Click through to read the @Storify I just put together curating a lot of the tweets from last night’s meeting.
Once again, Kelly has provided an excellent summary from her side of the table –
Quick recap of last night’s public comment session as seen from “behind the table”. Overall, it was great to see such a huge turnout, not just from the MLS community but from all areas of the western feeder pattern. Most of the comments were thoughtful, well-informed, and led to a consistent narrative: growth in the far western part of the County must be addressed through comprehensive long-term planning and investment in education facilities, rather than continued reliance on redistricting measures.
??A couple of key phrases that stuck with me were “Look Again” (thanks, BES!), “No Compelling Reason”, and “Community Schools Should Grow With the Communities They’re In”. These comments really encapsulate how it seems most folks feel about the leadership (or lack thereof) from the BOS regarding school funding. ?
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It was beyond clear that small, piecemeal redistricting measures (and, in fact, the idea of using redistricting as a first solution in general), is not seen as an effective long-term solution. ?
?The issue of a cost-benefit analysis was alluded to multiple times, and it’s clear that western feeder pattern families take exception to the any notion that redistricting (often called a “shell game”) and its associated costs (in terms of community/excessive transition for kids/transportation issues/potential loss of staffing resources at the school level) are so high as to overshadow any perceived (and likely, short-term) benefit. It was also mentioned that a move of children out of MLS to Murray or Crozet would effectively eliminate additional seats that may be needed in future years to deal with growth at Brownsville. ?
?Investment doesn’t necessarily mean taxes should be raised, however. There were many mentions of the CIP, and how this guiding document should be reanalyzed, and perhaps, reprioritized to deal with emerging needs in the west. There were multiple calls for funding for expansions at Crozet Elementary, WAHS, and Henley Middle School. I hope this is simply a starting point for getting many more of us informed and opinionated about the CIP priority. The time is now to continue to have your voice heard.?
?We also heard several folks touch on the need to address the modernization project at Red Hill Elementary as a matter of fundamental fairness. I think it goes without saying that this project should be completed without regard to other growth area issues, as it speaks directly to the overall ACPS goal of providing a “world class education” to all students. ?
?And finally, a bit of editorializing: The many kind remarks to the volunteer members of the committee were also noted, and appreciated. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to thank the many interested parents who’ve jumped in to this discussion, gotten themselves informed and involved, especially at a busy holiday time of year. I’d also like to reiterate my appreciation for the responsive, professional manner in which all of the local school Principals, Josh Davis, Matt Haas, and the entire ACPS staff have led this process. Our leadership core–of both staff and parent volunteers–is strong and I feel more confident than ever that this process is just the start of a new era of school planning and focus in western Albemarle. Please, please, stay involved–This is a long-term discussion that will take all of us! Continue reading “Tweeting the Western Albemarle Redistricting Meeting – 12-11-12”
