Blocked By Cheryl

Ms. Facciani's official school board page is again published following a short hiatus and I and others remain . Comments are not being deleted and I consider this progress as citizens should not have their 1A rights taken from them by elected officials.

I'd unpublished BBC because Ms. Facciani unpublished her Cheryl Facciani for School Board page. Because she's said this is temporary, and she's posting about policies on her personal page, and there's been interest in seeing what she's posted on her school board page, this page will remain published.

I'd like to work myself out of this job, conveying to Roanoke County citizens what a locally elected official apparently doesn't want them to see and respond to regarding government business. So, please continue to share this petition and if you haven't had a chance to sign it, please do. Thanks to those who've shared and signed--almost 200 signatures so far!

Have you seen this petition yet? Cheryl Facciani Must Stop Silencing Citizens On Facebook

Roanoke County Public Schools school board member, Cheryl Facciani, operates a social media account she uses to interact with citizens in an official capacity and thus, the account is a public forum under the First Amendment. She may not exclude people based upon their viewpoints. Blocking people and removing their comments in an attempt to silence them is an infringement of their right to criticize government.

Ms. Facciani uses her page, Cheryl Facciani for School Board, as a tool of governance and informs the public about her government work on the page. She receives input on policies, decisions, and governmental actions and is unable to practice viewpoint discrimination on this page.

As Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “Minds are not changed in streets and parks as they once were . . . [Instead], the more significant interchanges of ideas and shaping of public consciousness occur in mass and electronic media.”

If you are in agreement that Cheryl Facciani must immediately unblock the citizens she’s excluded from her page, Cheryl Facciani for School Board, please sign this petition.

Have you seen this petition yet? Cheryl Facciani Must Stop Silencing Citizens On Facebook

Cheryl replied to a comment on her page with the following:

Response to your "Tea Party echoes from the Roanoke County School Board" essay

Inbox

Dear Mr. Casey,

In response to your editorial on the Roanoke County School Board member who proposed to relieve schools of the burden of mandatory face masks, I ask a question: Why does this have to be personal? Why is there ridicule and shaming of a mom who joined the school board to advocate for her and other children? Why can’t issues be argued without the emotional rhetoric of middle school lunch rooms? Let’s set the example of civility, decorum and intellect in our small community to reflect to our children what these mean when dealing with differences of opinion.

These issues are not about Mrs. Facciani. These are real and serious questions that face our children, our teachers, and our community... and they should be debated and confronted with every ounce of intelligence, questioning and boldness we have. Parents are at the ground level and while not necessarily experts, we have commonsense, intellectual curiosity and perspective. We see the constant interruptions, the often random inexplicable and inconsistent rules; we see the constant hoop-jumping our teachers are going through, the incredible pressures our administrators face; but mostly we see the fear and helplessness being instilled in our children, without the benefit of a solid and stable education. It is our job to question the decisions that have created this strange and unproductive environment, where content-learning has become secondary and irrelevant. It is our job as parents to speak up for the well-being of our children when we see their initiative and resilience being smothered by policy-decisions, no matter how well-meaning.

I thank Ms. Facciani and any parent who is willing to stand up and question policies that clearly deserve to be questioned for their effectiveness and potential harm. In short, the proposal she set forth was very simple: Masks should not be mandatory, but optional. The fact that this caused such an emotional attack suggests there is a lack of good faith in the debate. Ms. Facciani is not alone in her questioning of current school policy. There are many of us who feel our schools are losing their noble mission of educating our children and are sliding further down a hill into a well-regulated nothingness. And as Shakespeare said “Nothing can come from nothing!” Our children deserve something: our willingness to question and our boldness to act!

Sincerely,
Jane Harding

Reply to Cheryl: "Cheryl Facciani for School Board — so can you not even apologize for spreading misinformation? Like do you even understand that the CDC is not a 501c3? It’s a GOVERNMENT AGENCY, which you should’ve learned in 8th grade.
(First part of sentence omitted; see below)...you still lack the intelligence to understand the reasons these polices like masking are in place.
You’re an embarrassment to the Roanoke valley... (rest of sentence omitted; see below). You should resign and maybe go take a history class. Embarrassing. (Sentence omitted; see below)

(Note from Laura Bowman: This comment included some things about her children and I have left those portions off here as I don't think it's right to pull her children into this conversation. I just want to point out that some people are commenting, and their comments are allowed to stand, while others did nothing at all or just liked a comment, and were blocked from her page.)

“Hope to see you there!”
-Cheryl
11/16/21
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roanoke-area-thank-you-rally-tickets-211436280607?fbclid=IwAR3H0_6e0NF8_pCMxsDzdM9lzQDno094HJsxWBhjRzOWrHQMykLBeEKkL7I

Roanoke Area Thank You Rally Roanoke Area Thank You Rally with Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin

Thank you to all the selfless men and women who have served our great nation, keeping us the home of the brave and land of the free. Love you, Pop. Hugs to you in Heaven.
-Cheryl
11/11/21

“Congratulations Dr. Nancy Dye and Sheriff Hank Partin. What an honor to serve with this amazing team! You will do great things.”
-Cheryl
11/11/21

Youngkin names transition team - Cardinal News Of the committee’s 12 members, three hail from Southwest Virginia. Two others are from Lynchburg area.

"The following letter was sent to 23rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Carson this afternoon regarding an incident during early voting this morning.
----
October 28, 2021
The Honorable David B. Carson
Chief Judge - 23rd Judicial Circuit Court
305 E Main Street, #200
Salem, Virginia 24153

Dear Judge Carson,

This is to make you aware of an alarming and unacceptable attempt by a Roanoke County Electoral Board member appointed by the 23rd Circuit Court to use her official position to stifle the legitimate exercise of a School Board candidate’s first amendment rights at an early voting site.

Earlier today, Electoral Board member Gailen Miles aggressively accosted Windsor Hills School Board candidate Cheryl Facciani outside of Brambleton Center. Ms. Facciani was making Roanoke County Republican Sample Ballots available to interested voters when Ms. Miles aggressively told her she was violating the law and must stop while citing her authority as a member of the Roanoke County Electoral Board.

In a subsequent email to me, Ms. Miles again falsely claimed Ms. Facciani was “acting in a very partisan manner thus breaking the law by demonstrating that she is running for a specific party rather than as an Independent, again as required by law.” Ms. Miles tried to bolster her false assertions by including a link to the VSBA School Board Candidate Guide even though that publication correctly states, “School board elections are required by law to be non-partisan. This means that no candidate may be nominated by a political party but does not preclude political party endorsement of a candidate.”

Ms. Facciani is endorsed by the Roanoke County Republican Committee for the School Board and that is reflected on the Roanoke County Republican Sample Ballot. She was distributing the sample ballot in accordance with the relevant provisions of Virginia’s election laws.

Ms. Miles' failure to understand constitutional rights and Virginia election law are disconcerting. Ms. Miles' willingness to then make false accusations and attempt to stifle the legitimate exercise of a School Board candidate’s first amendment rights is alarming and should be unacceptable conduct of an Electoral Board member.

Sincerely,
Daniel Webb, Chairman
Roanoke County Republican Committee"

-Cheryl
10/28/21

"Thank you Ashley Call, a RCPS teacher, for your Roanoke Times Letter to the Editor. I am honored to have the endorsement of this outstanding teacher.

“Cheryl Facciani is the one and only clear choice for Roanoke County School Board this Election Day and she has my vote.
I am a teacher and a mother with children in the public school system. Cheryl has my vote because she has strong leadership skills to support our education system and community. She wants to maximize government funding we have been given to address the loss of learning due to the pandemic and school shutdowns. Cheryl will establish a task force to examine teacher pay so that our teachers have competitive salaries in order to help retain and attract new teachers to our schools. Cheryl believes that political agendas and ideology should not be in our classrooms. She believes that parents absolutely should have a say in their child’s education and that we need get back to basics, protecting advanced degrees and advanced classes.

Cheryl Facciani has received the endorsements of many great leaders in our community, including Delegates Chris Head and Joe McNamara, Senator David Sutterlein, Board of Supervisors David Radford, Martha Ho**er, Paul Mahoney, Phil North, Commonwealth Attorney Brian Holohan, and Roanoke County Treasurer Kevin Hutchins, and Roanoke County Sheriff Orange.
Finally, Cheryl, a mom of four, with three children who currently attend Hidden Valley Schools and one a graduate of HVHS and now at VT, is the clear choice, because she will for fight for your children like they are her own. She will always put our children’s education first.”

Ashley Call
RCPS Teacher"

-Cheryl
10/28/21

“Had the opportunity to sign the Bus today! Glenn believes that parents absolutely should have a say in their children’s education. I am so grateful for his amazing support with my school board election race. ”

-Cheryl
10/27/21

From Ms. Facciani's campaign page: Current and former politicians and political candidates endorsements in the comments below.

“Dr. Nancy Dye is a true leader in Roanoke who gives of herself tirelessly. I am humbled to know her and have her support. Please take a minute and read her recent Roanoke Times Letter to the Editor submission.
“Cheryl Facciani for Roanoke County School Board

Please vote Cheryl Facciani for School Board now or on Election Day. Cheryl has my endorsement and support.

Almost ten years ago, I met Cheryl at a JDRF fundraiser just days after her two youngest children were diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. As her world was crashing down upon her, Cheryl showed incredible resilience as she stepped up wanting to know how she could help make a difference through JDRF. Immediately I was struck by her willingness to roll up her sleeves, get involved and be a leader. I was not surprised to learn that she was asked to serve on the JDRF Board of Directors just a few months later, where her amazing leadership skills, critical and creative thinking skills, passion and commitment, character and integrity became more and more apparent to all who served alongside her.

I have no doubt that Cheryl will bring the same amount of energy, enthusiasm and commitment to serving on the School Board as she is prepared to tackle very important issues we currently face today in our schools. Cheryl will offer effective and efficient solutions to address the loss of learning due to the pandemic and school shutdowns. She will pushback against political agendas and ideology that have no place in the classroom. Cheryl will make sure every parent has a say in their child’s education and that every student has an equal opportunity for success. She will support competitive teacher pay while finding solutions for retaining and attracting new teachers. Cheryl will support advanced classes, advanced diplomas and will ensure that Roanoke County schools are the best that they can be.

I am confident that Cheryl, a mother of four, with three children who currently attend Hidden Valley Schools and one a graduate of HVHS, now enrolled at Virginia Tech, will fight for your children as if they were her own. Vote Cheryl Facciani for School Board because she will put your children’s education first.” ~Dr. Nancy Dye”

-Cheryl
10/21/21

"I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement of Roanoke County Sheriff Eric Orange.
“As a Veteran and public servant with 20+ years of law enforcement experience, I have served alongside some great leaders. Those individuals possess two distinct qualities, the ability to place the needs of others before their own and the ability to effectively communicate. In the short time that I have known Cheryl Facciani, she has demonstrated to me a desire to serve others and a desire to maintain open and respectful lines of communication. For these reasons, I believe that she will be an exceptional addition to the Roanoke County School Board.”
-Sheriff Eric Orange, Roanoke County Sheriff"

-Cheryl
10/21/21

Some recent comments on Cheryl's Facebook posts:

Comment: “I agree with you. However are you aware this is already being done in schools? Consequently what alternatives or new solutions do you bring to the table?” (No response)

Comment: “No thanks. Education should always lean toward the progressive--that is how this nation moves forward. Vote for liberal candidates for school boards.” (No response)

Comment: "I have a life guard friend at the RAC and a Senior at CSHS....her cheerleading team contacted the chi-com virus..."I had a fever and cold like symptoms and took Tylenol and Dayquil...and fine after 2 days but banned from in person education for 2 weeks...her younger brother got the chi-com virus and got a fever....she was quarantined for 14 days from in person school....so far she has missed 28 days of in person education in 9 weeks...she has to do in person testing because it is not fair to those who attended class and the school is worried about her cheating on test"...what was ZOOM EDUCATION." (No response. As an aside, this person frequently comments on Roanoke Times articles and this is tame compared to some of the things he says. He constantly cites the Daily Mail as sources for his information on current events. Just looking at his comments over the past several months, he appears to be both a fanatic and a bigot.)

Comment: “What do you think about what's going on up in Loudon County Va ?”

Response: “Parents are stakeholders and absolutely must have a say and a voice in their children’s education. I do not believe that we should put feelings over safety. People are upset and should be.”

“It is a great honor to have the endorsement and support of our Roanoke County Treasurer, F. Kevin Hutchins.
“I am happy to endorse and support Cheryl Facciani for School Board (Windsor Hills District). I am confident that Cheryl has the leadership skills, integrity and character to serve our schools and community.” -F. Kevin Hutchins, Treasurer”

-Cheryl
10/19/21

“These are my people. 3 of my children live with the burden of Type One Diabetes. It is a 24/7 battle. They are my warriors. On day one, I got involved with JDRF fundraising for a cure and serving on the Board of Directors. Our team Facciani Fighters raised over $120K through our Super Slip n Slide, One Walk and One Ride. Stepping up, advocating for children and others is what I do best. When elected, as a mom, I will always step up for your children as if they were my own, because I want our schools to be the best they can be. ”

-Cheryl
10/16/21

“What are your thoughts on Burton Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT)?

When elected, every decision I make as a member of the school board, will be made while looking at the fiscal impact on our entire community.

I view BCAT as an economic-education engine with the untapped potential to drive our community to become better and stronger. I trust that the BCAT Citizens Advisory Committee will do an excellent job investigating our options and developing a sound plan. I believe in BIG ideas. Solar Energy buildings funded by grants could be a WIN-WIN. Net-zero designs have a global significance and in addition, they offer a powerful solution for schools struggling with costs. There are a lot of moving parts but I’m confident that I have the necessary leadership skills, common sense attitude and a solid working relationship, that is needed to work with the Board of Supervisors to propel this amazing project forward in the right direction. ”

-Cheryl
10/13/21

“Great relationships and strong teamwork builds communities that thrive and achieve success.
I am honored to have the endorsement of so many wonderful elected Roanoke County leaders. Thank you for your support. I am humbled. (Roanoke County Commonwealth Attorney, Brian Holohan; Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Phil North, Paul Mahoney, David Radford, Martha Ho**er)” (photo with Ho**er, North, Mahoney, Radford, Brent Hudson, Holohan, David Linden)

-Cheryl
10/11/21

“Delegate Joe McNamara quote:
As a father of five Roanoke County School graduates, I know the importance of putting students first. I trust Cheryl Facciani for doing what is best for our children, and I ask you to join me in voting for her on November 2!”
I am honored to have the endorsement and support of Delegate Joe McNamara, Delegate Chris Head and Senator David Suetterlein. Thank you!
Paid for and authorized by Friends of Cheryl Facciani”
(Photo with Head, McNamara, Suetterlein)

-Cheryl
10/11/21

“What will I focus on when serving on the school board?
Moving forward our greatest concern should be the fallout from the pandemic and its ripple effects from the loss of learning, which is clearly evidenced in our recent SOL scores, and how that will vary among different income groups, communities and neighborhoods.
Education is the great equalizer. With education, we can lift children and entire families out of poverty or financial struggles.
We need to accurately assess the depth and the extent of the unfinished learning. It is our school boards job to find the best programs, techniques, and technology to support our students in catching up on the learning they missed. There is now significant funding in place from the Federal Government to address these critical issues. With the help of our hard working teachers, we need to identify which students need extra support, including tutoring in and outside the classroom. It’s imperative that we honor the needs of all the children and find creative, innovative methods to engage and motivate them towards success.”

-Cheryl
10/11/21