I have been reading the recent posts about what is going on with SOCO. This is really absurd what the current SB is doing these days. There seem to be no sense of true integrity or credibility among most SBMs. If these SS's from SOCO all have the same curriculums (AP, etc) then it should't be too hard to redistrict among these SSs. However with MT Vernon being an IB school, I would expect to see more of a resistance when and if redistricting kids to MV (should be done in all fairness to what happened to West County). By the way, in today's article from the Fairfax Times (Herndon), the AP vs IB debate is still heating up. Stu Gibson has made this quote from the article:

"Those are the three IB schools (Stuart, Mount Vernon and SL) fed by IB middle-years schools. The kids who took the SAT last year were in the seventh grade when each of those middle-years programs started. Coincidence? I don't think so".

Baffled Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have been reading the recent posts about what is
> going on with SOCO. This is really absurd what
> the current SB is doing these days. There seem to
> be no sense of true integrity or credibility among
> most SBMs. If these SS's from SOCO all have the
> same curriculums (AP, etc) then it should't be too
> hard to redistrict among these SSs. However with
> MT Vernon being an IB school, I would expect to
> see more of a resistance when and if redistricting
> kids to MV (should be done in all fairness to what
> happened to West County). By the way, in today's
> article from the Fairfax Times (Herndon), the AP
> vs IB debate is still heating up. Stu Gibson has
> made this quote from the article:
>
> "Those are the three IB schools (Stuart, Mount
> Vernon and SL) fed by IB middle-years schools.
> The kids who took the SAT last year were in the
> seventh grade when each of those middle-years
> programs started. Coincidence? I don't think
> so".

The other IB diploma high schools like Robinson and marshall don't have IB middle years for the middle schools. Maybe Gibson is worried about losing the funding since it is clear that Robinson and Kilmer are producing successful IB diploma students without the extra costs.

To all Fairfax County residence, see what money buys.

See what political leaders promise with your money.

See their statements;


Thank you to the following community leaders for their support:

"The Board of Supervisors and School Board need to address the problem of overcrowding in schools, especially in the southern part of the Mount Vernon District and accelerate the construction of the Laurel Hill Middle School. The need for a Middle School is clear and please be assured, I consider it a top priority. I continue to work with Fairfax County's Congressional delegation, the Fairfax County School Board, and the residents of the Laurel Hill, Lorton and Mason Neck communities to make this need a reality."

Gerry Hyland, Mount Vernon District Supervisor

"The South County area has experienced unprecedented residential development -- never in the history of Fairfax County has so much development occurred in such a short time! And with so much development comes kids… a lot of kids. Fairfax County Schools has provided a community High School and an Elementary School for 2009, but they have failed to deliver a Middle School, thus causing overcrowding and forcing neighborhood children to be bused to schools outside their community. Even more maddening is the fact that the land for this school is sitting vacant and is free of charge! If the County is going to allow this out of control development, then they must also build schools. Please help our group of South County parents tell the School Board and Board of Supervisors that we need a middle school and we need it now."

Delegate Dave Albo, Virginia's 42nd District

From upset, they need to redistrict schools in south county and save money due to the budget CRISIS.

To all in western fairfax, did the school board do this for your ES and MS?????

I THINK NOT.

What the school board is doing for the people in south county;



Support for a “Community School” Model: The support and appropriate environment/opportunity exist to pursue the building of the South County Middle School by utilizing the “community school” concept.

Question; Are they using our tax dollars in south county?

RD PARENT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To all in western fairfax, did the school board do
> this for your ES and MS?????
>
> I THINK NOT.
>
> What the school board is doing for the people in
> south county;
>
>
>
> Support for a “Community School” Model: The
> support and appropriate environment/opportunity
> exist to pursue the building of the South County
> Middle School by utilizing the “community school”
> concept.
>
> Question; Are they using our tax dollars in south
> county?



ADD ONE MORE TO THE LIST;

Complete the South County Pyramid and keep South County children in South County.

THIS GROUP MAKES THE BOS AND THE SB JUMP.

MONEY GIVES THESE PEOPLE POWER AND THEY GET WHAT THEY WANT FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS.

Members of the Federation


COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTH COUNTY FEDERATION

The South County Federation is an "umbrella" group composed of many homeowners, civic and citizens associations. The following list consist of some of the communities that are represented by the South County Federation:

Afton Glen
Barrington
Crosspointe
Gunston Corner THOA
Gunston Manor
Gunston Square
Hallowing Point Civic Assoc
Harbor View
Hollymeade
Laurel Hill Community Association
Laurel Highlands
Lorton Station
Mason Neck Civic Association
Newington Woods
The Non-Aligned Caucus
Occoquan Overlook
Overlook Point
Saratoga Community Association
Shepherd Hills
Springfield Oaks
Shirley Acres
Silverbrook Hunt
Southpointe
Spring Hill
Stone Manor
Wildwood
Williamsburg Square


WHAT HAVE THEY GOTTEN SO FAR FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS;

NEW SOUTH COUNTY SECONDARY SCHOOL.

SOON TO BE BUILT LAUREL HILL ES.

SOON TO BE BUILT MIDDLE SCHOOL.

DOES NOT SOUND RIGHT TO ME.

The South County Federation group is pretty intense. They are pushing for the middle school.

Their Land Use Committe Chairman is Linwood Gorham who donated to Dan Storck. ALL of Dan's donors come from SOCO neighborhoods. Dan is bought and paid for.

This SOCO middle school nonsense needs to stop. Take it off the table immediately. It is not needed and wasteful.

There are so many pressing issues in this school district-dropouts, teen pregnancy, gigantic minority achievement gaps.

When are these elected knuckleheads going to deal with the actual problems?

Storck should be ashamed of himself and should not be SB Chair.

SCHOOL BOARD

YOU MISMANAGED SOUTH COUNTY FROM THE START AND NOW SOUTH COUNTY PEOPLE WANT A MIDDLE SCHOOL NOW FOR COMMUNITY BASED SCHOOLS.

YOU DID NOT DO THIS IN WESTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY? WHY?

STUDENTS IN WESTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY ARE BEING BUSED ALL OVER THE PLACE, HAVE BEEN REDISTRICTED AND HAVE ALL KINDS OF SPLIT FEEDER SCHOOLS.


THE QUESTION IS WHY? FAVORS FOR THE RICH? AND SCREW THE POOR.

I THINK SO.

NOW YOU MUST FACE GREEN SHIRTS.

THE 10 MILLION DOLLARS DOES NOT BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH COUNTY, IT SHOULD BELONG TO ALL FAIRFAX COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

Dean Tistadt

You have stated several times that the best way to fix over capacity at SOCO was to do a boundary study in the fall.

You did a boundary study in western fairfax county and hurt people/students. Now you better do the same thing in SOCO.

Do not cave to politics, money and power.

We are going to hold you to your statements.

NO ADDITION NO NEW SCHOOL REDISTRICT SOCO NOW





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.

To: the entire School Board and all FCPS officials 3/28/08

Last night at your meeting, ten people spoke in favor of a new middle school in south county. Based upon your reaction, the SB looked at a lose for words/ideas on how to deal with several options that were presented.

Remember, South County secondary school is over capacity because the school board caved in to pressure from SOCO parents who did not want to go to Hayfield or Lee and mismanaged the entire process.

Options;

Boundary study for SOCO. THIS IS MY OPTION

Add a wing for ten million, with money from the BOS.

Modular units.

New middle school.

All of the above has to be done during a severe budget crisis during the next four to six years.

Also, it is clear to me that you are treating South County in a special way, which you did not do in Western Fairfax County with issues of over or under capacity at FCPS.

Ten people plead their case to you and you are willing to do what they want. On the other hand, thousands of students/parents pleaded their case to you REGARDING NO REDISTRICTING and you did not do what they wanted.

THE QUESTION IS WHY?

MONEY? POLITICS? FAVORITISM? DISCRIMINATION?

What I see is a school board that does not know how to deal with on going changes in the FCPS system and has no plans of action.

At the very least you must treat parents and students the same way.

Your Eternal,

WATCHDOG

Lee Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The South County Federation group is pretty
> intense. They are pushing for the middle school.
>
> Their Land Use Committe Chairman is Linwood Gorham
> who donated to Dan Storck. ALL of Dan's donors
> come from SOCO neighborhoods. Dan is bought and
> paid for.
>
> This SOCO middle school nonsense needs to stop.
> Take it off the table immediately. It is not
> needed and wasteful.
>
> There are so many pressing issues in this school
> district-dropouts, teen pregnancy, gigantic
> minority achievement gaps.
>
> When are these elected knuckleheads going to deal
> with the actual problems?
>
> Storck should be ashamed of himself and should not
> be SB Chair.

Bradsher said some junk about they are the only people who have to build their own school - what BS. They would be the only people who have to build their own because others GET ON THE BUS or PUPIL PLACE. Over 10 years ago when people got moved from herndon to Langley many pupil placed. Taxes paid for the renovation at hayfield and Lake braddock. Anyone see a completely done redo at herndon HS?

Mr. Storck

Your report card.


South County, South County, South County.

This is all Dan Storck talks about. More money for SOCO, more money, more money, more money.

What about Dan's OTHER middle schools?

Has he been paying attention to any of them over the last five years?

Let's see how they are doing.



KEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

YEAR 3 Did not make AYP

20% of all 7th graders failed the Reading tests- 75% higher than the FCPS average and worse than VA averages.

27% of all 8th graders failed the Reading tests-60% higher than the FCPS average and worse than VA averages.

In 19 out of 22 different demographic categories, Reading scores worsened over the last 2 years-scores are not improving.

61% of all 7th graders failed the Math tests-a failure rate nearly double of other FCPS schools.

28% of all 8th graders failed the Math tests-65% higher than FCPS averages and worse than VA averages.

In 11 different demographic groups for 8th grade Math-scores worsened in every category.

COULD THIS SCHOOL USE SOME OF DAN'S ATTENTION?



TWAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

YEAR 4 Did not make AYP

23% of all 7th graders failed the Reading tests-nearly double the FCPS failure rate and worse than VA averages.

48% of Latino 7th graders failed the Reading tests-this failure rate doubled from the prior year.

22% of 8th graders failed the Reading tests-showing no improvement over the last two years.

47% of Latino 8th graders failed the Reading tests-this failure rate doubled from the prior two years.

In 19 out of 22 different demographic groups, Reading scores worsened over the last 2 years.

79% of all 7th graders failed the Math tests-a rate 130% higher than FCPS and 80% above VA averages.

85% of African Americans and 87% of Latinos failed the 7th grade Math tests.

33% of 8th graders failed the Math tests-a rate double of FCPS averages.

41% of African Americans and 51% of Latinos failed the 8th grade Math tests-both showing increases over the last 2 years.

Students with disabilities-the ones who need Dan's advocacy the most, had a higher failure rate than VA averages in all 8 categories.

COULD THIS SCHOOL USE TWO MILLION DOLLARS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION OF THESE STUDENTS?>



SANDBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL

YEAR 3 Did not make AYP

55% of all 7th graders failed the Math tests, including a failure rate of 74% for Blacks and 68% for Latinos.

30% of all 8th graders failed the Reading tests, including a failure rate of 46% for Blacks and 56% for Latinos.

32% of all 8th graders failed the Math tests, including a failure rate of 48% for Blacks and 58% for Latinos.

Students identified as disadvantaged, had a higher failure rate in EVERY category in comparison to VA averages.

WHITMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

YEAR 2 Did not make AYP

59% of all 7th graders failed Math tests, including 70% failures for Blacks and 59% for Latinos.

80% of students with disabilities failed the math tests-well above FCPS and VA averages.

28% of 8th graders failed the Reading tests-showing no improvement over the last 2 years.

Students with disabilities had a higher failure rate in every category (except 1) relative to VA averages.

COULD ANY OF THE ABOVE SCHOOLS USE THE TEN MILLION DOLLARS DAN WANTS TO SPEND ON A NEW ADDITION TO THE SOUTH COUNTY SECONDARY SCHOOL?

I think so.



Given all these failures, why does Dan Storck continue to demand resources and funds for The SOCO community.

Stop ignoring your stepchildren Dan!! Pay attention to ALL of your schools or step down.

WATCHDOG

Race and gangs, etc... exist at ALL high schools in ths county. OHS CHS WHS have other issues, like DRINKING, DRUGGING, and lately actually dealing drugs. I know kids that do nothing on the weekend but DRINK have sex parties and listen to rap music, then go home and try and act like the nerds their parents think they are.

Their is a real substance abuse problem with the kids in high school now, and all you parents are worried about is if Chad and Buffy will have to go to SLHS, GET A CLUE!!! SL is a fine school and contarary to popular belief it is made up of more than 80% white kids. It has problems like other schools, but to my knowledge they haven't had the drug and drinking problems that OHS CHS and WHS have, they haven't produced a mass murderer or cop killer, no sensational drunk driving, someone gets killed stories and haven't had a teacher brought up on pedifile charges. The elitist atitude that some of these parents have is far more disgusting than anything that happens at SLHS.

It's very sad that in 2008 we are still having issues with priveldged white kids going to school with minorites, these suburban parents with their SUV's and lake houses better wake up and smell the ethnic food cooking, DIVERSITY is the spice of life.

News Flash, the year is 2008 not 1958!!!!

Isn't today the deadline for FxCAPS to file the injunction against RD?

Just wonderin.

Well the police just busted 37 students at WHS so that should help clean up that school. They will probably do the same with Oakton and Chantilly shortly.

BOS $10 million equals a FREE wing and SOCO issue goes away for years at no real cost to the School Board. Win - Win. If they don't want it, I'll take it.

What are you trying to say or prove with this statement, and where do you get the data?

"it is made up of more than 80% white kids"

Well put Are_You_Serious. These people are disgustingly out of line.

And the actual percentage is closer to 50%, but that is really beside the point; Half the school is white, thats still way more than the 'real' world but some of you parents are still too scared to send your kids to school with a few minorities.

[http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:3523689762291730::::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:320]

I understand the lawsuit against the RD has been filed today in Fairfax General Court. Time to take a deep breath and cross our fingers...

Know something Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I understand the lawsuit against the RD has been
> filed today in Fairfax General Court. Time to
> take a deep breath and cross our fingers...

Nice, now the already broke FCPS system has to spend money on this too. Way to take money away from the kids.

Lopter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Know something Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I understand the lawsuit against the RD has
> been
> > filed today in Fairfax General Court. Time to
> > take a deep breath and cross our fingers...
>
> Nice, now the already broke FCPS system has to
> spend money on this too. Way to take money away
> from the kids.

The budget is bloated...it should be cut further. Too many nice to have vs. need to have anyway.

Also, corruption and injustice should not be tolerated, regardless of the cost.

Got Injunction? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Isn't today the deadline for FxCAPS to file the injunction against RD?
>
> Just wonderin.

Since there is no statutory provision for an appeal of this issue, there is no deadline!

Know something Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I understand the lawsuit against the RD has been filed today in Fairfax General
> Court. Time to take a deep breath and cross our fingers...

Fairfax General District Court does not have jurisdiction on this issue.

If it were to be filed, it would be in Fairfax Circuit Court, or (far less likely) the Federal District Court in Alexandria.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/28/2008 10:01PM by Thomas More.

UPSET Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dean Tistadt
>
> You have stated several times that the best way to
> fix over capacity at SOCO was to do a boundary
> study in the fall.
>
> You did a boundary study in western fairfax county
> and hurt people/students. Now you better do the
> same thing in SOCO.
>
> Do not cave to politics, money and power.
>
> We are going to hold you to your statements.
>
> NO ADDITION NO NEW SCHOOL REDISTRICT SOCO
> NOW
>

FCPS staff and school board readily admit that the recent redistricting was VERY contentious. Why would they sign themselves up for that again when they can find an alternative? Just as no neighborhood wanted to be forced into South Lakes, no community wants to leave South County.

There is no way that staff and school board are going to go through another nasty high school redistricting. It's MUCH easier to give South County what they want.

Liz Bradsher spoke out strongly in support of South Lakes redistricting. Does anyone doubt that Stu will return the favor for Liz and South County?

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------


>
> > "Those are the three IB schools (Stuart, Mount
> > Vernon and SL) fed by IB middle-years schools.
> > The kids who took the SAT last year were in the
> > seventh grade when each of those middle-years
> > programs started. Coincidence? I don't think
> > so".
>
> The other IB diploma high schools like Robinson
> and marshall don't have IB middle years for the
> middle schools. Maybe Gibson is worried about
> losing the funding since it is clear that Robinson
> and Kilmer are producing successful IB diploma
> students without the extra costs.

Stu isn't worried about losing his program. No program in FCPS ever goes away, especially if their SB member wants it. It's never about what is cost effective or what the community wants, it's about what staff and school board wants.

But I guess you already knew that..............

taxpayer Wrote:
-

> Bradsher said some junk about they are the only
> people who have to build their own school - what
> BS. They would be the only people who have to
> build their own because others GET ON THE BUS or
> PUPIL PLACE. Over 10 years ago when people got
> moved from herndon to Langley many pupil placed.
> Taxes paid for the renovation at hayfield and Lake
> braddock. Anyone see a completely done redo at
> herndon HS?

South County CHOSE to build a school because they didn't want to go to Hayfield, and Mt. Vernon. They wanted their OWN school, and they got it. The School Board did what they wanted and over crowded the school from day one. Then they sent some back to Hayfield. South County is STILL over crowded and people there STILL do not want to go to Hayfield, Lake Braddock, or Mt Vernon, all under enrolled schools. After the redistricting of South Lakes, the school board and staff don't have the stomach for doing it again. Also, they know now that all that effort was for nothing since so many are pupil placing back into their AP schools. Redistricting is too much effort, too much work for everyone, too difficult, and it doesn't work anyway. There is NO way they will do it again in South County. They learned their lesson with South Lakes. They won't repeat their mistake.

Oh my God!! What a bunch of whiners on this blog!! You people are upset because parents in Southern Fairfax County educate about and advocate on behalf of the interests of their children instead of just moaning and groaning about it??

What an outrage! Citizens joining together on issues of common interest -- what would our Founding Fathers have thought?! How can we allow citizens to participate this way in a democracy!

And what about the money! My God, we certainly can't allow citizens to support elected officials who share their views and have the integrity to do what is right in the face of such demagoguery.

What losers you are spending all your time complaining instead of getting off your asses, turning off your computers and actually learning the facts, developing solutions and taking part in the democratic process. When you fail where others succeed you see only "corruption."

If you took just 1% of the time you bitch and moan about how powerless you are and instead spent it participating in the political process, you might actually realize how ignorant and uniformed you are. You also might make a difference!

Thank God we have public servants with integrity such as Connolly, Hyland, Herrity, Storck and Bradsher who will not be shouted down by the cybermob, and shame on any elected officials in Fairfax County give any credence to such whining.

Perhaps you should spend a little time watching the HBO miniseries on John Adams to learn what democracy really means.

I now await your baseless accusations about politicians being bought and corrupted by money and power and my devious role in the scandalous process of democracy.

Are you serious said:

>>>>it is made up of more than 80% white kids<<<<

Are YOU Serious? There is NO high school in FCPS that is 80% white. Madison is the whitest high school and it only has 74% white students.
http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:3972682496454798::::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:060

South Lakes is majority minority and has been for years. Currently, South Lakes is 45% white.

http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:217354376870961::::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:320

Why do you South Lakes people continue to make up stupid lies that so easy to check? What might your point be?

SOCO-LOCO Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BOS $10 million equals a FREE wing and SOCO issue
> goes away for years at no real cost to the School
> Board. Win - Win. If they don't want it, I'll
> take it.

The real cost is to every single child in FCPS who will be in a class with more students next year because that $10 million went to South County rather than the school board budget, to prevent an increase in class size.

de Tocqueville Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh my God!! What a bunch of whiners on this
> blog!! You people are upset because parents in
> Southern Fairfax County educate about and advocate
> on behalf of the interests of their children
> instead of just moaning and groaning about it??
>
> What an outrage! Citizens joining together on
> issues of common interest -- what would our
> Founding Fathers have thought?! How can we allow
> citizens to participate this way in a democracy!
>
>
> And what about the money! My God, we certainly
> can't allow citizens to support elected officials
> who share their views and have the integrity to do
> what is right in the face of such demagoguery.
>
> What losers you are spending all your time
> complaining instead of getting off your asses,
> turning off your computers and actually learning
> the facts, developing solutions and taking part in
> the democratic process. When you fail where
> others succeed you see only "corruption."
>
> If you took just 1% of the time you bitch and moan
> about how powerless you are and instead spent it
> participating in the political process, you might
> actually realize how ignorant and uniformed you
> are. You also might make a difference!
>
> Thank God we have public servants with integrity
> such as Connolly, Hyland, Herrity, Storck and
> Bradsher who will not be shouted down by the
> cybermob, and shame on any elected officials in
> Fairfax County give any credence to such whining.
>
> Perhaps you should spend a little time watching
> the HBO miniseries on John Adams to learn what
> democracy really means.
>
> I now await your baseless accusations about
> politicians being bought and corrupted by money
> and power and my devious role in the scandalous
> process of democracy.

Tell it to the people in Floris and Fox Mill who have spent MONTHS lobbying the school board for their interests, only to be told, by Liz Bradsher, that the schools do not belong to them, to sit down and shut up and take what she decides to give them, South Lakes.

Some people count, some don't. Some people have to be redistricted and go to schools they don't want to attend, and some don't.

So much for your version of democracy. How nice for you that our school board shares your views.

Ever notice how people who are getting what they want always call those who don't, whiners? And then they call it 'democracy' because they got what they wanted?

TO

Re: high school redistricting
Posted by: de Tocqueville (IP Logged)
Date: March 29, 2008 02:20AM

YOU AND YOUR GROUP ARE WHAT GIVES POLITICS ITS BAD NAME. YOU BUY EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND YOU DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OTHERS.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO BE TREATED IN A DIFFERENT WAY FROM OTHERS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY? MONEY?

YOU ARE A BUNCH OF RACIST WHO DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS WITH MINORITY STUDENTS.

WE ARE TIRED OF THE ON GOING BULL SHIT THAT COMES OUT OF SOCO AND WE ARE TIRED OF THE BS THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF STORCK AND BRADSHER AND OTHER SB MEMBERS.

YOU AND YOUR GROUP ARE THE CRY BABIES, IF YOU DO NOT GET WHAT YOU WANT YOU GO HOME WITH YOUR BALL. NO, YOU GO HOME WITH YOUR MONEY.

BECAUSE THEY ARE CORRUPT, THEY WANT AND NEED YOUR MONEY, SO THEY GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT.

MAYBE YOU SHOULD WATCH THE NEWS REGARDING HOW MANY CORRUPT ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE IN TROUBLE. JUST ASK THE GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.

I had enough of SOCO. There are almost 170,000 students in the FCPS system and they all need to be treated in the same way by the BOS and the School Board.

NO FAVORITISM

NO DISCRIMINATION

NO SPECIAL DEALS FOR THE WEALTHY

NO POLITICS

NO CHANGING OF THE RULES FOR THE ELITE GROUPS

NO SELF INTEREST GROUP SCHOOL MOVES AHEAD OF OTHER SCHOOLS ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LIST

NO MONEY FOR ELITE GROUPS WISH LISTS

SOCO HAS TO BE REDISTRICTED JUST LIKE WESTERN COUNTY WAS IN ORDER TO FILL THE EMPTY SEATS AT LAKE BRADDOCK, LEE AND HAYFIELD.

SOCO NEEDS TO FEEL THE PAIN LIKE OTHERS HAVE IN WESTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY WITH ALMOST TEN REDISTRICTINGS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.

SOCO NEEDS TO FEEL THE PAIN OF SPLIT FEEDER SCHOOLS JUST LIKE OTHER STUDENTS HAVE IN OTHER PARTS OF FAIRFAX COUNTY.

SOCO NEEDS TO FEEL THE PAIN OF GOING ON A SCHOOL BUS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND TRAVELING RIGHT PAST THE SCHOOL THAT THEY SHOULD BE GOING TO.

ONE FINAL NOTE TO Tocqueville, you are full of shit and your day is coming that your money will not buy you or your kids what they want. Get with the real world.

Maybe you need to watch the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and see how very little has changed regarding corrupt politicians and elected officials.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> de Tocqueville Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Oh my God!! What a bunch of whiners on this
> > blog!! You people are upset because parents in
> > Southern Fairfax County educate about and
> advocate
> > on behalf of the interests of their children
> > instead of just moaning and groaning about it??
>
> >
> > What an outrage! Citizens joining together on
> > issues of common interest -- what would our
> > Founding Fathers have thought?! How can we
> allow
> > citizens to participate this way in a democracy!
>
> >
> >
> > And what about the money! My God, we certainly
> > can't allow citizens to support elected
> officials
> > who share their views and have the integrity to
> do
> > what is right in the face of such demagoguery.
> >
> > What losers you are spending all your time
> > complaining instead of getting off your asses,
> > turning off your computers and actually
> learning
> > the facts, developing solutions and taking part
> in
> > the democratic process. When you fail where
> > others succeed you see only "corruption."
> >
> > If you took just 1% of the time you bitch and
> moan
> > about how powerless you are and instead spent
> it
> > participating in the political process, you
> might
> > actually realize how ignorant and uniformed you
> > are. You also might make a difference!
> >
> > Thank God we have public servants with
> integrity
> > such as Connolly, Hyland, Herrity, Storck and
> > Bradsher who will not be shouted down by the
> > cybermob, and shame on any elected officials in
> > Fairfax County give any credence to such
> whining.
> >
> > Perhaps you should spend a little time watching
> > the HBO miniseries on John Adams to learn what
> > democracy really means.
> >
> > I now await your baseless accusations about
> > politicians being bought and corrupted by money
> > and power and my devious role in the scandalous
> > process of democracy.
>
> Tell it to the people in Floris and Fox Mill who
> have spent MONTHS lobbying the school board for
> their interests, only to be told, by Liz Bradsher,
> that the schools do not belong to them, to sit
> down and shut up and take what she decides to give
> them, South Lakes.
>
> Some people count, some don't. Some people have
> to be redistricted and go to schools they don't
> want to attend, and some don't.
>
> So much for your version of democracy. How nice
> for you that our school board shares your views.


Whats the matter Neen? Don't like it when someone else is JERKING YOUR CHAIN?

Don't be hating Silverbrook/SCSS citizens. We know how to get things done.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> taxpayer Wrote:
> -
>
> > Bradsher said some junk about they are the only
> > people who have to build their own school -
> what
> > BS. They would be the only people who have to
> > build their own because others GET ON THE BUS
> or
> > PUPIL PLACE. Over 10 years ago when people got
> > moved from herndon to Langley many pupil placed.
>
> > Taxes paid for the renovation at hayfield and
> Lake
> > braddock. Anyone see a completely done redo at
> > herndon HS?
>
> South County CHOSE to build a school because they
> didn't want to go to Hayfield, and Mt. Vernon.
> They wanted their OWN school, and they got it.
> The School Board did what they wanted and over
> crowded the school from day one. Then they sent
> some back to Hayfield. South County is STILL over
> crowded and people there STILL do not want to go
> to Hayfield, Lake Braddock, or Mt Vernon, all
> under enrolled schools. After the redistricting
> of South Lakes, the school board and staff don't
> have the stomach for doing it again. Also, they
> know now that all that effort was for nothing
> since so many are pupil placing back into their AP
> schools. Redistricting is too much effort, too
> much work for everyone, too difficult, and it
> doesn't work anyway. There is NO way they will do
> it again in South County. They learned their
> lesson with South Lakes. They won't repeat their
> mistake.


South County was built because it needed to be built, Janine. It was on the CIP for this year. And before you had your redistricting there were 3 in a row in Southern Fairfax.

The underenrollment in the County is in the West and the East. The most crowded schools in the County are in the center and the South.

Its time to hang it up Janine and get on with your life.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> de Tocqueville Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Oh my God!! What a bunch of whiners on this
> > blog!! You people are upset because parents in
> > Southern Fairfax County educate about and
> advocate
> > on behalf of the interests of their children
> > instead of just moaning and groaning about it??
>
> >
> > What an outrage! Citizens joining together on
> > issues of common interest -- what would our
> > Founding Fathers have thought?! How can we
> allow
> > citizens to participate this way in a democracy!
>
> >
> >
> > And what about the money! My God, we certainly
> > can't allow citizens to support elected
> officials
> > who share their views and have the integrity to
> do
> > what is right in the face of such demagoguery.
> >
> > What losers you are spending all your time
> > complaining instead of getting off your asses,
> > turning off your computers and actually
> learning
> > the facts, developing solutions and taking part
> in
> > the democratic process. When you fail where
> > others succeed you see only "corruption."
> >
> > If you took just 1% of the time you bitch and
> moan
> > about how powerless you are and instead spent
> it
> > participating in the political process, you
> might
> > actually realize how ignorant and uniformed you
> > are. You also might make a difference!
> >
> > Thank God we have public servants with
> integrity
> > such as Connolly, Hyland, Herrity, Storck and
> > Bradsher who will not be shouted down by the
> > cybermob, and shame on any elected officials in
> > Fairfax County give any credence to such
> whining.
> >
> > Perhaps you should spend a little time watching
> > the HBO miniseries on John Adams to learn what
> > democracy really means.
> >
> > I now await your baseless accusations about
> > politicians being bought and corrupted by money
> > and power and my devious role in the scandalous
> > process of democracy.
>
> Tell it to the people in Floris and Fox Mill who
> have spent MONTHS lobbying the school board for
> their interests, only to be told, by Liz Bradsher,
> that the schools do not belong to them, to sit
> down and shut up and take what she decides to give
> them, South Lakes.
>
> Some people count, some don't. Some people have
> to be redistricted and go to schools they don't
> want to attend, and some don't.
>
> So much for your version of democracy. How nice
> for you that our school board shares your views.

A little late to be whining now, Janine. After all you helped Stu get elected. I am fine with Democracy but have little use for your hypocrisy

Even though I am against RD I am more against your brand of hypocrisy.

Anonymous Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South County was built because it needed to be
> built, Janine. It was on the CIP for this year.
> And before you had your redistricting there were 3
> in a row in Southern Fairfax.

Which redistricting are you referring to as "your redistricting"

> The underenrollment in the County is in the West
> and the East. The most crowded schools in the
> County are in the center and the South.

Lake Braddock, Hayfield and Mount Vernon are suddenly not part of the south of the County?

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anonymous Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > South County was built because it needed to be
> > built, Janine. It was on the CIP for this year.
>
> > And before you had your redistricting there were
> 3
> > in a row in Southern Fairfax.
>
> Which redistricting are you referring to as "your
> redistricting"
>
> > The underenrollment in the County is in the
> West
> > and the East. The most crowded schools in the
> > County are in the center and the South.
>
> Lake Braddock, Hayfield and Mount Vernon are
> suddenly not part of the south of the County?

Older people told me FX or FCPS sold the Paul iv site [land and building] to the Archdiocese of Arlington. Guess what exists near Fort Belvoir and BRAC areas ?

A school that FCPS closed and now the Board of Supervisors leases it annually to the Saudis. Islamic Saudi Academy - 8333 Richmond Highway - used to be Whitman I think. They closed Groveton [?] - that became Sandburg so it has stuff like a football stadium.

Last year's lease was for 1 year - 2.1 million. This year 3-31 meeting they might renew for a longer period. Fort Belvoir elementary is projected to be 19 rooms short in 2012. Why would they renew a lease on a school site to a private school if FCPS children need the site ? Thoughts?

Discovered this while reading the county website.

The Fairfax Station people who won't go to lake Braddock are NOT in the Laurel Hill planning district -- their area isn't even on the County Maps of homes surrounding the prison site.

Remember Stallion, all your are is a former Hayfield Hawk. When you were a Hawk you should have gotten things done reject

We have just started.





Stallion Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don't be hating Silverbrook/SCSS citizens. We know
> how to get things done.

Excellent showing of interest in participating in South Lakes programs including PTA and other volunteer opps.by Fox Mill and Floris parents.

Anonymous Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > taxpayer Wrote:
> > -
> >
> > > Bradsher said some junk about they are the
> only
> > > people who have to build their own school -
> > what
> > > BS. They would be the only people who have
> to
> > > build their own because others GET ON THE BUS
> > or
> > > PUPIL PLACE. Over 10 years ago when people
> got
> > > moved from herndon to Langley many pupil
> placed.
> >
> > > Taxes paid for the renovation at hayfield and
> > Lake
> > > braddock. Anyone see a completely done redo
> at
> > > herndon HS?
> >
> > South County CHOSE to build a school because
> they
> > didn't want to go to Hayfield, and Mt. Vernon.
> > They wanted their OWN school, and they got it.
> > The School Board did what they wanted and over
> > crowded the school from day one. Then they
> sent
> > some back to Hayfield. South County is STILL
> over
> > crowded and people there STILL do not want to
> go
> > to Hayfield, Lake Braddock, or Mt Vernon, all
> > under enrolled schools. After the
> redistricting
> > of South Lakes, the school board and staff
> don't
> > have the stomach for doing it again. Also,
> they
> > know now that all that effort was for nothing
> > since so many are pupil placing back into their
> AP
> > schools. Redistricting is too much effort, too
> > much work for everyone, too difficult, and it
> > doesn't work anyway. There is NO way they will
> do
> > it again in South County. They learned their
> > lesson with South Lakes. They won't repeat
> their
> > mistake.
>
>
> South County was built because it needed to be
> built, Janine. It was on the CIP for this year.
> And before you had your redistricting there were 3
> in a row in Southern Fairfax.
>
> The underenrollment in the County is in the West
> and the East. The most crowded schools in the
> County are in the center and the South.
>
> Its time to hang it up Janine and get on with your
> life.

Ah, another idiot from Reston? If you are going to try to use my name, you might want to get it right before you do. Sheeze. What an idiot.

With 4,000 empty high school seats in the surrounding high schools, South County did not NEED to be built. Every student in that school could be accommodate in nearby high schools, but we all know they didn't want to go to those schools. BooHoo.

>>>A little late to be whining now, Janine. After all you helped Stu get elected. I am fine with Democracy but have little use for your hypocrisy

Even though I am against RD I am more against your brand of hypocrisy.<<<

Good for you. Thanks for sharing. We've all been anxious to know your FEELINGS. Waiting with baited breath.

Get your facts straight, and your spelling, before you decide to SHARE again.

(BTW, are you trying to be intimidating? You aren't even close. Or do you have some other point? Other than the one your hat is covering?)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/30/2008 02:38AM by Neen.

Chuancy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Excellent showing of interest in participating in
> South Lakes programs including PTA and other
> volunteer opps.by Fox Mill and Floris parents.

Parents from these schools always get involved but we are going to even more interested in the PTA at South Lakes because of all the clout they have with the School Board. The old PTA got us here; just wait to see what you really asked for.

Stallion Wrote:
> Don't be hating Silverbrook/SCSS citizens. We know
> how to get things done.

We are onto your shenanigans.

Show us where SCSS went through the bond referendum process to be voted on by all the citizens of Fairfax County.

Can't do it? Maybe that is because SCSS snuck into the CIP ahead of the renovation of South Lakes and every other school in the queue, delaying all renovations an average of two years.

How? With the cooperation of the Board of Supervisors, SCSS was built with "Economic Development bonds" that had to be paid back from school funds.

There is plenty of grade 7-12 capacity in the south county area; redistricting is the obvious solution.

The $10 million the Board of Sups is offering for a wing at SCSS should instead be dedicated to prevent an increase in class size across the county next year.

The first most pressing order of business is to throw out IB and get in AP to level the playing field with other high performing schools.

fox mill mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chuancy Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Excellent showing of interest in participating
> in
> > South Lakes programs including PTA and other
> > volunteer opps.by Fox Mill and Floris parents.
>
> Parents from these schools always get involved but
> we are going to even more interested in the PTA at
> South Lakes because of all the clout they have
> with the School Board. The old PTA got us here;
> just wait to see what you really asked for.

"The first most pressing order of business is to throw out IB and get in AP to level the playing field with other high performing schools."

Does anyone know what the status is regarding Phil's motion to lock in IB for 5 years at SL?

What are my good friends at fairfax caps up to. I got an email they are having a press conference or something like it at Floris while school is in session. I am sure the principal is not going for that.

Floris has only a half day of school on Mondays. My guess is they are going to announce the filing of their lawsuit.

SBS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Floris has only a half day of school on Mondays.
> My guess is they are going to announce the filing
> of their lawsuit.

Half day ends at 12:55 - so still during school hours, and still on school property and still nto sponsored by any official school organization

i hope all your children go to South Lakes

???? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SBS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Floris has only a half day of school on Mondays.
>
> > My guess is they are going to announce the
> filing
> > of their lawsuit.
>
> Half day ends at 12:55 - so still during school
> hours, and still on school property and still nto
> sponsored by any official school organization


Not sure why CAPS chose Floris ES for their press conference, but they are not stupid. I am sure they have cleared this with the principal. After all there are parents within the CAPS organization.

Baffled Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ???? Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > SBS Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Floris has only a half day of school on
> Mondays.
> >
> > > My guess is they are going to announce the
> > filing
> > > of their lawsuit.
> >
> > Half day ends at 12:55 - so still during school
> > hours, and still on school property and still
> nto
> > sponsored by any official school organization
>
>
> Not sure why CAPS chose Floris ES for their press
> conference, but they are not stupid. I am sure
> they have cleared this with the principal. After
> all there are parents within the CAPS
> organization.


If so, then the principal is not too brilliant. Whether he or she agrees with the CAPS stance, this is a political issue, and not too smart to allow a soapbox outside of the paramaters of the SB dictated process. Guess we will have to see tomorrow.

That there are parents within CAPS I am sure, but they are not an official school related organization.

fox mill mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chuancy Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Excellent showing of interest in participating
> in
> > South Lakes programs including PTA and other
> > volunteer opps.by Fox Mill and Floris parents.
>
> Parents from these schools always get involved but
> we are going to even more interested in the PTA at
> South Lakes because of all the clout they have
> with the School Board. The old PTA got us here;
> just wait to see what you really asked for.

I think it's the other way around. The school board used the South Lakes PTA to get what THEY wanted. Stu wanted South Lakes redistricted. He used the PTA to help him do that. He needed their support, and he got it. I wouldn't expect him to care much about what the Fox Mill parents want at South Lakes. He hasn't cared what they wanted in the past. I don't see that changing.

start to throw out ib Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The first most pressing order of business is to
> throw out IB and get in AP to level the playing
> field with other high performing schools.

Why would they do that? Stu loves IB. Stu gets what he wants at South Lakes.

I hear that the SL PTSA is going to form a little committee of parents to discuss academic options at South Lakes, a sub committee of academic boosters, a group that overwhelmingly supports IB. Sounds like a set up, a committee formed with the outcome predetermined. Imagine that, in FCPS! Hahaha

Is all school property private? Groups cannot use their parking lots? Or their fields?

It's smart of Caps to have their press conference at Floris, since many of their supporters are Floris parents.

http://www.fairfaxcaps.org/html/media_advisory.html

Let's hope that the press is smart enough to cover the meeting so that we can find out what is said.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> start to throw out ib Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The first most pressing order of business is to
> > throw out IB and get in AP to level the playing
> > field with other high performing schools.
>
> Why would they do that? Stu loves IB. Stu gets
> what he wants at South Lakes.
>
> I hear that the SL PTSA is going to form a little
> committee of parents to discuss academic options
> at South Lakes, a sub committee of academic
> boosters, a group that overwhelmingly supports IB.
> Sounds like a set up, a committee formed with the
> outcome predetermined. Imagine that, in FCPS!
> Hahaha


You got it all figured out? Brillinat. Your intellect is overwhelming. Maybe you should go into handicapping horse races, you are a mind reader.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is all school property private? Groups cannot use
> their parking lots? Or their fields?
>
> It's smart of Caps to have their press conference
> at Floris, since many of their supporters are
> Floris parents.
>
> http://www.fairfaxcaps.org/html/media_advisory.htm
> l
>
> Let's hope that the press is smart enough to cover
> the meeting so that we can find out what is said.


During school time genius? Maybe they can all sit on car rooftops and mingle with the kids playing kickball?

???? WROTE

If so, then the principal is not too brilliant. Whether he or she agrees with the CAPS stance, this is a political issue, and not too smart to allow a soapbox outside of the paramaters of the SB dictated process. Guess we will have to see tomorrow.

That there are parents within CAPS I am sure, but they are not an official school related organization.


FYI

BOTH SOCO POLITICAL GROUPS, SOUTH COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLUTIONS GROUP AND SOUTH COUNTY FEDERATION USE SOUTH COUNTY SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THEIR POLITICAL MEETINGS.

JUST GO TO THEIR WEB SITES AND SEE WHERE THEY MEET AND THEIR POLITICAL AGENDA.

ONCE AGAIN FCPS HAS DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE HOME PAGE FOR THE SOUTH COUNTY FEDERATION.

IF THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL GROUP, WHAT IS?

SEE WHERE THEY MEET.


The South County Federation, formerly known as the Federation of Lorton Communities, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization established to represent the interests of the residents of southeastern Fairfax County. The Federation is an "umbrella" group composed of many homeowners, civic and citizens associations. Representatives from the individual associations meet each month to:

· Facilitate the regular exchange of views and information on local, regional, state and national matters of interest to its members

· Cooperate with and promote activities relating to the common interests of other citizens' associations

· Review land use applications and provide recommendations to the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on those applications

Homeowner’s, civic, and citizen associations within the South County area are invited to be members. The Federation's membership area is bounded on the south by the Occoquan River, on the north by Fort Belvoir, the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield Parkways, on the east by the Potomac River, and on the west by Lee Chapel Road. Residents of neighborhoods that do not have a formal association are also invited to join the Federation and participate in its activities through a non-aligned caucus. Click here for information on joining the South County Federation.

The Federation meets on the second Tuesday of each month, except in August, at 7:30PM in the Media Center of the South County Secondary School , 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA. Visitors are welcome to observe our meetings.

In addition to the monthly meetings, various activities, such as the annual Lorton Fourth of July parade are sponsored by the South County Federation.

The difference is that the 'press conference' is DURING SCHOOL HOURS. THe Soco meetings are AFTER HOURS.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> start to throw out ib Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The first most pressing order of business is to
> > throw out IB and get in AP to level the playing
> > field with other high performing schools.
>
> Why would they do that? Stu loves IB. Stu gets
> what he wants at South Lakes.
>
> I hear that the SL PTSA is going to form a little
> committee of parents to discuss academic options
> at South Lakes, a sub committee of academic
> boosters, a group that overwhelmingly supports IB.
> Sounds like a set up, a committee formed with the
> outcome predetermined. Imagine that, in FCPS!
> Hahaha


Not true. There are FM parents joining the committee who are very interested in the AP curriculum. And, interestingly, there are a number of SLPTSA parents currently on the board who have wanted AP for a while (but have been hushed by others on the board.). While the IB contingent has been loud at SL, they have not been the only voice at SL.

difference Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The difference is that the 'press conference' is
> DURING SCHOOL HOURS. THe Soco meetings are AFTER
> HOURS.

Who cares? Our taxes pay for the Floris building. Hey- maybe all the HOA's and citizens groups from Sully, hunter mill, and Dranesville, oops add Providence- will band together and DEMAND a new high school. How about a 50 million dollar addition to Rachel Carson turning it into Oak Hill Secondary School?

Could they do this? How about concurrent construction of Northwest County Secondary School at Baron Cameron? Perfect siting for students at Forestville, Aldrin, Forest Edge, Lake Anne, Great Falls? it would be diverse and a middle school was voted for at the site years ago.

Was it built? No. It was a more expensive alternative. Since the SOCO philosophy is no one drives more than 3 miles to school then I guess they have to build Clifton, Mason neck, and Great falls Secondary schools.

difference Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The difference is that the 'press conference' is
> DURING SCHOOL HOURS. THe Soco meetings are AFTER
> HOURS.

What are you saying difference? Is there no school activities going on in the late afternoon and evening?

Who pays the bill for this school? we do.

Therefore keep this political group out.

The CAPS press conference will be held today at 11:30 across the street from Fox Mill ES, not Floris.

FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> THE FOLLOWING IS THE HOME PAGE FOR THE SOUTH
> COUNTY FEDERATION.
>
> IF THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL GROUP, WHAT IS?
>
> SEE WHERE THEY MEET.
>
>
> The South County Federation, formerly known as the
> Federation of Lorton Communities, is a non-profit,
> tax-exempt organization established to represent
> the interests of the residents of southeastern
> Fairfax County. The Federation is an "umbrella"
> group composed of many homeowners, civic and
> citizens associations. Representatives from the
> individual associations meet each month to:
>
> · Facilitate the regular exchange of views
> and information on local, regional, state and
> national matters of interest to its members
>
> · Cooperate with and promote activities
> relating to the common interests of other
> citizens' associations
>
> · Review land use applications and provide
> recommendations to the Fairfax County Planning
> Commission and Board of Supervisors on those
> applications
>
> Homeowner’s, civic, and citizen associations
> within the South County area are invited to be
> members. The Federation's membership area is
> bounded on the south by the Occoquan River, on the
> north by Fort Belvoir, the Fairfax County and
> Franconia-Springfield Parkways, on the east by the
> Potomac River, and on the west by Lee Chapel Road.
> Residents of neighborhoods that do not have a
> formal association are also invited to join the
> Federation and participate in its activities
> through a non-aligned caucus. Click here for
> information on joining the South County
> Federation.
>
> The Federation meets on the second Tuesday of each
> month, except in August, at 7:30PM in the Media
> Center of the South County Secondary School , 8501
> Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA. Visitors are
> welcome to observe our meetings.
>
> In addition to the monthly meetings, various
> activities, such as the annual Lorton Fourth of
> July parade are sponsored by the South County
> Federation.


I also understand that they are affiliated with the Tri-Lateral Commission!


Is it really a nefarious activity when civic-minded individuals, representing civic and HOA associations, join together to discuss governmental policies and actions that affect their lives; and then have the temerity to make recommendations to their public officials about them.

And what about that 4th of July Parade... obviously a cynical money laundering scheme to purchase elected officials... probably using those gold-filled fans they hand out each year!

No, this type of an and conspiratorial organization -- which surely must be part of some kind of axis of evil -- must not be allowed to continue. Why should people be allowed to meet, learn about, discuss and recommend changes to county policies when public officials can simply "read the blogs" to determine exactly what is best for us all.

Now, don't get me wrong. I actually think there are some very thoughtful and valuable discussions on school policies here, but unfortunately they are polluted with the ravings of a few disgruntled and paranoid lunatics.

(Feel free to respond in kind... you know who you are.)

change of location Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The CAPS press conference will be held today at
> 11:30 across the street from Fox Mill ES, not
> Floris.


Wouldn't it be better hold it accross the street from Floris? A lot more traffic, and therefore attention, on Centreville Rd than Viking.

Better tell the wife the kids will be home latter than usual today.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anonymous Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Neen Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > taxpayer Wrote:
> > > -
> > >
> > > > Bradsher said some junk about they are the
> > only
> > > > people who have to build their own school -
>
> > > what
> > > > BS. They would be the only people who
> have
> > to
> > > > build their own because others GET ON THE
> BUS
> > > or
> > > > PUPIL PLACE. Over 10 years ago when people
> > got
> > > > moved from herndon to Langley many pupil
> > placed.
> > >
> > > > Taxes paid for the renovation at hayfield
> and
> > > Lake
> > > > braddock. Anyone see a completely done redo
> > at
> > > > herndon HS?
> > >
> > > South County CHOSE to build a school because
> > they
> > > didn't want to go to Hayfield, and Mt. Vernon.
>
> > > They wanted their OWN school, and they got it.
>
> > > The School Board did what they wanted and
> over
> > > crowded the school from day one. Then they
> > sent
> > > some back to Hayfield. South County is STILL
> > over
> > > crowded and people there STILL do not want to
> > go
> > > to Hayfield, Lake Braddock, or Mt Vernon, all
> > > under enrolled schools. After the
> > redistricting
> > > of South Lakes, the school board and staff
> > don't
> > > have the stomach for doing it again. Also,
> > they
> > > know now that all that effort was for nothing
> > > since so many are pupil placing back into
> their
> > AP
> > > schools. Redistricting is too much effort,
> too
> > > much work for everyone, too difficult, and it
> > > doesn't work anyway. There is NO way they
> will
> > do
> > > it again in South County. They learned their
> > > lesson with South Lakes. They won't repeat
> > their
> > > mistake.
> >
> >
> > South County was built because it needed to be
> > built, Janine. It was on the CIP for this year.
>
> > And before you had your redistricting there were
> 3
> > in a row in Southern Fairfax.
> >
> > The underenrollment in the County is in the
> West
> > and the East. The most crowded schools in the
> > County are in the center and the South.
> >
> > Its time to hang it up Janine and get on with
> your
> > life.
>
> Ah, another idiot from Reston? If you are going
> to try to use my name, you might want to get it
> right before you do. Sheeze. What an idiot.
>
> With 4,000 empty high school seats in the
> surrounding high schools, South County did not
> NEED to be built. Every student in that school
> could be accommodate in nearby high schools, but
> we all know they didn't want to go to those
> schools. BooHoo.


Please supply a cite to that 4,000 figure.

any news yet on the CAPS lawsuit press conference?

thanks caps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> change of location Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The CAPS press conference will be held today at
> > 11:30 across the street from Fox Mill ES, not
> > Floris.
>
>
> Wouldn't it be better hold it accross the street
> from Floris? A lot more traffic, and therefore
> attention, on Centreville Rd than Viking.
>
> Better tell the wife the kids will be home latter
> than usual today.


I just went by the "press conference" it is more of a demonstration. Its about 20 people with poster boards. I saw no evidence of any press or cameras

Just for the record the principal at floris did not know about the caps press conference. I think they were told they were not allowed on the proprty which is why they switched locations.

SOCO-LOCO Wrote:
> > With 4,000 empty high school seats in the
> > surrounding high schools, South County did not
> > NEED to be built. Every student in that school
> > could be accommodate in nearby high schools,
> but
> > we all know they didn't want to go to those
> > schools. BooHoo.
>
>
> Please supply a cite to that 4,000 figure.

----
Since this school board has just endorsed the concept that high schools should have about 2,000 students, why would they make SCSS any larger?

I see "only" 2,000 EMPTY high school seats projected in Clusters IV, V, and VI in 2012, and another 600 EMPTY middle school seats. Therefore, no need to build any new secondary space.

School Capacity / 2012 / Balance
EdisonHS 1,675 / 1,642 / 33
HayfieldHS 2,125 / 2,034 / 91
LeeHS 1,850 1,745 / 105
Lk BradHS 2,725 / 2,223 / 502
Mt VernonHS* 2,550 / 1,714 / 836
RobinsonHS 2,825 / 2,614 / 211
So CountyHS 1,700 / 1,892 / -192
W PotomacHS 2,200 / 1,932 / 268
W SprfldHS 2,225 / 2,097 / 128
HS Total 19,875 / 17,893 / 1,982 EMPTY high school seats

School Capacity / 2012 / Balance
TwainMS 1,025 876 / 149
HayfieldMS 1,100 / 1,059 / 41
KeyMS* 875 750 / 125
Lk BradMS 1,350 / 1,248 / 102
Whitman MS 1,000 / 1,076 / -76
RobinsonMS 1,275 / 1,182 / 93
So CountyMS 800 / 924 / -124
SandburgMS 1,400 / 1,205 / 195
IrvingMS 1,100 / 1,022 / 78
MS Total 9,925 / 9,342 / 583 EMPTY middle school seats

That's 2,565 excess seats grades 7-12, or an entire VACANT south county-area secondary school, in 2012.

Controversial School Plan Leads to a Lawsuit
March 31, 2008 - 2:33pm

Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio

FAIRFAX, Va. - A controversial plan to move students and balance out attendance at some Fairfax County schools has several parents reacting -- in the form of a lawsuit.

A group of 11 parents, backed by the Fairfax Coalition of Advocates for Public Schools, filed a lawsuit in Fairfax County Circuit Court challenging a school redistricting plan, which affects more than 900 eighth-grade students and would occur over a period of four to five years.

The parents are asking the court to review the school board's approval of the plan, which they believe is invalid because it was "arbitrary and capricious" and "an abuse of discretion."

According to the suit, the school board did not comply with its policy on boundary adjustments and ignored information that showed the redistricting would not maintain or improve "operating efficiency or instructional effectiveness" in the impacted schools.

The suit alleges the school board exceeded its authority by taking the socioeconomic characteristics of the school population into consideration in deciding where students would attend school.

"They listed that as one of the factors they considered," says Steve Stone, an attorney for the families. "The statute does not permit them to consider such a factor."

The parents also say the boundary change isn't economically efficient, especially at a time when the school district is asking the Board of Supervisors for more money - through higher taxes - to fund the schools.

A Fairfax County Public Schools spokesman says they haven't seen the lawsuit, but says similar decisions have been made for decades without any legal challenges.

The school board approved the redistricting plan on Feb. 28.

(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio

FAIRFAX, Va. - A controversial plan to move students and balance out attendance at some Fairfax County schools has several parents reacting -- in the form of a lawsuit.

A group of 11 parents, backed by the Fairfax Coalition of Advocates for Public Schools, filed a lawsuit in Fairfax County Circuit Court challenging a school redistricting plan, which affects more than 900 eighth-grade students and would occur over a period of four to five years.

The parents are asking the court to review the school board's approval of the plan, which they believe is invalid because it was "arbitrary and capricious" and "an abuse of discretion."

According to the suit, the school board did not comply with its policy on boundary adjustments and ignored information that showed the redistricting would not maintain or improve "operating efficiency or instructional effectiveness" in the impacted schools.

The suit alleges the school board exceeded its authority by taking the socioeconomic characteristics of the school population into consideration in deciding where students would attend school.

"They listed that as one of the factors they considered," says Steve Stone, an attorney for the families. "The statute does not permit them to consider such a factor."

The parents also say the boundary change isn't economically efficient, especially at a time when the school district is asking the Board of Supervisors for more money - through higher taxes - to fund the schools.

A Fairfax County Public Schools spokesman says they haven't seen the lawsuit, but says similar decisions have been made for decades without any legal challenges.

The school board approved the redistricting plan on Feb. 28.

I saw an article a week or so ago about Prince William County losing 1000 students since beginning of the school year due to housing/immigration issues. Has anyone seen a figure from FCPS. They are probably sitting on it so they can continue to ask for this new school.

The At Large members need to show some backbone on this SOCO Middle School Issue and stop this out of control Storck/Bradsher Train.

I hope CAPS is throwing their hat in on this issue.

How come Tistadt's opinion doesn't matter on this one? He has expressed opposition to this whole SOCO Middle idea.

lawsuit - if nothing else, the discovery process will prove to be even more embarrassing for the dolts on the board... "vile and toxic" are just the beginning Kath

I am so proud of the fairfaxCAPs group for going through with this effort of injunction. Having lived through redistricting seven years ago (when Floris was taken out of Oakton) and now, I have felt used and abused by the school board. The entire system of redistricting is so very flawed, from the rediculous "town hall meetings" to testimony in front of the board (it wouldn't matter if we spoke 1 hour or 1,000 hours). We all know that the process was predetermined, that Stu Gibson selected the comunities to attend his prescious high school, and that we were railroaded AGAIN. The manner in which the SB acts needs to come to an end. They use one set of policies to justify one redistricting and another set of policies for another redistricting. It's just not right. Whether the CAPs group wins or loses, it is wonderful to have the process explored in public, and hopefully some fair guidelines will result from this exploration. Thank you fairfaxCAPs for initiating some much needed reform. Keep up the great work!

i wanna go participate in sexual activities and gangs and experiment with drugs with my new fellow students with criminal records at South Lakes!

june Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> thanks caps Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > change of location Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > The CAPS press conference will be held today
> at
> > > 11:30 across the street from Fox Mill ES, not
> > > Floris.
> >
> >
> > Wouldn't it be better hold it accross the
> street
> > from Floris? A lot more traffic, and therefore
> > attention, on Centreville Rd than Viking.
> >
> > Better tell the wife the kids will be home
> latter
> > than usual today.
>
>
> I just went by the "press conference" it is more
> of a demonstration. Its about 20 people with
> poster boards. I saw no evidence of any press or
> cameras


Demonstration?? You must have just driven by the event. There were about 30 people there as well as 4 reporters--from print and radio. The Caps' "lead" said a few words and then the Caps' attorney announced the filing of the lawsuit.

If you're looking for those types of activties I suggest Oakton HS.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> lawsuit - if nothing else, the discovery process
> will prove to be even more embarrassing for the
> dolts on the board... "vile and toxic" are just
> the beginning Kath



Thank you Fairfax Caps for all you are doing and for standing tall against the corrupt FCPS school board.

Keep the pressure on and do not let up.

Know something Wrote:
> ... There were about 30 people there as well
> as 4 reporters--from print and radio. The Caps'
> "lead" said a few words and then the Caps'
> attorney announced the filing of the lawsuit.
----
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/
Fairfax County sued over school redistricting

By Gregg MacDonald
A suit to stop a controversial school redistricting plan has been filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court.

On Feb. 28, the Fairfax County School Board voted 10-2 to approve boundary adjustments for South Lakes, Oakton, Chantilly and Westfield high schools, Thoreau and Hughes middle schools, and Wolftrap and Sunrise Valley Elementary Schools in an action called the “West County high schools boundary adjustment.”

On Friday, March 28, a suit was filed on behalf of 11 parents of children affected by the proposed redistricting plan, with the support of The Fairfax Coalition of Advocates for Public Schools (Fairfax CAPS).

The suit states that the School Board's decision was invalid because it was “arbitrary and capricious and undertaken in excess of its authority.”

It further maintains that the school board did not comply with its policy on school boundary adjustments and ignored information demonstrating that the redistricting does not “maintain or improve operating efficiency or instructional effectiveness of the schools impacted,” and that “the school board exceeded its statutory authority by considering the socioeconomic characteristics of the school population” in making its redistricting decision.

“The School Board's action suffers from unclear objectives, extensive process failures and unknown costs,” said Fairfax CAPS President Nick Pesce during a press conference outside Fox Mill Elementary School on Monday. “All Fairfax County parents and residents that want to prevent the school board from making flawed school boundary decisions in the future are asked to support this lawsuit,” he added.

Lisa Capalbo, budget analysis committee chairperson for FairfaxCAPS said during the press conference that although the Fairfax County School Board accounts for more than half of the county's general fund spending, its action in this case was not in line with the majority of the taxpaying citizens affected by the decision.

“In an era of budget cuts, in which the school board is simultaneously asking the county Board of Supervisors to raise taxes, it is unconscionable that no financial analysis of this redistricting was performed,” she said.

In its 2009 budget, the Fairfax County School Board doubled the amount of funding allocated for its legal defense.

“We were totally ignored,” Pesce told The Times, speaking on behalf of affected parents who are members of his organization. “There is major frustration with the process and lots of people are angry.” According to Pesce, Fairfax CAPS currently has over 800 members and is “expanding daily.”

The group will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, April 3 from 7-9 p.m. at Fox Mill Elementary. More information is available at www.fairfaxCAPS.org.

Paul Reigner, a spokesman for Fairfax County Public Schools, declined comment on the lawsuit.

Times Community © 2007 | Fairfax Times

hOW DO YOU PICK WHOSE NAME IS ON THE LAWSUIT ?IS IT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU GIVE ?I WANT TO BE PART OF THIS. THANKS FOR CARING ABOUT KIDS, CAPS RULES.

I'd say it qualified as a press conference. So far WTOP, Fairfax Times, and the Washington Post have stories about it:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033101575.html

Group Sues Fairfax School Board Over Redistricting

By Michael Alison Chandler
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, March 31, 2008; 3:49 PM

A parent group from western Fairfax County announced today it is seeking a legal order to reverse a School Board decision to reroute thousands of students in the area to different high schools in coming years.

The group's lawsuit, filed Friday in Fairfax County Circuit Court, alleges that the School Board's actions were "arbitrary and capricious" because, among other reasons, board members failed to abide by their own policies when they decided which high schools to include in the study of new attendance zones.

The suit also alleges that the board acted beyond its state-given authority when it sought to balance socioeconomic characteristics of the schools.

On Feb. 28, the board approved a plan to grow the enrollment of South Lakes High School in Reston over the next several years by shifting students who had been expected to attend Westfield High School in Chantilly and Oakton and Madison high schools in Vienna. In addition, some students were rerouted from the Chantilly High zone to the Oakton High zone.

Fairfax schools spokesman Paul Regnier said he would not comment on pending litigation. Parents hope to have a court date scheduled before the new boundaries take effect in the fall.

I hope FFX CAPS has a better arguement than "arbitrary and capricious and undertaken in excess of its authority." What???

Get a clue how the FFX County social circuit works. The Fairfax judges will just throw this out because they want to keep their positions in FFX County. A waste of money and time. The only way to get this changed is to influence the SB members and that failed 10-2.

RDPARENT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> word Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > lawsuit - if nothing else, the discovery
> process
> > will prove to be even more embarrassing for the
> > dolts on the board... "vile and toxic" are just
> > the beginning Kath
>
>
>
> Thank you Fairfax Caps for all you are doing and
> for standing tall against the corrupt FCPS school
> board.
>
> Keep the pressure on and do not let up.


I also commend Caps for all the hard work they have done. All the folks involved are just regular citizens and concerned parents. I'm sure it all seems more than a bit overwhelming at times...but they have stuck with it and are fighting to do what is right and just.
I also think it's important to say that this is about the School Board and its decisions...it is NOT about South Lakes High School. I have spoken to many parents and students who have been RD'd to South Lakes. Overwhelmingly, we have all been impressed with South Lakes' principal, faculty and students. (Many/most don't want IB...but that's for a different thread.)

ALRIGHT CAPS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> hOW DO YOU PICK WHOSE NAME IS ON THE LAWSUIT ?IS
> IT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU GIVE ?I WANT TO BE PART
> OF THIS. THANKS FOR CARING ABOUT KIDS, CAPS RULES.

Has nothing to do with how much money they gave. They simply wanted all impacted areas to be represented within the group of plaintiffs.

Lopter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I hope FFX CAPS has a better arguement than
> "arbitrary and capricious and undertaken in excess
> of its authority." What???
>
> Get a clue how the FFX County social circuit
> works. The Fairfax judges will just throw this
> out because they want to keep their positions in
> FFX County. A waste of money and time. The only
> way to get this changed is to influence the SB
> members and that failed 10-2.


Are you suggesting the FFX Circuit Court is in cahoots with the school board? While the SB may act like they are the Gods of the county, they are not. Citizens throughout the county are furious with the SB. Smart lawyers have helped draft this complaint. If you think it's a waste of time, please don't give it another minutes of your thoughts.

And the Navy community does NOT want our commute time tripled and our quality of life impacted. Nor do we wish to attend a school that has no meaning to us and is fact a rival. The school board screwed with thier consituents from the very beginning and are still trying to do so with the 10 million to south county. They need to start paying attention to all of thier constituents and not to STu and the select few at South Lakes.

> I also think it's important to say that this is
> about the School Board and its decisions...it is
> NOT about South Lakes High School. I have spoken
> to many parents and students who have been RD'd to
> South Lakes. Overwhelmingly, we have all been
> impressed with South Lakes' principal, faculty and
> students. (Many/most don't want IB...but that's
> for a different thread.)

How is this going to help? You may as well buy ice in Alaska

triple commute Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And the Navy community does NOT want our commute
> time tripled and our quality of life impacted.
> Nor do we wish to attend a school that has no
> meaning to us and is fact a rival. The school
> board screwed with thier consituents from the very
> beginning and are still trying to do so with the
> 10 million to south county. They need to start
> paying attention to all of thier constituents and
> not to STu and the select few at South Lakes.
>
> > I also think it's important to say that this
> is
> > about the School Board and its decisions...it
> is
> > NOT about South Lakes High School. I have
> spoken
> > to many parents and students who have been RD'd
> to
> > South Lakes. Overwhelmingly, we have all been
> > impressed with South Lakes' principal, faculty
> and
> > students. (Many/most don't want IB...but that's
> > for a different thread.)




Then WHAT IS IT ABOUT ,IF NOT A COUPLE THOUSAND PEOPLE BEINGFORCED TO FACE CHANGE. caps HAS HAD TO DIG REALLY HARD TO COME UP WITH BOGUS LEGAL REASONS

SPTCAPS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lopter Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> Are you suggesting the FFX Circuit Court is in
> cahoots with the school board?

I am suggesting that high level County officals, such as Judges, all attend a lot of the same social functions. You need learn how Judges get and keep their positions.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> lawsuit - if nothing else, the discovery process will prove to be even more
> embarrassing for the dolts on the board... "vile and toxic" are just the beginning Kath

There will be no discovery. The case will go out on demurrer. It's a complete waste of time, money and emotion.

hahahahaha you guys are going to lose. that argument will hold no weight in a court of law.

Lopter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SPTCAPS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Lopter Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > Are you suggesting the FFX Circuit Court is in
> > cahoots with the school board?
>
> I am suggesting that high level County officals,
> such as Judges, all attend a lot of the same
> social functions. You need learn how Judges get
> and keep their positions.


so if the SB is just as corrupted as many people have noted, are you suggesting the judges would be corrupted just as well in order to keep their positions by attending social functions?

The law suit provides renewed hope to escape from this Gibson nightmare. But this is real world not a movie - Gibson has a 3 million dollar legal war chest amassed for this. He also has the entire 1.5 billion dollar FCPS budget at his disposal. He will outspend CAPS with the tax payer money. Funny how the real world works. Stu Gibson will use public money to screw the public.

using the public's money to screw the public? The majority of the public either does not care or is in favor of the redistricting. Unfortunately you are the minority that is getting screwed and the rest of the public thinks you are petty and whiny.

The public that is gaining from this is for this, the ones losing from this are against it. Simple as that. SB is trying to rob peter to pay paul. You think peter should be happy about being robbed?

no Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> using the public's money to screw the public? The
> majority of the public either does not care or is
> in favor of the redistricting. Unfortunately you
> are the minority that is getting screwed and the
> rest of the public thinks you are petty and whiny.

paul is not being robbed. his dollars are being exchanged for euros.

If you had attended the public hearing you would have known that the NO one being redistricted was in favor. ONLY the people who were not being redistricted were in favor - that is the south lakes people. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The people redistricted into south lakes having noting to gain and lost everything.

no Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> using the public's money to screw the public? The
> majority of the public either does not care or is
> in favor of the redistricting. Unfortunately you
> are the minority that is getting screwed and the
> rest of the public thinks you are petty and whiny.

sorry peter is not being robbed*