kill this thread already

kill this thread Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> kill this thread already

No kill the middle school first.

These are the facts, the upper middle class of SOCO do not want their children in any school that has blacks or hispanics.

No Hayfield, no Lee and no Mouny Vernon.

Here is a solution for SOCO:



Just like the students at Lake Braddock, Hayfield, and Robinson, South County kids get a middle school education in 7th and 8th grade. It just happens to be taught in the same building as the 9th-12th graders.

It is a very easy solution to send the northwest kids to LB and the northeast kids to Hayfield since there is space at both schools. All 3 schools offer the AP curriculum and LB ranked much higher in the most recent Newsweek ratings than SC.

> It is a very easy solution to send the northwest
> kids to LB

Once again, the BIG LIE. There is no space at Lake Braddock. That's a fact.

FCPS has stated to the SB that they no longer recommend a boundary change from South County to Lake Braddock because their projections are wrong. Think they would admit this considering how much bias Tistadt and Dale have against South County.

Give it up, dude!

Great solution on how we can save 80 million dollars.


Liz Bradsher solution for SOCO Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here is a solution for SOCO:
>
>
>
> Just like the students at Lake Braddock, Hayfield,
> and Robinson, South County kids get a middle
> school education in 7th and 8th grade. It just
> happens to be taught in the same building as the
> 9th-12th graders.
>
> It is a very easy solution to send the northwest
> kids to LB and the northeast kids to Hayfield
> since there is space at both schools. All 3
> schools offer the AP curriculum and LB ranked much
> higher in the most recent Newsweek ratings than
> SC.

The reason we have so many problems in SOCO, is because the SB makes decisions based on politics not sound reasons.


Save 80 million Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Great solution on how we can save 80 million
> dollars.
>
>
> Liz Bradsher solution for SOCO Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Here is a solution for SOCO:
> >
> >
> >
> > Just like the students at Lake Braddock,
> Hayfield,
> > and Robinson, South County kids get a middle
> > school education in 7th and 8th grade. It just
> > happens to be taught in the same building as
> the
> > 9th-12th graders.
> >
> > It is a very easy solution to send the
> northwest
> > kids to LB and the northeast kids to Hayfield
> > since there is space at both schools. All 3
> > schools offer the AP curriculum and LB ranked
> much
> > higher in the most recent Newsweek ratings than
> > SC.

Remember the following names and how they have fuck up the school system.

High drop out rates and lower scores.

No improvement in five years.

They also want to build a school that is not needed with your money.

No new school Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Remember the following names and how they have
> fuck up the school system.
>
> High drop out rates and lower scores.
>
> No improvement in five years.
>
> They also want to build a school that is not
> needed with your money.


Dan Storck, Chairman and Mount Vernon District
Kathy Smith, Vice Chairman and Sully District
Ilryong Moon, At Large
James L. Raney, At Large
Martina Hone, At Large
Tessie Wilson, Braddock District
Jane Strauss, Dranesville District
Stuart Gibson, Hunter Mill District
Kaye Kory, Mason District
Elizabeth Bradsher, Springfield District
Brad Center, Lee District
Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner, Providence District

Could the BIG LIE poster please explain the bias that apparently Dale and Tistadt have aginst SOCO??

I am not aware of this-do tell.

Pretty contradictory to how Bradsher steamed with her words telling how the schools belonged to the SB and not the public.

But for her kids the schools belong to the public.

Thanks to the SB for doing a great job being inconsistent and dishonest.

Schools belong to SB? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Pretty contradictory to how Bradsher steamed with
> her words telling how the schools belonged to the
> SB and not the public.
>
> But for her kids the schools belong to the
> public.
>
> Thanks to the SB for doing a great job being
> inconsistent and dishonest.

Bradsher is getting caught in her lies again.

Bradsher lies again. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Schools belong to SB? Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Pretty contradictory to how Bradsher steamed
> with
> > her words telling how the schools belonged to
> the
> > SB and not the public.
> >
> > But for her kids the schools belong to the
> > public.
> >
> > Thanks to the SB for doing a great job being
> > inconsistent and dishonest.
>
> Bradsher is getting caught in her lies again.

From my PTA experience with her, she lies when it fits her self interest.

Which PTA? Silverbrook, Hayfield, or SC?

? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Which PTA? Silverbrook, Hayfield, or SC?


How about, None of the Above, because it is another BS post by the same Bradsher/South County hater who posts here every day - sometimes several times a day. That "PTA" reference is supposed to show that this person has some legitimacy... they don't.

Prove me wrong and identify yourself and your PTA and I'll apologize.

Otherwise, stop wasting our time.

Re: New School Board Members
Posted by: pointe (IP Logged)
Date: February 12, 2008 11:24PM


I have dealt with her off and on in our HOA and in our PTSA. She is not a nice person. Woe to anyone who crosses her path. Mean Girl Grown Up.

Once a Bitch, always a Bitch Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Re: New School Board Members
> Posted by: pointe (IP Logged)
> Date: February 12, 2008 11:24PM
>
>
> I have dealt with her off and on in our HOA and in
> our PTSA. She is not a nice person. Woe to anyone
> who crosses her path. Mean Girl Grown Up.


OK, Mr. Misogyny. But, just for fun, why don't you name your HOA and PTSA, if you dare.

What's that? You don't even live in the South County area. We'll just let your silence serve as confirmation of that fact.

I guess according to none of the above-only SOCO has any right to decide how we spend our tax money. How convenient.

This selfish, arrogant, me first attitude is what has divided this school system. South Lakes PTA raiding neighboring schools to help mask their problems (other problem schools somehow manage to function). South County parents demanding $75 million dollars. Screw all the kids in the schools with work order backlogs and needed renovations and additions. ME ME ME ME ME is their battle cry.

I am sick of them-the few nasty ones give the rest of the South County community a bad name-how unfortunate for the nice and caring people who live there.

taxpayers have rights Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess according to none of the above-only SOCO
> has any right to decide how we spend our tax
> money. How convenient.

Guess I missed somemthing... I asked a poster claiming to be from the same HOA and PTSA as Liz Bradsher to demonstrate that he was not pretending to be in an attempt to make his personal and misogynist attack seem more "genuine". And somehow that is interpreted somehow as I think only I have the right to decide how to spend Fairfax tax dollars????

Seems like the fake HOA/PTSA poster/poser is a bit upset at being challenged.

taxpayers have rights Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess according to none of the above-only SOCO
> has any right to decide how we spend our tax
> money. How convenient.
>
> This selfish, arrogant, me first attitude is what
> has divided this school system. South Lakes PTA
> raiding neighboring schools to help mask their
> problems (other problem schools somehow manage to
> function). South County parents demanding $75
> million dollars. Screw all the kids in the schools
> with work order backlogs and needed renovations
> and additions. ME ME ME ME ME is their battle
> cry.
>
> I am sick of them-the few nasty ones give the rest
> of the South County community a bad name-how
> unfortunate for the nice and caring people who
> live there.


Isn't that politicians are supposed to do for their districts?

Not sure what your beef is with one of the posters and frankly I don't care. You would help your cause more by staying on the topic at hand rather than engaging in petty squabbles. Just a thought.

taxpayers have rights Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess according to none of the above-only SOCO
> has any right to decide how we spend our tax
> money. How convenient.
>
> This selfish, arrogant, me first attitude is what
> has divided this school system. South Lakes PTA
> raiding neighboring schools to help mask their
> problems (other problem schools somehow manage to
> function). South County parents demanding $75
> million dollars. Screw all the kids in the schools
> with work order backlogs and needed renovations
> and additions. ME ME ME ME ME is their battle
> cry.
>
> I am sick of them-the few nasty ones give the rest
> of the South County community a bad name-how
> unfortunate for the nice and caring people who
> live there.


Isn't that politicians are supposed to do for their districts?

FOR "US Army Opposes SOCO": Sir or Ma'am, a few hours after you posted your note below on May 17, I provided a response. Haven't heard back from you. Have I answered your questions? - VR, Don Carr


--------------------------------------------
Re: UNnecessary middle school
Posted by: US Army Opposes SOCO (IP Logged)
Date: May 17, 2008 04:06AM

Mr. Carr:

Thanks for weighing in to the discussion of whether there is a need to build South County Middle School. It was good of you to make clear that the U.S. Army is opposed to buidling it.

Since you have access to all the facts necessary to form such an opinion, we would appreciate a bit more information:

How do you define the NCR? Is it by distance to Washington, DC? How many miles?

How many of the 18,800 who are already in the NCR actually live in Virginia? What part of Virginia? What is their current average distance and commute time to Ft. Belvoir?

Although I understand why you state that the Army is not concerned about children, it would be helpful to know what your demographers and planners estimate as the number of children who will come into the NCR, and more specifically the South County school boundary, as well as how many will leave.

This additional information should make clear why the Army opposes building South County Middle School. I'm sure you'll agree that it is important for the residents of South County to know these facts so that they can understand why the Army has taken this position against South County Middle School.

Thanks again, and looking forward to answers to these questions.

At last nights SB meeting EACH MEMBER STATED THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE CUTS AND WE HAVE NO MONEY.

Now someone should ask them if there is 80 million dollars laying around for this school?

I only watched the SB meeting last night from 9ish thru midnight, but I didn't hear Storck or Bradsher mention their middle school once.

Could it be that this deal is dead in the water?

It just seems inconceivable given the state of the union that we would have any money for construction. I really hope they look at helpng Mt Vernon High School in some way-that community deserves better service from the school system. They have been ignored for far too long.

good for her Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I only watched the SB meeting last night from 9ish
> thru midnight, but I didn't hear Storck or
> Bradsher mention their middle school once.
>
> Could it be that this deal is dead in the water?
>
> It just seems inconceivable given the state of the
> union that we would have any money for
> construction. I really hope they look at helpng
> Mt Vernon High School in some way-that community
> deserves better service from the school system.
> They have been ignored for far too long.


Where is the money for this bull shit school. Fix WSHS first.

Fix WSHS First Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> good for her Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I only watched the SB meeting last night from
> 9ish
> > thru midnight, but I didn't hear Storck or
> > Bradsher mention their middle school once.
> >
> > Could it be that this deal is dead in the
> water?
> >
> > It just seems inconceivable given the state of
> the
> > union that we would have any money for
> > construction. I really hope they look at
> helpng
> > Mt Vernon High School in some way-that
> community
> > deserves better service from the school system.
>
> > They have been ignored for far too long.
>
>
> Where is the money for this bull shit school. Fix
> WSHS first.

Since WSHS was built 43 years ago and is falling apart with lots of safety issues it needs to be renovated now.

There are more than enough spaces between Hayfield and LB secondaries and the high schools of Lee, MV and WS (and their middle schools) to handle whatever over capacity SOCO has.

enough spaces at other schools Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There are more than enough spaces between Hayfield
> and LB secondaries and the high schools of Lee, MV
> and WS (and their middle schools) to handle
> whatever over capacity SOCO has.

Save the money for this school and Gatehouse 2 and put the 160 million dollars into educating our children.

Re: high school redistricting
Posted by: Analysis of Overcrowding and Potentia (IP Logged)
Date: May 28, 2008 12:53PM


South County Secondary School
Analysis of Overcrowding and Potential Solutions
May 23, 2008



Executive Summary


The South County Secondary School (SCSS) is operating on a 9-period day as a means to manage its overcrowding. While designed to be a high school with a capacity of 2,500 students, it has operated since it opened in 2005 as a secondary school. Its current enrollment is approximately 2,960 students. It is necessary to provide relief to the school either by enhancing capacity or reducing enrollment, or some combination thereof. This analysis and staff recommendation are based upon the need to provide relief as quickly as possible to the overcrowding at SCSS.

Staff recognizes that circumstances can change in the future. We don’t know if the budget challenges facing the Board of Supervisors will result in their reducing future cash flow for capital projects. We don’t know the extent that changes such as BRAC might have on student enrollments in this part of the county. We need to find solutions to the known overcrowding at SCSS while maintaining flexibility to address future conditions.

This analysis examines current and future enrollment at SCSS and explores the options that might be available to address its overcrowding. Solution options considered were:

Boundary changes
Build a new middle school to serve this area
Build an addition to the existing school
Relocate programs

To supplement and illustrate this analysis, a map entitled ‘South County Student Yield Analysis’ and the details of the revised school capacity analysis are provided in Attachments 1 and 2, respectively.


Staff Recommendation

Based upon the fact that we do not project significant increases in enrollment at SCSS, we recommend an addition to the existing school. This option is less expensive than building a new middle school and provides sufficient capacity to meet the enrollment needs of the school. Assuming cooperation from the county and the absence of unusual circumstances, we believe the addition can be built in time for the opening of the 2010-2011 school year.

If future enrollments exceed projections, it would be possible to consider building the middle school. For this reason, the middle school should remain in the capital improvement program. Over the next several years as we monitor student enrollments in this part of the county, we should examine creative means by which to construct the middle school should it be justified. Such creative strategies might include PPEA’s or examination of the school system’s current capital plans and assets. School closings, mergers, and expansions, should all be part of our considerations if such actions are supported by data and could benefit our capital program.



Statement of Condition

South County Secondary School (SCSS) has capacity to accommodate 800 middle and 1,700 high school students. With the opening of SCSS in fall 2005, enrollment for the middle school was 1,083 students and for the high school was 1,422 students for a total enrollment of 2,505. The fall 2006 enrollment was at 1,049 for the middle school and increased to 1,978 for high school for a total enrollment of 3,027. Fall 2007 enrollment for the middle school has dropped back to 885 students and increased to 2,044 students for the high school for a total enrollment of 2,929. The current projections for the combined middle and high school membership for the next five years range between 2,800 -2,900 students with the middle school averaging generally around 900 and the high school averaging around 1,950. These projections consider the remaining development in the pipeline (site plan/subdivision plan approved and/or under construction) that would normally be included within the 5-year CIP window. It should be noted that the projections made in 2005 and 2006 for the out-years at SCSS ranged from 3,200 to 3,400. The current projections have been adjusted to reflect the recent enrollment trends and the boundary adjustment between Hayfield Secondary School and SCSS implemented at the beginning of 2007.

Based upon enrollment projections and the recently completed capacity analysis of this school, SCSS will remain approximately 350 – 500 students above current capacity. Absent remedial action, the school will have to continue to operate on a 9-period day. This level of overcrowding at SCSS cannot be sustained and must be addressed so that the school can return from a 9-period day to a normal 7-period schedule for students and staff.

Projections for the surrounding schools anticipate that student populations will likely remain fairly stable or experience slight increases. The table below compares the current enrollments and near term projections for SCSS.

2007-08 2008-09 2008-09 2012-13
School Enrollments* Fall Projection Spring Update Forecast
South County HS 2031 2077 2075 1892
South County MS 887 891 899 924

*Enrollments on 03/31/2008

Projected and Actual Student Yield in the SCSS Attendance Area

Staff analysis of student yields for the SCSS attendance area reveals that the total number of students is higher than what would be anticipated using the current countywide student yield ratios by housing type. Using available dwelling unit information from the county, there are a total of 9,977 residential units in the SCSS attendance area which includes approximately 6,000 single family units, 3,000 townhouses, 700 multi-family units, and 150 low-rise and duplex units. The following table provides a comparison of the student yield ratios by housing type for the SCSS attendance area and the average countywide student yield ratios by unit type.



Student Yield Ratio Single Family Townhouses Low-rise Duplex Multi-family Garden
Countywide .241 .158 .084 .084 .084
SCSS .289 .288 .292 .298 .287

While the countywide student yield ratios are generally used only in formulating development impacts associated with new residential rezonings, it is clear that the SCSS attendance area has yielded more students from all housing types but has particularly high yields from town homes and the more dense multi-family housing developments than what might be anticipated by the countywide averages. The residential developments which have impacted the SCSS attendance more than any other are the Laurel Hill and Laurel Highlands developments, which were rezoned for higher residential density in 2001.

The chart below is intended to highlight the projected student yield at the time of the rezoning approval in 2001 and the present student count for the 2007-2008 school year for these two developments. As noted in the chart, the projected student yield and the actual student yield for Laurel Highlands are similar to what was projected in 2001 to the present day. Laurel Hill, on the other hand, features more single family detached units, which in the past, has had a greater student yield, and which could account for the rise in actual student yield over what was projected in 2001. Both developments have ultimately yielded significantly more middle and high school students than what was calculated at the time of rezoning.


Total DU approved Projected student yield
2001 Actual student count 2007
Laurel Hill 732 total -
582 SFD, 150 SFA 418 total
263 ES, 47 MS, 108 HS 584 total - 292 ES, 95 MS, 197 HS
Laurel Highlands 539 total -
144 SFD, 106 SFA, 289 MF 122 total (does not include MF) - 81ES,
15 MS, 35 HS 129 total- 61 ES, 28 MS, 40 HS

It should be noted that for Laurel Highlands, the projected student count and actual student count does not include multi-family units since those have not yet been constructed.


Anticipated Residential Growth

It is anticipated that some growth will continue within the SCSS boundary. The approved 289 mid-rise units remain to be constructed and occupied in Laurel Highlands and may yield approximately 3 middle and 7 high school students, although the actual yields may be higher consistent with other developments in the SCSS attendance area. However, the majority of remaining land area within the SCSS attendance area is zoned and planned for very low residential densities. Most of the residential development currently pending is by-right development that was approved within the last couple of years but has not yet been developed. By-right developments do not need special zoning approval and are permitted so long as they meet all Zoning Ordinance and county regulations. The following chart summarizes the status of residential development in the SCSS boundary area and the potential yield of approximately 76 additional middle and high school students. There are no pending residential rezoning applications within this attendance area.


Tax Map Status # / housing type Total Student yield ES MS HS
106-1 ((1)) 15 plan pending 8 single family 4 2 1 1
106-1 ((1)) 23A & 47A plan approved - not constructed 14 single family 6 3 1 2
106-2 ((1)) 49 & 50 plan pending 6 single family 2 1 0 1
106-3 ((7)) 1-6 & 11-14 plan approved - not constructed 45 single family 22 11 3 8
106-4 ((1)) 52D plan approved - not constructed 14 single family 6 3 1 2
106-3 ((1)) 4A 106-4 ((1)) 26 Sect. 1- plan approved, not constructed; Sect. 2 - plan pending Sect 1-64 single family Sect 2-32 single family Total-96 47 23 7 17
106-4 ((1)) 52B plan approved - not constructed 16 single family 8 4 1 3
106-4 ((8)) 1-10 plan approved - not constructed 10 single family 5 2 1 2
Rezoning 107-2 ((12)) G RZ approved -most SFA constructed, no MF constructed 94 town home 293 multi-family 56 18 / 13 5 / 3 10 / 7

Total 209 Single family 94 Town home 293 Multi-family 156 80 23 53


BRAC (Base Realignment and Closures)

The county has responded to the impending relocation of jobs to Ft. Belvoir by initiating a re-planning process that could add some additional residential development potential within the SCSS attendance area. Of the 35 BRAC Plan Amendment nominations submitted, two are within the SCSS boundary:

PC 2008-037 proposes an option for mixed-use development with up to 1,072 multi-family high-rise units - total of 84 students (46 ES, 12 MS, 26 HS).

PC 2008-036 proposes an option for mixed-use development with up to 804 units - total of 63 students (35 ES, 9 MS, 19 HS).


If approved, these two BRAC nominations represent potential new student yields since both areas are undeveloped and do not currently permit residential development. Based on the current proposals, approximately 66 students may be anticipated at such future time as the Comprehensive Plan is amended, rezoning and site plan applications approved, and construction and occupancy commences. Continued planning and development of Laurel Hill adaptive re-use area could also add more residential development potential.

Student Growth Summary

It should be noted that these estimated student yields are based on county-wide averages. The potential new growth is unlike most of the existing developments that make up the housing stock in the SCSS attendance area. New development is likely to be either higher urban densities associated with BRAC or smaller in-fill developments and subdivisions. While these new developments may yield more students than the countywide averages, it is less likely that the higher ratios associated with Laurel Hill, Laurel Highlands, or the larger SCSS attendance area would be duplicated.

The majority of the potential residential growth outlined above would likely not begin construction and/or be occupied for another five or more years. BRAC Plan Amendments are not scheduled for Board of Supervisors public hearings until 2009 and, if approved, would be subject to the rezoning and site plan process which can take up to several years. The depressed housing market has resulted in little movement for by-right in-fill or proffered development. While the potential for growth is not insignificant, it is only a small part of what will have the most influence over the future growth or decline in membership for SCSS. It would not be appropriate to simply add the potential student yield based on future development into the current student population mix which is the foundation for student projections until these projects are near completion.

To better understand the future membership for SCSS, greater consideration of change within the feeder schools is needed. SCSS serves multiple feeder elementary schools. Currently, Halley, Silverbrook, and Newington Forest feed 100 percent of their students into SCSS; Lorton Station and Gunston feed 26 percent and 21 percent of their students, respectively, to SCSS. Silverbrook is the largest feeder to SCSS with an estimated 190 6th graders feeding into 7th grade for 2008 followed by 90 students from Newington Forest and 76 from Halley. Lorton Station will feed 22 students (26 percent of 84 in 6th grade class) and Gunston, 17 students (21 percent of 83 in 6th grade class). A review of the lower grades feeding into SCSS over the next five years does not show any large numbers of students in any specific grade level(s).

The table below provides the projected enrollments by class for the South County Middle feeder schools for the 2008-09 school year. Note that the 6th grade classes which will feed to South County Middle 7th grade in the 2009-10 school year are generally smaller than the current feeder classes with the exception of Halley which is projected to feed 83 students in 2 years. Silverbrook, which will feed 190 this fall, is projected to feed 180 the following year. Newington Forest will send 90 students this fall to South County Middle and is projected to send 71 the following year. Lorton Station and Gunston which only feed a small percentage of the 7th grade, also show smaller feeder classes for 2009-10 school year.

Feeder Schools to South County Middle


SCHOOL KG 1 2 3 4 5 6
Halley 80 78 101 72 76 87 83
Silverbrook 129 145 165 168 170 169 180
Newington Forest 92 87 86 87 89 62 71
Gunston 12 12 12 11 11 11 12
Lorton Station 19 19 17 14 15 14 14
Totals 332 341 382 352 361 343 360
The enrollment numbers and feeder percentages listed on the
table above are based on Spring Update for School year 2008-09

Projections for the next five years at Silverbrook indicate moderate growth for the next three years followed by decline. Silverbrook is a maturing residential area that has experienced a growth in students in recent years. That growth may begin to diminish slightly in the next five years as the younger, larger groups are followed by slightly smaller cohorts.

Projections at Halley show continued strong growth over the next five years. Halley has experienced growth in both Asian and Hispanic populations, which as a group have contributed to the increases in FCPS in recent years and may for the next several years, as well.

Projections for the next five years at Newington Forest indicate slight growth in the next 2-3 years and then stable, flat enrollments. Newington Forest is also a maturing residential area with a diverse population. In recent years the area has experienced a growth in Hispanic and Black populations both which may contribute to moderate growth in the near term.

The current residential real estate climate and economic conditions are vastly different from the conditions that existed when Laurel Hill and Laurel Highlands were being planned, rezoned, constructed, and occupied. The impact of the changes in the base feeder schools will be the primary factor influencing the future class sizes for SCSS. Staff has modeled the projections based on class cohort survival rates and account for new development and school boundary changes. What remains speculative are the continued impacts of demographic changes, the continued impact of increased energy costs, the impacts of immigration policies of neighboring counties, and the impact of new job opportunities related to BRAC, which could all influence individual family decisions to move into the area.

These factors, among others, could result in higher than anticipated student yields for the future multi-family units in Laurel Highlands and greater that average student yields from both townhouse and multi-family housing types. However, over time, it is more likely that the current higher yields for SCSS overall will tend to move toward the countywide averages for the various housing types.

In light of the feeder school analysis above, we project an overall stable school population with moderate growth where noted during the next five years. There is nothing definitive that would suggest substantive increases within SCSS after that time.


Potential Solutions

There are three possible solutions to the overcrowding were considered during this analysis. The purpose of this document is to consider and articulate 1) a conceptual description of each alternative, (2) the funding sources, as appropriate, that support each alternative; and (3) an assessment of the relative viability and risks of each alternative, in both the short-term and the long-term.

The potential solutions are:

Modify existing middle, high, or secondary school boundaries.
Build an addition to the existing SCSS
Build a new middle school.
Make program assignment changes.

Modify Boundaries

One potential solution to overcrowding at SCSS is to move students from that school to one or more of the surrounding contiguous schools. Five high/secondary schools have boundaries contiguous to SCSS – Mount Vernon, Hayfield, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and Lee. At the middle school level the contiguous boundaries are with Whitman, Hayfield, Key, Irving, and Lake Braddock.

Increases in enrollment have occurred during SY 2007 - 2008 at schools throughout the county and have impacted these specific schools. We have updated the projections for these schools for the next school year but we have not yet done so for the 5-year projections.

We just completed new capacity studies for these schools and these capacities are shown in this document. In certain cases, capacities were increased and in other cases there were decreases.

Along with other FCPS schools, SCSS’ capacity was recently evaluated using the new methodology developed by the Office of Design and Construction Services. The results of the calculation show that the school has a current program capacity of 2,573 students.

Following are the capacity situations at each of these schools that were projected for 2012-2013 as included in the 2009-2013 Capital Improvement Program, but with new capacities. The detailed calculation information is included in this document as Attachment 2.


2012-2013 2012-2013 Percent
Projected Over/(Under) Capacity
School Capacity Enrollment Capacity Utilized
Lake Braddock HS 3079 2223 -856 72.2%
West Springfield HS 2107 2097 -10 99.5%
Lee HS 2111 1745 -366 82.7%
Hayfield HS 2180 2034 -146 93.3%
Mount Vernon HS 2279 1714 -565 75.2%
Totals 11756 9813 -1943 83.5%

Lake Braddock MS 1292 1248 -44 96.6%
Irving MS 1032 1022 -10 99.0%
Key MS 1000 750 -250 75.0%
Hayfield MS 1050 1059 9 100.9%
Whitman MS 1000 1076 76 107.6%
Totals 5374 5155 -219 95.9%

Grand Totals 17130 14968 -2162 87.4%


Even considering that enrollment projections can never be perfectly accurate, it would appear that sufficient capacity, slightly more than 1900 seats, exists to solve the overcrowding at SCSS. However, a more detailed examination suggests that might not be easy to accomplish. For example, a significant portion of the available capacity is at Mount Vernon High School. Its feeder middle school, Whitman, is projected to be over-capacity. This exact circumstance also is true at Lake Braddock Secondary School. This means it will be very difficult to take advantage of the high school capacities at Mount Vernon and Lake Braddock due to the lack of capacity at their feeder middle schools.

The one exception is Key Middle School and Lee High School that together are projected to have over 600 available seats. We are not recommending using the capacities at these schools to address the needs of SCSS unless other options to solve the overcrowding are determined to not be viable. First, these communities have never been discussed as potential solutions to SCSS overcrowding. Before considering them, it would be appropriate to notify the community and to give sufficient time for discussion and community feedback. Second, the capacities at Lee High School and Key Middle School might be needed in the future to provide relief to West Springfield High School and Irving Middle School should the enrollments at those schools exceed projections.

There is potential to provide some relief to SCSS at Lake Braddock but we would be reluctant to recommend moving 500 students into that school as its high school enrollment then would approach 2800 students.

What this data suggests is that while it would be difficult to take advantage of available capacity in surrounding schools to help address capacity issues at South County, it is also true that we don’t need to build new capacity within the South County attendance area to help meet capacity/enrollment challenges at surrounding schools.


Build a New Middle School

One potential solution is to build a new middle school and to have the current school become a high school. There are several alternative strategies that could be used for a middle school. We own a 35-acre site designated for a middle school. This site is not contiguous to the current secondary school site. Because of the site’s topography and the presence of designated wetlands, developing this site as a middle school does pose certain challenges. We believe we can build a middle school on this site for approximately $53 million and have it ready to open in 2011 or 2012. Because of the presence of wetlands and uncertain soil conditions, the site permit process may take longer than typically is the case and the project may experience unanticipated cost increases to deal with these issues.

We have explored the possibility of exchanging land with the Park Authority. The Park Authority owns the property that is located between the middle school site and the current secondary school. Building a middle school on this site would allow the school system to use the existing fields on the secondary school site thus reducing the scope of the middle school project and reducing overall costs. It also means that we would require fewer acres on which to build the school and associated infrastructure. Preliminary discussions with Park Authority staff did not suggest interest in such a land exchange.

If the School Board determines that it wants a middle school built, and if the primary purpose of the school is to provide needed relief to the current overcrowding at SCSS, staff recommends that the school be built on our current site. This approach avoids the potential delays that could be experienced if we try to work a land exchange with the Park Authority either as a part of or separate from a public-private partnership strategy.

Alternative 1 – Bridge Financing. Discussions with financing experts have indicated that there are strategies by which the School Board could build a middle school in the near future but not actually incur the costs for several years. Construction of the middle school currently shows in the capital program’s cash flow as beginning in FY 2017. It would be difficult to develop a financing bridge plan to that fiscal year but it is possible to FY 2014. Moving the cost of the middle school project to FY 2014 would have an impact on renovation projects that would occur within that time period. The specific schools are not yet known but will undoubtedly include those schools rated with the greatest renovation needs as a part of the current renovation queue study. A bridge financing plan would require approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Alternative 2 – PPEA’s . Another means to creatively finance the middle school is to consider public-private partnerships (PPEA’s). As of the end of April 2008, one PPEA has been submitted to Fairfax County and there are indications that another will be submitted in the near future. It is not known if these proposals are viable but they do offer the potential to generate at least $20 million towards the cost of the middle school. The primary concern with relying upon PPEA’s is that is will take a great deal of time and effort to consider each proposal and the ultimate outcomes are uncertain. Considering the overcrowding relief needed by SCSS, it does not appear reasonable to rely upon a process that might not be successful.

Key Issue – Bridge Financing. Staff notes that we have misgivings about the use of bridge financing as a means to build now and pay later. First, doing so could create an expectation in other communities that the same scenario should be used to accelerate their capital projects. Second, it presumes that funds will be available in the future when payments need to begin. Considering the current budget problems, it is possible that the school system could experience reductions in capital funding in future years. If this were to occur, prior commitments through bridge financing could place the school system in a very difficult situation.

Build an Addition to the Existing Secondary School

South County Secondary School is the same basic design as Westfield High School. Both schools were designed to allow for the addition of a classroom wing. Such a wing was added to Westfield to increase that school’s capacity and it can also be done at South County. Assuming that the addition provided capacity for 625 students, the revised total school’s capacity would be 3,198. Of this total, there would be approximately 1,000 middle school seats and 2,200 high school seats which would provide a significant buffer should enrollments substantially exceed projections.

An addition to South County can be designed to address the needs of a secondary versus a high school, i.e., some level of separate of middle and high school students. To this end, interior modifications to certain existing spaces may be required.

Because it is an existing design that was completed at Westfield, we believe that we could launch the project and complete it successfully in about 24 - 26 months. This means that if we were to begin the project in summer 2008, the addition should be ready for the 2010 – 2011 school year.

The approximately 55,000 square foot addition could accommodate five complete middle school teams (625 students team taught). Since the high school then would be about 500 under capacity, the additional unused high school space would accommodate the other middle school teams. We would examine the ability to locate these teams proximate to the new addition and to provide as much separation from the high school areas as possible.

The addition would contain five of the following:

Science
Math
Social Studies
English

It would also contain:

(2) multi-purpose rooms
Tech Tools Lab
Foreign Language Classroom

We estimate the project cost to be approximately $12 – 13 million based upon recent bids.


Program Relocations

Because SCSS does not bridge students to the school from other schools, there are no program adjustments that can be made that would reduce overcrowding at SCSS. We did consider the potential to create space at Lake Braddock by relocating some or all of the middle school GT program at that school. This option was not found feasible as the sending schools – Robinson, South County, and Irving Middle Schools all lack space for the return of their GT students.


Watchdog

Dan Storck needs to return these contributions because they gave to him for a new middle school.

On-line Campaign Finance Disclosure Reports

Candidate Campaign Committee Report
Schedule A - Contributions over $100

Data Specified

Report Year : 2007

Candidates : Storck Daniel
Report Codes : OCTN29_07(0)
Filing Period : 10/01/2007 - 10/24/2007

Results from the State Board of Elections WWW server, at 1:37:26 PM(eastern) on 5/28/2008

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

Report Code
Contributor Name/Address
Business / Corporation Donor
Individual Donor
Date Received
Contribution this period
*Aggregate to date

OCTN29_07 Gorham Linwood - 6036 Champmon Road - Lorton - VA - 22079 Self Employed - Distributor - Virginia 10/21/2007 300 300

OCTN29_07 Kern Kim - 10610 Belmont Blvd - Lorton - VA - 22079 Booz Allen - Consultant - McLean Va 10/21/2007 500 500

OCTN29_07 Kyle Dave - 10532 Anita Drive - Lorton - VA - 22079 Trademasters - Hvac & Plumbing - Lorton Va 10/21/2007 200 200

OCTN29_07 Moore Tom - 8307 Knotty Pine Lane - Fairfax Station - VA - 22039 Bacon & thomas PLLC - Patent Attorney - Va 10/21/2007 250 250

OCTN29_07 Salisbury Keith & Melissa - 5916 Evergreen Trail - Lorton - VA - 22079 EMC - Sales - Lorton Va 10/21/2007 200 200

Total contributions this period =
1450

Results from the State Board of Elections WWW server, at 1:37:26 PM(eastern) on 5/28/2008 , Page 1 OF 1

Virginia State Board of Elections
Suite 101, 200 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-3485
Telephone: 804 864-8901 Toll Free: 800 552-9745 FAX: 804 371-0194

Liz Bradsher needs to return these contributions because they gave to her for a new middle school

On-line Campaign Finance Disclosure Reports

Candidate Campaign Committee Report
Schedule A - Contributions over $100


Data Specified

Report Year : 2007

Candidates : Bradsher Elizabeth
Report Codes : OCTN16_07(0)
Filing Period : 09/01/2007 - 09/30/2007

Results from the State Board of Elections WWW server, at 1:49:26 PM(eastern) on 5/28/2008


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

Report Code
Contributor Name/Address
Business / Corporation Donor
Individual Donor
Date Received
Contribution this period
*Aggregate to date

OCTN16_07 ALBO DAVID - 6005 GREELEY BLVD - SPRINGFIELD - VA - 22152 DELEGATE - DELEGATE - SPRINGFIELD VA 9/17/2007 500 500

OCTN16_07 ALBO DAVID - 8108 OX ROAD - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 ALBO & OBLONG - ATTORNEY - SPRINGFIELD VA 9/17/2007 250 250

OCTN16_07 BACHMAN WILLIAM - 9200 BEXLEYWOOD CT - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 WILLIAMS & CONNOLLY - ATTORNEY - WASHINGTON DC 9/9/2007 300 300

OCTN16_07 BERBERIAN LAWRENCE - 9405 CROSSPOINTE DRIVE - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 BF SAUL - BROKER - WASHINGTON DC 9/9/2007 250 250

OCTN16_07 CECIN JOSE - 8348 ARGENT CIRCLE - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 BB&T - INVESTMENT BANKER - RESTON VA 9/17/2007 500 500

OCTN16_07 DICKINSON PETER - 8754 FLOWERING DOGWOOD - LORTON - VA - 22029 CAPITAL IMPACT STRATEGIES - LOBBYIST - WASHINGTON DC 9/23/2007 500 500

OCTN16_07 GALLANT ANNE - 9506 GAUGE DRIVE - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 VOLUNTEER - N/A 9/17/2007 500 500

OCTN16_07 JOSEPH CHRISTOPHER - 9401 RAVINA CT - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 CISCO SYSTEMS - DIRECTOR HOMELAND SECURITY - HERNDON VA 9/6/2007 250 250

OCTN16_07 MOORE THOMAS - 8307 KNOTTY PINE LANE - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 BACON & THOMAS - ATTORNEY - ALEXANDRIA VA 9/17/2007 500 500


Results from the State Board of Elections WWW server, at 1:49:26 PM(eastern) on 5/28/2008 , Page 1 OF 2
Report Code
Contributor Name/Address
Business / Corporation Donor
Individual Donor
Date Received
Contribution this period
*Aggregate to date

OCTN16_07 PIERI LOIZA - 6503 RIVINGTON ROAD - SPRINGFIELD - VA - 22152 VOLUNTEER - N/A 9/17/2007 140 140

OCTN16_07 ROBERTORY ROBERT - 7851 BRESSINGHAM DRIVE - FAIRFAX STATION - VA - 22039 NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL - FINANCIAL ANALST - FAIRFAX VA 9/17/2007 500 500

OCTN16_07 WATERS GEORGE - 235 MASSACHUSETTES AVE NE STE 300 - WASHINGTON - DC - 20002 SELF EMPLOYED - CONSULTANT - WASHINGTON DC 9/13/2007 150 150
Total contributions this period =
4340

Results from the State Board of Elections WWW server, at 1:49:26 PM(eastern) on 5/28/2008 , Page 2 OF 2

Virginia State Board of Elections
Suite 101, 200 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-3485
Telephone: 804 864-8901 Toll Free: 800 552-9745 FAX: 804 371-0194

Why did the School Board authorize the transfer of $2 million from BRAC planning to this SOCO middle school-which we now know (or at least publically acknowledge) that we don't need?

Why not be prudent and wait for this report before shifting funds from BRAC?

The taxpayers voted on this referendum. We were told the money ws for BRAC-the SB spent it on another wasteful project.

2162 empty seats in bordering schools. Average undercapacity at these schools of 87%. What happened to the "efficiency" argument that this SB talks about so often??

Not terribly efficient to build a new school that you don't need.

We need to email Daniel.Storck@fcps.edu AND ASK HIM:

Why did Dan Storck and the School Board authorize the transfer of $2 million from BRAC planning to this SOCO middle school-which we now know (or at least publically acknowledge) that we don't need?

Daniel.Storck@fcps.edu Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We need to email Daniel.Storck@fcps.edu AND ASK
> HIM:
>
> Why did Dan Storck and the School Board authorize
> the transfer of $2 million from BRAC planning to
> this SOCO middle school-which we now know (or at
> least publically acknowledge) that we don't need?

The school board and the FCPS staff have caused IMMEASURABLE harm to students/parents in Fairfax County. I hope citizen will not forget in three years.

Donor Profiles Top Donors Giving by Industry Giving by Occupation
printer-friendly

EnviroSolutions IncIndustry: Waste Disposal/Landfills

Location: Manassas
Money Out


From 2008 2007 through 2008 2007 (select all years )

All Candidates and Committees Legislative Candidates Statewide Candidates Local Candidates Party Committees PACs Inaugural Committees Referendum Committees Out-of-State Committees

Campaign Contribution(s) Totaling $24,500

Campaign
Contributions Committee

$20,000 Connolly for Fairfax County Board Chairman - Gerald
$4,500 Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce


What does $25,000 buy?

This is what it buys. Millions of dollars of profit for EnviroSolutions, Inc.


Another Plan To Consider
Second plan has been submitted that may provide athletic fields, funding for a middle school in Lorton.

By Amer Healy
Wednesday, April 16, 2008


For the second time in two weeks, a proposal has been submitted to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors that may provide, in addition to other benefits, another $10 million toward the construction of a middle school in Lorton.

On Friday, April 4, a proposal from Conrad Mehan, director of government and community relations for EnviroSolutions, was submitted to Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) and Board Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-At large).

The unsolicited proposal includes a plan to trade two parcels of land owned by EnviroSolutions to the Board of Supervisors, so that the land could be turned into parks as a first phase. The second phase would include using the land currently designated as a possible site for a sportsplex facility as a temporary construction landfill until a time when the land is graded and used for a larger facility.

If the plan is approved, EnviroSolutions would also donate $10 million toward the construction of the middle school as soon as 2011, Mehan said.

EnviroSolutions has already submitted a plan to turn its existing construction demolition debris landfill, on Furnace Road just east of the Fairfax County municipal waste landfill, into a park once the landfill is capped in 2018, Mehan said.

EnviroSolutions owns two parcels of land adjacent to the landfill, which will be called Overlook Ridge Park, totaling about 28 acres.


IN THE COUNTY'S Comprehensive Plan, a 9-acre parcel of EnviroSolution's land has been designated for a recycling plant, which residents in the area have objected to, Mehan said.

"When we bought that land, we were told by many residents they were not happy to have a recycling plant there," Mehan said. "They were tired of all the industrial actions in the community."

By combining that land with the 17-acre parcel just above it, the Board of Supervisors could transfer that land to the Park Authority and turn it into parkland, possibly to include athletic fields.

"We could put six fields on that area of land relatively quickly, which would help provide fields the county needs," Mehan said.

One aspect of the deal that may cause some controversy involves the youth detention facility, a 27-acre parcel south of the county’s landfill.

According to the proposal, tearing down the existing facilities, removing the asbestos from the site and filling in the land to make it level with the ground around it, would cost about $11 million, Mehan said.

His proposal would fill the land, using it as a temporary construction demolition debris landfill for 20-30 years, at no cost to the county. Once that land was filled and triple-capped to prevent any ground water contamination, it would be sealed off and covered and, if the county still wanted a sportsplex, that site would be turned over for that use.

"The Park Authority came to us with this problem, that the sportsplex only has access from a landfill road owned by the county’s Department of Public Works, and they don’t want any traffic mixing with their big trucks," Mehan said.


IF THE PROPOSAL is approved, when all construction is completed, access to the sports facilities would be on Furnace Road, using the site created by the transfer of the 27 acres of land to the Board of Supervisors for fields, which would eliminate truck and commuter traffic mixing.

Additionally, because the county’s landfill is already 320 feet tall, any new landfill dumping at the former youth detention facility would be shielded from communities in the southern part of the county, Mehan said. The new, smaller landfill would only fill the bowl area where the facility is currently located.

Another benefit of the plan is the prospect of putting a school bus depot at the top of the land currently owned by EnviroSolutions, which would meet another need the county has expressed without disturbing a residential area, he added.

Mehan said he saw a chance to fill a need for the Park Authority, which wants a sportsplex but currently does not have the resources to build one and has a shortage of athletic fields, while also contributing toward a middle school.

"We could bring in six fields almost right away, which is a fast change," he said. "We would take away the recycling facility, which no one in the community wants anyway, we would get rid of truck traffic mixing with commuters, and we would help provide funding for a middle school."

"The greatest hurdles we will face will be within the community, but I’ve taken this to the land-use committee at the South County Federation and other groups, and so far no one has said this is a terrible idea," Mehan said.

Judy Pedersen, a public information office for the Park Authority, said she was unable to discuss the proposal at length because she had not seen it, and it is Park Authority policy not to discuss park-related proposals until the Park Authority Board has reviewed it.

"Our staff knows it exists," she said.
Kirk Holley, manager of the special projects branch of the Park Authority, said they are currently discussing the second phase of a review of the feasibility of building a sportsplex, which is included in the Laurel Hill master plan and has been for years.

"The study by Brailsford and Dunleavy will say that the sportsplex facility cannot generate enough revenue for construction and operation on its own, but there is a need for it," Holley said of a study conducted by the Washington, D.C. based firm.

Even if the facility could sustain itself, the Park Authority currently does not have the money to build it, Holley added.

Early estimates from Brailsford and Dunleavy indicate building the facility could cost between $40 million and $130 million, depending on size and what kinds of amenities the Park Authority wants to include, Pedersen said.

When asked whether the EnviroSolutions proposal would appeal to the Park Authority as a way to provide fields faster than waiting for the larger sportsplex facility, Park Authority Planning Division Director David Bowden said he was not sure.

"I haven’t been able to evaluate it yet because it was presented to the Board of Supervisors, not the Park Authority Board," he said.

School Board member Elizabeth "Liz" Bradsher said the proposal is worthy of further consideration, if only because it would help fund a middle school.

"I think their proposal is easier than the one the developer submitted last week," Bradsher said. "I think it works for the Board of Supervisors, the School Board and the Park Authority. If they could approve it, we could start work on the middle school by 2011."

Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) said this proposal, like the developer-submitted plan, "is not uncomplicated. Each requires the School Board, the Board of Supervisors, the Park Authority and the community affected to be involved in the process."

Hyland said he was "pleased" with the proposal, and hoped it would be given as much time and consideration as the one submitted by a developer earlier this month.

But the costs to the community, mostly in terms of the temporary landfill that would fill in the youth detention facility area.
"That is substantial to the community and needs to be considered," Hyland said.
"This is not something that will be decided within a week. A lot of issues will have to be discussed."



Image Courtesy EnviroSolutions, Inc.
This plan, submitted to the Board of Supervisors on Friday, April 4, includes a land exchange that would provide more parkland for the Fairfax County Park Authority, a larger Sportsplex near the former youth detention center and a series of fields on what is now planned to be a recycling facility.

What does $25,000 buy?


Donor Profiles Top Donors Giving by Industry Giving by Occupation
printer-friendly

EnviroSolutions IncIndustry: Waste Disposal/Landfills

Location: Manassas
Money Out


From 2008 2007 through 2008 2007 (select all years )

All Candidates and Committees Legislative Candidates Statewide Candidates Local Candidates Party Committees PACs Inaugural Committees Referendum Committees Out-of-State Committees

Campaign Contribution(s) Totaling $24,500

Campaign
Contributions Committee

$20,000 Connolly for Fairfax County Board Chairman - Gerald
$4,500 Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce


What does $25,000 buy?

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

Each of these people should be ashamed of what they do:

> Here's the ones ruining Fairfax County. They are
> all guilty!
>
> Dan Storck, Chairman and Mount Vernon District
> Kathy Smith, Vice Chairman and Sully District
> Ilryong Moon, At Large
> James L. Raney, At Large
> Martina Hone, At Large
> Tessie Wilson, Braddock District
> Jane Strauss, Dranesville District
> Stuart Gibson, Hunter Mill District
> Kaye Kory, Mason District
> Elizabeth Bradsher, Springfield District
> Brad Center, Lee District
> Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner, Providence District
>
> Chairman, At-Large — Gerald E. Connolly
> Braddock — Sharon Bulova, Vice Chair
> Dranesville — John W. Foust
> Hunter Mill — Catherine M. Hudgins
> Lee — Jeff C. McKay
> Mason — Penelope A. Gross
> Mount Vernon — Gerald W. Hyland
> Providence — Linda Q. Smyth
> Springfield — Pat Herrity
> Sully — Michael R. Frey
>

I am trying to follow all of the players here. EnviroSolutions owns a landfill near Lorton that will be "full" soon-I guess there is a height requirement. I am assuming you can't build houses on a pile of garbage so they are proposing to sell the land to the Park Authority and will offer to pay for part of the middle school.

I assume the land has limited use and the options are slim for the company to recover any money back from the land value-a deal with the parks dept puts money in the company's pockets. This Conrad Mehan guy who works for EnviroSolutions is active in the SOCO area even though he lives in Ashburn. His name is often mentioned in donations to the schools in the SOCO area. His company is a big contributor to Connelly and they were just granted approval by Fairfax zoning/planning dept to have their garbage pile grow higher than it was originally approved for.

Something fishy is going on here. Looks like more back room deals with our politicians and business people who are looking for favors.

Let's hope one of the papers digs a little deeper into this mess-no pun intended.

EnviroSolutions Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am trying to follow all of the players here.
> EnviroSolutions owns a landfill near Lorton that
> will be "full" soon-I guess there is a height
> requirement. I am assuming you can't build houses
> on a pile of garbage so they are proposing to sell
> the land to the Park Authority and will offer to
> pay for part of the middle school.
>
> I assume the land has limited use and the options
> are slim for the company to recover any money back
> from the land value-a deal with the parks dept
> puts money in the company's pockets. This Conrad
> Mehan guy who works for EnviroSolutions is active
> in the SOCO area even though he lives in Ashburn.
> His name is often mentioned in donations to the
> schools in the SOCO area. His company is a big
> contributor to Connelly and they were just granted
> approval by Fairfax zoning/planning dept to have
> their garbage pile grow higher than it was
> originally approved for.
>
> Something fishy is going on here. Looks like more
> back room deals with our politicians and business
> people who are looking for favors.
>
> Let's hope one of the papers digs a little deeper
> into this mess-no pun intended.

When will the above corruption end in Fairfax county?

Corruption in Fairfax County Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> EnviroSolutions Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I am trying to follow all of the players here.
> > EnviroSolutions owns a landfill near Lorton
> that
> > will be "full" soon-I guess there is a height
> > requirement. I am assuming you can't build
> houses
> > on a pile of garbage so they are proposing to
> sell
> > the land to the Park Authority and will offer
> to
> > pay for part of the middle school.
> >
> > I assume the land has limited use and the
> options
> > are slim for the company to recover any money
> back
> > from the land value-a deal with the parks dept
> > puts money in the company's pockets. This
> Conrad
> > Mehan guy who works for EnviroSolutions is
> active
> > in the SOCO area even though he lives in
> Ashburn.
> > His name is often mentioned in donations to the
> > schools in the SOCO area. His company is a big
> > contributor to Connelly and they were just
> granted
> > approval by Fairfax zoning/planning dept to
> have
> > their garbage pile grow higher than it was
> > originally approved for.
> >
> > Something fishy is going on here. Looks like
> more
> > back room deals with our politicians and
> business
> > people who are looking for favors.
> >
> > Let's hope one of the papers digs a little
> deeper
> > into this mess-no pun intended.
>
> When will the above corruption end in Fairfax
> county?


Probably when you stop posting crap on this board

More bribe money.


Donor Profiles Top Donors Giving by Industry Giving by Occupation
printer-friendly
Conrad R Mehan

Industry: Waste Disposal/Landfills

Employer: BFI

Location: Ashburn
Money Out


All Candidates and Committees Legislative Candidates Statewide Candidates Local Candidates Party Committees PACs Inaugural Committees Referendum Committees Out-of-State Committees

Campaign Contribution(s) Totaling $9,850

Campaign
Contributions Committee
$2,950 Connolly for Fairfax County Board Chairman - Gerald
$1,500 Gross for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Penelope
$1,500 Hyland for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Gerald
$1,000 Reese for Delegate - Gary
$650 Connolly for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Gerald
$500 McClanahan for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Michael
$500 Hudgins for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Catherine
$500 Frey for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Michael
$500 Herring for State Senate - Mark
$250 Bulova for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors - Sharon

There was a Conrad Mehan who worked for BFI Waste Services as a supervisor a few years back-I assume it is the same guy. Apparently 2 African American drivers for BFI named Delbert Gaskins and Arnold White sued BFI for racial discrimination. The case was heard in Eastern District Court of Alexandria Division back in December 2004. The defendents were awarded $300k in compensatory damages and $600k in punitive damages against BFI.

Mehan testified on behalf of his employer-the defendent (BFI) claiming that there was no discrimination at the company and that they issued a policy statement about anti-discrimination.The court didnot buy BFI or Mehan's argument. Defendents claimed they were called some pretty ugly names by BFI supervisors over the years they were employed. Names including nigg**, zulu warrior, porch monkey, mighty joe young, boy, and jiggaboo. Apparently Mehan did nothing to stop the abuse over the years.Their complaints went ignored.

This is the guy who is helping the South County groups build their school?

This is the guy who is looking for the land swap?

This is the guy who works for EnviroSolutions who donates to Connelly?

If I were a politician I would run from this guy.

Case number is Civil 02-1832 for those who want to read the opinion. BFI tried to appeal the case but were denied by the court.

SB lies and steals Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why did the School Board authorize the transfer of
> $2 million from BRAC planning to this SOCO middle
> school-which we now know (or at least publically
> acknowledge) that we don't need?
>
> Why not be prudent and wait for this report before
> shifting funds from BRAC?
>
> The taxpayers voted on this referendum. We were
> told the money ws for BRAC-the SB spent it on
> another wasteful project.
>
> 2162 empty seats in bordering schools. Average
> undercapacity at these schools of 87%. What
> happened to the "efficiency" argument that this SB
> talks about so often??
>
> Not terribly efficient to build a new school that
> you don't need.

We know the county is strapped for cash right now, so where is the money going to come from for this new school?

Someone please tell me.

Where is the $70 million coming from to build this unneeded school, you ask?

Obviously you have missed Storck and Bradsher's lecture on "creative financing" and "public/private partnerships". It is all a bunch of crap-they think we are stupid.

The SOCO crew has a "piggy bank" which includes:

1. The $2 million that taxpayers designated for BRAC planning. They convinced the crooks on our School Board to transfer this money to them. Nice way for us to honor the men and women who serve our country at Ft. Belvoir, huh?

2. The BOS caved in and offered them $10 million for an addition. They will try to keep this money for a new school I assure you. We don't have money for summer school or bus transportation to GT ceneters or all day kindergarten, but somehow the BOS found the $10 million laying around.

3. The SOCO group was trying to sell a chunk of public land owned by you and me as taxpayers of course) to a developer for $15 million in a land swap deal. Apparently this deal is DOA. This deal would have required the park authority to give up a nice piece of property for a crappy one and they said no thanks.

4. The latest attempt is to give this company EnviroSolutions who operates a landfill in Lorton and needs more space to dump their garbage another piece of land in exchange for their garbage filled heap. They think it would be a great idea for us to put a park and fields on top of this garbage pile and then they will donate $10 million for this school that we don't need. I hope my kids' soccer team gets to play on this trash pile someday!

So there you have it. Not one dime of SOCO money. EnviroSolutions and Mehan have donated $30k to Connelly and it is time to call in the favor. Our tax dollars at work.

smoke and mirrors Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Where is the $70 million coming from to build this
> unneeded school, you ask?
>
> Obviously you have missed Storck and Bradsher's
> lecture on "creative financing" and
> "public/private partnerships". It is all a bunch
> of crap-they think we are stupid.
>
> The SOCO crew has a "piggy bank" which includes:
>
> 1. The $2 million that taxpayers designated for
> BRAC planning. They convinced the crooks on our
> School Board to transfer this money to them. Nice
> way for us to honor the men and women who serve
> our country at Ft. Belvoir, huh?
>
> 2. The BOS caved in and offered them $10 million
> for an addition. They will try to keep this money
> for a new school I assure you. We don't have money
> for summer school or bus transportation to GT
> ceneters or all day kindergarten, but somehow the
> BOS found the $10 million laying around.
>
> 3. The SOCO group was trying to sell a chunk of
> public land owned by you and me as taxpayers of
> course) to a developer for $15 million in a land
> swap deal. Apparently this deal is DOA. This deal
> would have required the park authority to give up
> a nice piece of property for a crappy one and they
> said no thanks.
>
> 4. The latest attempt is to give this company
> EnviroSolutions who operates a landfill in Lorton
> and needs more space to dump their garbage another
> piece of land in exchange for their garbage filled
> heap. They think it would be a great idea for us
> to put a park and fields on top of this garbage
> pile and then they will donate $10 million for
> this school that we don't need. I hope my kids'
> soccer team gets to play on this trash pile
> someday!
>
> So there you have it. Not one dime of SOCO money.
> EnviroSolutions and Mehan have donated $30k to
> Connelly and it is time to call in the favor. Our
> tax dollars at work.

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

Sounds like a bunch of corrupt people in SOCO.

This school is not needed.

Army spokesmen contend that most of the employees whose jobs are moving to the area already live in the region and will not move, so the impact on schools will be minimal.

Their argument was bolstered by an independent study commissioned last year by the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board, which concluded that “southern Fairfax can expect an additional 50 children.”

I am disgusted beyond belief as to your treatment by Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public School officials. You have been completely honest and professional in your estimates of any impacts from BRAC. It is a work in progress. Your office has been forthcoming with any and all information regarding this base realignment. The projected number of new students to this region can only be estimated obviously, given all of the variables. FCPS has a terrible reputation for student population estimates and they are in no position to criticize the Army for any changes in numbers. The US Army has no incentive or motivation to mislead the public.

Enough is enough with these attacks. Taxpayers were asked to grant FCPS $2 million dollars for BRAC planning so that we can ensure that any children coming into this area will be properly cared for. Dealing with overcrowded schools in this immediate area WHERE THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS, should be our primary concern. Placing more trailers at Ft Belvoir Elementary School is not the right thing to do. Transferring this taxpayer granted $2 million away from BRAC to this middle school is immoral. It is the ultimate betrayal of the public trust.

Re: BRAC business alliance holds kickoff event
Posted by: Don Carr (IP Logged)
Date: June 11, 2008 06:52AM


Fort Belvoir will eventually need a second elementary school, yes, and has identified acreage in the master plan where it could be built. The need is based on a couple things, actually. One, the current school was reconfigured to accommodate additional requirements for special-needs classes. Also, even though we are not adding to the number of homes on post, the typical family living here is larger.


FC is ungrateful Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
I keep reading about how FC and FCPS are complaining about BRAC. You would think, given the economy right now, that most local governments would be thrilled with jobs moving into their district. I would also like to hear from the BRAC planning folks about their feeling on FCPS moving the BRAC planning money to the SOCO middle school planning-a school that is still unquestionable now as to whether it is needed.

It seems that funds should be allocated to the overflowing elementray schools at FT Belvoir and not to the SOCO group.

Anyone have any opinions from the base?

Search Is On For Money To Build Middle School

TOOLBOX
Resize Text
Save/Share + DiggNewsvinedel.icio.usStumble It!RedditFacebookmyspaceYahoo! BuzzPrint This E-mail This
COMMENT
washingtonpost.com readers have posted 3 comments about this item.
View All Comments »

POST A COMMENT
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register
Why Do I Have to Log In Again?
Log In Again? CLOSEWe've made some updates to washingtonpost.com's Groups, MyPost and comment pages. We need you to verify your MyPost ID by logging in before you can post to the new pages. We apologize for the inconvenience.



Discussion PolicyDiscussion Policy CLOSEComments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

Who's Blogging» Links to this article
By Michael Alison Chandler
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 26, 2008; Page VA01

The Fairfax County School Board's decision last week to pursue construction of a middle school in Lorton rather than a less costly addition to ease crowding at South County Secondary School leaves open the question of how the new building will be funded.

The school system's construction plan does not include funding for a middle school in south county until 2017, and the district's chief operating officer, Dean Tistadt, had advised that an addition to the school would be sufficient. But the board's 8 to 4 vote early Friday morning reflected the view that the area needs a separate school much sooner.

"There are still many steps to go, but the most important one has been made: The School Board has committed to build the middle school by 2012," said board Chairman Daniel G. Storck, whose Mount Vernon district includes South County Secondary.

Circumventing the school system's priority list for funding is not unprecedented, but it is politically challenging in a 165,700-student school system with many competing needs.

Stuart D. Gibson (Hunter Mill), who voted against the middle school, said that school construction is a "zero-sum game." He said: "Every dollar that goes to a south county middle school is a dollar that will not go" to renovate or build another school.


The board is seeking a plan that would have the least effect on other schools. For example, the board's motion specifies that the new middle school, which Tistadt said could cost up to $50 million, cannot displace any projects already funded through voter-approved bonds.

The board's vote was a victory for many community activists and political officials in southern Fairfax who have lobbied for a middle school since 2005, when the secondary school opened near capacity. From then on, the school has only grown. The School Board moved some students out later, but enrollment for the 2007-08 school year was nearly 3,000 students in a building designed for 2,500.

The middle school project garnered attention from many public officials, including the county Board of Supervisors, which unanimously approved $10 million over two years in additional funding to construct a separate in southern Fairfax. The School Board also set aside $2 million this year for the middle school in its construction budget.

To build on that sum, school officials are considering a loan with deferred payments or private funding. One developer has submitted a proposal that would offset costs for the school in exchange for land to develop. Another proposal is forthcoming, school officials said.

The school system owns 35 acres near the secondary school that have been designated for a middle school. Some scenarios include swapping the property with the Fairfax County Park Authority, which owns land right next to South County Secondary. Such an exchange could lower the price tag of construction, because the schools could share athletic fields or other facilities.

The board's motion authorized planning officials next year to move up the middle school in the construction plan and to document which projects would be displaced or delayed as a result. The plan is reviewed on a regular basis to reflect changing needs.

Community members concerned about the condition of their schools will be following the process closely.

Linda MacKinnon, a Springfield mother of three, has been lobbying for renovations at West Springfield High School that many parents say are long overdue. She said that building a middle school in south county is "fiscally irresponsible" because crowding could have been addressed by drawing new boundaries, a premise echoed by some School Board members.

But many residents in southern Fairfax County maintain that the school system has responded far too slowly to the population boom that followed the closing of prison facilities in Lorton and development of the surrounding area. Staff projections repeatedly underestimated the number of new students in the region.

Storck said the staff's current projections failed to consider growth likely to result from plans to realign the region's military bases. Those plans could bring a wave of students to neighborhoods around Fort Belvoir.

Efforts to accelerate construction of the middle school are following a precedent set by South County Secondary, which was supposed to open later than it did. Community activists and some public officials recognized the demand for the school and secured private funding to help open it sooner.

Christine Morin, co-chairman of a group that has advocated for the middle school, said she was thrilled to see that the School Board understands that south county "is a growing and new community that needs a community school."

Post Article Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Search Is On For Money To Build Middle School
>
> TOOLBOX
> Resize Text
> Save/Share + DiggNewsvinedel.icio.usStumble
> It!RedditFacebookmyspaceYahoo! BuzzPrint This
> E-mail This
> COMMENT
> washingtonpost.com readers have posted 3 comments
> about this item.
> View All Comments »
>
> POST A COMMENT
> You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in |
> Register
> Why Do I Have to Log In Again?
> Log In Again? CLOSEWe've made some updates to
> washingtonpost.com's Groups, MyPost and comment
> pages. We need you to verify your MyPost ID by
> logging in before you can post to the new pages.
> We apologize for the inconvenience.
>
>
>
> Discussion PolicyDiscussion Policy CLOSEComments
> that include profanity or personal attacks or
> other inappropriate comments or material will be
> removed from the site. Additionally, entries that
> are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone
> other than the actual author will be removed.
> Finally, we will take steps to block users who
> violate any of our posting standards, terms of use
> or privacy policies or any other policies
> governing this site. Please review the full rules
> governing commentaries and discussions. You are
> fully responsible for the content that you post.
>
> Who's Blogging» Links to this article
> By Michael Alison Chandler
> Washington Post Staff Writer
> Thursday, June 26, 2008; Page VA01
>
> The Fairfax County School Board's decision last
> week to pursue construction of a middle school in
> Lorton rather than a less costly addition to ease
> crowding at South County Secondary School leaves
> open the question of how the new building will be
> funded.
>
> The school system's construction plan does not
> include funding for a middle school in south
> county until 2017, and the district's chief
> operating officer, Dean Tistadt, had advised that
> an addition to the school would be sufficient. But
> the board's 8 to 4 vote early Friday morning
> reflected the view that the area needs a separate
> school much sooner.
>
> "There are still many steps to go, but the most
> important one has been made: The School Board has
> committed to build the middle school by 2012,"
> said board Chairman Daniel G. Storck, whose Mount
> Vernon district includes South County Secondary.
>
> Circumventing the school system's priority list
> for funding is not unprecedented, but it is
> politically challenging in a 165,700-student
> school system with many competing needs.
>
> Stuart D. Gibson (Hunter Mill), who voted against
> the middle school, said that school construction
> is a "zero-sum game." He said: "Every dollar that
> goes to a south county middle school is a dollar
> that will not go" to renovate or build another
> school.
>
>
> The board is seeking a plan that would have the
> least effect on other schools. For example, the
> board's motion specifies that the new middle
> school, which Tistadt said could cost up to $50
> million, cannot displace any projects already
> funded through voter-approved bonds.
>
> The board's vote was a victory for many community
> activists and political officials in southern
> Fairfax who have lobbied for a middle school since
> 2005, when the secondary school opened near
> capacity. From then on, the school has only grown.
> The School Board moved some students out later,
> but enrollment for the 2007-08 school year was
> nearly 3,000 students in a building designed for
> 2,500.
>
> The middle school project garnered attention from
> many public officials, including the county Board
> of Supervisors, which unanimously approved $10
> million over two years in additional funding to
> construct a separate in southern Fairfax. The
> School Board also set aside $2 million this year
> for the middle school in its construction budget.
>
>
> To build on that sum, school officials are
> considering a loan with deferred payments or
> private funding. One developer has submitted a
> proposal that would offset costs for the school in
> exchange for land to develop. Another proposal is
> forthcoming, school officials said.
>
> The school system owns 35 acres near the secondary
> school that have been designated for a middle
> school. Some scenarios include swapping the
> property with the Fairfax County Park Authority,
> which owns land right next to South County
> Secondary. Such an exchange could lower the price
> tag of construction, because the schools could
> share athletic fields or other facilities.
>
> The board's motion authorized planning officials
> next year to move up the middle school in the
> construction plan and to document which projects
> would be displaced or delayed as a result. The
> plan is reviewed on a regular basis to reflect
> changing needs.
>
> Community members concerned about the condition of
> their schools will be following the process
> closely.
>
> Linda MacKinnon, a Springfield mother of three,
> has been lobbying for renovations at West
> Springfield High School that many parents say are
> long overdue. She said that building a middle
> school in south county is "fiscally irresponsible"
> because crowding could have been addressed by
> drawing new boundaries, a premise echoed by some
> School Board members.
>
> But many residents in southern Fairfax County
> maintain that the school system has responded far
> too slowly to the population boom that followed
> the closing of prison facilities in Lorton and
> development of the surrounding area. Staff
> projections repeatedly underestimated the number
> of new students in the region.
>
> Storck said the staff's current projections failed
> to consider growth likely to result from plans to
> realign the region's military bases. Those plans
> could bring a wave of students to neighborhoods
> around Fort Belvoir.
>
> Efforts to accelerate construction of the middle
> school are following a precedent set by South
> County Secondary, which was supposed to open later
> than it did. Community activists and some public
> officials recognized the demand for the school and
> secured private funding to help open it sooner.
>
> Christine Morin, co-chairman of a group that has
> advocated for the middle school, said she was
> thrilled to see that the School Board understands
> that south county "is a growing and new community
> that needs a community school."

Reading between the lines, does this mean that the schools that are on the CIP, but haven't had their renovations funded, are now going to get the shaft? And with all the extra spaces projected for Lake Braddock, Irving, Key and Hayfield middle schools, not to mention the extra spaces at the local high schools.

Does the School Board really want to let Longfellow, West Springfield and Marshall crumble in the interim? Mr. Storck should be ashamed.

I am personally going to lead the charge and ask all Fairfax County voters to vote against the next school bond-there is no other way to get these people's attention.

This decision-not only was against the recommendation of the Facilities folks, it is a slap in the face to all these other schools who have been waiting so patiently for their renovations.

The SB basically said-SCREW YOU TJ, MARSHALL, AND WEST SPRINGFIELD and the other 50 plus schools on the schedule.

It is an indication that our SB has no common sense and is fiscally irresponsible.

Do not approve any other bond issues until this SB and BOS gets their act together!!

I agree...we should vote down all future bonds until the SB can re-earn the trust of the community. They are arrogant and largely unaccountable. Until they make good decisions with the money we already gave them, they should get no more.



Voter Revolt is Coming Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am personally going to lead the charge and ask
> all Fairfax County voters to vote against the next
> school bond-there is no other way to get these
> people's attention.
>
> This decision-not only was against the
> recommendation of the Facilities folks, it is a
> slap in the face to all these other schools who
> have been waiting so patiently for their
> renovations.
>
> The SB basically said-SCREW YOU TJ, MARSHALL, AND
> WEST SPRINGFIELD and the other 50 plus schools on
> the schedule.
>
> It is an indication that our SB has no common
> sense and is fiscally irresponsible.
>
> Do not approve any other bond issues until this SB
> and BOS gets their act together!!

i agree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I agree...we should vote down all future bonds
> until the SB can re-earn the trust of the
> community. They are arrogant and largely
> unaccountable. Until they make good decisions
> with the money we already gave them, they should
> get no more.
>
>
>
> Voter Revolt is Coming Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I am personally going to lead the charge and
> ask
> > all Fairfax County voters to vote against the
> next
> > school bond-there is no other way to get these
> > people's attention.
> >
> > This decision-not only was against the
> > recommendation of the Facilities folks, it is a
> > slap in the face to all these other schools who
> > have been waiting so patiently for their
> > renovations.
> >
> > The SB basically said-SCREW YOU TJ, MARSHALL,
> AND
> > WEST SPRINGFIELD and the other 50 plus schools
> on
> > the schedule.
> >
> > It is an indication that our SB has no common
> > sense and is fiscally irresponsible.
> >
> > Do not approve any other bond issues until this
> SB
> > and BOS gets their act together!!

The arrogance and incompetence of this School Board is beyond belief.

I guess it is not enough that parents are fleeing Fox Mill, Floris and Madison Island areas due to the SL redistricting. It won't be long until parents will start deserting Springfield, Falls Church, and Vienna area neighborhoods as well.

It's one bad decision after another. This one isn't even Stuart Gibson's fault. They basically just take turns screwing kids, parents and communities. South County will get yet another brand new school, and Lee, Hayfield and Mount Vernon will continue to decline.

Amazed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> i agree Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I agree...we should vote down all future bonds
> > until the SB can re-earn the trust of the
> > community. They are arrogant and largely
> > unaccountable. Until they make good decisions
> > with the money we already gave them, they
> should
> > get no more.
> >
> >
> >
> > Voter Revolt is Coming Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I am personally going to lead the charge and
> > ask
> > > all Fairfax County voters to vote against the
> > next
> > > school bond-there is no other way to get
> these
> > > people's attention.
> > >
> > > This decision-not only was against the
> > > recommendation of the Facilities folks, it is
> a
> > > slap in the face to all these other schools
> who
> > > have been waiting so patiently for their
> > > renovations.
> > >
> > > The SB basically said-SCREW YOU TJ, MARSHALL,
> > AND
> > > WEST SPRINGFIELD and the other 50 plus
> schools
> > on
> > > the schedule.
> > >
> > > It is an indication that our SB has no common
> > > sense and is fiscally irresponsible.
> > >
> > > Do not approve any other bond issues until
> this
> > SB
> > > and BOS gets their act together!!
>
> The arrogance and incompetence of this School
> Board is beyond belief.
>
> I guess it is not enough that parents are fleeing
> Fox Mill, Floris and Madison Island areas due to
> the SL redistricting. It won't be long until
> parents will start deserting Springfield, Falls
> Church, and Vienna area neighborhoods as well.
>
> It's one bad decision after another. This one
> isn't even Stuart Gibson's fault. They basically
> just take turns screwing kids, parents and
> communities. South County will get yet another
> brand new school, and Lee, Hayfield and Mount
> Vernon will continue to decline.

This SB has made another bull shit decision that will hurt thousands of students.

VOTE NO TO ALL SCHOOL BONDS.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2008

Fairfax County School Board Votes To Build South County Middle School

The Fairfax County School Board has voted to move forward on the proposed South County Middle School project and has directed Superintendent Jack D. Dale to investigate the possibility of exchanging the currently designated property for other county or Fairfax County Park Authority property directly adjacent to the current South County Secondary School site for construction of the new middle school. Building the middle school adjacent to the current South County Secondary School would enable both schools to share the same athletic fields and, ultimately, reduce the cost of the new school.

The School Board also accepted $5 million for FY 2009 and $5 million for FY 2010 from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, approved for the purpose of building a middle school in the South County area. Those funds will be added to $2 million previously allocated by the School Board. The Superintendent was also directed to investigate sources of additional new funding or financing, which could include bridge financing or public-private partnerships, to cover the cost of the new school.

Dan Storck, School Board chairman and Mount Vernon District representative, thanked Board and community members for their support and said, “I am very pleased that the Board has approved the building of the long-sought-after middle school in the South County community. Since South County is one of the fastest growing areas of Fairfax County and BRAC (the Defense Department’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission) is expected to bring many more students to this area, this school will make a real difference in meeting the educational needs of this community and its students.”

The School Board motion specified that operating funds would not be used to pay interest on future bond funding. Construction of the new middle school is to be included in the FY 2010-14 capital improvement program (CIP), which will be presented to the Board in December. The School Board intends that the new school be built by 2012.

South County Secondary School, which was originally built to serve as a high school with a capacity of 2,500 students, has been operating as a secondary school with 2,900 students enrolled in grades 7-12 during the 2007-08 school year. The school is currently operating on a nine-period day in order to accommodate the extra students. Other solutions the School Board considered to help alleviate crowding at South County include changing boundaries, relocating programs to nearby schools, and building an addition to the existing school.

Storck is an idiot and a disgrace to Abe Lincoln.

BRAC is much ado about nothing.

Look at the BRAC estimates-50 students.

For Storck to continue to use BRAC as a justification is immoral.

I am thinking an impeachment is appropriate. Maybe I will organize a recall vote in MT vernon since they continue to be ignored by him.

Voter Revolt is Coming Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am personally going to lead the charge and ask
> all Fairfax County voters to vote against the next
> school bond-there is no other way to get these
> people's attention.
>
> This decision-not only was against the
> recommendation of the Facilities folks, it is a
> slap in the face to all these other schools who
> have been waiting so patiently for their
> renovations.
>
> The SB basically said-SCREW YOU TJ, MARSHALL, AND
> WEST SPRINGFIELD and the other 50 plus schools on
> the schedule.
>
> It is an indication that our SB has no common
> sense and is fiscally irresponsible.
>
> Do not approve any other bond issues until this SB
> and BOS gets their act together!!

Stu Gibson often stands up for people in his district in efforts that largely go unnoticed. Despite the complaints about IB he has secured additional funding for many of his schools and has kept them reasonably sized. Without the personal and political courage of Stu that South County Middle school would be taking any possible dollars from the operating budget and other schools.

For whatever reason he also voted against the budget. Bond issues are irrelevant since South County Middle school has NOT been on a bond referendum.

There is NO money except what is diverted from other projects. The 10 million from the board of supervisors is additional issues with debt service. Could the 10 have been used for other projects? Yes. Could the amount for it's debt srvice have be used for other county and school items or just never collected from property taxes? Yes. The operating budget will have to allocate start up costs plus money to run another school-custodial, utilities, maintenance. $500,000 a year?

Facts Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> These are the facts, the upper middle class of
> SOCO do not want their children in any school that
> has blacks or hispanics.
>
> No Hayfield, no Lee and no Mouny Vernon.

Does anyone know the status of the SCCO middle school?

Where are they getting the money for the school and when will it be built?

Meeting after meeting our SB has stated THAT THEY HAVE TO MAKE CUTS AND WE HAVE NO MONEY.

The SB will be short 225 million for their next budget year.

Now we need to ask the SB if there is 80 million dollars laying around for this school?

If we spend 80 million on this school, how many teachers will have to be let go? How many schools on the CIP will be pushed back for this school? How many bus drivers will be let go for this school? How many custodians will be let go for this school?

No and hell no to a school that is not needed.

other counties and school districts are delaying or postponing or reconsidering STARTING capital projects. Not FCPS. This is also a Herrity Baby so it's a done deal. They would rather take away cops.

So is any cash for Laurel hill junk. That deserves a special tax district like restin and Mclean.

Why should SOCO get three brand new schools when the rest of the county waits at the back of the line.

Does this mean that the schools that are on the CIP, but haven't had their renovations funded, are now going to get the shaft? And with all the extra spaces projected for Lake Braddock, Irving, Key and Hayfield middle schools, not to mention the extra spaces at the local high schools.

Does the School Board really want to let Longfellow, West Springfield and Marshall crumble in the interim? Mr. Storck and the school board should be ashamed.

Call your BOS and tell them NO to the SOCO middle school and YES to renovations that are needed at almost 60 schools.

Upset parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why should SOCO get three brand new schools when
> the rest of the county waits at the back of the
> line.
>
> Does this mean that the schools that are on the
> CIP, but haven't had their renovations funded, are
> now going to get the shaft? And with all the extra
> spaces projected for Lake Braddock, Irving, Key
> and Hayfield middle schools, not to mention the
> extra spaces at the local high schools.
>
> Does the School Board really want to let
> Longfellow, West Springfield and Marshall crumble
> in the interim? Mr. Storck and the school board
> should be ashamed.
>
> Call your BOS and tell them NO to the SOCO middle
> school and YES to renovations that are needed at
> almost 60 schools.

Some School Board members specifically told parents in writing that the new SoCo middle school would not take precedence over schools that had previously received either construction or planning funds. That includes some of the schools you mentioned - but not West Springfield.

If you really care about this, don't just write the BoS. Get on the agenda for the public participation portion of every upcoming School Board meeting. That is what the SoCo families did month after month, pleading their case. It's unfortunate that you have to make yourself a nuisance, but that's how they do business.

I am sick and tired of the SOCO whiners and their misguided sense of entitlement to this middle school.

FACT: FCPS is facing a $225 million budget deficit

FACT: Fairfax County has a declining revenue base given the real estate market.

FACT: Many FCPS facilities are in desperate need of renovations-some have not been renovated for 40 years.

FACT: There are 4 schools surrounding SOCO that have 1200 empty seats-SOCO is overcrowded by 450 students.

FACT: Many students in FCPS commute long distances to get to their schools. SOCO families should do the same.

But not good enough for other parts of the county. Some folks count, some don't.

Redistricting good for Reston Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> But not good enough for other parts of the county.
> Some folks count, some don't.
============================================================================

You are right on. Dale and this school board play favorites.

The following is what they need to do:

DO NOT BUILD THIS MIDDLE SCHOOL. $75 MILLION

DO NOT MOVE AHEAD WITH GATEHOUSE II. $300 MILLION

REDISTRICT THE ENTIRE FCPS SYSTEM.

REDUCE HEADQUARTERS STAFF BY 25%.

CONVERT FOUR IB SCHOOLS TO AP.

The above will do for a start.

Good ideas all. Not gonna happen.

Watchdog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Redistricting good for Reston Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > But not good enough for other parts of the
> county.
> > Some folks count, some don't.
> ==================================================
> ==========================
>
> You are right on. Dale and this school board play
> favorites.
>
> The following is what they need to do:
>
> DO NOT BUILD THIS MIDDLE SCHOOL. $75 MILLION
>
> DO NOT MOVE AHEAD WITH GATEHOUSE II. $300
> MILLION
>
> REDISTRICT THE ENTIRE FCPS SYSTEM.
>
> REDUCE HEADQUARTERS STAFF BY 25%.
>
> CONVERT FOUR IB SCHOOLS TO AP.
>
> The above will do for a start.

How do we get the above done?

Elect some people who actually care about students and their parents! That would be a start.

FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am sick and tired of the SOCO whiners and their
> misguided sense of entitlement to this middle
> school.
>
> FACT: FCPS is facing a $225 million budget deficit
>
>
> FACT: Fairfax County has a declining revenue base
> given the real estate market.
>
> FACT: Many FCPS facilities are in desperate need
> of renovations-some have not been renovated for 40
> years.
>
> FACT: There are 4 schools surrounding SOCO that
> have 1200 empty seats-SOCO is overcrowded by 450
> students.
>
> FACT: Many students in FCPS commute long distances
> to get to their schools. SOCO families should do
> the same.


I agree with all of the above, but it is my understanding that the budget deficit will be $275 million.

Watchdog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Redistricting good for Reston Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > But not good enough for other parts of the
> county.
> > Some folks count, some don't.
> ==================================================
> ==========================
>
> You are right on. Dale and this school board play
> favorites.
>
> The following is what they need to do:


Why is south county getting three new schools, when there are 63 schools on the CIP list that will not be completed within the five year life of that list?
>
> DO NOT BUILD THIS MIDDLE SCHOOL. $75 MILLION
>
> DO NOT MOVE AHEAD WITH GATEHOUSE II. $300
> MILLION
>
> REDISTRICT THE ENTIRE FCPS SYSTEM.
>
> REDUCE HEADQUARTERS STAFF BY 25%.
>
> CONVERT FOUR IB SCHOOLS TO AP.
>
> The above will do for a start.

If you watched channel 21 last night, you saw 109 fairfax taxpayers tell the school board and Dale not to make cuts regarding teachers and programs.

But this stupid school board wants to spend $80 million dollars on a school that is not needed. They need to spend the money on saving programs for students and pay increases for teachers.

If we need to cut anything, we need to cut Dale and this school board that has no idea on what is needed and what is a waste of money.

NO TO THE SOCO MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Budget Cuts Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you watched channel 21 last night, you saw 109
> fairfax taxpayers tell the school board and Dale
> not to make cuts regarding teachers and programs.
>
> But this stupid school board wants to spend $80
> million dollars on a school that is not needed.
> They need to spend the money on saving programs
> for students and pay increases for teachers.
>
> If we need to cut anything, we need to cut Dale
> and this school board that has no idea on what is
> needed and what is a waste of money.
>
> NO TO THE SOCO MIDDLE SCHOOL.

There is no money for this school. There is no money for Gatehouse II and there is no more money for more staff that Dales needs.

We should only have money in order to teach our students.

Budget Cuts Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you watched channel 21 last night, you saw 109
> fairfax taxpayers tell the school board and Dale
> not to make cuts regarding teachers and programs.
>
> But this stupid school board wants to spend $80
> million dollars on a school that is not needed.
> They need to spend the money on saving programs
> for students and pay increases for teachers.
>
> If we need to cut anything, we need to cut Dale
> and this school board that has no idea on what is
> needed and what is a waste of money.
>
> NO TO THE SOCO MIDDLE SCHOOL.

I wonder if Dale is pushing for this so he can receive something under the table from the GC once the project is approved and started.

FYI, Bradsher wants to spend $80 million dollars on a new middle school for SOCO when she has done nothing for the West Springfield HS which is 45 years old and is falling apart.

Now for some history regarding this not so wonderfull school board member.

SOUTH COUNTY BITCH BACK ON WARPATH

Earlier in the campaign, Liz Bradsher asked me to stop calling her the "South County Bitch" on here because it wasn't necessary to use that nickname (given to her by education activists years ago) in her campaign. To give her the benefit of the doubt, I agreed to not use it again from that point forward unless something changed.

Tonight, when Liz Bradsher went up and threatened Kenton Ngo at a back to school night, she has re earned her title for the rest of this campaign and probably her entire career in politics.

Kenton tells me that Liz confronted him over the blog post this morning, showing her misleading statements. Liz said to him (and I remind all of you that Kenton is SIXTEEN) "You better watch where you step".

WHAT!!!! You just threatened a sixteen year old? What the hell is the matter with you, Liz? The last time Republicans held this seat on the school board, their member threatened the student school board member, and lost his seat over that. Apparently something is in the water in Springfield as Liz decided to restart the Springfield tradition of attacking current FCPS students.

Liz has children around Kenton's age. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF SOMEONE TALKED TO YOUR KIDS LIKE THIS, LIZ?

Absolutely pathetic for a woman of your age Liz, totally disgusting, and I will make sure that no one EVER hears your name mentioned without thinking of your nickname.

September 27, 2007

STORY FROM LARRY SABATO

I believe the story was reported at NOTlarrySabato.com The Real Larry Sabato has nothing to do with FC.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I believe the story was reported at
> NOTlarrySabato.com The Real Larry Sabato has
> nothing to do with FC.

Neen, I know Bradsher for years. She has always been a Bitch towards regular folks.

Dean Tistadt was asked at the last meeting to comment on the current condition of FCPS schools. He said that South Lakes is now an A or A+ (physical condition), whereas there are many Cs and Ds and West Springfield is a D- or F. He also said building the SCSS would delay the renovation of schools not yet listed in the CIP and potentially those already on the CIP as well.

The School Board then went on to approve the construction of the SCSS.

Parents here generally care more about what happens inside a school building than whether the building is brand new. The other poster, however, is right. We are fast approaching a point where parents will not send their kids to crumbling, outdated facilities. West Springfield will continue to deteriorate; Whitman and many other middle schools will have trailers everywhere you look; and South County will have an under-enrolled new middle school well-equipped to handle an influx of students in, say, 2025.

Mozart Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dean Tistadt was asked at the last meeting to
> comment on the current condition of FCPS schools.
> He said that South Lakes is now an A or A+
> (physical condition), whereas there are many Cs
> and Ds and West Springfield is a D- or F. He also
> said building the SCSS would delay the renovation
> of schools not yet listed in the CIP and
> potentially those already on the CIP as well.
>
> The School Board then went on to approve the
> construction of the SCSS.
>
> Parents here generally care more about what
> happens inside a school building than whether the
> building is brand new. The other poster, however,
> is right. We are fast approaching a point where
> parents will not send their kids to crumbling,
> outdated facilities. West Springfield will
> continue to deteriorate; Whitman and many other
> middle schools will have trailers everywhere you
> look; and South County will have an under-enrolled
> new middle school well-equipped to handle an
> influx of students in, say, 2025.


WSHS IS FUCKED.

Perhaps sending kids to the schools they should really go to rather than creating funky boundaries would have prevented the need for a new SOCO middle school. Use existing capacity and send Mason Neck and all the Route 1 kids to Hayfield. Then SCSS wouldn't be overcrowded and Hayfield and Mount Vernon wouldn't be under utilized.

As for Liz Bradsher, she's one of the good ones on the school board. Brad Center and Dan Stork are incompetent creeps who play politics rather than doing what's best for the students and tax payers.

Mason Red Necker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Perhaps sending kids to the schools they should
> really go to rather than creating funky boundaries
> would have prevented the need for a new SOCO
> middle school. Use existing capacity and send
> Mason Neck and all the Route 1 kids to Hayfield.
> Then SCSS wouldn't be overcrowded and Hayfield and
> Mount Vernon wouldn't be under utilized.
>
Brad Center and Dan Stork are
> incompetent creeps who play politics rather than
> doing what's best for the students and tax payers.

Dale and the SB did not do their job with the first boundary decisions, now they want to fix this fuck up by spending $80 million on a school that is not needed.

We the taxpayers of Fairfax do not need this school.We need teachers and schools to be repaired.

Anyone know when this money pit is supposed to open?

Told ya so Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know when this money pit is supposed to
> open?


Fall 2012.

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=346816&paper=81&cat=104

Can't wait for the operating costs associated with this unnecessary middle school to hit our property tax bills! You can thank Liz Bradsher for this big new cost. I'll never vote for her again that is for sure.

In light of recent events (student suicides, FOIA emails, the effort to close Clifton, etc.), it is interesting and sad to go back and read comments from 2-3 years ago about Liz Bradsher and the new SoCo middle school that she demanded and wheedled to get.

I am baffled by FCPS school board, the administration at Gatehouse, and nearly everything FCPS does.

From the above article:

"At the new middle school site, the School Board is also considering putting a special center for approximately 100 students with disabilities, such as those who have severe cerebral palsy. Currently, children from the South County area who need those type of school services have to be transplanted to Lee High School in Springfield every day, said Storck.

Storck said it is also a possibility that a new advanced academic program site, previously known as a gifted and talented center, would open at the new middle school. Currently, students from the South County attendance area are assigned to the advanced academic program at Lake Braddock Secondary School, he said.

Storck said he expects the middle school boundary study to get underway during the 2011-12 school year.

The School Board member expects everyone who currently lives in the attendance area for South County Secondary School to be able to attend the new middle school and South County High School. But it is also likely that new communities and families would be moved into the South County attendance area because the new middle school building will add to the number of seats available.

Storck said the new boundary study could be very narrow and only address issues related to South County middle school and high school. But the school board is considering doing a regional study with multiple high school sites at that time.

According to Storck, both West Potomac and West Springfield high schools are crowded, while Lee and Hayfield have extra space. It might be prudent to address those boundary concerns at the same time that the South County study is taking place."


So they are going to take disabled students from Lee HS (which is undercapacity) and move them to the South County MS? They are going to take students from the Lake Braddock Advanced Academic Program and put them there also? Lake Braddock is also undercapacity. Then they are going to do a boundary study to put more students into South County? (What? Fill up South County MS and leave others more undercapacity?) These folks just make it up as they go along? No planning involved here.


Oh, the fun is just beginning.

stick them all in a special tax district....

This middle school was built for the community across the street, Laurel Hill.

Whatever we want, we get. We wanted an elementary school just for us, we got it.

We wanted a middle school, we got it.

We now have an elementary school, middle school AND high school all within walking distance from our houses, and we will STILL purchase vehicles for our children when they reach 16. HA!

Guys, pay attention.

We don't need this school.

Of course they need to pull kids from Lee and Lake Braddock to populate it.

We will have 300-400 empty middle school seats in the area and 400-500 empty high school seats in this area.

But NEVER forget. Bradsher and Dave Albo are fiscal conservatives.

of course Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Guys, pay attention.
>
> We don't need this school.
>
> Of course they need to pull kids from Lee and Lake
> Braddock to populate it.
>
> We will have 300-400 empty middle school seats in
> the area and 400-500 empty high school seats in
> this area.
>
> But NEVER forget. Bradsher and Dave Albo are
> fiscal conservatives.


Liz Bradsher didn't stop there. She is closing a perfectly functioning elementary school (Clifton Elementary) and is now going to cost taxpayers $15-$20 million to build additions at other schools to accomodate alll those students being shifted to other schools. Liz Bradsher is the worst disaster to happen to our property taxes in years!

Bradsher and Storck better not take my kid out of Lake Braddock and put them in their school.

I have read enough of the ugly emails from the Robetorys and Morins and Adlers of that area to know that I don't want my kids anywhere near these jerks.

So, the SB closed CES, told those parents that their kids would stay at Robinson because that is were they would go if CES had stayed open, but according to Storck (in the above article), they are considering a district wide HS boundary study to fill SOCO MS.

Hey Clifton, guess what! You're about to get screwed again!!! Yeah, your kids will be sent to SOCO, at least the ones being moved to Fairview. You can bet on it!

The SOCO elitists would love nothing more than to have the rich kids in Clifton going to their school and hanging with their kids. Why do you think they didn't want their precious darlings at Hayfield, Lee and Edison? Not the right kind of people. Clifton kids are just what they are looking for (jealous much SOCO?).

Liz Bradsher is a lying, back stabbing, hypocritical, delusional bitch! I speak from experience with the SOCO Bitch. Anyone still supporting this cretin really needs to have their heads examined. Seriously!

LaurelHILLresident Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This middle school was built for the community
> across the street, Laurel Hill.
>
> Whatever we want, we get. We wanted an elementary
> school just for us, we got it.
>
> We wanted a middle school, we got it.
>
> We now have an elementary school, middle school
> AND high school all within walking distance from
> our houses, and we will STILL purchase vehicles
> for our children when they reach 16. HA!

And you shared this because....? To display how primitive and unattractive you are?

You think that for some reason you are inherently superior to others. Karma will kick you hard in your FAT behinds.

Wonderful! So simple. Cool to read such a well-considered article! I just filled out DD 689 with an online software. It looked much better typed than hand-written. I used https://goo.gl/H9hpht and it's very easy to use.