Can you imagine?

Yes, we can. FCPS will pull back on the staff recommendation to close Clifton upon building of a new school at Liberty.

Which is what they did. After railroading through Liz Bradsher's architected vote.

So after FCPS says for a year that Liberty is the best location, they suddenly don't build a new school.

THIS IS WHY.
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sondheim Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Very creepy/weird that Liz Bradsher sends these
> emails (that people have written to Liz) to her
> daughter's email. Very unprofessional, and
> WEIRD.
>
> How did Liz Bradsher ever gain acceptance into any
> college, let alone graduate? She seems to be
> quite unintelligent and primitive to have behaved
> in this manner as a school board *representative*.

She's simply not an intelligent or a mature person, and she has no business serving on the School Board or in any other representative capacity.

Whenever challenged, she resorts to playing the victim or running for support to her family or her cronies. Apparently, that's much easier for her than trying to discuss (or, God forbid, debate) issues on the merits.

It is Award show season.
Let's see, Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, Golden Globes, People's Choice - what are these awards going to be called?

This is all just too good. Probably can't read it all in time off, but worth a
"Best of" Review.

Vote for your favorite!
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scorchingly funny!
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homemade quality - good effort
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Mmmmm. Subtle - Oak panelly. A solid 'A', I think.
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Artistic? Not so much.
But interpretive qualities are excellent.
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Nuanced insinuation of FCPS Staff's Tistadt as Grim Reaper. Nice.
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Complexity, subject matter and artistic quality are terrific.
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As an avid theatre fan, have to say I love the reference. Not so much on originality, but another nice submission - good effort.
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One of the top honors in my book for interpretive use of material - very clever!
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Fluffy but funny. A bit 'pink' - Liz doesn't strike me as the pink type, but get the Fairy Tale tie in.
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Many great cartoons have been contributed, but I really like the "Wicked" poster. It captures the essence of what's been going on here.

Made me giggle - but still, What on earth?

Need to up your game with the underground art crew on this thread!
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Does anyone have the videotape of when Bradsher threw her nametag against the wall at the work session?

Now that could be a You Tube classic.

School Board gone wild video series anyone?

Money to be made here.

On so many levels, this is in the running near the top for me.

Still, art work may get edged out.
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I didn't realize how many there were to choose from until I started looking. Sometimes simple is best.

Excellent composition. Simple, clean with a clear message. Very good.
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Visceral piece. Gets you right in the gut.
Edgy.
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Get the point, but - I don't know. Imaginative, though. Just ok for me.
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For sheer funny factor - this is hilarious!

Great translation of thought to message through picture.
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Again - simple strikes home. Won't be top honors, but big return on investment!

Good Two Buck Chuck type drawing!
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I know Fairview and Oak View won't need trailers. Will Union Mill need trailers?

I think it's funny, though I am not sure why. Superior work, though a little confused on message.
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A bit of an artistic license, but forgiven under the circumstances.

Thank you for playing.
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May take home the 'most kid oriented' award.

A student submission, maybe?

Good effort.
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Artistic qualities, excellent.

Incorporation of reference and messaging, excellent.

Creativity, excellent.

Running near top, I would say. A definite "A" in any event.
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OK - need to update your material. Get it, but need to keep it fresh.
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Nice juxtaposition of subject and message. Very good. Love the feeling that comes through on this one.
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Casting the net wide by integrating a Board of Supervisor reference - very clever. Sly. Unsophisticated but excellent relay of the point.
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Art leaves a bit to be desired - dark and edgy.

Thanks for playing - keep trying.
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We may have a winner - certainly another in the top ranks running for it.

Excellent incorporation and use of theme.
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Sheer entertainment value is great on this one - I forget the context of it, but I am sure it was right on the money.
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People free but great use of imaging. Excellent visual.
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Mmmm. So so.

Another student entry?
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Wow. Another top contender. Medium, subject excellent.
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We are at Chinese menu status - so many good things to choose from, how do we get to a top winner?
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I love this = while another dated reference, but it is nightmare inducing.
Frightening award?
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Spectacular artistic, visual, and overall messaging.

Best in theme?
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May give best "bumper sticker" worthy award - superior art, direct and clear messaging = a lot in a small package. Big ROI.
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Composition is off the charts. Best conversion of play to screen.
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This one is like a fine wine. It just keeps getting better with time!

A definite "A", maybe bonus points for Dr. Evil reference.

This is how you do more current pop art. Great submission!
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There is 'old' as in tired reference for material and then there is old as in 'classic'.

This is funny, relevant, classic - artistic, not really - but great entertainment quality.

Terrific job.
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For "Best incorporation of FOIA into a theme", this is a dead on winner.

Again, not original, but imitation is a form a flattery - this one is tops for that.
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Honorable mention in the "Best incorporation of FOIA into a theme" award.
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This one coulda been a contender. Just not there on composition or effort.

Worst editing award?

Will give you extra points for the flavor of "cripple you at the knees" reference, though.
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Odds on favorite for Best Work in Miniature. Captured Dean on a postage stamp, eh?
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Wonderful development of message - wish this was a bit more "Liz"y.
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Never thought of a 'best use or incorporation of rodents before', but this one seems a likely candidate.

Bonus for chuckle factor.
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Not sure why, but this one doesn't do it for me.

The fact that Bradsher insinuated K-6 might actually bring vodka to school in a water bottle just is too much to judge this one independently of the comment.
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just read this one again. Why the hell is Liz forwarding Patty Reed's email to Kathy and Tessie, and "at their request"? WHAT is that about?!?!

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/7/2010 7:04:00 PM
Subject: FW: Communications question

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Tessie,

Per your request.

Liz



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

Fairfax County School Board

Springfield District

Phone: (571) 296-1875

Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (571) 423-1070



________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); tessie..wilson@fcps.edu
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/7/2010 7:03:00 PM
Subject: FW: Communications question

Attachments:


Per your request.



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

Fairfax County School Board

Springfield District

Phone: (571) 296-1875

Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (571) 423-1070



________________________________

From: Reed, Patty (School Board Member)
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 5:50 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: Re: Communications question



Thanks for the reply. I didn't know whether to meet with the citizens and if so, what to say. I feel like we are often in reactionary mode and it helps to have talking points.
Patricia S. Reed
Fairfax County School Board, Providence District
571-423-1084
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
571-423-1070 or Dlcain@fcps.edu



________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: Reed, Patty (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean
Cc: Dale, Jack; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse); Cain, Debora L.
Sent: Mon Jun 07 16:39:38 2010
Subject: RE: Communications question

Patty,

I learned long ago to take what is written in the papers with a grain of salt.



The information you were referring to was from the on-line blog at The Examiner. What was sent in was a press release statement by either Pat Herrity’s office or constituents. The Examiner, as of last week, has begun an online Blog for local community issues. I spoke to the reporter today who asked me great questions and will no doubt be doing an article from both perspectives on this issue. He also read the report and has posted further comment on the issue, it can be seen at: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/capital-land/cost-at-center-of-potential-clifton-elem-closing-95785694.html



As the District member who has worked on this issue I can say without any hesitation that full transparency has been afforded to the public on this issue and I have spent countless hours with constituents and staff to make sure we have informed the public to the best of our ability. (If they choose to remain uninformed or spin the facts then that is their prerogative, although not recommendable.) The Community Ad Hoc group admitted in their presentation there is not one solution to the problems at Clifton and the other schools in the Southwest Study, rather there may be multiple solutions. Nevertheless it does appear boundary changes will need to take place. What these changes are we do not know because we have yet, as a Board, to tackle the Clifton issue which drives the rest of this decision.



Supervisor Pat Herrity has been very vocal on this issue but not once during the last 7-8 months has he or his staff talked to me about the issues at Clifton. He seems to prefer broad based comments on what the community wants to hear, he does not want the facts. If he did he certainly would have asked me by now. His comments appear to be based upon political posturing which he believes will impact positively upon his campaign for Congress. My decision and hopefully that of my colleagues will be based upon what is right for the students at Clifton and the Southwestern area and what is right for our system.



Personally and professionally this remains a difficult issue for me; however I do not intend to shy away from the public, the press and the true issues and concerns.



President Harry Truman said “If you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.†---Well it is just now heating up and I am a pretty good cook and hope to remain in the kitchen.



Liz

PS I take risk at writing this in an email but it remains the best form of communication per your email earlier today.



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

Fairfax County School Board

Springfield District

Phone: (571) 296-1875

Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (571) 423-1070



________________________________

From: Reed, Patty (School Board Member)
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 11:36 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean
Cc: Dale, Jack; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse); Cain, Debora L.
Subject: Communications question
Importance: High



I am confused. I thought we had not yet done a boundary study to decide on the fate of the southwest area. Why is the media feeding into the public frenzy regarding Clifton Elementary, and what can be done to address the confusion? People are beginning to organize to protest, as you probably know.



Thanks,

Patty





FCPS in the news:
Fairfax staff recommends axing Clifton Elementary http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/capital-land/fairfax-staff-recommends-axing-clifton-elementary-95680324.html (Examiner)
A Fairfax County Public Schools staff report has recommended the School Board close Clifton Elementary, an option school officials have considered for weeks.





Patricia S. Reed

Fairfax County School Board

Providence District

Phone: 571-423-1084

Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: 571-423-1070

DLCain@fcps.edu



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/31/2011 08:43PM by herewegoagain.

From FCPS Regulation 4418.5:

The school system will not tolerate the possession of alcohol or illegal drugs or
the unlawful use of prescription drugs by its employees on the job or in
circumstances that may affect the job...

...

No employee shall report to work, perform assigned duties, engage in school
system business in the school community, or participate in an activity involving
students while the employee has detectable amounts of alcohol, illegal drugs,
unauthorized prescription drugs, or illegal drug metabolites in his or her system.

...

When reasonable suspicion of a violation of this regulation exists, the
employee may be tested for alcohol and drugs.
...

Any other employee who returns to duty after engaging in conduct
that violates this regulation, shall be sent to the employee assistance
program (EAP) and may be required to be evaluated by a substance
abuse professional...

Wait! New front runner.
Composition, subject matter, artistic quality - all superior!

An "A+"!
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Another "A+" - excellent incoporation of characterization into artistic representation.

Superior comedic value!
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May be best overall - Best in Show.
Artistic, message incorporation, originality.

Head of the class?
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The prophetic Tessie speaks.
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Be aware, this man wants to represent you on the school board.
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Get these women into solitary - what that do to their nastiness?
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Stay informed.

These are our elected officials.
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With apologies to Mrs. Hone.
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"Personal agendas," "bias" and "emotion"---these can hardly be foreign concepts to members of the school board. A few seem to think that they are so elevated that they are above such influences.

And the comments about each other....! This is really pathetic.

"Quick! Let's pass Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) to validate our relevance in election year!" After sitting on this for 3-4 years, they finally ACT on it.

Tessie to Liz:

"Keep Dean in the loop. He can take Pat on in ways you can't, and he can provide data support for you! He might also be able to identify pitfalls that Clifton will not see or acknowledge!"

"And make sure you structure this in a way so YOU get the credit - not him. We can work on how to do that."


WOW. This is so UGLY. And these people claim to be working to support the quality of education for children? Why aren't the news outlets covering this story? Thank goodness for the Fairfax Underground.

Question: Why does Dean T. want to torpedo Clifton so badly? Is it something against Clifton, or is it chiefly to support Liz's political ambitions?

Liz B. and Tessie are seriously disturbed people.

Nasty women asked,
Question: Why does Dean T. want to torpedo Clifton so badly? Is it something against Clifton, or is it chiefly to support Liz's political ambitions?

This is the missing puzzle piece. Also, why is he so anxious to move trailers and build on. Is it to keep his empire going.

There's a saying: "Follow the money" Is there some advantage here? Is it to keep Liz happy? Contracters happy?

It seems that the Clifton community has been given no solid plan for what will happen to their students and to the school land/building. What does Fairfax County plan to do with the land/school? Who is going to benefit from this school being closed?

Clifton parents should look at re-opening CES as a charter school. There is a great example of this happening at Pennsylvania. School board wanted to shut down an old ES and did. The parents organized and and are attempting to re-open it as a charter.

Not sure how the laws differ between VA and PA, but the template on how to do it has been laid out by these folks, although I don't think they have yet been successful in re-opening the school.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Jewett_Charter_School_Coalition

You all are naive if you think that Tistadt doesn't already have a plan for this school building.

How long did Pimmitt Hills stay empty? A week? Then they pumper $7.5 million into it and converted it to administrative offices.

See, we have money in the budget to renovate administrative offices and buildings for adult education (basket weaving and such) centers-Edsall Park-we just don't have money for schools in areas where there is severe overcrowding.

Honestly, don't you understand their logic? It makes perfect sense.

A large group of people (parents, students, community members) needs to demand for SPECIFIC answers from the school board and Fairfax County Public Schools. What is the plan for this land and building? What group gains from Clifton closing?

These decisions have been made behind multiple closed doors and/or using emails while intoxicated. At some point, this group of shaman-loving communicators must be held responsible for the mess they've created.

Unprofessional and embarrassing behavior gets people elected here in Fairfax, apparently.

Liz went to the Springfield Democratic District Committee meeting tonight and applied for membership in FCDC.

Her application was tabled.

Good try, Liz, but there is no way that the majority of the entire membership of FCDC would follow a recommendation from Springfield Democrats to accept your membership application. endorse you for re-election or support you challenging Pat Herrity.

What in the world are Ruth Miller, chairman of the Springfield Democrats, and Rex Simmons chair of FCDC and Springfield, thinking?

It gets worse . . .

Apparently she told SDDC that because of the closing of Clifton, FCPS would have enough money to extend all day K to the 37 richest elementary schools that haven't got it yet.

This is a complete lie.

Renovation money comes from the capital budget.

All day K comes out of the operating budget.

This women will stop at nothing to satiate her ego.

She's a sociopath.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2011 09:07AM by Thomas More.

This is all so strange. How does Liz Bradsher managed to not examine her behavior in the last year and REFLECT on her conduct?

Delusional. Psychotic. Repugnant.

How rude - rude - rude.

Tessie and Liz - you are morbid embarrassments.

Tuck your tails and go home.
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Is is just coincidence that the Washington Post did a story today on how parents are demanding Full Day Kindergarten in Fairfax County? In the story, titled, "Parents, teachers and administrators push for all-day kindergarten in Fairfax County", they interviewed the principal of Silverbrook Elementary, which just happens to be the school that Liz Bradsher's kids went to, it's her neighborhood school.
The article was written by Kali Schumitz, who lives down the street from Cassie Eatmon, a Bradsher cronie.

Just this week Bradsher showed up at the Springfield Democrats meeting, saying that closing Clifton Elementary would pay for all day kindergarten in Fairfax County. She is trying to spin that she is going to bring all day kindergarten if elected, and the pro-democratic Washington Post is helping her.

If you want a laugh, look at the video of the School Board Meeting from Feb. 3, and watch Bradsher lose it! They are discussing a motion to get rid of FLES, which Ms. Hone brought to the board. It is no secret that Bradsher HATES Hone, and she gets all defensive! Look at around mark 1:22:00 (the timer runs backward) on the video.

All of the other board members act professionally, but Bradsher just can't.

Correction to above: Bradsher's meltdown is around 1:24:00. Enjoy.

Wow - I've never watched a SB meeting before. That's entertaining. This Hone lady, from the meeting and looking at her profile, looks like she's made her career and SB role by being permanently aggrieved.

You read the e-mails or watch the SB meetings, and they are always referring to 'staff'. Don't these people have names or at least department titles? It would be nice to know who exactly develops the analyses that are being discussed - not just some amorphous STAFF with no name and no organization.

the Press is bought off. you just try to get their ear. Dale takes the Post to lunch. Peggy Fox is best friends with Liz Bradsher. Joann from Post is in bed with Stu. Kali lives down the street from Casie Eatmon. Got it?

Brassiere meltdown was pitiful. This woman is an elfin nutcase.

Funniest thread ever. Do you morons think this forum or the posts here will have any effect on the next election? Keep wasting your time complaining to each other here. If Liz is re-elected you rabble rousers will probably have heart attacks or aneurysms.

I'll be laughing my a$$ off.

These threads are helpful at revealing how unprincipled Liz Bradsher is, and how unqualified she is for any public office. If she's re-elected, the joke's on you.

The post whining that this is a waste of time is the funniest one ever. What a waste of time, complaining about this thread. When bitch Bradsher is tossed to the street, her supporters will probably be having heart attacks and aneuryms.

And I'll be laughing my a$$ off.

The vote wasn't to July 8th.

So how did Bradsher have the vote to close the school on July 2nd?

Doesn't that make all the talk before the vote on the 8th a show?
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What does Bob Larsen mean by "Moon's offer"? Who is Bob Larsen, that he seems to figure rather prominently in these "Close Clifton" pow wows?

It's "fundlemental" (Liz-speak) that Liz Bradsher is MENTAL-LY unhinged from reality. You can't behave in this manner and get away with it.

Boundary changes are set in play by these two?

Bradsher asks Larsen to troll for support against Clifton?

Now we have to change schools because Larsen helped Bradsher?

Why do our kids have to go to school in a supercrowded school with trailers because of some deal that Larsen help Bradsher do?
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Whoever this is, hope he speaks at the Public Hearing tomorrow night!

Would pay good money - he could charge admission for a blistering speech like this email.

WOW - love that someone said it straight out!
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+1

This is one of my favorites. I'd like to shake Mr. Poe's hand tomorrow night if he's at the hearing to speak. Thank you, Mr. Poe for telling it like it is.

Think if the public named Plan B, might mean something different.

What starts with B? Think, think, think.
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Oh, really...?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/06/AR2011020603710.html?wprss=rss_metro

It's disturbing that the school board now complains about FOIA (and gets the Washington Post to do a vacuous article about it!). Whining about their official school board email accounts being disclosed shows signs of some serious delusions.

Perhaps if these school board members like Bradsher had not been so deceitful and manipulative, there would not have been a need for so many FOIA requests. Did that even occur to these people?

Their behavior has been monumentally stupid. They are representatives, not monarchs.

IF THEY DID TEIR JOB RIGHT AND CARED ABOUT ALL STUDENTS THEY WOULD NOT HAVE SO MANY FOIA REQUESTS.

IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS, THEY SHOULD QUIT.

HOMEWORK IS A BURDEN TO ME, BUT I DO IT IN OR TO PASS.

FCPS SCHOOL BOARD IS FAILING BY NOT RESPONDING TO ALL FOIA REQUESTS.

All these people getting into a huff, crying, calling each other names at the SB meeting? Is this for real? Please tell me we don't have this set of clowns running a $2.2B organization!

Obviously the Shaman retreat did not help!

WaPost article Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, really...?
>
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic
> le/2011/02/06/AR2011020603710.html?wprss=rss_metro
>
>
>

From the article ""The fact that any of my e-mails can be read by anyone in the country who makes a FOIA request - that frankly bothers me," said Daniel G. Storck, a board member who represents Mount Vernon. "

Are you f'n kidding me? A public official concerned that what he wrote, on a public e-mail system, about our schools and decisions effecting our kids, might become public? The arrogance of these people.

Dan if you're reading this, Abe Lincoln once said 'If once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem.'

If she learned long ago you do not bump projects on the CIP queue -

then WHY DID SHE BUMP South County MS up?
then WHY DID SHE BUMP WSHS up?


And, worst of all,

then WHY DID SHE BUMP CLIFTON OFF OF IT?

Liz Bradsher is an unbelievable arrogant hypocrite.
Unethical at best, criminal at worst.


> From: "Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)"
> To: "'charliet@cox.net'"
> Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:36:30 -0400
> Subject: RE: Three Things
>
> Charlie,
>
> Long ago I learned you do not bump projects on the CIP queue and there is
a queue for a reason. The queue protocol was not amended due to Woodson's
need for a renovation or the need to build South County Secondary. Your
school, Clifton ES, needs a renovation. Most of the Board members at this
time believe this to be the case. They saw the situation during the tour.
Clifton is a public school, not private and there are certain protocols
that are followed. These protocols provide a sense of structure and
fairness within the system. Clifton is no different from other areas in
our county with respect to following the same sense of protocol and
fairness.
>
> Is it fair to the Clifton students for them to go without while other
students have up to date amenities in their school? Is if fair to think
only about the "now" and not the future for area students? Is it right,
yes I said right, to have an emotional attachment to a building instead of
a realization about what is needed to educate the students in that
building? We have spent 9 months looking at this issue. You have spent
hundreds of hours personally; staff has given you and others their full
attention. I have attended every Community Ad Hoc presentation and been
available on a moment's notice to the communities in the Southwestern area
of this County. All the information has been afforded to the members of the
community. It is time a decision is made.
>
> I and others on the Board will make what we believe is the right decision
for the community and students. I was endorsed by the Republican Party when
I ran for office and supported by Clifton. I am fiscally conservative and
now because this issue seems to have "hit home" to those who supported me I
am to change who I am to oblige a community that all of a sudden doesn't
want such fiscal conservatism applied to them? That doesn't sit well with
me.
>
> With regard to your comment about Mr. Peterson, I think you know me
fairly well enough to know that I will not be bullied into a decision by
Mr. Peterson, Supervisor Herrity or any other elected individual no matter
how poorly they speak about me in public. I will look at the issue
pragmatically while understanding we have many needs in this county. I
think that is what is expected of me as the elected representative of the
Springfield District.
>
> I continue to appreciate your passion for this issue Charlie. You are a
tremendous person and great Dad. Clifton ES, like any other elementary
school in this county, is valued by those it serves.
>
> Sincerely,
> Liz Bradsher

Interesting the school board said in an article they are burdened by FOI submissions by the community.

Is it possible that they get concerned that information like this gets out to the people they told shouldn't have our big school made bigger?

Now we get to feel the brunt just like Clifton did - thanks Liz for making our big school bigger.

What happened to your "I do not believe this is an optimum resolution for Union Mill students and residents. Simply stated this would increase the enrollment and capacity at Union Mill and make a bigger school bigger. Furthermore, I do not believe Union Mill residents would want such changes to their neighborhood school. "

You are right - we didn't want it. So, what happened Liz? What happened?
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HS Student Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> IF THEY DID TEIR JOB RIGHT AND CARED ABOUT ALL
> STUDENTS THEY WOULD NOT HAVE SO MANY FOIA
> REQUESTS.
> 
> IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS, THEY SHOULD
> QUIT.
> 
> HOMEWORK IS A BURDEN TO ME, BUT I DO IT IN OR TO
> PASS.
> 
> FCPS SCHOOL BOARD IS FAILING BY NOT RESPONDING TO
> ALL FOIA REQUESTS.


Please figure out where the caps lock key is.

Most likely one of Elizabeth Shultz's offspring. Idiots.

"SCHULTZ           ","ELIZABETH   ","L","038","  6806","WANDERING           ","LA","CLIFTON     ","VA","07/11/2005","FAIL OBEY HWY SIGN                 "
"SCHULTZ           ","ELIZABETH   ","L","038","  6806","WANDERING           ","LA","CLIFTON     ","VA","11/17/2005","FAIL OBEY STOP/YLD-SGN             "

And the hubby:

"SCHULTZ           ","BRIAN       ","R","041","  6806","WANDERING           ","LA","CLIFTON     ","VA","01/20/2007","45-49MPH/30MPH ZONE                "
"SCHULTZ           ","BRIAN       ","R","041","  6806","WANDERING           ","LA","CLIFTON     ","VA","10/07/2007","EXPIRED STATE REGISTRATION         "
"SCHULTZ           ","BRIAN       ","R","042","  6806","WANDERING           ","LA","CLIFTON     ","VA","09/13/2008","FAIL OBEY HWY SIGN                 "

Give em a call if you disagree with the frivolous lawsuits and costly FOIA requests!

(703) 266-2299

Cheers! 

Thank you to those who alerted me to the above post.

Kindly note, Kevin Sieff, the Washington Post reporter for the below story, is correcting the article and apologized for the multiple errors – some were his errors, he said, and some are an editor’s.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/06/AR2011020603710_Comments.html

WPost:
ElizabethSchultz wrote:
Several important points of clarification regarding this article:

First of all – my husband and I have FOUR sons - no daughters.

Second – early last fall I sent a single (one) email inquiry to my School Board representative, Elizabeth Bradsher, to pursue transparency in attempting to account for Bond Referendum monies totaling $21.75M in taxpayer dollars. Ms. Bradsher refused to answer the inquiry. I have not sent a single formal FOIA request to FCPS, nevermind more than a dozen as attributed in this article.

Third – I am not a plaintiff in any lawsuit against the School Board or FCPS.

Fourth – the FOIA lawsuit has a single plaintiff, not many parents.

And, critically, the School Board members' emails in the conduct of the public's business with public monies ARE NOT PRIVATE.

Virginia statute sets forth that at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. If the School Board - or any public body - circumvents the law under existing Virginia Code, they should held accountable.

Any government body, including a school board, which endeavours to do the public's business with LESS transparency and LESS accountability, is not seeking to serve their stakeholders with integrity.

Such efforts to reduce government transparency and accountability should wave a red flag to the respective constituents of such government body.

Elizabeth L. Schultz
Springfield District resident
Fairfax County, VA

Interesting that the Post article did not in any way cover characterize the content of the FOIA'd e-mail. You'd think there'd be a paragraph that said here's what's in what's been released - maybe covering some of the SB/staff interactions or the ongoing alcohol abuse.

The Post seems to have a strong SB bias.

From the Herrity report:

Fairfax County Public Schools is currently conducting a study of Elementary School boundaries to address current overcrowding in a handful of schools for the 2011-12 school year and the loss of 400 seats due to the closing of Clifton ES. The current recommendation of school staff directly impacts almost 1,500 kids in 21 schools - and their new classmates another 17,000+ kids who will now be in schools with inadequate facilities - overcrowded classrooms, gyms, music rooms, cafeterias and trailers. These boundary changes are projected to take place this year (September 2011) before any new classroom and facilities are built. Lost in the debate is that fact that much of the school overcrowding is not projected to occur until later. So why disrupt the education of so many southwestern students and families now?

There are a whole slew of unanswered questions related to this boundary study. In my opinion the biggest is - Why the rush? Why rush kids and teachers into school trailers and inadequate facilities that don't meet the county's basic educational specifications?

The public hearings for the boundary study are today, February 7, 2011 at Luther Jackson Middle School beginning at 6:00PM and concluding when all speakers have been heard. If you live in the southwestern section of the County please consider attending the meeting TONIGHT. Let the school board know that you want answers. Ask why they are rushing a process that doesn't need to be rushed and that will force our kids and teachers into facilities that are not yet ready. Ask why they are not giving serious consideration to the option that would let students and teachers stay in proven facilities for the time being while new facilities are being constructed.

Over half of the PTA's from the impacted schools have already passed a "No Faith" resolution expressing a lack of confidence in the process, projections, building capacity data, and the rushed timetable pushed by school staff. The PTAs and their members recognize this is the largest boundary study in FCPS history. The PTAs' resolution asks the school board to halt the boundary study until school staff answers the following basic questions:

· Why move students into schools without existing capacity before permanent capacity, in the form of newly proposed building additions, is complete? Trailers and modulars are not permanent solutions.

· What are the basic transportation plans including cost and ride times?

· What is the traffic impact on the local communities? Is there sufficient parking, kiss and ride, and bus drop off space?

· Has staff considered construction of a new elementary school at or near the epicenter of overcrowding - Would this be a cheaper option and less disruptive option than spending, at minimum, $15.1M of your taxpayer dollars on expansions? Some 'big schools' will, as a result of the proposed expansions, become even bigger schools - is this the best option for our kids and teachers?

· What is the plan for SACC placement when children with a SACC assignment at their current school are moved to another school?

· How will FCPS address concerns of impacted families who may be moved from a school with current full day kindergarten to a new school that has half-day kindergarten?

· Is this an opportunity to build space for full day kindergarten?

I encourage you to go to the FCPS school boundary site to see if you can find the answers to these questions - http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm

It is clear to me that the Southwestern Boundary Study and the decision to close Clifton should have been considered together, and if they had been considered together, the school board wouldn't have closed Clifton ES. School staff says the two issues are not linked. But the absurdity of closing Clifton ES - our number two best performing elementary school with a capacity of 400 that did not need to be renovated - only to move students to other sites with inadequate facilities - raises serious questions that need to be answered. The school board's rush to close Clifton by June 2011 and accomplish demographic shuffling in the boundary study before a new school board is elected in November is a major disservice to potentially thousands of the kids, families and teachers in southwestern Fairfax County.

The fact is there is no need to rush this process. The School Board should wait until it addresses the issues identified by the concerned PTA's and the families they represent. And new facilities should be created before they move our kids into a worse situation with inadequate facilities. Unfortunately, that was not one that was presented to parents by school staff for consideration.



Southwestern Boundary Study Schools Impacted:

Bonnie Brae, Colin Powell, Greenbriar East, Providence, Brookfield, Cub Run, Greenbriar West, Bull Run, Deer Park, Union Mill, Centre Ridge, Eagle View, London Towne, Virginia Run, Centreville, Fairfax Villa, Oak View, Willow Springs, Clifton, Fairview, Poplar Tree

Clifton ES Closure:

Clifton Elementary was approved for closure by the School Board in July. Board members cited the following reasons for closing the school:

high renovation costs (disputed claim but undisputed was the communities request not to renovate the #2 best performing elementary school in Fairfax County and leave it open),
decreases in enrollment projects (enrollment actually increased) and
water safety concerns (water quality proved to be fine - FCPS has stopped using bottled water at the school)

The Herrity Report

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Southwestern-Boundary-Study---Why-the-Rush-to-Put-Our-Kids-In-Trailers-.html?soid=1102318968708&aid=yY_3HILyCyc

Why the Rush to Put Our Kids In Trailers?

Fairfax County Public Schools is currently conducting a study of Elementary School boundaries to address current overcrowding in a handful of schools for the 2011-12 school year and the loss of 400 seats due to the closing of Clifton ES.

The current recommendation of school staff directly impacts almost 1,500 kids in 21 schools - and their new classmates another 17,000+ kids who will now be in schools with inadequate facilities - overcrowded classrooms, gyms, music rooms, cafeterias and trailers. These boundary changes are projected to take place this year (September 2011) before any new classroom and facilities are built.

Lost in the debate is that fact that much of the school overcrowding is not projected to occur until later. So why disrupt the education of so many southwestern students and families now?

There are a whole slew of unanswered questions related to this boundary study.

In my opinion the biggest is - Why the rush? Why rush kids and teachers into school trailers and inadequate facilities that don't meet the county's basic educational specifications?

The public hearings for the boundary study are today, February 7, 2011 at Luther Jackson Middle School beginning at 6:00PM and concluding when all speakers have been heard. If you live in the southwestern section of the County please consider attending the meeting TONIGHT. Let the school board know that you want answers.

Ask why they are rushing a process that doesn't need to be rushed and that will force our kids and teachers into facilities that are not yet ready. Ask why they are not giving serious consideration to the option that would let students and teachers stay in proven facilities for the time being while new facilities are being constructed.

Over half of the PTA's from the impacted schools have already passed a "No Faith" resolution expressing a lack of confidence in the process, projections, building capacity data, and the rushed timetable pushed by school staff. The PTAs and their members recognize this is the largest boundary study in FCPS history. The PTAs' resolution asks the school board to halt the boundary study until school staff answers the following basic questions:

• Why move students into schools without existing capacity before permanent capacity, in the form of newly proposed building additions, is complete? Trailers and modulars are not permanent solutions.
• What are the basic transportation plans including cost and ride times?
• What is the traffic impact on the local communities? Is there sufficient parking, kiss and ride, and bus drop off space?
• Has staff considered construction of a new elementary school at or near the epicenter of overcrowding - Would this be a cheaper option and less disruptive option than spending, at minimum, $15.1M of your taxpayer dollars on expansions? Some 'big schools' will, as a result of the proposed expansions, become even bigger schools - is this the best option for our kids and teachers?
• What is the plan for SACC placement when children with a SACC assignment at their current school are moved to another school?
• How will FCPS address concerns of impacted families who may be moved from a school with current full day kindergarten to a new school that has half-day kindergarten?
• Is this an opportunity to build space for full day kindergarten?
I encourage you to go to the FCPS school boundary site to see if you can find the answers to these questions - http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm

It is clear to me that the Southwestern Boundary Study and the decision to close Clifton should have been considered together, and if they had been considered together, the school board wouldn't have closed Clifton ES. School staff says the two issues are not linked. But the absurdity of closing Clifton ES - our number two best performing elementary school with a capacity of 400 that did not need to be renovated - only to move students to other sites with inadequate facilities - raises serious questions that need to be answered.

The school board's rush to close Clifton by June 2011 and accomplish demographic shuffling in the boundary study before a new school board is elected in November is a major disservice to potentially thousands of the kids, families and teachers in southwestern Fairfax County.

The fact is there is no need to rush this process. The School Board should wait until it addresses the issues identified by the concerned PTA's and the families they represent. And new facilities should be created before they move our kids into a worse situation with inadequate facilities. Unfortunately, that was not one that was presented to parents by school staff for consideration.

Southwestern Boundary Study Schools Impacted:
Bonnie Brae, Colin Powell, Greenbriar East, Providence, Brookfield, Cub Run, Greenbriar West, Bull Run, Deer Park, Union Mill, Centre Ridge, Eagle View, London Towne, Virginia Run, Centreville, Fairfax Villa, Oak View, Willow Springs, Clifton, Fairview, Poplar Tree

Clifton ES Closure:
Clifton Elementary was approved for closure by the School Board in July. Board members cited the following reasons for closing the school:
• high renovation costs (disputed claim but undisputed was the communities request not to renovate the #2 best performing elementary school in Fairfax County and leave it open),
• decreases in enrollment projects (enrollment actually increased) and
• water safety concerns (water quality proved to be fine - FCPS has stopped using bottled water at the school)

Web: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield
Email: springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone: 703-451-8873

seems posters do a better job of reporting the facts than the washington (com)post

if one is to believe the correction was really posted by the same Schultz, it is hilarious that the reporter said that she has a daughter and didn't even get that right.

what is the point of this story if the basic facts are wrong and nothing about what was IN the foia responses is included?

seems another FCPS department of whining (communication) using the (com)post as a mouthpiece.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/06/AR2011020603710_Comments.html

CommentsMIMIMI wrote:
I'm really disappointed with the Post's coverage of FCPS generally, and this article was no exception. For the most part, the Post simply parrots the "party line" from FCPS, with little independent analysis or effort to understand competing viewpoints. Here, you present as fact FCPS's assertion that responding to FOIA requests is an unnecessary burden (as if the Post's own journalists haven't filed many a FOIA request, at least back in the era when the paper actually cared about investigative journalism), while not taking the effort to analyze the contents of the troubling e-mails that were exchanged between Liz Bradsher and her friends while Ms. Bradsher was using her FCPS e-mail address.
2/7/2011 3:07:57 PM
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unhappyvoter wrote:
Not let me see...who might the poster wombat2 be? Could it be someone from FCPS dept of communication as it follows the blog? Or could it be one of Bradsher's pen pals from SOAR or the Ad Hoc study group that was to be fair and transparent? Or I guess it could be Bradsher herself as she can now criticize Republican Cuccinelli because she has declared she is no longer a Republican.
Let me add a Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
2/7/2011 2:57:33 PM
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FairfaxStation2489 wrote:
The purpose of FOIA is to legitimately offer transparency to the affairs of government.
The effort to lessen the burden is curious – is it really cost? Requesters PAY for the information. And FCPS maximizes every opportunity to charge those who make the requests – in addition, they drag their feet, don’t fully respond, respond late, respond with the wrong information, or – frequently – don’t respond at all. Worse – REFUSE to respond.
And they want to be LESS transparent?
They spend our money in Richmond to lobby the VA General Assembly to be able to spend our money in the conduct of business for our benefit and do it with LESS transparency and accountability. It is an OUTRAGE. FCPS School Board is up for election in 2011--we need 12 strong members who will represent the citizens who elect them and who will stand up to the central administration. Enough is enough.

2/7/2011 2:36:44 PM
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ffxvoter wrote:
The requestor of the information PAYS FCPS for the FOIA’d documents. It is egregious that this is being portrayed as a financial burden on FCPS! If this is taxing on FCPS staff than perhaps FCPS Administration needs to streamline the procedure/process which they are using to gather the information instead of trying to use it as an excuse to try and skirt transparency. At a time when other agencies (Ex. White House Open Government Initiative) are seeking to become MORE transparent, it is arrogant of FCPS to try and go in the opposite direction.

Further, the POST has now injured its own credibility by (1) not doing full research on a story (2), not checking its facts to make sure they are accurate and (3) appearing to merely be an extension of FCPS PR Department. Shame on you!

2/7/2011 1:52:34 PM
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Infinimac wrote:
wombat2 must be a shill for LB. Are you the "witch-hunt" accuser? I know of many of the FOIAs requested, and not one of them was without prior basis for need. More to the point, Cuccinelli was abusing his power as attorney general in using his version of the law and his arsenal to go on his unsubstantiated quest. This is a case of the PEOPLE -- the voters, the populace, the citizens, the very humans our elected officials supposedly work for and represent -- going for duly-deserved public information. ... Sorry, shill, you hold no sway with those of us here planted on the side of transparency and accountability in our government.
2/7/2011 1:27:06 PM
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wombat2 wrote:
Hmmmm. Isn't this taking a page from Ken Cuccinelli's political tactics with UVA-- Force disclosure of lots of information in order to see if any of it is germaine? Or, perhaps, to clog the system, and then when the information is not forthcoming, to charge the system with negligence and purposeful withholding? The system needs to be responsible for being 'transparent' and 'responsible', and so do the constituents. The discussion of emails seems to me a red herring, an attempt to divert attention from the main point that a school that parents want to stay open, is scheduled for closure.
2/7/2011 12:35:52 PM
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macfiveva wrote:
This HEART of this story is that Fairfax County taxpayers deserve a school system that operates with full transparency and accountability. The recently published FOIA'd emails (related to the premature closure of Clifon Elementary) demonstrate that the public is justified in its concerns.

Ideally, FOIAs requests will help determine if our public officials are operating with full transparency. Public officials should welcome this full accountability; not prevent it.

It's troubling to think FCPS legislative lobbyists want to place restrictions on FOIA requests.

It's also troubling that FCPS won't reveal the ACTUAL budgetary costs associated with this recent spike of FOIA requests.

School Board Member Liz Bradsher said "It's crippling the system" So, why hide this figure? It's another example of poor transparency.
2/7/2011 11:48:30 AM
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Infinimac wrote:
Dear Washington Post Reporter Who Should Have Standards: Who, EXACTLY, is accusing parents of an "indiscriminate witch hunt?" Someone with the word "Hunt" in her name, maybe? Or a board member? This is an OUTRAGEOUS accusation, coming from a school board with zero accountability or a school system administrator with even less!!

Janet Otersen got it right, and I can attest to it: This school administration does not deserve to be trusted. I have seen manipulation of data, spinning of facts, and outright lies from FCPS Gatehouse individuals. Does the public know that almost all the "awards" this system gets come from self-nominations (conducted at taxpayer expense)? Go figure.

That they're spending our money and our trust marching to Richmond claiming victimhood because poor them, they have to abide by the sunshine laws in place for decades to protect the public, just like every other government entity does, is truly illuminating. If I were a taxpayer, I'd be asking, "What are they trying to hide?"

Pay attention, voters! This school system spends 53% of your budget to the tune of $2.2B, more than we give to Egypt in aid every year! There are some amazing reform candidates running for school board who stand for transparency, honesty, and accountability, and who WELCOME public engagement. Find out who they are and vote them in!
2/7/2011 11:41:41 AM
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ElizabethSchultz wrote:
Several important points of clarification regarding this article:
First of all – my husband and I have FOUR sons - no daughters.
Second – early last fall I sent a single (one) email inquiry to my School Board representative, Elizabeth Bradsher, to pursue transparency in attempting to account Bond Referendum monies totaling $21.75M in taxpayer dollars. Ms. Bradsher refused to answer the inquiry. I have not sent a single formal FOIA request to FCPS, nevermind more than a dozen as attributed in this article.
Third – I am not a plaintiff in any lawsuit against the School Board or FCPS.
Fourth – the FOIA lawsuit has a single plaintiff, NOT many parents.
And, critically, the School Board members emails in the conduct of the public's business with public monies ARE NOT PRIVATE. Virginia statute sets forth that at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. If the School Board - or any public body - circumvents the law under existing Virginia Code, they should held accountable.

Any government body, including a school board, which endeavours to do the public's business with LESS transparency and LESS accountability, is not seeking to serve their stakeholders with integrity.
Such efforts to reduce government transparency and accountability should wave a red flag to the respective constituents of such government body.
Elizabeth L. Schultz
Springfield District resident
Fairfax County, VA

2/7/2011 10:54:05 AM
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frustratedFCPSParent wrote:
THe school system CHARGES parents for most of these requests - somehow the reporter failed to report this. Is the Post the mouthpiece of FCPS? I'm afraid so
2/7/2011 9:40:51 AM
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unhappyvoter wrote:
In the article Bradsher claims the FOIA law is unrealistic right now. What is really unrealistic is after reading the FOIA responses was that Bradsher was working against the Clifton community. She partnered with some individuals and a group called SOAR to devise ways to snatch Clifton ES out of the renovation queue to make way for West Springfield HS. FOIA responses revealed that her actions were more about a political power struggle and "I can do it because I can.." attitude. Just read the FOIA responses found at fairfaxunderground.com if you want to see her full scale operation. It is shameful when an elected official claims to have integrity and promotes transparency, but engages in under the cover and backroom deals. Thanks to FOIA some sunshine was spread on Bradsher's dealings.
2/7/2011 9:39:47 AM
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DCDCSW wrote:
If the members of the school board are afraid, ashamed or embarrassed by what is stated in their tax payer funded (positions)email then they should resign from office. Case closed. If you don't do 'wrong' in the dark then you don't have to worry about when those actions come to light.
2/7/2011 8:55:02 AM
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Nosh1 wrote:
I am not sure what the problem is. Charge every requester the set rate and move on.

If it costs 31 bucks an hour, then charge that to cover the costs. End of story.
2/7/2011 8:51:18 AM
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thisnewocean wrote:
mmkm states it perfectly.

Some FCPS school board representatives seem to forget the fact that their FCPS email accounts are to be used to conduct official school business--not political plotting, whining, or disparaging parents in the community.

Post staff: Has anyone at the Post read the emails that were made available?

2/7/2011 7:09:40 AM
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mmkm wrote:
Isn't the real story about what was in those FOIA emails? The reader of this article might understand why there are so many requests if the reporter had revealed a little more about the emails.

FOIA was set up to protect citizens from abuse by government officials. And, abuse is exactly what is revealed in the emails relating to Clifton. This is exactly why we need FOIA.
2/7/2011 6:45:32 AM
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ProudVoter wrote:
There obviously is a big trust issue between the current Fairfax County School Board & administration, and the parents. The School Board and FCPS management seems to forget that the parents and all County taxpayers have an expectation of high integrity and transparent decision making by their School Board. Instead there have been repeated instances of decisions being made before public hearings even begin, decisions being made that go against the objective facts and data, decisions being made that go against the desires of the parents and taxpayers (the customers), and ugly back room dealing. An enlightened School Board would want to know what has caused this and be asking themselves what they can do to be even more transparent and responsive to the public to try and regain trust.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote in many new School Board members in November. They should exercise their right to do so.
2/7/2011 12:52:44 AM

Def from CliftonVV Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> school board scandal Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I am not a Clifton resident but I do find
> interest
> > in this Clifton School closing scandal which is
> > heating up around the FCSB on a daily basis.
> It
> > appears that the closing had very little to do
> > with what is best for the students and the
> county
> > school system as a whole, but more to do with
> > settling personal vendettas and achieving
> personal
> > agendas by board members. Frequently in these
> > newly disclosed e-mails disdain for the Clifton
> > community is expressed and rampant for
> "those",
> > "entitled", etc. people of Clifton. It is also
> > interesting that many of the reasons for
> closing
> > the school have disproved for example the
> concern
> > over the quality of potable water.
> > In my opinion the closing of Clifton School in
> the
> > corrupt manner that it was conducted is
> > unacceptable and undeniable.
> > If the Washington Post and other media outlets
> > expose to the mass audience this gross and
> > negligent abuse of power, it may bring the FCSB
> to
> > its knees forcing them to reverse their
> decision
> > to close the school. I would recommend to the
> > people living in the Clifton area to pursue
> this
> > angle. Gather up as much evidence of FCSB
> > wrong-doing and present it to the local media.
> > Then let them take it from there.
>
> You're from Clifton, admit it!
>
> PS, Herrity is toast in NOVA politics. Stick a
> fork in him, he is done!


You say that I live in the Clifton area. I say I don't. Let's put some money on it! SAY $100.