tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68347995566460919492024-03-13T00:50:24.906-04:00Blurbs from the BurbsNeighborhood blogDrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-32423879272705965562011-02-05T09:34:00.000-05:002011-02-05T09:34:33.929-05:00Upcoming Meetings on FCPS SW Boundary StudyPublic hearings on the Southwestern Boundary Study are here! Make plans to attend the following:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Public Hearings: February 7 and 8, 2011 at <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=1010" target="_blank">Jackson Middle School</a>, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 </li>
<li>School Board’s work session: February 14, 2011 at <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=5031" target="_blank">Gatehouse Administration Center</a>, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 1600, Falls Church, VA 22042</li>
<li>School Board action scheduled: February 24, 2011 at <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=1010" target="_blank">Jackson Middle School</a>, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. </li>
</ul><br />
(from <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">FCPS website</a>)Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-22614095786684334072011-01-25T09:27:00.001-05:002011-02-05T09:35:36.341-05:00FCPS Facilities Planning Recommendation to School Board for SW Boundary ChangesFCPS Facilities Planning has released their proposal for changes in the Southwest county region. Marion Woods and Hunters Run communities are recommended to remain with Poplar Tree ES. Specific communities impacted by the redistricting are documented in the Facilities Planning <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/appendixa.pdf">Appendix to their recommendation</a>. However, nothing is final until the vote, so keep in contact with your school board representation and let them know your wishes. Contact information has been provided in prior posts and below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowVLqOhOalcf54Ffh6JEQEplidpuYLnB-uIPzEHPdHUwaEdBSme4ap8kXA285tRnecoQxdR73WGxIbTPcQ0rKLd3rHvJYnRiO4rGKWUwnm8KgS-2UIB-LnccRNYBivycfygYYh-R8ZwdX/s1600/Selection_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowVLqOhOalcf54Ffh6JEQEplidpuYLnB-uIPzEHPdHUwaEdBSme4ap8kXA285tRnecoQxdR73WGxIbTPcQ0rKLd3rHvJYnRiO4rGKWUwnm8KgS-2UIB-LnccRNYBivycfygYYh-R8ZwdX/s400/Selection_001.png" width="328" /></a></div><br />
<br />
For additional information contact<br />
Office of Facilities Planning Services<br />
8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 3300<br />
Falls Church, VA 22042<br />
E-mail: Boundaries@fcps.edu<br />
<br />
To provide comments to School Board contact<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 5400<br />
Falls Church, VA 22042<br />
http://www.fcps.edu/schlbd/members.htmDrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-55679338896137270202010-12-10T08:06:00.000-05:002010-12-10T08:06:48.799-05:00Deadline for Option D feedbackToday at 5pm is the deadline for <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/optionDfeedback">Option D feedback</a>. The survey provides links to information from options A, B, C and D. Please post your opinion now! The next milestones coming are:<br />
<br />
<b>January 20, 2011</b> – Boundary recommendations introduced as new business at the regular School Board meeting<br />
<b>February 7 and 8</b> – Public hearings (plus February 9, if needed)<br />
<b>February 14</b> – School Board work session<br />
<b>February 24</b> – School Board decision on Southwest county boundaries<br />
<b>February 14</b> – School Board work session<br />
<b>February 24</b> – School Board decision on Southwest county boundariesDrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-77738879579547828292010-12-01T19:48:00.002-05:002010-12-01T19:49:37.395-05:00FCPS accepting comments on Option D<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From a "Keep In Touch" email received this evening from FCPS:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Citizens are invited to provide comments on the proposed Option D for the Southwestern Boundary Study, on a feedback form available at <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm</a>. Option D evolved from the feedback gathered from six community dialogue meetings and more than 700 online comments on preliminary Options A, B, and C and reflects more program specifics, including provisions in school capacities for future full-day kindergarten, which were not addressed in the preliminary phase. Citizens who have not reviewed or commented on the preliminary options can also provide their feedback on the online form. <b>The deadline for comments is Friday, December 10, at 5 p.m.</b> Thank you for your participation. </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We encourage you to pass this information to your neighbors, Parent-Teacher Organizations and local Homeowner Associations. Please get the word out and get your comments in before the deadline!</span></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-5777036942232999902010-11-27T22:44:00.004-05:002010-11-27T23:08:45.094-05:00New option posted to FCPS websiteIn response to the overwhelming expression of their dissatisfaction with the first three proposed options, FCPS has posted a revised <a href="http://fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/optiondfactsheet.pdf">Option D</a> to the <a href="http://fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">Southwest Boundary Study</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q1NRAjdP6AVbCCq-SqKqnExbY-PdKv240HMuboJ_Nd2EkOfW9k7H2J-HoUBScjVweUjrwQx3CridJAaD1P-WEzKFDAg9brf413nIz7V895AERY_JlYZcI6FTT4BAby7NdO6jnQ4EcCyv/s1600/Screenshot-Southwestern+Boundary+Study+Option+D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q1NRAjdP6AVbCCq-SqKqnExbY-PdKv240HMuboJ_Nd2EkOfW9k7H2J-HoUBScjVweUjrwQx3CridJAaD1P-WEzKFDAg9brf413nIz7V895AERY_JlYZcI6FTT4BAby7NdO6jnQ4EcCyv/s400/Screenshot-Southwestern+Boundary+Study+Option+D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Notice that the aforementioned subdivisions in our <a href="http://smallwoodhouselog.blogspot.com/2010/10/fcps-southwest-boundary-study.html">original post</a> would remain at Poplar Tree ES. <br />
<br />
While this new option addresses these neighborhood's desire to remain at Poplar Tree ES, there are other options that may be formulated and presented to the School Board in the coming weeks. Remain vigilant! Contact your School Board representative Kathy Smith and let her know how she should represent Sully District for SWBS.<br />
<br />
FCPS Sully District - <a href="mailto:Kathy.L.Smith@fcps.edu">Kathy Smith</a> kathy.l.smith@fcps.edu 571-423-1085<br />
<br />
We appreciate that the Fairfax Patch is covering this issue. Other outlets have been a bit sparse in their coverage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/24/AR2010112404812.html">The Washington Post Metro article</a><br />
<pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fairfaxstation.patch.com/articles/vittori-on-boundary-study">Fairfax Station Patch Column</a></span></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fairfaxstation.patch.com/articles/elizabeth-bradsher-on-clifton-elementary-school">Fairfax Station Patch Interview with Elizabeth Bradsher</a></span></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fairfaxstation.patch.com/articles/clifton-judge-case-involves-complex-issues">Fairfax Station Patch Article on Judge's View of Clifton Closing Lawsuit</a></span></pre><pre wrap=""></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><a href="http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=2565">Fairfax Times Article on Judge Ruling over Clifton Timing</a></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><a href="http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=2586">Fairfax Times article on Clifton Elementary charter school alternative</a></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><a href="http://www.bearingdrift.com/magazine/2010/09/clifton-elementary-%E2%80%9Cthrown-under-a-bus%E2%80%9D/">
</a></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""><a href="http://rednova8.com/wordpress/?p=3414&cpage=1">
</a></pre><pre style="font-family: inherit;" wrap=""></pre><pre wrap=""></pre><pre wrap=""></pre>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-14321565627627573472010-11-18T20:14:00.003-05:002010-11-18T20:17:40.860-05:00FCPS Stifles Policy Opponents?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>An interested party brought this to my attention today. This blog has been blocked by the FCPS web filter under <a href="http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8AVQ2G66D270/$file/R6410.pdf">Regulation 6410</a>, their Internet use policy designed to protect children from inappropriate content. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bhSwCrcNNql2gTiLgsE0IvDaBESaJhJ-prgLwb3xjnaw1jRthj_aaOB_y6Wc5kWz4ItB0Obn1Vmy-uAN9sQxAYuIOBbzG47LSxsjj0t_YqNS8QbsWGgpz7P5HVrCIulBDTdy6UKLQTx6/s1600/untitled-1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bhSwCrcNNql2gTiLgsE0IvDaBESaJhJ-prgLwb3xjnaw1jRthj_aaOB_y6Wc5kWz4ItB0Obn1Vmy-uAN9sQxAYuIOBbzG47LSxsjj0t_YqNS8QbsWGgpz7P5HVrCIulBDTdy6UKLQTx6/s640/untitled-1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-75948700933564123922010-11-17T20:33:00.000-05:002010-11-17T20:33:37.275-05:00FCPS Responds to Boundary Study QuestionsFCPS has been posting responses to frequently asked questions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/faq.pdf">http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/faq.pdf</a><br />
<br />
FCPS recently posted and FAQ regarding SACC impacts due to the SW Boundary Study.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/SACC_questions_on_SW_boundary_options.pdf">http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/SACC_questions_on_SW_boundary_options.pdf</a>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-22680395936161930882010-11-03T21:13:00.002-04:002010-11-03T21:14:43.788-04:00Community Dialogue Responses Are Available<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For those who do not receive the "Keep In Touch" emails from FCPS, please see the following:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More than 500 citizens attended the October 25 and 26, Southwestern Boundary community dialogues to discuss preliminary options. Their feedback forms are available for review at <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm</a> .</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While this is an elementary school study, middle and high school changes to accommodate feeder realignment may be considered as part of the study provided that the receiving middle and high schools have existing and projected capacity.</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feedback forms submitted online over the last week by those who weren’t able to attend the community dialogues will be posted by the end of the week.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We highly recommend</span><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that everyone read the responses in the feedback forms, particularly those comments about lack of information made available to public. Be warned, <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/communitydialogueforms.pdf">the pdf document</a> is more than 27MB. Regardless, the comments make for extremely interesting and enlightening reading.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please leave a comment below and let us know how you feel about these updates! Also, don't forget to <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/swboundaryfeedback">submit your feedback/questions</a> to FCPS - <b>make your voice heard!</b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-40348941418402875882010-10-29T06:21:00.001-04:002010-11-18T23:06:53.454-05:00FCPS Outreach Response to the Community MeetingsThe following is the FCPS response to concerns raised at the community feedback meetings. FCPS has not addressed questions concerning transportation or SACC impacts and costs. <br />
<br />
<br />
-------- Original Message --------<br />
Subject: Boundary Form Posted<br />
Date: 28 Oct 2010 13:36:10 -0700<br />
From: FCPS Outreach <fcpskit@fcps.edu><br />
To: <br />
<br />
Parents and community members who were unable to attend the southwestern boundary meetings this week can provide their feedback to the preliminary boundary options by completing and submitting the Community Dialogue feedback form on the boundary website. Those interested can view a video presentation and review maps illustrating the preliminary changes to assist in their evaluation, which also are available on the boundary website at http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm . The form will be available until midnight Wednesday, November 3. Facilities staff will review respondents’ ratings and feedback and revise the preliminary options. These options will be presented in a survey for community feedback later in November. <br />
<br />
There are several updates to some of the data provided in the meeting handouts and feedback form; however, none of these updates substantively change the nature or characteristics of each of the three preliminary options. In addition, the information below is in response to questions at the meetings that may be helpful in the evaluation of these preliminary options:<br />
<br />
• Each building addition will cost approximately $5-6 million.<br />
• Yearly operating costs for our elementary schools average $1.1 million.<br />
• Funding for building additions is available in construction reserve due to lower costs for construction and recent favorable bids for CIP projects. <br />
• Timing for implementation of boundary changes will vary with each option. With the exception of boundary changes to Union Mill, Option A could be implemented as early as next year. For Options B and C, implementation for boundary changes would be predicated on the completion of building additions that would not be ready until school year 2013-14.<br />
• Rising 6th graders are typically grandfathered per School Board policy. <br />
• Changes to middle and high schools have not been proposed; feedback regarding the potential to send students that may be reassigned to Union Mill and Sangster elementary schools to feed to Centreville High and Liberty Middle and Lake Braddock Secondary, respectively, is specifically requested as part of the community dialogue process.<br />
• Other than the specific changes for Advanced Academic Center (AAP) students referenced in each of the preliminary options, no other changes to AAP student assignments has been proposed at this time. Details about other potential AAP assignment changes may be forthcoming in the revised boundary options. <br />
<br />
Elementary schools in the southwestern boundary study are: Bonnie Brae, Brookfield, Bull Run, Centre Ridge, Centreville, Clifton, Colin Powell, Cub Run, Deer Park, Eagle View, Fairfax Villa, Fairview, Greenbriar East, Greenbriar West, Laurel Ridge, London Towne, Oak View, Poplar Tree, Providence, Sangster, Union Mill, Virginia Run, and Willow Springs. Also, parents can provide their feedback on whether split feeders that may affect Robinson Secondary, Lake Braddock Secondary, Centreville High, and Liberty Middle should also be considered in this study. </fcpskit@fcps.edu>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-27461422369164123082010-10-28T06:28:00.001-04:002010-10-28T06:29:05.781-04:00Submit your boundary study questions to FCPS!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FCPS has posted a link to a third-party website where they're collecting questions for the SW boundary study:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/southwestboundaryFAQ"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/southwestboundaryFAQ</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many <a href="http://smallwoodhouselog.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-impressions-of-southwest-boundary.html">possible questions are listed on this blog</a> and in the forums we've linked to on the right. Here are some questions that are <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/news/documents/Southweststudyquestionsforweb310.pdf">still pending response from FCPS</a>:</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. If the decision is to renovate Clifton ES, what would the impact be to Union Mill ES? Would Union Mill ES lose any students to Clifton ES and/or would Union Mill gain any additional students via trailers or additions?<br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. What is the size of the new elementary school that is planned for the Liberty site? Has there been a traffic impact study performed on Union Mill Road? We are really concerned about added traffic to our quiet community.<br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Why does FCPS feel that the Liberty site is best suited for the construction of a new elementary school? The overcrowding is not in that location. We at Union Mill and other nearby schools do not want to be split up between multiple schools?<br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. What capacity figures (student count) were used for the 2007 bond that included renovation for 6 elementary schools? Please list by school:<br />
Beechtree ES<br />
Stenwood ES<br />
Westlawn ES<br />
Franconia ES<br />
Oakton ES<br />
Lake Anne ES </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please take a few minutes today and submit your questions!</span>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-20485737243673096782010-10-27T20:55:00.001-04:002010-10-27T21:32:22.620-04:00FCPS Enrollment Projections Off For This Fall<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">According to <a href="http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=2365">an article by Holly Hobbs in the Fairfax Times</a>, FCPS enrollment projections last year were off for this Fall: </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"In elementary schools, the average change from the projected number to the actual enrollment was 50 students less than expected across seven grade levels, including kindergarten.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, the system did not see an even distribution of change from the projections."</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In other words, some schools saw dramatic increases (i.e., Bailey's E.S. with an increase of 142 students) while others saw a decrease (i.e., Silverbrook E.S. with a decrease of 84 students from the projected enrollment).</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While I'm sure that none of us are complaining about an improved student-to-teacher ratio at many schools, nor arguing about the fact that there is overcrowding at some schools, it does highlight the fact that the demographers were wrong in their projections for enrollments at the start of School Year 2010-2011</span></span>.<span style="font-size: small;"> It certainly begs the question - if the demographers were wrong about this year, how wrong are they about what the FCPS Board is touting as a crisis in school overcrowding by 2015 (only to be made worse through the closing of Clifton E.S. and delayed additions to other elementary schools)? Perhaps if the public was able to audit the enrollment projection data and reporting, we would have a better sense of the accuracy of the demographer's projections for 2015...</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-62575639934177482132010-10-27T18:25:00.001-04:002010-10-27T18:25:42.600-04:00Meeting information inconsistencies<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="actorName actorDescription">The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#%21/topic.php?uid=74125402499&topic=16277">following note</a> was posted by Ms. Lisa Ide on the FCPS Discussion page on Facebook: </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="actorName actorDescription"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1292119073">Lisa Ide</a></span>: </i><span class="messageBody"><i>I attended two of the Southwest Boundary Study Meetings, at Union Mill and Fairview. I had neighbors who attended 2 other meetings as well.<br />
<br />
The FCPS School Board's claim that the same information would be distributed at all of these events was untrue.<br />
<br />
All of us either sent an email to staff the week prior or asked both transportation and instructional representatives at these meetings where the current Clifton AAP students who attend Willow Springs ES would receive AAP services if their neighborhoods are changed to Fairview ES.<br />
<br />
We received 3 different answers. In the email, Denise James claimed our children would get to stay at the Willow Spring ES/Rocky Run MS AAP centers. At the Union Mill and Greenbriar meetings, we were told that our children would go to whatever Fairview's AAP centers (White Oaks ES/Lake Braddock SS). At Willow Springs, we were told that our children would stay at Willow Springs ES/Rocky Run MS AAP centers. And at Fairview we were told that there was a typographical error on all of the maps and that they should read "ALL Clifton AAP students will attend the Sangster AAP center".<br />
<br />
Also at Fairview last night, one poor instructional staff member told me that neither he nor any of the other instructional staff people actually knew anything about elementary schools in general or about the issues being discussed at the event last night. He said that he and the other staff at the meeting had simply responded to a request for volunteers to show up at these meetings. He said, "I work with High Schools, although I used to be an elementary school teacher. But I don't know anything really about any of these questions."<br />
<br />
Clearly this process was NEVER designed to answer community members' questions or solicit any kind of informed input from the community regarding these boundary changes.<br />
<br />
The only questions on the response form were ratings of the cost effectiveness of the three options and how well each option achieved the utilization rate range goal. Yet:<br />
-NO INFORMATION about the costs of each option were provided to community members and NO ONE at these meetings had any complete cost projections available. <br />
-NONE of the options achieved their stated goal of having *all* 23 schools within the 95-105% utilization rate range. The three options presented only achieved that goal in 47%, 52%, or 57% of the schools. <br />
<br />
WHERE ARE THE NUMBERS?<br />
<br />
AND WHERE IS OPTION D, WHICH WOULD ACTUALLY ACHIEVE THESE SUPPOSED "GOALS"?<br />
<br />
WHERE ARE THE REAL ANSWERS?<br />
<br />
I hope everyone remembers how poorly you and your children were served by this School Board come election time in 2012. It's time to clean house!</i></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"><span style="color: blue;">**EDITOR'S NOTE: In an effort to consolidate community statements regarding the boundary study, we are collecting posts as we find them and/or linking to blogs/forums/articles where public debate is taking place. We are concerned that some messages might disappear before the public has had an opportunity to read them. If you know of a good blog entry, forum posting or media article, please send us a note or leave us a message so that we can cross-post it here (we make every effort to give credit where it is due - we just want everyone's voice to be heard!).**</span></span></span></h6>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-44793012965887825592010-10-26T20:03:00.005-04:002010-10-27T18:52:10.752-04:00Getting the word out (updated)<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have received several requests for media contacts. In addition to contacting your state, county (prior post), and FCPS (prior post) representatives, I would also encourage a letter campaign to both to state and local representatives, as well as local media outlets to illuminate this issue. Let them know how YOU are impacted by the broad strokes of the FCPS Southwest Boundary Study.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Send an email to your elected officials. Let them know what you think of the FCPS boundary study, how it has been handled, and how your neighborhood will be affected! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Delegate Jim LeMunyon </span></div><pre style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" wrap=""><span style="font-size: small;">703-264-1432 </span></pre><pre style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" wrap=""><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:jim@lemunyon.com">jim@lemunyon.com</a></span></pre><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Congressman Frank Wolf</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">241 Cannon Building</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Washington, DC 20515</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(202) 225-5136</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://wolf.house.gov//index.cfm?sectionid=383">https://wolf.house.gov//index.cfm?sectionid=383</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Frey</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fairfax County Supervisor, Sully District</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">703-814-7100</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:sully@fairfaxcounty.gov">sully@fairfaxcounty.gov </a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kathy Smith</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">FCPS Board Member, Sully District</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">571-423-1085</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:Kathy.L.Smith@fcps.edu">kathy.l.smith@fcps.edu </a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tell the media what you think! Media contacts borrowed from <a href="http://savecliftonelementary.org/Media-Releases.html">SaveCliftonElementary.org</a> and from other gathered research:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Julia O’Donoghue</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Connection Newspapers</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Reporter</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">7913 WESTPARK DRIVE</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">McLEAN, VA 22102</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(703)-917-6433</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:julieattheconnection@gmail.com" target="_blank">julieattheconnection@gmail.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">MARY KIMM</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Connection Newspapers</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">PUBLISHER, EDITOR</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"> (703) 917-6416</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com" target="_blank">mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Hank Silverberg</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">WTOP RADIO</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:hsilverberg@wtopnews.com" target="_blank">hsilverberg@wtopnews.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Sun Gazette</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Scott McCaffrey, Editor</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Phone: 703-738-2532</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:mccaffrey@acnpapers.com" target="_blank">mccaffrey@acnpapers.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Barbara F. Hollingsworth</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Local Opinion Editor</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Washington Examiner</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(202) 459-4945</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">1015 15TH STREET N.W. SUITE 500</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">WASHINGTON DC 20005</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:bhollingsworth@dcexaminer.com" target="_blank">bhollingsworth@dcexaminer.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">William Flook</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Reporter</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(202) 459-4965 (W)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(410) 703-5602 (C)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Washington Examiner</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">1015 15TH sTREET N.W. SUITE 500</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">WASHINGTON DC 20005</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:wflook@dcexaminer.com" target="_blank">wflook@dcexaminer.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">WJLA News Channel 8</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Lauren McCay</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Producer</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:lmcay@news8.net" target="_blank">lmcay@news8.net</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(703) 236-9555 News Room</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-size: small;">(703) 236-9275 Direct</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Craig Timberg, Washington Post education editor - <a href="mailto:timbergc@washpost.com">timbergc@washpost.com</a> <br />
<br />
Writer feedback form to contact Kevin Sieff, who seems to write a lot about Virginia schools:<br />
<a href="http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/articles/kevin+sieff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/articles/kevin+sieff/</a><br />
<br />
WaPo education twitter account: @PostSchools<br />
<a href="http://my.tbd.com/submit-tip/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br />
News tip email for WAMU: <a href="mailto:news@wamu.org">news@wamu.org</a><br />
<br />
WAMU on twitter: @wamu885news</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Submit a Tip" form for TBD.com (comments must be less than 800 characters):<br />
<a href="http://my.tbd.com/submit-tip/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://my.tbd.com/submit-tip/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>From Shauna (co-owner on this blog):</b> I sent the following comments as a "tip" to TBD.com and to WaPo staffer Kevin Sieff:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Fairfax County Public Schools Board has dropped a bombshell on the parents of the southwestern region in the form of a "boundary study". Parents and schools were informed 22Oct2010 that up to 26 schools could have boundaries redrawn, and "community dialogue meetings" were held last night and will be held tonight at Colin Powell, Fairview and Willow Springs Elementary Schools. See these websites:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/434986/435715.html"><i><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/434986/435715.html</span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/128818.page"><i><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/128818.page</span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://smallwoodhouselog.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: small;">http://smallwoodhouselog.blogspot.com/</span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The public was NOT told that the boundary lines would be redrawn until last week. Please cover this story and attend one of the meetings tonight - parents across the county need to be made aware of the drastic changes proposed by the school board!</span></i></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-11564985666857321462010-10-26T19:35:00.003-04:002010-10-27T18:53:14.058-04:00What is really behind the FCPS southwest boundary study?An anonymous reader left a link to <a href="http://savecliftonelementary.org/">http://savecliftonelementary.org</a> this afternoon. The site contains the <a href="http://savecliftonelementary.org/FOIA_emails_documentation.pdf">result of a FOIA request with emails</a> pertaining to the Southwest Boundary study affecting our neighborhood. I am reposting the content here (it's extremely long, so be sure to click the link below the first email for the full text). It is an astounding read. Get to know your Board members.<br />
<br />
----- Original Message ----From: hunt4vasenate@cox.net <hunt4vasenate@cox.net><br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Thu Jul 01 09:43:30 2010<br />
Subject: RE: CIP Update: July School Board Action<br />
Liz<br />
If you wanted to argue that WSHS is in greater need of renovation than<br />
Clifton ES and the schools should be switched in the CIP, I believe that<br />
would be viable arguement andone that I would be supportive. It does not<br />
require the closing of Clifton ES.<br />
We obviously see this from a different perspective. I live in the Clifton<br />
ES boundary area. I was a precinct captian in Clifton while not actually<br />
voting there. I am a member of the Clifton Lions Club. I know this<br />
community. I have fought for communities all across Fairfax County. Most<br />
of the Clifton ES boundary area is not in the 37th Senate DIstrict. I also<br />
work hard for children whether the live in Graham Road area or Clifton. To<br />
state that I am advocating for my political future is counter to my track<br />
record and an unfair assumption as to my motivations.<br />
Steve</hunt4vasenate@cox.net><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<hunt4vasenate@cox.net>---- "Bradsher wrote:<br />
> Steve,<br />
> Money for Clifton is coming from the CIP and is a line item for Clifton.<br />
Monies for capacity enhancement are coming from our Undesignated Funding<br />
Line items which is on the CIP. Two separate avenues/line items for<br />
funding. Savings from Clifton go back into the queue.<br />
><br />
> I have to leave for work, so excuse the brevity of this email. The books<br />
were not cooked. This time around, due to my work and others for South<br />
County, there is a demographer on staff, a county planner, and FCPS pulls<br />
data from many different resources for projections. You, of all people,<br />
should support this. What you and others are doing for Clifton is<br />
advocating for your political future. I don't play this game when children<br />
are involved.<br />
><br />
> Liz<br />
<br />
From: Erik & Mary Hawkins<br />
[mailto:em.hawkins@verizon.net]<br />
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 7:20 AM<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member);<br />
Wardinski, Paul A.; Hawkins, Erik; Leslie Carlin; Christine Morin; Lorey<br />
Goerlinger; Lynn Smith; Monique Craft; Nancy Knickerbocker; Paul<br />
Liberty; Rob Robertory; Chadwell, Laura G<br />
Cc: Christian Deschauer; Cain, Debora L.<br />
Subject: Re: SOAR Leadership - WSHS - Conf Call Wed 6/23 @ 3PM?<br />
Team,<br />
I think a conference call is the best approach for us<br />
to meet to get aligned in advance of the July SB-Staff CIP meetings. I<br />
checked with Liz and she is available Wed 6/23 @ 3PM. Could you all<br />
make yourself available for an hour at that time to meet? Please let me<br />
know.<br />
The meeting objective will be to discuss and align on an<br />
advocacy strategy for the coming month or so to parallel the July CIP<br />
meetings. And I now think we need to start with a SB email campaign<br />
regarding the Clifton ES vote on July 8.<br />
Thoughts?<br />
Thanks, Erik<br />
<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
<mailto:etbradsher@fcps.edu><br />
To: 'em.hawkins@verizon.net'<br />
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2010 11:18 PM<br />
Subject: Re: SOAR Leadership - WSHS - Conf Call Wed 6/23 @ 3PM?<br />
Eric<br />
It would be helpful if SOAR drafted a letter requesting<br />
the Board make prudently fiscal decisions when considering renovatoion<br />
needs. You don't have to mention a specific school, just positively<br />
refer to wise renovation based decisions which will have impacts on<br />
future projects. This will tell members: #1. SOAR remains intouch with<br />
the current issues and #2 SOAR continues to seek earlier bonding for<br />
WSHS.<br />
Liz<br />
<br />
From: Erik & Mary Hawkins [mailto:em.hawkins@verizon.net]<br />
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 10:49 PM<br />
To: Christian Deschauer; Chadwell, Laura G; Rob Robertory; Paul<br />
Liberty; Nancy Knickerbocker; Monique Craft; Lynn Smith; Lorey<br />
Goerlinger; Christine Morin; Leslie Carlin; Wardinski, Paul A.;<br />
Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hawkins, Erik; Pat Herrity<br />
Subject: Re: MEETING NOTES: 6/23 SOAR Leadership Conf Call<br />
Hi Team,<br />
Here are meeting notes from last week's call:<br />
·<br />
<br />
Attending: Erik, Liz, Pat, Monique, Laurie, Christian, Lynn, Paul L<br />
<br />
·<br />
Liz provided key July dates of CIP-impacting SB/Staff action:<br />
July 8 - SB vote on Clifton ES/Southwestern Study; 7/19 Work Session - Facilities Staff<br />
will provide the SB a detailed CIP readout/status update<br />
·<br />
Pat shared that at a recent BOS meeting, he recommended that "The BOS<br />
and the SB should work together to accelerate CIP projects including "design build"<br />
planning<br />
·<br />
Liz shared that FCPS staff had replied via email earlier on 6/23 that "design<br />
build" planning would not work for renovation projects but might be an option for new<br />
construction<br />
·<br />
A lot of discussion followed between Liz and Pat over both this issue as<br />
well as the Clifton ES issue and they referenced a meeting that was to be held later that<br />
day<br />
·<br />
Erik also asked Liz for recommendations and advice on what SOAR can do<br />
now given the CIP SB/Staff activity happening in July. She replied that SOAR should<br />
execute an email campaign to SB members that without mentioning any specific schools<br />
or projects (Clifton ES), we request that the SB make prudent fiscal CIP decisions given<br />
the reality that the CIP is underfunded and CIP budget is very constrained. And that this<br />
email campaign needs to be done now before 7/8 and that SB members are getting a lot<br />
of emails from the Clifton community.<br />
·<br />
And Liz advised that the West Springfield community needs to get this<br />
message across to the SB and needs to make its community voice heard amid all the other<br />
messages SB members are receiving on the SW County issues.<br />
·<br />
Time is of the essence to get this message across over the next week with<br />
the July 4th holiday in the middle.<br />
<br />
·<br />
Attached (see page 2) is a WS community email that I will release tonight<br />
to our entire SOAR distro (WS community + all SB + Facilities FCPS Staff +<br />
Herrity/Bulova/Cook BOS + media). The purpose of this email will be to reengage our<br />
community and also to let SB know that we are aware of and watching SW Study<br />
developments.<br />
·<br />
I will then repurpose this email over the next day or so to send an "Open<br />
Letter to the School Board" from SOAR. I can send that draft for review but want to try<br />
to get this sent by Sat AM at the latest.<br />
·<br />
Then I think since we do not have a lot of time, can each of us send an<br />
email to 2, 3, 5 or however many personal friends/neighbors/contacts asking them to send<br />
emails with this same message to all SB members at the email address<br />
schoolboardmembers@fcps.edu?<br />
I think this is the most effective way to get WS community emails sent quickly and on<br />
message and I do not have time to educate and motivate the entire WS community to<br />
send SB emails on the SW issue that is probably under the radar for the vast majority<br />
of our community. I think if each of us send a targeted personal email to<br />
friends/neighbors, etc, we can get our WS community message across quickly and<br />
effectively and can at least get our community voice heard to the SB in advance of the<br />
July 8 Clifton ES/SW Study vote. Thoughts?<br />
Leslie has already done this and her email is copied below. I will do something similar<br />
probably late Fri or Sat AM at the latest.<br />
·<br />
Also at the 6/23 meeting, we agreed to schedule SOAR face-to-face<br />
meetings with SB members Reed and Evans (new to SB to educate on CIP, meet & greet,<br />
etc) and BOS Herrity, Bulova and Cook – to follow up on meetings last summer when<br />
they requested that we keep them informed. Paul L will help me schedule those in July.<br />
Thanks, Erik<br />
-------------------------------Leslie's email:<br />
Hey everyone…I hope you’re having a good summer so far (hope Bermuda,<br />
Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod and other beaches were/are fun!!). I’m asking for your help<br />
with getting WSHS renovated as soon as possible!!!! We REALLY need to SEND the<br />
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS as many emails as possible regarding the WSHS<br />
RENOVATION. As some of you know, many people spoke to the School Board last<br />
night about renovating Clifton Elementary. Without mentioning Clifton at all, we need to<br />
be vocal about WSHS once again, and remind the SB that we are still waiting for a<br />
much needed, much anticipated renovation.<br />
I am attaching a sample text that you can use directly, or if you’d like to<br />
amend/change it, that would work also. I’m sure Erik will be sending something as well.<br />
<br />
In order for the message to go to all of the members, please use<br />
schoolboardmembers@fcps.edu. PLEASE PLEASE let’s keep WSHS in the forefront …<br />
there is a possibility that we can move to be on the bond in 2011….that is next year!!!!<br />
So please send this to your neighbors, friends, relatives, and anyone else, and have<br />
them send it to the school board. Let’s get WSHS renovated ASAP!!<br />
The vote is on July 8, so the sooner, the better.<br />
Thanks, Leslie<br />
________________________________________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________________________________<br />
Dear Fairfax County School Board Members<br />
(schoolboardmembers@fcps.edu..)<br />
This letter is to remind you that WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL is in<br />
desperate need of renovation. I encourage you to please take the most fiscally<br />
responsible action and use the scarce capital funds available to renovate WSHS and other<br />
LEGACY high schools that are in dire need of renovation as soon as possible. As you<br />
are aware, WSHS is already over capacity and is projected to be over capacity by several<br />
hundred more students in three to four years. WSHS, its facilities and amenities are<br />
outdated, in disrepair and are inadequate—they do not meet current educational<br />
specifications, especially in science, technology and music. The school is used by<br />
thousands of students, community members and the county on a 24-7 basis. As a<br />
community-use school, WSHS serves so many people -- funding this renovation is a<br />
sound and responsible financial move.<br />
As the current economic state continues to positively impact the CIP, causing<br />
project bids to come in under budget projections, I hope you will take the steps that result<br />
in the most significant cost savings and the most prudent use of money for FCPS<br />
students. We appreciate your careful and sensible consideration of all renovation<br />
proposals. Thank you –<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
<mailto:etbradsher@fcps.edu><br />
To: 'Rob Robertory' <mailto:rrobertory1@earthlink.net> ; 'Erik<br />
& Mary Hawkins' <mailto:em.hawkins@verizon.net> ; Chadwell, Laura G<br />
<mailto:lgchadwell@fcps.edu> ; 'Paul Liberty'<br />
<mailto:paul.liberty@gtsi.com> ; 'Nancy Knickerbocker'<br />
<mailto:nancyknick@aol.com> ; 'Monique Craft'<br />
<mailto:moniquecraft@mris.com> ; 'Lynn Smith'<br />
<mailto:lynnsmithp@msn.com> ; 'Lorey Goerlinger'<br />
<mailto:loreyg@aol.com> ; 'Christine Morin' <mailto:ccmorin@aol.com> ;<br />
'Leslie Carlin' <mailto:fourcarlins@verizon.net> ; Wardinski, Paul A.<br />
<mailto:pawardinski@fcps.edu> ; 'Hawkins, Erik'<br />
<br />
<mailto:erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com> ;<br />
Christian.Deschauer@fairfaxcounty.gov<br />
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 4:41 PM<br />
Subject: RE: MEETING NOTES: 6/23 SOAR Leadership Conf Call<br />
Thanks Rob.<br />
Monique Craft from SOAR was the Bond Rep. for this past year and<br />
I will continue to look for such profile positions for SOAR. SOAR is<br />
seen as a positive presence and thankfully the SB realizes this school<br />
and the others need a renovation. I have asked SOAR to send very<br />
general emails on the importance of watching CIP dollars and believe the<br />
Clifton issue is not being mentioned. This stays out of the “weeds” but<br />
sends a positive message for CIP support and fiscal decisions.<br />
We will have a CIP discussion on July 19th so such general<br />
emails tie in nicely with this discussion.<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
<br />
> From: Erik & Mary Hawkins [mailto:em.hawkins@verizon.net]<br />
> Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 7:08 AM<br />
> To: hunt4vasenate@cox.net<br />
> Cc: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Erik Work<br />
> Subject: Re: CIP Update: July School Board Action<br />
><br />
> Hi Steve,<br />
><br />
> I believe that Staff and SB have discussed the entire Southwestern Study<br />
issue on several occasions - at SB work sessions on 6/14 and then again on<br />
6/29. Attached is a FCPS doc from the 6/14 work session when staff<br />
presented the entire final report of the Southwestern Study. In addition to<br />
the Clifton ES issue, I think that Staff/SB is considering adding additions<br />
to 4 or so other schools. I have copied Liz on this email as well for<br />
comment.<br />
><br />
> Also, SOAR is taking no position on the Clifton ES issue. All we are<br />
asking is that the School Board be mindful of the fact that CIP capital<br />
budgets are very constrained and be make prudent fiscal decisions in<br />
determining what capacity enhancement projects are needed. The current<br />
economy has generated CIP project cost savings. And capacity enhancement<br />
projects are prioritized ahead of renovation ones. So all we are asking is<br />
to use the limited CIP dollars and cost savings wisely in solving capacity<br />
enhancement needs so that as much of these savings as possible can be<br />
redeployed to the renovation queue, where there are obvious urgent needs.<br />
><br />
> Regards,<br />
> Erik<br />
<br />
From: Wardinski, Paul A.<br />
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 7:17 AM<br />
To: 'Erik & Mary Hawkins'; Leslie Carlin; Chadwell, Laura G<br />
Subject: RE: MEETING NOTES: 6/23 SOAR Leadership Conf Call<br />
Erik-If the PTSA sends me something from them to send to the community from<br />
them to support SOAR’s email effort, encouraging them to go to your<br />
website, etc., I think, even though it is a gray area, we could send it.<br />
It must be from Laurie, the new PTSA President, and very clear this is<br />
from her and the PTSA and not the school nor an outside group. It must<br />
be positive and must not mention any other school in a negative fashion,<br />
only supporting overall CIP efforts and WSHS.<br />
Thanks from Hershey on y way to Cape Cod—<br />
PAW<br />
Paul A. Wardinski<br />
Principal<br />
West Springfield High School<br />
6100 Rolling Road<br />
Springfield, Virginia 22152<br />
703.913.3806<br />
paul.wardinski@fcps.edu<br />
<br />
From: Rob Robertory [mailto:rrobertory1@earthlink.net]<br />
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 4:31 PM<br />
To: 'Erik & Mary Hawkins'; 'Christian Deschauer'; Chadwell, Laura G; 'Paul Liberty';<br />
'Nancy Knickerbocker'; 'Monique Craft'; 'Lynn Smith'; 'Lorey Goerlinger'; 'Christine Morin';<br />
'Leslie Carlin'; Wardinski, Paul A.; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); 'Hawkins, Erik';<br />
'Pat Herrity'<br />
Subject: RE: MEETING NOTES: 6/23 SOAR Leadership Conf Call<br />
I would once again suggest completely staying away from the Clifton ES issue and<br />
removing all reference to it in your communications. Although possibly relevant to your issue<br />
depending on outcome it is a political hot potato and I don’t think we (you) should have any<br />
mention of Clifton or “July 8th voting” in your emails. We don’t want another advocacy group<br />
against us if we can help it and these are very passionate and determined people not unlike SOAR.<br />
With regards to Fairfax Caps I would also recommend caution as they have had (and<br />
maybe this has changed) and adversarial role with the Board and Facilities. I really don’t see the<br />
value here in engaging them unless CAPS is coming out against SOAR. IMHO SOAR right now<br />
has the strongest “brand” in FCPS advocacy.<br />
SOAR has the enviable position of being in Facilities and the Board’s graces mainly due<br />
to your positive, dignified & unified message, community support, and your worthy cause. You<br />
are in the CIP slot and the only thing we can do is to accelerate it with the entire queue to the<br />
ultimate goal of WSHS 2016 starting with bonding in 2011. I believe Kevin & Dean want to do it<br />
earlier. I think staying in touch with them regularly is key to check in on the renovation savings<br />
and any other savings that moves the entire queue.<br />
The second part of this is school board member education on the renovation queue for the<br />
Legacy 5 high schools as you mentioned. I would be glad to go on any meetings with SB<br />
members where I could add value as I believe I still have a relatively good reputation and<br />
relationship with many. The at large members and the affected SB<br />
members in the other Legacy 4 would be my main targets…obviously Liz’s advocacy is critical<br />
to both Facilities and other board members. I met with Patty to help her with her campaign and<br />
also know Sandy well from her SLEEP days.<br />
I think everything else is “noise”…and we found the closer we were to our goal with SCMS the<br />
louder the noise got. I believe we need to stay crisp and clear and not get caught up in the<br />
noise…<br />
At some point I believe Liz picks someone to be on the bond committee or whatever it is<br />
called…it would be good if this was a SOAR person.<br />
IMHO & Happy Holidays<br />
Rob<br />
Rob Robertory<br />
7851 Bressingham Drive<br />
Fairfax Station, VA 22039<br />
(h) 703.690.3964<br />
(f) 703.690.3634<br />
(cell) 703.587.6651<br />
<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Scott Strzinek<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/7/2010 9:28:52 AM<br />
Subject: RE: WSHS Renovation<br />
Attachments:<br />
Dear Scott,<br />
Thank you so much for sending this email! I am working hard on this issue and<br />
tomorrow’s vote will impact thousands of students not just those at Clifton ES. This will<br />
be a most difficult vote but I believe I must do what is best for all students this includes<br />
students and the communities of WSHS.<br />
I very much appreciate your email.<br />
Liz Torpey Bradsher<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Scott Strzinek [mailto:scottstrzinek@gmail.com]<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 9:05 AM<br />
To: School Board Members<br />
Subject: WSHS Renovation<br />
Dear Fairfax County School Board Members ,<br />
This letter is to remind you that WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL is in<br />
desperate need of renovation. I encourage you to please take the most<br />
fiscally responsible action and use the scarce capital funds available<br />
to renovate WSHS and other LEGACY high schools that are in dire need of<br />
renovation as soon as possible. As you are aware, WSHS is already over<br />
capacity and is projected to be over capacity by several hundred more<br />
students in three to four years. WSHS, its facilities and amenities are<br />
outdated, in disrepair and are inadequate—they do not meet current<br />
educational specifications, especially in science, technology and music.<br />
The school is used by thousands of students, community members and the<br />
<br />
county on a 24-7 basis. As a community-use school, WSHS serves so many<br />
people -- funding this renovation is a sound and responsible financial move.<br />
As the current economic state continues to positively impact the CIP,<br />
causing project bids to come in under budget projections, I hope you<br />
will take the steps that result in the most significant cost savings and<br />
the most prudent use of money for FCPS students. We appreciate your<br />
careful and sensible consideration of all renovation proposals.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Scott Strzinek... a concerned parent of two West Springfield students<br />
who will be affected by your vote tomorrow.<br />
<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 8:55 AM<br />
To: Eatmon, Cassandra<br />
Subject: RE: Checking in<br />
Thinking the 22nd might work, friends should be back from vacation. I also want to send<br />
out invites, would that be OK with you?<br />
Liz<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
-----Original Message----From: Eatmon, Cassandra<br />
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 8:46 AM<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: RE: Checking in<br />
I have the following dates left for August: 5th, 6th, 19th and 22nd. Let me know which is<br />
best for you. Does the School Board get some time off in August?<br />
Cassie<br />
_______________________________________<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 7:52 AM<br />
To: Eatmon, Cassandra<br />
Subject: RE: Checking in<br />
Thanks Cassie for agreeing to talk with the new Committee members and for your<br />
support.<br />
AND YES, send me some dates that would work for you and I think it would be fun for<br />
me to do a little something different and connect with friends after a long School Board<br />
season. Many enjoy Willow House products and I think would be interested.<br />
Looking forward to seeing you soon,<br />
Liz<br />
PS Just an FYI I live off of 123 about 2.5 miles south of Burke Lake Park off<br />
Silverbrook Rd.<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
-----Original Message----From: Eatmon, Cassandra<br />
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 5:27 AM<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: RE: Checking in<br />
Good Morning Liz,<br />
I am so sorry to hear what's been happening! How they can be so hateful over what was<br />
a common sense decision by the Board, is incomprehensible. If anything, you led an<br />
effort that put more time and resources into looking at the situation than has ever been<br />
done in the past. The FCPS staff were not convinced it was cost effective to renovate<br />
Clifton, the majority of our committee of community members did not find it fiscally<br />
prudent to renovate Clifton, and even the speakers at the Public Hearing could only site<br />
(accurately) emotional reasons for not closing Clifton. After reviewing all the reports -and there were a TON of them -- the vote by the Board was not even close.<br />
Don't give up on your Board seat yet. FCPS needs common sense people, like you, who<br />
are looking out of the good of all the kids, not just those in their district. November 2011<br />
is a long way off and many good things will happen between now and then. Clifton will<br />
get used to the idea, there will be less unknowns after the boundary study is done, and<br />
maybe everyone will look forward to the changes to come. I'm an eternal optimist!<br />
Denise did contact me about the Annandale study and I said I'd be happy to help. I<br />
believe this process you all set up is good for FCPS and for the community. It takes a<br />
village, right? I also submitted my application to Kathy to serve on the FPAC -- that's<br />
how much I believe in the process.<br />
I just got back from my Southern Living -- now Willow House-- Convention and am<br />
really excited about the changes coming with the new company! I would love to do a<br />
party with you and your crazy friends. I do shows in Springfield all the time.<br />
Thankfully, the FC Parkway has made getting around Fairfax a lot easier. I'm out of<br />
town from the 10th to the 16th. Would you prefer a weeknight or a weekend? I can give<br />
you some dates based on that. In August, not only do you have the new catalog, but it's<br />
also Double Host Rewards and the host special and customer specials are "pick-yourown!" Send me your address and I'll put a catalog in the mail to you.<br />
Stay strong, my friend. This, too, shall pass. The wounds are still fresh for the Clifton<br />
folks, but in the long run I believe the Board's decision will be seen as the right one.<br />
Cassie<br />
<br />
The Fairfax County School Board on September 23, 2010, appointed 13 citizens—one from each Fairfax County magisterial district,<br />
one from the City of Fairfax, and three at-large members—to Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) newly formed Facilities<br />
Planning Advisory Council (FPAC). The first FPAC meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in<br />
Room 1600, Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.<br />
The following is the list of School Board members and their FPAC member appointees:<br />
<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
<br />
Tessie Wilson, Braddock District--Kristen Irvin<br />
Jane Strauss, Dranesville District--Adam Siegel<br />
Stu Gibson, Hunter Mill District--Howard Perlstein<br />
Brad Center, Lee District--Steve Dietz<br />
Sandy Evans, Mason District--Daniel Aminoff<br />
Dan Storck, Mount Vernon District--Chad Coneway<br />
Patty Reed, Providence District--Bonnie Vancheri<br />
Elizabeth Bradsher, Springfield District--Scott Strzinek<br />
Kathy Smith, Sully District--Cassandra Eatmon<br />
Tina Hone, at large--Jonathan Crutcher<br />
Illryong Moon, at large--J. Ernest Jutte<br />
James Raney, at large--Karen Hogan<br />
City of Fairfax--Allen Griffith<br />
<br />
Elizabeth Bradsher, chairman of the Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC), will serve as the School Board<br />
liaison for the FPAC.<br />
Background<br />
The School Board recently approved the formation of a Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) as a new standing<br />
committee of the Board. The mission of the advisory council is to advise and inform the staff and School Board in the development<br />
of comprehensive, long term plans for facilities needs in the most effective and efficient way.<br />
This initiative is the result of the School Board’s Comprehensive Plan Development Committee (CPDC) which had been charged<br />
with designing a recommendation for a comprehensive facilities planning process in order to address<br />
<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
<br />
A need for increased public awareness when a school boundary study was eminent;<br />
A need for increased public validation that facilities issues existed which could require a boundary study;<br />
A need for a more regional, long range approach to facilities planning that is not provided in the current Capital<br />
Improvement Program (CIP) development process.<br />
<br />
FPAC will consist of 13 appointed members, one from each Fairfax County magisterial district, three at-large representatives, and<br />
one representative from the City of Fairfax. Issues which may be considered by the advisory council shall include, but not be<br />
limited to:<br />
<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
<br />
school program capacity<br />
enrollment and projections<br />
transportation and operating efficiencies related to facilities planning<br />
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) prioritization<br />
creative financing and construction strategies<br />
scope of renovations<br />
school closures and new schools<br />
student accommodation planning (building additions/modular relocations/ review of school boundaries)<br />
<br />
The CPDC’s research led to the decision to create and establish an “umbrella planning group” to interact with staff, the community<br />
and the Board, providing district-wide comprehensive planning oversight and guidance. The establishment of a Facilities Planning<br />
Advisory Council will serve to further the intent of School Board Policy 8120.1, Facilities Planning, School Planning, which directs<br />
the preparation of a Capital Improvement Plan, program based school capacities, size and location of schools, periodic boundary<br />
adjustments and most importantly, community involvement.<br />
Information on the School Board’s action related to the formation of the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, including the proposal<br />
for FPAC, may be found on BoardDocs (Agendas and Supporting Materials) under May 20, 2010, Action Items.<br />
<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
To: Wardinski, Paul A. ; Hawkins, Erik; 'Monique Craft' ; 'Leslie<br />
Carlin'<br />
Cc: 'Rob Robertory'<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 16:46:20 2010<br />
Subject: FW: Your Vote on 7/8/2010 and renovation dollars<br />
Well, I think I made a difference to one former WSHS student, see below.<br />
This was quite a surprise! The emails are coming in and it is of assistance to me. I<br />
appreciate all your continued support.<br />
Liz<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Stacey Torpey [mailto:STorpey@benedict-torpey.com]<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 4:42 PM<br />
To: School Board Members<br />
Subject: Your Vote on 7/8/2010 and renovation dollars<br />
Importance: High<br />
Dear School Board Members:<br />
I am a 1980 graduate of WSHS. Recently I toured the school building. I was a surprised<br />
and disappointed at the condition of the school. The school is in need of repair and<br />
modernization. When I inquired about the condition of this school to my sister,<br />
Elizabeth Bradsher, I was told this school was on the renovation queue. The needs of this<br />
school appear to have been overlooked and/or not properly prioritized. Elizabeth<br />
indicated there are several other high schools similar in size and age to WSHS awaiting<br />
renovations. WSHS was and still is a wonderful school that serves thousands of students<br />
a year. In addition, it is truly a hub for the greater WSHS community by providing<br />
evening educational and other county uses.<br />
Many of the schools in Fairfax have a tremendous history of achievement. WSHS is one<br />
of these schools. When funding is scare, it is even more important and your obligation to<br />
all the constituents of Fairfax County not to be persuaded by the high emotions of a vocal<br />
minority of impacted constituents. By catering to these high emotions, schools such as<br />
WSHS will suffer and you will miss the opportunity to use scare funds where they will<br />
have the most impact and where they are most needed. I sincerely hope you not only<br />
<br />
examine the current facts/statistics but look to the future and potential impact of your<br />
funding choices.<br />
This year your Board voted on a needs based budget. Your vote tomorrow is on an issue<br />
that will potentially impact not just 340 elementary students in one school but it will also<br />
impact thousands of students who attend schools similar in need to West Springfield.<br />
Please remember those thousand of students that will be impacted by your vote<br />
tomorrow.<br />
Please remember your obligation to these students to base your vote on need and reason<br />
not on emotion.<br />
------Stacey Anne Torpey<br />
Class of 1980 – West Springfield High School<br />
Stacey Anne Torpey<br />
Benedict & Torpey, P.C.<br />
2470 Windy Hill Road, Suite 129<br />
Marietta, GA 30067<br />
(404) 474-3460 (telephone)<br />
(404) 474-8968 (facsimile)<br />
Confidentiality Notice<br />
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recipients as identified in the "To", "Cc" and "Bcc" lines of this email. If you are not an<br />
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<br />
Message File name: FW Amendment appeal.msg<br />
-----Original Message----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member) [mailto:jlraney@fcps.edu]<br />
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:29 AM<br />
To: Farrell, Kim<br />
Cc: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: RE: Amendment appeal<br />
Tina, Kim:<br />
I believe Liz Bradsher is working up a similar (substitute) motion. In my view, such a<br />
motion would give FCPS the opportunity to explore other options in addition to those<br />
listed in your e-mail, such as sale/lease of the school and/or establishing a private school<br />
or a FCPS charter school servicing the Clifton attendance area. I would prefer to<br />
postpone any further consideration of closing CES for 3-5 years, but keep CES on the<br />
CIP in the renovation queue, to give the Clifton community and FCPS time to explore<br />
options. I would second or support such a motion, whether offered by Tina or Liz. I will<br />
be in Chicago July 2-7 but back on July 8 for the vote. I can be reached by e-mail or cell<br />
phone, 703-244-9445.<br />
Very respectfully,<br />
James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Member At Large<br />
Tel: 571-423-1091<br />
Executive Administrative Assistant:<br />
Deb Cain, Tel: 571-423-1070<br />
DLCain@fcps.edu<mailto:dlcain@fcps.edu><br />
<br />
Message File name: Fw Amendment (299).msg<br />
From: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member) [sdgibson@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/6/2010 7:47:48 PM<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Attachments:<br />
Please tell her and the rest of us you do not support this. No one should get the wrong<br />
idea.<br />
Stu<br />
-------------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
To: School Board Members<br />
Cc: Goddard, Pam; Dale, Jack; Tistadt, Dean<br />
Sent: Tue Jul 06 19:25:49 2010<br />
Subject: Amendment<br />
Colleagues:<br />
I am submitting this amendment primarily as a placeholder. I have discussed this with<br />
Liz. I know that she has been working to frame something and I would certainly defer to<br />
her amendment if it is consistent with the intent of this one. I'm hoping we can avoid a<br />
long drawn out email dialogue here. I will reach out to folks if necessary. But again, I'm<br />
hopeful Liz pulls a compromise together that we can all support.<br />
______<br />
" I move to defer consideration of clifton renovations or closure until 2015 and, to the<br />
extent permissible by law, accelerate other projects in the CIP queue."<br />
I may have the date wrong. But I believe 2015 is the next time clifton would come up for<br />
a "safety" review. I also don't know the legalities of moving projects up in the queue.<br />
Thanks much. Tina<br />
<br />
From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Tue Jul 06 19:54:55 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
I support keeping clifton es open until 2015 or so and using cip $ for other needs in the<br />
meantime and would second motion if needed<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
To: School Board Members<br />
Cc: Goddard, Pam; Dale, Jack; Tistadt, Dean<br />
Sent: Tue Jul 06 19:25:49 2010<br />
Subject: Amendment<br />
Colleagues:<br />
I am submitting this amendment primarily as a placeholder. I have discussed this with<br />
Liz. I know that she has been working to frame something and I would certainly defer to<br />
her amendment if it is consistent with the intent of this one. I'm hoping we can avoid a<br />
long drawn out email dialogue here. I will reach out to folks if necessary. But again, I'm<br />
hopeful Liz pulls a compromise together that we can all support.<br />
______<br />
" I move to defer consideration of clifton renovations or closure until 2015 and, to the<br />
extent permissible by law, accelerate other projects in the CIP queue."<br />
I may have the date wrong. But I believe 2015 is the next time clifton would come up for<br />
a "safety" review. I also don't know the legalities of moving projects up in the queue.<br />
Thanks much. Tina<br />
From: "Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)" <jtwilson@fcps.edu><br />
To: "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)" <etbradsher@fcps.edu><br />
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 15:02:42 -0400<br />
Subject: RE: Amendment<br />
Kathy and I asked Jack to call Jim this morning. And you know that Dean had a long<br />
conversation with Jim. We're watching your back!<br />
Tessie Wilson<br />
Vice Chairman<br />
School Board Member<br />
Braddock District<br />
-----Original Message----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 2:50 PM<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member);<br />
Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Fyi -- please do not forward<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:22:34 2010<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Fyi<br />
-------------------------Sent using BlackBerry<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:11:18 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
I got msg from jack and talked with dean at length and am now less interested in delaying<br />
closure decision for 5 years because of precedent of altering cip queue and political<br />
support from bos for cip but would still second amendment and maybe not vote for it so<br />
am now leaning toward closure<br />
Sent using BlackBerry<br />
Message File name: FW Amendment.msg<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/7/2010 9:29:34 PM<br />
Subject: FW: Amendment<br />
Attachments:<br />
No further please.<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
-----Original Message----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 8:06 PM<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: RE: Amendment<br />
I will be at cell phone tomorrow, 703-244-9445. I have told Tina I will support her<br />
amendment. If it fails, I will support the motion to close CES.<br />
<br />
Very respectfully,<br />
James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Member At Large<br />
Tel: 571-423-1091<br />
Executive Administrative Assistant:<br />
Deb Cain, Tel: 571-423-1070<br />
DLCain@fcps.edu<br />
________________________________________<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 2:52 PM<br />
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
Jim,<br />
I will call you. At work all day today. I want to follow-up with you and appreciate this<br />
information. When I discovered CIP ramifications I realized I needed some soul<br />
searching and spent last night and today doing this.<br />
Liz<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:22:34 2010<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Fyi<br />
-------------------------Sent using BlackBerry<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:11:18 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
I got msg from jack and talked with dean at length and am now less interested in delaying<br />
closure decision for 5 years because of precedent of altering cip queue and political<br />
support from bos for cip but would still second amendment and maybe not vote for it so<br />
am now leaning toward closure<br />
<br />
Message File name: FW Amendment (287).msg<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/7/2010 8:26:59 AM<br />
Subject: FW: Amendment<br />
Attachments:<br />
Stu,<br />
I just got this from Tina---keep to yourself but I thought you might appreciate reading it<br />
due to our telephone conversation this AM.<br />
Liz<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
-----Original Message----From: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 8:22 AM<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
Don't lock yourself in a box. I see you struggle and agonize over equity and I admire you<br />
for it. But fairness and equity are not the same. Life isn't neat. You know that. You are<br />
not helping clifton and perpetuating an inequity (which I think is what is tormenting you<br />
on this decision). This is about the 1300 kids and more outside of clifton. That is the real<br />
crisis. Closing clifton does not meaningfully contribute to fixing that challenge. And<br />
keeping it open - without spending taxpayer dollars on renovations - does not hurt those<br />
1300 kids. We can fix the overcrowding without hurting clifton or wasting taxpayer<br />
money. It is the win win win.<br />
<br />
Message File name: Re Amendment (266).msg<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/7/2010 3:06:03 PM<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
Attachments:<br />
Thank you Ben!<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 15:04:55 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
"We must all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately." Benjamin<br />
Franklin<br />
-------------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 14:53:51 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
I am hanging!!!<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 14:50:29 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
Whew! Hang in there.<br />
-------------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member);<br />
Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 14:49:49 2010<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Fyi -- please do not forward<br />
<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:22:34 2010<br />
Subject: Fw: Amendment<br />
Fyi<br />
-------------------------Sent using BlackBerry<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)<br />
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:11:18 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
I got msg from jack and talked with dean at length and am now less interested in delaying<br />
closure decision for 5 years because of precedent of altering cip queue and political<br />
support from bos for cip but would still second amendment and maybe not vote for it so<br />
am now leaning toward closure<br />
<br />
Message File name: Re Amendment (270).msg<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: Tistadt, Dean<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/7/2010 2:57:32 PM<br />
Subject: Re: Amendment<br />
Attachments:<br />
I owe you a keg!<br />
----- Original Message ----From: Tistadt, Dean<br />
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member);<br />
Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 07 13:25:54 2010<br />
Subject: RE: Amendment<br />
Jim Rainey just called me from the Chicago airport. He asked about why we would need<br />
to renovate Clifton if it stayed open. I replied that the sanctity of the renovation queue<br />
has served this system extremely well and deviating from it has huge implications to<br />
include the potential that the BOS might ask why we need $155 million a year for our<br />
capital program if renovations to schools like Clifton really are not necessary.<br />
He asked about capacity in surrounding schools if we close Clifton. I replied that there<br />
was capacity and that if we are willing to send Clifton students to more than one school<br />
(which he said he was willing to do), about 1/2 the students could go to schools that<br />
would not be part of the Route 29 corridor overcrowding solution.<br />
He asked about what we would do with the building. I said we would try to find a tenant<br />
to include private schools, the county, and the Town of Clifton. We would have at least a<br />
year for this effort. If this was not successful, I would advocate for razing the building<br />
which would cost about $1 million.<br />
He asked about a land swap for property near Colin Powell/Eagle View and I said we<br />
were still exploring that possibility but nothing was known to be viable yet. I said<br />
building additions and boundaries could solve the overcrowding problem.<br />
Dean<br />
<br />
-----Original Message----From: davealbo@aol.com <davealbo@aol.com><br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 14 22:01:20 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Sound bites<br />
editor from Connection called and thanked me for the decision and<br />
renewing faith for elected officials.<br />
Uh oh!!! Dem paper! Just kidding. Glad they noticed you took the<br />
"Non Politician vote" As for the "jugular". Don't mention any names.<br />
Just say, "I am a fiscal conservative, and that means that when the<br />
taxpayers' money is not being spent wisely, whether its in my district<br />
or not, I vote with the taxpayers..." Take the high road and use "I am<br />
a fiscal conservative.." And you are home free, baby!<br />
-----Original Message----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) <ETBradsher@fcps.edu><br />
To: 'davealbo@aol.com' <davealbo@aol.com><br />
Sent: Wed, Jul 14, 2010 9:43 pm<br />
Subject: Re: Sound bites<br />
My stuff hit tomorrow, Peggy Fox called me and supports my action,<br />
running a story on it, editor from Connection called and thanked me for<br />
the decision and renewing faith for elected officials.<br />
I don't have Pat and Tim's staff, doing the best I can. System coming<br />
out next week with a statement. When I get home I go for the jugular.<br />
Liz<br />
-----Original Message----From: davealbo@aol.com <davealbo@aol.com><br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 14 17:48:42 2010<br />
Subject: Re: Sound bites<br />
Thanks, at the beach now. I hear Pat and Tim and their staff using me<br />
as fodder on the blogs. Nice guys.<br />
That's why I said you should be out agressively getting your fiscal<br />
conservative message out. Need to fight fire with fire.<br />
-----Original Message----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
<ETBradsher@fcps.edu><br />
To: 'davealbo@aol.com' <davealbo@aol.com><br />
Sent: Wed, Jul 14, 2010 4:53 pm<br />
Subject: Re: Sound bites<br />
<br />
Thanks, at the beach now. I hear Pat and Tim and their staff using me<br />
as fodder on the blogs. Nice guys.<br />
Liz<br />
------Original Message-----From: davealbo@aol.com<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Subject:<br />
Re: Sound bites<br />
Sent: Jul 14, 2010 4:33 PM<br />
Take care and thank you---I have received many emails thanking me.<br />
You will get more votes for doing the fiscal conservative tough decision<br />
than you will from losing votes in Clifton. And in Clifton, the only votes<br />
you lose are the 300 families with students in the school. If you figure<br />
that 40% of those are Dems who would never vote for you, you are only losing<br />
180 households. You gain much much more than that AND you establish your<br />
"TeaParty" credentials.<br />
-----Original Message----From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) <ETBradsher@fcps.edu><br />
To: 'davealbo@aol.com' <davealbo@aol.com><br />
Sent: Sun, Jul 11, 2010 8:33 pm<br />
Subject: Re: Sound bites<br />
Dave, I appreciate your counsel on all this. Pat and Tim have chosen to tank me and my<br />
future.<br />
I worked on several pieces of PR before I left and will continue to do so on<br />
Monday. I will make a point to talk with FCPS PR to gain further<br />
assistance. Take care and thank you---I have received many emails thanking me.<br />
Liz<br />
<br />
From: "Hawkins, Erik" <erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com><br />
To: Rob Robertory <rrobertory1@earthlink.net>, Erik & Mary Hawkins<br />
<i.hawkins@verizon.net>, Monique Craft <moniquecraft@mris.com>, "Bradsher,<br />
Elizabeth (School Board Member)" <etbradsher@fcps.edu>, Lynn Smith<br />
<lynnsmithp@msn.com>, Leslie Carlin <fourcarlins@verizon.net>, Paul Wardinski<br />
<paul.wardinski@fcps.edu>, Paul Liberty <paul.liberty@gtsi.com><br />
Subject: RE: FEC Press Statement: Vote to Close Clifton ES - PRESS<br />
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:47:15 -0400<br />
Team,<br />
I agree 100% with Rob's and Paul L's comments. We can "quietly" work to position WSHS in the<br />
2011 bond while all the "noise" swirls around us. We have a sound focused summer advocacy<br />
strategy of key meetings so now let's just execute it.<br />
Thanks, Erik<br />
From: Rob Robertory <rrobertory1@earthlink.net><br />
To: 'Erik & Mary Hawkins' <i.hawkins@verizon.net>, 'Monique Craft'<br />
<moniquecraft@mris.com>, "'Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)'"<br />
<etbradsher@fcps.edu>, 'Lynn Smith' <lynnsmithp@msn.com>, 'Leslie Carlin'<br />
<fourcarlins@verizon.net>, 'Paul Wardinski' <paul.wardinski@fcps.edu>, 'Paul<br />
Liberty' <paul.liberty@gtsi.com><br />
CC: 'Erik Work' <erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com><br />
Subject: RE: FEC Press Statement: Vote to Close Clifton ES - PRESS<br />
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:29:25 -0400<br />
This is very similar to the fallout from the Western boundary study which gave birth to Fairfax<br />
Caps….this group will have (already has) an antagonistic agenda towards staff/board while<br />
staff/school board seem to be on SOAR’s side which is a conflict IMHO for SOAR to join up with<br />
FEC…<br />
I reiterate IMHO it is time for the “game behind the game” in which Liz works in conjunction with<br />
those meeting with Dean & Kevin quietly to advocate for WSHS bond in 2011. I thing being<br />
“quietly effective” will yield more results then being “loud and confrontational” as FEC et. al. are<br />
and will be.<br />
I think it is also important to keep up the meetings with the school board members for educational<br />
purposes…for Hone and Evans would suggest you do without Liz’s involvement. Especially for<br />
Evans as a district SB it would be good to know which of her schools might be moved up in the<br />
renovation queue do to economic factors and potentially any savings from Clifton ES.<br />
But I would maintain my steer clear advice…we used the “noise” of the western boundary study<br />
to “quietly” get SCMS positioned…<br />
Rob Robertory<br />
7851 Bressingham Drive<br />
Fairfax Station, VA 22039<br />
(h) 703.690.3964<br />
(f) 703.690.3634<br />
(cell) 703.587.6651<br />
<br />
Message File name: Re attendance list.msg<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]<br />
To: James, Denise<br />
CC:<br />
BCC:<br />
Sent: 7/21/2010 1:04:03 PM<br />
Subject: Re: attendance list<br />
Attachments:<br />
I will call you then in the late afternoon to follow up!<br />
Liz<br />
________________________________<br />
From: James, Denise<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 21 12:45:03 2010<br />
Subject: RE: attendance list<br />
No worries � meeting at 1 with Toms Italiano and Mantzoros to look at best options for<br />
Clifton based on transportation routes - \<br />
�<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 12:41 PM<br />
To: James, Denise<br />
Subject: Re: attendance list<br />
I will call you so many questions and the Bberry is just too slow!<br />
________________________________<br />
From: James, Denise<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Cc: Cain, Debora L.<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 21 12:30:27 2010<br />
Subject: RE: attendance list<br />
On a different matter, I will draft a thank you note to Mr. Reed from Loudoun for his visit<br />
to CPDC for your review and signature and a letter of thanks and appreciation for the SW<br />
study group � should that SW letter be from you as CPDC chair or you on behalf of<br />
Chairman Smith and the entire Board - how do you want this structured? Is this<br />
something that you and Dean might want to sign � and is there a template for such<br />
a document - I have cc�d Deb in case she can help here �<br />
I am just full of questions � or something�<br />
Thanks Liz<br />
<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 11:37 AM<br />
To: James, Denise<br />
Subject: Re: attendance list<br />
I agree and will call you. Boundaries bring about special interests and of course parochial<br />
interests. I was somewhat taken back at the # of PTA/PTO presidents there last night. My<br />
initial hope was such a volunteer would be a parent or citizen that was not a leader in the<br />
PTA, etc., rather a citizen interested in the issue and process who cared to<br />
get involve.<br />
The County Council, Ramona Morrow, is now involved and I think this is a conflict of<br />
interest to a certain extent. She was a Lake Braddock parent but is now the President of<br />
the County Council. I am not saying she might not be a good committee member it just<br />
seems to me to be a conflict.<br />
Liz<br />
________________________________<br />
From: James, Denise<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School<br />
Board Member); Tistadt, Dean; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)<br />
Cc: StCyr, Lori L; Vasapoli, Kathy; Tsai, Mary Ann<br />
Sent: Wed Jul 21 11:17:06 2010<br />
Subject: FW: attendance list<br />
I am very concerned that so many folks signed in as �subs� and then took a seat at the<br />
table with the other appointees. I have asked that at the next meeting, a seating area for<br />
the public be labeled and that the sign in sheet only reflect the official appointees � if we<br />
don�t address this up front, I think that the integrity of the work that gets done will<br />
suffer � there is no need for others to sign in, receive materials such as notebooks or<br />
special maps<br />
Do you agree? I tried to make that point nicely last night � am I over-reacting? I do not<br />
want any group to �hi-jack� this process because they have a particular agenda to<br />
promote (Oakview, Frost, Woodson, for example)<br />
Thanks � Denise<br />
PS � notebooks and blackboard access are being secured for the board<br />
members as requested.<br />
From: Moy, Nancy H.<br />
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 11:04 AM<br />
<br />
To: James, Denise<br />
Cc: Tsai, Mary Ann; Burke, Barbara<br />
Subject: attendance list<br />
Attached please find the attendance sheet from last night�s meeting.<br />
You�ll note there were some �other attendees� who signed in and they are<br />
noted.<br />
Nancy Moy<br />
Web Specialist<br />
Dept. of Communications & Community Outreach<br />
Fairfax County Public Schools <http: www.fcps.edu=""><br />
8115 Gatehouse Rd.<br />
Falls Church, VA<br />
571-423-1221<br />
<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Tistadt, Dean<br />
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School<br />
Board Member)<br />
Sent: Thu Sep 09 10:45:40 2010<br />
Subject: RE: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
Liz,<br />
You are the best.� We will have them eating out of our hands just like<br />
we did at Clifton.<br />
Dean<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 10:06 AM<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean<br />
Subject: Re: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
Will do!<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)<br />
To: Tistadt, Dean<br />
Cc: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Thu Sep 09 10:04:20 2010<br />
Subject: RE: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
Dean,<br />
I would appreciate it if you would go � and Liz, can you join him for<br />
moral support? Thanks guys!<br />
Tessie Wilson<br />
School Board Member<br />
Braddock District<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Tistadt, Dean<br />
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 9:09 AM<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: Re: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
I certainly can.<br />
-------------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld<br />
<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)<br />
To: Tistadt, Dean<br />
Sent: Thu Sep 09 08:30:33 2010<br />
Subject: FW: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
Should you go? I can�t � I�ve already committed to a back to school night.<br />
Tessie Wilson<br />
School Board Member<br />
Braddock District<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)<br />
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 7:46 AM<br />
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)<br />
Subject: FW: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
Do you plan on attending? I can work my schedule to attend. Just an FYI.<br />
Liz<br />
Elizabeth T. Bradsher<br />
Fairfax County School Board<br />
Springfield District<br />
Phone: (571) 296-1875<br />
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant<br />
Phone: (571) 423-1070<br />
________________________________<br />
From: Nell Hurley [mailto:hurleyjenkins@erols.com]<br />
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 12:08 AM<br />
To: Tessie Wilson; Evans, Sandy (School Board Member); Reed, Patty<br />
(School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hone,<br />
Tina (School Board Member); Moon, Ilryong (School Board Member); Raney,<br />
Jim (School Board Member)<br />
Cc: Yost, Jeffrey A.<br />
Subject: Woodson PTSO Invitation<br />
The officers of the W. T. Woodson High School PTSO invite you, the School Board<br />
members who represent students at Woodson High School, to our first meeting of the<br />
2010-2011 school year on Tuesday, 14 September, in the school library.<br />
The meeting will begin at 7 pm, but to give visitors and new Woodson parents a little<br />
extra time to park and make their way to the library, the first ten minutes will be filled<br />
with routine business. At 7:10 the focus of the meeting will shift to discussion of the<br />
proposal for "Woodson High School-Additional Bus Parking." To quote the 2232<br />
<br />
application, "The proposed Woodson Bus Parking (51 bus spaces and 37 vehicle spaces,<br />
88 spaces total and with about 400' in length and 200' wide, about 80,000 square feet)<br />
Facility [...] will be fenced by 10' chain link fence and with sufficient illumination [ten<br />
light poles, each thirty feet tall] and landscaping plants. [...]. Electrical plug port system is<br />
proposed for bus heating. The buses will access Little River Turnpike (Rte. 236) from<br />
Pickett Road. Bus activity is scheduled from 5:30 - 9:30 am and from 1 :00 - 5:30 pm<br />
weekdays."<br />
We respect your very full September calendars, and we will stick to a tight schedule.<br />
Formal discussion on this matter will end no later than 7:55 pm. If you can stay longer, it<br />
is likely that many of our members and guests will continue the discussion in the hallway,<br />
so if you like you could talk with them while the formal PTSO meeting (budget,<br />
committee reports, and the like) continues until 9 pm.<br />
Nell Hurley<br />
President<br />
W.T. Woodson PTSO<br />
</http:></erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com></paul.liberty@gtsi.com></paul.wardinski@fcps.edu></fourcarlins@verizon.net></lynnsmithp@msn.com></etbradsher@fcps.edu></moniquecraft@mris.com></i.hawkins@verizon.net></rrobertory1@earthlink.net></paul.liberty@gtsi.com></paul.wardinski@fcps.edu></fourcarlins@verizon.net></lynnsmithp@msn.com></etbradsher@fcps.edu></moniquecraft@mris.com></i.hawkins@verizon.net></rrobertory1@earthlink.net></erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com></etbradsher@fcps.edu></jtwilson@fcps.edu></mailto:dlcain@fcps.edu></mailto:erik.m.hawkins@verizon.com></mailto:pawardinski@fcps.edu></mailto:fourcarlins@verizon.net></mailto:ccmorin@aol.com></mailto:loreyg@aol.com></mailto:lynnsmithp@msn.com></mailto:moniquecraft@mris.com></mailto:nancyknick@aol.com></mailto:paul.liberty@gtsi.com></mailto:lgchadwell@fcps.edu></mailto:em.hawkins@verizon.net></mailto:rrobertory1@earthlink.net></mailto:etbradsher@fcps.edu></mailto:etbradsher@fcps.edu></hunt4vasenate@cox.net>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-10404958688752355802010-10-26T06:57:00.000-04:002010-10-26T06:57:26.256-04:00An Alternative Information SourceFor those looking for information affecting the Southwest Fairfax county school boundary study effects, consider the website <a href="http://www.friendsofcommunityschools.org/">http://www.friendsofcommunityschools.org/</a>. I question the use of Flash for simple picture display, but the information and links are useful in developing an opinion on the matter beyond FCPS as a sole source.Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-36784187122949884502010-10-25T22:09:00.002-04:002010-10-26T06:16:17.389-04:00First impressions of Southwest Boundary Study "meeting" at GBWAfter hearing a report from my husband and reviewing the literature that he brought home, I am appalled at the how the "Southwestern Boundary Study" meeting held at Greenbriar West ES this evening was conducted. In short, it was a supreme disappointment. It was not an open forum, nor were there opportunities for attendees to get questions addressed. Some of our questions (which were never answered by FCPS representatives at the meeting) include:<br />
<br />
1. If my child attends a school impacted by the proposed boundary changes (and would normally be forced to switch to another school), will he/she be allowed to remain at the elementary school until he/she moves on to middle school?<br />
2. If my child is allowed to remain at a school impacted by the proposed boundary changes, will his/her younger sibling be allowed to attend the same school? Essentially, will my children's attendance be "grandfathered" at the original school?<br />
3. If my child(ren) is(are) forced to attend another school, will their SACC enrollment at their current school be honored, or will we be forced onto a waitlist behind children already attending the new school, even though we have been forced to change schools against our will?<br />
4. When will the FCPS Board respond openly and honestly about their intentions to redraw boundaries for the middle and high schools?<br />
5. How does the FCPS Board expect to address existing overcrowding issues? None of the "options" presented addressed this core issue.<br />
6. Why didn't the FCPS Board inform the leadership of the schools affected that their schools were going to be directly impacted by the proposed boundary changes? For example, the leadership of Poplar Tree Elementary School was not aware that PTES would be directly impacted by these proposed changes.<br />
7. Why didn't the FCPS Board inform the parents before Friday that their neighborhoods would be directly impacted by the proposed changes?<br />
<br />
I expected that FCPS Board members would provide community members with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the Boundary Survey. I expected that, in one of the richest school districts in the country, information would be made more available to parents and educators. However, the meeting was nothing more than a group think multiple choice test parading as "community dialogue" survey. Attendees were ASSIGNED to specific tables. The instructions provided were as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>- Each table should select a facilitator and recorder and evaluate the three preliminary boundary changes and options introduced in the presentation.<br />
- If you have a question, please raise a white index card if it regards facilities and transportation issues and a blue index card for any other question. A meeting assistant will direct a staff member to your table to answer your question.<br />
- The facilitator should keep the group's discussion focused on the evaluation of the three options.<br />
- The recorder should take notes of your table's responses to the preliminary boundary changes and options.<br />
- Your group should rate each of the three preliminary options - from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) and submit your results and the sign-in sheet prior to leaving.</i><br />
<br />
Groups were required to reach a consensus, and information provided to the groups was extremely limited. In other words, individual responses were NOT tolerated. Questions asked by group members were responded to with very bland and uninformative answers. If the FCPS Board was looking to get Option C supported by the community, they certainly succeeded; it was the least horrible option and groups were effectively peer pressured toward supporting it. Again, this was not a "community dialogue" - it was a group think multiple choice test.<br />
<br />
Here are pictures of the questionnaire that groups were instructed to complete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECqWstD8eyBBza6Gdn94BL59vmk9i8W124gy2icR-T_yeVMCnOk-J8SWNs1jhRLOVOpJsvVE7aJlk_RYLSVWbTmd1ElEEgP0txe-vcOPupPzr5xlz5wzeFukzmVe7zbKsrzmHbwQCEReo/s1600/IMG00022-20101025-1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECqWstD8eyBBza6Gdn94BL59vmk9i8W124gy2icR-T_yeVMCnOk-J8SWNs1jhRLOVOpJsvVE7aJlk_RYLSVWbTmd1ElEEgP0txe-vcOPupPzr5xlz5wzeFukzmVe7zbKsrzmHbwQCEReo/s320/IMG00022-20101025-1852.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G9YZpUcWZtZ9n8lsv2mD0MaO1ZW2Bp-A-7XFsOZurqpFsAqBencQTzKqICHIvLGoYgHYbLNfuvoMblObwjDL03XUbPylFyW-BVhsG9UMtH3-jGtaaUo7RSIeq2FmMLsJgZf0be-EKL_I/s1600/IMG00023-20101025-1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G9YZpUcWZtZ9n8lsv2mD0MaO1ZW2Bp-A-7XFsOZurqpFsAqBencQTzKqICHIvLGoYgHYbLNfuvoMblObwjDL03XUbPylFyW-BVhsG9UMtH3-jGtaaUo7RSIeq2FmMLsJgZf0be-EKL_I/s320/IMG00023-20101025-1853.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u61QbLs2LQ2kXMuBup1_5f4SlqkTQUE3kA099dRS6zHxQS7tqgiNvkg5LxDgZ-YSoT0egFEugbgJEKPnguWWZt4jqp_UHWLTxiY9D6wkPawxubYPts2y9KqGay-SG_vSRW9sygY4p-s4/s1600/IMG00024-20101025-1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u61QbLs2LQ2kXMuBup1_5f4SlqkTQUE3kA099dRS6zHxQS7tqgiNvkg5LxDgZ-YSoT0egFEugbgJEKPnguWWZt4jqp_UHWLTxiY9D6wkPawxubYPts2y9KqGay-SG_vSRW9sygY4p-s4/s320/IMG00024-20101025-1853.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
According to the information passed out to meeting attendees, <i>"Feedback from the six boundary meetings will be posted on the Southwestern Boundary Study website at <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm</a>.</i> I encourage all parents, whether or not you feel you're impacted by this situation, to keep checking on the meeting feedback in order to identify whether or not our voices are being heard.<br />
<br />
The handling of this "boundary survey" has been broken from the beginning. Parents feel that the Board has been deceitful and underhanded in their actions. The FCPS Board must respond to these concerns swiftly, completely and transparently.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-41296519813143990702010-10-24T20:09:00.001-04:002010-10-26T21:10:38.404-04:00Discussion about FCPS SW Boundary Surveyhttp://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=345285&paper=81&cat=110<br />
<br />
Interesting reply to consider.<br />
<br />
<div class="PhorumReadBodyHead"><b>Re: FCPS Southwestern Boundary Study (Elementary Schools)</b> <span class="PhorumNewFlag"></span></div><div class="PhorumReadBodyHead">Posted by: <b> Experienced </b> ()</div><div class="PhorumReadBodyHead">Date: October 24, 2010 07:44PM</div><br />
<div class="PhorumReadBodyText">Probably the single least effective argument to oppose a proposed boundary change is to complain about its potential impact on property values. The School Board members absolutely LOVE it when people make that argument. They are more than ready to tell any reporter who will listen that the opponents of a redistricting don't care about providing children with equal opportunities to get a solid education, but only about their own real estate values. Then others will jump on board and point out that you should have realized when you bought your house that the boundaries could be adjusted at any time, particularly in the fast-growing SW part of the county. <br />
<br />
The good news for your area is that it may well be the case that the School Board favors the third option, which would involving building additions at three schools and moving fewer students. Rest assured that Kathy Smith and Liz Bradsher have probably already made a deal and decided what they are going to do to your neighborhoods.</div>Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-58055124424559739382010-10-23T12:09:00.008-04:002010-10-25T22:28:22.994-04:00FCPS Southwest Boundary StudyFairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm">boundary study</a> to address overcrowding of elementary schools in the Southwest area. This includes Hunters Run and its local schools: <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/PoplarTreeES/">Poplar Tree ES</a>, <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/BrookfieldES/">Brookfield ES</a>, and <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/GreenbriarWestES/">Greenbriar West ES</a>. <br />
<br />
The boundary survey proposes three options affecting <a href="http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/internet/assoc.htm">Hunters Run and neighboring communities</a>. They include<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpALRExrbh3mMKoq-RcRwAESIfX5d1PxFpzuREDANe_AFxdipMNO4QVi-bf1Xe8WFqBXkrbkgGbke4KhPepdqUi_H4JuDCR1WtzKeeXOAZSizoSD0s0LnQsMn4TevK7bctikFKpvWvlS/s1600/Screenshot-Option+A-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpALRExrbh3mMKoq-RcRwAESIfX5d1PxFpzuREDANe_AFxdipMNO4QVi-bf1Xe8WFqBXkrbkgGbke4KhPepdqUi_H4JuDCR1WtzKeeXOAZSizoSD0s0LnQsMn4TevK7bctikFKpvWvlS/s320/Screenshot-Option+A-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/optiona.pdf">Option A</a>: The communities of <a href="http://www.chantillyhuntersrun.org/">Hunters Run</a>, Marian Woods, Poplar Grove, and Poplar Park will be reassigned from <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=264">Poplar Tree ES</a> to <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=263">Brookfield ES</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KNZXcx7NvblWVz0avTtUuCe4MXZsl80MbQm9LlwD7PK7Uq_8OF_GYuswKJnHoXQDp9BQ3Szfp7vKMuRxNqk2DRm5Wt_o0x6XLNQZAjVwMd9tQV24COaM4tLqMA4N0sVN2XVZIJXjXjdK/s1600/Screenshot-Option+A-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovdv6kZH9ymEXaG3DNvSILXMgRSlqtET0U6JLXjd8KzI0jobml8x5oE4-RZy_GB8Y_qCTFenoMJnBZZmhVfEHiWAtKQS4mQRB64_uMVGhOSwEJfFpqNG32Blinp42RAxohZQtZA7QdBun/s1600/Screenshot-Option+A-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovdv6kZH9ymEXaG3DNvSILXMgRSlqtET0U6JLXjd8KzI0jobml8x5oE4-RZy_GB8Y_qCTFenoMJnBZZmhVfEHiWAtKQS4mQRB64_uMVGhOSwEJfFpqNG32Blinp42RAxohZQtZA7QdBun/s320/Screenshot-Option+A-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQQvPPg8sJvknm6j-OtfuGOUF3o30B8TRrZRcshZ0kPjhMhyphenhyphenBesW2xT-rAkIoNeX6cg0QndFlAhQq-LvOD2vLqZNYsYzsl50F7GUby6epPKgjhlVhCnci3nTs6mhTjTATFIvsqc1-_3JE/s1600/Screenshot-Option+B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQQvPPg8sJvknm6j-OtfuGOUF3o30B8TRrZRcshZ0kPjhMhyphenhyphenBesW2xT-rAkIoNeX6cg0QndFlAhQq-LvOD2vLqZNYsYzsl50F7GUby6epPKgjhlVhCnci3nTs6mhTjTATFIvsqc1-_3JE/s320/Screenshot-Option+B.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/optionb.pdf">Option B</a>: The communities of <a href="http://www.chantillyhuntersrun.org/">Hunters Run</a>, Marian Woods, Poplar Grove, and Poplar Park will be reassigned from <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=264">Poplar Tree ES</a> to <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=263">Brookfield ES</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558UeKVd1PZ2DJE65krCVhWvNCfsWVFwgrgKXx97cXQEhAUigKKXom9-wKtj3hyW13sb7QSwa6FWvdcsLlWjrpxZU1fCk3lcFBRy0-qa3TV7rRjyid2DF2kIO1r3pDoO4CtXMAD9XTSOh/s1600/Screenshot-Option+C.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558UeKVd1PZ2DJE65krCVhWvNCfsWVFwgrgKXx97cXQEhAUigKKXom9-wKtj3hyW13sb7QSwa6FWvdcsLlWjrpxZU1fCk3lcFBRy0-qa3TV7rRjyid2DF2kIO1r3pDoO4CtXMAD9XTSOh/s320/Screenshot-Option+C.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/optionc.pdf">Option C</a>: The communities of <a href="http://www.chantillyhuntersrun.org/">Hunters Run</a>, Marian Woods, Poplar Grove, and Poplar Park will remain unchanged, continuing to send their children to <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=264">Poplar Tree ES</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpMSIlMtZeb6NHMaPxAiXDmMY_nKGec5gtT4xgnLNcdM6kTwHN17z3D6chov-IOtBpicOTMmkzUZciZvqshdqUU3gKP-QnrnPUzlGfUGwBZR0-_T4MiZ28HvjCSdrYxj_6lelfJpKNIea/s1600/Screenshot-Option+C-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpMSIlMtZeb6NHMaPxAiXDmMY_nKGec5gtT4xgnLNcdM6kTwHN17z3D6chov-IOtBpicOTMmkzUZciZvqshdqUU3gKP-QnrnPUzlGfUGwBZR0-_T4MiZ28HvjCSdrYxj_6lelfJpKNIea/s320/Screenshot-Option+C-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Residents of Hunters Run, Poplar Park, Poplar Grove, and Marian Woods should be concerned by options A and B. Compared to Poplar Tree ES, Brookfield ES represents a stark downgrade in testing scores and increased documented disciplinary issues. Consider the following data available from the FCPS website and a school ratings site popular with parents, <a href="http://greatschools.org/">GreatSchools.org</a>.<br />
<br />
Poplar Tree ES<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:4453348913703979::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:264">Demographic Data</a></li>
<li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:18:4453348913703979::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:264">Standardized Test Results - Students consistently perform well.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:2:4453348913703979::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:264">Reported School Security Issues - The only reported issue is a disorderly student.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.greatschools.org/virginia/chantilly/648-Poplar-Tree-Elementary-School/">GreatSchools Report</a></li>
</ul><br />
Brookfield ES<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:2798998150670901::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:263">Demographic Data - Half of the school is on free/reduced lunch, indicating a lower economic status of the community currently served.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:18:2798998150670901::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:263">Standardized Test Results - There is a clear divide between the socially advantaged and disadvantaged at this school. Much of teachers' efforts will be put into bringing underperformers to baseline, neglecting those already performing at standard.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:2:2798998150670901::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:263">Reported School Security Issues - The school reports a range of problems, from drugs/alchohol to weapons and assault charges.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.greatschools.org/virginia/chantilly/457-Brookfield-Elementary-School/">GreatSchools Report</a></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgekMvdWFuaTnzbz9zk68KOLQpVX532RjeBWQzOdgGLijdC8A7M8qzkSfAyazKpZH6nDSRdnZRVPE1sauIl9wyVRt0UkKERcbNUey8P15ip1zPd1hAnRp5OEyABE1dHlwaOj4-wpZJ9RQ/s1600/crimemap.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Homeowners of the affected communities will recognize an immediate impact to the value of their home if this school reassignment comes to pass. Consider comparing typical <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/20151_rb/2-_baths/3-_beds/#/homes/recently_sold/Chantilly-VA/30829_rid/3-_beds/2-_baths/38.888611,-77.3927,38.868566,-77.436302_rect/13_zm/">3-bedroom</a> and <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/20151_rb/2-_baths/4-_beds/#/homes/recently_sold/Chantilly-VA-20151/66245_rid/4-_beds/2-_baths/38.88948,-77.393811,38.869435,-77.437413_rect/13_zm/">4-bedroom</a> recently sold home values between the affected neighborhoods and the areas currently served by Brookfield ES. Also consider the <a href="http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/gisapps/myneighborhood/mynpolice.aspx?fxmResolution=1024x768">Fairfax County Crime Mapper</a>, comparing the affected neighborhoods to Brookfield. There is a clear difference in value. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgekMvdWFuaTnzbz9zk68KOLQpVX532RjeBWQzOdgGLijdC8A7M8qzkSfAyazKpZH6nDSRdnZRVPE1sauIl9wyVRt0UkKERcbNUey8P15ip1zPd1hAnRp5OEyABE1dHlwaOj4-wpZJ9RQ/s1600/crimemap.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2010 Reported Crimes around Brookfield area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Linked is a <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/news/boundary.htm">historical implementation</a> of boundary changes affecting high school students. That implementation affected only new enrolling students and transfers. It is unknown if currently enrolled students will be able to remain at their current schools.<br />
<br />
Even if your household has no children in the school system, all of the affected neighborhoods are homes designed for families. Any future sale of your home will list Brookfield ES as the providing school, which will be a detractor for many potential buyers. That will limit the home's potential value on the market. <span style="color: red;">The boundary study affects all property owners in the affected communities.</span> <br />
<br />
Linked is <a href="http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=1529">information on meetings</a> accepting public comment on the proposed boundary implementations. Key meetings for our area are<br />
<br />
Monday, October 25 7-9pm at Greenbrier West ES<br />
Tuesday, October 26 7-9pm at Powell ES<br />
<br />
Community members of Hunters Run, Marian Woods, Poplar Grove, and Poplar Park should attend one of these sessions and express their support for Option C against the reassignment of our neighborhoods to Brookfield ES. They should also contact their county representatives to express their views.<br />
<br />
FCPS Sully District - <a href="mailto:Kathy.L.Smith@fcps.edu">Kathy Smith</a> 571-423-1085<br />
Fairfax County Supervisor Sully District - <a href="mailto:sully@fairfaxcounty.gov">Michael Frey</a> 703-814-7100.Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-74856613203469394662009-10-08T11:49:00.002-04:002009-10-08T11:54:22.922-04:00Painting, gardening and more painting!Lots of work has been done on the house since the last post. I painted the kitchen ("sagey"), we repainted the front door and shutters a blue-grey color, and we've made some minor changes to the garden/yard. We removed the Black-Eyed Susans (they had gone weedy and just looked awful), took out some of the old ornamental grasses and have continued to attack the weed problem in the front flower beds (with mixed results). We had planned to re-seed the grass this weekend, but as we're going to Massachusetts instead, we'll have to reschedule. I've also got some other minor projects on the to-do list, to include replacing the light fixture and toilet seat in the 1st floor bathroom.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-49287101441483587562009-04-18T18:57:00.002-04:002009-04-18T18:58:03.243-04:00Garden bedPosted a really long entry about the garden bed we've been working on in my personal blog. Can <a href="http://jatamanzi.blogspot.com/2009/04/our-newest-experiment.html">view it here</a>.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-72601634194100277052008-09-15T12:44:00.014-04:002010-10-24T09:26:44.827-04:00Tree removal<span style="font-family: arial;">Last Wednesday, we had two</span> trees removed from the backyard. One 24" diameter leaning maple and one 15" diameter dead oak. We now have a HUGE pile of firewood that we need to offload...Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-91412790386198287782008-08-26T20:12:00.002-04:002008-08-26T20:15:13.330-04:00Tree removalWe had an estimate done on the removal of our 24" diameter leaning maple and the 16" dead oak trees. Sav-a-tree of Fairfax quotes $3000 to chop them to stump, leave them for firewood and fertilize the remaining trees.Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-83156506190285304462008-08-26T20:11:00.001-04:002008-08-26T20:12:39.877-04:00Leaves ChangingThe leaves on the poplar trees have started turning early this year. It's neighborhood wide and up the coast into Maryland, so probably an artifact of the dry weather.Drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584943527844524195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-14216887456856823382008-08-09T18:44:00.002-04:002008-08-09T18:48:32.697-04:00Little things around the house<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, we actually accomplished something we thought was impossible: We managed to clear almost all of the junk off our kitchen counter! Now it's neatly organized (if dumping stuff in a heap is organized) into two easy-to-carry baskets. One is for Drew's stuff, while the other is the catch-all for everything else.<br /><br />We also put together two more floor lamps (one for the study and one for the family room), and Drew assembled and stocked some shelves for the laundry room closet. My next goal is to reinforce one of the bookshelves and finish unpacking the books. We're still on the lookout for some wine we purchased prior to moving...<br /></span></span>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834799556646091949.post-35185345747477876782008-08-05T18:55:00.002-04:002008-08-05T19:01:06.732-04:00New dining room color<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I took some time last Monday to paint the dining room. The dining set that I inherited from my grandparents will be arriving soon from storage (in Atlanta!), and so the painting needed to be finished before then. You can see some pictures <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/shauna.hunt/PaintingTheDiningRoom?authkey=CX3lF-dzbRI">here</a>; the color is "Cranberry Bog", and Drew picked it out. I tried to get some pictures with the sun shining, but the weather of late hasn't exactly cooperated with that request.<br /><br />In addition to the new paint, there are new chrome/grey electrical outlets and chrome floor vents (thanks to Drew's handy work). All that's left to do is to throw out the boxes on trash day and put down a rug, and the room will be all ready for the furniture!<br /></span></span>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802371805982029349noreply@blogger.com0