http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/faq.pdf

Seventy-five pages of questions so far; not 75 questions - 75 PAGES of questions.

Best?

"Posted January 4, 2011
1. Why in the world would anyone believe anything that FCPS writes or says???

Thank you for your comment."

e-mails Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Radar the SB Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > People speaking received email from SBMs.
>
> They did? Were they answering questions the
> speakers asked? I think if they were responding
> directly via email to the speakers that is good. I
> would love to hear the comments made by SB members
> in the e-mails.



SHUT UP, Liz.

You are such a dimwit, you still haven't figured out we know when you post.

We are never going to let you in. You will not weasel your politically infected self into our party.

The Republicans already made that mistake and look what it got them.

Here's another one to add to Liz's list....

In the School Board work session today she spoke of a "certain supervisor (read as Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member) who continues to spread misinformation about the SW County Boundary study". She went on to say that she, Cathy Smith and Tessie Wilson were continuing to belay the concerns of their constituents on behalf of the School Board and convey accurate information to the public.

Well Liz, Tessie and Cathy, here are two pertinent questions for you, who is the supervisor and what is inaccurate about what they were saying in public? Care to share in public or have you not learned that the people's business should be carried out in a public manner? Hope that multi-million dollar PRmachine at Gatehouseis helping you.....someone should benefit from that investment.

Oh, and one other thing, planning interior modifications that require funds from the capital budget without telling the taxpayers about it isn't transparency. Fairview was on the list to receive interior modifications to the tune of $1M. What's it going to cost for Oak View, Virginia Run and Union Mill now on top of the already $15M?

To: Liz Bradsher and J.Dale Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The post article shows your true colors about how
> you treat kids under your care in FCPS. We have
> always had to sign our kids rights away to go
> FCPS.
>
> You now all have blood on your hands.
>
> I think you should give up now. Resign please. You
> will do the county a big favor.


More FCPS burning of your money
http://www.fcps.edu/legupdate/ga.htm

FCPS paid lobbyists in Richmond killed this bill yesterday so school system doesn't have to let you known when they discipline your kid. Even if your kid is about to be suspended or be turned over to the court.

Bradsher is only part of the corruption. A whole culture of corruption. Better be ready to throw out more than her to do any good.

HB 1548 Parental notification
More Bill ID:2011 House Bill 1548

Parental notification; school board policy violations. Requires the school principal to notify the parents of a student who violates a school board policy or the compulsory school attendance requirements when such violation could result in the student's suspension or the filing of a court petition, or when such violation is entered into the student's scholastic record.

Only supporter: Howell, Janet D. 32 D (804) 698-7532 (703) 709-8283 SenHowell@aol.com

Agreed with FCPS lobbying against parental rights:

Senator Harry B. Blevins 14 R (804) 698-7514 (757) 546-2435 blevins@verizon.net

Senator Mamie E. Locke 2 D (804) 698-7502 (757) 825-5880 SenLocke02@msn.com

Senator John C. Miller 1 D (804) 698-7501 (757) 595-1100 district01@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. 15 R (804) 698-7515 (434) 374-5129 district15@senate.virginia.gov

Tistadt & Bradsher
sittin' in a tree
K-i-l-l-eh-ehn-g
Clifton El-e-men-ta-ry.


From: "Tistadt, Dean"
To: "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)"
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 08:08:47 -0400
Subject: RE: Note

Thanks for sharing. I may have to put Doug on suicide watch if he has to spend any more time with these folks.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 8:07 AM
To: Tistadt, Dean
Subject: Note

Keeping you in the constant loop!

Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070

-----Original Message-----
From: charlie.t.rau@exxonmobil.com [mailto:charlie.t.rau@exxonmobil.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 12:56 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Cc: charliet@cox.net
Subject: CES Water

Liz; FYI, as a rep of the Clifton Subcommittee I had a productive
discussion Monday afternoon with Doug O'Neill on the Clifton Elementary
well water update that had been posted by FCPS Staff to the SouthWest
Community Engagement Committee section on the FCPS website on April 14.
One summary take-away of mine from reading of that update was
reinforced today == that the well water treatment system recommended in
that update could be expected to have every reason to succeed, although
would ultimately need full vetting through a pilot application.

That continuing well water option may become more pertinent as I
understand from Dwayne Nitz (whom Tom Peterson evidently invited to your
Public Water meeting on Friday) that there is more development work on that
option than may have seemed to have been the case.
I'd be interested in your fundamental reaction to your Friday meeting
-- especially if there is anything that I / we can be doing to help move
things along.
Thanks for all of your continuing attention to our school.

Charlie T. Rau
charliet@cox.net
703-815-4440 or 703-846-7073

From: "Tistadt, Dean"
To: "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)" ,
"'Bulova, Sharon S.'"
CC: "''David.Bulova@AMEC.com'" <'David.Bulova@AMEC.com>
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 07:41:05 -0400

Subject: RE: Clifton ES
Attached is our most recent water treatment study. I would welcome any and all thoughts or suggestions from David.
Thanks.
Dean

_____________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 5:26 PM
To: 'Bulova, Sharon S.'
Cc: ''David.Bulova@AMEC.com'; Tistadt, Dean
Subject: RE: Clifton ES


Hi Sharon,
I just was able to read your email in its entirety. As an FYI we have gathered information on this matter and FCPS has conducted a recent study on costs and what would be required. Dean has this information and I will see if I have it in a file format to send to you and others.

Thank you for your offer to have David review this, although I do believe FCPS did a thorough job with regard to the study. I look forward to discussing further and once again appreciate the opportunity to meet and discuss this past Friday.

Take care,

Liz
(703)690-0210 (home #)

Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070




-----Original Message-----
From: Bulova, Sharon S. [mailto:Sharon.Bulova@fairfaxcounty.gov]
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 11:08 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: Fw: Clifton ES

Liz,

FYI - I'll call you later re this.


----- Original Message -----
From: Bulova, Sharon S.
To: 'datistadt@fcps.edu'
Cc: 'David.Bulova@AMEC.com.' ; Thomas, Mark C.; 'lynn.silsby@fairfaxcounty.gov.'
Sent: Mon May 03 10:52:15 2010
Subject: Clifton ES

Dean,

My son David has agreed to do some exploration re treating water from the Clifton ES wells, ie what would be required.. How much cost.. Etc. He's asked for some basic info re water useage at the school. Can you pls forward that to David at David.Bulova@AMEC.com.

Also, I don't have Liz Bradshear's email address. Would you please forward this request to her so she is in the loop?

Sharon

Each of these is painful.

"Perceived community"?

This is nothing other than a heartless wench.

"The issue although about facilities and enrollment morphed into boundaries and as such the Clifton issue was one that was not reviewed based upon factual stats, etc. but rather emotion and also a very important piece, the subject of perceived community."
Liz Bradsher

May she be the subject of perceived votes for whatever she tries to do, including getting approved by the Fairfax Democartic Committee,
Attachments:

Fascinating that Liz does not know the difference between Oak Hill and Oak View! I think she has done that in and email before, I thought it was just a slip-but she did it repeatedly in this email. Do any of her constituents go to Oak View or are they all Tessie's?

reader Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Fascinating that Liz does not know the difference
> between Oak Hill and Oak View! I think she has
> done that in and email before, I thought it was
> just a slip-but she did it repeatedly in this
> email. Do any of her constituents go to Oak View
> or are they all Tessie's?


Liz doesn't even know the difference between right and wrong. Expecting her to know the difference between Oak Hill and Oak View is small in the scope of things.

Average' class sizes as reported by FCPS.
Attachments:

RamParents Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Each of these is painful.
>
> "Perceived community"?


Gotta admit, that email clearly shows that clifton only cares about their piece of the pie, not giving a rats ass about the other communities in the room. Or the county as a whole...

If you want to be taken seriously here, add a comment that makes sense. You are commenting on Liz's email - which, after studying it several times, has no documented support and does not make sense. You must be Liz herself - I don't even think one of her cronies would be this silly.

Forget trying to drum up more support by making Clifton look like the elite privileged folk. Nice try, and it may have worked for awhile, but we can see right through you. What you have done is so very wrong - you should be hauled into court. How did you ever get elected?!

What you have to realize, is now you are affecting so many more than Clifton. It has driven us all to take time out of our day to get up to speed on how you do business. And we're appalled.

Dizzie Lizzie's plan = no plan


From: "James, Denise"
To: "Tistadt, Dean" , "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)" , "Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)"

Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 07:47:58 -0400
Subject: Re:


Me too. We will never get to a longer range planning mindset if we only plan based on what gets bonded. Leap of faith that bonds will pass and schools will get built

________________________________________
From: Tistadt, Dean
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); James, Denise
Sent: Fri May 07 07:42:58 2010
Subject: RE:
Agree completely.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 7:43 AM
To: Tistadt, Dean; Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); James, Denise
Subject: RE:

We have done all the work needed to move ahead and plan accordingly. It will be important to plan and also articulate the next steps so the Board understands what needs to be done next as well as the public.

We could discuss this all at CPDC, thoughts?
Liz

Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070
________________________________________

I don't live in Clifton but have studied the data. Clearly, this was a political move with a poorly built business case which will cost us $4 million...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

question:

Are all of the "additions" at the schools that are "growing" during this boundary process dependent on a bond passing in November--or is the money already in the budget?

questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> question:
>
> Are all of the "additions" at the schools that are
> "growing" during this boundary process dependent
> on a bond passing in November--or is the money
> already in the budget?


Tistadt has already said this can come out of the construction reserve which is leftover funds from prior bonding that was not spent due to reduced pricing from the economic downturn. So these funds are not dependent on new bonds.

Subject: URGENT: Breaking News



Fairfax County School Board and Officials Subpoenaed



Thursday, February 17, 2011 - Fairfax County, Virginia – Documenting violations under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as continuing to mount, a fourth count has been added to the recent FOIA case against Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County School Board. The case, filed today in Fairfax County Circuit Court, was temporarily held due to FCPS’ efforts to enter the case in an evidentiary trial rather than a hearing as motioned by the Petitioner.

The David v. Goliath case centers around accountability demanded by the Petitioner, Jill D. Hill, a Fairfax County resident, for an extensive array of Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Law violations by FCPS and the School Board.

Patton Boggs, LLP, counsel for Hill, and FCPS attorneys will appear in the Court’s calendar control Friday morning, February 18th, to set the trial date. Under Virginia law, FOIA cases are required by statute to be heard in seven (7) calendar days. The statute does not permit exceptions for weekends or holidays.



Among those for whom subpoenas were issued in Fairfax County Circuit Court today are school officials:

§ Dean Tistadt;

§ Paul Regnier;

§ Pam Goddard; and

§ Sara Kolb

In addition, the School Board in its entirety were issued subpoenas:

§ Judith Wilson;

§ Jane K. Strauss;

§ Daniel G. Storck;

§ Kathy L. Smith, Chairman;

§ Patricia S. Reed;

§ James L. Raney;

§ Ilryong Moon;

§ Martina Hone;

§ Stuart D. Gibson;

§ Sandra S. Evans;

§ Brad Center, Vice Chairman; and

§ Elizabeth Torpey Bradsher

The TRUTH will soon come out.

Getting out of dodge?

Or making out like a bandit?
Attachments:

questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> question:
>
> Are all of the "additions" at the schools that are
> "growing" during this boundary process dependent
> on a bond passing in November--or is the money
> already in the budget?



From: "Tistadt, Dean"
To: "James, Denise" , "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)" , "Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member), "
Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 07:53:33 -0400
Subject: Re:


Remember that we will be discussing a boundary study in advance of determining the size of the schools and of any additions and at what schools. We can't bond until we know these facts.

Plus we have over $40 million in construction reserve that the board could use to do all of these projects without going to referendum.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Ok so Dale gets caught sleeping around - gets divorced. Parents kick him out of Frederick County (or find him a new job). We get stuck with him. So Tisdadt gets caught and Dale looks the other way. Wake up people - do these people have any morals at all? How long will it take to get rid of them?

Liz Bradsher would nominate herself for sainthood.
Attachments:

I missed the part about Jack Dale getting caught sleeping around and being sacked by Maryland. Is this speculation or fact?

Why WHY are these administrators passed around from district to district? Education administrators rarely get better with age.

information about Dale's hiring
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61814-2004May27.html

an ironic paragraph:


One of the things that really impressed us is his ability to gather input from all the stakeholders and get everybody moving in the same directions," Gibson said. "Here in this community, more than in many other places, we want our superintendent to be accessible to the community. I think that Jack will go out of his way to make sure that people are heard."

So why aren't they using the $40 million construction reserve to renovate WSHS or other schools on the capital program list instead of building additions to these elementary schools?

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So why aren't they using the $40 million
> construction reserve to renovate WSHS or other
> schools on the capital program list instead of
> building additions to these elementary schools?
+1

And let's not forget Gatehouse Two. THEY should be the ones in OLD trailers and buildings with mold and asbestos problems and broom closets used as offices. Oh wait, that's right, another new school needed to be built in South County first even though existing, newly renovated seats sat vacant at surrounding schools.

WSHS parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > So why aren't they using the $40 million
> > construction reserve to renovate WSHS or other
> > schools on the capital program list instead of
> > building additions to these elementary schools?
> +1
>
> And let's not forget Gatehouse Two. THEY should
> be the ones in OLD trailers and buildings with
> mold and asbestos problems and broom closets used
> as offices. Oh wait, that's right, another new
> school needed to be built in South County first
> even though existing, newly renovated seats sat
> vacant at surrounding schools.


Exactamundo.

How does a high school senior get it and the entire FCPS system and board does not?

Wonder if Smith bothered to respond to this polite student's very good points.

Doubt it.

________________________________________________________________________________

From: Russell Michelson
To:
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:46:57 -0400
Subject: The Problem with School Districting

Dear Mrs. Smith,

I have lived in Oak Hill my whole life and I am now a senior at Westfield High School. I would like to inform you about my situation so that you may understand better many students' dilemma.

Everyone I went to school with up to middle school grew up in the Reston/Herndon area. As we entered high school, we were thrust far away from our home to the far reaches of Chantilly. Worst of all, my best friend since first grade, Ryan, was separated from me. He only lives five minutes away, but he might as well live on the other side of the county. He goes to Oakton High School, ten miles away from my school. Consequently, he spends all his time in the Oakton/Fairfax area while I have to spend mine around Western Chantilly and Centreville.

Those of us who went to Westfield High School from Rachel Carson Middle School became a small minority in a school that is essentially populated by students from Centreville. They grew up in the foreign land of Centreville/Clifton. We were seen as outsiders from far away. They all knew each other from Stone Middle School and we seemed to be intruding. I'd like to say that by our senior year we grew into one happy, integrated student body, but it is not so. Even after more than three years together, Herndoners tend to stick to their own and vice versa. Many Centrevillians still don't even know where Herndon is.

There are a few identifiable reasons for this this problem. One is that the Centreville population feels more connected to the school than do the Herndoners. The Centreview Newpaper covers news from Westfield; the Herndon Connection does not. The homecoming parade and most fundraisers are held in Centreville. Also, it doesn't help that it can take up to 30 minutes to drive to a friend from school's house. I can say with certainty that I would have enjoyed my high school experience much more if I went to a school where I didn't feel like an alien. Perhaps one of the two schools that are closer to my home like South Lakes or Chantilly.

With last years' redistricting, unfortunately, Oak Hill residents were victimized even more. Bradley Farms, the neighborhood next to mine is actually zoned to go to three different elementary schools, depending on which part of the neighborhood one lives in. For some reason, there is only one neighborhood in Oak Hill that still feeds into Westfield: mine. That means there will only be a couple dozen of us in a school of around 3,000 students in a few years. Any sense of community in Oak Hill will be lost because of the fragmentation between the elementary and high schools and cases like Ryan and I will be common.

While all this may be an extreme case, it is a problem throughout the county. Since our county has been so prolific in the last 20 years, schools have been popping up at a fast rate. Consequently, school districting right now is screwed up beyond repair. As we have learned from last year, butchering communities may fix some overcrowding issues in some places, but they create problems elsewhere. I urge you to consider wiping the slate clean and starting over. I understand that this suggestion is fairly radical and unrealistic, but it is the only way we could assure neighbors do not become school rivals and friendships are not torn apart.

Thanks,
Russell

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So why aren't they using the $40 million
> construction reserve to renovate WSHS or other
> schools on the capital program list instead of
> building additions to these elementary schools?


+1 especially since Clifton Elementary didn't need to be renovated right now in which case there was no need for so many additions in the first place. WSHS has been beggging for renovations, Clifton was not.

Smart Cookie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How does a high school senior get it and the
> entire FCPS system and board does not?
>
> Wonder if Smith bothered to respond to this polite
> student's very good points.
>
> Doubt it.
>
> __________________________________________________
> ______________________________
>
> From: Russell Michelson
> To:
> Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:46:57 -0400
> Subject: The Problem with School Districting
>
> Dear Mrs. Smith,
>
> I have lived in Oak Hill my whole life and I
> am now a senior at Westfield High School. I would
> like to inform you about my situation so that you
> may understand better many students' dilemma.
>
> Everyone I went to school with up to middle
> school grew up in the Reston/Herndon area. As we
> entered high school, we were thrust far away from
> our home to the far reaches of Chantilly. Worst of
> all, my best friend since first grade, Ryan, was
> separated from me. He only lives five minutes
> away, but he might as well live on the other side
> of the county. He goes to Oakton High School, ten
> miles away from my school. Consequently, he spends
> all his time in the Oakton/Fairfax area while I
> have to spend mine around Western Chantilly and
> Centreville.
>
> Those of us who went to Westfield High
> School from Rachel Carson Middle School became a
> small minority in a school that is essentially
> populated by students from Centreville. They grew
> up in the foreign land of Centreville/Clifton. We
> were seen as outsiders from far away. They all
> knew each other from Stone Middle School and we
> seemed to be intruding. I'd like to say that by
> our senior year we grew into one happy, integrated
> student body, but it is not so. Even after more
> than three years together, Herndoners tend to
> stick to their own and vice versa. Many
> Centrevillians still don't even know where Herndon
> is.
>
> There are a few identifiable reasons for
> this this problem. One is that the Centreville
> population feels more connected to the school than
> do the Herndoners. The Centreview Newpaper covers
> news from Westfield; the Herndon Connection does
> not. The homecoming parade and most fundraisers
> are held in Centreville. Also, it doesn't help
> that it can take up to 30 minutes to drive to a
> friend from school's house. I can say with
> certainty that I would have enjoyed my high school
> experience much more if I went to a school where I
> didn't feel like an alien. Perhaps one of the two
> schools that are closer to my home like South
> Lakes or Chantilly.
>
> With last years' redistricting,
> unfortunately, Oak Hill residents were victimized
> even more. Bradley Farms, the neighborhood next to
> mine is actually zoned to go to three different
> elementary schools, depending on which part of the
> neighborhood one lives in. For some reason, there
> is only one neighborhood in Oak Hill that still
> feeds into Westfield: mine. That means there will
> only be a couple dozen of us in a school of around
> 3,000 students in a few years. Any sense of
> community in Oak Hill will be lost because of the
> fragmentation between the elementary and high
> schools and cases like Ryan and I will be common.
>
> While all this may be an extreme case, it is
> a problem throughout the county. Since our county
> has been so prolific in the last 20 years, schools
> have been popping up at a fast rate. Consequently,
> school districting right now is screwed up beyond
> repair. As we have learned from last year,
> butchering communities may fix some overcrowding
> issues in some places, but they create problems
> elsewhere. I urge you to consider wiping the slate
> clean and starting over. I understand that this
> suggestion is fairly radical and unrealistic, but
> it is the only way we could assure neighbors do
> not become school rivals and friendships are not
> torn apart.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Russell


When groups of kids start feeling singled out and then sticking together in groups, isn't that how gangs get started? Isn't all of these redistricting teh School Board keeps doing essentially promoting gangs?

WSHS parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > So why aren't they using the $40 million
> > construction reserve to renovate WSHS or other
> > schools on the capital program list instead of
> > building additions to these elementary schools?
> +1
>
> And let's not forget Gatehouse Two. THEY should
> be the ones in OLD trailers and buildings with
> mold and asbestos problems and broom closets used
> as offices. Oh wait, that's right, another new
> school needed to be built in South County first
> even though existing, newly renovated seats sat
> vacant at surrounding schools.


Based on the dates in the various emails, it looks like they have had that $40 million sitting around in reserves for possibly a year or more. If they had REALLY wanted to renovate WSHS, the renovations would already be half completed.

From the outside looking in, it looks like they figured SOAR was a motivated group so they would USE them as impetus to get people out to vote and push through a bond to get more money for FCPS (and Liz Bradsher clearly wanted votes from SOAR). SOAR looks like just another group of oblivious pawns.

Looks like Liz and Dean weren't always such good friends.
From SOAR website:


November 13, 2008

Dear SOAR Parents, Students and Residents,
On Monday the School Board held a Work Session to discuss various issues pertinent to FCPS. The majority of that day was spent on budget issues, the last 35 minutes dealt with the CIP. During these last 35 minutes I learned the usual CIP Process, that has taken place for well over 11 years as I know it, may be altered this year. This was presented without previous knowledge by the School Board members. In plain language we were not briefed beforehand on such a potential CIP modification.
There is no doubt in my mind WSHS needs a renovation. To stall such a renovation serves no useful purpose. I believe in process, hard data and solid analysis. The rankings of the schools needing renovation make for an improved and accurate CIP as we know it. I know very little about the proposed Planning Groups as they were not explained in detail but rest assured I will find out more. I believe the main intent for such Planning Groups is to review county enrollment due to the newly projected forecast of our enrollment climbing to 182,000 students. Looking at enrollment changes means many things; it can mean additions, modulars and boundary changes. Therefore, due to the generalities described about these potential Planning Groups I remain very skeptical to such a suggestion by Facilities staff.
WSHS needs a renovation due to facility need not enrollment. The school handles a full load and then some, the facility is not underutilized in any manner however it is the age and needs of the facility that drive this renovation need. In May I attended a public meeting where Dean Tistadt, COO of FCPS, said WSHS fell within the cracks and was overlooked for CIP placement. This comment was very telling to me and it should be telling to everyone. If it was overlooked and the need so evident then why is this facility still awaiting placement on the CIP and how will the suggestion of Planning Groups help a school like WSHS get a renovation in a timely manner?
I will continue to work on this issue and will meet with Mr. Tistadt and others. I am committed to a transparent process and I am very disappointed certain FCPS staff have not provided the transparency requested by the residents of this county.
Sincerely,
Liz Bradsher
Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070

pawn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> WSHS parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thomas More Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > So why aren't they using the $40 million
> > > construction reserve to renovate WSHS or
> other
> > > schools on the capital program list instead
> of
> > > building additions to these elementary
> schools?
> > +1
> >
> > And let's not forget Gatehouse Two. THEY
> should
> > be the ones in OLD trailers and buildings with
> > mold and asbestos problems and broom closets
> used
> > as offices. Oh wait, that's right, another new
> > school needed to be built in South County first
> > even though existing, newly renovated seats sat
> > vacant at surrounding schools.
>
>
> Based on the dates in the various emails, it looks
> like they have had that $40 million sitting around
> in reserves for possibly a year or more. If they
> had REALLY wanted to renovate WSHS, the
> renovations would already be half completed.
>
> From the outside looking in, it looks like they
> figured SOAR was a motivated group so they would
> USE them as impetus to get people out to vote and
> push through a bond to get more money for FCPS
> (and Liz Bradsher clearly wanted votes from SOAR).
> SOAR looks like just another group of oblivious
> pawns.


Not only that but just because voters approve a bond that has WSHS name on it doesn't mean they have to use it for that school. Look at what happened with Graham Road ES, Pimmit Hills bonds, etc. WSHS could be waiting for YEARS before they actually see any renovation at all and Liz Bradsher will be long gone by then. She already got what she wanted which was SOCO Middle School. That $40M should be spent on WSHS NOW. If they left CES open and didn't do such a massive boundary study than WSHS could have that money.

pawn Wrote:
> Based on the dates in the various emails, it looks
> like they have had that $40 million sitting around
> in reserves for possibly a year or more. If they
> had REALLY wanted to renovate WSHS, the
> renovations would already be half completed.
>
> From the outside looking in, it looks like they
> figured SOAR was a motivated group so they would
> USE them as impetus to get people out to vote and
> push through a bond to get more money for FCPS
> (and Liz Bradsher clearly wanted votes from SOAR).
> SOAR looks like just another group of oblivious
> pawns.

+1

reader Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Looks like Liz and Dean weren't always such good
> friends.
> From SOAR website:
>
>
> November 13, 2008
>
> Dear SOAR Parents, Students and Residents,
> On Monday the School Board held a Work Session to
> discuss various issues pertinent to FCPS. The
> majority of that day was spent on budget issues,
> the last 35 minutes dealt with the CIP. During
> these last 35 minutes I learned the usual CIP
> Process, that has taken place for well over 11
> years as I know it, may be altered this year.
> This was presented without previous knowledge by
> the School Board members. In plain language we
> were not briefed beforehand on such a potential
> CIP modification.
> There is no doubt in my mind WSHS needs a
> renovation. To stall such a renovation serves no
> useful purpose. I believe in process, hard data
> and solid analysis. The rankings of the schools
> needing renovation make for an improved and
> accurate CIP as we know it. I know very little
> about the proposed Planning Groups as they were
> not explained in detail but rest assured I will
> find out more. I believe the main intent for such
> Planning Groups is to review county enrollment due
> to the newly projected forecast of our enrollment
> climbing to 182,000 students. Looking at
> enrollment changes means many things; it can mean
> additions, modulars and boundary changes.
> Therefore, due to the generalities described about
> these potential Planning Groups I remain very
> skeptical to such a suggestion by Facilities
> staff.
> WSHS needs a renovation due to facility need not
> enrollment. The school handles a full load and
> then some, the facility is not underutilized in
> any manner however it is the age and needs of the
> facility that drive this renovation need. In May
> I attended a public meeting where Dean Tistadt,
> COO of FCPS, said WSHS fell within the cracks and
> was overlooked for CIP placement. This comment
> was very telling to me and it should be telling to
> everyone. If it was overlooked and the need so
> evident then why is this facility still awaiting
> placement on the CIP and how will the suggestion
> of Planning Groups help a school like WSHS get a
> renovation in a timely manner?
> I will continue to work on this issue and will
> meet with Mr. Tistadt and others. I am committed
> to a transparent process and I am very
> disappointed certain FCPS staff have not provided
> the transparency requested by the residents of
> this county.
> Sincerely,
> Liz Bradsher
> Elizabeth T. Bradsher
> Fairfax County School Board
> Springfield District
> Phone: (571) 296-1875
> Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative
> Assistant
> Phone: (571) 423-1070

This was just to shut us up so we wouldn't get in the way of her SCMS. You really don't believe this do you?

RealityCheck Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> pawn Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > WSHS parent Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Thomas More Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > So why aren't they using the $40 million
> > > > construction reserve to renovate WSHS or
> > other
> > > > schools on the capital program list instead
> > of
> > > > building additions to these elementary
> > schools?
> > > +1
> > >
> > > And let's not forget Gatehouse Two. THEY
> > should
> > > be the ones in OLD trailers and buildings
> with
> > > mold and asbestos problems and broom closets
> > used
> > > as offices. Oh wait, that's right, another
> new
> > > school needed to be built in South County
> first
> > > even though existing, newly renovated seats
> sat
> > > vacant at surrounding schools.
> >
> >
> > Based on the dates in the various emails, it
> looks
> > like they have had that $40 million sitting
> around
> > in reserves for possibly a year or more. If
> they
> > had REALLY wanted to renovate WSHS, the
> > renovations would already be half completed.
> >
> > From the outside looking in, it looks like they
> > figured SOAR was a motivated group so they
> would
> > USE them as impetus to get people out to vote
> and
> > push through a bond to get more money for FCPS
> > (and Liz Bradsher clearly wanted votes from
> SOAR).
> > SOAR looks like just another group of
> oblivious
> > pawns.
>
>
> Not only that but just because voters approve a
> bond that has WSHS name on it doesn't mean they
> have to use it for that school. Look at what
> happened with Graham Road ES, Pimmit Hills bonds,
> etc. WSHS could be waiting for YEARS before they
> actually see any renovation at all and Liz
> Bradsher will be long gone by then. She already
> got what she wanted which was SOCO Middle School.
> That $40M should be spent on WSHS NOW. If they
> left CES open and didn't do such a massive
> boundary study than WSHS could have that money.


The irony. SOAR rallied the Board to essentially close Clifton Elementary when what they were really doing was just unknowlingly shooting themselves in the foot. Their only real mistake though was ever trusting Liz Bradsher.

The core group that makes up SOAR is a handful of people who are are/were unwittingly spoonfed by LB. I am not SOAR nor do I believe that CES should be closed.

I'm very confused about the CIP process and the funds. $40,000,000 construction reserve?? I'm no budget person, but I find this excessive.

Who does the audits for FCPS? Sounds like FCPS finds money to justify its plans, but can't find it when the public asks for something. Maybe I am just dense.

questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm very confused about the CIP process and the
> funds. $40,000,000 construction reserve?? I'm no
> budget person, but I find this excessive.
>
> Who does the audits for FCPS? Sounds like FCPS
> finds money to justify its plans, but can't find
> it when the public asks for something. Maybe I am
> just dense.


On the contrary, you seem to have common sense. Which, as we've discovered here, is not so common these days.

Do the huge amounts of money they work with and the perceived "power" they have corrupt people who get elected to the school board?

1. SOAR wasn't exactly "played" by Bradsher. They are adults. They knew what was being asked of them....screw one community to advance their own cause. It was a choice they accepted willingly.

2. Stop this nonsense about WSHS deserving a piece of the $40 million. WAIT YOUR TURN!

You are not the only school waiting for renovations. Here is the list-notice where WSHS is:

Clermont ES
Terraset ES
Sunrise Valley ES
Garfield ES
Terra Centre ES
Thoreau MS
Westgate ES
Haycock ES
Langley HS
Ravensworth ES
Woodlawn ES
Forestville ES
North Springfield ES
Springfield Estates ES
Keene Mill ES
Bucknell ES
Cherry Run ES
Waynewood ES
Stratford Landing ES
Newington Forest ES
Hollin Meadows ES
White Oaks ES
West Springfield HS
Mt Vernon Woods ES

That's the order....WAIT YOUR TURN.

yeah...Langley HS is really, really REALLY neglected.

Same with Waynewood ES. The most obnoxious school in the area. Control freak moms run it like a private school, and that's the way they like it.

Langley has had an expansion. WSHS is in far worse shape than Langley.

Does FCPS receive one lump sum from the County Supervisors and then THEY determine what portion goes into the operating fund and what part goes into the CIP? Or, when it comes from the County Supervisors are the County Supervisors the ones that tell them what portion goes into the CIP? In other words, who actually determines the percentage that goes into the CIP versus operating funds?

SUPPOSEDLY......this list is selected by engineers based on need. This way, dishonest politicians like Bradsher, don't try to muscle their way to the front of the line.

If West Springfield thinks they should be ahead of TJ and Langley, knock yourself out, hire your own engineering firm and dispute the results.

WhoDetermines Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does FCPS receive one lump sum from the County
> Supervisors and then THEY determine what portion
> goes into the operating fund and what part goes
> into the CIP? Or, when it comes from the County
> Supervisors are the County Supervisors the ones
> that tell them what portion goes into the CIP?
> In other words, who actually determines the
> percentage that goes into the CIP versus operating
> funds?



The CIP is a seperately voted bond referendum. Every two years, FCPS asks to borrow $300 million for school construction.

This $300 or $155 million every year is entirely seperate from the $2.2 billion operating budget.

The Board of Supervisors have no say how this money is spent-they merely approve the bond and unfortunately do not monitor how FCPS spends it. I think Fairfax County pays the principal and interest on these bonds.

Basically this is debt owed by you and me-the taxpayers.

For you edification,Sick an independant consultant hired by FCPS for 75,000 to study the need for renovation, concluded that WSHS should be moved to top priority on the CIP. The SB didn't like those results so Liz and the SB started playing their games and changed the priority for renovation to fit the need for SCMS. WSHS and Langly are two of the Legacy Five high schools.

yeah Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> yeah...Langley HS is really, really REALLY
> neglected.

Langley is a dump right now. If WSHS jumps the queue, all your bosses up in Great Falls/Mclean are going to start firing the people from Springfield zip codes!

Liz Bradsher can suck my sock!

If this SB thinks they are going to drag Langley into this SC mess, they are crazy. I know most of the rabblerousers aren't running again, but we'll make their lives miserable as long as they try and live in this area. Here's a simple life lesson: Don't screw with Langley and don't piss off the parents. We can mess with you for decades just for sport. Believe it. Not a threat.......a promise.

PTA Presidents, Officers and Members:
Kathy Smith and Liz Bradsher have to stop pressuring us to be good little children and sit down and be quiet.
They have shown no respect for the value of PTAs. It is not acceptable to treat us with hostility then tell us to keep in line by not voicing our opinions.
Virginia Run has added another huge vote to the resolution to demand an end the current boundary study fiasco. Smith tried to stop it. Everyone has had it with the board not listening.
Call them, email them whatever you want, but let them know we are done with the intimidation tactics and being talked about poorly by the board members.

Keep your bradsher off my Langley Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If this SB thinks they are going to drag Langley
> into this SC mess, they are crazy. I know most of
> the rabblerousers aren't running again, but we'll
> make their lives miserable as long as they try and
> live in this area. Here's a simple life lesson:
> Don't screw with Langley and don't piss off the
> parents. We can mess with you for decades just
> for sport. Believe it. Not a threat.......a
> promise.


Wow. What is it like to think the world revolves around the Langley HS crowd? Do you have a problem using the toilet with your head up your ass?

If you want to read about a prior boundary "study", go to the link below. Warning, it is 184 pages. I think you will find that nothing in the process has changed. The concerns are a little different in some instances, but the process is identical. I don't remember ever seeing any emails, though.

A favorite memory: Kathy and Stu sitting with their backs to the audience at an information meeting. Priceless.


http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/41672/page-1.html

forgot to add:

please note that Langley was totally left out of the study--even though there were Langley students who lived within a mile or two of South Lakes.

http://redapplemom.wordpress.com/
Worth the read

http://centreville.patch.com/articles/fcps-board-heading-to-court-to-defend-charges-of-violating-open-meetings-foi-laws-2

The dates are different than the ones cited in the redapplemom story.

This quote Bradsher made about being subpeoenaed made me LOL: "If I have to be in court, I have to be there," Bradsher said. "I want to know, when will the children matter? What are we doing all this for?"

She sat and listened to many school kids at the Clifon closing hearing, and still voted to close their school so she could win political favor. She cares NOTHING about kids outside of her own neighborhood and WSHS.

Just when I think she can't get any worse, she opens her mouth once again. I hope they taost her on the stand...

witch of SC Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This quote Bradsher made about being subpeoenaed
> made me LOL: "If I have to be in court, I have to
> be there," Bradsher said. "I want to know, when
> will the children matter? What are we doing all
> this for?"
>
> She sat and listened to many school kids at the
> Clifon closing hearing, and still voted to close
> their school so she could win political favor. She
> cares NOTHING about kids outside of her own
> neighborhood and WSHS.
>
> Just when I think she can't get any worse, she
> opens her mouth once again. I hope they taost her
> on the stand...


Too much - agreed! But what about when they ask her "Do you swear to tell the truth?"?

Picture the juvenile eye-rolling huffiness she is known for - and then the screeching "You can't HANDLE the truth!"

Her day has come.

http://redapplemom.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/subpoe...-fcps-officials-breaking-news/

Sorry about the above posted link. Here is another version:

"The entire Fairfax County Public School Board and top FCPS officials have been subpoenaed by the Washington, DC based law firm Patton Boggs.

The focus of the subpoena concerns alleged violations of the Open Meeting Law and alleged violations of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by Fairfax County Public School officials.

FCPS and Patton Boggs attorneys are appearing in Fairfax County court today to set a trial date. Under Virginia law, FOIA cases are required by statute to be heard in seven calendar days. The statute does not permit exceptions for weekends or holidays.

This case stems from last summer’s School Board vote to close Clifton elementary school – one of the county’s top performing elementary schools. School Board officials claimed renovations needed for the school were too costly and that it is cheaper in the long run to close the school. Several media outlets and the Fairfax Education Coalition called the School Board’s decision premature. Since the vote, FOIA’d documents and email communications between School Board members and FCPS officials have demonstrated serious flaws in the data used to close Clifton ES. "

zip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Keep your bradsher off my Langley Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > If this SB thinks they are going to drag
> Langley
> > into this SC mess, they are crazy. I know most
> of
> > the rabblerousers aren't running again, but
> we'll
> > make their lives miserable as long as they try
> and
> > live in this area. Here's a simple life lesson:
>
> > Don't screw with Langley and don't piss off the
> > parents. We can mess with you for decades just
> > for sport. Believe it. Not a threat.......a
> > promise.
>
>
> Wow. What is it like to think the world revolves
> around the Langley HS crowd? Do you have a
> problem using the toilet with your head up your
> ass?

No, but one might get shit in their hair and quite possibly their ears too.

http://www.fcps.edu/VirginiaRunES/ptaminutes.pdf

please read last page for Kathy's great advice on how best to get across your message to the school board........

hah Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> yeah Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > yeah...Langley HS is really, really REALLY
> > neglected.
>
> Langley is a dump right now. If WSHS jumps the
> queue, all your bosses up in Great Falls/Mclean
> are going to start firing the people from
> Springfield zip codes!


WSHS HAS already jumped the queue above Langley -it's jumping above everyone. Have you not read any of the FOIA emails?

What was one of only three schools excluded from this BS?

BS being boundary study or bull sh--, it's all the same.

Oh, ya' - Sansgster.

Larsen is a tool. Bradsher is a tool. Smith is a tool. So are the rest.

Take your BS and shove it where the sun don't shine, cause you break those laws too.
Attachments:

I am really glad to hear that the lawsuit is back on. I am scared that it will come too late even if it goes well for the Clifton community and all the affected Fairfax County children. This whole process has been disgusting to watch and very upsetting for all the families involved. I hope that finally someone can get FCPS board members to be honest and open. Start over! Leave Clifton open! Admit you were wrong and find a better plan for the taxpayers you represent.

Kathy's advice to VA Run Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.fcps.edu/VirginiaRunES/ptaminutes.pdf
>
> please read last page for Kathy's great advice on
> how best to get across your message to the school
> board........


Here is real advice that you can actually use. Get somebody from Virginia Run to run against Kathy Smith in the next election. That is a message she might actually get. Everything else is a waste of time.

Fairfax County School Board

2011 Legislative Program

Freedom of Information Act

The Fairfax County School Board supports revision and amendment of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and companion regulations, such as those issued by the Library of Virginia regarding records retention, in order to achieve the appropriate balance between the considerable investment in time and money required for compliance and ensuring the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records.


HA HA HA HA HA!

"in order to achieve the appropriate balance between the considerable investment in time and money required for compliance and ensuring the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records."

Lock these people up in a rubber room - cuz, they done lost their minds!


talk about the fox watching the hen house! the very people who have been breaking the law {and we've seen the emails, so don't even say they haven't} want to have less compliance?

they haven't even responded to the ones they have received, and now they want to do even less?

me thinks thou doth protest too much.

locks are for honest people. criminals will break in no matter what. and now, we see, so will the school board if given the opportunity.

VA Run Elementary PTA notes:
"Kathy supports Full Day Kindergarten in all schools, and specifically in schools where students who had it in their existing schools will be moved to a school with half day. Virginia Run is 1 of 3 schools where this scenario would take place. Enrollment projections reflect the impact of possible Full day Kindergarten at Virginia Run. There is no guarantee the funding will be available."


I am sorry. How many years (decades) has Kathy Smith been on FCPS' school board? Chairman nonetheless.
If she was all for full day K, where has she been?

Pretty damn convenient to all of a sudden be for it when she has never made it happen.

Bradsher = never made it happen either, though it was a major push. Again, convenient.

They haven't done squat and now their asses are up the flagpole because people have finally had it.
So, now they are "for" full day K?

I don't think so. They are years (decades) late and totally shortsighted.

Hardly what we need in the county anymore; VA Run and more are prepped to share a few insights - and the vote of no confidence isn't only on the boundary changes but coming in November too.

VRES Victory Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> VA Run Elementary PTA notes:
> "Kathy supports Full Day Kindergarten in all
> schools, and specifically in schools where
> students who had it in their existing schools will
> be moved to a school with half day. Virginia Run
> is 1 of 3 schools where this scenario would take
> place. Enrollment projections reflect the impact
> of possible Full day Kindergarten at Virginia Run.
> There is no guarantee the funding will be
> available."
>
>
> I am sorry. How many years (decades) has Kathy
> Smith been on FCPS' school board? Chairman
> nonetheless.
> If she was all for full day K, where has she
> been?
>
> Pretty damn convenient to all of a sudden be for
> it when she has never made it happen.
>
> Bradsher = never made it happen either, though it
> was a major push. Again, convenient.
>
> They haven't done squat and now their asses are up
> the flagpole because people have finally had it.
> So, now they are "for" full day K?
>
> I don't think so. They are years (decades) late
> and totally shortsighted.
>
> Hardly what we need in the county anymore; VA Run
> and more are prepped to share a few insights - and
> the vote of no confidence isn't only on the
> boundary changes but coming in November too.


People have looked at this thread almost 21,000 times and posted close to 1,200 messages on it and this isn't the only thread. There are NUMEROUS threads on FFXU all relating to FCPS. The Board Members say they often "listen to the silence" yet they couldn't hear the silence from the Southwestern Boundary Public Hearing when few people showed. Why are there more people posting here instead of showing up at a Public Hearing -- because they have no confidence that the Board will listen to them anyway so they see no point in attending the Public Hearings.

Colin Powell once said "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."

This School Board has failed in their leadership because people no longer want to come to them. People have lost confidence in their leadership. More than half the PTA's have actually documented they don't have confidence. Still this Board does not care. We need to elect new Board Members in November. Kathy Smith and Liz Bradsher need to go.

Kathy's advice to VA Run Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.fcps.edu/VirginiaRunES/ptaminutes.pdf
>
> please read last page for Kathy's great advice on
> how best to get across your message to the school
> board........


Kathy's advice (translated) - please send us individual emails becuase it is easier than for us to conquer and divide and will also give us time to formulate a response to the public that will rebuff whatever point you are trying to make.

The caca is going to hit the fan now.

The General Assembly hardly seems sympathetic to the wailing and gnashing of teeth because FCPS finds compliance with Virginia's laws "too hard".
Attachments:

Observant Eye Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The caca is going to hit the fan now.
>
> The General Assembly hardly seems sympathetic to
> the wailing and gnashing of teeth because FCPS
> finds compliance with Virginia's laws "too hard".


+1

HB 1457 Freedom of Information Act; violations and penalties.
log in | tally sheet
floor: 02/18/11 Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YEAS--Barker, Blevins, Colgan, Deeds, Edwards, Hanger, Herring, Houck, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, McWaters, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Newman, Norment, Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins, Whipple--40.

NAYS--0.

RULE 36--0.

NOT VOTING--0.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Legislative Information System | Bills & Resolutions

Anyone hear anything about Annandale? Just curious how Dean, Denise, and Jack plan on screwing up a good thing. Or is it the rest of the lot I should worry about? From looking at this discussion board, I cannot tell.

Does anyone here think the ad hoc process will succeed or that it is a sham? What about FPAC? Most of the postings here are old news, what does the future hold? Anyone have any thoughts?

This just in:
Attachments:

We are the ones who need our "Morning Vodka" after reading these.
Attachments:

Hop on Pop.

What shall Liz do?
Attachments:

Hunton & Williams are the guys we pay to defend FCPS and the FCPS school board members?

At least they have experience. Just the wrong kind, it looks like.

Can't wait to see court results. Does anyone know if we can go and watch in person?



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/14/AR2011021406281.html


"e-mails describe Hunton & Williams lawyer Bob Quackenboss as the "key client contact operationally" with the chamber and make references to a demonstration session that had "sold the Chamber in the first place."

The chamber has adamantly denied any knowledge of the "abhorrent" proposals, including some contained in a sample blueprint outlined for Hunton & Williams, a law and lobbying firm that works for the chamber. The business group said in a statement Monday that the proposal "was not requested by the Chamber, it was not delivered to the Chamber and it was never discussed with anyone at the Chamber."

Crapamonga Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone know if we can go and watch in person?

Yes, Circuit Court and General District Court sessions are open to the public normally. It would be extraordinary for one of those courtrooms to be closed, e.g., a child testifying re the sexual abuse they had suffered.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations ("JDR") Courts are normally closed when dealing with juvenile matters.

One of the most outrageous things we have seen in this whole scandal.

WTW/Frost/Oak View fellow parents, our own School Board members who run their Zero Tolerance thuggery aren't even able to hold up to a standard which could expel students in the school system they manage!

The absolute depravity of these representatives is unlike anything we have ever seen.

No wonder it was so hard to fight the NPA.

Get heard. Now.
Attachments:

a parent sent me this post and i can't believe my eyes
they have made our lives miserable fighting against the npa
now this?

how do we stop this?

just a parent, but now a really angry one

These School Board members are classless thugs.

name calling Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> These School Board members are classless thugs.

+1

Tina should get a bronze star for dealing with these morons.

Fire them all.
Attachments:

It is interesting to note that in the question following this one (too long to post here) the question asks about the cost of adding to the overcrowded schools. The answer is less than 16M--but that is "conservative and costs might go up". However, in the estimate for the current proposal which is over 18M--nothing is mentioned about that number being conservative and costs might go up.
Please explain, somebody!



http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8ECSX474C1C6/$file/SB%20Follow-up%20-%20no.%2011-47%20%20Southwestern%20Boundary%20Study%20-%20CORRECTED.pdf

QUESTION:
Staff to provide the number of seats that will be added with the proposed building additions (under staff’s recommendation) and the cost per additional student space.
RESPONSE:
The permanent and modular additions proposed in staff recommendation will create 828 additional seats. Based on $15 million total cost, cost per additional student space is the following: 15,000,000/828 = $18,116.

http://fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/faq.pdf
My favorite (page 80):
" The School Board and its professional construction staff manage
a $1.8 billion capital improvement program for FCPS facilities and are more than qualified to
assess the costs and benefits of these decisions."

If the staff is so capable why did they need 4 pages of corrections to a 7 page document?

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8ECSX474C1C6/$file/SB%20Follow-up%20-%20no.%2011-47%20%20Southwestern%20Boundary%20Study%20-%20CORRECTED.pdf

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8DXKJZ522C2B/$file/SB%20follow-up%20%2311-46%20-%20Southwest%20Boundary%20Study.pdf

trying so hard to convince a third man the error of his ways but to no avail. At that point the Fonda character says to him, "He can't hear you. He never will"

Truer words were never spoken. This school board can't hear you. Never will.

School Board, not true you say? Prove it tomorrow.

Vote NO and show us we are wrong about you.

schoolboardmembers@fcps.edu

______________________________________________________
From: Center, Brad (School Board Member) [BCenter@fcps.edu]
Sent: 8/24/2010 12:50:45 PM
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Recommendation for BOS Appeals Process

No you are taking the high road but there is a line from the movie 12 Angry Men that I think applies. At one point the character played by Henry Fonda turns to another man who is trying so hard to convince a third man the error of his ways but to no avail. At that point the Fonda character says to him, "He can't hear you. He never will"

Brad

________________________________________
From: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:19 PM
To: Center, Brad (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Recommendation for BOS Appeals Process

Yes. Did my e-mail sound like it was getting into the mud?
________________________________________
From: Center, Brad (School Board Member)
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 5:35 PM
To: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Recommendation for BOS Appeals Process

Didn't you recently warn me with something about pigs?
________________________________
From: Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:58 PM
To: Farrell, Kim; Center, Brad (School Board Member); Storck, Dan (School Board Member); Moon, Ilryong (School Board Member); Raney, Jim (School Board Member); Strauss, Jane (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hone, Tina (School Board Member); Reed, Patty (School Board Member); 'HunterMillBOSEmail@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Evans, Sandy (School Board Member); 'SupervisorMcKay@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'SullyDistrictMichaelR.Frey@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Herrity, Pat; Cook, John; 'John.Foust@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Hudgins, Catherine; 'lee@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Gross, Penelope A.; 'mountvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'providence@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'SharonBulova@fairfaxcounty.gov'
Subject: RE: Recommendation for BOS Appeals Process

August 22, 2010

Ms. Farrell,

I am writing to you as you live in Hunter Mill District. It appears that we have different views of the role of an elected official in a representative form of government. This does not mean that I do not listen to or hear the views of various constituent groups. It does mean, however, that I was elected to exercise independent judgment when making important decisions, taking into account not only the views of vocal constituents with a direct stake in the outcome, but also the greater interests of the entirety of Fairfax County and the children whom we serve. Perhaps the best iteration of this viewpoint is contained in an address from the conservative British politician and MP, Edmund Burke, to the Electors of Bristol, England, upon his election to Parliament in 1774. Here is a link to his speech: http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch13s7.html.

As for "appeals" from decisions of the School Board, in Virginia citizens have the same rights of appeal as they have from decisions of Boards of Supervisors and City Councils. And the Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to override or amend Virginia law on this subject.

Thank you for writing to express your views.

Stuart D. Gibson
School Board Member
Hunter Mill District
________________________________
From: Farrell, Kim [Kim.Farrell@occ.treas.gov]
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 8:28 PM
To: Center, Brad (School Board Member); Storck, Dan (School Board Member); Moon, Ilryong (School Board Member); Raney, Jim (School Board Member); Strauss, Jane (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hone, Tina (School Board Member); Reed, Patty (School Board Member); 'HunterMillBOSEmail@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Evans, Sandy (School Board Member); Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member); 'SupervisorMcKay@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'SullyDistrictMichaelR.Frey@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Herrity, Pat; Cook, John; 'John.Foust@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Hudgins, Catherine; 'lee@fairfaxcounty.gov'; Gross, Penelope A.; 'mountvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'providence@fairfaxcounty.gov'; 'SharonBulova@fairfaxcounty.gov'
Subject: Recommendation for BOS Appeals Process

August 21, 2010

Dear Honorable Board of Supervisors and School Board Members:

I am writing to share a recent set of editorials that highlight a deepening problem between taxpayers and the Fairfax County School Board.

Many School Board members have stopped “representing” their constituents, which is what these officials were elected to do. The two editorials below reflect what hundreds of parents and taxpayers have been protesting for years: a School Board that promotes “listening to the silence.”

When the School Board makes a decision, there is no appeals process, as is found in other school jurisdictions around the country. Therefore, the only recourse is through the costly court system. This does not serve the best interest of county residents and their tax dollars.
Given that the majority of School Board members do not listen to the people that elected them, perhaps it is time for the Board of Supervisors to create an appeals process that will address this very serious problem affecting Fairfax County.
Thank you for “listening.”

Kim Farrell
443-257-3220 Cell

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=343698&paper=62&cat=110

The Connection Newspapers, Thursday, August 19, 2010

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the recent letter submitted by school board members Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson (July 29, 2010) . I was truly appalled reading such pontificating by elected officials. Clearly it is a sad commentary on our current political scene that our "representatives" have forgotten the definition of "representative." I would like to address several parts of their treatise.

First, they mention they were elected to make the best decisions for our children and not to listen to the people who elected them. I elect representatives to represent me and the best interests of my community. Not because I think they know better or are smarter than I am. Those people are appointed, not elected.

Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson talk about listening to the silence. Listening to the silence is the same as ignoring the opinion of everyone else. Don’t pretend you were listening to anyone, you weren’t.

Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson talk about the personal attacks school board members incurred. I am not gong to defend these attacks but let me tell you a little bit about motivation. Ms. Bradsher is a school board member who I personally liked. Members of the community told me she lied to them and changed stories every time they talked to her. I did not believe them. I asked her about what she needed to hear to change her opinion on closing Clifton Elementary. She told me she needed to hear from members of the community who did not have children there and ways to bring down the cost per pupil for the renovation. We provided both of these at the public forums and she not only was not swayed by them but ignored them, like they were never important anyway. Then at the final vote she told the audience "Don’t worry your children will be OK: but it sounded more like "Don’t worry little country bumpkins, we city folk know what’s best." Is it any wonder some people got a little angry?

This board has no humility and no respect for the people they represent. This letter plainly showed that. It was embarrassing for me to even read. For a public servant to lash out at the people they represent in such a callous fashion. I urge every voter in Fairfax County to take back these appointed "representatives" and elect anyone running against them. They brag about the great level of academics they are bringing to our county and that achievement is all that matters. Well Japan has a similar standard and it is no surprise it also has one of the world’s highest suicide rates. I have four college degrees. I certainly understand academic excellence. I wish the members of this board did. I am not convinced they have a clue in what really motivates kids to be good students. Sense of community, belonging, traditions, clearly outdated in this group’s mind. Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson, your board made a clearly arbitrary and capricious decision in closing Clifton without an alternative school planned. You never listened to one word in those public forums and never responded to a single argument presented at them.

Lastly, Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson mention they were so brave to stand up to the rich and powerful by closing Clifton. Well folks, the rich and powerful do not go to Clifton Elementary, they go to Nysmith. You want to stand up to them try closing that school.

Dr. Matthew Brooks
Ag-Chem Consulting
Clifton

Alphabet Soup Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson talk about listening to
> the silence. Listening to the silence is the same
> as ignoring the opinion of everyone else. Don’t
> pretend you were listening to anyone, you
> weren’t.
>
> Mr. Gibson and Ms. Wilson talk about the personal
> attacks school board members incurred.

> You never listened to one word in those
> public forums and never responded to a single
> argument presented at them.


Will a conscience be gained?

Tomorrow will show.

Vegas odds - (Gate)house wins.

Almost wish it to beg the state to come in and rake them over the coals.

And force Dale out.

Mayor had it right.


___________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
Sent: 6/10/2010 3:48:20 PM
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member)
Subject: Re: Save our school! We're not playing nice anymore.

It is truly unreal. I think of Graham Rd and those people who had so little in material items---yet they are far better off than these residents in so many ways.

It is so very disappointing to witness such mean emotion.

________________________________________
From: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member)
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Thu Jun 10 15:45:34 2010
Subject: RE: Save our school! We're not playing nice anymore.
I think this is unacceptable. They want to make it personal to bully people. We need to make a decision based on information, not emotion, yet for the Clifton people, it is all emotion.

Kathy

________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 3:08 PM
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member)
Subject: FW: Save our school! We're not playing nice anymore.
Did you happen to see this?

Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070

________________________________________
From: Mayorofcliftonva@aol.com [mailto:Mayorofcliftonva@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 2:57 PM
To: mayorofcliftonva@aol.com
Subject: Save our school! We're not playing nice anymore.

Dear Friends,

There has been a Clifton School in the exact same location for over 100 years and the Fairfax County Public School System is recommending closing it for purely political reasons and I hope you feel the same anger I do. Political reasons"? Why else would closing the school even be an option. Our only community school is one of the highest ranked elementary schools in Fairfax County and the entire Washington Metropolitan Area and they want to close it??? Clifton Elementary School should be the model for all elementary schools!

The School Board Member from our District, Liz Bradsher, has done absolutely nothing for us in fighting to keep Clifton Elementary. My pleas to her about how losing the school would devastate this community fell on deaf ears. Any skillful School Board Member would have convinced colleagues that the thought of closing a model school school was a bad idea. The Community Engagement Process Ms. Bradsher created was an absolute farce, just so it could be said, "Well, everyone participated and it was decided to go with the decision that was made last year."(Read the Feasibility Study if you don't think the decision was made last year!) My apologies to all those dedicated citizens who donated (and wasted) so much of their time. If you question if this was a farce or not, read all the rules that were imposed on the group. Here is the scenario I expect: Ms. Bradsher votes "no" to closing the school, knowing she can tell everyone in our community, "I voted to keep CES open" while all the time she did nothing to save the only thing that brings this community together. The alternate scenario my be she votes "no" because she resents the opinions of the Mayor but that wouldn't say much about her character, would it?

The following are some things you might not realize that come with closing CES.

1. A FIFTH school added to the congestion on Union Mill Road. The proposal replaces an (approximately 400 capacity facility with a 550 capacity facility. Does that make sense for the amount of money being spent?

2. Redistricting of the schools in the immediate area, including where students may go to High School. How does this effect your family?

3. Your quality of life, if you live in the Clifton School District, will change forever. Imagine how many ways it will change.

What can you do? Get involved! Pass this message to everyone in the impacted areas. Attend the School Board Meetings listed below and get others to come. Make signs to be seen. Bring your children. Be as incensed as I am and let FCPS and the School Board know you are angry. Let them know you are really angry.

I have more but that will come in a day or two.

Blessings,

Tom Peterson
Mayor, Town of Clifton

Your esteemed representative
Attachments:

THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!

NOW WE KNOW WHY SHE IS THE SCB!!!
Attachments:

Wow - that last email truly shows her colors. Bullying other board members because they listen to the public. How many others has Liz bullied?

The overwhelming attitude Liz Bradsher projects is that only SHE knows what's best. Only her plan is the right one. Anyone who disagrees with her or sees another possibility is to be steamrollered over, shut down, disparaged, and ignored.

Her elected position really went to her head. She does not seem to be very intelligent, either.

Fed Up in LRR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!
>
> NOW WE KNOW WHY SHE IS THE SCB!!!


This one makes me want to puke.

It really is as bad as everyone said.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [mailto:ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 8:19 AM
To: lkadler@cox.net
Subject: Re:

I have problems getting internet and emails down here. I don't get everything so not able to see all.

I know a lot to do on my return -- I will continue with a sensible reasoned approach.

Rob Jones appears driven by emotion. Spent hours with him and others--I told him facts would be important--they chose to ride with Herrity. Rob lives about 2.5 miles from Willow Springs ES and 4-5 miles from Clifton ES. This is not about education for him and others, rather about appearances and perceived lifestyles.

My article runs today.
I have to hang in there and appreciate your support!!!!! The silence from others is deafening---I think you know what that means!!!
Liz

________________________________________
From: Lisa Adler
To: kvkalland@aol.com ; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); 'Rob Robertory'
Sent: Thu Jul 15 07:37:45 2010
Subject:

Rob Jones is on the warpath and I wrote a note of response to Herrity’s little newsletter update. Two lines of my two cents.

I’m going to send the newsletter to Sharon Bulova’s office so they can see how runaway one of their supes is.


Lisa Adler
Unified Prevention Coalition; Support on Suspension program in Lorton

Home/Work/Fax: (703) 690-6808
Cell: (571) 278-9766

www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org
www.lortoncommunityactioncenter.org

There is no dispute that this official did not tell the truth.

Her own words condemn her, so now the rest of us just need to confirm it.

Tell them you do not believe such behavior is acceptable and to stop permitting her to vote and make decisions. She should remain in exile the rest of her term.

"Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member)"
"Raney, Jim (School Board Member)"
"Evans, Sandy (School Board Member)"
"Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member)"
"Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)"
"Hone, Tina (School Board Member)"
"Storck, Dan (School Board Member)"
"Center, Brad (School Board Member)"
"Moon, Ilryong (School Board Member)"
"Strauss, Jane (School Board Member)"
"Reed, Patty (School Board Member)"
"Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)"
Attachments:

Fed Up in LRR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!
>
> NOW WE KNOW WHY SHE IS THE SCB!!!

Is this for real?!

Every time you think Liz Bradsher can't be any dumber and more self-absorbed, something else surfaces that proves that you were wrong.

"Yeah, we should talk." Classic.

Get this imbecile out of office!!

Unfuckingbelievable!

I hope to hell everyone reading and posting on here plans to show up at Luther Jackson tonight and express your opinions to the School Board. This shit has got to stop. Who the hell do these people think they are. I understand Elizabeth Bradsher made some remarks that since there were only 54 speakers at the public hearing for this boundary study, everyone must be okay with the changes. Bullshit lady! Nobody showed up at the public hearing because you all are too busy listening to the silence anyway so why the hell bother to show up. It doesn't do any good anyway!

It's time to show these arrogant assholes just how many people are tired of them listening to the silence. I'd love to see 500 or more people show up. I'd love to see their faces if that happened.

I hope that everyone on here shows up tonight at Luther Jackson. The only way this school board is ever going to "listen" is to force them to listen. 500+ people can make alot of noise.

UFB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Unfuckingbelievable!
>
> I hope to hell everyone reading and posting on
> here plans to show up at Luther Jackson tonight
> and express your opinions to the School Board.
> This shit has got to stop. Who the hell do these
> people think they are. I understand Elizabeth
> Bradsher made some remarks that since there were
> only 54 speakers at the public hearing for this
> boundary study, everyone must be okay with the
> changes. Bullshit lady! Nobody showed up at the
> public hearing because you all are too busy
> listening to the silence anyway so why the hell
> bother to show up. It doesn't do any good
> anyway!
>
> It's time to show these arrogant assholes just how
> many people are tired of them listening to the
> silence. I'd love to see 500 or more people show
> up. I'd love to see their faces if that happened.
>
>
> I hope that everyone on here shows up tonight at
> Luther Jackson. The only way this school board is
> ever going to "listen" is to force them to listen.
> 500+ people can make alot of noise.


They had hundreds of people show up at the South Lakes redistricting and the Board did not care. It is just that now we have seen a pattern with them by watching things like that for the last couple of years during their tenure so people have figured them out. The Board has already made up their minds. They will just use whatever they can to try and justify whatever they are already planning on doing just as Liz is now trying to say that everyone is okay because a lot of people did not show. When someone representing 12 PTAs shows up and says they are against it you would think that would mean something, but you notice how Liz blew that off?

Read and weep and laugh:


http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=348555&paper=81&cat=104
Bradsher May Switch Parties
School Board member considers joining Democratic Party.

By Julia O'Donoghue
Thursday, February 24, 2011 Bookmark and Share

Fairfax County School Board Member Elizabeth Bradsher (Springfield) is considering joining the Democratic Party and attended a recent meeting of the Springfield District Democratic Committee, she said in an interview.

The School Board office is nonpartisan, but the Fairfax County Republican Committee endorsed Bradsher when she ran for the School Board in 2007. Since then, Bradsher said she has had a fall out with some Springfield Republicans, particularly Supervisor Patrick Herrity (R-Springfield).

Over the past two years, Herrity has questioned how the School Board allocates money within the Fairfax County Public Schools system. He has also fought the closing of Clifton Elementary School, a proposal that Bradsher backed.

Bradsher has repeatedly said that Herrity has spread misinformation to the public about Clifton's closing.

"I really don't like the leadership of the Springfield District at this time. It lacks integrity and courage," said Bradsher of why she was considering joining the Democratic Party.

Bradsher is contemplating a run against Herrity for the Springfield supervisor seat as a Democrat this year. She said she would make a final decision whether to jump into the race in the next two weeks, following the School Board's vote on the county's southwestern elementary school boundary study Feb. 24.

If Bradsher decides to run for School Board again, it may also be beneficial for her to join the Democratic Party.
A Republican Party activist, Clifton resident Elizabeth Schultz, has said she will run for Bradsher's School Board seat in November. Bradsher would likely have a fight with Schultz on her hands for the Republican endorsement for School Board.

My favorite quotes form the Connection article:

Bradsher has repeatedly said that Herrity has spread misinformation to the public about Clifton's closing."I really don't like the leadership of the Springfield District at this time. It lacks integrity and courage," said Bradsher of why she was considering joining the Democratic Party.


I have witnessed Bradsher in action on the SB for the past 4 years. She has performed her duties in an unprofessional and unethical manner more often than not. She is disparaging and dismissive of her constituent, as well as of some of her fellow board members. So sad that we have someone of this caliber on our school board. I am embarrassed for our school system and community. Please, please, please, Springfield Dems and Fairfax County Democratic Committee, please tell her thanks, but NO thanks.

UFB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I hope to hell everyone reading and posting on
> here plans to show up at Luther Jackson tonight
> and express your opinions to the School Board.

Huge game at the Patriot Center tonight, Mason v Northeastern. Love to go to the SB meeting, but priorities dictate otherwise.

They won't listen anyway. May as well enjoy a good BBall game.

-------------------------------------------------
“We don’t have any rude, unpleasant people here. We’re different!”

Notice that the "Connection" article on Bradsher includes no response from Pat Herrity, or even any indication that he was contacted by the author to seek a response to Bradsher's blather. This comes as no surprise. The "Connection" is a left-wing publication that is little more than a Democrat party mouthpiece. Now that Bradsher is reinventing herself as a Democrat, look for this rag to do everything it can to rehabilitate her currently toxic image --starting with this one-sided article.