Anonymous wrote:Let me know when Latin brings its lacrosse across the River. It all feels like elaborate fakery.

I think they sincerely want to do it, but I doubt it will be as successful. The current school doesn't do so great with low income kids so why would this one be any better?

Let me know when Latin brings its lacrosse across the River. It all feels like elaborate fakery.

Anonymous wrote:So, while I don’t object to DCPS officials monitoring this forum and chiming in with DCPS’ point of view and plans, PP’s lack of transparency in her affiliation when posting is troublesome.

?? Not sure which PP you mean, but I am the immediately previous PP and have no affiliation. I'm just a parent--a charter parent--who likes to share my opinions.

So, while I don’t object to DCPS officials monitoring this forum and chiming in with DCPS’ point of view and plans, PP’s lack of transparency in her affiliation when posting is troublesome.

Charters wanted to be separate. So they are. Schools should not sh*t-talk DCPS and opt out of the responsibilities and then come around with your hand out when they want something.

Turns out long term planning and having enough space are difficult. Surprise. Having to deal with these kinds of issues is a challenge DCPS must undertake and charters have opted out of. When charters have the same responsibilities as DCPS they usually find it a lot harder.

Anonymous wrote:What is DCPS going to develop it into? They have (or are currently in the middle of) updated all the elementary, middle and high schools in Ward 6.

It should go to BASIS, not Latin, if we are being equitable. Latin has a perfectly good campus now, with fields - they just don't have enough spots for the amount of interest. Meanwhile, BASIS is doing well as a school but is crammed in downtown.

Latin wants EOTR, for equity, apparently. And DCPS does not want to give up space to anyone because it will be needed by DCPS in the future.

Charter school facility problems are not DCPS' responsibility to fix, especially to the detriment of DCPS future students. If BASIS or Latin wants a new building they can purchase and construct or remodel. Building Hope exists to finance these kinds of projects, so go ahead and apply.

Anonymous wrote:Ok. So I’m all for these kind of training programs. But since enrollment will no doubt almost exclusively be limited to wards 7 and 8, why utilize a coveted building so close to ward 6?

Because they don't have a big enough building EOTR and they are under pressure to do something with Spingarn.

Anonymous wrote:DC Infrastructure Academy??? Have any of their academies been successful? Can't they just call it a tech school and get on with it?

I do think Phelps is pretty successful, yes.

Ok. So I’m all for these kind of training programs. But since enrollment will no doubt almost exclusively be limited to wards 7 and 8, why utilize a coveted building so close to ward 6?

DC Infrastructure Academy??? Have any of their academies been successful? Can't they just call it a tech school and get on with it?

What is DCPS going to develop it into? They have (or are currently in the middle of) updated all the elementary, middle and high schools in Ward 6.

It should go to BASIS, not Latin, if we are being equitable. Latin has a perfectly good campus now, with fields - they just don't have enough spots for the amount of interest. Meanwhile, BASIS is doing well as a school but is crammed in downtown.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-mayor-proposes-boosting-public-school-spending-next-year-despite-economic-crisis/2020/05/18/22d7fc7a-98a5-11ea-89fd-28fb313d1886_story.html

I have no idea if what they say is true, but it's in this article.

They have a plan to develop it when and for what?

Absent specifics it sounds like a plan to let it rot.

DCPS has a plan to redevelop it. They are not going to give up any space, especially WOTR, as long as they are concerned about crowding in the long term. Because unlike charters they have responsibility to provide a seat to every kid in the long term. And I think the little sh*tfit over Appletree having to abide by the terms of it's lease with Jefferson has put DCPS off leasing to charters generally.

Does anyone know what the deal is with the former Spingarn HS? Does DCPS plan to develop this property or is there any prospect of allowing a Charter to use it? Or is the plan to let it languish forever?

My child attends SWS and is back in-person at swing space adjacent to this property, so I now ponder its existence every weekday as I drive by. (While my question is broader, any chance Latin could grab this property?)