Please be aware of what is about to go away:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

Does the school Board have access to that feedback that’s being ignored by central office staff?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

Having served on similar advisory panels, I believe you. But if you know MCPS doesn't give a damn what you and other parents think, why do you still serve on the design team? Why not resign in protest?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

That makes sense. I assumed it was all central office. I don’t see the point in this as it’s expensive and they can use that money to increase offerings at all schools. So, the question is will the BOE sign off on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

Having served on similar advisory panels, I believe you. But if you know MCPS doesn't give a damn what you and other parents think, why do you still serve on the design team? Why not resign in protest?

If they quit, who will advocate for our kids. Instead of encouraging them to quit, thank them for trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

Does the school Board have access to that feedback that’s being ignored by central office staff?

Doubt it. Any incoming feedback to BOE gets filtered through the Ombudsperson. If she likes it, she records it for the BOE. If she doesn't, you get an acknowledgment (sounds AI generated) but nothing that says the BOE will get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

Einstein has already built a reputable reputation with VAPA and Einstein. It has a whole floor dedicated for Dance. Are these resources suppose to collect dust?

Other schools are also losing signature programs. Einstein is not alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to the program analysis plan, here is what will be going away:

-Downcounty Consortium
-Northeast Consortium
-Any current countywide program that selects from the whole county such as: the Science, Math and Computer Science programs at Blair and Poolesville, the IM program at Richard Montgomery, the Visual Arts Program at Einstein, and Global Ecology at Poolesville.

People need to understand that these are now slated to go away. Current 8th graders can apply, and after that they’re over. You may agree or disagree with this change, but you need to know. See the link below for FAQs.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/faqs/

Can we try to keep our terminology clear so everyone is on the same page?

DCC and NEC would go away.

SMCS, RMIB, and VAC would still exist but as regional programs accepting kids from a smaller number of schools. That is absolutely a big change and should be acknowledged and talked about as such, but it is confusing and inaccurate to say they're "going away" in the same sense that DCC and NEC will go away.

Global Ecology is TBD. They will have something called "Global Ecology" within the Poolesville SMCS, but it's unclear whether it will be anything like Global Ecology as we know it or not.

I'd also add that while DCC and NEC are going away, they are being replaced by other consortia. The application/lottery process will not be identical to the DCC/NEC model, but that model always worked better in theory than in practice anyway. Under the new model, there will be either interest-based or criteria based models within six different consortia, and kids will have the option to apply/lottery into those.

+1 Since MCPS has said they will add slots to these programs, it's misleading to characterize them as "going away." They have said there will be more slots at closer options, which is a good thing as currently only 60ish kids go to Blair SMCS each year. What is about to "go away" is currently available for very students in MCPS, all of whom are chosen based upon a single MAP test data point and some grades.

100 spaces at Blair and 60 at Poolesville currently. Will future STEM students get a 9th period and the same lab facilities as Blair and Poolesville? Will the Blair Foundation offer support to the other schools too?

What time do you want students to finish HS by adding a 9th period? 6pm?!

Blair magnet had had a 9th period for decades. It's not an addition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

Neither of them have to go away. They can remain as regional (VAC) or local (VAPA) programs.

But the proposal moves the performing arts pathway to Northwood. How do you maintain that level of performing arts when the curriculum that supports it is intentionally moved?

Northwood already has performing arts as one of its academies, same as Einstein. Since they're going to have a brand new and larger building with good facilities, it makes sense to have the new program there.

Einstein has already built a reputable reputation with VAPA and Einstein. It has a whole floor dedicated for Dance. Are these resources suppose to collect dust?

My understanding is Einstein will focus on visual arts, while Northwood will focus on performing arts.

Many of the visual arts do preforming arts and work together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

What we are doing right now *is* the fight. The design team parents have been consulted and have reported back (as soon as they were allowed by the NDA) and MCPS is now pushing forward regardless of their objections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

Does the school Board have access to that feedback that’s being ignored by central office staff?

People with direct knowledge should sign up for public comments at the BOE meetings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These changes are going to devastate Einstein which will be left with graphic arts.

Einstein seems to disproportionally lose in all this. Their performing arts are really strong and often celebrated by MCPS (including in today’s social media feed). I understand gradually tweaking the programs to make more sense but not taking two major programs out of Einstein, not replacing them, and significantly reducing its student population which in turn means fewer teachers and fewer offerings. I have a kid at Einstein who loves it and another headed there next year. I want to trust that the offerings will be the same for 8th graders but of course they won’t be. It would be great if we could help build programs at more schools but not by taking it away from others.

I know nothing is set in stone, but I would be surprised if the Einstein community allowed VAPA and VAC to be taken away. It took years to build these programs, and they are a big part of the school’s reputation today. My son graduated from Einstein’s VAC program and now works for Disney+, and has a friend who is a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, along with other friends who have built amazing careers in the arts. They wouldn’t be where they are today without the training they received at Einstein. This is devastating, VAPA and VAC must stay.

This, but ultimately it’s not up to the parents.

“ A design team, made up of families, community members, and school-based staff are meeting now and will recommend what programs should be offered within a reasonable geographic area and what programs should be offered at all schools. ” I would be surprised if the Einstein community didn’t fight for VAPA and VAC.

I want to be clear about this: I am on the program design team as a parent. The members of the team outside of MCPS central office staff have absolutely no power. We regularly bring up concerns, and they are ignored. It is for show only. All decisions are made by central office staff. It is a sham of a process.

With the BOE signing off on it.

Eventually. But for now, MCPS is stating that the recommendations are from the program design team--and that is not accurate. They are from central office staff. They have been presented to the parents/teachers/community memers on the program design team for feedback, and the majority of the time, that feedback is ignored. What you see at Board meetings is exactly what the design team saw, despite members very clearly articulating problems and concerns that are not addressed.

Does the school Board have access to that feedback that’s being ignored by central office staff?

People with direct knowledge should sign up for public comments at the BOE meetings.

The BOE rarely acknowledges anyone who testifies or cares about community concern if you watch the meetings. On a rare occasion you might get a response but no action or follow up to address the concerns.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think the BOE members are naive. They have asked in every which way to slow down this process and see more data, transportation costs, etc. People have testified and it has been compelling. It is super obvious Niki Hazel Porter and the DCCAPS woman (Franklin?) were told what to pull together by the superintendent and the three of them are steam rolling forward with thumbs in their ears despite very serious feedback from thoughtful stake holders and others. I think Laura and Julie are very concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the BOE members are naive. They have asked in every which way to slow down this process and see more data, transportation costs, etc. People have testified and it has been compelling. It is super obvious Niki Hazel Porter and the DCCAPS woman (Franklin?) were told what to pull together by the superintendent and the three of them are steam rolling forward with thumbs in their ears despite very serious feedback from thoughtful stake holders and others. I think Laura and Julie are very concerned.

I don’t get why central office thinks this is a good idea. Where is the money coming from given they also have to factor in the costs of two additional schools opening. Laura is very connected to the DCC and hopefully would want it preserved and expanded. We need improvement, expanded options at some schools, etc but this isn’t the way to go about it. More arts and stem would be great but not at the cost of destroying schools that have built up programs that are their identity. Use the money to expand offerings at schools. Even six-ten more teachers for arts and stem would be helpful at some of the schools with less offerings.