I'm sorry, who was playing LRR?? It wasn't Clifton.





From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [mailto:ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Kiefer, Meaghan
Sent: 7/8/2010 11:52:33 PM
Subject: FW: School Board Votes to Close Clifton Elementary!!
Attachments:

Meaghan,
The vote was 9-2 tonight to close Clifton. Be sure to tell Mike. I thought you might like to read what Tim
Hugo sent out, he sure is a great “team playerâ€! Clifton has been lobbying to add an addition and bring in
students from LRR. I knew LRR was being played, not to sure Steve understood that.

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


On Jul 8, 2010, at 10:15 PM,

Tim Hugo wrote:

School Board Votes to Close Clifton Elementary

Clifton, VA (July 8, 2010) Tonight the School Board passed a
vote to shut down Clifton Elementary School. This is a major
setback for the hundreds of community residents who dedicated
so much of their time and effort to saving Clifton Elementary.
"With her vote, School Board Member, Liz Bradsher threw the
children of Clifton and Fairfax County under the bus," stated
Delegate Tim Hugo. "I am extremely disappointed by this
decision, however, I would like to thank all members of the
community for their hard work and dedication in the fight to save
Clifton Elementary."
The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of residents were
in attendance for the final vote, to show their support for saving
Clifton Elementary.
community for their hard work and dedication in the fight to save
Clifton Elementary."
The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of residents were
in attendance for the final vote, to show their support for saving
Clifton Elementary.
Forward email
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This quote from Liz Bradsher in the Connection sums up her philosophy:


"I am pretty passionate and emotional about this because it has been so difficult on me personally," said Bradsher.

Forget the kids or the parents or the teachers. It's all about Liz. She's emotional about an issue if it matters to her. Nothing more, nothing less. Pure, and simple narcissism.

It's like the BP executive who "just wants my life back." Who cares if the oil spill is keeping the little people from earning a living wage?

I know a great way, Liz, for you to spare yourself so much pain - stay the hell out of local politics in the future.

Skeptical Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This quote from Liz Bradsher in the Connection
> sums up her philosophy:
>
>
> "I am pretty passionate and emotional about this
> because it has been so difficult on me
> personally," said Bradsher.
>
> Forget the kids or the parents or the teachers.
> It's all about Liz. She's emotional about an
> issue if it matters to her. Nothing more, nothing
> less. Pure, and simple narcissism.
>
> It's like the BP executive who "just wants my life
> back." Who cares if the oil spill is keeping the
> little people from earning a living wage?
>
> I know a great way, Liz, for you to spare yourself
> so much pain - stay the hell out of local politics
> in the future.


In complete agreement with the above. It's all about her--her ambition for political office, to "leave her mark on the community," and to get another school for her neighborhood.

Since Liz Bradsher is a dog, the only job she should hold is a county dog catcher.

No, dogs deserve a better person than her.

How many GT/AAP students would otherwise attend Clifton?

I will do what I believe is right for the students
> of the Southwestern Study area and for the
> students of this District. Yes, I won with close
> to 63% of the vote, more than any other candidate,
> including Mr. Herrity. There are many other
> precincts where I also had a strong presence.
>
> Sincerely,
> Liz Bradsher
> Elizabeth T. Bradsher
> Fairfax County School Board
> Springfield District
> Phone: (571) 296-1875
> Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative
> Assistant
> Phone: (571) 423-1070
>
> ________________________________


EARTH CALLING LIZ BRADSHER.....

Mr. Herrity did NOT run against you for your BOE seat. In order for you to get 63% of the vote more than Mr. Herrity, he needs to actually be in the race against you. The race in your head doesn't count. Ballots are funny that way.

gt numbers Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How many GT/AAP students would otherwise attend
> Clifton?


Looks like around 43.
http://www.fcps.edu/news/SouthwesternRegionalPlanningStudyGTTransfers.pdf

An article from novacommonsense.com, Nov 21, 2010:


Bradsher pulls 2007 campaign website with Republican endorsement
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just one day after Liz Bradsher gave an interview stating categorically that she’s not a Republican, her 2007 campaign website – which prominently references her Republican endorsement – gets yanked. Just yesterday morning, the site was up – then my story ran, and now the site is a Godaddy parking page. What an amazing coincidence!

Fortunately, I anticipated this move when I wrote my post and took a screenshot of her website with the Republican endorsement on it.

Here’s a tip – take down the campaign website when the campaign is over. You never know if what’s on there will bite you in the butt in the future. But, then again, it’s not like Bradsher has much of a political future anyway.

Before the Staff presentation to the Board on JUNE 10th

Before the work session and trip to Clifton and Libery on JUNE 14th

Before the public hearing on JUNE 28th

Before the work session to discuss (yah-right) the public's testimony on JUNE 29th

Dean told Liz 'close Clifton'.

But it wasn't predetermined. They considered all input. And monkeys might fly out of my butt.
Attachments:

Allright, have to admit it looks like they were right. Words don't lie even if our school board memmers do.
Attachments:

She has an unbelievable number of grammar mistakes in her Tuesday, June 22nd letter to Ms. Schultz. I can understand a few, but for a person writing to an important constituent who has taken the time to write a very strong and rational letter, it is unbelievable. It is clearly the writing of an emotional and irrational person (given that she went to Villanova and I would suppose that she learned to write). She talks about Clifton people being "emotional"??? She needs to take a look inside herself---but first she really ought to go to those AA meetings and get straightened out. I honestly feel a bit sad for this lady. Probably worse than Liz is the fact that people like Tistadt spurred her on.

I agree with "she needs help". How can this lady be on the SB? I bet the reason her letter looks so bad is because she has had a few. I am going to send her some info on AA.

Liz Bradsher the Fairfax drunk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I agree with "she needs help". How can this lady
> be on the SB? I bet the reason her letter looks so
> bad is because she has had a few. I am going to
> send her some info on AA.

She must be on drugs, since she is out of it most of the time.

You should see her at the SB meetings. She must carry a flask with her since she cannot keep track of what she is saying. I know the other board members think she has a problem but she cannot be fired.

I am going to call the cops next time I see her driving around town. A drunk driving arrest would serve her good.

She did have her V8 - with vodka, a beer chaser, a double scotch, a bourbon slushy, a wine cooler and a vat of merlot.
Attachments:

I find the number of references in alcoholic beverages in Liz Bradsher's e-mails quite troubling. Teen drinking is a serious problem in this area, and here we have an elected School Board member who frequently makes reference to the need for booze using a county e-mail address.

Our School Board members should be community role models. Judging by her e-mails and her other conduct, Ms. Bradsher fails. If she has any respect for the position that she currently holds, she should step down immediately.

Straight to the point and reasoned letter representing the issue. It is this simple.
Attachments:

Lizzy, you got some 'splainin' to do! You too Ethel - ohh, I mean Tessie.
Attachments:

col·lu·sion (k-lzhn) n.
A secret agreement between two or more parties for a fraudulent, illegal, or deceitful purpose.

collusion [kəˈluËÊ’É™n]n
1. secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose; connivance; conspiracy

Thesaurus - Noun
1. collusion - secret agreement arrangement, agreement - the thing arranged or agreed to;
2. collusion - agreement on a secret plot, connivance, agreement - the verbal act of agreeing, cahoot - collusion; "in cahoots with"

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
collusion - noun
conspiracy, intrigue, deceit, complicity, connivance, secret understanding
Attachments:

I new lawsuit has been filed to make all SB emails released to the public. Liz Bradsher will soon be out of a job. Her only hope now is the Betty Ford clinic.

Liz and her drunk emails Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I new lawsuit has been filed to make all SB emails
> released to the public. Liz Bradsher will soon be
> out of a job. Her only hope now is the Betty Ford
> clinic.

Fairfax County, VA – Friday, January 7, 2011 – The content of e-mails released under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) regarding the Fairfax County School Board’s closure of Clifton Elementary School, has compelled the filing of a lawsuit against Fairfax County Public Schools and the School Board. Notably, the lawsuit seeks to require FCPS to produce and publicly post all withheld secret e-mails and other electronic communications. After all withheld information is made public, the lawsuit requests the Court to compel the School Board to hold a proper public meeting to reconsider – and then re-vote - on all matters relating to the renovation or closure of Clifton Elementary.

The lawsuit, filed this afternoon in Fairfax County Circuit Court by Patton Boggs, LLP, on behalf of Jill DeMello Hill, a Fairfax County resident, centers around multiple public meetings held by FCPS and the School Board last June and July, during which the filing states the “School Board members exchanged substantive e-mails among each other in secret relating to the matters being addressed during the public meetings.â€

The School Board ultimately concluded - in the much-debated vote - to close the Governor’s Award winning and only elementary school in a large, rural portion of the county. The lawsuit states that in communicating with each other “in secret, the School Board violated the VFOIA and deprived the public of observing the discussion among the Board members as they transacted the public’s business.â€

The multiple-count lawsuit includes other charges. In “flagrant disregard†of the Virginia General Assembly’s mandate, the lawsuit outlines that FCPS and the School Board withheld and discussed important relevant information in secret during a public meeting, repeatedly violated Virginia’s Open Meetings laws and that the School Board violated its own internal policies and regulations as defined in its “Strategic Governance Manualâ€.

Virginia law mandates that actions of the government “are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of governmentâ€. Since the VFOIA “shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awarenessâ€, Hill seeks a favorable ruling by the Court on the numerous FCPS and School Board violations outlined in the petition.

Patton Boggs’ filing seeks a number of other remedies from the Court, including the production of all e-mails and other non-public communications sent or received by each of the School Board members during the June 10, June 28 and July 8, 2010 meetings and work sessions and e-mails relating to the renovation or closure of Clifton Elementary. The petition also requests that the Court review the many emails FCPS refuses to produce based on claims that they are privileged or exempt from VFOIA to ensure the public is not being misled.
The lawsuit has been filed as a petition for a writ of mandamus – a type of order from a court requiring a government body, like the school board, to take actions to correct noncompliance with the law. Given the broad mandate of the General Assembly, it is FCPS’ and the School Board’s obligation to prove to the Court their compliance with the VFOIA and Open Meetings laws. The Court is required by Virginia law to hear FOIA cases within seven days. ###

For more information contact: Kim Farrell, Communications Director, Friends of Community Schools

Phone: 703-759-2122 Cell: 443-257-3220
Email: farrell27@msn.com www.friendsofcommunityschools.org
www.savecliftonelementary.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
School Board Members’ Secret E-mails on Clifton Elementary Prompt Lawsuit
Actions of School Board officials compel latest filing in Fairfax County Circuit Court

Why the hate mail between Tessie and Liz and Nell? Ain't nothing happening to Woodson. Never will! In fact, I get the distinct impression that they are going to try and add capacity at Frost just to keep all of Frost aligned with Woodson. Nice! So please, let's not waste our time complaining or worrying about Woodson. Nothing's going to happen to harm your school which is "practically perfect in every way". Cheers. Mary

Your award winning School Board member.

{Don't know what the Dean reference means, but someone does}
Attachments:

So the Superintendent and transportation head {Dean whatever his title is} pushed school board members to close Clifton by lobbying against Hone's amendment?

Scammed, jacked - you name it, they did it.
Attachments:

Correct. The materials out of FCPS indicate a less than forthcoming or truthful approach by central administration with the public - or even to some of School Board.
Apparently, some School Board members did try to push to get info. Appears basis for this:
http://www.novacommonsense.com/2011/01/08/ncs-breaking-fairfax-county-school-board-being-sued-for-violating-virginia-law/


From: Reed, Patty (School Board Member) [psreed1@fcps.edu]
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 7/8/2010 3:09:37 PM
Subject: Fw: Well results at Clifton ES

Attachments:


Isn't there a requirement to have all data prior to voting? Can't we delay based upon this alone?
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

----- Original Message -----
From: Tistadt, Dean
To: Reed, Patty (School Board Member)
Cc: School Board Members; Dale, Jack
Sent: Thu Jul 08 14:14:33 2010
Subject: Re: Well results at Clifton ES

It is not accurate. We got back the results of the bacterial testing and those were fine. We have not gotten back the radiological tests which are the most critical ones.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld


----- Original Message -----
From: Reed, Patty (School Board Member)
To: Tistadt, Dean
Cc: School Board Members; Dale, Jack
Sent: Thu Jul 08 13:06:09 2010
Subject: Well results at Clifton ES

Dean-
I have been informed that the well test came back without contamination. Can you please confirm this, and identify the implications of this result?

Thanks,
Patty
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

In reading through their FOIA emails, this is a good one to follow above and School Board member Hone pretty clearly states what has been since reported by their community - what was this whole effort about?

Looks like a huge strategy to close it and can't imagine how better off the county would be if the same amount of energy, even half the energy, was put into keeping it open.

Getting to 'yes' needs to be a mission in FCPS, it seems. They work awfully hard to say 'no' (Fairgrade, SLEEP, West County Boundary Study, Graham Road, Clifton, Andrew Stevens - boy with epilepsy whose service dog FCPS refused to allow in schools). FCPS' gaffe-o-meter is off the charts.



From: Mark Heid [mheid@dcexaminer.com]
To: Hone, Tina (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 7/9/2010 11:46:15 AM
Subject: Re: Clifton well results to date

Attachments:


Thanks very much for sending this over, Tina, and for your time on the phone.

Mark
--

Markham Heid
The Washington Examiner
mheid@dcexaminer.com
202.459.4975 (office)
202.459.4994 (fax)
www.dcexaminer.com


On 7/9/10 11:47 AM, "Hone, Tina (School Board Member)" wrote:



Thanks for the call. As you can see, we received DURING the school board meeting, information showing that the water was not "contaminated.". If its not about the water and if its not about the money, then what was closing clifton about?


________________________________

From: Tistadt, Dean
To: School Board Members
Cc: Dale, Jack; Moniuszko, Richard A..; James, Denise; Sneed, Kevin; Ellis, Fred (Safety & Security)
Sent: Thu Jul 08 19:12:34 2010
Subject: FW: Clifton well results to date


Dear Board Members,

While we must wait for the final test results for radium 228, expected next week, it does appear that the action taken on this well has solved the contamination problems albeit at the expense of reducing its volume. This fix was inexpensive so if the decision is made to keep the school open, it will not be necessary to expend $300,000 to solve this problem or to incur additional annual operating expenses (which were the previous solution estimates).

I do note that this potential expense was not included in the renovation cost estimate. If we renovate Clifton, it will still be necessary to expend monies to construct a water storage and pump system to support the sprinkler system. Those costs were included in the renovation cost estimate.

My thanks to Doug O’Neill for his expertise and all the work done by the Office of Facilities Management to expedite this work.

Dean

_____________________________________________
From: Ellis, Fred (Safety & Security)
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 2:31 PM
To: O'Neill, Doug
Cc: Mutscheller, William; Tistadt, Dean; Sneed, Kevin; James, Denise; Vollmer, Steve
Subject: RE: Clifton well results to date

Doug,

Tks for the thorough explanation of the preliminary results of the analysis of the Clifton ES well water. I continue to appreciate your expertise and suggestions, which have proven to be very helpful and accurate.

Dean, et.al., Doug has advised that we won’t get the one radium (228) result back until next week, but he doesn’t anticipate it to be problematic.

Fred Ellis

who'da thunk?

this is a little gangsta, no?
Attachments:

liz, now dan, too?

the net widens.
Attachments:

Poor Abe Lincoln. First the war between the states, and now a lunatic like Janet Otersen to deal with. I'd move up the date to see "Our American Cousin" if I were him just to get away from it all.

I vote we put Janet Otersen and Liz Bradsher in a small, confined space and let them turn each other into butter (or maybe gin). These ladies are crazy.

Why won't FCPS tell the public how they spend the bond money?

How is South County being built NOW if the funding is deferred until 2014?

It looks like FCPS is hiding something. Why is that crazy to ask for an accounting?

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/4/2010 11:20:23 PM
Subject: FW: A response from Liz Bradsher and answers you need to hear.

Attachments:
RE_ Note.msg


Read from bottom up. I responded---apparently not what he wanted to read. Herrity seems to be the second coming, who knew?



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

Fairfax County School Board

Springfield District

Phone: (571) 296-1875

Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: (571) 423-1070



It is always wise to insult a Board of Supervisors member.

I wonder how that budget meeting will go when the School Board goes begging for more money....

hahaha

These SB members are jokers.

I am betting on no increase this year. Payback time.

Too bad the kids and teachers will suffer.

From: Burke, Barbara [baburke@fcps.edu]
To: James, Denise; Cain, Debora L.; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC: Rawat, Ajay; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
BCC:
Sent: 4/14/2010 10:13:40 AM
Subject: FW: breakdown of attendees

Attachments:
SRPS attendance.xls



Here is the breakdown of attendees- total of 45

School, Number of attendees (%)

Terra Centre, 1 (2%)
Union Mill, 1 (2%)
Fairview, 2 (4%)
Silverbrook, 2 (4%)
Bonnie Brae, 5 (11%)
Sangster, 5 (11%)
Oak View, 10 (22%)
Clifton, 19 (42%)

--
Sue Sarber, Ph.D.
Arlington Public Schools
Professional Development Supervisor
703.228.2111
Marshall Building
2847 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
Fax 703.516.7120

Why is Sue Sarber from Arlington involved with FCPS?

Geez, don't we have enough staff members at Gatehouse to handle this?

Are we contracting work out to Arlington Public Schools or is she a volunteer?

Very odd.

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



1. Liz feels obligated to forward these email exchange between Patty Reed and herself to Kathy Smith and Tessie Wilson. Why? Let's act like grownups here and not tattle on anyone.

2. Poor Patty. She beleived the lies that Liz fed her. I guess Lizzie burned that bridge. I wonder how willing Patty will be to back Liz on any issues going forward?

Trust issues much?

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: James, Denise; Raney, Jim (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean; Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Janice Miller
CC: Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
BCC:
Sent: 4/21/2010 12:34:02 AM
Subject: FW: FW: RE: Admissions- TJ

Attachments:


Good Evening Everyone, or rather Good morning,

The following is an excerpt from an email I received this evening from the PTA President at Willow Springs. I thought it might provide some worthwhile feedback about the process we developed:

Dear Liz,

"Thank you for your note, it was great to talk to you last night and understand more of your perspective on the Clifton/crowding issue. I agree with many of your points and I get where you are coming from--given the cost, it is hard to justify a renovation. I am a member of the Clifton community; however, I have not had kids at Clifton for 3 years because they attend the GT program at Willow Springs. As a parent at Willow Springs, I would not want the issues of Clifton’s renovation to interfere with a good decision around alleviating over crowding where it exists. If we don’t renovate Clifton and we build on a site (Liberty or elsewhere) close to Clifton in order to accommodate those kids, we then create extensive boundary changes to fill the new school. Hence, it may be better to swallow the expense of Clifton and build in an appropriate location. Sometimes the right decision for the longer term costs more but creates less community upset as a whole. Just a thought. It’s a tough and complex issue, I know.

Whatever the case, you have done a great job in allowing the community to be involved. I was at a volunteer lunch at school today and had a lively discussion with several parents over these issues. I am thrilled that my parents are engaged!! They are starting to know what’s going on and some have attended the meetings. Thank you for creating a way for people to be informed..."
Sincerely,
Kari Meyer

Sometimes it is nice to get a little positive feedback!
Liz
Elizabeth T. Bradsher
Fairfax County School Board
Springfield District
Phone: (571) 296-1875
Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative Assistant
Phone: (571) 423-1070


The Willow Springs PTA Pres salivating over wonderful Liz.

Hey Kari,

Are you proud of Liz now and oh so thankful for how the process worked?

You betcha.

Let's hope another School Board member screws your school like she did Clifton. And when they do, we will send congratulatory emails to them about how wonderful they are!

-----Original Message-----
From: Eatmon, Cassandra
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 7:13 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Extending my personal invitation

Thanks Liz. She spent an hour trying to convince me I was wrong on this issue last week. The numbers just aren't on their side. The fact that they focus on bringing in state reps, etc., but not the decision-makers (School Board) goes to the point that their focus is wrong. They are passionate but there's passion on the other side, too. The School Board needs to make decisions in the best interest of the ENTIRE 176,000 students in the system. There are limited resources available to make sure that all of those students have equal access to educational facilities and support services. I'm not saying that the 300 kids at CES are insignificant in the grand scheme, but they aren't any more significant, either. I imagine they have more people registered to speak now. Do you think they will have the second session? She said they were passing around a netbook and signing people up at the School Board meeting and at your Clifton visit. They are encouraging some people to sign up and yield their time, if they don't want to speak themselves. So you may have someone speaking at length if that's how the process works.

Good luck!
Cassie
________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2010 5:13 PM
To: Eatmon, Cassandra
Subject: FW: Extending my personal invitation

As an FYI, I thought you might appreciate the following email.

Also as an FYI I have a graduation to attend that evening and can’t make the rally. Apparently they prefer to have others in attendance before ever considering to even ask the person who would be making the motion on their school first if she could make the rally.

I am shaking my head as I write this to you!
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: Elizabeth Schultz [mailto:discover.touchstonecrystal@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 10:38 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: Extending my personal invitation

Hi Liz:
It was great to see you at some public events recently; I know you and I have not had the chance to follow up on our conversations from those events. However, I would like to personally extend an invitation to you to come to the Rally in Clifton this coming Monday, June 21, at 7 pm. It is important to experience your impacted constituency personally. This is an irrevocable decision once made and the more opportunities voters have to meet and share their respective salient opinions with you, the more well positioned you will be at the time of the School Board's vote.
If you would be so kind as to advise whether you are able to join us, I would be grateful. Please note, Tom Peterson, Bill Holloway, Tim Hugo and Pat Herrity will make public comments. Keith Fimian, who has a prior commitment, is preparing a statement to be read in abstentia. George Barker will also be speaking at the Rally.
Due to extensive nature of the implications of this issue - financial, transportation, educational, regional school boundaries and pyramids, political districting, historical integrity of Clifton and more - I do hope we have the opportunity to see you on Monday evening.
With thanks,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth L. Schultz
h: 703.266.2299
c: 703.627.9911



Dear Liz-

Would you please come to Clifton and tell us to our face why you are such a liar?

Stop hiding behind your little back-stabbing "friends" who pose as community activists. Why so many emails to Cassie Eatmon, Rob Robetory, Lisa Adler and Bob Larsen?

How about you communicate with the people WHO ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE DECISION???!!!!

These people don't live in Clifton.

Interesting who your trusted advisors are.

The point here is that the "process" is by far better than the SB ramming the closing of the school down your throat without any public input at all. Enjoy the "process". Live for the "process". Clueless!

why no disclosure? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why won't FCPS tell the public how they spend the
> bond money?
>
> How is South County being built NOW if the funding
> is deferred until 2014?
>
> It looks like FCPS is hiding something. Why is
> that crazy to ask for an accounting?

Maybe because there is a difference between asking for accountability and acting like a prima donna who thinks everyone reports directly to her?

Sorry, but you can't put lipstick on that type of pig.

duh clueless Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The point here is that the "process" is by far
> better than the SB ramming the closing of the
> school down your throat without any public input
> at all. Enjoy the "process". Live for the
> "process". Clueless!


Are you kidding me? You call this a "process"?

Sweetie, you are dumb as a tree trunk if you think there was a process.

Tistadt and Bradsher were set on closing this school long before the "process" was rolled out.

The whole charade was just a waste of time and county money.

The best outcome was that now the public sees what kids of morons are running our schools.

No other benefit was derived from this so called "process" of yours.

Clueless? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
> To: James, Denise; Raney, Jim (School Board
> Member); Tistadt, Dean; Wilson, Tessie (School
> Board Member); Janice Miller
> CC: Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
> BCC:
> Sent: 4/21/2010 12:34:02 AM
> Subject: FW: FW: RE: Admissions- TJ
>
> Attachments:
>
>
> Good Evening Everyone, or rather Good morning,
>
> The following is an excerpt from an email I
> received this evening from the PTA President at
> Willow Springs. I thought it might provide some
> worthwhile feedback about the process we
> developed:
>
> Dear Liz,
>
> "Thank you for your note, it was great to talk to
> you last night and understand more of your
> perspective on the Clifton/crowding issue. I
> agree with many of your points and I get where you
> are coming from--given the cost, it is hard to
> justify a renovation. I am a member of the
> Clifton community; however, I have not had kids at
> Clifton for 3 years because they attend the GT
> program at Willow Springs. As a parent at Willow
> Springs, I would not want the issues of
> Clifton’s renovation to interfere with a good
> decision around alleviating over crowding where it
> exists. If we don’t renovate Clifton and we
> build on a site (Liberty or elsewhere) close to
> Clifton in order to accommodate those kids, we
> then create extensive boundary changes to fill the
> new school. Hence, it may be better to swallow the
> expense of Clifton and build in an appropriate
> location. Sometimes the right decision for the
> longer term costs more but creates less community
> upset as a whole. Just a thought. It’s a
> tough and complex issue, I know.
>
> Whatever the case, you have done a great job in
> allowing the community to be involved. I was at a
> volunteer lunch at school today and had a lively
> discussion with several parents over these issues.
> I am thrilled that my parents are engaged!! They
> are starting to know what’s going on and some
> have attended the meetings. Thank you for
> creating a way for people to be informed..."
> Sincerely,
> Kari Meyer
>
> Sometimes it is nice to get a little positive
> feedback!
> Liz
> Elizabeth T. Bradsher
> Fairfax County School Board
> Springfield District
> Phone: (571) 296-1875
> Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative
> Assistant
> Phone: (571) 423-1070
>
>
> The Willow Springs PTA Pres salivating over
> wonderful Liz.
>
> Hey Kari,
>
> Are you proud of Liz now and oh so thankful for
> how the process worked?
>
> You betcha.
>
> Let's hope another School Board member screws your
> school like she did Clifton. And when they do, we
> will send congratulatory emails to them about how
> wonderful they are!


Clifton parents and residents wouldn't wish what the SB did to them on anyone!

In Kari's defense, she was only doing what she's supposed to do - represent Willow Springs - HER school. That is after all the job of the PTA Pres., to represent your school.

Also, if you read her email to Liz, she says that the better decision would probably be to keep CES open.

Don't bash other PTA's or schools, please! It is counter-productive. We're all in this fight together. Kari's only mistake was in believing what Liz Bradsher told her. That makes her no different than most of the parents from Clifton. You should be able to believe what your "reprensentative" is telling you. Now we all know better.

When Kari wrote this email to Liz, back in April, we didn't know anything about the 'game behind the game'. She wasn't congratulating Liz on closing CES.

It's not Kari's fault that Liz lied to her. Kari is as much a victim of Liz Bradsher as anyone else that trusted her to tell us the truth.

Kari isn't the villain here, nor are the other schools and PTA's involved. We can't exactly blame them for looking out for their school; someone has to do it since the SB isn't.

Stay focused people! The SB is the culprit, not other parents and PTA's.

stupidy rules Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Are you kidding me? You call this a "process"?
>
> Sweetie, you are dumb as a tree trunk if you think
> there was a process.
>
> Tistadt and Bradsher were set on closing this
> school long before the "process" was rolled out.
>
> The whole charade was just a waste of time and
> county money.
>
> The best outcome was that now the public sees what
> kids of morons are running our schools.
>
> No other benefit was derived from this so called
> "process" of yours.



It sure does look like you folks took a beat down from Liz. lol


Keep paying those lawyers, it stimulates the economy.

Bidding in FY 2010
Beech Tree ES 2005/2007 3,661,965 November-11
Franconia ES 2005/2007 3,612,584 November-11
Longfellow MS 2001/2007 6,773,320 March-12
Pimmit Alt. Add 2007 2,545,288 July-12
Stenwood ES 2005/2007 2,983,538 November-11
Westlawn ES 2005/2007 2,972,500 November-11
Oakton ES 2005/2007 922,000 September-12
Graham Road 2005 1,520,868 September-12
South County MS 2009 20,000,000 February-12


Looks like SOCO MS received $20 million smackers from the October 2009 bond referendum.

Why would it say deferred financing in the CIP out to 2014-15?

I assume the construction crew wants to get paid now.

So, everyone out there waiting for renovations for your school who has been told over and over that (1) SOCO MS was built with a public-private partnership, and (2) that funding was to be deferred.

Lies, lies and more lies.

SOCO jumped that oh so sacred que that Bradsher often preaches about. Remember the emails to Rainey where she secured his vote by LYING to him that FCPS can't disrupt the que. Sorry, Jim, you too were lied to.

The CIP que is sacred UNLESS Liz needs a school built and then well...we can move stuff around.

They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up.



Anyone ever read this little gem??

Hit home with anyone?

You can hide behind that "I didn't know Liz was a big fat liar" as much as you want. Go ahead and look out for your own backside-what a nice way to live your life.

Where's the outrage now that you know all the public lies?

Where's Kari's email to Liz after the carnage showing her disgust with the process.

The silence is deafening. Nice try.

Clifton weren't the only ones lied to. Bradsher lied to all of us, too.
Telling us that they were considering all options and information, but she was collecting the votes before we even had the public hearing.

They were right afterall, it was a done deal and it didn't matter what anyone said at all.

Interesting that now VA Run, which is underpopulated on projections, is now not being touched. And Cassie Eatman is the President of VA Run ES PTA and now Kathy Smith's and Liz Bradsher's minion on the Facilities committee.

Man, this was collusion.
Attachments:

I can't imagine the legal bill for Patton Boggs, but it does make you wonder, FCPS has to pay legal fees too. And, where does FCPS get it's money? (rhetorical question)





We win! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> stupidy rules Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > Are you kidding me? You call this a "process"?
> >
> > Sweetie, you are dumb as a tree trunk if you
> think
> > there was a process.
> >
> > Tistadt and Bradsher were set on closing this
> > school long before the "process" was rolled
> out.
> >
> > The whole charade was just a waste of time and
> > county money.
> >
> > The best outcome was that now the public sees
> what
> > kids of morons are running our schools.
> >
> > No other benefit was derived from this so
> called
> > "process" of yours.
>
>
>
> It sure does look like you folks took a beat down
> from Liz. lol
>
>
> Keep paying those lawyers, it stimulates the
> economy.

Let's see if we can follow the lag time between a bond referendum and when the construction of a school is completed.

South Lakes HS 1999/2003 bond referendums completed in 2008 (5-9 years)

Lake Braddock SS 1999/2001 bond referndum completed in May 2008 (7-9 years)

Woodson High School 2001/03 referendum completed in December 2009 (6-8 years)

Edison High School 2001/05 referendum expected completion Dec. 2012 (7-10 years)

And now, Liz Bradsher's school (Miss We Need To Respect The CIP):

South County MS 2009 bond referndum...expected completion Spring 2012 (3 years!)


What a special world Liz lives in. One where other schools have to wait up to 10 years for construction completion.

Wait for the drastic changes in capacity for SOCO MS by the way. Without corruping the numbers and dragging poor Lake Braddock students into this school we will have nearly 400 empty seats when it opens!!

But this was a pressing and urgent matter that deserved to be fast tracked. Screw Annandale and their 2800 students who are stacked on top of each other.

The LORTON area says JUMP and the School Board says "How High?".

What a pity poor people don't vote and contribute to School Board members' campaign war chests.

It sucks for them.

slubdawg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I can't imagine the legal bill for Patton Boggs,
> but it does make you wonder, FCPS has to pay legal
> fees too. And, where does FCPS get it's money?
> (rhetorical question)


You know, you're right! Man, the folks in Clifton are getting doubly screwed! Not only are they paying their own legal fees, but a good portion of the legal fees for FCPS too! After all, Clifton does pay higher real estate taxes than most since they have more land than most. So technically, they're paying for both sides of this legal battle. At least a portion of it.

I guess the joke is on them after all.

Below we have more crap issued by FCPS.

They boast about saving $1.1 million by closing Pimmit Hills School.

What they fail to mention is that they will be spending $2.5 million to renovate the school for the administrators.

Ready, kids? get your pencils out.

We spend $2.5 million so we can "save" $1.1 million.

Got it?

We need a serious audit of the books at FCPS.

Q: How will FCPS save money by closing Pimmit Hills Alternative High School?

A: FCPS estimates saving $1.1 million by the reduction of 20.5 positions, including 4.0 administrators and 16.5 support staff (clerical, custodial, librarian, guidance counselor, etc). Every student currently at Pimmit Hills will be offered options to be served through FCPS’ numerous and varied alternative programs. Classroom teachers will be reallocated based on where the students enroll. The Pimmit Hills site will still be fully utilized and will house computer enhanced instruction classes and a transitional education program, both of which are currently at Devonshire; the alternative learning center program currently at Dunn Loring; and a planned fourth satellite maintenance center that will service schools in that part of the county.

Heard a rumor? Want the facts? E-mail it to thebottomline@fcps.edu and we’ll respond to the most frequently mentioned rumors in upcoming issues.



You are here: Fairfax County Public Schools > FY 2011 Budget > The Bottom Line
March 19, 2010

The last time I checked they are not making any more land in Fairfax. I love my house, my 5 acre lot and being rich. Closing Clifton elementary while sad will never change how much I make or how my kids will turn out.

It must suck to be you! Now STFU!

I remember reading about this and was hopeful for their efforts.

Does anyone know an update about all of the history paperwork?
Attachments:

CIP priorities Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's see if we can follow the lag time between a
> bond referendum and when the construction of a
> school is completed.
>
> South Lakes HS 1999/2003 bond referendums
> completed in 2008 (5-9 years)>
> Lake Braddock SS 1999/2001 bond referndum
> completed in May 2008 (7-9 years)>
> Woodson High School 2001/03 referendum completed
> in December 2009 (6-8 years)>
> Edison High School 2001/05 referendum expected
> completion Dec. 2012 (7-10 years)
>
> And now, Liz Bradsher's school (Miss We Need To
> Respect The CIP):
>
> South County MS 2009 bond referndum...expected
> completion Spring 2012 (3 years!)
>
>
> What a special world Liz lives in. One where
> other schools have to wait up to 10 years for
> construction completion.
>
> Wait for the drastic changes in capacity for SOCO
> MS by the way. Without corruping the numbers and
> dragging poor Lake Braddock students into this
> school we will have nearly 400 empty seats when it
> opens!!
>
> But this was a pressing and urgent matter that
> deserved to be fast tracked. Screw Annandale and
> their 2800 students who are stacked on top of each
> other.
>
> The LORTON area says JUMP and the School Board
> says "How High?".

Here is what I was wondering/suspecting was the case. Thanks for posting this.

Question: Can someone explain why Dean T. and Liz B. are so determined to see Clifton Elementary close? Is it something beyond a mere power trip?
>
> What a pity poor people don't vote and contribute
> to School Board members' campaign war chests.
>
> It sucks for them.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Kiefer, Meaghan
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/15/2010 6:35:48 AM
Subject: RE: Note Confidential FW: LRR Community Meeting

Attachments:


I received this from a Union Mill parent asking me to contact Alaine to arrange for a meeting. I am hesitant knowing what took place on Sunday. I would rather go with your lead and person trying to arrange a meeting.

Liz



Elizabeth T. Bradsher



________________________________

From: Sheryl Jones [mailto:sheryljones@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 11:59 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Cc: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Carlson, Grady; stevendparrott@gmail.com; Alaine Walsh
Subject: LRR Community Meeting



Hi,

I just spoke with Brian Butler. He told me that you are interested in meeting with community members from Little Rocky Run. This sounds like a great idea. Only through productive sharing of information and concerns can we make the best decisions for our FCPS students and our community.



The people who have been leading the Little Rocky Run community are Steve Parrott and Alaine Walsh. They are both interested in speaking with you and in helping to organize a community meeting with you. Their contact information is as follows: Steve Parrott stevendparrott@gmail.com 703 830-4825; Alaine Walsh alainek@yahoo.com.



Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of further assistance in this matter.



Sincerely,



Sheryl Jones

703 323-6067



________________________________

I guess Sepervisor Frey's office was in on this hot mess as well. Meaghan is directing Liz which community members get to participate in the scam of a process.

Nice.

From: Kara Prichard


This email address looks familiar................


Wait for it.

herewegoagain Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm sorry, who was playing LRR?? It wasn't
> Clifton.
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
> To: Kiefer, Meaghan
> Sent: 7/8/2010 11:52:33 PM
> Subject: FW: School Board Votes to Close Clifton
> Elementary!!
> Attachments:
>
> Meaghan,
> The vote was 9-2 tonight to close Clifton. Be sure
> to tell Mike. I thought you might like to read
> what Tim
> Hugo sent out, he sure is a great “team
> playerâ€! Clifton has been lobbying to add an
> addition and bring in
> students from LRR. I knew LRR was being played,
> not to sure Steve understood that.
>
> Liz
> Elizabeth T. Bradsher
> Fairfax County School Board
> Springfield District
> Phone: (571) 296-1875
> Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative
> Assistant
> Phone: (571) 423-1070
>
>
> On Jul 8, 2010, at 10:15 PM,
>
> Tim Hugo wrote:
>
> School Board Votes to Close Clifton Elementary
>
> Clifton, VA (July 8, 2010) Tonight the School
> Board passed a
> vote to shut down Clifton Elementary School. This
> is a major
> setback for the hundreds of community residents
> who dedicated
> so much of their time and effort to saving Clifton
> Elementary.
> "With her vote, School Board Member, Liz Bradsher
> threw the
> children of Clifton and Fairfax County under the
> bus," stated
> Delegate Tim Hugo. "I am extremely disappointed by
> this
> decision, however, I would like to thank all
> members of the
> community for their hard work and dedication in
> the fight to save
> Clifton Elementary."
> The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of
> residents were
> in attendance for the final vote, to show their
> support for saving
> Clifton Elementary.
> community for their hard work and dedication in
> the fight to save
> Clifton Elementary."
> The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of
> residents were
> in attendance for the final vote, to show their
> support for saving
> Clifton Elementary.
> Forward email
> Friends of Tim Hugo | PO Box 893 | Centreville |
> VA | 20122





> This email was sent to karanchris@verizon.net by



> newsletter@timhugo.com.
> Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal
> with SafeUnsubscribeâ„¢ | Privacy
> Policy.
> Email Marketing by


Well, now we know who herewegoagain is. Kara Prichard.

Does she speak for her school's PTA?

It is crucial that the School Board:

1. Pick members that will agree with you and steer the ship in the direction you want.

2. Pretend to engage the community.

*******************************************************************************


From: larsen family [larsenva@cox.net]
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC: bob.larsen@us.army.mil
BCC:
Sent: 3/5/2010 2:38:11 AM
Subject: Re: Great Meeting with my bigger group last night (SW Boundary Study Group C/3)

Attachments:


Thank you

I appreciate the email. It'll be a little while before I get involved in something like this project. As Joanna reminded me of the first meeting, we were told this would be about four mtgs (4-6 weeks), then a quick solution development and pass it back to you guys

Recommend that you tweak the ad hoc process
1- have a board member help keep it on task
2- have a strong FCPS member on the exec chair group
3- keep the tight timeline (2-3 months max for an issue; scope it into smaller pieces)

Good point on the poker budget approach to this area

Indpls and Austin do it a little different...but after 15 years I have been awed with the how it is played here. I like the DoD and Congress approaches better

Have a great weekend
bob l

----- Original Message -----
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: 'larsen family'
Cc: bob.larsen@us.army.mil
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 8:10 AM
Subject: RE: Great Meeting with my bigger group last night (SW Boundary Study Group C/3)


Thanks Bob.



I was pleased to read your email. Appreciate all your continued efforts and your summary of the meeting was interesting to read.



Yes, the budget is tough---all is up in the air right now, waiting for county and state to show their “handâ€.



Look forward to your report and your view on the process and how we can improve for the future!

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: larsen family [mailto:larsenva@cox.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 4:11 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Cc: bob.larsen@us.army.mil
Subject: Great Meeting with my bigger group last night (SW Boundary Study Group C/3)



Good AM

It was tense at first, but since we did an email vote for the chair....I got to business very quickly.



I did an ice breaker, so that people could get to know each other (how old are your children and who are you). I took ideas how to break us down into two groups (15 min), then broke the group down and balanced it out...since everyone wants to close Clifton down in my new group (business and $s--non emotional about it in this group)--it was tough to put people on keeping it open option. However, the Liberty as the only site is very emotional to three people on the group, but Carol and Al have done their homework. Then we agreed on criteria to provide our pro and cons on and got to work

********************************************************************************


Up until this point, everything Bob says is GARBAGE. But do read his ideas on the budget:


*******************************************************************************


Have a great rest of the week. Your budget work is going to be tough. A vote from our house (wife a FCPS 6th grade teacher over 13 years and me)--stop the reading specialist (fad and doesn't help the class room size--causes more work); 25% cut of the Sup and pyramids staff at least...little value added. I have more, but I need to get some charts together for my new group...the face book for FCPS has some great ideas



best

bob l



I like how everyone in Bob's group thought Clifton should be closed back in March before any data was even released.

hereyougoagain Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> herewegoagain Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'm sorry, who was playing LRR?? It wasn't
> > Clifton.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
>
> > To: Kiefer, Meaghan
> > Sent: 7/8/2010 11:52:33 PM
> > Subject: FW: School Board Votes to Close
> Clifton
> > Elementary!!
> > Attachments:
> >
> > Meaghan,
> > The vote was 9-2 tonight to close Clifton. Be
> sure
> > to tell Mike. I thought you might like to read
> > what Tim
> > Hugo sent out, he sure is a great “team
> > playerâ€! Clifton has been lobbying to add an
> > addition and bring in
> > students from LRR. I knew LRR was being played,
> > not to sure Steve understood that.
> >
> > Liz
> > Elizabeth T. Bradsher
> > Fairfax County School Board
> > Springfield District
> > Phone: (571) 296-1875
> > Debora L. Cain, Executive Administrative
> > Assistant
> > Phone: (571) 423-1070
> >
> >
> > On Jul 8, 2010, at 10:15 PM,
> >
> > Tim Hugo wrote:
> >
> > School Board Votes to Close Clifton Elementary
> >
> > Clifton, VA (July 8, 2010) Tonight the School
> > Board passed a
> > vote to shut down Clifton Elementary School.
> This
> > is a major
> > setback for the hundreds of community residents
> > who dedicated
> > so much of their time and effort to saving
> Clifton
> > Elementary.
> > "With her vote, School Board Member, Liz
> Bradsher
> > threw the
> > children of Clifton and Fairfax County under
> the
> > bus," stated
> > Delegate Tim Hugo. "I am extremely disappointed
> by
> > this
> > decision, however, I would like to thank all
> > members of the
> > community for their hard work and dedication in
> > the fight to save
> > Clifton Elementary."
> > The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of
> > residents were
> > in attendance for the final vote, to show their
> > support for saving
> > Clifton Elementary.
> > community for their hard work and dedication in
> > the fight to save
> > Clifton Elementary."
> > The debate lasted for over 2 hours. Hundreds of
> > residents were
> > in attendance for the final vote, to show their
> > support for saving
> > Clifton Elementary.
> > Forward email
> > Friends of Tim Hugo | PO Box 893 | Centreville
> |
> > VA | 20122
>
>
>
>
>
> > This email was sent to karanchris@verizon.net
> by
>
>
>
> > newsletter@timhugo.com.
> > Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal
> > with SafeUnsubscribeâ„¢ | Privacy
> > Policy.
> > Email Marketing by
>
>
> Well, now we know who herewegoagain is. Kara
> Prichard.
>
> Does she speak for her school's PTA?



(loud buzzer sound)

Sorry, you are not a winner! Please try again. I am not Kara Prichard, nor would I want to be on my worst day! The emails from that woman are evil and completely self centered.

Keep trying. I'll check back later to see if we have a winner.

I just want to know ethically why the lobbying against Clifton by her with her PTA signature and business signature combined on her emails?

Are there no ethics?
Why the rabid hatred of her own HOA notifying and educating residents?
Don't people deserve to be informed?

Just because someone gets something (a renovation) doesn't mean you don't get something. Clifton has been on the renovation queue for years and the voters approved planning funds for the renovation - TWICE. How is it not fraud to say you will renovate to get the voters to give you access to THEIR money, then cut a deal to use the money for something else?

This is a socialist mentality - 'no one gets anything unless everyone gets the same thing'. And a bit narcissistic.

Sorry, sweetie - that's not real life. You are advocating for a nanny state. You want everything 'equal'?
There's a rice paddy in China with your name on it.
Attachments:

"You know, you're right! Man, the folks in Clifton are getting doubly screwed! Not only are they paying their own legal fees, but a good portion of the legal fees for FCPS too! After all, Clifton does pay higher real estate taxes than most since they have more land than most. So technically, they're paying for both sides of this legal battle. At least a portion of it."


I believe Patton Boggs is doing the legal work "pro bono" for Clifton. If you look at their website, they do a lot of "pro bono" work. It's good for their business. If they win this, it should bring them a LOT of business.

The follow-on is the exchange with Bradsher, getting her to bully the LRR HOA just like she does the rest of her constituents who don't file in lock step with her.

I feel for the HOA members - I am sure they were recipients of one of Liz's well-known and oh-so-lovely phone calls.

Going to start printing membership cards for those who have been indoctrinated into VA By Liz! (Verbally Abused By Liz!).

Might make an intended typo on the membership card: VA Bye Liz!
Attachments:

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Kara Prichard
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/28/2010 4:43:07 PM
Subject: RE: meeting

Attachments:


It will be a HUGE CLIFTON Love Fest. We need others to support what I consider the right thing. Anyone you can get out is helpful. Cassie is speaking I need support like you, Jean and Cassie and many others. It is SOOOO important. It has gotten very nasty!

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: Kara Prichard [mailto:karanchris@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 4:39 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: meeting



Hi Liz,



Do you know if tonight will be fairly well balanced or a big "save Clifton" party? I've got a full plate this evening but I want to know that all interests are being presented and heard.



Good luck!

Kara



Kara Prichard

Creative Memories Consultant

www.creativememories.com/karaprichard

CM Photocenter ID: 49336278

703-830-0799



"For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism." Anonymous





Go KARA GO!!!

Woof Woof.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: charliet@cox.net
CC: Cain, Debora L.
BCC:
Sent: 6/14/2010 7:46:14 AM
Subject: RE: My note to Full Board, and more

Attachments:


Charlie,
One more thing regarding the bus---I believe the Chair stated last week that constituents could follow the bus but no constituents would ride on the bus. Just an FYI.
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)
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 7:32 AM
To: 'charliet@cox.net'
Cc: Cain, Debora L.
Subject: RE: My note to Full Board, and more


Good morning Charlie,

I requested the tour of the sites for the members of the SB and would appreciate if they could be able to see the sites without any undo influence from others. We have received many emails from Clifton, some threatening others a bit arrogant in content. I was escorted to my car last week because of certain email threats. It is a bit over the top at this time.

I believe the SB members need the time to really look at the site and surroundings and have the opportunity to think about the issue without distraction. Community lobbying can surely take place at other times.

Completely understand about Union Mill. Again, certain demonstrations of support are good things other types may prove to have a negative impact on decision makers. For me coming from the South County area and knowing what our community had to do to build a school, find the land, fund the school, etc., certain demonstrations today from the community may not sit well with me. But that is my personal take on it, other SB members may see it differently.
Liz



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



-----Original Message-----
From: charliet@cox.net [mailto:charliet@cox.net]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 12:58 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Cc: charlie.t.rau@exxonmobil.com
Subject: My note to Full Board, and more

Liz; As you probably have already seen, I have just sent a note to all Board members with an alternative perspective on the Clifton Elementary School (CES) enrollment and cost figures that have been proffered by Staff to the Board for use as the planning basis for making your tough decisions on SouthWestern overcrowding and CES.

I have never hidden from you the fact that -- after all of my close work with Staff and others -- it is my deeply considered opinion that, while the Staff's numbers are plausible, there are other numbers that are much more likely -- and those more likely numbers reflect both higher enrollments at CES and lower renovation/expansion costs for CES.

I felt a strong personal need to present that perspective to the full Board just in advance of your deliberations later today.

Two other points:
(1) FYI, I understand that your idea for a Board visit to CES and the Liberty site has generated a lot of interest in the most directly affected communities. I know that many people from both CES and Union Mill Elementary School are adjusting their schedules to be at the two sites between 3:30 and 5:00 PM in order to greet you and the other Board members.

(2) FYI, I certainly intend to be at your meetings -- including the 2 PM full Board Work Session (surprise, right?) --- and I think that Patti Hopkins and Alaine Walsh will be there, also. I wonder if you might want to consider having Patti as the CES PTA President, and Alaine and me as knowledgeable Committee members from CES and UMES, to join you and the other Board members (and press?) on your bus trip out to CES and Liberty? We could be there to answer any general informational questions that you or the other members might have.
A thought.

As always, I look forward to seeing you at the Work Sessions!
Take good care.

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


TRANSLATION:

Uh, Charlie, the School Board decided to say FU to VA Open Gov/Meeting Laws and we will be having a NON OPEN meeting in direct violation of the law at Clifton.

You and all the other taxpayers are allowed to follow the bus but if you attempt to enter the school during our closed meeting we will have you arrested.

Love-

Liz The Lawbreaker

law firm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "You know, you're right! Man, the folks in Clifton
> are getting doubly screwed! Not only are they
> paying their own legal fees, but a good portion of
> the legal fees for FCPS too! After all, Clifton
> does pay higher real estate taxes than most since
> they have more land than most. So technically,
> they're paying for both sides of this legal
> battle. At least a portion of it."
>
>
> I believe Patton Boggs is doing the legal work
> "pro bono" for Clifton. If you look at their
> website, they do a lot of "pro bono" work. It's
> good for their business. If they win this, it
> should bring them a LOT of business.


Don't know that they are pro bono but do know this - if Hunton & Williams does all the work for the school system, then this firm has already got a reputation as the attorneys of choice for all of the county's residents to take on Goliath and get the evil genies back in their bottle.

Patton Boggs has picked a great client base - with the attitude of FCPS and the school board, looks like it's about time there's a champion to take on the entirely too comfortable establishment. There is a point of no return where people - including a little disabled kid with a service dog [ok, they are just certifiable for saying no to him - admit it!] - won't take being stepped on any more.

FCPS passed that line - with no regrets.

From: Tistadt, Dean [datistadt@fcps.edu]
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/21/2010 5:08:04 AM
Subject: Re: Note

Attachments:


I am sure that the rally this evening will be great. I am just a little tempted to attend but I am sure it is best that we stay away.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld


----- Original Message -----
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: Tistadt, Dean
Cc: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)
Sent: Sun Jun 20 23:34:53 2010
Subject: Note

Had a meeting at Little Rocky Run. Parents have been influenced by Clifton parents about a school at Liberty. They are afraid of their community being divided for issues of boundary.

I tried to point out our vote will be on Clifton, not the Liberty site. Pat Herrity was there and commented that staff did nothing with his idea regarding design build and insinuated we could find $ for WSHS via other means and didn't need savings from Clifton for positive movement on the CIP. Also asked publicly if I heard from the WSHS community. I responded, yes which is true. He said he hasn't and questioned me in public again when I heard from WSHS.. He took notes the entire time while I spoke answering questions and had sidebars with others. He stated he did not support closing a community school like Clifton.. We were not cordial.
during the meeting. Herrity, Barker and Hugo speaking at a Clifton rally tomorrow night. I have LBSS grad.
Liz



Yes, Dean, please do, STAY AWAY from our communities. Take your corruption to some retirement community where you belong.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/27/2010 10:09:59 AM
Subject: Re: Note

Attachments:


Jim,
Let's talk further I have been all over Clifton this week. I continue to have concerns after looking at the site again and driving through the area. The costs to operate that school are as much as an ES with 600 plus students. I seem to get the feeling the parents believe this is "their" school, almost as if it were a private school. This doesn't sit well with me. I keep going over in my mind is it right to ignore our policies /protocol for one community but not for others?
I think about closing the Graham Road ES most parents could not lobby like Clifton is currently doing because they didn't have the time, the $, and had difficulty speaking English. This is really very much on my mind.

I appreciate your thoughts.
Liz

________________________________

From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Sun Jun 27 08:23:44 2010
Subject: RE: Note


Thanks, Liz. It looks like they do not favor raising taxes or spending money to renovate the town hall. The latter seems consistent with some e-mails I have received, saying keep CES open but do not renovate--just be sure safety and security of students will be met. To do that would require SB to waive its new educational specifications and ensure any modifications to the building do not rise to the level that would require installation of a sprinkler system, etc. This is the third "viable option" that Dean admitted in work session, provided that SB waives its educational specifications. I think this option may warrant further consideration, since we have a large deficit in ES classrooms.

Very respectfully,
James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.
Fairfax County School Board
Member At Large
Tel: 571-423-1091
Executive Administrative Assistant:
Deb Cain, Tel: 571-423-1070
DLCain@fcps.edu

________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 9:20 PM
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
Subject: Note


Jim,
I found this on the Town of Clifton website, I found it very informative and interesting:
http://www.cliftonva.us/LinkClick.aspx?link=CliftonRevenueSurveyResults%5b1%5d.pdf&tabid=53&mid=534 http://www.cliftonva.us/LinkClick.aspx?link=CliftonRevenueSurveyResults%5b1%5d.pdf&tabid=53&mid=534

The survey responses somewhat contradict what is being said in emails from Clifton residents. It is just interesting and raw data to an extent, thus I thought you might find interesting. People never cease to amaze me, I learn every day!
Liz

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



TRANSLATION:

Jim-

While there are schools in desperate need of renovation funding and serious overcrowding, I am somehow fixated on Clifton only.

I am ignoring the issue of severe overcrowding in the region and hoping to contribute to the problem by closing this school so we really have a problem on our hands. This way we can have Facilities devote hundreds of hours to this mindless exercise.

I hope I can count on you for support in this absolutely senseless decision.

Cheers!

Liz The Liar

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: James, Denise; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse); Tistadt, Dean
CC: Sneed, Kevin
BCC:
Sent: 3/26/2010 3:01:23 PM
Subject: RE: Note

Attachments:


Nicely said and heavy sigh….



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

________________________________

From: Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 1:13 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean; James, Denise
Cc: Sneed, Kevin
Subject: RE: Note



Hi all,



Just weighing in on all this as I was tied up in a meeting for most of the morning. I think to address Liz’s concerns, which I believe are valid, staff should have an opportunity to explain the history, the process and the desired outcome of the focus group discussions, at each of the focus group discussions. I think it’s very appropriate for us to set the tone. I think we can use much of the material that was covered in the first meeting of the SW Regional Planning group. I can talk with Cassie about this and I’m sure she would be agreeable.



We absolutely need to make sure that the solutions and pros/cons, are based on as much truth as possible. If not, then we lose the credibility of the whole process. I think leaning on Andrew and Kelly is the best approach for intervention, if necessary.



Let me know what I can do to help.



Barbara M. Hunter, APR

Assistant Superintendent

Communications and Community Outreach

Fairfax County Public Schools

8115 Gatehouse Road

Falls Church, VA 22042

Barbara.Hunter1@fcps.edu

571-423-1218 (office)

571-382-0834 (mobile)



From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 12:11 PM
To: Tistadt, Dean; James, Denise; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Cc: Sneed, Kevin
Subject: RE: Note



Hi again,

I will give you all a call sometime in the future. I have meetings all today --- for the sake of brevity I would like to say the following:



I believe in a community engagement process and it has merit. One of the most important factors in this process is information and how it is disseminated and communicated to the committee and greater community. There are options and of course opinions. We try to devoid the process of opinion and present the options. However in presenting the options I believe we must be sure the Committee presents options that are explained and supported when needed by accurate data and explanation. FCPS has ed specs that are in place for all schools, it is FCPS that makes the decisions on these specifications and sets the precedent for such, not a community or committee, parent or resident. There has to be standard and to me that is set by FCPS. It can be the Community’s place to assist on how to meet such standards. We will always get in trouble as a system if we do something for one community and not for another. Yes, cases may be different, but children/students are our concern and we must offer all our students the same access to education in environments that will seek instructional achievement.



I am wondering if during this engagement process we/FCPS should give a brief statement to the community about the process, staff and reporting. We should say up front certain options presented may or may not be validated by the system and Board. Reasons for this will be indicated by staff/SB and offered to the community for their knowledge.





Liz





Elizabeth T. Bradsher



________________________________

From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 10:16 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); James, Denise; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Cc: Sneed, Kevin
Subject: Re: Note



We will need to understand the details of what they are proposing as the scope of work. We will try to do so.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld



________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: James, Denise; Tistadt, Dean; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Fri Mar 26 10:12:02 2010
Subject: Re: Note

I don't mind differing opinions what I do mind is "spinning" the info to an extent it becomes inaccurate.

If we allow mis perceptions of the hard data then we have done a disservice to the process.

Really, what are the ed specs for a modified reno, what are pros and cons, etc???
Liz



________________________________

From: James, Denise
To: Tistadt, Dean; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Fri Mar 26 08:56:28 2010
Subject: RE: Note

I think it would be helpful to have this conversation with Kelly and Andrew and perhaps the chair of the work integration committee Cassie Eatmon (Virginia Run)

We will have the chance to present the staff position in May, but I share the concerns about any info going out to the public that is skewed



From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 8:16 AM
To: James, Denise; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Subject: Re: Note



Absolute facts or data should not be the problem. It's the grey areas about which I will be concerned. For example, the Clifton comittee is characterizing the reduced scope renovation as meeting all ed specs and provides no recognition of the differences between a reduced renovated Clifton and a new school. Do we allow them to present this or do we insist on inclusion of our opinion/knowledge that won't agree with their characterization?
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld



________________________________

From: James, Denise
To: Tistadt, Dean; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Fri Mar 26 08:09:07 2010
Subject: Re: Note

It is my under standing that cassie, chair of the 'integration' grouup does want staff to review the data and facts before the presentation goes public



________________________________

From: Tistadt, Dean
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); James, Denise; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Fri Mar 26 08:05:19 2010
Subject: Re: Note

I agree with you completely. I hope we won't have any conflicts between staff and the committee but there is that risk. I hope Andrew and Kelly's leadership will reduce the likelihood of this. The bottom line, however, is that this remains the work of the committee
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld



________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: Tistadt, Dean; James, Denise; Hunter, Barbara M. (Gatehouse)
Sent: Fri Mar 26 07:30:39 2010
Subject: Note

Dear Barbara, Denise and Dean,

I enjoyed attending the meeting last night and certainly noted the differences of opinion as well as options. I think it is time to go out to the public. From my observation it appeared the Committee members are ready for this and I noted the volunteers mentally may be done with this task. This is understandable; it has been about 5 ½ months since they began this journey.

Now as we take this information out to the public, it is important at least for me and I think the issues involved and potential decisions to be made by the School Board that the data and information presented is done so in a factual manner with little discrepancy as possible with regard to statistical information and data. It is the data and numbers that can be too easily manipulated thus causing confusion and misinterpretations. I suppose this is my very serious concern. Please let me know if you think I am “off base†on this concern. I am not too sure how the “Communications†Committee is going to compile all this information into a Community Presentation, I have faith they can do so, the Chair seems very competent. My concern continues to be that the information afforded to the greater community remains factual and have a lack of opinion and of course bias.

Thanks all and have a good weekend,

Liz

Elizabeth T. Bradsher

****************************************************************

Are these people delusional?

I'm serious. They talk about facts, ethics, community engagement.

Why bother?

What a joke.

My mother taught me at the earliest age that birds of a feather flock together.

More has been written about how Clifton residents supposedly are, with hateful accusations and attributions, but everything here are the School Board members and their friends and supporters own words.

The adage is old, but you are the company you keep to some extent.
The sheer ugliness from the CCC 'close Clifton contingent' speaks volumes.

So much has been accused by Liz Bradsher about allegedly receiving 'hate mail' - the overwhelming majority of what I have read here is TO Clifton, not by it. (see ugly email about a very decent and upstanding Clifton resident, Rob Jones, below)

Words of posters are one thing - may or may not be who or what they say they are. Bradsher, other School Board members, Staff and the CCC cannot escape their own words no matter how hard they try.

Actions have consequences - Bradsher and her supporters don't want the consequences that came with the choices they made which were devoid of any values.





====================================================================

From:
Message-ID: <90396.7571ec28.39704374@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:56:52 -0400
Subject: Re: Fw: not sure you get this--hope you are doing well--I got back from 4 day...
To:
CC: ,


I got it and didn't even read before recycling - why in the world would he insert himself so strongly into the issue?. My take on this is that the only people who care/are upset are Clifton parents (they sound very entitled) and the rest of your constituency either doesn't give a damn or applauds the belt tightening. Also, there was a long letter to the editor in the local paper yesterday from a Rob Jones; I bet it's the husband of my former almost-behind-me neighbor, who moved to a gorgeous home several years ago. Believe me, if he's really hot and bothered, he can afford to send his kids to private school.

Hang in there,
Kathy

In a message dated 7/14/2010 9:57:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ETBradsher@fcps.edu writes:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: 'lkadler@cox.net' ; 'rrobertory1@earthlink.net' ; 'kvkalland@cox.net'
Sent: Wed Jul 14 21:57:57 2010
Subject: Fw: not sure you get this--hope you are doing well--I got back from 4 days in Chicago (Intl Sys Engr Conf) and did div relay

Sent from a constituent who lives in South Run and served on the committee.

This is bad and he is really off on this. His rants have no factual basis.
Liz

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: larsen family
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Wed Jul 14 21:21:18 2010
Subject: not sure you get this--hope you are doing well--I got back from 4 days in Chicago (Intl Sys Engr Conf) and did div relay

I hope you are well

Does he ever give up?

best
bob l
----- Original Message -----
From: springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov
To: larsenva@cox.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 6:13 PM
Subject: The Herrity Report Special Edition -- Clifton Elementary School

Special Edition: School Board Votes to Close Clifton ES

School Board Votes to Close Clifton ES
My Thoughts and Why This Is Important To You
No Compelling Case to Close Clifton ES
What Really Happened?
Unanswered Questions
Thanks
It's Not's Over
My Testimony from the Public Hearing


School Board Votes to Close Clifton ES

In another demonstration of being out of touch with reality and common sense, the School Board voted last Thursday night to close Clifton Elementary School. I believe that their vote was misguided and wasteful. Judging from the tears on the faces of the children and many of the parents at the hearing and over the last several days, the impact of the decision will be devastating to the children, residents and businesses of Clifton.

The School Board did not have to close Clifton ES. As I describe more fully below, there was no compelling case to close Clifton Elementary School. In fact there was a compelling case to keep it open:

It is one of Fairfax County's best performing elementary schools
There were financial benefits if the school were kept open
The issues with the well water were resolved in the 11th hour (although remaining the primary reason members cited for closing the school)
The school is not in dire need of a renovation and the parents of Clifton ES lobbied to wait years for a renovation.
There was a win-win resolution available that would benefit the entire county by accelerating renovations on other schools (including West Springfield High School) and leave the school open.

My Thoughts and Why it is Important to You

The bottom line is I feel that the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) system made the decision to close Clifton ES well before they started the community engagement process, which was nothing more than a dog and pony show. Every point FCPS made in favor of closing the school, the Clifton community responded with facts and statistics showing that FCPS was either wrong or at a minimum using incomplete data. As a result, FCPS would simply change their justification for closing the school. But FCPS and the majority of the School Board refused to consider any of it because they were determined to close the school no matter what.

You may be asking yourself, "Why should I care about a school closing in Clifton?" You should care because if this ever happens in your community you need to know this is how FCPS currently operates. The decision is made before they actually study anything, let the facts be damned. I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, just a one time case of bad judgment, but unfortunately it is par for the course with FCPS.

On everything from the school budget, to their attempt to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a fancy new administrative building, to VGLA testing, to school renovations, FCPS staff and the School Board have shown they are unwilling to make sound decisions and engage their citizenry in a constructive, meaningful dialogue. It is absolutely time for the public to hold them to a much higher standard. I hope you will join me in that effort.



No Compelling Case to Close Clifton ES



Before the vote to close Clifton ES, one School Board Member challenged the other Board Members to cite the "compelling case to close Clifton ES". No School Board Member offered the compelling case, not even the maker of the motion to close the school, Springfield District Representative Liz Bradsher. The School Board Chair reminded her fellow Board Members that staff had given them the reasons and that they were on the web site. However, the web site offered no compelling case to close the school:



Problems with the Well Water. Clifton ES is served by well water and some of the wells have had water quality issues in the past. Throughout this entire process FCPS staff cited the well water as the chief reason renovation and ongoing operating expenses at the school were high. Amazingly at the meeting they continued to reference these reasons even though the FCPS Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dean Tistadt released a report minutes before the meeting that said they had fixed the third well and that its flow was adequate and the water safe (pending the outcome of a final test and all indications are that this test will be positive as well). Pardon the pun but this part of the "compelling case" holds no water.


Declining Enrollment. FCPS staff, under the direction of Mr. Tistadt, are projecting the enrollment of Clifton ES to decrease to 298 students by 2015 (it was at 369 this past year) and thus claimed it would not be cost effective to renovate Clifton ES on a per student basis. The problem with basing such an important decision on FCPS enrollment projections is that FCPS has a horrible track record of projecting enrollment. This is one of the main reasons the four School Board Members voted to delay for three years because they know firsthand how bad the staff is with projecting enrollment. One School Board Member actually pulled out some old documents and read off multiple years of projections for Colin Powell ES, noting how wrong FCPS was year after year. Staff had no response.


It was also very odd to see the School Board endorse Mr. Tisdadt's enrollment projections when they know firsthand how incredibly inaccurate staff was at projecting the enrollment of schools like South County Secondary School and Westfields High School. There are numerous other examples throughout the county of faulty school by school projections.

The Clifton community also presented a compelling case, citing actual housing transactions, that enrollment would not be declining. They also presented a compelling case for how the school could be expanded to 550 to help solve the capacity problems in this section of the county. See below for more detail on the irony of closing a school when you have capacity issues and need to build additional facilities.

In addition, national studies indicate that for learning - smaller is better and that the optimal size for elementary schools is between 300 - 500 leaving Clifton within that range. The outstanding performance of Clifton as well as other small schools throughout this country proves this point.

Difficult/Expensive to Renovate. Another reason listed was that site constraints made the renovation of Clifton too expensive and difficult. This argument largely faded into the background as parents and the community argued for no renovation. Instead of just trying to address one or two of the areas where Clifton ES did not meet the education specification, FCPS inflated the cost of a renovation by calling for gold standard educational specs including a geothermal wall. The parents of Clifton did not want anything done to the school, it is ALREADY one of the highest performing schools in the county, but the School Board insisted on telling the parents "we know what's best for your children". The whole educational specs argument became so ridiculous during this process that one School Board Member said during the discussion on the motion to close the school that FCPS needs to take a serious look at what they require and determine if it is something they can afford going forward. Think about it, FCPS just closed one of the highest performing schools in the county because it was too expensive to implement gold standard educational specs that the parents did not want. How does that make any sense?

Closing Clifton "Saves" Money. FCPS will try and tell you that they have saved the $11 million it would cost to renovate Clifton ES and that money will be put into the renovation queue accelerating all other projects. But that is only true because FCPS is using an accountant gimmick. There are still serious capacity issues in the Southwestern portion of the county (made even worse because they just closed a school in this section of the county!) that will have to be dealt with either by building a new school or by adding capacity to multiple existing elementary schools. This means that millions of dollars are still going to be spent on something other than the renovation queue. According to FCPS that money comes out of a "different pot" though. The bottom line is this does not save FCPS any money overall because they are closing one school to build additions or another new school. In fact the only real way to save money was to keep Clifton ES open with no or limited renovations. This would have put money back into the renovation queue and reduced the need for additional capacity to be built.

Unanswered Questions

I must point out that not all School Board Members fell for the ridiculous arguments of staff. Tina Hone argued strenuously on behalf of Clifton ES and made a motion to delay this decision for up to three years so FCPS could get answers to the many unanswered questions and continue to monitor the enrollment numbers. Sandy Evans, Jim Raney and Ilryong Moon all supported her. These four School Board members also did a great job of asking tough questions and poking holes in every one of the staff's reasons for closing the school. It was very refreshing to see these four School Board Members looking for real answers from FCPS staff and to see the staff unable to refute so many of their great points.

Where Will the Children of Clifton ES Go to School? Unbelievably there is no answer. Staff lists 4 or 5 surrounding schools with some capacity but no answers. It appears a possibility the Clifton students and community will be divided up to multiple schools - at no time in the last 20 plus years has that happened in Fairfax County.

Unanswered School Board Questions? In response to the final thirty-two questions about Clifton ES posed by School Board members, eight questions were answered by FCPS staff with "additional information pending" or "response pending". How the School Board could make such an important decision while so many of their own questions went unanswered by staff is unfathomable.

How Will We Solve the Capacity Problems in Southwest County? It seems sheer lunacy to close a school when you have school capacity problems in that section of the county but that is what the School Board decided. To make matters worse they did it without the answer to how they will solve their capacity issues or what it will cost them. The original recommendation by school staff was to build a new school at the Liberty MS site and close Clifton ES. They changed the recommendation to just close Clifton ES because they could not show closing Clifton resulted in cost savings. Now we are left with the capacity issues.

What Will They Do with the Building? Unbelievably again there is no answer. Initially the answer was to give it to the Town of Clifton but they have said they can't afford it. It likely will be returned to the county where it will become another liability for Fairfax County taxpayers.

What Really Happened?

Why did they vote to close the school? I am not 100% sure why FCPS staff was so adamant about closing this school. That is a question only FCPS staff and certain members of the School Board know the real answer to. I can tell you this though; I believe that it had nothing to do with "saving money" or getting to the best answer for the citizens of Clifton or the entire county. The most cost effective option was to defer renovation on Clifton ES indefinitely and put the money back into the renovation queue. But again, from the beginning this wasn't about saving money, it was about closing this particular school no matter what.

In the end a majority of School Board Members (specifically Liz Bradsher, Tessie Wilson, Stu Gibson, Dan Storck, Kathy Smith, Janie Strauss and Brad Center) refused to consider any options and blindly followed staff's lead. In addition, these School Board Members had the audacity to tell the parents of Clifton ES that they knew what was best for their children. They told the parents that it was not right for their children to continue to attend an un-renovated school even though the school is operating just fine today and is one of the highest performing elementary schools in the county.

Thanks


I want to thank the members of the Clifton community who stepped up and challenged FCPS on this horrible decision. I don't want to list names because there were so many dedicated people involved and I fear I might leave somebody out. But you know who you are and I thank you for the hundreds and hundreds of hours you spent fighting on behalf of the children of Clifton and especially for coming up with and advocating for a solution that benefited EVERY child in this county, not just your own. It is a shame you couldn't count on the School Board to do the same.

I also want to thank the School Board members that risked being at odds with school staff (unfortunately an uncomfortable place to be) and asking the intelligent questions that staff should have been asking - most notably - Tina Hone, Sandy Evans and Patty Reed as well as Jim Raney and Ilryong Moon. I hope you continue your search for the best answer and keep asking the tough questions.

It's Not Over

The battle for Clifton ES is not over and I am pleased to inform you that a number of efforts are underway. Community members are working on many fronts with some examples including historic preservation funding/process, the upcoming fall boundary study goals, and yes, a group is researching the basis and results of prior legal actions taken in similar situations around Fairfax County.



I will keep you informed in future versions of the Herrity Report and encourage you to sign up at http://www.savecliftonelementary.org/ for more regular information.


My Testimony on Saving Clifton ES Before the School Board

At the June 28th public hearing I delivered testimony to the School board on a solution that I thought was a win-win solution that would keep Clifton ES open and accelerate the renovation of other schools (including West Springfield HS).

Testimony of Supervisor Pat Herrity
Clifton Elementary School Public Hearing

June 28, 2010

Chairman Smith and members of the School Board, my name is Pat Herrity and I am the Springfield District Supervisor and a resident of Little Rocky Run.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you again tonight. I apologize for not having prepared remarks, I left my family at the Outer Banks early this morning to get back here to testify and I did not have time to copy my remarks. I will send them to you tomorrow.

Tonight I am here to speak on behalf of many of my constituents and to respectfully request that you keep Clifton Elementary School open. I am not going repeat many of the arguments you have heard tonight but I want to discuss a possible solution.

I believe one option and perhaps the best option is to defer renovation and not close Clifton Elementary, something you have heard tonight from parents of the Clifton community. Clifton does not need an immediate full scale renovation.

Keeping Clifton ES open and deferring renovation would be beneficial for four major reasons and could be a win-win solution for the entire county:

It allows the Clifton community to keep their community school
It puts $11 million back into the CIP, allowing schools throughout the county that are in dire need of renovation to move up on the CIP. A win-win for Clifton and school communities throughout the entire county.

Per today's letter from Virginia's Department of Historic Resources, it gives us time to explore the potential use of creative partnerships and historic rehabilitation tax credits to rehabilitate school buildings for continued educational use.

It keeps options open for the future - most importantly for future expansion to address the overcrowding or some form of renovation

The study to close Clifton ES was included with a Southwestern Boundary study and those capacity issues have yet to be addressed. The initial recommendation was to build at the Liberty MS site and close Clifton ES. I ask you to please consider the very real and serious challenges posed by the Liberty Middle School site.

Traffic from the four current schools plus the proposed new school on two lane Union Mill Road
The location is not near the overpopulated schools
There are serious health and cost issues with naturally occurring asbestos at the site

Cost

And if these issues can't be overcome and you can't build a new school at Liberty, what will happen to children at Clifton? Won't the kids be sent to three or four different elementary schools? At no time in the last 20 years has Fairfax County closed an elementary school and broken school population into three or four different elementary schools. It's not right to do it now to the Clifton community; especially when there is an option on the table that keeps Clifton ES open AND puts $11 million back into the CIP. So let me make recent school closing history a fifth major reason to keep the school open and a key difference from the Graham Road closing.

Again I ask that you please consider deferring renovation on Clifton ES and keeping it open because it is the solution that is in the best interest of:

The students
The Clifton community
And the entire county because it accelerates the CIP

Clifton is a community school and the parents are willing to forgo a full renovation in order to save this school. There are options on the table that work for Clifton, the school system and this School Board - let's take the time to find them. Please keep this school open. Thank you.

----- Original Message -----
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: 'larsenva@cox.net'
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: How are you?


You are a busy man!

I too took today off. The Clifton issue has been overwhelming and whatever happens I know I will be very careful with my vote for Supervisor in Springfield!

The votes are ther to close but it is not strong, and it needs to be a strong support of votes by the Board. I have a meeting this afternoon with staff (took my other job off).

Thank you for your continued support and I am glad you are FEELING BETTER!!
Liz

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: larsen family
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Fri Jul 02 06:16:11 2010
Subject: How are you?


Good AM

My mtg was postponed again. I did it 530pm Wed night...went to 630pm. It was a big success. I got home after 8pm to eat dinner. I have a lot to do in 3 weeks, but I have my boss guidance and all the three stars understand my tasks and objectives for the next three to four months

I took yesterday off to get rid of the sinus infection. I feel very good today

How did it go for you? Are you feeling the hard part is over

No reports on details, except some generalities in the post

Joanna and I will decide about Moon's offer this weekend

Have a good 4th

sincerely

bob l

From: Kara Prichard [karanchris@verizon.net]
To: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); larsen family
CC: Storck, Dan (School Board Member); Moon, Ilryong (School Board Member); Center, Brad (School Board Member); Gibson, Stuart (School Board Member); Raney, Jim (School Board Member); Hone, Tina (School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Strauss, Jane (School Board Member); Jean Naka; Melody Rudy; Robert F COL MIL USA VCSA Larsen; Reed, Patty (School Board Member); Evans, Sandy (School Board Member)
BCC:
Sent: 6/11/2010 11:06:26 AM
Subject: SW Boundary Input for public meeting--someone who was deeply involved in the study

Attachments:


School Board Members,

I know you are hearing quite a bit about how important it is to keep Clifton open - and I get it. However, the SW Boundary Study Committee was formed to look at the overcrowding in many schools and at the Clifton issue. Not, how can Clifton be saved, no matter how hard some worked to change it. I was there and I saw and I heard and I was appalled. The committee was formed to become a model for bringing the community into the process and if the entire group's work is not heeded, the whole process is a waste of time. There were many parents who were on that committee to work hard and help make good suggestions for the whole county and not just to support one small school. We worked hard to present alternative solutions that will fill many needs and I don't want to see them ignored. I am not condemning the value parents feel they are receiving at Clifton, I just feel that it is too much money for a school that will only deliver results for a small group.

I am certain you are under tremendous political pressure to only consider the historical significance of this school. However, you are our elected officials and we are all rooting for you to make the best choices for all of our students. With jobs and homes being lost, it seems incomprehensible to consider the amount of money needed to bring Clifton to standards. That will take SO many resources from SO many children to give to a few. It is time for the old school to close and build a new school that can give MANY children the education they need in an environment that is not overcrowded or dilapidated.

A wealthy few cannot be allowed to take from the rest of this county. Any new taxes or bond referendums should only be considered when they can do the most good for the most. Please do not give in and take from my children to give to a few.

Thank you,
Kara

Kara Prichard
CRES PTA President
Creative Memories Consultant
www.creativememories.com/karaprichard
CM Photocenter ID: 49336278
703-830-0799


"For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism." Anonymous


Again-is she representing her PTA?

Why does she use the title in her email if she isn't?

Quoting Liz's email above:

"...we need more support of what I feel is right."

It's disturbing how arrogant and unintelligent Liz Bradsher is. How was she elected to the school board?

And why does Dean Tisdadt want Clifton closed so badly?

Repost from above - July 2nd and she had the votes to close - but it was "open and transparent".

B.S.

----- Original Message -----
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: 'larsenva@cox.net'
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: How are you?


You are a busy man!

I too took today off. The Clifton issue has been overwhelming and whatever happens I know I will be very careful with my vote for Supervisor in Springfield!

The votes are ther to close but it is not strong, and it needs to be a strong support of votes by the Board. I have a meeting this afternoon with staff (took my other job off).

Thank you for your continued support and I am glad you are FEELING BETTER!!
Liz

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

From: Erik & Mary Hawkins [em.hawkins@verizon.net]
To: Rob Robertory; Wardinski, Paul A.; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Christian Deschauer; Monique Craft; Nancy Knickerbocker; Leslie Carlin; Lynn Smith; Lorey Goerlinger; Christine Morin; Erik Work; Pat Herrity; Paul Liberty
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/9/2010 11:16:59 PM
Subject: Reenaging SOAR for July FCPS Staff/SB CIP Meetings

Attachments:
June 2010 SOAR Advocacy Strategy.doc


Hello SOAR Leadership Team!

I hope this email finds everyone well! As we have emerged from the operating budget resolution, I have been catching up on CIP issues over the past month to prepare for anticipated mid-year FCPS Staff/SB meetings per the CIP meeting in Jan 2010. I have been asking Liz all kinds of questions, she's met with Dean T/Kevin Sneed, and I met with Liz last week. I've also met with Paul Liberty.

Here are all the updates I have been able to gather:

* Staff/SB will be discussing the CIP in July work session(s) (I don’t know the exact July dates). This may be one of our last major chances to try to positively impact the timeline of the WSHS renovation. This is the first time that Staff/SB will discuss the CIP outside of the normal Oct – Jan timeline. What if the economy rebounds by next Spring and construction costs rise?


* The current WSHS renovation timing baseline is the Nov 2013 bond for planning funding only; the Nov 2015 bond for construction funding, with a renovation beginning in the summer of 2016.

* That puts a fully renovated WSHS in the summer of 2019. WSHS's position in the CIP queue has accelerated approx 2-3 years (from the 2017 bond for construction to the 2015 bond) entirely due to the cost savings mainly from the April 2009 Edison HS ($21M in savings) and the Dec 2009 Longfellow MS ($12M in savings) bids. The WSHS modest acceleration has not been due to any proactive steps taken by FCPS. I think anything less than the 2011 bond for planning and the 2013 bond for construction is a failure. Assuming that FCPS can't or won't seek any additional CIP funding sources ...

* FCPS may take the position (Dean/Kevin have already told this to Liz) that a 2019 renovation falls within the FCPS 30-year goal given the WSHS "patch & paint" was completed in 1989. We feel strongly that WSHS and all the Legacy 5 should be exempt from counting back to the late 80s partial renovations. Kevin Sneed has admitted to me that the "patch & paint" was so relatively minor compared to the full-scale renovations of today - no structural, mechanical, etc. I think we need to push back HARD if FCPS continues to tell us that WSHS falls within the 30-year FCPS renovation window. Especially also since Dean T admitted publicly that WSHS has been "omitted and overlooked" in past CIP queues. How was this allowed to happen? Being "omitted and overlooked" is at least partially to blame why we are in the predicament we are in now. The WSHS renovation should be much farther along in the CIP than it is now!

* I came across this in my research: "Since the early 1990s all FCPS renovation projects have been conducted using the full scope renovation methodology. These projects not only involve the replacement of primary building support systems (electrical, mechanical, roof) and architectural finishes, but additions and physical changes to the building brining it into alignment with the most current version of the educational specifications and other program initiatives." WSHS has received NONE of this! And it frustrates me more and more, esp since the current WSHS facility does not provide optimal educational environments, especially in science, technology and music.

* Capacity issues still dominate the CIP in the Annandale and Southwestern County areas. Capacity boundary studies are underway in both areas and Staff will present final reports of these studies to the SB in the July meetings.

* The SW Study (SW Regional Planning Study) addresses overcrowding at 28 ES in SW Fairfax County and includes the facility issue at Clifton ES.

* The SW Study decision/actions will directly impact the CIP queue and WSHS. I've been told that Staff will present their report to the SB at the 6/14 work session. Implications to the CIP will be discussed. This study includes the facility at Clifton ES which has been a very contentious, controversial and political issue. The main issue is whether to close Clifton ES and move those kids (and others) to a new ES planned nearby or to renovate Clifton ES. FCPS wants to close Clifton and instead build a new school due to the complexity and extra cost anticipated for a Clifton renovation.

* I read the SW report and here is what FCPS states about Clifton ES: " .... the challenges and additional costs that would occur if FCPS moves forward with the planned renovation of Clifton ES which has been planned for completion in 2013-14. Clifton options: 1) Renovate Clifton with a cost estimate of $11M (50% higher than a usual ES renovation); or, 2) Close Clifton and relocate students to a new ES already planned on the Liberty MS site." FCPS reported issues with a Clifton ES involve well water (the only FCPS school not on county water system) with potentially contaminated wells and site issues. The $11M cost is also being contested by the community, and the community is also advocating for a smaller scale renovation than what FCPS says is necessary. There are also FCPS public hearings scheduled for 6/28 to discuss the Clifton facility issue. There is also a community advocacy group: http://www.savecliftonelementary.org/

* Per Liz, the initial estimates of what funding is needed to resolve all the SW Study issues = $25M --> $11M for Clifton ES renovation + additions to 4 ES at $12M. A key question for the July meetings - exactly how much is needed for capacity projects and how much in additional savings can be redeployed back to the CIP renovation queue? We KNOW we have urgent issues there ... FCPS has been studying capacity issues for 2 years now so they should be able to figure out exactly what capacity projects are needed, esp if the main capacity problem areas are only in Annandale and SW Fairfax County.

* The Annandale study is of note b/c one proposal reallocates HS students from overcrowded Annandale HS to under-capacity Falls Church HS. FCHS is also the LAST HS in the CIP renovation queue that isn't even close to being on the radar. Dean T told Liz that one benefit of having WSHS move into the 2013 planning bond is that WSHS is now within the 5-year window of the current CIP and could not get "bumped" when FCPS tries to accelerate FCHS to deal with urgent immediate capacity needs. I think this is a perfect (but unfortunate) metaphor how the overall CIP queue is a FCPS-wide problem that needs to be addressed now. Rather than bumping FCPS ahead of all other HS b/c they need capacity now to relieve Annandale, how about figuring out solutions to accelerate the CIP queue!
---------------------------------------------
Those are about all the updates I have been able to gather. I think we should quickly develop and implement a full-throttle SOAR advocacy/PR campaign to influence the CIP Staff/SB decision-makers over the next month as the CIP is being addressed on all the issues above in July. This may be one of our last major chances to influence the timing of the WSHS renovation. And 2019 is totally unacceptable to me.

I have prepared the attached draft SOAR Advocacy Strategy doc. Thoughts? I would like for us to meet within a week to discuss, align, and plan next steps. Can you please let me know your availability to meet over the next week? We had the 3rd Wed evening of every month teed up a long time ago but I'm not sure if that would still work for folks - that would be Wed 6/16. Or I could also do a morning meeting at the bagel shop and can be flexible. I'd just like for us to meet as soon as possible to discuss.

Thanks, Erik

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: School Board Members
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 5/6/2010 8:44:19 PM
Subject: RE: Work Session

Attachments:


Colleagues,
I am sending this as information so that you are aware of the possibility that our Work Session may be full with residents from the Clifton area. This recent email went out to Clifton residents. I am hopeful The Ad Hoc Committee and Staff’s presentation is helpful to you all on this issues identified in the Southwestern Study which includes matters pertaining to Clifton ES.

Similar to what we do in “linkage†I am linking with you all to make you aware of a potential large audience on Monday . If you have questions please call me.
Thank you,
Liz



Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 5:33 PM
To: 'Michelle Stein'
Subject: URGENT!! Your help needed to save Clifton Elementary!!

Save Clifton Elementary: ACTION NEEDED NOW The FCPS School Board will be meeting soon to make the final decision regarding the closure of Clifton Elementary!!

We know many of you have been sending letters and e-mails to express your views --- PLEASE KEEP IT UP! If you haven't sent a letter, please take the time to do so now!

ACTION NEEDED: (1) Write letters/E-Mails; (2) Attend Upcoming Meeting

NUMBER 1: PLEASE SEND LETTERS/E-MAILS NOW.

It is vitally important that the school board hear directly from the Clifton community! We ask you to send e-mails and/or letters to our School Board representative, Liz Bradsher, the three Members-at-large (Martina Hone, Ilryong Moon, and James L. Raney), and also Kathy Smith (the School Board
Chair) and Tessie Wilson. You can copy the remaining members of the School
Board. Contact information (i.e. e-mail addresses) for each school board
member can be found at: www.fcps.edu/schlbd/members.htm. The mailing address for all School Board Members:

Fairfax County School Board
8115 Gatehouse Rd., Suite 5400
Falls Church, VA 22042
Attn: (specific School Board member)

It is the School Board who will make the decision; however, if you wish to contact other political leaders to let them know how you feel and ask them to let their feelings be known, please write them. Some of these include:
Pat Herrity (springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov), Sharon Bulova (chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov), Michael Frey (sully@fairfaxcounty.gov), Senator George Barker (district39@senate.virginia.gov), and Tim Hugo (DelTHugo@house.virginia.gov). Please feel free to also write a letter to the editor of our local newspapers, including The Centreview, other Connection papers, etc.

If you've already sent a letter or e-mail, go ahead and send another. In addition, if you have a Clifton student (or former student) living at home, please have them send a letter, describing how important it is/was for them to go to school in their community, with all their friends and neighbors -- and what a great education that they got at Clifton. Smaller children can draw pictures.

Important points to include in your letter:

(1) We want to do the right thing for both Clifton and Fairfax County as a whole, and in these economically stressful times, renovating a school seems to be more economical than tearing it down to build a new one.
(2)Closing a school does not seem like a good strategy to solve overcrowding across Fairfax County. Keeping Clifton open ultimately means more classroom space for kids throughout the County.
(3) The Clifton Community is willing to forgo a "full scale", more expensive renovation, if it means that we can all stay together in our more rural community's school. If our school is closed, our children will likely be split among 2 - 3 different schools or represent a small portion of a very large school. We have had a school in our community for over 100 years and a school is vital to maintaining our sense of community. It is producing excellent results "as is."
(4)Members of our community have been working and communicating with FCPS staff to identify lower cost renovation alternatives that still meet FCPS standards and make the cost per student similar to other recent renovations.
(5) Clifton is like much of rural Virginia in that our households and our school depend on well water. As long as that water meets standards, we are fully comfortable in using wells to serve our children at school for the long-term.
(6)Results from the Community Engagement focus groups suggest that community members from other schools are highly supportive of renovating Clifton Elementary, rather than closing it.
(7) Our school, in its current condition, is adequate for safely and effectively educating our children.

NUMBER 2: Attend Meeting

Please attend the School Board work-session meeting on Clifton scheduled for May 10th, 3:00 p.m. (See www.fcps.edu for full agenda.) The meeting will be held at the Gatehouse Administration Building, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, in room 1600.
At this meeting, the board will hear the report of the Community Engagement Committee, which was charged with exploring options for addressing the linked issues of possible Clifton renovation and closure, as well as overcrowding in the Southwest part of the County. Observers will not be able to participate or address the board---however, a strong presence will show our commitment to maintaining our school. Wear red -- ideally your "Save Clifton Elementary" shirts, which are still available through Dariece Rau at dariece@cox.net ($5 each)!

for more detail or background on the possible closing of Clifton Elementary, go to www.savecliftonelementary.org

Michelle Stein
Clifton Betterment Association
michellestein@cox.net www.cliftonva.org 703-539-8000office 703-830-4908home






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





TRANSLATION:

Please do not be influenced by any members of the Clifton community. Ignore their presence at the meetings and their emails.

On another matter, you will be receiving emails from some of my friends and relatives asking you to close Clifton. I had to beg, borrow and steal to get them to do it. Please read these emails only and vote accordingly.

Kathy said:

I got it and didn't even read before recycling - why in the world would he insert himself so strongly into the issue?. My take on this is that the only people who care/are upset are Clifton parents (they sound very entitled) and the rest of your constituency either doesn't give a damn or applauds the belt tightening. Also, there was a long letter to the editor in the local paper yesterday from a Rob Jones; I bet it's the husband of my former almost-behind-me neighbor, who moved to a gorgeous home several years ago. Believe me, if he's really hot and bothered, he can afford to send his kids to private school.

Comment:
So the Chairman of the School Board can't be bothered to read a newsletter from a member of the Board of Supervisors who gives the board the money for the budget?

And, a "wealthy" taxpayer doesn't deserve for his child to go to a public school in his own neighborhood?

It seems to me that there is a lot of pettiness here. If you are familiar with the South Lakes redistricting it went on then, too. Except for Great Falls, they are exempt from "pettiness."

reader Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Kathy said:
>
> I got it and didn't even read before recycling -
> why in the world would he insert himself so
> strongly into the issue?. My take on this is that
> the only people who care/are upset are Clifton
> parents (they sound very entitled) and the rest of
> your constituency either doesn't give a damn or
> applauds the belt tightening. Also, there was a
> long letter to the editor in the local paper
> yesterday from a Rob Jones; I bet it's the husband
> of my former almost-behind-me neighbor, who moved
> to a gorgeous home several years ago. Believe me,
> if he's really hot and bothered, he can afford to
> send his kids to private school.
>
> Comment:
> So the Chairman of the School Board can't be
> bothered to read a newsletter from a member of the
> Board of Supervisors who gives the board the money
> for the budget?
>
> And, a "wealthy" taxpayer doesn't deserve for his
> child to go to a public school in his own
> neighborhood?
>
> It seems to me that there is a lot of pettiness
> here. If you are familiar with the South Lakes
> redistricting it went on then, too. Except for
> Great Falls, they are exempt from "pettiness."


In complete agreement. It seems like Clifton is being targeted, because their numbers are smaller than Great Falls people who would have been redistricted to South Lakes.

If you have time you should read these e-mails. Liz Bradsher is a liar and a drunk! The rest of the SB does not look any better.

Where are our tax dollars going? If you live in in Fairfax these e-mails should concern you.

Clifton elementary is going to stay open. HA HA HA haters.

So, when is Ms. Bradsher just going to come out and apologize and just tell us she shouldn't have done everything and behaved the way she did?

If anyone gets caught making a mistake or doing something wrong, their parents make them apologize.

We all learned that - how come she doesn't have to?
Attachments:

can't wait to find out what the fire chief say.

does this mean the school board has intentionally taken on unnecessary risk for all schools in the system that don't have sprinklers? (oh, yes, clifton isn't the only one).

what a pathological liar.
Attachments:

Nothing new here with Liz the BITCH. She will say and do anything that will screw kids and parents.

Lies are just part of her daily game.

Did Liz ever take a course in logic?

Just the other day I was teaching my students about illogical statments that include faulty cause, faulty analogy, begging the question, hasty generalization, etc. Liz popped right into my head (imagine that). The curriculum had examples, but Liz provides plenty right here. By the way, I was teaching 9th graders. !! And they understood the material quite well (I'm hopeful).

The irony of this situation is that Liz accuses the Cliftonites of being emotional and all I can see here is a group that is using rational, logical argument (for the most part) to state their position. Meanwhile, her position was fraught with illogical (and downright lies actually) statements.

I do hope a judge can do the job needed here----because the SB clearly cannot due to its "political" nature. Are we doomed to live out these bad decisions?

Need a rational decision here Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I do hope a judge can do the job needed
> here----because the SB clearly cannot due to its
> "political" nature. Are we doomed to live out
> these bad decisions?

You cannot rely on the state courts to invalidate the SB's actions; they do not want to get involved in the details of local politics.

So, yes, you are doomed to live out past decisions unless you organize and find new SB candidates with brains and an open mind to replace the likes of Liz Bradsher and Kathy Smith. There need to be slates of suitable people who are endorsed and then actively supported by local advocacy groups. It won't be easy or cheap, but it's likely the only way to effect change within the current system.

Imagine how much better things would be if you had a clear majority of SB members who thought like Tina Hone, Sandy Evans or Patty Reed, rather than Liz, Kathy or Stu Gibson.

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Sneed, Kevin
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 5/18/2010 8:42:15 AM
Subject: RE: CIP and project status

Attachments:


Hi Kevin,

Hope all is well in the land of renovations, constructions and timelines….

I have received an email from Erik Hawkins (West Springfield HS) asking for some specific information. I thought it best to send you these questions because you are much more knowledgeable than I about specifics! I will try to summarize what he sent, the questions are as follows:


Where is WSHS currently slotted for bond funding?
What if anything is staff proposing to do with the CIP, permitting, and possible acceleration of projects due to current favorable economic impacts?

There are other questions that Erik asked but I will respond “again.†It is my understanding we are going to be discussing the queue sometime soon as indicated be Dean in one of our Jan SB sessions. I also know that we have a reserve of funding due to savings and would imagine that this too will be discussed. I also know that what we do with Clifton could impact the CIP with respect to available funding as well.

As you might imagine I have mentioned all this to Erik but not sure he understands. I will try again. If you can assist with the two above questions that would be great and I will respond to the rest of his email.

Many thanks,
Liz


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

***********************************************************

TRANSLATION:

Kevin-

As you know I am in the process of screwing Clifton by closing their school even though I am telling them that I haven't made up my mind yet.

I know there are dodens of other schools waiting patiently for funding, but I need the people at West Springfield taken care of first.

Please transfer all available CIP savings to WSHS-but don't tell anyone.

Toodles-

Liz

From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member) [jlraney@fcps.edu]
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/30/2010 8:05:40 PM
Subject: RE: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES


10-4 good buddy!

Very respectfully,
James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.
________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 8:03 PM
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES



Jim,

I do have a plan be and it is an amendment as you are describing. I spoke with the incoming Mayor and George Barker today on this to alert them. I am meeting with Dean and staff on this on Friday Sooooo hold up on that amendment good doctor! In fact my amendment has 5 years in it, review of enrollment data during those years and the money that would be used for this renovation now goes back into the queue. However, no money for Clifton now. What do you think?

Liz



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

________________________________

From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 8:00 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Cc: Dale, Jack; Tistadt, Dean
Subject: RE: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES



Thanks for sharing your insights, Liz. I understand your concerns, but feel uncomfortable taking Clifton ES classrooms out of service when FCPS enrollments countywide continue increasing and the national, state, and local economies (and therefore tax revenues) remain uncertain. I am contemplating the possibility of offering an amendment, in the form of a substitute amendment, that would keep CES open but defer its renovation for at least 5 years. That would allow enough time to determine whether staff projections of CES enrollments are accurate. It would also allow enough time to assess alternatives, after the boundary study that we desperately need is completed this fall. I am interested in evaluating the whole picture, before deciding on one pixel of it.



Very respectfully,

James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.
________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 8:37 AM
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
Cc: Smith, Kathy L (School Board Member); Dale, Jack; Tistadt, Dean
Subject: Re: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES

There are about 11 or 12 schools moved up on the queue for the 2011 bond and others will feel the bump. One of them being West Springfield HS which could be placed on the 2011 bond instead of 2013. This would help this school tremendously since projections indicate they are looking at being 350 over capacity in 3-4 (some of this BRAC induced) years and are over today by 130+ students with classes in the hallway!

One of my core issues is: How can we spend the $ for such a renovation for so few students when we have needier situations? It is not prudent and I don't see any state senators, delegates and supervisors helping these schools that await funding and have such needs. I don't see them helping out the other communities that will have the pain and burden of changing boundaries.

Basically Jim, Clifton protests too much, as Shakespeare would say. I live adjacent to Clifton, I see what is taking place, I see the twisting of the issue.

What you didn't hear this week is most parents drive their children to school at Clifton because they don't like the busride and they have problems with the parking lot, what was not said was a good portion of the population lives closer to Willow Springs, Fairview, Oak View, Sangster and even Silverbrook. What you don't know is they had an opportunity to attend Centreville HS when it first opened but vehemently fought that to stay in Robinson which is much farther for many residents. Lake Braddock and South County are closer. The demographics of these schools differ and it was not what the community wanted. What many don't know is these students at Clifton join leagues in Centreville, Chantilly, and a large portion go to Burke and Braddock Road Youth, I know this because, yes, I am a soccer mom or was! What is not known is the Fairview, Sangster and Lake Braddock buses pass many of the bus stops for these Clifton students, closer to 123. What some members don't get is many communities like mine are assigned to different elementary schools and despite this WE LIVE and our kids actually do OK!

We have spent months on this issue and I know what this county was and have seen it change through my XX years! All our communities have felt these changes. Clifton lobbied for less density for years, they did not want sewer. Well, their efforts worked and now building in that area is minimal. Five acre lots, no sidewalks, no real business or commerce. This decison has resulted in no growth, a decline if you will. This has impacted the school. The school is no more historic than Virginia Hills, Graham Rd and others that have been closed. I would argue the Burke School and Mountain View might be considered historic and are now alternative schools.

Now there are schools surrounding the Clifton area and Clifton ES similar to Burke and Mountain View. These schools can serve the Clifton residents. Should we continue to operate a school when we know there are other worthwhile alternatives? Should we allocate such expense for so few students?

Again, this is my area and home if you will. I am ready to make the difficult decision and realize in doing so my days as an elected representative will be over. However, I will be able to sleep at night. I believe there is a bigger picture here and for me this decision is about the bigger picture.
Liz



________________________________

From: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
To: School Board Members
Cc: Tistadt, Dean; Dale, Jack
Sent: Wed Jun 30 07:23:13 2010
Subject: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES

Kathy,



Would you please add the following question to the list:



If Clifton ES is closed or its renovation is deferred, which school(s) would be moved up in the CIP queue?



Very respectfully,

James L. "Jim" Raney, Ph.D.

From: James, Denise [DJames@fcps.edu]
To: Emily Slough
CC: Rawat, Ajay; Hada, Jayjeev; Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean; Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Aftergut, Jeff; Jennifer.McGarey@rcn.net
BCC:
Sent: 4/7/2010 1:22:47 PM
Subject: RE: Annandale Study - two quick notes; and one thought about FPAC

Attachments:


Hi Emily – Your comments are spot on and thank you so much for taking the time to review - we will take a look at that discrepancy issue – I think (and I will ask Ajay to confirm) that at the time we prepare our CIP, we get preliminary information based on how many students are eligible for FRL services or the number of applications – the actual number which are approved and/or take advantage of the program may different and that is what gets put in the profiles – I am not sure why the ESOL profile number and the CIP numbers differ –but again, I am thinking that it is a timing thing – data that is available when we have to prepare our CIP and the timing of school profiles updates – So we need to address that. I actually brought up that capacity issue for Annandale with Kevin Sneed just this morning to confirm – although, with a modular addition being added to the school this summer, the capacity will changes since modulars are included in capacity and trailers are not … and we will need to note that …



As to your FPAC comments – I think we are headed in the right direction and it will require a leap of faith, as you and others have pointed out,

********************************************************************************


to start something so totally new – and it remains to be seen over time how this group functions –as Kathy Smith generally stated, it is the Board which retains the greater overall knowledge and responsibility to implement their policies and do what is best overall for students – but FPAC will have provided much greater opportunity for public input both from the community and from a volunteer citizen board – at present, all that ‘power’, so to speak, really resides with staff since we prepare the CIP and make recommendations on boundary and program changes largely without benefit of any formalized public input or more widespread knowledge – and the CIP goes forward late each fall essentially published in final awaiting board approval and/or amendment with a limited window at public hearings for community review and comment.

********************************************************************************


I remain optimistic that FPAC will go forward and we will be making some edits to address the comments we heard at the Board Monday.



As to Wakefield – the school itself is shown in the maps and is on the large 1.5 mile radius table – but I think the other tables focused on schools that had 10 or more students residing within a 1-1.5 mile radius of Lacey - schools that would likely be in the scope of study for a new school boundary based on the adjacent schools and/or most overcrowded - for the same reasons you also don’t see Pine Spring, Timber Lane, Graham Road, Fairhill or Mantua listed on all the tables but, they are shown on the maps – but you make an excellent point – and this is another one of those opportunities to look at different feeder alignments along with addressing attendance islands – issues of a more ‘secondary nature, but opportunities which we cannot ignore. The report has stopped short of saying which schools should or should not be included in scope of regional study – clearly there are some that must be included – with others, it may be a question of how far do you want to go with this study – e.g. Oakton is shown on the high school table but it may not have a lot to contribute in terms of any capacity solutions for Annandale – this requires some additional thought, hence, a work in progress…



As always , thank you for your positive and constructive comments



Denise





From: Emily Slough [mailto:emilygps@verizon.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 12:15 PM
To: James, Denise
Cc: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Jennifer.McGarey@rcn.net; 'Aftergut, Jeff'; Tistadt, Dean
Subject: Annandale Study - two quick notes; and one thought about FPAC



Hi Denise et al –



ANNANDALE STUDY



I have only skimmed over the draft of the Annandale study, but one thing popped out immediately, and then there is another issue I forgot to raise before:



(1) Wakefield Forest ES is missing from various charts and diagrams. It should be included in this study – it’s closer to AHS than Canterbury Woods, and it is a split feeder, and it is a K-6 school that partially feeds into a 6-7-8 middle school (Poe). Now that Ravensworth ES will be “paired†with LBSS, WFES is the only elementary school that feeds into Poe at the 7th grade level (if parents do not opt to send their kids to Poe in 6th grade). There may be other elementary schools missing – we should double check this.



(2) When assembling all the data and bringing this information forward to the board, but more importantly, to the community, the numbers are going to be REALLY important, and any “bobbles†should be avoided if at all possible (remembering how Beech Tree got left out of the Excel calculations last Spring). Making sure that the capacity # for AHS is always the same number (not 2134 in some docs, and 2200 in others), making sure all schools are included in charts and calculations, and making sure the ESOL and FRL numbers used are accurate and consistent.



To this latter point, I have to be really clear what I mean and why: the ESOL and FRL numbers that were presented in February 2009 by Facilities staff to the AHS PTSA, which purported to reflect the most current (08-09) ESOL and FRL numbers at that time for all of the high schools and middle schools that were listed, are very different from what shows up on the school profile information on the FCPS website now (the document I am referring to I only have in hard copy - it is titled Annandale PTA Briefing – Potential Boundary Study, 17-Feb-09). For instance – in this February ‘09 document, AHS was shown to have 20.5% ESOL and 48.6% FRL. But if you go to AHS’s current profile, Demographics Tab, which also shows the 08-09 figures, it lists AHS as having 14.71% ESOL and 43.43% FRL. Why the discrepancy? And what is the true number? This is a 6% difference…about 160 kids… presumably using the same data for that single school year. Similarly, for FCHS, the Feb. 09 document shows ESOL at 22.3% and FRL at 49.5%, whereas the posted school profile (again, same school year, presumably same data) shows 14.52% ESOL and 45.67% FRL. Why are these figures different?



Bottom line: when we are talking about the need to take a large number of students out of a school that is so socio-economically and demographically diverse, with a parent population that is hyper-sensitive about trying to maintain balance, these numbers become absolutely essential and they must perceived as reliable and accurate or Facilities staff, which I know to be incredibly hard-working and dedicated, loses their credibility and the study becomes another hotbed.



Please don’t shoot the messenger… we just have all been down this road before and I am, like Jeff, trying to support a process that I think will be a vast improvement while also trying to keep us from stepping on any known land mines.



FPAC



As to the FPAC and how things went the other day – I was not totally discouraged at all and was sorry to see that Liz & Tessie felt discouraged, but I did leave the session before various SB members indicated what their vote would be. I knew Mr. Moon was on the fence, but I didn’t get that from a lot of others. So now I am actually quite surprised that there would be enough fear to derail the vote (so I think the CPDC will do well to clarify the relationships between the SB and FPAC to see if those concerns can be addressed). I thought Stu Gibson’s comments were positive, about how he likes the idea of having these “experts†available to advise the SB. This FPAC could be a great thing if managed properly and if we can find the right people to be on it.



However…



I am also one who thinks we have learned a lot just in the last year about how to do things better in general (when it comes to Boundary Studies) and I also think that the creation of the Ad Hoc process is actually almost as important as the creation of the FPAC. And, perhaps most pertinently, we have to remember that the Ad Hoc process – which was a leap of faith to some extent – is now already in place. The Clifton Study is going better than anticipated (in most ways…I think the impact to staff resources is considerable and must be discussed) and we will get some good feedback from Andrew Flagler in May…and the Annandale study will also proceed to Ad Hoc formation without the FPAC in place. SO…now that I think it through, that may be something underlying the SB’s thinking right now – the question of “do we really need the FPAC at all, given our concerns about the power dynamic, and also given that the cart (Ad Hoc) already went before the horse (FPAC) in two boundary studies?†As I said above, I think the FPAC – if done well – could be an excellent asset and advisory group to the SB, especially if they operate from a position of complete neutrality. But on the flip side – (and I have sometimes worried about this) the FPAC could be perceived as the SB creating another layer of bureaucracy (a “B-List School Boardâ€), or another layer of “insulation,†between the SB and the public…further increasing the impression that the public’s comments and concerns will not be heard and – as a result – have little impact on the school board’s final decisions. Something to consider…



Thanks,

Emily

From: Tistadt, Dean [datistadt@fcps.edu]
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/15/2010 2:38:00 PM
Subject: RE:


He and I got into it in the parking lot after everyone left yesterday.

_____________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:35 PM
To: Tistadt, Dean
Subject: RE:


I think a meeting after the Hearing might be good—although everyone will have heard the same reasons spoken well over 50 times to keep Clifton.

I will call you – Herrity spoke to Patty and I know he is leaning on her. I have a call into her.
He will not even talk with me on it. Basically he will not talk to me at all—haven’t spoken in months.

Elizabeth T. Bradsher



_____________________________________________
From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:00 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: RE:

Another board meeting? Jack is thinking of the possibility of a work session the evening of June 29 if we don’t need it for a second night of public hearings.

_____________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:26 AM
To: Tistadt, Dean
Subject: RE:


I don’t believe that would be a good idea. There needs to be a foundation to the Study set by the Board and that would be the Clifton decision.

I think such an idea conflicts with statements made by Board members regarding staff time and available staff resources, etc. Also, don’t think I haven’t forgotten Ms. Hone was a vocal proponent of a county wide boundary study. She quit CPDC because we did not go in that direction. This is not county-wide, it is regional and we just spent 9 months studying the issue with the public. A stall factor does not sit will to me. We need to move forward for the sake of communities involved and for those on the Committee.
Liz
PS Approximately 5-7 votes to close Clifton. The tour yesterday was a good thing. I have no doubt several questions will arise. I am wondering if we need another meeting for this issue to discuss—thoughts?

Elizabeth T. Bradsher



_____________________________________________
From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:12 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: RE:

I still can’t read how the board is going to vote on this matter to include whether we can get the board to make the Clifton decision before conducting a boundary study. Can you imagine a boundary study that included consideration of whether to close or renovate Clifton? Yikes.

_____________________________________________
From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 3:46 PM
To: Tistadt, Dean
Subject:


Dean,
You did a great job.
Liz



Elizabeth T. Bradsher

OH MY GOSH! Do you UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS SAYS?

This email shows Liz lying to a fellow Board member, confirming lying to the Mayor of Clifton AND confirming lying to a State Senator!

"Lied to LRR too" above has an email where Liz states - on June 16th! - that she has 7 votes gathered already - on June 30th she is lying to EVERYONE that she is toing to offer an amendment to give time to reassess all the 'data' from FCPS alleging declining population (not true), water issues (not true) and high cost of renovation (not true).

But it was all LIES.

________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 8:03 PM
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
Subject: RE: Additional Question Re: Closing Clifton ES



Jim,

I do have a plan be and it is an amendment as you are describing. I spoke with the incoming Mayor and George Barker today on this to alert them. I am meeting with Dean and staff on this on Friday Sooooo hold up on that amendment good doctor! In fact my amendment has 5 years in it, review of enrollment data during those years and the money that would be used for this renovation now goes back into the queue. However, no money for Clifton now. What do you think?

Liz

Elizabeth T. Bradsher

________________________________
Attachments:

From: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member)
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 8:50 PM
To: 'michellestein@cox.net'
Subject:



Dear Mrs. Stein,



I was just forwarded an e-mail you circulated concerning a school board decision about the future of Clifton Elementary School. Please know that no decision has been made and that there is no time line at the moment for when a decision might be made. We are just at the beginning of that process.

Tessie Wilson

********************************************************************************

From: Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member) [jtwilson@fcps.edu]
To: James, Denise; Tistadt, Dean
CC: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
BCC:
Sent: 5/7/2010 7:34:47 AM
Subject: RE:

Attachments:


I didn’t realize you wanted to move forward with a decision on Clifton that quickly. This project isn’t even bonded – and won’t even go to the voters until November, 2011.



Tessie Wilson

________________________________

From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 7:27 AM
To: Goddard, Pam; Wilson, Tessie (School Board Member); Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); James, Denise
Cc: Rhodes, Yvette P.; Charbonneau, Pat
Subject: RE:



We will get it to the board as soon as we have it. I do want to note that no board actions or decisions are expected at this work session. This session is to present the committee’s report and to discuss next steps. We are going to suggest that the board spend the time between now and the June work session in ensuring that they get answers to any and all questions they might have. At the June work session staff will seek guidance on the keystone decision which is whether we do or do not renovate Clifton. I assume that the actual decision will require board action at a regular meeting subsequent to the work session. Once the decision about Clifton is known, staff can prepare a recommendation for a boundary study which can be brought to the board in July. The study will be conducted this fall.

********************************************************************************

STRATEGY:

1. Recommend a new school be built and hope nobody figures out it will be on a pile of asbestos.

2. Say that a decsion to close Clifton MUST happen in order to justify a discussion about the construction of a new school that they really don't intend to build.

3. Vote to close Clifton in a hurry even though the public caught wind of the asbestos.

4. Fallout....what to do with 400 students????????? Scramble for answers.

5. Come up with dozens of different plans to add multiple additions to neighboring schools at a cost well in excess of what a modest Clifton renovation would have cost. DO NOT TELL PUBLIC HOW THIS WILL BE PAID FOR.

6. Pretend the public is irrational and confused.

From: Tistadt, Dean [datistadt@fcps.edu]
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/4/2010 10:18:57 PM
Subject: Re: Clifton Elementary closing

Attachments:


Thanks for your integrity. How rare it has become in many elected officials.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld


________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
To: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Fri Jun 04 22:17:56 2010
Subject: RE: Clifton Elementary closing



Thanks Dean I will try to convey that in my emails. I appreciate your advice.

Liz



Elizabeth T. Bradsher



________________________________

From: Tistadt, Dean
Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 10:17 PM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: Re: Clifton Elementary closing



Liz,
I admire your integrity. I wonder, however, if your public position at this time should not be that the report is a staff document and that you and the rest of the board have yet to formulate your own postions on this matter. You are being villified unfairly and inappropriately.
Dean.


--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

The above post is absurd.

This individual serves as the Chief Operating Officer and head of Facilities and Transportation for all of FCPS.

The utter failure of FCPS to plan for or accurately predict growth and needs in this county alone should be cause for the system to ask for his resignation.

Added insult to injury of his documented behavior in these emails and with examples like the Woodson NPA compound his transgressions. The recent article in the Connection Newspaper should have been the straw that broke the camel's back.
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=347166&paper=81&cat=104

His acknowledgement of Bradsher's "integrity" is disgraceful. He wouldn't know integrity if it hit him in the face with a 2x4. The fact that he recognized what she did as possessing integrity proves it.

West Springfield is Special wrote:
>
> TRANSLATION:
>
> Kevin-
>
> Please transfer all available CIP savings to
> WSHS-but don't tell anyone.
>
> Toodles-
>
> Liz

More twisted lies from a Clifton supporter.

Liz, thanks for helping WsHs, we love you and will get out the vote for you.

PLEASE be careful, these people are obviously nut cases and they have guns. We don't want to see a repeat of AZ here. :(

WSHS parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> West Springfield is Special wrote:
> >
> > TRANSLATION:
> >
> > Kevin-
> >
> > Please transfer all available CIP savings to
> > WSHS-but don't tell anyone.
> >
> > Toodles-
> >
> > Liz
>
> More twisted lies from a Clifton supporter.
>
> Liz, thanks for helping WsHs, we love you and will
> get out the vote for you.
>
> PLEASE be careful, these people are obviously nut
> cases and they have guns. We don't want to see a
> repeat of AZ here. :(


You're delusional! How exactly did she help WSHS? I must have missed the WSHS listing on the CIP.

More twisted lies from a LIZ supporter.

Everyone remembers the movie. Meryl Streep being unloaded from the train to the concentration camp. The evil Nazi soldier forcing her to choose which of her children gets to live.........


Poor, Liz, she had the same dilemma.....

********************************************************************************


From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member) [ETBradsher@fcps.edu]
To: Wardinski, Paul A.
CC:
BCC:
Sent: 6/4/2010 11:45:40 AM
Subject: FW: Clifton Elementary School

Attachments:


Just some interesting reading. Such is my “Sophie’s Choice.â€



Elizabeth T. Bradsher



________________________________

From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 11:38 AM
To: 'Hollaway, William R.'
Subject: RE: Clifton Elementary School



Thanks Bill.


I understand your advocacy and reasons; of course I could offer a debate on most of your comments. I do understand the passion of the Clifton residents.


BTW according to design and construction no additional capacity will be added to Clifton due to projections, topography of the site and location. The cost per renovation per student remains at $35,000 +. It is my understanding this remains a conservative number.


Union Mill residents support keeping Clifton open due to the unknown certainty of what will take place in their neighborhood community should a new school be built at the Liberty sight. It appears everyone has a parochial view on the issue. I understand Clifton ES is the “fabric†of the Clifton community but so is Graham Rd. ES and so was Wilton Woods, Virginia Hills and other schools that were closed for similar reasons.


I suppose I am looking more at the larger/bigger picture. I have questioned impact to our Capital Improvement Program and what it would mean if we close Clifton and if we renovate, add additions elsewhere, etc. I have done the research and found certain savings could be allocated towards the county expansion of full day K which would impact thousands of students county-wide many of whom live in the Springfield District. The CIP impact could also assist with other renovation projects in the queue and in desperate need, one in particular is West Springfield HS serving 2100 + students daily and projected to be at 2459 students in a few short years, thus being well over 350 students over capacity .


The above represents just some of my thoughts. There is no doubt Clifton can be renovated ---but at what cost? This is my concern and I think about this issue daily.


Liz



________________________________

From: Hollaway, William R. [mailto:WHollaway@gibsondunn.com]
Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 11:17 AM
To: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Subject: Clifton Elementary School



Liz,

Hi again. This is Bill Hollaway. I am the Mayor-Elect of the Town of Clifton, Virginia.

I wanted to provide you with my thoughts regarding the renovation of Clifton Elementary School. After much research and reflection, I am thoroughly supportive of renovating Clifton Elementary School and keeping it open at that location. I see this as one of the single most important issues of my term as Mayor of Clifton.

Attached is a summary of my views on the School Board's forthcoming decision regarding Clifton Elementary School. I have come to the unequivocal conclusion that renovating Clifton Elementary School, and preserving the balance of funds to construct the right school when the right location becomes available is the right decision. I have also included my summary directly at the end of this email.

In arriving at my views, I have spoken with many members of the Clifton Community, including those without children at Clifton Elementary, those with children at Clifton, and those that have children that will attend Clifton in the future. To a person, every one spoken with one voice, passionately in support of renovating Clifton Elementary School. I also have reflected on my 18 years in the Clifton Community and as a parent of past and future students at Clifton Elementary School.

I am available to speak with you or meet with you at any time about this matter. Please feel free to contact me at any time by email or at my office (202.955-8592), my mobile phone (703.869-8830), or my home phone (703.815-3269). That includes evenings and weekends. There is no more important issue facing the greater Clifton Community than the renovation of Clifton Elementary School.

Thank you for your time,

- Bill

William R. Hollaway, Ph.D.

Mayor-Elect, Town of Clifton

Are you saying that people who rally in a democratic fashion and employ legal counsel to state their argument are "nut cases"? I don't see how you can jump to the conclusion that they are "obviously nut cases". Where is the evidence for that? These are examples of "faulty cause" and "hasty generalization"--- illogical statements. You must use logic if you are arguing something. Your statement is conjecture and serves no purpose in building up your argument. Clearly you are blinded by your love for your community school. But I'm sure Liz will say you are a better citizen than those in Clifton.

Please argue using evidence---names of "nut jobs" please. The so called "nut jobs" have LOTS of evidence in the FOIA emails.

June 2nd....Liz had pretty much decided to close the school...but hey, might as well ask some important questions......




From: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member)
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 2:04 AM
To: James, Denise
Cc: Cain, Debora L.
Subject: RE: Clifton Questions

Hi Denise,

Well you asked….here are my first questions regarding the Clifton ES issues:

1. If Clifton was to close would a full transfer of students necessarily go to the proposed new school? Please indicate an approximate percentage of students that might attend the new school should it be built in close proximity to the current Clifton ES.
2. The Clifton report states a 1984 boundary study changed the Clifton boundary to what it is today. Can you please verify what the boundary of Clifton looked like prior to 1984 and if records are available indicating how many students attended then? Have any changes taken place to the boundary since 1984?
3. When was the Burke school changed to a special alternative school and how old is Burke school? How many students were displaced as a result of this change and where were they sent to attend elementary school in the surrounding Burke area?
4. If a modified renovation were to take place at Clifton ES what would be the concerns, if any, per Facilities’ staff and Instructional Services.
5. When renovating an elementary school is enrollment capacity usually added to a school? Will capacity be added to Clifton; if not can you please explain why this would not take place?
6. Instructionally speaking what would be the pros and cons of a traditional renovation versus a minimal renovation? What type of impact would this have on future CIP renovations if any?
7. What is staff’s position (Facilities) with regard to a minimal renovation at Clifton which provides upgrades to mechanical and fire suppression systems? Please site benefits as well as concerns.
8. Can you please explain the student projections for Clifton and how projections are determined?
9. Specifically what renovations need to take place at Clifton ES, please also include all renovations that respond to the safety of the student body, especially any safety measures that have resulted after 9/11/01?
10. How many elementary schools are below a capacity of 300 students? Do these schools provide any additional services other than the education of general ed students for grades k-6?
11. How many FCPS schools have been closed in the last 25 - 30 years, can you please list them and reasons for their closing?
12. If Clifton remains open and a full renovation is completed will a new school also be needed to address capacity and will school additions be needed at various study schools. If so can you please show costs indicating the differing scenarios with a renovation, new school and additions and without, etc.?
13. How has our projection capabilities changed since the building of South County Secondary? What are we doing differently that has helped us obtain improved accuracy with projections?
14. What would be the bus route to the Liberty site using Clifton ES as the starting point for the route? How long is this route?
15. If an ES school was to be built on the Liberty site, where might the student body come from to attend this school?
16. How many students from the Town of Clifton attend Clifton ES? Are there any walkers to this school?
17. The Clifton Subcommittee Supplement reports on the benefits of a small rural school. In Fairfax our newer schools are built for approximately 800 + students, please comment about elementary school size and their community and perceived instructional benefits. In addition what do you perceive to be the “cons†of such size schools?
18. Gunston ES is in a rural environment and removed from certain area Rt 1 density. However, the size of Gunston ES has grown despite being on septic in the past several years resulting from boundary changes. Does Gunston ES have any structural similarities to Clifton ES? The Gunston ES site is vastly different than Clifton, has this helped with Gunston’s ability to handle capacity growth outside of Mason Neck?
19. What is the total cost of our CIP project load?
20. There has been much discussion about the well water provided at Clifton ES. It is my understanding we can provide water at Clifton via a new well and improvements to older wells. How will we provide a fire suppression system?
21. What are the estimated costs of an improved water/well system, estimated annual costs and costs for a fire suppression system versus a traditional system that is not reliant on a well/tank. (I realize this information is accessible via various reports, however I would like this question answered in a succinct manner for the purposes of online questions for the public—thanks.)

Call me if you have questions---thanks.
Liz



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

WSHS parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> West Springfield is Special wrote:
> >
> > TRANSLATION:
> >
> > Kevin-
> >
> > Please transfer all available CIP savings to
> > WSHS-but don't tell anyone.
> >
> > Toodles-
> >
> > Liz
>
> More twisted lies from a Clifton supporter.
>
> Liz, thanks for helping WsHs, we love you and will
> get out the vote for you.
>
> PLEASE be careful, these people are obviously nut
> cases and they have guns. We don't want to see a
> repeat of AZ here. :(


What a douchebag loser. Trying to inject the Tucson tragedy against the backdrop of an entire community (plus hundreds of parents from other communities that will be affected by this insanity) standing up and asking legitimate questions. Liz, you've got to stop coming on here and acting like you have supporters. We can number you true supporters with our fingers and toes. 20 votes for, 1500 votes against. Yeah Liz, your political future looks about as bright as the below freezing IQ of this puppet poster.

WSHS parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> West Springfield is Special wrote:
> >
> > TRANSLATION:
> >
> > Kevin-
> >
> > Please transfer all available CIP savings to
> > WSHS-but don't tell anyone.
> >
> > Toodles-
> >
> > Liz
>
> More twisted lies from a Clifton supporter.
>
> Liz, thanks for helping WsHs, we love you and will
> get out the vote for you.
>
> PLEASE be careful, these people are obviously nut
> cases and they have guns. We don't want to see a
> repeat of AZ here. :(


The fact that one of Liz's supporters would trivialize a national tragedy in such a manner is appalling.

To stoop so low as to insinuate that someone would commit such a heinous act is abhorrent behavior.

You should be ashamed of yourself. If I was a parent at WSHS I would be ashamed and embarrassed by your callous remark.

I've been reading this thread for some time with great interest.

First of all, I have no vested interest in Clifton or WSHS and don't know anything about Liz Bradsher and frankly as an outsider all this is a little confusing. Trying to sort out all the emails and comments is a little overwhelming.

However, I do find some of her comments curious. In one instance she used the figure $35,000 as cost per student as an argument against keeping Clifton open. That would assume that only those students currently enrolled in Clifton would benefit from renovation. I wonder what the budget for WSHS renovation is. Is it less than $7.35 million? because, based on her figures, that would be the break even point at $35,000 per student.

It does appear that there has been some duplicity involved including participation by the FCPS admin.

From: James, Denise [DJames@fcps.edu]
To: Raney, Jim (School Board Member)
CC: Bradsher, Elizabeth (School Board Member); Tistadt, Dean
BCC:
Sent: 6/2/2010 5:11:50 PM
Subject: Quesion on distances re: Clifton ES

Attachments:


Good Afternoon Dr. Raney- Although we will be responding to all SW study questions for the work session, I am remiss getting back to you on the one question you asked during the May 10 work session on Clifton ES attendance area bus routes – the distances and times involved to the epicenter of overcrowding – This info was provided to us from Transportation. IF there is anything further, please let me know.


Regards – Denise



CLIFTON ES: Attendance Area Bus Routes - DISTANCE /TIME

TOTAL AVERAGE MILES: 7 miles
AVERAGE TIME: 25 minutes

Distance to epicenter of overcrowded area:

Clifton ES to Colin Powell ES
5.6 miles 15 minutes
Clifton ES to Eagle View ES
7.6 miles 20 minutes

Liberty MS to Colin Powel ES
3.8 miles - 10 minutes

Liberty MS to Eagle View ES
6.3 miles - 17 minutes

Liberty MS site to Clifton ES
2.7 miles - 5 minutes





Denise James

Director, Facilities Planning Services

8115 Gatehouse Road

Falls Church, VA 22042

Tel. 571-423-2325

********************************************************************************

OK, wait a second.

Are these bus routes we are talking about?

Since when can a school bus with multiple stops travel 6 miles in 17 minutes?

I live about 3.5 miles from our middle school and it takes me about 20-25 minutes to drive there.

The sick sick sick association by a Bradsher supporter of Clifton residents to a national tragedy with losses of life as mind-numbing as a 9 year old child, a federal judge, elderly citizes and the like is reprehensible.

We are a nation of laws and the fact that some seek justice from the courts to hold accountable those who broke laws is laudable.

One would only hope that Bradsher herself would post here and tell her supporter to apologize for this disgusting analogy.

Shame on you.

Just ask little greedy Erik Hawkins what SOAR actually stands for:


S Screw
O Others
A Awaiting
R Renovations


Let's make a game out of this shall we......who can come up with a better one?

You best take a moment and rethink here.

There is too much here to show your pal is not who or what she says she is - so be careful before you continue to cast your lot with her and certainly don't start associating whole neighboring populations with a mentally ill mass murderer. If you do, we'll know why you are casting lots with her.
Attachments: