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for those of us who live and work in the 21st Century to oppose those who seem determined to support an unsustainable outdated and costly school system born in the 1950’s and nurtured by discrimination, elitism and narrow thinking!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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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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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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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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Maggie Schwind, is a third generation Falls Church City resident married to David Schwind, a second generation FCC resident.  Both Maggie and David want to continue to live in Falls Church City throughout retirement, but increasing real estate taxes are a major concern to them and should be to others.   David and Maggie obtained housing data from the Real Estate Assessment Office and have generously shared their analysis with the community.  Here is the Schwind’s analysis: “Starting from the data that was obtained from the Real Estate Assessment Office, I was able to put together a couple of pieces.  The first being the number andRead 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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