Fairfax County General :
Fairfax Underground
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
magnet schools
Posted by:
former teacher
()
Date: March 01, 2012 09:44AM
I have a question. I know I could search through the FCPS website, but maybe someone here already knows the answer.
Does FCPS pay to bus the kids to the magnet schools?
I was surprised to read in today's WAPO that Bailey's gets 3 extra teachers and an instructional aide because it is a magnet school.
I understand needs-based staffing, and I support it to a point. However, in these days of tight budgets, giving extra staff so kids can get arts classes seems just a little out of kilter.
I looked at Bailey's membership and staffing numbers and the ratio is approximately 1 teacher/10 students. This does not include the instructional aides.
1232 students
School Staffing Full-Time Equivalent Totals
Position 2009-10
(as of Dec. 2009) 2010-11
(as of Dec. 2010) 2011-12
(as of Dec. 2011)
AdministrativeAdministrative 3.0
CounselorsCounselors 2.5
CustodiansCustodians 8.5
Instructional Assistants and AttendantsInstructional Assistants and Attendants 31
Office SupportOffice Support 11.2
Specialists and TeachersSpecialists and Teachers 121.6
Compare this staffing to some other schools. This does not seem like good value for the money.
Does FCPS pay to bus the kids to the magnet schools?
I was surprised to read in today's WAPO that Bailey's gets 3 extra teachers and an instructional aide because it is a magnet school.
I understand needs-based staffing, and I support it to a point. However, in these days of tight budgets, giving extra staff so kids can get arts classes seems just a little out of kilter.
I looked at Bailey's membership and staffing numbers and the ratio is approximately 1 teacher/10 students. This does not include the instructional aides.
1232 students
School Staffing Full-Time Equivalent Totals
Position 2009-10
(as of Dec. 2009) 2010-11
(as of Dec. 2010) 2011-12
(as of Dec. 2011)
AdministrativeAdministrative 3.0
CounselorsCounselors 2.5
CustodiansCustodians 8.5
Instructional Assistants and AttendantsInstructional Assistants and Attendants 31
Office SupportOffice Support 11.2
Specialists and TeachersSpecialists and Teachers 121.6
Compare this staffing to some other schools. This does not seem like good value for the money.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
former teacher
()
Date: March 01, 2012 10:04AM
Next question:
Do we have any idea what it costs to bus these kids from all over Fairfax County? It has got to be pretty high considering the fact that Bailey's is almost in Arlington/Alexandria.
Do we have any idea what it costs to bus these kids from all over Fairfax County? It has got to be pretty high considering the fact that Bailey's is almost in Arlington/Alexandria.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
WashingTone-Locian
()
Date: March 01, 2012 10:16AM
Fucking magnet schools! How do they work?
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http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm
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http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
Bailey'sTransportation
()
Date: March 01, 2012 03:47PM
former teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Next question:
> Do we have any idea what it costs to bus these
> kids from all over Fairfax County? It has got to
> be pretty high considering the fact that Bailey's
> is almost in Arlington/Alexandria.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey's_Elementary_School_for_the_Arts_and_Sciences
Under the 2010 FCPS Budget Cuts, the Magnet transportation buses that bring out-of-boundary students to Bailey's was to be eliminated to save approximately $100,000[8]. The community and the PTA protested that this would lead to a loss of magnet families which in turn will erode the cultural, economic, linguistic diversity that has been lauded as a model for the nation. In April 2009, the FCPS school board decided to keep the magnet transportation.
^ Turning Back the Clock? Fairfax Magnet School, a Model of Diversity, Could Lose Its Bus Service By Michael Alison Chandler, The Washington Post, April 24, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------
> Next question:
> Do we have any idea what it costs to bus these
> kids from all over Fairfax County? It has got to
> be pretty high considering the fact that Bailey's
> is almost in Arlington/Alexandria.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey's_Elementary_School_for_the_Arts_and_Sciences
Under the 2010 FCPS Budget Cuts, the Magnet transportation buses that bring out-of-boundary students to Bailey's was to be eliminated to save approximately $100,000[8]. The community and the PTA protested that this would lead to a loss of magnet families which in turn will erode the cultural, economic, linguistic diversity that has been lauded as a model for the nation. In April 2009, the FCPS school board decided to keep the magnet transportation.
^ Turning Back the Clock? Fairfax Magnet School, a Model of Diversity, Could Lose Its Bus Service By Michael Alison Chandler, The Washington Post, April 24, 2009
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
former teacher
()
Date: March 01, 2012 04:34PM
$100,000 in 2010....Wow! Just imagine would that translate to now with the cost of gas,etc.
Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide, extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where that could go to the orchestra or band programs in the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is this really the best use of our money? In a program where only a few have the opportunity?
It seems to me, the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide, extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where that could go to the orchestra or band programs in the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is this really the best use of our money? In a program where only a few have the opportunity?
It seems to me, the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
Juan Valdez
()
Date: March 01, 2012 05:06PM
former teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> $100,000 in 2010....Wow! Just imagine would that
> translate to now with the cost of gas,etc.
>
> Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide,
> extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where
> that could go to the orchestra or band programs in
> the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is
> this really the best use of our money? In a
> program where only a few have the opportunity?
>
> It seems to me, the money would be better spent
> elsewhere.
How much more would FCPS save if it wasn't transporting students from all across the county to TJHSST? Are you against that, too, or is just Bailey's that has you worried?
-------------------------------------------------------
> $100,000 in 2010....Wow! Just imagine would that
> translate to now with the cost of gas,etc.
>
> Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide,
> extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where
> that could go to the orchestra or band programs in
> the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is
> this really the best use of our money? In a
> program where only a few have the opportunity?
>
> It seems to me, the money would be better spent
> elsewhere.
How much more would FCPS save if it wasn't transporting students from all across the county to TJHSST? Are you against that, too, or is just Bailey's that has you worried?
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
BothMagnets
()
Date: March 01, 2012 05:17PM
former teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> $100,000 in 2010....Wow! Just imagine would that
> translate to now with the cost of gas,etc.
>
> Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide,
> extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where
> that could go to the orchestra or band programs in
> the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is
> this really the best use of our money? In a
> program where only a few have the opportunity?
>
> It seems to me, the money would be better spent
> elsewhere.
That $100,000 is actually for both magnet schools and not just Bailey's.
http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/legacy-content/867T6Y2AE04B/$FILE/FY%202010%20Budget%20Questions.pdf
FY 2010
BUDGET INFORMATION FORM
School Board Member Requesting Information: Stuart Gibson
Answer Prepared By: Dean Tistadt
Date Prepared: January 23, 2009
Question:
How were savings from eliminating Magnet School transportation calculated? Was the cost of
transporting students to their base schools taken into account? If so, how?
Response:
Time and miles for existing bus runs transporting elementary school students to Bailey’s
Elementary School for Arts and Sciences and Hunter Woods Elementary School for Arts and
Sciences were identified and the costs determined using the average driver hourly rate (plus
benefits) and operating cost per mile for the bus. The total savings amount was comprised of
the following:
Driver Pay $ 52,505
Benefits 4,017
Bus Op Costs 53,916
Total Savings $110,438
The cost of transporting students to their base schools was not a factor because they were
already included in their base school’s busing network.
-------------------------------------------------------
> $100,000 in 2010....Wow! Just imagine would that
> translate to now with the cost of gas,etc.
>
> Take the 3 extra teachers and instructional aide,
> extra transportation costs, etc. Just think where
> that could go to the orchestra or band programs in
> the rest of the county. At least $.5million. Is
> this really the best use of our money? In a
> program where only a few have the opportunity?
>
> It seems to me, the money would be better spent
> elsewhere.
That $100,000 is actually for both magnet schools and not just Bailey's.
http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/legacy-content/867T6Y2AE04B/$FILE/FY%202010%20Budget%20Questions.pdf
FY 2010
BUDGET INFORMATION FORM
School Board Member Requesting Information: Stuart Gibson
Answer Prepared By: Dean Tistadt
Date Prepared: January 23, 2009
Question:
How were savings from eliminating Magnet School transportation calculated? Was the cost of
transporting students to their base schools taken into account? If so, how?
Response:
Time and miles for existing bus runs transporting elementary school students to Bailey’s
Elementary School for Arts and Sciences and Hunter Woods Elementary School for Arts and
Sciences were identified and the costs determined using the average driver hourly rate (plus
benefits) and operating cost per mile for the bus. The total savings amount was comprised of
the following:
Driver Pay $ 52,505
Benefits 4,017
Bus Op Costs 53,916
Total Savings $110,438
The cost of transporting students to their base schools was not a factor because they were
already included in their base school’s busing network.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
former teacher
()
Date: March 01, 2012 05:34PM
How much more would FCPS save if it wasn't transporting students from all across the county to TJHSST? Are you against that, too, or is just Bailey's that has you worried?
Frankly, I think the parents could pay something. TJ is not a legal requirement for transportation in my mind. Neither is a magnet school. The law requires that transportation be provided to the local school if it is not in walking distance.
If the family could not afford the expense, then assistance could be given per free lunch as are fees for extra-curricular activities.
I suspect there are a lot of empty seats on those buses, anyway--including the ones to Baileys.
People, the time has come to look at the value of the expense. FCPS has to understand this.
Frankly, I think the parents could pay something. TJ is not a legal requirement for transportation in my mind. Neither is a magnet school. The law requires that transportation be provided to the local school if it is not in walking distance.
If the family could not afford the expense, then assistance could be given per free lunch as are fees for extra-curricular activities.
I suspect there are a lot of empty seats on those buses, anyway--including the ones to Baileys.
People, the time has come to look at the value of the expense. FCPS has to understand this.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
where is the line?
()
Date: March 01, 2012 09:10PM
Do you think parents should pay for the GT center buses also? What about the academies?
What about students who want to take advantage of the elementary foreign language immersion schools? Right now they do not get buses---should they get them?
What about students who want to take advantage of the elementary foreign language immersion schools? Right now they do not get buses---should they get them?
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
Just passing by
()
Date: March 01, 2012 09:42PM
former teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How much more
How much in property taxes are paying that you're so concerned with all this?
-------------------------------------------------------
> How much more
How much in property taxes are paying that you're so concerned with all this?
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
former teacher
()
Date: March 02, 2012 07:57AM
Just passing by asked:
How much in property taxes are paying that you're so concerned with all this?
I am more than willing to pay more property taxes if it translates to better schools. However, until I see value for money spent, I do not want one penny more to go to this.
Generally, the academies are helping kids learn skills that are not offered in their home schools. These are skills which prepare them for the working world.
The magnet schools, immersion schools, and TJ are different. As I said before, if a child cannot afford the transportation to TJ, it could be subsidized according to free lunch as are the extracurricular activities.
As far as the magnet schools, GT schools and immersion schools, every one of those students has the opportunity to go to his neighborhood school with free transportation. If the parent is so convinced that his child will not get an appropriate education at his home school, then the family should provide the transportation.
Speaking of immersion schools: is there any data or follow-up on the language performance of these students when they exit the program. Do the students continue with the language? Do the kids find employment with the language? I would be interested to hear--even if it is just anecdotal.
All I want is for FCPS to spend its money wisely.
How much in property taxes are paying that you're so concerned with all this?
I am more than willing to pay more property taxes if it translates to better schools. However, until I see value for money spent, I do not want one penny more to go to this.
Generally, the academies are helping kids learn skills that are not offered in their home schools. These are skills which prepare them for the working world.
The magnet schools, immersion schools, and TJ are different. As I said before, if a child cannot afford the transportation to TJ, it could be subsidized according to free lunch as are the extracurricular activities.
As far as the magnet schools, GT schools and immersion schools, every one of those students has the opportunity to go to his neighborhood school with free transportation. If the parent is so convinced that his child will not get an appropriate education at his home school, then the family should provide the transportation.
Speaking of immersion schools: is there any data or follow-up on the language performance of these students when they exit the program. Do the students continue with the language? Do the kids find employment with the language? I would be interested to hear--even if it is just anecdotal.
All I want is for FCPS to spend its money wisely.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
blanche
()
Date: March 02, 2012 08:10AM
I live near TJ and it makes me gag when I see buses, large ones, going down the road with one or two students on it heading out of TJ.
Re: magnet schools
Posted by:
an observer
()
Date: March 02, 2012 09:02AM
Most kids I know that go to TJ carpool. Even the freshmen find rides with older kids.
The free and reduced lunch kids at TJ make up less than 3% of the population.
Provide them free transportation and charge the rest of the kids.
Do you not think that most people sending their kids to TJ would be willing to pay for the bus? They pay for prep courses, etc.
The free and reduced lunch kids at TJ make up less than 3% of the population.
Provide them free transportation and charge the rest of the kids.
Do you not think that most people sending their kids to TJ would be willing to pay for the bus? They pay for prep courses, etc.