Comments on Our Loudoun Schools: A Little Analysis of the Suggested Cuts

Interesting. I get busy for a few days and don't ...

2008-04-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

Interesting. I get busy for a few days and don't check this blog and I miss out on Mr. Stevens attacking me on his comment board. No worries, though. My comments were pointed and directed at him so I am not surprised. And he consistently disparages those on this board who disagree with him. I am still incensed with his manipulation of the PTA's in his attempt to push his agenda. Maybe that

Thanks for hosting this blog. Mr. Stevens, I down...

2008-04-05T09:53:00.000-04:00

Thanks for hosting this blog. Mr. Stevens, I downloaded the LCPS budget proposal and quite frankly some of the metrics and rational mean nothing to me to me without a baseline look at details. Where would one go to get the position title/desription and salary information for each of the FTE administrative/overhead positions that LCPS has budgeted? I'm not talking about the teachers. Just the

Well, I guess we need to define our terms or this ...

2008-04-04T21:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess we need to define our terms or this will be a lesson in how semantics can shape poor decisions.

Up for discussion, the word "cut".

Yes, you are right, you are right.

This is...

2008-04-04T15:16:00.000-04:00

Yes, you are right, you are right.

This is a place for input, and I certainly don't want to hear only from people who agree with me.

The comments section belongs to readers, not to me. Thank you for reminding me of that.

Mr. Stevens, I am one of those moms that donates t...

2008-04-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Mr. Stevens, I am one of those moms that donates time to the classroom and PTA events, and endless money for fundraisers, so your assumption that I am some crank is absurd. The problem is my PTA is full of politics, and the same 10 people have been running the PTA for the past 5 years, just in different capacities. I do call them fembots because they take serious marching orders from some "

You chastise me for saying "drivel" and then call...

2008-04-04T11:37:00.000-04:00

You chastise me for saying "drivel" and then call PTA moms "fembots"? That's some nerve. I know many PTA moms, some who agree with me on most things, some who disagree on most things, most who just take the time to raise funds and volunteer for their kids' school and don't get involved in politics. They are all champions and I will not forgive people who insult them.

The problem is that

Wow Mr. Stevens, calling Prell's response "drivel"...

2008-04-04T10:44:00.000-04:00

Wow Mr. Stevens, calling Prell's response "drivel" is uncalled for. His detailed response was not only superbly researched, but properly worded and framed given the context of your posts. I am hoping M. Prell would run for your seat on the School Board, he has my vote.

Honestly, people can read through the lines. Just because there will be 3200 additional (supposed) students next year

M. Prell, your points would be valid if enrollment...

2008-04-04T09:29:00.000-04:00

M. Prell, your points would be valid if enrollment weren't growing by 3,270 students next year. The rest your uninformed anti-school drivel frankly makes me roll my eyes and turn my attention to the many parents who are just as concerned about the level of spending as you are but who are also concerned about school quality and have taken the time to get their facts straight.

My first impression when reading through the propo...

2008-04-03T20:56:00.000-04:00

My first impression when reading through the proposed cuts was that this was too easy. If these are painful cuts, then the budget and administration really are bloated and out of touch.

But let's look at your comments.

1- Increasing class size. It's about time. This is a small move that improves things at the margins. It could also reduce the number of displaced kids

Cuts should start from the top down and Hatrick sh...

2008-04-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

Cuts should start from the top down and Hatrick should by example cut his absolutely enormous salary in half. I will also add raising the tax rate will say Loudoun is closed for business and the might as well stay closer in to DC.

I really do sympathize that the schools are going to have to cut back and hopefully you all and the BOS start working on next years budget because the real