One day…
That is how long it took for the new Loudoun County School Board to begin changing the 2012 Legislative Program that had been established by the previous board.
Following their swearing in Jan. 3 and appointing of the necessary positions, Chairman Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) announced they will reopen the 2012 Legislative Program following Superintendent Edgar Hatrick’s presentation of the fiscal 2013 school operating budget Jan. 4.
The 2012 Legislative Program was adopted in November by the previous board and was presented to the delegation representing Loudoun County Jan. 6.
Hornberger’s announcement outlined the deletion of several statutes, including recommendations to expand the protected classifications contained in the Virginia Human Rights Act, to include gender orientation, gender identity and allow local School Boards to similarly expand the protected classifications; delete the recommendation that the General Assembly allows Virginia Retirement System members to purchase credit for unused accumulated sick leave; and to delete the recommendation to allow staggered terms for Loudoun County School Board members, effective by November 2015.
Kevin Kuesters (Broad Run) spoke on his motion to remove the protected classifications first and noted the purpose of making these changes.
“This is an opportunity for the new Board members to put our stamp on the legislative agenda,” Kuesters said. “The board members supporting this motion are essentially saying that we don’t think this is a School Board issue. We also understand there is some authority from the state that covers this, so we are electing to have this removed from the legislative agenda of Loudoun County School Board.”
During discussions Jan.4, Jennifer Bergel (Catoctin) was against altering the Legislative Program for several reasons.
“The reason why I am speaking in opposition of this motion is because I understand there were straw votes taken in advance in order to find out where people stood on issues before these meetings,” Bergel said. “So, I am concerned about how much public input was given on this because I don’t recall a public position being taken by elected board members.
“I understand that only three of us were bound by Sunshine Laws, but I do think in fairness to the public process all constituents should be covered so I will vote no on all these motions,” Bergel said. “I think the public process is not being upheld and I understand transparency is something I worked in my last term to have and I campaigned on that again.”
Bill Fox (Leesburg) pointed out that despite the short time period, the legislative program is supposed to represent what the Board are trying to lobby the legislature to do.
“If there are provisions in here we are not comfortable with, then they shouldn’t be in here,” Fox said. “Just because we are not putting it in now, doesn’t mean the opportunity for public input ends. We would be more than happy to entertain public input on this item and put it on the Legislative Agenda for next year.”
After further discussion on the subject, the School Board passed the motion with a 6-3 vote, with Bergel, Tom Reed (At-Large) and Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) opposed.
Fox next motioned to delete the recommendation that the General Assembly allow Virginia Retirement System members to purchase credit for unused accumulated sick leave at a rate of 5 percent of current salary per 200 days of unused accumulated sick leave, which will equal one year of service credit, due to its unknown cost and other factors.
Bergel was also against this motion.
“With this motion, I think you are punishing the people that put their blood into the system,” Bergel said. “If someone has saved their sick days and has worked for the school system as a public servant and as a career teacher probably until I retire, if I have accumulated sick days, I want legislation to protect that. There is not much protection as a public servant.”
Sheridan agreed with Bergel because it is a valuable benefit to LCPS staff who don’t use sick days.
“This is a valuable benefit to our staff who do not take time off and can accumulate that many hours of sick time to get another year, Sheridan said. “If we are going to start comparing our standards with industry standards, then perhaps we really need to increase our salaries, because we are not at industry standard right now.
“I don’t think that is a fair comparison and until we have industry standard salaries for people who work a lot more than 40 hours a week, we need to provide them with every benefit we can,” Sheridan said.
Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge) clarified the focus of the new board in this adjustment to the legislative program.
“We are not looking to remove anything from the teachers,” Turgeon said. “Really our focus is compensate our teachers now, because quite honestly, with the programs being piled on to the teachers, the responsibilities, the lack of planning and slew of other factors we need to look at, because, really, we are talking retirement down the road and the rate at which things are going, very few teachers are going to be retiring because they are not going to make it that long.”
The vote was again old vs. new with the new board passing the motion with a 6-3 vote and Bergel, Sheridan and Reed opposed.
After discussion to delete the recommendation to allow staggered terms for Loudoun County School Board members, effective by November 2015, the board removed the item with a 5-4 vote, with Bergel, Reed, Sheridan and Jeff Morse (Dulles).
Wow the ignorance in this thread is amazing, the quoting of religion to back up hate is amazingly hypocritical and really just highlights these peoples ignorance.
Liberals just don’t grasp the fight they are waging for the devil. Just wait until you go to drop your kid off at at daycare and some 65 year old homosexual man is their teacher. I’m sure you’ll enjoy leaving your little boy with that homosexual.
I wish all these tutti fruiti’s would stop their complaining. They have equal rights ... The same rights as the bottom of my shoe!
What’s this about wife beaters? Only fruits beat their man wives who are also fruits and not really men ... Hmm ... What was I saying again? Where’s the Ted Kennedy swim team when you need them.. Ahh those were the good old days ... Back when peeing in a dark blue suit was not only enjoyable but okay. Now that Obummer is president the only way I can make money is buying stock in Depends or from “consulting fees” from the builders. Btw - the builders don’t care if I wet my slacks because they accept me for who I am!
Self-proclaimed social conservatives who beat their wives are hypocritical lame-O’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CRkpBGQzU
If sexual orientation comes with certain rights, then I’m going to be laughing my butt off when some HS student shows up to class wearing an all black leather outfit w/ a ball in their mouth and a note attach to them that says “Gimp”. I’m sure even the most liberal parents won’t enjoy that public display of homosexuality being protected when their kids are exposed to that nonsense.
Sara…...What if God had Gender issues? The Saints? Pope? Are you the only non-sinner? May he have mercy on your soul when you are at the gates trying to explain to him you only have love in your heart for white straight people. You are a perfect example of a “bible thumper”.
All I see here is a bunch of dodging of the central issues:
1) should there be LAWS PROTECTING discrimination against employees based on SEXUAL PREFERENCE OR IDENTITY, and, mind you, the SAME LEVEL of protection that exists for gender and race, or should there not?
2) Is it the place of the School Board to weigh in on that topic?
In my opinion, (and it does not make difference what I, or anyone else on this thread thinks or feels about homosexuality, transgender identity or the like) it would be REALLY bad law to equate sexual orientation as a protected class with race and gender.
It’s a road that we should not be going down, and where does it stop? And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a matter of choice or not a matter of choice. There are lots of qualities we have as human that are not choice of our own that should not qualify us for a protected class. Should we have a protected class for:
Height? Weight? good looks or bad looks? Athletic ability? IQ? Number of times we’ve seen Star Wars?
There are a myriad of practical, real, and rational reasons-that have nothing to do with bigotry, or what the Bible says- to keep the State (and especially the County and School Board) AWAY from identifying and “protecting” people based on sexual preference.
just my opinion.
The funny thing is that Homosexuals exist only by the grace of this God Centric Nation. You show me tolerance of homosexuals in Iran or Saudi Arabia or China demanding rights. The first one who rallies in those lands will quickly find themselves in jail or dead.
With all due respect, homosexuals owe their freedom of lifestyle choice to the church.
Who believes in a fairy tale book anyway? I’m talking about the bible. And the gay bashers just show their idiotic prejudices. Sarah, you need to chill out. And have a coke…...
Kevin, you are correct on both counts; on what she said and that gays are people. Being human when we don’t like something we tend to dislike the person doing what we dislike as well. It is wrong to hate the person, but we are all sinners and make mistakes. The catch is when you do wrong are you willing to admit it and cease doing it. The Bible says in black and white that homosexualty is an abomination to the Lord. If you believe the Bible you have to believe that it is wrong. Fortunately for Joyful, in this county, he has the right to believe otherwise. Some of us just thank the Lord and others thank their lucky stars. As for me, I would rather play it safe and thank the Lord.
Bob, Read Sarah’s earlier posts. She does bash and judge gay PEOPLE as having “sick, disgusting and confused minds”.
Joyful, do you really have any joy in you life, other than bashing Christians? If you are to quote the Bible at least understand what It says. Sarah didn’t say anything bad about the gay, just the act. Loving your neighbor doesn’t not mean you have to love what they do. Sarah, you will never win in an argument with Joyful, he is too full of hate and will always take the last word.
“If you really fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2: 8-9
“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy; yet mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:12-13
I pray that those touched by your judgment will be merciful and forgiving. I hope that no LCPS student makes the ultimate mistake that often comes from being bullied because of “differences”; that of suicide. Ethics and equity doesn’t always equate to religiosity. “I see your true colors shining through. . .”
Sarah Cohen, you are a hater and a control freak. I dare say those are heavy stones that you cast. Shame on you.
Joyful - As much as you shower out the messages of the bible on treating thy neighbor, you have also ignored God’s “Law” about the abomination of homosexuality. Neither Jew, nor Christian, nor Muslim has any provision on accepting homosexuality in the kingdom of God. Three of the major religions, with the same God, just different prophets, all come to the same conclusion. Homosexuality is a Sin in the eyes of God. There is no tolerance for that choice of behavior in God’s eyes.
I’m so glad that Bob and Sarah are in the unique position to condemn! “Do unto others. . .”
Sarah Cohen, you make many good points, but you have gotten to the point that you are casting your pearls upon swine and you know what the big guy said about that. God has already said that homosexuality is an abomination, so if they choose not to believe they suffer the consequences.
Sarah, The assumption that others made a choice about gender identity is fallacious. Teaching children to live with hate for fellow man versus teaching them to value differences is the real choice. Educational institutions now strive to eliminate the bullying that is manifested by those with a variety of prejudices.
Might I suggest that praying for salvation doesn’t include condemning others, trying to change everyone else, and controlling your “loved” neighbors. Live and let live, let God do the judging.
(Sorry I didn’t realize that you’re not of Christ)
הומוסקסואליות היא חטא
Sarah COHEN, How do you feel about Jewish persecution and prejudice? All have a choice as to what religion to practice but what is a Jew to do?
Joyful - I do love thy neighbor. I love thy neighbor so much, that I pray they stop sinning against God with their behavioral choices. They need all the Godly help they can get. They’ve distanced themselves so far from God, they are unknowingly under evil’s spell. And people like you who support their sins are just as far from God as they are.
There is a reason why God wipe Sodom and Gomorrah off the map. You are playing with fire.
Look folks. . .we are not a civil rights advocacy group. . .we are a body elected to make policy for Loudoun Schools. You won’t see us pushing Richmond to adopt laws regarding prayer in school, Bible classes or Creationism, because this is not the proper purview of a school board. Similarly, it is not the job of the school board to lobby the state to make legislative changes on controversial social issues.
Please be assured that it is not now, nor has it been, the policy of LCPS to discriminate against students or employees based on gender orientation or gender identity, nor do we tolerate harassment or bullying of our students for any reason. If we see any evidence whatsoever that our current bullying policies are insufficient, then we will strengthen the policies to better protect ALL Loudoun children, and not simply single out members of specific groups for protection. In any event, we will handle the problem by modifying our own policies, and not by asking the state to tell us what to do.
If government has no right to even hint at a religious stance because it’s seen as forcing its beliefs on people, neither should it be forcing upon us such things gay “marriage” and perversions such as “transgender” or other disgusting things. I would say if only the government could legislate morality, but we see the lack of moral fiber in our elected officials. Hence the mess we have these days, especially coming from the loony left.
sarah-james 2:10
How are your sacrifices going? Ate any pork or shrimp lately?
Preferred biblical text - The Gospels! Why do so-called Christians focus so much on Old Testament and narrow interpretations that Christ would have questioned. . . “Keep the Commandments” - “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” no matter what the orientation.
Wow! Glad I didnt vote for these idiots! You crazy Loudoun Republicans must be very proud that this board has wasted so much time on important budget issues like the gender equaility issue!
That is a reeel good use of your time in session!
Joyful - Leviticus 18:22
To Sarah Cohen : Just because the “Yes to Marriage” act passed doesn’t mean VA treats people fairly, including couples who live in “common law” status. SOOOOOO tired of judgmental people like you who haven’t a friendly or godly bone in your body. Are you trying to “pray away the gay” in your own household like Michelle Bachman or supportive of secrecy toward spousal beatings? Why else such a hateful, fearful, vindictive manner towards fellow humans? Let God be the Judge!
just as a reminder to you people who have forgotten what state you are living in—
homosexuality has no place in society.
Constitution of Virginia
Section 15-A. Marriage.
http://legis.state.va.us/laws/search/constitution.htm
That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.
The amendment ratified November 7, 2006, and effective January 1, 2007—Added a new section (15-A).
@ Sarah Cohen…..do you chain and whip your husband for your sexual pleasure? Just askin.
@ Sara Cohen….your comment “gay people decided to be gay because they have sick, disgusting, confused minds. if god meant for people to be gay, then he would have allowed them to reproduce. gay people are a dead end road biologically and politically by their own choice” Really???? This tells all of us you are a card carrying member of the KKK. Are you aware that hate speech and hate crimes are against the law? People like you are the sick ones….trust me….If our Lord God can forgive those that Kill, rape, adultry, murder and use slanderous hate speech I am sure he will forgive those with gender issues. Everyone hear would agree sitting next to a gay person or being friends with one would be MUCH better than knowing you.
You people are seriously disturbed and the main problem in our country. There’s nothing wrong with being gay and it’s not a choice. Just like people don’t choose to be black. You think they like dealing with the prejudice pricks like you every day filling them with guilt over something they cannot control. Sarah, I bet if lynch mobs were still legal you’d be the captain. You are nothing more than a pathetic, brain washed, ignorant woman who doesn’t deserve to breath the oxygen provided for you. Your remarks are filled with nothing but hate and directed towards people you don’t even know. I hope your God has not allowed you to reproduce and continue this cycle of ignorance. Seriously people??? It’s the year 2012. You are all sheep! You blindly follow a book of stories and use it as an excuse for your intolerance. Can’t we all just get along???
FedUp - the only person who is ignorant is you. failure to realize that homosexuality is a chosen path of life. no different that people who choose to be furry animals. whom i’m sure believe there are also born that way. get with reality before you go crazy and start dancing on cars in leather outfits at parades.
I not gay but my right side is male and I was born that way and my left side is female and I chose to be that (easier to get a date that way). The biggest problem is on Monday and Saturday I am all girl. Tuesday I am all male and Sundays I am nothing. What’s a lady gentleman to do? I am so confused.
Our new board lacks expereince, shows potential, and should act more like the learner instead of the teacher.
Ignorant crap. Rednecks, please stay on the other side of Winchester. It’s even more funny that you would probably never disapprove of a gay person to their face. Have your country school board to yourself.
I don’t feel like there should be any special treatment for gays, transgender, etc. No one has the right to bully anyone for any reason. It’s not necessary to like or approve of anyone’s lifestyle, just mind your business. I’ve met some straight folks I didn’t like or approve of, but unless their actions affect me, it’s not my business. I try to teach my children tolerance. Just because you have the right to speak out doesn’t mean you should. I dont want our tax dollars wasted on this when there are more important issues to deal with. Im glad they’ve taken it off the agenda and I hope it stays off. Lets focus on getting our children the best education we can so they can compete in the workforce and be able to give back to themselves & their communities.
FedUpDude - if homosexuals are born that way, what biological purpose does that serve in nature?
they cant reproduce, so biologically speaking, homosexuality is a dead end. it must be awful to have chosen a lifestyle that is the end of your genealogy. on second thought, maybe that is a blessing after all.
sarah cohen - If you beleive they choose that lifestyle then you are just showing your own ignorance.
gay people decided to be gay because they have sick, disgusting, confused minds. if god meant for people to be gay, then he would have allowed them to reproduce. gay people are a dead end road biologically and politically by their own choice.
hmm, I wonder if gay people think bigoted rednecks are the “special” ones…
btw, my cousin tried to kill himself several times b/c of gay bashing..don’t try and tell me it’s a choice…ignoramus
Ashburn Man - Are you kidding? The state allows you to fire gay workers just for being gay not to mention there are no protections against discriminatory bullying against LGBT folks.
NoFamilyValueHere - A blatent lie cast on Kevin Kuesters…charges dropped and dismiised as requested by his wife…now keep repeating your lie like they did at the polls all day, people don’t beleive you and know the truth…
FEDUpDude: how are gender identity folks being treated unfairly? that’s what I thought, all I hear is crickets…
Are the LCPS marketing gurus making some of these comments bashing their School Board bosses?
Yay, now Loudoun County is safe from the invasion of teh gheys.
The only thing I see here is a School Board who is responding to the vast majority of constituents who are emailing them in droves, asking for them to use their time on the dais and our taxpayer dollars (as well as our own time, for those of us who attend the meetings) a bit more productively than previous School Boards. Have any of you complaining folks ever even exchanged any communications with your new SB representative? I have, and unlike the prior school board, they are stating outright what their positions are instead of responding with the canned “Thanks for your input” response. Their strategies to get things done may have been formulated behind the scenes, but their agendas are public, well-communicated and, most importantly, completely in-line with the platform that got them elected.
I applaud them for taking these issues off of the LCPS legislative schedule and prompting for public input before it is flagged as something that is an actual problem within Loudoun County Schools. From what I’m told, there are openly gay students at Heritage and Tuscarora, and contrary to what is implied here they are just as popular and well-adjusted as the heterosexual kids. It never ceases to amaze me how much the LCPS Board underestimates the intelligence and common sense of the very children they are responsible for educating.
So, if it ain’t broke, don’t waste time and money fixing it. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how we act in a fiscally responsible manner.
By the way, Bergel’s attempt at a “spin” with her statements are the ultimate hypocrisy, as there is no single individual who is guiltier of back room conversations and strategizing than she is.
It’s no surprise Kevin Kuesters wants to take Gender out of the equal protections. Wasn’t he arrested for assaulting his wife? Yet, he was elected anyways, so “the will of the people” is the reason we are stuck with this guy. I guess people in Broad Run like wife beaters running their schools.
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/school_board_candidate_arrested_for_assault898/
... DEAR REPORTER ... PLEASE REPORT!!
The story here is much bigger than the items modified or removed from the Legislative package. It’s HOW they were removed from the package—back room discussions, emails, straw votes, skirting the sunshine law, etc. We have a new board who is ALREADY violating transparency pledges, ALREADY violating public trust. Where was the public input sessions? Where was the open discussion on these? Why do they think this is ok?
Why aren’t you asking tough questions and digging deeper? Why have you not reported on the three legal actions taken against the School Board this year already?
Why does this, and other news outlets, REFUSE to report anything questionable regarding LCPS and LCSB? Are you afraid of Hatrick, too?
When LCPS and LCSB is held accountable, they will begin doing a better job. I promise.
Some of you people are real redneck sickos. Way to be classless tools.
I love the false term “special rights” when what we are really talking about is equal rights.
...really, we are talking retirement down the road and the rate at which things are going, very few teachers are going to be retiring because they are not going to make it that long.”
Well Ms. Turgeon just because YOU aren’t “going to make it that long” doesn’t mean others won’t. Seems like a silly thing to pull out——if they worked their days instead of taking sick days the school district benefits and with only a 5% cost for 200 hours it seems hardly likely there will be many reaching that mark anyway so why not let them do it? And Ms. Turgeon IF you do make it to retirement as a teacher I bet you’ll change your tune and push for this.
Let the games begin. The old is out, let the new do what they said they were going to. Hatrick, time to retire. And take your overly paid PR man with you. Maybe one of his Facebook friends will find him a job.
sarah cohen- congrats on being a bad person!
I say everyone pull down their pants and pull up your skirts! Let’s check everyone just to make sure! Oh and Sara Cohen….can you fill us in on your disgusting sex life?
why is everybody pandering to these gender confused people? if gender confused people want protection, they need to keep their disgusting sex lives in the closet.
Got rid of gender identity rule and cut the budget. Ok, you’ve done the only two things you ever said you would do. Now it’s time to go.
Homosexuals don’t need any special statutes because they are just choosing to be gay. If homosexuals get special rights, then I say anybody who chooses to where furry animal costumes be given special rights too.
Nice work, the new Board is off to a good start.
There were no rules because they weren’t sworn in yet! There is no issue with that whatsoever. You don’t think Bergel, Reed and Sheridan were discussing with Hatrick how they were going to keep the new reformers in check? There’s the real problem, and those three willl stay on the losing end of nearly every vote as they try to protect the status quo.
The votes taken outside of meetings on these issues is disgusting. You don’t set a very good example nor do you show very solid ethics. Now you’ve taught your own kids that if there is a way around the rules, you should take advantage of it to further your own personal agenda. You should resign immediately. This School Board will be as damaging to the schools as many past school boards have been. Where is all the common sense people?
Updated: Thirteen-year-old pedestrian hit crossing Route 7 near Dulles Town Center
UPDATE: Missing Leesburg man drowns in drainage pond
Leesburg high schools switch things around
Loudoun inmate dies after suffering massive stroke in prison
Two Loudoun County residents involved in $1.5 million mortgage scheme
