October 17, 2024 Newsletter
1. ICYMI: Our 2024 School Board Candidate Forum
2. 2024 Arlington Public Schools Bond
3. Oct 17th School Board Meeting Recap
4. Happening Soon
In Case You Missed It:
Our 2024 School Board Candidate Forum
During our recent School Board Candidate Forum, candidates Kathleen Clark, James “Vell” Rives, Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, and Paul Weiss presented their visions for the future of Arlington’s schools. The forum was moderated by Karina Elwood of the Washington Post, who asked questions that highlighted key issues facing the district, including:
Budget
Teacher retention and pay
Adolescent mental health crisis
Personal device policies
School Safety / SROs
Educational Technology
Throughout the forum, the candidates provided distinct perspectives on important topics impacting our school system and our students. Their proposals reflected a shared commitment to improving APS but with different approaches to achieving goals such as fiscal sustainability, balanced technology usage, and creating a safe learning environment.
Watch the recording here to learn more about the candidates' views and positions.
2024 Arlington Public Schools Bond
The proposed Arlington Public Schools (APS) bond referendum is on the ballot this November. The bond will fund the $570 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), approved by the School Board in a 3-2 vote, which aims to address critical infrastructure needs such as renovations and major projects.
Proponents argue that the 2024 Bond Referendum is essential for modernizing facilities, ensuring student safety, and accommodating educational growth. They highlight that timely improvements could enhance the overall student experience and learning outcomes. Supporters also point out that the 2024 Bond is written in a way that would provide future School Boards with flexibility on future projects if needed.
Critics of the CIP for which the Bond would be contracted have expressed concerns about its financial implications, such as its capacity for future debts, emergencies, projected available seats, and its impacts on the operating budget. Additionally, some community members worry about the prioritization of certain facilities over others.
Balancing urgent infrastructure needs with fiscal responsibility remains a central debate in Arlington, impacting decisions for the future of public education in the area.
Learn where and when you can vote here.
October 17th School Board Meeting Recap
Key takeaways from the meeting include:
1. APS cabinet and central office leaders will be filling in as classroom substitute teachers! Dr. Durán recently served at Claremont Elementary School. This week he’ll be at Jamestown Elementary and in November he will serve as a bus attendant. (We previously advocated for this and are thrilled!)
2. Update to the Option Schools Lottery application window for all pre-K-12 option schools programs and transfers:
Applications open Mon Nov 4, 2024 at 8am
Applications close Fri Jan 24, 2024 at 4pm
LIVE virtual lottery is Fri Feb 7, 2025
3. Update to Virginia Preschool Initiative eligibility: New families must complete a phone screening to determine eligibility. If found eligible, an in-person appointment will then be set up.
Read the full recap here.
Happening Soon!
Wednesday, October 23rd 8:00 AM Policy Subcommittee Meeting. School Board Conference Room, Suite 260 Syphax
Wednesday, October 23rd 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Arlington SEPTA Super Team Chat. More information and registration here.
Thursday, October 25th 8:00 AM Audit Committee Meeting. School Board Conference Room, Suite 260 Syphax
Monday, October 28, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Open Office Hours with School Board Member Bethany Zecher Sutton. In Person. Sign up.
Tuesday, October 29th 7:00 PM School Board Meeting. Board Room of the Syphax Education Center (Watch here)
Tuesday, November 19th Board Work Session School Board Room Syphax (Watch here):
9:00 - 10:30 AM - Work Session on the Program Capacity Study and Class Size
10:45 - 12:15 PM - Work Session on Non-Traditional Secondary Program
1:00 - 2:30 PM - Work Session on Boundaries and Options Programs
4:30 - 5:30 PM - Closed Meeting
Select Friday Nights - Arlington Parks and Recreation's "Parent's Night Out" - see flyer for more info
Don't forget! You can subscribe to APS School Calendars here.
