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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By Mark Kaye, JD/MBA New mixed use developments (MUDs) and large apartments drive 52% of growth in Schools Schools going from small and unique to super-sized Pro-developer school board candidates downplay issue with erroneous statistics Current MUD path is an unsustainable burden on homeowners Our small and unique FCC school system continues to mushroom in size – driven by new mixed use developments (MUDs) and large apartment buildings. In 2002 our schools had 1800 kids, now we are at 2515 with more expected to join during the 2015-16 year. The character of our schools is fundamentally changing from small to large. The Little City isRead More →

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This a a copy of the press release that was jointly released by School Board Candidates, Smerdon and Kaye in response to the Falls Church News Press guest editorial by current School Board Chair, Justin Castillo. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2015 The Falls Church Times The Falls Church Post By Becky Smerdon, Ph.D. and Mark Kaye, J.D. Note to Editors: In a guest editorial in the Falls Church News Press, School Board Chair, Justin Castillo, published a guest editorial. We wish to take issue with what Mr. Castillo did not say in his commentary. With regard to enrollment, increases have been driven in aRead More →

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School Board Candidate, Becky Smerdon, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized expert in education reform and has researched-based approaches to develop solutions that increase student outcomes.  Becky’s recent article identifies areas of improvement for FCCPS and the changes she would implement to better serve our growing population of students.  Read the article here and visit other portions of Becky Smerdon’s website to get better acquainted with an outstanding School Board candidate.Read More →

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