Re: 27 September Update

[Stinger]

Jennifer,

 

Yes it does.  The format of your much appreciated written outreach (letter vs update) does not matter to me, it's all about the provision of sufficient detail to comprehend the message.  As I have said to you and Supervisor Kurtz countless times, it would be best if you simply hosted periodic informal community meetings where all are invited (not limited to select "moms"). 

 

Your update indicated results of HS-10 site studies were coming in, but there is no schedule.  Please provide the status, what studies are being conducted?  How many sites are being evaluated?  What about ES-25? 

 

In the HS-8 paragraph, What special interest groups urged the BOS to "kill" what school sites?   If the NCC contract has been finalized and signed by all parties, then I agree, it immediately becomes available by the FOIA.  Are you saying that contract is being withheld from the public?

 

Your response leads me to ask, What special interests were behind the School Board's "kill" of contracts offered to LCPS (during your tenure) for sites in the northwest planning zone, i.e., the 108-acre McDonough Assemblage ($5.8M in 2009 and ?? in 2010) the 2008 Crim RFP response and the famous previous "kill", the 156-acre $4.9M contract that was actually signed by Mr. and Mrs. Miller in 2006? 

 

Thanks again and for responding so quickly,

Sarah

SmallTownSchools

 

PS.  As your constituent, please know that while turf competition fields were technically justified due to karst conditions at Tuscarora and nice for Woodgrove due to concerns around limited groundwater resources in Purcellville, those cases are unique.  The costs of those projects could be justified because the building contractor provided a discount and lifetime warranty.  However, it will be far more difficult to justify that expense at all new facilities if those same technical issues and pricing conditions are not replicated.  Furthermore, placing turf on practice fields is an indulgence we can't afford for the foreseeable future.  

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Jennifer Bergel

To: sti...@loudounwireless.com

Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 12:25 PM

Subject: Re: 27 September Update

Jennifer K. Bergel
LCPS School Board
Catoctin District

Jennife...@loudoun.k12.va.us
571-223-9724

Please be aware that correspondence sent by or to School Board members is subject to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.

>>> "Stinger" 09/28/11 8:12 AM >>>

Jennifer,

I appreciate your effort but sometimes it seems you are in such a hurry to hit "Send" that, without taking the time to edit, your writing style can be hard to understand.  Particularly for the typical constituent since, as you know, I am far more engaged than most. :-)  

For example, sometimes you make vague references in your updates which, as written, leave out the information required to understand the point you are trying to make.  If these references are directed to your staff and collegues on both Boards, then why include in your constituent Update?  

1. Finance committee:  What do you mean by a one-year snapshot of turf?  To find out the advantages, disadvantages, use, and also fee structure. I asked for us to acquire data so we have information moving forward for future schools (to use turf or not)
2. HS-8 - Who stopped a Catoctin District land acquisition? What is problematic? What potential land purchase are you referring to?  False hope about what?   Special interest groups urged the BofS to "kill" school sites. The HS-8 NCC site is problematic. I believe the contract, once signed, is public information. It has been signed. I believe this site will bring my constituents false hope for THS relief and a Lansdowne return to Ashburn.
3. HS-10 - What is the schedule for that acquisition? There is no schedule for that acquisition. Sadly it was one of my goals for this term that will go unmet.
4. Which policies were updated? They can be found on BoardDocs. The theater policy and expelled students re-entering LCPS. I forgot the others. Sorry. If you can't find them in their entirety on BoardDocs, I can later this evening.

Therefore, please call or write back to either provide add'l information or document references that point to the information.  The answers to these questions do not require you to divulge closed session information.

Thank you for your service,  Hope these answers lend clarity. I remain committed to information coming out to the public. Ironically your comments are to the contrary of the ones I heard to move away from a letter-style correspondence. :)

Sarah

703.431.1058

----- Original Message -----

From: Jennifer Bergel

To: undisclosed-recipients:

Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 11:00 PM

Subject: 27 September Update

Attached is the update. It was a late night...

 

Jennifer

 

 

 

Jennifer K. Bergel
LCPS School Board
Catoctin District

 

Jennife...@loudoun.k12.va.us
571-223-9724

 

Please be aware that correspondence sent by or to School Board members is subject to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.