http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/virginia/052909_fairfax_schools_parking_fees_rise

FAIRFAX, Va. - The cost of parking in Fairfax County Public Schools' parking lots is about to go up.
It currently costs students $150 per school year to park in their school lot. Next year, it will go up to $200.
Some students told FOX 5 they don't agree with an increase—and a few said they didn't think they should be charged at all.
It's still a lot of money," said Zaida Szhebish, a student. "I'd definitely rather not pay it."

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

My god, $200 dollars is quite expensive. I remember it was $75 bucks when I was in high school, and I still went over to Kinko's to make a fake pass every semester ;)

Kinko's parking pass- $5 Screwing FCPS out of $200, priceless.

that sucks, but when you think about it, that's only about $1.00-$1.50 per school day. not too bad for 8 hours of parking.

Spoiled brats. The bus is still free, kids.

i don't how it is at other schools, but at my school about half of the kids with cars park on the side of the road. if you get to school atleast 15 minutes before 1st block starts, then you can get a spot pretty easily.

It will be $220 after Obama's 10% VAT tax is passed.

Seann Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It will be $220 after Obama's 10% VAT tax is
> passed.

Does Jack Dale pay for his parking?

Oh no..they have to pay $200 per year to park their BMW's now? The horror.

The audacity of the school system to even think about such a fee hike.

Next thing you know, they'll be "correcting" the grading scale cause too many pussy ass parents want lil johnny to be on a equal grading scale with all the country bumpkins. Hell, why stop there, let's change the start time to 10 am for high schoolers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/28/2009 10:11PM by BagODonuts.

you should all remember, when you dont have a source of income, $200 is a lot of money.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

When did people have to start paying to park at school? I didn't have to. Was this implemented after 93? Perhaps it was the school I went to.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being vague is almost as fun as that other thing.

Just wait until you pay 4.50 a day to park in a metro lot so you can go to a temp job at 10 bucks an hour downtown when you graduate.

Weird, the bus was free for me. Have they started charging a fee for that?

how does someone with no source of income afford a car, maintenance, insurance and fuel? please. i like that there are incentives to walk, take the bus or ride a bike. hell, we are all already paying for a perfectly good bus to drive right past their house every day. it should be higher.

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> you should all remember, when you dont have a
> source of income, $200 is a lot of money.

j Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> how does someone with no source of income afford a
> car, maintenance, insurance and fuel?

in my experience, the parents on high school students pay for all of that.


> i like that there are incentives to walk, take the
> bus or ride a bike. hell, we are all already
> paying for a perfectly good bus to drive right
> past their house every day. it should be higher.

the parking fee is just taxing the parents who have already been taxed.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

wgaf Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Spoiled brats. The bus is still free, kids.

But not for long... just give it a year until the county budget gets slashed again (and people wake up to the coming Depression...yes that's a capital 'd')

Paying to ride to school
MORE SYSTEMS EYE STUDENT BUS FEES
http://www.telegram.com/article/20090507/NEWS/905070716/1116

Lol..these parents are upset about a $25 parking fee: http://tritown.gmnews.com/news/2009/0528/front_page/001.html

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> in my experience, the parents on high school
> students pay for all of that.
>
> the parking fee is just taxing the parents who
> have already been taxed.

The parents choose whether or not they want to pay this fee. This is purely a luxury. If they want to pay extra for lil jack or diane to park in the school lot, then that's their decision.

I've never been a fan of raising fees (who is?), but they gotta make up money somewhere. This is an easy place to add more revenue unfortunately.

We ended up just splitting the cost between everyone who rode in together.

BagODonuts Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh no..they have to pay $200 per year to park
> their BMW's now? The horror.

+1

If parents are willing to buy luxury cars for their urchins, they can certainly spring the $200 for a year of parking.

mj91 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> i don't how it is at other schools, but at my
> school about half of the kids with cars park on
> the side of the road. if you get to school atleast
> 15 minutes before 1st block starts, then you can
> get a spot pretty easily.


you must go to Oakton

You fucking cheese eating high school punks need to pay up, or shut the fuck up.

Fuck these kids. Let them ride the bus.

Christ, we've turned into a nation of pussies.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

I have no dog in this fight, but feel compelled to respond to all of those morons who lack a brain.

Write this down if you have to:

THESE KIDS WHO DRIVE ARE SAVING US MILLIONS OF DOLLARS-WHY ARE WE CHARGING THEM ANYTHING?

25 high schools-44,000 high school kids-about. Let's say 11,000 drive or ride with a friend.

How many buses do you think we would need to transport 11,000 students???

You idiots should run for School Board because this is how those nitwits think. Kids have to drive for after school jobs and sports. It is not a luxury-it is a necessity.

unlimited stupid people Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have no dog in this fight, but feel compelled to
> respond to all of those morons who lack a brain.
>
> Write this down if you have to:
>
> THESE KIDS WHO DRIVE ARE SAVING US MILLIONS OF
> DOLLARS-WHY ARE WE CHARGING THEM ANYTHING?
>
> 25 high schools-44,000 high school kids-about.
> Let's say 11,000 drive or ride with a friend.
>
> How many buses do you think we would need to
> transport 11,000 students???
>
> You idiots should run for School Board because
> this is how those nitwits think. Kids have to
> drive for after school jobs and sports. It is not
> a luxury-it is a necessity.

No, it's a luxury. I had an afterschool job, and I drove there every day after catching the bus home from school. Sports is an extracurricular activity, and I'm pretty sure the schools already provide transportation.

Let's say that half of your 11,000 drive, the other half catch rides. That's still 5,500 more cars on the road, more traffic, more gas usage, and more dumbass kids driving.

Nope. I'm sticking with "fuck 'em."

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

stuart actually

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> you should all remember, when you dont have a
> source of income, $200 is a lot of money.


Yopu should remember that everybody has a guaranteed ride to school every day, the big yellow cheese will pick you up near your home and no need to tip the driver, quit whining for gosh sakes,..... its the grades, its the expulsions ,its the redistricting its the parking fee by a WHINE. I wonder if folks in counties that really dont have any good services cry this much??....

Yes the school bus is free and still the safest way to get to and from. In the history of FCPS there has only been one fatality involving a school bus, and that was earlier this school year.

On the other hand, what about the kids, mainly seniors, that only have a few classes in the morning then leave to go to work? You know as well as I do that they are not going to sit around school half the day.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> No, it's a luxury. I had an afterschool job, and
> I drove there every day after catching the bus
> home from school.

ok, so you take up a seat on the bus and ride home and then drive to your job. How does that save the school system money??

Sports is an extracurricular
> activity, and I'm pretty sure the schools already
> provide transportation.

Practice ends around 6-maybe 7-which high school runs buses home at 6-7pm??
>
> Let's say that half of your 11,000 drive, the
> other half catch rides. That's still 5,500 more
> cars on the road, more traffic, more gas usage,
> and more dumbass kids driving.

How many buses would we have to buy to transport these 11,000 students? I estimate about 140. What would that cost?
>
> Nope. I'm sticking with "fuck 'em."

Very well thought out response.

.. why are 90% of people who posted on this thread mad at the kids? they're kids..

waste of time Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> blah blah blah

You're missing my point. Sure, let the little pricks drive to school. However, busses, fuel, driver wages, etc., all come from taxpayer money. Essentially, I'm paying for a service these kids don't want to use, and yet they bitch about an extra $50?

Also, how can a 17 or 18 year old kid afford a car, but can't handle an extra $50?

Sports is EXTRAcurricular, meaning it is an optional, voluntary program. Where are the parents at? Either pick your kid up from school and show a little interest in your child's life, or don't complain about the extra $50.

I'll take 140 busses over 5,500 dumbass kids on the road, any day of the week.

I'm still sticking with "fuck 'em." They should increase the rate to $300 and spend the extra money on awareness programs to keep kids from being untalented rappers.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> waste of time Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > blah blah blah
>
> You're missing my point. Sure, let the little
> pricks drive to school. However, busses, fuel,
> driver wages, etc., all come from taxpayer money.
> Essentially, I'm paying for a service these kids
> don't want to use, and yet they bitch about an
> extra $50?


Stop there. How are you paying for the 140 buses that FCPS does NOT have to buy and pay to run because these kids drive to school???
>
> Also, how can a 17 or 18 year old kid afford a
> car, but can't handle an extra $50?

The kid can't afford the card clearly mom and dad paid for it. Mom and dad are also most likely picking up the extra $50 per year so it is basically a tax.
>
> Sports is EXTRAcurricular, meaning it is an
> optional, voluntary program. Where are the
> parents at? Either pick your kid up from school
> and show a little interest in your child's life,
> or don't complain about the extra $50.

Many cannot afford a car for their kid and do have to pick up their kids after school sports.
>
> I'll take 140 busses over 5,500 dumbass kids on
> the road, any day of the week.

We would have to lay off 300 teachers to pay for these buses.
>
> I'm still sticking with "fuck 'em." They should
> increase the rate to $300 and spend the extra
> money on awareness programs to keep kids from
> being untalented rappers.

no comment.

Raise the age for a driver's license to 18!

better to remain silent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Stop there. How are you paying for the 140 buses
> that FCPS does NOT have to buy and pay to run
> because these kids drive to school???

I'd say if the FCPS Board is unable to provide for the kids, that's indicative of a larger problem.

> The kid can't afford the card clearly mom and dad
> paid for it. Mom and dad are also most likely
> picking up the extra $50 per year so it is
> basically a tax.

Right, like the ones they already pay. When the school system provides busses to get the kids to and from school, and the parents would rather let little Tyler drive to school, then the parents should be prepared for stuff like this. It's a luxury, not a right.

> Many cannot afford a car for their kid and do have
> to pick up their kids after school sports.

Well, then they don't have to let little Cody drive then, don't they?

> We would have to lay off 300 teachers to pay for
> these buses.

Or increase taxes. Everyone wants the services, nobody wants to pay for them.

> no comment.

That's cool.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

Kids who drive to school save taxpayers millions of dollars. Kids who walk to school also save us money.

FCPS does not charge the kids who use buses, so why charge the kids who are saving them money??

It makes no sense. Parents are sick and tired of being nickle and dimed for every damn fee when really FCPS needs to get a handle on the bloated salaries of the do-nothings over at Gatehouse.

Salaries are 87% of the $2 BILLION dollar budget. Plus they have to borrow $150 million every year so they can pay for renovations. Parking fees are so trivial to the big picture. It is petty and a waste of time, plus it distracts from the real fiscal decisions that should be being made.

BTW, what do they charge the employees at Gatehouse to park in their fancy office building?

Charge them because being able to drive to school is a privilege not a right. You're entitled to an education, hence the "free" bus service - paid for by our taxes. You're not entitled to drive your daddy's beamer to spot 206 every school day.

I graduated in the early 90's and a parking space was $100, so an $100 increase over the course of almost 20 years isn't that fucking bad. Split it with your friends and carpool. Bunch of whiny, spoiled little pussies. Be glad you're not going to some shit school in downtown DC and being forced to take the Metro bus (and pay) to get to school.

bottom line folks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Kids who drive to school save taxpayers millions
> of dollars. Kids who walk to school also save us
> money.
>
> FCPS does not charge the kids who use buses, so
> why charge the kids who are saving them money??
>
> It makes no sense. Parents are sick and tired of
> being nickle and dimed for every damn fee when
> really FCPS needs to get a handle on the bloated
> salaries of the do-nothings over at Gatehouse.
>
> Salaries are 87% of the $2 BILLION dollar budget.
> Plus they have to borrow $150 million every year
> so they can pay for renovations. Parking fees are
> so trivial to the big picture. It is petty and a
> waste of time, plus it distracts from the real
> fiscal decisions that should be being made.
>
> BTW, what do they charge the employees at
> Gatehouse to park in their fancy office building?

At last, your agenda is made manifest.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

if everyone that drove took the bus, the whole bus system would break under the pressure.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Let's do away with the parking fees..and put some slots at the entrances to the school. Hell, slots could be the answer to all of our tax revenue shortages.

Maybe create a sportsbook elective class. The betting on high school sports is completely untapped.

The possibilities are limitless.

BagODonuts Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's do away with the parking fees..and put some
> slots at the entrances to the school. Hell, slots
> could be the answer to all of our tax revenue
> shortages.
>
> Maybe create a sportsbook elective class. The
> betting on high school sports is completely
> untapped.
>
> The possibilities are limitless.


Gambling is banned at schools unless the PTA or Sports Boosters are doing it!!

Let's do 50/50 raffles at the schools every day-that would bring in a lot more money than these parking fees.

While were at it, all schools should have BoozeFest fundraisers like Madison High School Boosters do-right WARHAWK?

a lot of money goes into extracurricular activities, so we could just charge people to do them. seriously, equipment is expensive.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> if everyone that drove took the bus, the whole bus
> system would break under the pressure.


Gravis made an intelligent comment.

hell froze over Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gravis Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > if everyone that drove took the bus, the whole
> bus
> > system would break under the pressure.
>
>
> Gravis made an intelligent comment.



Absolute bullshit, go to a school some morning, most are half full...get out of the basement once in awhile

AFAIK, carpooling and ridesharing is banned. First, the kids can only have 1 passenger in the car until they are 18, and second, the parking pass is nontransfereable- i.e. you aren't supposed to swap it between cars.

Drivers only save the school system money if a bus doesnt go to their house. If the bus still goes past a driver's house, no money is saved. Raising the fees is a great idea, maybe less people will drive and they can cirtainly raise them without a problem becuase parking is indeed a privelige at the school. I would say a limit of 400 is good tho becuase otherwise only the rich kids will drive and that would be viewed as discrimination or whatever.

Whoever suggested parking on the road is right. At most of the schools, there is free parking provided by VDOT on the road outside of the school. Now some schools don't have that space, or no parking signs are all over teh place, sucks for them

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> if everyone that drove took the bus, the whole bus
> system would break under the pressure.


You got that right.

Let next Friday be TAKE THE CHEESE WAGON DAY.

You never know.

FWIW, I have a BMW, paid in full by me, insured by me, fueled by me, and maintenance by me(last month was about 1,500). So not everyone is hand fed everything they want.

Just my 2 cents

hai Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FWIW, I have a BMW, paid in full by me, insured by
> me, fueled by me, and maintenance by me(last month
> was about 1,500). So not everyone is hand fed
> everything they want.
>
> Just my 2 cents

It's either used or you're a drug dealer.

Used 2002 325i

I'm not too fond of BMWs, but that's a damn nice car for someone in high school.

Thanks haha. Working 40+ hours a week tho is a bitch

KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> AFAIK, carpooling and ridesharing is banned.
> First, the kids can only have 1 passenger in the
> car until they are 18, and second, the parking
> pass is nontransfereable- i.e. you aren't supposed
> to swap it between cars.
>
Not true. The 1 passenger limit is removed after having a license 1 year, and it does not include siblings. The parking permit is transferrable. You can put multiple license plate numbers on the parking permit application.

hai Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So not everyone is hand fed everything they want.

you feed your hands?! o_O?


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Why stop there? Since it's all about making money now, why not charge a fee for parents who drive their kids to school? Charge $200 for a kiss & ride permit, and if you don't pay, you can't drive onto school property to drop your kid off or pick them up after school. And institute a requirement for a mandatory safety inspection of any vehicle that will enter school property. It'll cost $500, be valid for 3 months, and be performed by the assistant principals. Any safety deficiencies identified will have to be corrected by a school-certified repair shop (which will be a coned off area behind the school, staffed by the PE teachers, whose time will be billed at $200/hr).

To make sure that people will still drive despite the fees, the school system can change the transportation policy so that anyone who lives within 3 miles of school doesn't get a bus, and that bus stops can be up to 3 miles from the student's residence. They can also redo the bus routes to make sure that all the bus stops are at least 2 miles from anyone's home to maximize the incentive to drive to school.

If that doesn't make enough money, they can open up more parking spaces to sell to students by firing all the teachers and outsourcing teaching to India. Just put a speakerphone in each classroom. As a bonus, that would cut teaching costs to something like $2 an hour.

boredom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm not too fond of BMWs, but that's a damn nice
> car for someone in high school.


--must go to Langley--

You know that the student's cars are worth three times more than the faculty's cars.

scottydfl422 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> boredom Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'm not too fond of BMWs, but that's a damn
> nice
> > car for someone in high school.
>
>
> --must go to Langley--
>
> You know that the student's cars are worth three
> times more than the faculty's cars.

That's just about every school around here unfortunately.

while its totally within your right to do what you want with the money you make, putting that much of your hard-earned money into an expensive car at your age is a total waste of your resources. you wont understand this for another 10 years, if ever.


hai Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FWIW, I have a BMW, paid in full by me, insured by
> me, fueled by me, and maintenance by me(last month
> was about 1,500). So not everyone is hand fed
> everything they want.
>
> Just my 2 cents

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > We would have to lay off 300 teachers to pay for
> > these buses.
>
> Or increase taxes. Everyone wants the services,
> nobody wants to pay for them.

are you suggesting raising taxes to pay for buses instead of not raising prices on parking passes?

---

j Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> while its totally within your right to do what you
> want with the money you make,

right, tell that to the IRS.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

ghost who walks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why stop there? Since it's all about making money
> now, why not charge a fee for parents who drive
> their kids to school? Charge $200 for a kiss &
> ride permit, and if you don't pay, you can't drive
> onto school property to drop your kid off or pick
> them up after school.

wouldn't work - you'd just drop your kid right outside school property, they cross the sidewalk onto the grass and bingo they're on school property. pick 'em up on the edge of school property too.

the vast majority of kids don't need cars at school, they want cars, and god forbid the kiddies don't get what they want. luxury items get taxed, get used to it.

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > > We would have to lay off 300 teachers to pay
> for
> > > these buses.
> >
> > Or increase taxes. Everyone wants the
> services,
> > nobody wants to pay for them.
>
> are you suggesting raising taxes to pay for buses
> instead of not raising prices on parking passes?

No, I'm saying there are two options here. Don't bitch about the increase in parking fees if you don't want little Cody taking the bus to school, or don't bitch about a tax increase to provide more funding for busses if you don't want to pay for little Tyler's parking pass.

Again, everyone wants the services without thinking about who's going to pay for them.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

We have to assume that the FCPS Facilities/Transportation dept. is pretty damn efficient. They just overhauiled statrt times at certain schools to save on bus usage. Most buses are at capacity.

Given that, if drivers started taking the bus, FCPS would need to purchase more buses. There is NO disputing that fact. It is not just the purchase price, it is labor, fuel and ongoing maintenance. It would be a fortune.

It is an insult to the drivers to pay a parking fee. Why not charge the walkers as well? What the hell is the difference? User fees are designed for people who cost the system money-not for those who save FCPS money.

This School Board is positively moronic. Does anybody know where these parking fees go? I believe half goes directly to schools. You have to wonder how that money is spent.

efficient or not Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We have to assume that the FCPS
> Facilities/Transportation dept. is pretty damn
> efficient. They just overhauiled statrt times at
> certain schools to save on bus usage. Most buses
> are at capacity.
>
> Given that, if drivers started taking the bus,
> FCPS would need to purchase more buses. There is
> NO disputing that fact. It is not just the
> purchase price, it is labor, fuel and ongoing
> maintenance. It would be a fortune.
>
> It is an insult to the drivers to pay a parking
> fee. Why not charge the walkers as well? What the
> hell is the difference? User fees are designed for
> people who cost the system money-not for those who
> save FCPS money.
>
> This School Board is positively moronic. Does
> anybody know where these parking fees go? I
> believe half goes directly to schools. You have
> to wonder how that money is spent.

Ok, I'll revise my opinion.

Make the parking passes free, but only available to students who do not live on a bus route.

Let's say Bus 5 goes down streets A, B, and C, where 50 kids live (I'm using generalities for the sake of example). Let's say parking is free, and half the students on Bus 5's route drive. It costs the same amount to operate the bus for 50 kids as it does for 25, with only a small variance in fuel costs due to the difference in weight.

They can't re-write the bus routes every year to ensure that each bus is operating at max capacity (and efficiency), so how else do they compensate for the money being spent on services that people are not using? A bake sale?

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

The parking fee increases is garbage and way inconsistent with what other school districts charge.

Let's look at what the school system spends each year in transporting administratively placed students. These are the kids who did what many other kids did, but just got caught....fight in the hallway, pot, vandalism, etc.

FCPS transports 256 students to schools other than their base school FOR NO LOGICAL REASON WHATSOEVER.

The COST: $914,707 per year. Yes siree, nearly ONE MILLION BUCKS.

For what purpose???? These kids are not dangerous-if they were they would have been expelled or sent over to Juve.

This is an unbelievable waste of money.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> No, I'm saying there are two options here. Don't
> bitch about the increase in parking fees if you
> don't want little Cody taking the bus to school,
> or don't bitch about a tax increase to provide
> more funding for busses if you don't want to pay
> for little Tyler's parking pass.

why is it impossible for the school to not charge money for parking?


> Again, everyone wants the services without
> thinking about who's going to pay for them.

you speak like it's valet parking. it's an empty lot that is already paid for by the county (not the school system itself), so it's not costing them any money if for people to park in it. the result is that the money charged for parking passes is 99.97% profit (it costs to have the passes made).


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Gravis,

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok, I'll revise my opinion.
>
> Make the parking passes free, but only available
> to students who do not live on a bus route.
>
> Let's say Bus 5 goes down streets A, B, and C,
> where 50 kids live (I'm using generalities for the
> sake of example). Let's say parking is free, and
> half the students on Bus 5's route drive. It
> costs the same amount to operate the bus for 50
> kids as it does for 25, with only a small variance
> in fuel costs due to the difference in weight.
>
> They can't re-write the bus routes every year to
> ensure that each bus is operating at max capacity
> (and efficiency), so how else do they compensate
> for the money being spent on services that people
> are not using? A bake sale?

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok, I'll revise my opinion.
>
> Make the parking passes free, but only available
> to students who do not live on a bus route.

why? why not just make it all free?


> so how else do they compensate
> for the money being spent on services that people
> are not using? A bake sale?

umm... use part of the budget they already have? switch to linux (would save millions)?


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

efficient or not Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We have to assume that the FCPS
> Facilities/Transportation dept. is pretty damn
> efficient. They just overhauiled statrt times at
> certain schools to save on bus usage. Most buses
> are at capacity.
>
> Given that, if drivers started taking the bus,
> FCPS would need to purchase more buses. There is
> NO disputing that fact. It is not just the
> purchase price, it is labor, fuel and ongoing
> maintenance. It would be a fortune.
>
> It is an insult to the drivers to pay a parking
> fee. Why not charge the walkers as well? What the
> hell is the difference? User fees are designed for
> people who cost the system money-not for those who
> save FCPS money.
>
> This School Board is positively moronic. Does
> anybody know where these parking fees go? I
> believe half goes directly to schools. You have
> to wonder how that money is spent.


Wrong. The student parking lots have to be maintained. This means repaving, snow removal, and line painting to name a few. All these things cost money to do. SNow removal in particular, since the student lot is usually bigger than the teacher lot, so it takes a long time and costs money.

*shrug*

It's just my opinion. My school was dirt poor, and my trip to South Lakes this weekend made me realize that people down here have no idea how good they have it in comparison to other places in the country. I was expecting a festering shit hole covered in graffiti, but it was actually a really nice school. However, it doesn't pay for itself.

My entire opinion stems from my belief that driving to school is a priviledge, not a right.

Financial stuff aside, if parking were free, how would they distribute it equally among the driving population? How would they pick and choose who got to drive and who didn't? It wouldn't be long until a couple parents become outraged that their little Tyler or Kirstin were denied parking permits, and the schools would have to come up with rules and standards, and blah blah blah blah blah.

Just slap a price tag on it and make it first come, first serve. South Lakes was a really nice facility, and if it was built on $200 parking passes, I'd say it was money well spent.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> *shrug*
>
> It's just my opinion. My school was dirt poor,
> and my trip to South Lakes this weekend made me
> realize that people down here have no idea how
> good they have it in comparison to other places in
> the country. I was expecting a festering shit
> hole covered in graffiti, but it was actually a
> really nice school. However, it doesn't pay for
> itself.
>
> My entire opinion stems from my belief that
> driving to school is a priviledge, not a right.
>
> Financial stuff aside, if parking were free, how
> would they distribute it equally among the driving
> population? How would they pick and choose who
> got to drive and who didn't? It wouldn't be long
> until a couple parents become outraged that their
> little Tyler or Kirstin were denied parking
> permits, and the schools would have to come up
> with rules and standards, and blah blah blah blah
> blah.
>
> Just slap a price tag on it and make it first
> come, first serve. South Lakes was a really nice
> facility, and if it was built on $200 parking
> passes, I'd say it was money well spent.


I agree with you on the parking fee ... it's not enough to bitch about either way. Hey did you see my daughter this weekend?

oaktonmom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I agree with you on the parking fee ... it's not
> enough to bitch about either way. Hey did you see
> my daughter this weekend?

I saw a lot of peoples' daughters this weekend; you'll have to be more specific.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> oaktonmom Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I agree with you on the parking fee ... it's
> not
> > enough to bitch about either way. Hey did you
> see
> > my daughter this weekend?
>
> I saw a lot of peoples' daughters this weekend;
> you'll have to be more specific.


This is going the wrong way quickly.

MrMeph,

Really, it is rather annoying reading your posts with comments of "little Cody", etc.

South Lakes went through a major renovation and a face lift last year. Nothing for WSHS for example. SLHS is an attractive looking school, but so much money was spent on the school and other over spending on things like the IB programs, etc to other schools which I believe was one of the factors causing a spike in parking fees to help defray the cost of overspending. Something is going on behind the school board and their spending habits.

Parking fees were raised because they are one of the easier, if not easiest, fees to increase without a lot of blowback. Budgets are falling everywhere and are being incredibly squeezed.

Although, you do have me intrigued with your thoughts about spending habits of the school board. I've never really suspected that our government officials would even think of misappropriating money. Is it possible that not all of them are not on the up and up or don't know what they are doing?

Welcome to the real world. I paid about $45 to park the last time I was in DC for a meeting. A whole year for $200, that's a bargain, it should probably be more.

Robin Hood Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Really, it is rather annoying reading your posts
> with comments of "little Cody", etc.

Well, then stop reading them.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

Parking fees leave dent in some students' wallets
May 27, 2009 - 3:13pm

Kate Ryan, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Instead of, "so what'd you get on that exam?" local high school students may want to know, "so how much do you pay for your parking space?"

In our area, the fees range from $5 a semester to many, many times that amount.

Emily D'Italia, an 11th grader at Montgomery County's Quince Orchard High School, gripes about what she pays.

"$37.50 a semester," D'Italia says. A total of $75 a year.

Is that a good deal or not?

"It's a little expensive, but I guess it's worth it to have my car," D'Italia says.

So what would she say to paying $200 a year?

"$100 a semester? Are you -- is that a joke?" she says.

It's no joke.

It's what Fairfax County High School students will pay starting next year.

The current fee is $150 a year, twice what Montgomery County students pay.

Fairfax County Public Schools spokesman Paul Renier says the decision to raise the fee by $50 is strictly fiscal. It's been a very tight budget year, and the fee increase seemed like a good option.

"Driving to school is a privilege, not a right," Renier says.

But students in Montgomery County say that's an awfully steep fee.

Quince Orchard student Michael Deluca wondered how many kids would be shut out of a space.

"Some people have to drive and $200 seems unreasonable," Deluca says.

Deluca's friend, Charles Harris, bets a $200 fee would raise eyebrows among Montgomery County parents.

"[My parents] would be like, what are you spending that on?" Harris says.

Deluca and Harris were envious of their peers in Frederick County, where fees max out at a budget-conscious $20 a year.

D'Italia, who takes her car to school and often picks her mom up from work at the end of the day, thought about paying just $10 a semester.

"Lucky!" she says.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

iz In yo parkn Ltz Boostin yo hubKapz

Here's what I think about what every one has said

1. Kids driving to school doesn't change the bus route. Unless there is a neighborhood, that a bus has to go out of its way to get to, with an unusually high amount of student drivers, the county isn't going to save money by those kids driving to school.

2. The parking lot DOES cost money to maintain. Snow plowing, pot holes, repainting the lines, etc. are all expensive.

3. Again, a $200 parking pass for the year costs LITERALLY $1.00-$1.25 per day, based on about a 180 day school year. That's about 8 hours of parking too. It's much more at the metro or to park at a metered spot in town.

4. There is no reason you HAVE to drive to school. It's only about a 30-45 minute time difference in waking up. Any one can work and take the bus to school. The bus I would take to get home only takes about 10 minutes longer than me to get to my street.

5. If you can't afford it, too bad.

None of this is bias, as I drive to school and pay for a spot myself.

mj91 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> 1. Kids driving to school doesn't change the bus
> route. Unless there is a neighborhood, that a bus
> has to go out of its way to get to, with an
> unusually high amount of student drivers, the
> county isn't going to save money by those kids
> driving to school.
>

I am not biased for or against the parking fee either, but the above is simply not true. Bus schedules and routes are determined based in part on historical data regarding numbers of kids needing bus transportation. The percentage of juniors/seniors driving to school is relatively consistent year to year. If they all suddenly stopped driving, the county would definitely need more buses to get them to school.

>
> I am not biased for or against the parking fee
> either, but the above is simply not true. Bus
> schedules and routes are determined based in part
> on historical data regarding numbers of kids
> needing bus transportation. The percentage of
> juniors/seniors driving to school is relatively
> consistent year to year. If they all suddenly
> stopped driving, the county would definitely need
> more buses to get them to school.

Less than half of juniors and seniors drive to school (i would guess). Buses are usually not even half way filled. My bus has maybe 10-15 kids on it in the morning, more in the afternoon, but every one has a seat to them self. Now unless there is an area with a high density of people who drive to school, the bus still has to pass that location to pick up the people who don't drive to school. Yes, they may have to stop more often, but they are still driving the same general route, each bus may have to drive a total of a half mile more each day.

Whats interesting on this thread is that a bunch of Mountain View dropouts have been able to figure this all out instead of the transportation folks who have gotten everybody to school successfully for the past 60 years Do us a big favor and someone please start a "I was expelled for no reason and have to go to school in another state" thread so everyone can contribute to something they have first hand knowledge of///

> Less than half of juniors and seniors drive to
> school (i would guess).

If so (and I would throw in 20% of 10th graders), you are talking about nearly 15,000 students who do not ride the bus.


Buses are usually not even
> half way filled. My bus has maybe 10-15 kids on it
> in the morning, more in the afternoon, but every
> one has a seat to them self.

One bus does not make an accurate example. Given how tight the budget is, I would be shocked if the buses don't run at 80% capacity. If not, someone needs to get fired.

Now unless there is
> an area with a high density of people who drive to
> school, the bus still has to pass that location to
> pick up the people who don't drive to school. Yes,
> they may have to stop more often, but they are
> still driving the same general route, each bus may
> have to drive a total of a half mile more each
> day.


Not true, if above arguments are valid.

Transporting students is super expensive. The above example (earlier post) cited nearly $1,000,000 annually just to transport 256 students.

If all these UNAPPRECIATED students were smart they would not drive for a week and all wait for the bus. That would be a hoot when thousands of kids can't make it to school because FCPS does not have enough buses.

Maybe then the SB would rethink this assanine driving tax levied on taxpaying parents.

The Board voted to jack the rate up $50 per year and estimated that it would bring in about $300,000 more per year. That is equal to about 6000 parking permits. Given 25 high schools, that's about 240 cars per school.

Drive by West Springfield HS and see how many cars are parked along Rolling Road (outside of school property). A lot of kids drive and park on the neighborhood streets.

Most of these kids need to drive because of sports or work-it really is not a luxury.

many of these kids are working to pay for their skyrocketing college tuition once they graduate. The charges are really unwarranted and I would argue unfair given that the faculty gets to park for free. For those arguing about wear and tear on the parking lots, blame the buses and the staff as well.

FCPS numbers Wrote:

>
> Drive by West Springfield HS and see how many cars
> are parked along Rolling Road (outside of school
> property). A lot of kids drive and park on the
> neighborhood streets.
>
>

LOLcat would Towed dem carz for a smallish Fee!

VDOT or the county will be happy to post up signs saying no parking 7 to 230 school days along rolling rd if you call them.

Students need a car to drive to sporting events? Nonsense, they can ride the late bus or if not availible then parents can pick them up. if both parents work then how about carpooling. if that doesnt work then a car maybe justified, but a BMW isn;t neccesary and cirtainly the number of students in that particular situation is a lot less than the number of students who are currently driving to a particular school.

KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Students need a car to drive to sporting events?
> Nonsense, they can ride the late bus or if not
> availible then parents can pick them up. if both
> parents work then how about carpooling. if that
> doesnt work then a car maybe justified, but a BMW
> isn;t neccesary and cirtainly the number of
> students in that particular situation is a lot
> less than the number of students who are currently
> driving to a particular school.

WTF does the BMW reference have to do with anything? Sports participants are in no way guaranteed a ride home on any late bus. Most parents work, and can't pick up from sporting events, which includes daily practice. Carpooling can help a little, but many high school drivers still have restrictions on how many passengers they can have in the car.

-SBS- Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > Students need a car to drive to sporting
> events?
> > Nonsense, they can ride the late bus or if not
> > availible then parents can pick them up. if
> both
> > parents work then how about carpooling. if that
> > doesnt work then a car maybe justified, but a
> BMW
> > isn;t neccesary and cirtainly the number of
> > students in that particular situation is a lot
> > less than the number of students who are
> currently
> > driving to a particular school.
>
> WTF does the BMW reference have to do with
> anything? Sports participants are in no way
> guaranteed a ride home on any late bus. Most
> parents work, and can't pick up from sporting
> events, which includes daily practice. Carpooling
> can help a little, but many high school drivers
> still have restrictions on how many passengers
> they can have in the car.


Bullshit, I garuntee there are 3 BMW;s in each student parking lot, possibly 1 in the faculty of each school. Ask any teenager, how many of them follow the driving restrictions or are 18 and they are not affected? "Most" parents work? I am pulling this number out of my ass, but i want to say less than 30% of students of driving age have both parents working such hours that the student cannot use either of their cars

there are certain programs in which some students are enrolled that driving is useful, or sometimes needed. such as academy courses (however, buses are provided for that, but it is useful to drive since you wouldn't have to catch two different buses in the morning if you had an academy class for first block) or peer mediation, in which there are no buses provided, and high school students must drive to and from the elementary schools.

also, due to the cut back on late buses within the county because of budget cuts, driving is also useful because it gives students the ability to stay after longer on late bus days, or not on late bus days, to receive help or make up assignments. for example, at my school, there is only one day for late buses now when there used to be two, and the day they kept was the shorter one of the two.

FCPS numbers Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Most of these kids need to drive because of sports
> or work-it really is not a luxury.

Maybe it isn't a luxury in the true definition of the word, but playing sports is a choice and, honestly, if you are working, you can afford the $200.

I'd gripe about the fee, but, I know I would end up paying it too. Knowing you have a spot in the lot instead of having to leave early to find something on the side of the road, well, is a luxury. I left at 7:15 for a 7:30 start..that was by far a luxury. My alarm was blaring as the school bus went by.

I'm surprised the SB didn't raise this earlier, although, I wonder just how many times they will raise this in the coming years. They are running out of places to gouge people.

If you don't want to pay the fee, then tell your parents and neighbors to start paying more property taxes on their houses. I'm sure they will gladly oblige.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> They can't re-write the bus routes every year to
> ensure that each bus is operating at max capacity
> (and efficiency), so how else do they compensate
> for the money being spent on services that people
> are not using? A bake sale?


Yum! Cookies! Bake sales fix all problems because EVERYONE loves a little 3:00 pick me up.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being vague is almost as fun as that other thing.

Parkymon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Welcome to the real world. I paid about $45 to
> park the last time I was in DC for a meeting. A
> whole year for $200, that's a bargain, it should
> probably be more.


Ha ha ha! Parkymon? That's awesome. Yes, DC is a festering shit hole with ridiculous parking fees. $200 for the year isn't anything to bitch about.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being vague is almost as fun as that other thing.

KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Bullshit, I garuntee there are 3 BMW;s in each
> student parking lot, possibly 1 in the faculty of
> each school. Ask any teenager, how many of them
> follow the driving restrictions or are 18 and they
> are not affected? "Most" parents work? I am
> pulling this number out of my ass, but i want to
> say less than 30% of students of driving age have
> both parents working such hours that the student
> cannot use either of their cars

Ok, 3 student BMW's in the lot out of what, 250-300 cars? What's your point?

So, now you're encouraging teen drivers to ignore the restrictions on their licenses? Brilliant! The age of 18 has nothing to do with the passenger restrictions. The restriction exists for 1 year from when they get their license. Granted, most seniors wouldn't have to worry about it.

So, the student can use one of their parent's cars. A car's a car, and the parking fee will still have to be paid. Again, what's your point?

I don't think the $200 parking fee is that big a deal, but some of the arguments in this thread, including yours, are lame.

Since the school system thinks we're all rich, they should cater to those willing to pay a premium for premium service. For example, they could offer first-class bus service for those willing to pay a fee. Upgraded seating, entertainment systems, more direct routes to school, catered snacks and beverages. And no having to share your bus with the riff-raff.

Likewise, how about valet parking at school? Who wouldn't pay extra to just pull up to the front door and toss your keys to the uniformed attendant?

And lunch? Who wants to sit in a noisy cafeteria eating nasty food? The first-class cafe would feature table service, gourmet meals, live music, and tutors who would do your homework while you dine.

The possibilities are endless.

ghost who walks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Since the school system thinks we're all rich,
> they should cater to those willing to pay a
> premium for premium service. For example, they
> could offer first-class bus service for those
> willing to pay a fee. Upgraded seating,
> entertainment systems, more direct routes to
> school, catered snacks and beverages. And no
> having to share your bus with the riff-raff.
>
> Likewise, how about valet parking at school? Who
> wouldn't pay extra to just pull up to the front
> door and toss your keys to the uniformed
> attendant?
>
> And lunch? Who wants to sit in a noisy cafeteria
> eating nasty food? The first-class cafe would
> feature table service, gourmet meals, live music,
> and tutors who would do your homework while you
> dine.
>
> The possibilities are endless.


These services are all available,free of charge-to the folks at Gatehouse.

Complimentary parking, taxpayer subsidized meals in the employee cafe, free gym membership, company cars, expense accounts.

No wonder they have to charge the parents for parking!

-SBS-- Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > Bullshit, I garuntee there are 3 BMW;s in each
> > student parking lot, possibly 1 in the faculty
> of
> > each school. Ask any teenager, how many of them
> > follow the driving restrictions or are 18 and
> they
> > are not affected? "Most" parents work? I am
> > pulling this number out of my ass, but i want
> to
> > say less than 30% of students of driving age
> have
> > both parents working such hours that the
> student
> > cannot use either of their cars
>
> Ok, 3 student BMW's in the lot out of what,
> 250-300 cars? What's your point?
>

A teenager does not need a BMW when an Accord will work jsut as well. Plus its cheaper to fix/repair when they crash it

> So, now you're encouraging teen drivers to ignore
> the restrictions on their licenses? Brilliant!
> The age of 18 has nothing to do with the passenger
> restrictions. The restriction exists for 1 year
> from when they get their license. Granted, most
> seniors wouldn't have to worry about it.

good job reading my post. What i said was that many teens ignore the restriction. But it doesn't make a difference if i am encouraging them to ignore it or not. And the restriction goes for 1 year or until they reach age 18, whichever is first.
source: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/restrictions.asp

>
> So, the student can use one of their parent's
> cars. A car's a car, and the parking fee will
> still have to be paid. Again, what's your point?

The person rides the bus home and then takes the car to the afterschool activity/work. Thus they dont pay to park
>
> I don't think the $200 parking fee is that big a
> deal, but some of the arguments in this thread,
> such as mine, are lame.
Corrected

KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The student parking lots have to be maintained. This
> means repaving, snow removal, and line painting to
> name a few. All these things cost money to do.

isnt this all covered by the county and not the school system?


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My school was dirt poor, and my trip to South Lakes
> this weekend made me realize that people down here
> have no idea how good they have it in comparison to
> other places in the country.

it seems like you are using a "if i cant have it, nobody can" mentality.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

I just don't get why people are so upset. It's not a mandatory fee, if you don't like it, don't drive or find somewhere else to park.

gadush Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I just don't get why people are so upset. It's not
> a mandatory fee, if you don't like it, don't drive
> or find somewhere else to park.


In last night's board meeting, they also approved the following fees:

$100 per year for student's who play musical instruments and participate in chorus.

$150 per year for athletics

$75 for kids who are in SGA (to cover the cost of the sponsor's salary)

$50 per year for Yearbook Club

$75 for Fellowship of Christian Athletes

$100 for Future Business Leaders of America

$125 for Chess Club

And finally, a $30 annual toll for walkers because they put excessive wear and tear on the sidewalks leading up to school.

All of these activities are optional and noone should complain about these fees. They hope to raise about $3.5 million per year and the money will be used to expand Foreign Language In Elem Schools so kids can learn a few phrases in Japanese, Russian and Italian.

What a country!!

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > My school was dirt poor, and my trip to South
> Lakes
> > this weekend made me realize that people down
> here
> > have no idea how good they have it in comparison
> to
> > other places in the country.
>
> it seems like you are using a "if i cant have it,
> nobody can" mentality.

Oh, I have no problem with them having it. But if I (and many, many others) can get through school AND have a job without it, then they don't need it. People are confusing "rights" with "privileges." And, at around $1.00 a day, it's still cheaper than the poor schlubs that have to take public transportation every day.

Considering that you have to pay much more for parking when you become an adult, I think this is actually a good way for them to get accustomed to the idea.

Their parents are paying for the bus system anyway. If they're dumb enough to pay $200 on top of that, plus gas, insurance, and maintenance for little Gaylord's car so he doesn't have to stand outside when it's cold, then fuck 'em.

To the kids who are working, paying for their own car, AND student parking: you will do well in the real world, and I congratulate you.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, I have no problem with them having it. But if
> I (and many, many others) can get through school
> AND have a job without it, then they don't need it.

i think it's more of a "wtf, why are you charging more than last year?!"
strangely enough though, the bus system does need it lest it collapse under the load of all the students.


> Considering that you have to pay much more for
> parking when you become an adult

when you are an adult, you have an income


> I think this is actually a good way for them to
> get accustomed to the idea.

oh come on, that's just stupid! by that logic you should start charging your kids rent!


> Their parents are paying for the bus system anyway.

no, tax payers are paying for it, there is a BIG difference.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----

>
> > Considering that you have to pay much more for
> > parking when you become an adult
>
> when you are an adult, you have an income
>

And since when can high school kids not have income?

or atleast make enough money to maintain their car and its related expenses

isnt this all covered by the county and not the school system?

The school system has its own facilities division that maintains its properties.

The county barely gets around to its own government centers for maintenance.

Yorkis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And since when can high school kids not have
> income?

i didnt say they couldnt, im saying they dont with exception of a few. additionally, i think it's unhealthy to have a child go to school and have a job because working every waking hour will definitely take a toll on their education.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."