Tired of Name Changes/Bad Planning - Vote NO on School Bonds

[Anonymous]

Your advice to participate and organize is appropriate. But you seem to dismiss the frustration, that is real, felt by a significant proportion of the electorate, with the school board. It is perhaps unfortunate that it is being expressed in the form of opposition to capital spending bonds - it was earlier expressed as opposition to the Meals Tax. A survey by FCPS found that some 34% of parents believe that FCPS' fiscal management is good. And there is clear evidence that the school board has not managed funds well (and still has serious deficiencies in governance). It is appropriate to note that on an influential forum and to argue for some form of action (i.e. withhold votes from capital bonds). Some members of the school board show remarkably little comprehension of the potential risks of allowing the "silent majority" to lose faith in the administration of the schools and use of their funds. The claim that FCPS is exceptional is wearing thin, and Loudoun is increasingly compared favorably for certain parents/students. And several members have been more than inflammatory with their public comments advocating for more money or specific "social issues". Even more problematic have been the "quiet deals" and inappropriate advocacy agreements that have gone on (see Ms. Strauss' campaign manager get sweetheart contract and Ms. Evans coordinate with the NAACP as examples). So the frustration has legitimate basis and the board has done nothing to address these failures.

This political balance has two pans - the board and the electorate - they both have responsibilities to engage honestly and respectfully. As the Meals Tax issue, transgender issue, and renaming issue have demonstrated, there has been a distinct lack of respect for process and a dis-respect of various segments of the electorate. It makes it worse that this has been wholly unnecessary.

[Anonymous]

Is there a way to organize parents to show up for the "first annual Advocacy Day" on December 4 and raise issues such as those listed here in this thread?

[Anonymous]

I'm unaware of an organized advocacy group web-site that promotes simply good governance. There are numerous advocacy groups for specific objectives including the name change for Stewart (pro and con), classroom size, Special Education (and in the past for later start times, full day pre-K etc). The business group roundtables, chambers of commerce, and citizen associations and home-owners associations are still largely unorganized and not focused on the core weaknesses at the School Board. FCTA does some research and advocacy on school issues. There are facebook groups organized to promote specific (generally "social") issues. Even certain ethnic communities are organized to promote specific issues of interest. There is recognition by some of the Supervisors of the problems with FCPS. The Fairfax County Democrats are clearly focused on maintaining preferential compensation perks. The Fairfax County Republicans are largely dis-organized when it comes to school issues. There are numerous task forces and citizen participation on various committees working for the school system but they are largely unorganized.

Perhaps a "clearinghouse" web site that could communicate clear, unbiased information about FCPS, and improve dialogue among interested parties could be useful. It would be a significant effort/cost to build and maintain such a site. With the elections approaching in 2019 it might be a good time to undertake such an effort. It's clear from this dialogue (and many others) that there is a need for some oversight/balance on the school board. Encouraging/demanding respect for process, transparency and accountability are absolutely necessary to ensure that FCPS and Fairfax County continue to thrive and attract and retain residents and business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm unaware of an organized advocacy group web-site that promotes simply good governance. There are numerous advocacy groups for specific objectives including the name change for Stewart (pro and con), classroom size, Special Education (and in the past for later start times, full day pre-K etc). The business group roundtables, chambers of commerce, and citizen associations and home-owners associations are still largely unorganized and not focused on the core weaknesses at the School Board. FCTA does some research and advocacy on school issues. There are facebook groups organized to promote specific (generally "social") issues. Even certain ethnic communities are organized to promote specific issues of interest. There is recognition by some of the Supervisors of the problems with FCPS. The Fairfax County Democrats are clearly focused on maintaining preferential compensation perks. The Fairfax County Republicans are largely dis-organized when it comes to school issues. There are numerous task forces and citizen participation on various committees working for the school system but they are largely unorganized.

Perhaps a "clearinghouse" web site that could communicate clear, unbiased information about FCPS, and improve dialogue among interested parties could be useful. It would be a significant effort/cost to build and maintain such a site. With the elections approaching in 2019 it might be a good time to undertake such an effort. It's clear from this dialogue (and many others) that there is a need for some oversight/balance on the school board. Encouraging/demanding respect for process, transparency and accountability are absolutely necessary to ensure that FCPS and Fairfax County continue to thrive and attract and retain residents and business.

Why does it need to be a "clearinghouse" website when there are other tools (maybe a Facebook group?) available at low/no cost?

ITA on the transparency issue.

[Anonymous]

Could also create an online petition with a list of goals/defined mission and present it (with all the names that have signed) at the December 4 Advocacy Day.

[Anonymous]

by "clearinghouse" I meant to suggest a repository/library of documents and analyses to clarify School Board initiatives. Very few people have the time and energy to sift through the Audit Committee reports and note the conflicts that restrict the independence of the Auditor General; or review the contracts database and note that certain contracts are not being reported appropriately or that the Chairman of the School Board campaign manager has been granted a non-compete contract; or that the assertions about teacher pay are simply wrong; or that the pension fund is mismanaged. It takes real time and effort and expertise to ferret out these examples of mis-management.

As for presenting a petition - good idea! Draft up something and pass it around here and elsewhere for input.

I suggest a few points for advocacy:
(1) statements from Board members and Staff to be accompanied by references/links to prepared materials/data e.g. teacher compensation - share the data - no more baseless assertions
(2) resolve the independence of the Auditor General - this position should have authority and resources to investigate any and all programs, expenditures, and control practices, and report directly to the Board. The reports should be public unless restricted by law
(3) all contracts must be disclosed/reported in the County database and sole-source (non-compete contracts) greater than $100,000 (initially or by extension) shall be reported quarterly to the Board along with all open contracts of value greater than $250,000
(4) the supplemental pension ERFC will reduce investment management costs to below the average for similar sized public pension plans and an estimate of the cost of this benefit will be included in all compensation reports to the Board
(5) the cost of living adjustment in the pension plan will be changed to mirror inflation (CPI) for all participants (as in the County and State plans)
(6) Special education program - including transportation - to be assessed by an outside consultant (preferably Gibson) with the objective of bringing expenditures on SpecEd into line with FCPS regional peers
(7) disclose contributions/ors to Board members' campaigns
(8) consider establishing an independent Ombudsman to facilitate and promote public awareness and communication with the public
(9) adopt as an objective to reduce class size and teacher work loads - maximum class size of 24-26 students as a target
(10) defend against grade inflation - an honest and rigorous assessment of student achievement and shortfalls is necessary to promote effort and diligence and achievement.
(11) adopt a resolution of the Board that explicitly acknowledges the importance of adhering to governance process and reinforces the role of the Board members as representatives of the people of Fairfax County

my 2 cents...

[Anonymous]

(7) is already done

http://cfreports.sbe.virginia.gov/?CommitteeName=&CommitteeType=Candidate+Campaign+Committee

[Anonymous]

Cool - thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think one of their main issues is that they see the average student as a republican issue and so won't focus on them.

GE students are a Democrat issue? Really. I how a lot of Democrats with GE kids. GE kids make up most of the school system. If you have an issue and want to propose s solution, organize other GE parents and raise it. I agree with PP. the school board * does* listen to vocal parents. The AAP parents are vocal, and organized. They also work with FCAG. Every time we have a budget fight, I get a list if actions points from them (and TJPF/ Academic Boosters) I have s list of concrete steps I can take to protect TJ and AAP. It’s well organized. The numbers are with GE, if someone stepped up, provided leaders, and presented GE parents with talking points and a list of talking points, then you might just get some of the things you want. Even Commission a study and writes policy paper, like FCAG does.

But right now, GE parents my gripe individually at SB meeting or at the school. But I have seen the organized effort you get with GE. You have the numbers, get to it and push for change.

And parents will respond if you give the a list of most important talking points, and drafts of emails they can modify for their school and the SB, and encourage then to attend and speak at this SB meeting in this date. I agree with PP— it is not realistic to have parents assume that if they can gripe anonymously, plocies will change. It’s not
that easy.

And realize that if you organize, you will only get some off what you want at first— if that. Not everyone in the county agrees with you. But you will likely get more than you have now. And build credibility to push for bigger changes later.

Parents of Gen Ed students should not have to separately identify themselves as an advocacy group to have their kids' needs addressed. You are extremely tone-deaf to suggest otherwise.

It’s tone deaf to suggest that if you are unhappy with the AAP/ GE balance or the way GE is implemented, or if you want AAP for all, or whatnot, you organize and make your voices heard? Ok. Don’t organize. Just sit on your sofa and gripe on DCUM. But it won’t change anything. And believe me, AAP and TJ parents organize and make themselves heard.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure voting no is a good idea. Specifically, the election looks like Gillespie is going to win, funneling nova tax dollars to other parts of the state.

We need to be more conscientious of what is going on-- there is a general trend towards tax cuts, meaning education is going to get sliced across aboard. The GOP is banking on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure voting no is a good idea. Specifically, the election looks like Gillespie is going to win, funneling nova tax dollars to other parts of the state.

We need to be more conscientious of what is going on-- there is a general trend towards tax cuts, meaning education is going to get sliced across aboard. The GOP is banking on it.

Wiser spending would help. And, let's face it, FCPS is in a special bind because of all the undocumented kids that came in under Obama. There was a big influx the year all those unaccompanied minors came into the US. Some areas are not affected by this as FCPS has been. Hopefully, it will level off. Gillespie could not change that, but it could help a little. Yes, it is right to educate these kids, but anyone who does not realize that they cost more to educate than the homegrown kids is mistaken. ESOL, more special needs, etc.

[Anonymous]

more than 4,000 unaccompanied minors were resettled into Fairfax County under the Obama administration - these children are permitted to attend school up to the age of 22 years (unless they graduate before that). They are destitute so all the social services are provided to them. If you figure that the average ESL student costs more than $17,000/yr then this resettlement imposed a cost of more than $68M/yr on Fairfax County tax payers. This is approximately the amount the Meals Tax was projected to raise. Of course, if your business employs Central Americans or you buy from businesses that employ Central Americans then you will benefit from this resettlement. And if/when these students graduate and work and pay local taxes and start businesses they will presumably make a net positive contribution to the community. It was a very generous extension of aid to people in need and Fairfax residents can be justifiably proud of having provided these services and opportunities. The fact that it was done without consultation or even disclosed to the taxpayers was unconscionable although par for the course with the Obama administration,and has resulted in a great deal of frustration.

The $315M in the bond referendum - part of which is designated for 2 new high schools of approximately 2,000 students - could conceivably be directly related to this resettlement program.

We'll know later tonight whether a majority of voters favor spending this money, or not...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:more than 4,000 unaccompanied minors were resettled into Fairfax County under the Obama administration - these children are permitted to attend school up to the age of 22 years (unless they graduate before that). They are destitute so all the social services are provided to them. If you figure that the average ESL student costs more than $17,000/yr then this resettlement imposed a cost of more than $68M/yr on Fairfax County tax payers. This is approximately the amount the Meals Tax was projected to raise. Of course, if your business employs Central Americans or you buy from businesses that employ Central Americans then you will benefit from this resettlement. And if/when these students graduate and work and pay local taxes and start businesses they will presumably make a net positive contribution to the community. It was a very generous extension of aid to people in need and Fairfax residents can be justifiably proud of having provided these services and opportunities. The fact that it was done without consultation or even disclosed to the taxpayers was unconscionable although par for the course with the Obama administration,and has resulted in a great deal of frustration.

The $315M in the bond referendum - part of which is designated for 2 new high schools of approximately 2,000 students - could conceivably be directly related to this resettlement program.

We'll know later tonight whether a majority of voters favor spending this money, or not...

What was so frustrating about that decision is that the federal government gave the county no additional funding that I know of.

[Anonymous]

What was so frustrating about that decision is that the federal government gave the county no additional funding that I know of.

In addition to the influx of more MS-13. We are seeing incidents almost every week. And, I don't know if the young man who killed the young Muslim girl was a member, but his behavior would indicate that he was.

[Anonymous]

You can bet they will vote Democratic.