5/3/12

Public speaks out on budget cuts | LoudounTimes.com

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Publicspeaksoutonbudgetcuts
Tuesday,Apr.17,2012byLauraPeters|75comments|Emailthisstory

9 Almosttwodozenspeakerssigneduptoaddresstheschoolboardovertheirrashand devastatingdecision[s]inbudgetcuts. Benefits,payraises,cuttingforeignlanguageinelementaryschools(FLES)andeliminating somemathresourceteacherswerehottopicsduringanApril17publicinputsessionofthe LoudounCountySchoolBoardsworksession. TomSieren,ateacherof31yearscurrentlyatLoudounCountyHighSchoolwashappywith the$1,500bonusinsteadofnothing,butdidntlikethefactthatitwouldntbecalculatedin hisfuturesalaryorbeappliedtohisretirement. OneofthesedaysIwillretire,butaccordingtomywife,myretirementjustgotpushed furtherdowntheroad,Sierensaid.Whyaretheemployeesatthetopofthescalebeing treateddifferentlyfromtherestoftheemployees?Thereareanswerstothisquestionand noneofthemaregood. BillFoxs(Leesburg)compensationplan,whichpassedApril16,wouldoffera$1,500 increaseforallscaleswiththetopsteptreatedasaonetimebonus.Itwouldalsogive classifiedpositionsa50centperhourraisewithacostsavingsof$805,000infiscal2013. Employeesthathavebeenaroundlongenoughtobeatthetopofthepayscaleoftenhavethe mosteducation,experienceandservice.Wemustbedoingsomethingright.Wewerentfired afterourfirstyear,Sierenadded.Wevebeenherethroughthickandthinandhave contributedtotheexcellenceofLoudounCountyPublicSchools,andwecontinuetodoso. Wedeservetobetreatedwithparityandnotexcludedfromtheteam. PamSmith,ateacheratParkViewHighSchoolwith30yearsexperience,saidshefelt disrespectedandundervaluedbyapayincreaseshewontreceive. Wearentthedeadwoodinyourschools.Wearentthecollegegradswhosaid,Showme themoney.Wearentthepeoplewholefttoneighboringcountiesforbetterpayandbenefits, shesaid.Wearetheemployeesthathaveshowedcommitment.Andtonightwhenyour headshitthepillowswehopeyouthinkofusinyourfuturebudgets. LisaLopezasktheboardtoreaddresstheFLESprogramcut. YoumadeamistakewithlimitedknowledgetocuttheFLESprogram,Lopezsaidholding backtears.Iamnotemotionalbecauseitaffectsme.Iamasubstitute.But,Ilookoveratmy colleaguesandthereare35ofthem,theyrenotbeingrestaffedtheyregone.Theydonthave ajobandtheyprobablywillnotgetajobatasecondaryschool. LarissaPelusa,amathresourceteacher,residentandparentinLoudounCounty,saidwhen shestartedtrainingtobecomeamathresourceteachershelearnedmoreaboutmaththan everbefore.Themathresourceteachingpositionhasbeenputonthechoppingblockwiththe newbudgetcutsandwillbereintegratedintoclassroomsthroughoutschools. IwaschallengedinmythinkingandIcametounderstandthattheresabetterwayto instructstudentsinmathematicsthanthewayIhadbeenteachinginallofthoseyears.Ijust didntknowanybetter,Pelusaexplained.Iwasinspired,Iwasintellectuallyrejuvenated andIwaseagertomakethosechanges.Thestudentsinmyclassroomwentfromdreading mathtoclappingandcheeringwhenitwastimetolearn. Whatstartedoutasasmallsparkhadbecomeaburningflame,sheadded.
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Public speaks out on budget cuts | LoudounTimes.com

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TheboardwillholdanotherworksessionApril23at6:30p.m.intheSchoolAdministration OfficeinAshburn. 9 StudyBusinessLeadership LearnBusinessLeadershipwithaMaster'sinOrganizationalScience!

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Comments
Sun,Apr29at06:10PMbyJimBowie|Reportthiscomment

Whatcuts?
Mon,Apr23at06:37PMbystovepipe12x|Reportthiscomment

Firstoff.Getridofthedeadmeat,thatlikestopadtheirtimesheet!Rather thanpenalizetherestofthetruthfuldriversthathaveenjoyedtheirjob?Now ithasallcomedowntoParents,andtheirbratscallingtheshots?Don,tcome toanyinservicemeetingandblowsmokeupouras$andexpectthedriversto laydown!!Timemachine?Whatisupwiththat??Somethingthatuselessthat isanexcusefornotgivingoutraisestoanyone?Butawayofcuttingovertime todriversthatareputtinginthetime?Getridofthedeadmeatattendants,that seemtoknowmorethananydriver.Ithinkthedrugscanmakepeople hallucinate!andseemtorememberasimplerouteafterbeingonitforweeks? Gotmehanging?HopethefolksattheBighousehaveagooddrivingrecord, andanCDL?Idoubtit,cuzsomeonetheirthinks30mphisspeedingina 40mphzone.Whenwillthecountyputtheclampsonethestopsignrunner? Runningrunningfreealloverthecounty?Thefinesalonewouldbring revenue?But.Knowoneseemstocareabouttheconcernedmotoristthatdoes notmindcallinginifabusis,,goingtooslow,,,ortoofast?Butdoesanyone callifabuswascutoff???doesanyonecallifacarranthestoplights?No!cuz theirbratwasnotonthatbus!Justletalltheparentstakethento,andfrom school?Ohyeah.Don,tforget.ThefolksfromtheBighousearegoingtohelp? I,amaboutreadytojumpoutthebasementwindow!
Mon,Apr23at04:31PMbyIHLC|Reportthiscomment

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@Grassisgreenernicepost,andyouarecorrect.ManyLCPSteachersare herebecausetheyremarried,andthosewhoareyoungandsingle,getafew yearsofexperience,andthentheyleave. LCPSteachersworkveryhard,andgettreatedlikecrap.Whentheygetraises, thereisalwayssomesortofanoffsettingcost,andthatispathetic.Many LCPSteacherswanttodowell,theyteachtheirheartsout,anddowhatsbest fortheirclassrooms,butwiththingssuchasPBIS,DRAs,CLARITY,andthe otherbandwagons,itmakesithard. Ifyouknowofsomeofthoseplacesyoumentioned,pleaselistthem,because withthecurrentlevelofmorale,Ihaveahunchthatmanywillbelooking elsewhere.
Mon,Apr23at03:38AMbyEastBus|Reportthiscomment

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@WestBusTheATTENDANTSonSPEDbussesareNOTdrugand/or alcoholtested..butshouldbe!OnlybusDRIVERSare.
Mon,Apr23at01:25AMbyMary|Reportthiscomment

Withsomeofthecommentsinthisforum,Ijustthinkinwhydontweshut downtheschoolsystemandseewhathappens?Manyofyouwouldlookgreat homeschoolingyourkids.Iamalsoimpressedtoseesomanyfirefightersare steppingoneachherotherhoses.

Sun,Apr22at08:28AMbydoorman|Reportthiscomment

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Dontletthedoorhityou.
Sat,Apr21at09:57PMbyGrassisgreener...elsewhere|Reportthiscomment

Ihonestlydontknowwhyateacherwouldstayinthisarea.Maybetheyhave aspousewhomakesbigbucksasaBeltwayBandit? WhereIgrewupintheNEpaysmorethanLoudounforanewteacherandjust asmuchonthehighend.Imguessingthebenefitsareatleastasgoodas Loudoun.IknowwhereIamfrompays100%ofamastersdegreefornew teachers.NotsureifLoudoundoes.OfcourseIthinkNYstaterequiresa teachertohaveamastersaftersomanyyears.IdoubtVirginiadoes.Even still,thesilverlining?A34bedroomsinglefamilyhomecanbepurchased for$200k.Youmightevenhaveayardthatcanaccomodateapoolforthat price. Personally,IdbeoutofhereinaheartbeatifIwassingleorthemainbread winnerrelyingonaLCPSsalary.Thesamemoneyisavailableelsewhere withamuchlowercostofliving.
Sat,Apr21at07:38AMbyDr.kildare|Reportthiscomment

Howmuchdotheteacherscontributetotheirhealthcarecosts?
Sat,Apr21at07:32AMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

HowdoesthatworkFred?ThemajorityofLCPSEmployeesliveinLoudoun andpaythesametaxesasyoudo.
Sat,Apr21at07:07AMbyFredMorrison|Reportthiscomment

Onceagain,weheartheargumentthatgovernment(andthustheteachers employedbyit)shouldneverhavetoenduresmallerbudgets,evenwhentimes aretough,yet,atthesametime,wethepeoplewhopaythemthroughour taxes,areforcedtolivewithlessmoneyandhighercostsforfood, transportation,etc.,inthatsameeconomicsituation. Whyisitthattheprivatesectoremployeesareexpectedtotakepaycuts(never mindapayincrease,onetimeorpermanent)whilepublicsectoremployees playtheentitlementcardwithzeroregardforwhatthatmeanstothepeople whopaytheirsalaries?

Sat,Apr21at05:44AMbyTim|Reportthiscomment

ThoroughlyExasperated...nicethoughtthattheschoolemployeesfeelbadfor countyemployeesbutthatdoesnotputgasinthecars,payfortheincreasein foodcost,healthcarecostetc.Nottomentionthatwithhavetopaythetax,it actuallyisaDECREASE.

Sat,Apr21at03:42AMbyIHLC|Reportthiscomment

@CmonThereareafewprincipalswhoneedtogoaswell.Onlythefactthat arewellconnected,hassavedtheirsorrybutts! @tiredofthisThanks,andIamsurethatyouareamongtheminorityof parentswhotakethetimetotreatteacherswiththerespectthattheydeserve. Manyparentsinthisdisgustingcountyarehorrible.Theykeeptheirkids hometoshopoftakethemontrips,dontevenbothertoworkwiththeir children,sendnastyemails,backstab,talktrash,gossip,andthelistgoes on.Whatgoingtohappen,anditalreadyis,isthatLCteachersarefedupand arelookingelsewhere.Heck,ifIworkedinFairfax,andheardaboutthelow moraleanddiscontentinLCPS,IdbepromotingFairfaxtoattracttheLC teachers. Finally,teachingisnolongeraprofessionthathasjobsecurity.Also,much ofthewasteandfatareattheadminbuildinglevel,sothatiswhere numerouscutsshouldbemade!Digdeepandaudit,SB!
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Fri,Apr20at07:59PMbyC'mon|Reportthiscomment

@RealisticRepublican ImnottryingtosayImsuperiorjustthatImakeinstructionmypriorityand Improfessional. Ihaveaprincipalwhoturnsablindeyetobadteachers.He knowswhoisslackingbutnothingisdone.Impartofastrongdepartment andItrytoleadbyexample.Irarelyinteractwithallmydeptmembers,not surehowImsupposedtosaveteachersinother departments.

Fri,Apr20at11:55AMbySickoftherollercoaster|Reportthiscomment

@FlexTeacherFirstoff,letmejustsayIamhappyyouwereabletofind anotherjobwithinLCPS.However,asataxpayingparentwithchildrenin bothelementaryandhighschools,Iwouldprefertoseethedollars/resources forlanguageinstructionredirectedtothehighschoollevel.Iknowyouprefer toworkwiththelittlekids,butasamemberofthepublicsector,youneedto gowherethegapsareandwhereyoucanprovidethemostbenefit.Thatplace ishighschool.MyhighschoolsonisalreadyinSpanish4,gettingstraight As,andparticipatedinFLES,however,isntnearlyasproficientinthe languageasIwasinmy4thyearofSpanish25yearsago(andno,Ididnt haveFLES).Iamproteacher,butcomeon,beingproteacherdoesntmeanI condonewastingmoney.Weneedtobesmarthere.
Fri,Apr20at06:43AMbytiredofthis|Reportthiscomment

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/2o3W_VKACiw/TwXgRt5BXDI/AAAAAAAAJyI/Ol4rwLb60Ig/s1600/aaa6.jpg Thisprettymuchsumsitup.Therewasadaywhenteachersweretreatedwith theutmostrespect.Ofcoursethosewerethedaysbeforethegenerationof parentswhofeelentitled,falseselfesteemboostsforkids,everyonegetsa trophy,etc. @IHLC,youaresoright.NotsurewhatFairfaxislikenow,butIknowduring thetimeIwastheremanyyearsago,parentswerenothingliketheyarehere. Teachersaretreatedastheyareparentsslaves.Parentsexpectteacherstobe availableatallhours,theywantimmediateanswersfromemail,theythink theykidsaretheonlystudentsintheclass(aswellasthebrightestand talentedkidintheworld).Iamaparentof4LCPSstudentsandIhaveheard manytimesmypeerssayingthingslikewepaytheirsalarysoIamgoingto demandXYZ(whatevertheissueisathand).Theythreatenlawsuits,etc.It hasgottenoutofhandandsomethingneedstochange.Weneedtogive controlintheclassroombacktotheteachersandoutofthehandsofparents. Noonerespectsapushoverandthatiswhatteachershavebecome(atnofault oftheirown,theirhandsaretied).
Fri,Apr20at05:25AMbymuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

Maybeyouaretheonewhodoesnotgetit.Istheteacherwhohasbeenon staff25yearsteachingthesamesubjectmaterialwortha25or30kayear salarybenefitoveranewerteacher?Takethespecialedbleedingheartcrapto thedump.IfyoucantdothejobmoveontoMcDonaldsorBurgerkingwhere itsoundslikeaperfectmatchforyounowifyouwillexcusemeIhavemounds ofpaperworkandabottleofwinetogetthrough.

Fri,Apr20at05:08AMbyIHLC|Reportthiscomment

...butIwanttobetreatedlikethehighlyeducatedandexperienced professionalthatIam.Thatsallanyofuswant.Imguessingthisistrue evenofthoseofyouwhoareopposedtoeducationsending. Nicethought,wellsaid,anditsumsitallup.First,thankstotheposterswho supportandappreciateyourteachers.Asforthosewhobash,youarepathetic andsad! Ibetthatyouareprobablythosesameparentswhotreatteachersliketrashat

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Public speaks out on budget cuts | LoudounTimes.com

yourrespectiveschools.Yougobehindtheteachersbacksandcrytoadmin whensomethinggoeswrongwhy?Becauseyouaretoocowardlytofacethe teacherinpersontodiscusstheproblem.Youprobablyalsoenableyour children,oryouwalkpastteachersyourchildrenmayhaveatfunctionsand ignorethem,nottoevensayhello.Betyoupullyourchildrenoutofschoolin themiddleofthedaytogoshopping,too. Luckily,therearenumerousparentsinLoudounwhoknowhowtotreattheir teachers.Ihaveneverseenacountywheremanypeopletreatteacherswith disdainwonderhowFairfaxparentstreatandappreciatetheirteachers? Probablymuchbetter.
Thu,Apr19at09:23PMbyThoroughlyExasperated|Reportthiscomment

@TimIhavespokentomanyeducatorswhofeelitisunconscionablethat countyemployeesarenotgettingaraise. @CharlesandFrustrationThankyouforyourmeasuredandthoughtful remarks. @thoseofyouwhoaresoclearlyunhappyaboutspendingoneducationIm sosorrythatyoufeelthatthisisnotavaluableinvestmentinourcommunity andthefuture. @thosewhohavehadexperienceswithsubparteachersadmittedlythereare someoutthere,buttheyareatinyportionofahighlyqualifiedanddedicated staff. @thepersonwhosaidteachersshouldjuststopworkingat7.5hoursbecause ifwedontwearebeingtakenadvantageofandifwecantwemustbe inefficienthahahahahahahahaha.Iencourageyoutospeaktospecial educationandELLteachersaboutthevolumesofpaperworkandrecord keepingthatislegallyrequired.Then,pleasebethankfulthattheyare teachingduringschoolhoursinsteadofignoringthechildrentodo paperwork.Pleaselookathowateachersplanningtimeisused.Most teachersIknowusethistimetodooneononeorsmallgroupworkwith studentsneedingremediationormakeupworkortestingforstudentswho wereabsentorworkinginteamstocreatecommonassessmentsand disaggregatedatasothatinstructioncanbetargetedtomeettheneedsofeach student. @whoeversaidgototheprivatesectorIcamefromthemilitaryandthe privatesectortothisjobbecauseIloveit.Ihavenoproblembeingapublic servant,butIwanttobetreatedlikethehighlyeducatedandexperienced professionalthatIam.Thatsallanyofuswant.Imguessingthisistrue evenofthoseofyouwhoareopposedtoeducationsending.
Thu,Apr19at08:51PMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

LoudounCountydescribehowLCPSwillfunctionif1/2theadminstaffiscut.
Thu,Apr19at08:36PMbyLoudounCounty|Reportthiscomment

@FLESTeacher Guesswhatmydegreeisin?Foreignlanguages!Nojoke. AndIthinktheFLESprogramneedstogo,alongwithhalftheadminstaffat LCPS.

Thu,Apr19at08:18PMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

muddywaters,Iforgottomentionthatyouareadvocatingdiscriminatory practicestowardsolderworkers.Youalsoclearlydontknowanythingabout teaching. Clearly,ifyoudontgetit,youdontgetit.Andyoudontgetit.

Thu,Apr19at06:07PMbymuddywatters|Reportthiscomment

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Sotheyareexperienceddoesthatmakeabetteralgebrateacher?Itsthesame subjectmatterandwhetheryoulikeateachersbedsidemannersotospeak youaretheretolearn.maturitymeanswhatthattheteacherisolder,slower andsetintheirways.Yeahthatexperienceandmovingontoadminhasbeen arealboontotheeducationprocess.Dontseethevalueyouaretalkingabout!

Thu,Apr19at06:05PMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

Oh,almostforgotIactuallyhave52studentsonmyelementaryrun.Ifyou dividemy15ksalaryby185daysand52kidsIampaid$1.55perdayper childor$81.00aday.Isthatallyourchildrenssafetyisworthtoyou? Withoutbenefitstooffsetthelowwagetherewontbeanybusdriversthats whythemajorityofusarehereElleiscorrect,wedopayforourinsurance, andthosewithfamiliesreceiveverysmallpaychecks.

Thu,Apr19at05:57PMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

EastBus,Imconfusedaboutyourthoughtsondrugandalcoholtesting.All LCPSEmployeessubmittorandomtesting.Ivebeencalledtwicethisyear,it alldependsonthelotterysystemthecountyuses.Yougetacallat0:dark:30, andmustreportby11:00am/afteryouramrun.

Thu,Apr19at05:43PMbyEastBus|Reportthiscomment

@WestBus>>4.Dontcontinuetoinstallcostlytimecardcomputersonall buses,itsjustonemorethingtobreakandtheteststudyprovedthatmost driversareactuallyshortingthemselvestimeratherthancheating! Iagree100%!!Insteadofwasting46milliondollarsonatimecardsystem thatis(inallactuality,butnooneadmitsto)tostoptimesheetcheats, wouldntitbecheapertosimplyculloutthecheatersandreprimandthem? Theelectronicbustimecardsystemisaboutasstupidandwastefulasthe10 thou$anddollarperbusseatbeltinstallation!Theelectronictimecard gadgetinthebussesmoneywouldhavebeenbetterspentdrugandalcohol testingtheattendantsonthespecialneedsbusses.
Thu,Apr19at04:53PMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

muddywaters,theanswertoyourfirstquestionisyes,ateacherwith15years experienceteachingalgebra(orwhatever)WILLbeabetterteacherthan someonejustoutofcollege. Whatyouaresuggestingapparentlytohaveaschoolsystemwherethereare noexperiencedemployees(sotheywillcostlessmoney)isnotgoingtowork onmanylevels. ExperienceDOESmakeadifference,maturityDOESmakeadifference.There ismuchvalueinhavingexperiencedemployees.Aspeoplegainexperience, theygetpaidmore.Thatisjustkindoffundamentaltothewholeemployment picture. Next,whowillchoosetogointoacareerwherethereisnopossibilityfor careergrowth?Thatisjustaridiculousconcept. Inaddition,someherewanttogetridoftheadministratorsbecausetheycost moremoney(becausetheyaremoreexperienced,havemoreeducation,and moreresponsibilities),soteaching/educationwouldhaveevenless opportunityforcareergrowthifyoursuggestionsarefollowed. Andfinally,thereissomuchmisinformationabouttheemployeebenefits.I amnotsuretheSchoolBoardmembersknowthefinerpoints.Buttobegin with,noneoftheemployeesaregettingfreehealthcarebenefits.Theyalso paymorejustliketherestofustoputtheirdependentsontheirplans. TheparttimebusdriverswhoreceivebenefitspayMOREfortheirbenefits becauseofthedifferenceinhours.Theyarenotreceivingfreebenefitsfor workingparttime.Also,theinfoIreceivedfromtheLCPSinformationoffice isthattheparttimeemployeesarechargedfortheirinsurancebasedontheir minimumhours.SO,theymaybeemployedforaminimumof6hours/day, buttheymayinfactworkmorehoursbecausetheytakeassignmentssuchas fieldtrips,sports/activitybusroutes,andsoon.Buttheyarepayingahigher
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ratefortheirinsuranceeventhoughtheymayputinfarmorehours. Theteachers,busdriversandanyotheremployeespeakingorwritingabout theirownsituationaretryingtoillustratereallifeaffectsofthepayand benefits.Ithinkthatsvaluable.Maybesomedontlikeitbecausethis removestheabstractqualityofthinkingaboutnumbersonly.ButtheSchool Boardhastoconsidertheseaffectstotheiremployees.Inthelongrunoreven shortterm,theywillseetheiremployeesleaveiftheyarenotvaluedand compensatedcompetitively. So,thoseofyouwhoarecomplaining,whydontyouletusknowwhatyou make,yourbenefits,bonuses,etcsothattherestofuscanpickYOUapartand letyouknowyourenotworthwhatYOUget.Because,onewayofanother, whetherthroughtaxes,payingforgoodsorservices,weareALLpayingeach otherssalariesandbenefits.
Thu,Apr19at04:11PMbyFLESteacher|Reportthiscomment

@LoudounCountyWow.Icanhardlybelievehowridiculousyourcomments are.Doyoureallythinksolowofteachersthatyoudontthinktheydeserve competitiveoratleastadequatepay?Haveyoueveractuallyvisitedaschoolor spokenwithateacher?Orbetteryet,didyouattendpublicschools?Thehard workoftheteachersyouhadgrowingupcontributedtomakingyousuccessful enoughinyourlifethatyouapparentlyfeelasthoughyouareaboveallthose measlyteachers.Shameonyou!Youshouldreallygodosomemoreresearch beforecontributingtoapublicforum. Yes,IamacurrentFLESteacher.IcantellyouthatIhavethemostfun teachingjobavailablerightnow.Igettohavefunwithstudentsandteach themnewthingsthatareengagingeveryday.Iamsickandfrustratedfrom thisschoolboarddecision.Ihavesinceappliedforandobtainedanewjob (stillLCPS)becauseIamnotgoingtofightthisfighteveryyear.Icantellyou allthatmostoftheFLESteachershavealicenseforK12andthearguments forkeepingtheprogramhasnothingtodowithanyonesinabilitytogoteach somethingelseinthecounty(exceptthoseVIFteacherswholeavetheir homesandfamiliesfor35yearstocomesharetheirculturewithour children).Ourproblemisthatthisprogram(whilehavingsomeproblems, admittedly)isimportanttothecognitivedevelopmentofchildrenandhelpsto preparethemtoliveandworkinourglobalsociety.Wearefightingfora qualityeducationforall.Please,visitaFLESclassroombeforeyouattemptto opinionatedabouttheeffectivenessandneedforthisprogram.Mydooris alwaysopen,justlikemy49colleaguesinthiscounty.
Thu,Apr19at03:53PMbymuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

Actuallyisateacherreallyworththemoneyiftheyhavebeenteachingalgebra for15yearsorwouldanewemployeedothesamejobforlessmoneyjustas well?Agreedonthe17houraweekbenefit,justthinkifthereisaspouseand kidshowmuchdoesthatcosttheLCPS?

Thu,Apr19at01:28PMbyLoudounCounty|Reportthiscomment

astaxpayersdohavetopaythemacompetitivewageandbenefitsforwhat theydo No,wedont.Wehavetopaythemwhatthetaxbasecanafford.Howthey choosetospendtheirmoneyonwheretheylive,carstheydrive,etc.istheir business. 17hraweekbusdriverswithfulltimebenefits.Ridiculous.

Thu,Apr19at01:26PMbyLoudounCounty|Reportthiscomment

Thereare1,552LCPSemployeescostingover$100,000/year.Thatgroup costsusover$152M/year. Idliketoseeoverhalf,butnotall,ofthemleave.

Thu,Apr19at11:22AMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

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thatshouldbeexperiencedLCPSandcountyemployees.inmylastpost.
Thu,Apr19at11:20AMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

muddywatersyouremisinformedregardingtheemploymentsituationof LCPSemployees. LoudounCountygreatattitude.Letsshowalltheexperiencedemployeesthe dooriftheywontshutup.Afterallwhoaretheytospeakup.Ohthats right,theyhavetherighttofreespeech. IasataxpayerdontwanttoseeexperiencedLCPSandcountyleave.The schoolsandthecountyareemployersandtherealityisthatweastaxpayers dohavetopaythemacompetitivewageandbenefitsforwhattheydo.

Thu,Apr19at09:59AMbyLoudounCounty|Reportthiscomment

Hopefully,bothBoardswillcontinuewiththeirbudgetcutsinthenextcouple ofyearswheretheycanmakemoresystemicchanges. Ifyouareacountyemployeeanddontlikethis,thenIsuggestyoulookfor newemployementthisyearinsteadofnext.

Thu,Apr19at09:32AMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

Therearealotofgoodideasoutthere,weasemployeesarelabeledastrouble makersifweexpressthem. 1.Stopallowingsomanyfleetvehiclestogohomewithemployees. 2.Makebusrouteslonger,eliminatinghalffullbuses.Ofcoursethiswill neverworkbecausetheparentswillcomplain. 3.Eliminatetransportationtothestudentspreferredschool.Therearetoo manyspecialexceptionsmade.Iftheparentsmovemidyearletthekidsgoto thenewschoollikeitwaswhenwewerekids. 4.Dontcontinuetoinstallcostlytimecardcomputersonallbuses,itsjust onemorethingtobreakandtheteststudyprovedthatmostdriversare actuallyshortingthemselvestimeratherthancheating! 5.Imstilltryingtofigureoutwhyfieldtripstocarvepumpkinsforelementary schoolkids,andcanoeingtripsforhighschoolstudentsarethatimportant
Thu,Apr19at08:54AMbymuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

Becauseyoucantfindajobintheprivatesectorshouldnotbeaconcern.% weekspaidisalittledifferentthen9weekswouldntyousay.Issomeone forceingyoutoworkoverifsoreportthemandlettheschoolboardtakecare ofthem.Maybeyouarejustnotagoodenoughteachertogetitdoneinthe timealloted.Lookslikeclasssizeisnormaltome(WABE).

Thu,Apr19at08:30AMbyleesburger|Reportthiscomment

Stoptheteacherandschoolsystembashing.Ourchildrenarenearingthe endoftheK12cycleandwecouldnothavebeenmorepleasedwiththeir dedicatedteachers,APcourseofferings,etc!Wehaveoneofthebestpublic schoolsystemsinthenation,perhapsbecausewesimilarlyrankhighwith thelargepercentageofadultswithcollegeandgraduatedegrees.Educationis apriorityhere.Ifyoudontagreewiththispriorityandalsodontwanttopay forit,thenvotewithyourfeetandmovetothebackwatersonlya23hour drivefromLoudounCounty.

Thu,Apr19at07:01AMbyfrustrated2|Reportthiscomment

@frustratedIMsickofyou.
Thu,Apr19at06:48AMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

RealisticRepublican:Loveyourcomments.Theteacherbashing/antiLCPS commentsonthisparticularthreadaremostlysoillogicalanduninformed thatIcouldonlycomeupwithimpoliteresponsestothepostersthemselves.

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YouandFrustratedandafewotherswereabletoexpresswhatIwantedto say!ThankyouforpostingandbeingaREALISTICrepublican.:)
Thu,Apr19at06:42AMbyElleMcGee|Reportthiscomment

Frustration:WELLSAID!THANKYOUFORYOURCOMMENTS!Ihave beenreadingthevariousnegativecommentshereandafterotherarticlesand itisobviousthatthepostershavenocluewhattheyarecommentingon.ItIS frustratingbecauseotherswhodontknowanybetterpickupbitsandpieces ofthemisinformationandrestateitoverandover.AndIwonderjusthow muchweighttheschoolboardmembersgivetheuninformedopinionsthey receive. Pleasekeepspeakingup==yourpointsarerightontarget!

Thu,Apr19at06:02AMbyRealisticRepublican|Reportthiscomment

Sorry,machotalkonthesecites.Iwasalittlebitfiredup.
Thu,Apr19at06:00AMbyRealisticRepublican|Reportthiscomment

@echyone Youareeverythingthatiswrongwiththiscounty,andquitefranklythis countryrightnow.Youandyourkindtakepotshotsinforumsbutdonthave thetemeritytostandupbehindthesamediasthatpeoplelikePamSmithdo, anddefendaside.Instead,youridiculepeoplewhoarewillingtofightfor whattheybelieveisrightwithnoattemptatofferingupanalternative solution.Youandtheotherswhojustcomplainonherebutdonothingtofix anythingdisgustme.AsfarasIknow,itwasanopenforumonTuesday,did youshowup?Thereisalotofmachotalkonthesesightsregardingthecuts thatshouldbemadebutnobodythatIhaveseenhashadthenervetostandin frontoftheSchoolBoardandvoicetheseopinions.Thissidelineridiculeand absenceofrealaction/offeringeffectivealternativesiswhatisbringingthis countrydown.Andyoureprobablyteachingittoyourkidsaswell.Either growapairandspeakoutforyourbeliefsorstayathomeasthedinnertable philosopheryoudonthelpanybodybysarcastic(andillogical)ramblings. @Cmon. Asateacherfarabovethelevelofyourpeers,whathaveyoudonetoraisetheir level?Justlikeyourfriendechyone,youseemtoliketodenegratethose aroundyoutoshowhowamazingyouare.Excellent.LoudounCountyis happytohaveaphenomenalteacher,butwouldbemorehappyifyoucould passthatontoothersaroundyou.Orareyoujustashappytocomplainfrom thesidelinelikeechyone?BeaproudprofessionalandproudAmericantake actionandfixabrokensysteminsteadofhighlightingwhereitiswrongand offeringnosolutions.Dontgodownthesamebitterpaththatsomeofthese postershavetraveled.Trustme,yourpeersandthiscommunitywillrespect youmorefromfixingthesituationthantheyeverwillwithyoujoiningthe minorityofillogical,teacherbashingcurmudgeonsonhere. @FrustrationAmen.AsmuchasItalk,Idontevenhaveanythingtoaddto that.Wellstatedpointsthatthosewithanysemblanceofrationalityshould understand.
Thu,Apr19at05:01AMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

Thankyoufrustration,Imstillmakingthesame15kImade4yearsago,and itdoesntgoasfarasitusedto.Icommutefromoutofstateandthingsare tough.IrecentlyhadtoconsidergoingtothedoctorbecauseIwasntsureI hadthecopay.IshopattheHospiceStoreforclothingtoweartowork,and havevisitedmylocalfoodbankonoccasion. Believeitornotbusdriversdomorethandriveyourkidstoschool.Wenurse themwhentheyresick,teachcooperation,consideration,andteamwork, congratulatethemfortheiraccomplishments,andcheerthemupwhentheyre sad.Wedoallthiswithourbackstothemin16tonsofmovingsteel. Idontknowhowmanydriverswewillloosethissummerduetothesecuts, butIcantellyouitsnoteasyfindingpeopletodriveschoolbuses.Weare
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backgroundchecked,drugtested..andsubmittorandomdrugandalcohol testing,andworkcrazyhoursforlittlepay.Iknowmanyofusareactively lookingforotherjobsnotbecausewewanttoleave,butbecauseweneedto leave.Theparttimejobsmanyofushavetosupplementourincomesjust arentenoughanymore.

Wed,Apr18at08:32PMbyFrustration|Reportthiscomment

ThefrustrationIfeelwiththecurrentbudgetprocesscouldfillabook,alarge bookwithverysmalltype!Iamfrustratedwith: BoardmemberswhowhileIbelievearewellintendedaretrulyignorantofthe process,butsoarrogantthattheydismiss,ordonotaskforadviceonthe ramificationsofadecision,orjustdisregardadviceoftheexpertsthereto provideguidance. Acompletedisregardforlogical,rational,andprudentprocesswhen attemptingtoreformfundamentalpartsofbasiccompensation,benefits, instructionalphilosophy.Thesearenotthingsyoutrustonefellowboard memberwithlittleornoexperiencetoguideyouthrough.Anyrationalperson wouldknowandunderstandtheseneedindepthunderstanding,complete analysisoframifications,andexpertinput.Notkneejerkhalfbakedhurried decisions! WhileItrulysupportourteachers,andalsofeelthatweshouldprotectour classrooms,Ittakesmuchmorethanteacherstomakeaschoolsystem move.Ihaveheardsovery,verylittleaboutsupportstaff,impactsofbudget decisionsonthemandtheirfamilies.Mostareworkingforlessrealwages thantheyearned4yearsagoandaredosoverymuchmore.Andforeach teacherthereareamultitudeofsupportpersonsallowinghimorhertoteach! Manydoingthanklessjobs,forverylowcompensation,almostno recognition.Inspeakingofmanyofthemtheyfeeltrulydevaluedbythe currentdialogandprocess. IamsickofpeoplecomparingLCPSemployeestoprivateindustry.Iam unawareofanyprivateindustrywhereeveryyearyoumustbeRe Contracted.AndIagreewithsomeotherposters,mostemployeesworkmore hoursthantheyaregettingcompensatedfor.Asfarassummervacationgoes, duetothepoorcompensation,manyusetheirVACATIONtimetoworkto earnenoughtogetbyfortherestoftheyear,orgotoschoolinaattemptto bettertheirposition. Iamsickofpeopletalkingaboutteachingchildrenasifitsasimpleprocess. WheninrealitymostteachersIknowspendaenormousamountoftime parenting,whybecausetheyarenotgettingitathome,andtheteacher, counselor,principle,dean,cannotallowittogobybecausetheytrulycare aboutyourchildren.Whenaschoolnursequietlysupplya1stgraderwitha gentlyusedcoatbecauseshejustnoticedthatshehadnone.Whenateacher spendsherownmoneytoprovideschoolsuppliestoastudentwhocannot affordthem.Whenacafeteriaworkermakessureastudentiseatingright, justbecausetheyknowtheyarenotgettingitathome. Iamfrustratedwithacommunitythatistherichestinthenation,whoon averagehadahouseholdincreaseofover$9000.00inthelastyearthatis unwillingtofundaschoolbudget.Thedifferenceisreportedtobelessthan 67.00pertaxbill.Itlessthanaaveragetankofgas,lessthanthecoffeeonce aweek. Ifyouareunwillingtounderstandthesystem,howitactuallyworks,whatthe actualneedsare.ThenIwouldencourageyoutojustshutup,
Wed,Apr18at07:47PMbyTiredoftheNegativity|Reportthiscomment

HoldingagrudgeagainstateacherinyourpastMuddywaters?Many professionsgetallthatandmore.Myspousehasonlyworkedathis companyfor6years,andtrueheonlygets5weeksvacationbutwaithis vacationisPAIDandhecantakeitwheneverhewants.Healsomakes 40,000morethanIdoandIvebeenateacherfor18years.AndImtheone withthemasters.Healthbenefitsarenotfullypaid.Theyarenicerthanmy husbands,butImtheonewiththecrappysalary.Heworksabout50hoursa weekandneveronweekends.Iworkover60andalwaysonweekends.And youarerightmycontractis7.5hoursadaywhichmeansIwork20+hours

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forthecountyforfree.Yes,peopleinotherjobsworkovertimeandallteachers arentcomplainingtheyjusthavetoconstantlycorrectinaccuraciesandlies abouttheirprofession.

Wed,Apr18at05:39PMbyMuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

:Howmanyjobsintheprivatesectoroffer:jobsecurity,minimumstarting payof$44,000annuallyrisingtoover$100,00guranteed,9weeksvacation, fullypaidfamiliyhealthbenfits,governmentguarantedretirementbenefits beforeage65andacontractuallyguaranteed7.5hourworkday? A:Zero.Justthoughtsomeonemayhavemissedthis!

Wed,Apr18at05:28PMbyMuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

WhoaTheTruthhowlongisyournosenow?Eitherthatoryouare breakingatrustofconfidentialty.Sowhichisit?Makesyouoneofthe scumbaggiesdoesitnot?

Wed,Apr18at05:25PMbyCharles|Reportthiscomment

Outofthe23schoolsinthestateofVirginiawhohavereachedthestatusofa NationalSchooltoWatch,11ofthemarefromLoudounCounty. ThiscountyworkshardtogiveYOURchildrenabrightfuture.Maybethis doesntphasemanyofyoubecauseyouarerichenoughtobuythemabright future. OnethingIdontseemuchcomplainingaboutisthelevelofexcellencethis countybringstothetableeverysingledayoftheschoolyearandeven(this maycomeasasurprise)theworkthatisdonewhenschoolisnotinsession. WhenIreadthenegativecomments,Iamremindedofthephrase,Youget whatyoupayfor.Prettysoon,allofthebestteacherswillbelookingfora countywithappropriatepay(notnecessarilymore...)andacommunitythat appreciatesnationallyrecognizedwork.
Wed,Apr18at04:41PMbyThinkAboutTheFuture|Reportthiscomment

Thiscountyissupposetobeoneofthewealthiestorhighestincomecounties inthecountry.Parentshereexpectthisschoolsystemtobeoneofthebest, andtheyshouldbeabletoexpectthat.Butasuccessfulschoolsystemcomes withapricetag.Thesystemisgrowing,butthebudgetcantkeepup. Dontchaseawaythetalentedteachersbyhatingonthemforwantingaraise. Asafirstyearteacher,Icanbarelypaymyownrentonthissalary.Thatsnot acomplaint,justafact.IfthiscountycannotgivemewhatIneed,thenIwill leaveforanotherschoolsystem.Thissystemraisedme,sothelastthingI wanttodoisleave. Thequestioniswhatshappens5yearsfromnowwhenallthegoodteachers havegone?Ifyoucantkeeptheteachersyouhavenow,whatmakesyouthink youotherteacherswillbejumpingup&downforthejob? Weareteachingclassesof30+kidsinclassroomsdesignedtoholdlessthan 20bodies.Wearegettingridofdeskstomakeitwork.Wearecuttingfunds fromourclubs.Ourtextbooksaremorethanoutdatedandwearetryingto preparekidsforthis21stcenturyworldwhilefightingoveroutdatedlaptops. Imtellingyouthatkidsareslippingthroughthecracksbecauseweare operatinginsuchextremecircumstancesalready. IlovewhatIdo.IwouldntstillbehereifIdidntliveeveryminutewiththe kids.Butwhenthissystemstartslosingallitsrecognition&prestige,just rememberthatyougetwhatyoupayfor.
Wed,Apr18at03:58PMbySickoftherollercoaster|Reportthiscomment

@CmonWell,letmejustsayyounotonlydeservearaise,butalsoaroundof applause.Iamaparentofbothhighschoolandelementaryschoolstudents andamwellawareofwhatyouvebeendealingwithattheSpanishhigh schoollevelhopelesslyovercrowdedclasses,limitedresources,andtougher standards.Thankyoufortheworkyoudo.Someofusdorecognizethatnotall teacherswerecreatedequalandshouldntbetreatedassuch.

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Wed,Apr18at03:01PMbyC'mon|Reportthiscomment

@LoCowonders TheyouteachersatthehighschoolwhereIteacharefarfromimpressive,soI dontthinkdrovesofpeopleareattractedtothosestatsyoulisted.Youforgotto listthenotsoattractivepartsofteaching,butoh,whatsthis?Youvenever taught.Youhavenocluethen. @Sick Mynumbersareaccurate.IteachhighschoolSpanishinLoCo.Andyouare right,the16Americanteacherseitherdonthavethecontentknowledgeorthe abilitytohandleteens.ThepreviousforeignlanguagespecialistwasaFLES teacherandlistedherSpanishskillsasnovice.
Wed,Apr18at02:03PMbyWestBus|Reportthiscomment

Imstilltryingtofigureouthowonearthtospendmyextra$2.50per day.assumingitallhappenssinceRichmonddroppedtheballonK12 funding.Oops.

Wed,Apr18at01:50PMbymuddywaters|Reportthiscomment

IthoughtschoolemploymentrecordswereconfidentialsoTruthhowdoyou knowBillFoxgotfired.Youdont!Mycurrentmotivationisthatyouarea liar.

Wed,Apr18at11:59AMbytiredofidiots3|Reportthiscomment

@tiredofthisandyourcaseisfortheteachersnottoworkmoreeventhough theyregettingaraise.WhichiswhatIwasmakingfunof.Youreahoot!
Wed,Apr18at11:44AMbytiredofthis|Reportthiscomment

no,butobviouslywritingisNOTyourstrongpoint.However,Iwillnotget intopersonalslings.Idontneedtodothatinordertostatemycase.
Wed,Apr18at11:31AMbytiredofidiots2|Reportthiscomment

@tiredofthis,comprehensionisntyourstrongpoint?Ifyourereadmypost,I statedtestthesoftwareIwrotefortheairtrafficcontrolsafetysystem, thereforeIwritethesoftwarethatcommunicateswiththeairtrafficcontrol system,youknowtheonethatguidesyouintoandoutofairports..Iwas makingfunofyourpost.DoIneedtoclarifymoresoyoucanunderstand.

Wed,Apr18at10:51AMbytiredofthis|Reportthiscomment

@tiredofidiots,youmakenosense.Ipraythatyouarenotreallyanairtraffic controllerorweareallintrouble.Trytostayfocusedonthediscussionat hand.

Wed,Apr18at10:50AMbyIsthisthenewEnquirer????|Reportthiscomment

Funnyheadline,statingthepublicspeaksoutwhenonly24spokeoutand mostwereteachersdoesntseemlikemuchofLoudouncountyspokeout., Whatsnext,picturesofalienbabies?Gossippages?

Wed,Apr18at10:44AMbyDanielDavies|Reportthiscomment

OurSchoolBoardisdoingagreatjob,Iamgratefultothemformakingsome toughchoices.LCPSspendingisstillincreasingfasterthantherateof inflationandstudentpopulation,right?Sotheyareactuallyincreasing spending?MaybesomeofthesewhiningLCPSemployeeswillfindouthow goodtheyhaveitwhentheirpositionsgetcutandtheyhavetofindjobsinthe

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realworld.
Wed,Apr18at10:43AMbytiredofidiots|Reportthiscomment

@tiredofthis,yeahIagree,lasttimeIrunallthoseextratests/checksagainst mysoftwarefortheairtrafficcontrolsafety.lettheplanesfail/crash.We shouldallhavethismentalityofjustdoenoughandnothingmore.Igetpaid for40sowhywork80hours/week.Andwhystopatthat.Peoplewithoutauto insurance,loselicenseandgotojail.Peoplewithoutmedicalinsurance,pay upfrontorgosomewhereelse.Andifwereatwar,letsjustgetitoverwith anddropanukeonem.Whoreallygiveashi$!

Wed,Apr18at10:34AMbyonlymakessense|Reportthiscomment

Mytakeawayfromthisstoryisthatmostofthespeakerswereteachersfrom Loudouncounty,andexpressedtheirdispleasure.howcomenoneofthem voicetheirconcernstoDrHatrick.HecreatedthisbloatedLCPSbudget.I donthaveaproblemgivingallteachersraises,however,somefatalongthe wayhastobecutout.

Wed,Apr18at10:28AMbyAttaboy|Reportthiscomment

Letsgetridofafewmoreprogramssowecangivethecrybabyteachers raises,waitletstakemoneyfromthestateandgiveittothem.Worktotherule thenpleasegohome.Snivelathomesoyoudontpollutethechildrenwith yourattitudes.

Wed,Apr18at09:50AMbytiredofthis|Reportthiscomment

IamnotateacherbutIurgeallteachersinthisCountytoshowallthese ungratefulpeoplehowvaluableyouare.Worktotherule.Donotspendone extraminuteofyourtimeforthestudents.Donotspendonepennyofyour moneyonclassroomsupplies.Whenaparentemailsorcallsduringyouroff time,donotanswerthem.Donotspendoneminuteofyourtimeworrying aboutfindingdifferentwaystoreacheachstudent.Gotoschool,teachthe material,givetests,gradetests,andleave.Nomorebabyingthechildrenof thepeoplewhoseemtohavesuchdisdainforyourprofession.

Wed,Apr18at09:30AMbySickoftherollercoaster|Reportthiscomment

Therearemanygoodcommentshere: @venomousinsight@aol.comYouarerightthatallwehearismorebitching andfewersolutions.Imbeginningtothinkthiswholepublichearingprocess needstobeoverhauled,asitwastesvaluabletimeandmoney.TotheLCPS employeesreadingthisasanLCPSinsider,youhavemoreinsighttothetrue sourcesofwastethanthetaxpayingpublic,soSPEAKUP,TELLUSYOUR THOUGHTS.Dontcometothetablewithacomplaintunlessyoucanalso offeraviablesolution(andpleasedontletthatsolutionberaisethetax rate). Jenny...andTHANKYOUfordoingexactlywhatIaskedinmylast comment.Teachersshouldbeofferedaforumwheretheycanprovidefeedback onhowtomaketheschoolsystemmoreproductiveandefficientwithoutfear ofretaliation. @Really?Iagree,thelackofintelligenceistrulythescariestpartofthis wholeprocess.ThatiswhyIstoppedattendingmeetings.Thisrollercoaster isgoingnowherefastandincircles. @CmonIcannotcommenttotheaccuracyofwhatyouaresaying,butIdo knowthereareashortageoflanguageteachersatthehighschoollevel,soIm perplexedatallofthefussregardingtheelminationofFLES.Ihavetobelieve thattheseparticularteachersarenotqualifiedtoworkatthehighschoollevel and/orprefertoworkwiththelittlekidsonremediallanguageskillsthan withthesassyhighschoolattitudesonadvancedlanguageskills.
Wed,Apr18at08:42AMbyTim|Reportthiscomment

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Dontknowwhatyouarecomplainingabout...gotmorethanthecounty employeeswhoserveallresidentsofthecountynotjusttheresidentswith children.Wegotadecrease:)andthepromisetocontractoutservicestosave moremoneyonthecountysidewhichiswhat25%ofthebudget,andtoforce ustofundourownretirementhealthcareprogram.Taketheraiseandsmile

Wed,Apr18at06:42AMbyechyone|Reportthiscomment

Whosaidthis,Wearentthecollegegradswhosaid,Showmethemoney? PamSmithateacherwhileaskingformoremoney.Whatajoke!!
Wed,Apr18at05:22AMbyCalZone|Reportthiscomment

WhatifthegovernmentnevertooktheConstitutionseriously?Whatifthe samegenerationinsomecasesthesamehumanbeingsthatwroteinthe FirstAmendment,Congressshallmakenolaw...abridgingthefreedomof speech,alsoenactedtheAlienandSeditionActs,whichmadeitacrimeto criticizethegovernment?WhatifthefedsdontregardtheConstitutionasthe SupremeLawoftheLand? WhatifthegovernmentregardstheConstitutionasmerelyaguidelinetobe referredtofromtimetotime,oramythtobefoisteduponthevoters,butnotas ahistoricdelegationofpowerthatlawfullylimitsthefederalgovernment? WhatifCongressknowsthatmostofwhatitregulatesputsitoutsidethe confinesoftheConstitution,butitdoeswhateveritcangetawaywith?What ifthefedsdontthinkthattheConstitutionwaswrittentokeepthemoffthe peoplesbacks? Whatiftheresnosubstantialdifferencebetweenthetwomajorpolitical parties?WhatifthesamepoliticalmentalitythatgaveusthePatriotAct,with itsfederalagentwrittensearchwarrantsthatpermitunconstitutionalspying onus,alsogaveusObamaCare,withitsmandatetobuyhealthinsurance, evenifwedontwantorneedit?Whatifbothpoliticalpartieslovepowermore thanfreedom?WhatifbothpartieshaveusedtheCommerceClauseinthe Constitutiontostretchthepowerofthefederalgovernmentfarbeyondits constitutionallyordainedboundariesandwellbeyondtheplainmeaningof words? Whatifbothpartieslovewarbecausethepublicismoredocileduringwarand permitshighertaxesandmorefederaltheftoffreedomfromindividualsand powerfromthestates?Whatifnoneoftheserecentwarshasmadeusfreeror safer,butjustpoorer? WhatifCongressbribedthestateswithcashinreturnfortheirenacting legislationthatCongresslikes,butcannotlawfullyenact?WhatifCongress wenttoallstatesintheunionandofferedthemcashtorepavetheirinterstate highways,ifthestatesonlyloweredtheirspeedlimits?Whatifthestatestook thatdeal?WhatiftheSupremeCourtapprovedthisbriberyandthenCongress diditagainandagain?WhatifthisbriberywereawayforCongresstoget aroundthefewconstitutionallimitationsthatCongressacknowledges? WhatifCongressbelievesthatitcanspendtaxdollarsonanythingitpleases andtieanystringsitwantstothatspending?WhatifCongressusesitstaxing andspendingpowertoregulateanythingitwantstocontrol,whether authorizedbytheConstitutionornot?Whatifanyoneotherthanmembersof Congressofferedstatelegislaturescashinreturnforfavorablelegislation? WhatifCongresswrotelawsthatletitbreaklawsthatordinarypeoplewould beprosecutedforbreaking? WhatiftheDeclarationofIndependencesaysthatthegovernmentderivesits powersfromtheconsentofthegoverned?Whatifthegovernmentclaimsto derivepowersfromsomeothersourcethatitwillnotbecauseitcannot name?Whatifwenevergavethegovernmentthepowertospyonus,toprint worthlesscash,tokillinournames,toforceustobuyhealthinsuranceorto wasteourmoneybytellingusthatexerciseisgoodandsugarisbad? Whatifwenevergavethegovernmentthepowertobribethepoorwithwelfare orthemiddleclasswithtaxbreaksortherichwithbailoutsorthestateswith cash?Whatifwedontconsenttowhathasbecomeofthegovernment?What iftheConstitutionhasbeentacitlyamendedbytheconsentofbothpolitical parties,wherebyinsteadofratifyingamendments,allthreebranchesof
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Public speaks out on budget cuts | LoudounTimes.com

governmentmerelylooktheotherwaywhenthegovernmentviolatesthe Constitution?Whatifthepresidentcannotconstitutionallybombwhatever countryhewants?WhatiftheCongresscannotconstitutionallyexemptits membersfromthelawsthatgoverntherestofus?Whatifthecourtscannot constitutionallyinventarighttokillbabiesinthewomb? Whatifthefederalgovernmentisoutofcontrol,nomatterwhichparty controlsit?WhatifthereisonlyharmonyonCapitolHillwhengovernmentis growingandpersonallibertyisshrinking?Whatifthepresidentialracethis fallwillnotbebetweengoodandevil,betweenrightandleft,betweenfree marketsandcentralplanningorevenbetweenconstitutionalgovernmentand BigGovernmentbutonlyabouthowmuchbiggerBigGovernmentshouldget? Whatifenoughisenough?Whatdowedoaboutit?Whatifitstoolate?
Wed,Apr18at03:49AMbyLoudounCounty|Reportthiscomment

WhenIhearallthiscomplainingoverminorcuts,IthinkFIRETHEMALL andlettheGovtemployeesapplytogettheirjobsback. Whatabunchofwhiners.

Wed,Apr18at03:35AMbyJenny|Reportthiscomment

IamateacherinLCPS.Themathresourceteachersareajoke.Theydo nothingtobenefittheclassroomteacher.Thatwastheonlygoodcutthe schoolboardhasorwillmake.

Tue,Apr17at11:06PMbyLoCoWonders|Reportthiscomment

Q:Howmanyjobsintheprivatesectoroffer:jobsecurity,minimumstarting payof$44,000annuallyrisingtoover$100,00guranteed,9weeksvacation, fullfamiliyhealthbenfits,governmentguarantedretirementbenefitsbefore age65andacontractuallyguaranteed7.5hourworkday? A:Zero

Tue,Apr17at08:56PMbyC'mon|Reportthiscomment

19ofthe35FLESteacherswhowilllosejobsareforeignteacherswhowere onlytobeherethreeyearsandthengobacktotheircountry.Nooneshouldbe cryingaboutnoncitizenslosingtheirjobsintheUnitedStates.

Tue,Apr17at08:54PMbyreally?|Reportthiscomment

@thetruth.dotellusmore.AndIamreallygettingtiredofthecomebackIf youdontlikeitmove.Pleasecomeupwithsomethingmoreintelligent.I stillsaytheboardneedstocutoutthecompanycarperktherearewaytoo manyschooldistrictcarsandvans.

Tue,Apr17at08:51PMbydcw|Reportthiscomment

Iheardsomethingtothatfactthathedidnotmakeitthroughthefirstyear.If thatistrue,thenmaybeheshouldresign.Idontseehowhecanbeobjective. IalsoreadthatheacceptedtheCountyhealthinsurancewhenelected,yethe moansabouthowmuchtheinsuranceplancostthecounty.Isntthatalittle hypocritical?Ifheissoconcernedaboutsavingthetaxpayersmoney,decline theinsuranceandgobacktotheinsurancehehadbeforehewasaschool board.Everylittlebithelps.

Tue,Apr17at08:39PMbyTheTruth|Reportthiscomment

FolksneedtoknowBillFoxwasfiredfromhispositionasaschoolteacherin LoudounCounty.Illleaveituptoindividualstodeterminewhathiscurrent motivationis.

Tue,Apr17at08:27PMbytiredofthis|Reportthiscomment

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BillFoxdoesnotvaluetheexperiencedteachers,orforthatmatterany teacher.Whyisthetopnottreatedthesameastheothers?Becausetheymake moremoney?Soundslikeliberalsocialismtome.Punishthetopforbeing successfulandvaluable.Iwouldlovetoknowtheirreasoningbehindthis decision.

Tue,Apr17at08:04PMbyvenomousinsight@aol.com|Reportthiscomment

Bitchandmoan,bitchandmoan.Didntthearanysolutionsastowhereto cutthebudgetjustIwantmoremoney.Bitchandmoan,ifyoudontlikeit gotoanothercounty!

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