Two high profile contentious issues were presented to the elected leadership in Falls Church City recently, the community spoke and the majority of the constituents were ignored.  Totalitarianism is on the creep in Falls Church City, Virginia.  Well known to be a bastion for liberal democrats, things took a turn for democracy in Northern Virginia when in August in Falls Church, the City Council rushed a gun ban through, with no live public comment, under the cover of COVID.  Championed by Council Member Ms. Letty Hardy, a minority and first generation immigrant from Hong Kong, the ban passed despite immense opposition at first reading andRead More →

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Race relations are at the center of political discussions these days and that is no less true than in our little city of Falls Church, Virginia.  Signs stating  “Black Lives Matter”, “Love is Love”, and “Diversity is Caring”  have cropped up all over the city as people make visual statements about their views on these stirring issues of the day.  Divisions run deep as the community debates and considers a proposal, in public meetings and comments to the school board, to strip our high school of its name.  Community members feel strongly that it is inappropriate to have George Mason, a slave owner himself beRead More →

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Citizens gathered this past Sunday in the GMHS auditorium for another Q&A session on the referendum.  The session began with a pitch for a new school from Peter Noonan, Superintendent of Schools, citing research that indicates better outcomes for students with high ceilings and better ventilation. This was followed by financing details by City Manager Wyatt Shields.  School Board candidates Greg Anderson,  Alison Kutchma, Richard Crispin, Shannon Litton and Shawna Russell were in attendance.  Good questions were posed and more back up and tax implication information was requested.  FACTS will post the information requested when it becomes available. The session was videotaped. Click here forRead More →

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Falls Church FACTS is co-sponsoring the Community Issues Forum (CIF) for City Council and School Board candidtates:  7:30 PM, Wed, September 27th – City Council Candidates: Marybeth Connelly, Ross Litkenhous, Spencer Parsons, Dan Maller, David Snyder, & Dan Sze 7:30 PM, Wed, October 25th – School Board Candidates: Greg Anderson, Richard Crespin, Alison Kutchma, Shannon Litton, Shawna Russell, and Lawrence Webb Both events will be held at the American Legion Hall Post 130, 400 North Oak Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 For question please contact Sally Ekfelt at Ekfelt@gmail.com        Read More →

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There are alternatives to a $120,000,000 new school as discussed and identified through various community meetings.  However, the only option that is being advertised to citizens is the $120,000,000 option.   From the chart, it appears there are other viable solutions but the referendum is written for only the most expensive option.  We have a right and responsibility to look at all options in a thorough and intelligent way to minimize the financial risk while providing space for our growing population.    Ask your school and city leadership to give details of all the options – not just one.  Read More →

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“This summer I spent a significant amount of time in the community wrestling with the question of ‘Who are we,’” Dr. Noonan said. “It became evident that the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is something that many hold of great importance.” “This year our teachers will seek to incorporate (the IB) traits in every classroom in FCCPS…(and) serve as an anchor for our students.” Can FCCPS provide the costs to implement this program?  Read More →

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