It is time for those of us who live and work in the 21st Century to oppose those who seem determined to support an unsustainable outdated and costly school system born in the 1950’s and nurtured by discrimination, elitism and narrow thinking!   Ira Kaylin has written articles addressing this very issue.  They are so clearly stated that even I understand the financial issues he cited.  Compare this to the information by proponents of the referendum and see how their “facts” are exaggerated , vague and at best misleading!  Example–a stated tax reduction– when is the last time we saw a reduction in any taxes?  WeRead More →

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Below is the statement read by Mr. John Leimone to City Council during public comment on Monday, July 24, 2017.  Mr Lemoine has worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I strongly support the VPIS recommendation in the well-argued letter to you (City Council) to postpone any decision on a GMHS referendum until citizens have been thoroughly and honestly briefed on all aspects of this project, which because of the costs involved, poses an existential threat to the City’s future financial stability. Underlying this position are at least 4 major concerns: The Council and City Manager have glossedRead More →

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Open letter to City Council Members regarding the increasing operating costs for the schools.  Dear Council Member, Thank you for your service. I am concerned about the forecasted operational costs presented by Dr. Noonan and Mr. Shields at the Town Hall meeting. Below are the calculations that include the:   4% annual increase that Dr. Noonan said is required through 2030 2.5% city revenue growth that Mr. Shields said is forecasted for the same period.  The 2.5% takes into account all development in the pipeline. *  Note : this chart was revised based on input from Dr. Noonan; the school receives State and Federal subsidiesRead More →

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In November, we will probably be asked to approve a referendum for a $120 M (Million) bond issuance to finance construction of a new high school. The debt service will be approximately $7.08 M every year for 30 yearsi. Some people have warned that paying for increasing School system operating costs will be more challenging than the bond debt payment. The counter thinking is that new development and a modest real estate tax increase will pay for the need of our Schools. During the past few weeks, the City has held some meetings and issued some reports that provide enough data to allow anyone toRead More →

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This is your opportunity to ask questions about the $120 Million bond referendum in a town hall format. Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall At the June 26, 2017 City Council meeting, the Council heard a first reading on an ordinance to authorize a general obligation bond issuance for no more than $120 million for a renovated high school and a portion of the middle school. The Circuit Court would need to order a special referendum to be placed on the November 2017 ballot. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 24 at the City Council meeting, which starts atRead More →

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A school district in Texas had a budget shortfall and used community input to find cost-saving strategies.  Falls Church City may want to take a similar approach to cut expenses.  Some interesting cost cutting measures found by the Frisco focus group: The focus group studying central administration identified savings by creating efficiencies, seeking partnerships and exploring cost-sharing opportunities. Pay to Play – increase fees for certain programs Library service sharing between the city and school Assess cost by course level (e.g. remedial, regular, gifted, AP, IB) and use results for possible reduction of low participation areas Use PTA volunteers for library aides and other laborRead More →

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