you fast forward to the part about who's going to move to Herndon. We know it won't be you.

Who would have to move TO Herndon as a result of a new HS that is vaguely nearby?

Maybe the consultants can do some what if scenarios for a future boundary. And perhaps no neighborhoods would need to move to Herndon since they just got a renovation and expansion, but that’s something a consultant’s computer models can examine in depth.

[Anonymous]

Dear Lord! The way some of you bad mouth Herndon, as if it were one of the circles of hell, just shows how wealth segregation is the goal for many parents. I just hope you are able to keep your kids insulated in that golden bubble for the rest of their lives. I am glad my kids had the opportunity to work and learn with kids of many ethnic backgrounds and income levels at Herndon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

Do keep telling us how all this will work. Can't wait to the part where you fast forward to the part about who's going to move to Herndon. We know it won't be you.

Who would have to move TO Herndon as a result of a new HS that is vaguely nearby?

Eliminate IB at South Lakes. That will make the Fox Mill people happy and prevent so many kids leaving Herndon.
The area of the KAA site was never slated to go to Herndon. They are not as close as some seem to think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s quite ballsy to lock in $150 million in additional taxpayer spending this year and then claim that the taxpayers somehow made $300 million in profits. Also to be mad when taxpayers ask for a more detail.

But I would expect nothing less from the SB and the shills.

This solves a long term problem at a relatively low expense.

Westfield will soon be overcrowded. This relieves Westfield.
Students are spending an hour a day on the bus (total) going to and from Oakton because Chantilly is overcrowded.
Neighborhoods are being split that have no major arteries dividing them. Literally houses next door from one another (on small lots) and across the street.
Students who live right behind Centreville are being sent to Fairfax on a long bus ride because there is no space. Again, almost an hour a day on a school bus.
THRU plans to split a neighborhood and add one portion on the hour slog back and forth to Oakton.

The bus rides are current and appear to continue under THRU's plans. There are some current neighborhood splits and some other neighborhoods are being added under THRU's proposals.

This solves problems.

FCPS has no projections of overcrowding at Westfield over the next five years. They have it going down from 97% to 94% by 2029.

So either you're making stuff up, or FCPS needs to improve its forecasting methodology, and that should happen before FCPS makes boundary changes for a new school or otherwise.

94% is not considered low.

There is tons of new construction going on right now in Coates boundary which currently goes to Westfield.
There is also lots of new construction right next to Westfield by the DMV and COSTCO. Also, near Wegmann's.
And, Centreville is overcrowded and could be relieved by Westfield. It is ridiculous that a neighborhood right behind Centreville High is going to Fairfax.

94% may not be low but it is not overcrowded, either.

Three other schools have more upside growth potential than Westfield according to the county.

They can get students from Centreville. Some live closer to Westfield than Centreville. Then, Centreville can absorb their neighbors without the huge addition.

Do keep telling us how all this will work. Can't wait to the part where you fast forward to the part about who's going to move to Herndon. We know it won't be you.

Who would have to move TO Herndon as a result of a new HS that is vaguely nearby?

Eliminate IB at South Lakes. That will make the Fox Mill people happy and prevent so many kids leaving Herndon.
The area of the KAA site was never slated to go to Herndon. They are not as close as some seem to think.

Wouldn’t Coates and Mcnair feed into the new high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear Lord! The way some of you bad mouth Herndon, as if it were one of the circles of hell, just shows how wealth segregation is the goal for many parents. I just hope you are able to keep your kids insulated in that golden bubble for the rest of their lives. I am glad my kids had the opportunity to work and learn with kids of many ethnic backgrounds and income levels at Herndon.

The only people who shit on Herndon are the ones who dislike great falls. To those frequent posters, Herndon is just the foil they can use to accuse great falls of being [insert whatever nefarious accusation]. The truth is the great falls-haters have more disdain for Herndon than most people in great falls.

And of course you know this, because you clutch your pearls on this website multiple times a day in fake-outrage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear Lord! The way some of you bad mouth Herndon, as if it were one of the circles of hell, just shows how wealth segregation is the goal for many parents. I just hope you are able to keep your kids insulated in that golden bubble for the rest of their lives. I am glad my kids had the opportunity to work and learn with kids of many ethnic backgrounds and income levels at Herndon.

I really have not seen that many people badmouthing Herndon.

But, FWIW, our high school is also quite diverse with many income levels and ethnic backgrounds. And, the new KAA facility, if built, will also be quite diverse and include many income levels.

[Anonymous]

There are a few comments about “having to move to Herndon”, as if it were a punishment.

[Anonymous]

Also, a huge push to get rid of IB at South Lakes is to keep Herndon numbers closer to full capacity. We get it. A lot of people here just want to avoid Herndon, and will come up with different excuses, scenarios. We get it. That still doesn’t change the fact that some Langley kids still have to travel 13 miles to their high school, yet Herndon is only 3 miles away.