Anonymous wrote:Schools are overcrowded. Some kids will have to move. End of story.

Exactly! Some schools are empty while others are over crowded so they are fixing it! Good for them! It's about time! Those of you so concerned with spending....you agree with brand new schools getting built (Baynard Rustin) while schools like Cold Spring sit empty???

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

i would sell my house if i were you.

DP

See, this is why parents are upset. It's mainly going to affect middle class families who may have purchased at the higher levels of their housing budget in order to get their kids into a better school district. Nobody living in Kensington is uber-wealthy.

So, the wealthy can just send their kids to private school, if they're not happy with the new boundaries. The lower income students will likely not see any improvement in their school outcomes.

Yet, once again, the middle class families lose out in the name of social justice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

And this is what it comes down to, really. It's not really about what's best for ALL the kids academically. Let's be honest here.

Of COURSE that's what this is about! These ridiculous dog whistle speeches about busing and not wanting to break up school communities is the biggest bunch of BS I've ever heard. Just be honest about it.

And you act like it is a fact that playing musical chairs with school assignments will just help all the kids who still have to go home to these systemic problems. Pretty sure trying to fix social ills though the school system is a farce on both sides and it is pushed by the people who have nothing to lose getting redistricted and resisted by people with something to lose. even if you buy that the DCC is ruining kids lives via concentration ghetto poverty, you just going to shift less than 10%-20% of kids even with the most aggressive of plans. I guess you will give up on the 80-90% of kids remaining in the ghetto school and wish the few rich white kids luck who go

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

i would sell my house if i were you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

And this is what it comes down to, really. It's not really about what's best for ALL the kids academically. Let's be honest here.

No, it's the fact that there's not much certainty (really zero certainty) that busing kids from a lower income school to a higher income school will help those kids perform better.

It's an experiment that has been tried before, and just doesn't work. So, people are frustrated that the BOE is advocating for busing, instead of actually making useful changes to MCPS (solid curriculum, smaller class sizes).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These hearings are all for show. The BOE does not care what the people think if their thoughts don’t align up to their agenda. they want to read draw boundaries regardless of what impact this has on our communities. If you disagree with them you were labeled as a racist and classist.

The BoE is elected. If you don't like the members of the BoE, work to elect other members, or run for office yourself.

Just because I disagree with what they’re doing doesn’t mean I have to run for office to try and fix it myself. what a ridiculous thought.

OK, then don't. Complain anonymously, to no effect, on DCUM.

I have written the board of education expressing my thoughts on this issue. Why would you assume I have only complained anonymously here? You don’t seem to be a very broad thinker.

Why would you do that, if you believe that the BOE does not care what the people think?

You are exhausting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

And this is what it comes down to, really. It's not really about what's best for ALL the kids academically. Let's be honest here.

Of COURSE that's what this is about! These ridiculous dog whistle speeches about busing and not wanting to break up school communities is the biggest bunch of BS I've ever heard. Just be honest about it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

And this is what it comes down to, really. It's not really about what's best for ALL the kids academically. Let's be honest here.

Anonymous wrote:

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

Kensington to Walter Johnson isn't halfway across the county. It just isn't. I biked that last week, in about 30 minutes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These hearings are all for show. The BOE does not care what the people think if their thoughts don’t align up to their agenda. they want to read draw boundaries regardless of what impact this has on our communities. If you disagree with them you were labeled as a racist and classist.

The BoE is elected. If you don't like the members of the BoE, work to elect other members, or run for office yourself.

Just because I disagree with what they’re doing doesn’t mean I have to run for office to try and fix it myself. what a ridiculous thought.

OK, then don't. Complain anonymously, to no effect, on DCUM.

I have written the board of education expressing my thoughts on this issue. Why would you assume I have only complained anonymously here? You don’t seem to be a very broad thinker.

Why would you do that, if you believe that the BOE does not care what the people think?

DP

I also don't think the BOE cares what parents think. We've testified in front of the board (different issue) and the members were incredibly dismissive.

However, I continue to email, because it's the only way I feel that I can make my tiny voice heard in this gigantic, over-sized school system.

OT, but this is why smaller school systems are better. It's easier to parents and teachers to have their voices heard.

But it isn't. If there's someone you think would be good on the school board, encourage them to run. Or consider running for office yourself. Or even becoming the MCCPTA rep for your school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

We live in Kensington near Einstein but kids get bussed halfway across the county to Walter Johnson. We love it, but if the BoE rezones us for Einstein our property values will tank!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think the county is actually going to spend millions on buses and bus drivers? When there aren't enough teachers, and classrooms and schools are overcrowded? And for all those who think there are enough empty seats, please do send your children to Poolesville and Damascus, especially if you live down county and are going against traffic. I'd like my children to walk to school thank you.

I'll give you an example where the county does this.

My kid lives 0.7 miles from one Middle School. Sidewalks all the way, and she could easily walk to school.

She is zoned for a MS 1.8 miles away and takes the bus.

It would make much more sense for my kid to attend the closer MS. The one we're zoned for is 'better', but it's much more inconvenient, and it requires MCPS to offer a bus. Plus an activity bus three days a week.

My kid lives in part of the DCC that doesn't have a high-school near it anymore. They're bussed to the closest high-school as are the 12345 kids that live in this part of the county. The kids who live across the street from the HS are bussed to another nearby HS because there's no room in the one that's close to them. Their bus ride however is much shorter than the bus ride my kids have. The point is being assigned to the closest HS isn't always the most sensible thing the county can do. It sometimes make more sense to look at the bigger picture.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These hearings are all for show. The BOE does not care what the people think if their thoughts don’t align up to their agenda. they want to read draw boundaries regardless of what impact this has on our communities. If you disagree with them you were labeled as a racist and classist.

The BoE is elected. If you don't like the members of the BoE, work to elect other members, or run for office yourself.

Just because I disagree with what they’re doing doesn’t mean I have to run for office to try and fix it myself. what a ridiculous thought.

OK, then don't. Complain anonymously, to no effect, on DCUM.

I have written the board of education expressing my thoughts on this issue. Why would you assume I have only complained anonymously here? You don’t seem to be a very broad thinker.

Why would you do that, if you believe that the BOE does not care what the people think?

DP

I also don't think the BOE cares what parents think. We've testified in front of the board (different issue) and the members were incredibly dismissive.

However, I continue to email, because it's the only way I feel that I can make my tiny voice heard in this gigantic, over-sized school system.

OT, but this is why smaller school systems are better. It's easier to parents and teachers to have their voices heard.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These hearings are all for show. The BOE does not care what the people think if their thoughts don’t align up to their agenda. they want to read draw boundaries regardless of what impact this has on our communities. If you disagree with them you were labeled as a racist and classist.

The BoE is elected. If you don't like the members of the BoE, work to elect other members, or run for office yourself.

Just because I disagree with what they’re doing doesn’t mean I have to run for office to try and fix it myself. what a ridiculous thought.

OK, then don't. Complain anonymously, to no effect, on DCUM.

I have written the board of education expressing my thoughts on this issue. Why would you assume I have only complained anonymously here? You don’t seem to be a very broad thinker.

Why would you do that, if you believe that the BOE does not care what the people think?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These hearings are all for show. The BOE does not care what the people think if their thoughts don’t align up to their agenda. they want to read draw boundaries regardless of what impact this has on our communities. If you disagree with them you were labeled as a racist and classist.

The BoE is elected. If you don't like the members of the BoE, work to elect other members, or run for office yourself.

Just because I disagree with what they’re doing doesn’t mean I have to run for office to try and fix it myself. what a ridiculous thought.

OK, then don't. Complain anonymously, to no effect, on DCUM.

I have written the board of education expressing my thoughts on this issue. Why would you assume I have only complained anonymously here? You don’t seem to be a very broad thinker.