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Today's News
"Bonds and Bond Guarantee Capacity" by Joe Smith- Good Morning - May 9, 2008
The count still stands at 73 school districts seeking bond approval on Saturday. According to our list the total value of bonds being considered is $7,793,316,957. Readers had several questions about the status of the state bond guarantee program which is getting near to capacity.
Remember to "Vote" Saturday May 10
Congratulations to the following New Supers:
Dr. Robin Battershell, Superintendent at Salado ISD, has been named New Super of Temple ISD.
Keith A. Brown, Superintendent at Thrall ISD, has been named New Super of Bay City ISD.
Dr. Jeffrey L. Brasher, Superintendent of Veribest ISD, has been named New Super of Brady ISD.
Hector Mendez, Interim Superintendent of Ector County ISD, has been named New Super of ECISD.
  May 9, 2008, 09:00
Legislative and State Meetings
Select Committee to meet in McAllen, May 9th The Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance is traveling around the state to meet in various cities. The next meeting will take place on Friday, May 9th in McAllen- Notice - Tuesday, May 13th in SAN ANTONIO , and Friday, May 16th in HOUSTON. (Upated May 6)
HOUSE - PUBLIC EDUCATION - May 28 @ 9:00 A.M. in E2.036
SENATE - EDUCATION - May 19 - E1.028 - Florence Shapiro
  May 9, 2008, 08:43
New From TEA
New Today!Middle School Physical Activity for the 2008-2009 School Year
TEA identifies partners in Texas Virtual School Network
Request for Application #701-08-109 2008-2009 Even Start Family Literacy Competitive Grant
Automated External Defibrillator Reimbursement
Middle School Physical Activity for the 2008-2009 School Year
Tax Information Frequently Asked Questions (Posted April 25, 2008)
Eighty-three percent of fifth-grade students and 75 percent of eighth-grade students pass TAKS math
TEKS Revisions Public Hearing
External Defibrillator Reimbursement
2006–07 “Final” Summary of Finances
Notice: Review TEA Correspondence to Districts Letters on various topics sent to school districts from the Texas Education Agency.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:41
As earth falls away, anxiety bubbles up
"Sinkhole" In a former oil town pocked by the derricks of days gone by, people always knew the ground could sink away. They just never thought it would. The sinkhole that opened suddenly in Daisetta on Wednesday morning had yawned to the width of three football fields and a depth of more than 250 feet by late Thursday. Its growth had significantly slowed since Wednesday, officials said. Some residents closest to the hole packed suitcases in case they needed to leave in a hurry. Some sought refuge in nearby motels. Others stood their ground. The sinkhole was both nuisance and novelty for townspeople learning to cope with the constant drone of news helicopters.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:39
In Plano, many register to vote, but few actually do
Bond! Plano City Council member Shep Stahel has run unopposed twice this decade. He routed his only opponent in 2003, the year the city set a modern record for low voter turnout. The following year, turnout fell even lower, to just over 2 percent of registered voters. Consider Mr. Stahel's path as evidence of the indifference that recently has defined Plano's elections. "I used to say on the campaign trail: I'd love it if you vote for me. But even if you don't vote for me, vote for somebody," Mr. Stahel said. The number of registered voters in Plano may have ballooned in the past two decades, but municipal voter turnout has not grown with it.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:38
TEXAS BUDGET SURPLUS
AUSTIN – A $10.7 billion budget surplus predicted this week by Comptroller Susan
Combs set Capitol-tongues awagging with plans for tax rebates and self
congratulations for cultivating such a robust economy. But the surplus
is actually about $2 billion. The rest is already dedicated: $5.7
billion for the state's Rainy Day Fund, and $3 billion to pay for property tax
cuts approved last year. While $2 billion still sounds like a lot of money, out
of that the state will have to pay for an estimated 160,000 new students
expected to enroll in the public school system since the last budget was
written. That could eat up about half of the remaining surplus.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:37
Rising gas prices cause difficulties for school districts
Sanger ISD administrators figured rising gasoline costs into their budget, but no one imagined the price at the pump would rise so high. "It's pretty much doubled," said Rick Clements, Sanger deputy superintendent. To cut sots, the district merged a few bus routes and cancelled a big field trip to Fair Park. "It's one of those things where you can't control it. You're going to have to live with it and you're going to have to adjust to it," said Clements.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:36
University of North Texas conference deals with how schools can help children following immigration raids
The morning that immigration enforcement agents raided a meatpacking plant in
Cactus, Texas, a carpool of teachers called their superintendent to say they'd
be late to school. A convoy of black Suburbans with flashing yellow lights was
blocking their path. Larry Appel, superintendent of the Dumas school
district, which services Cactus, would soon discover that law
enforcement had been directed to block some roads because of the raid.
Later that day, the superintendent conducted an unusual operation of his own:
ensuring that every single child in his district had a home to go to that night.
He said immigration agents were not unkind or rude, but he thinks "they really
forgot about the children" on that day in December 2006. Dr. Appel shared his
story Thursday at a daylong conference at the University of North Texas on the
impact of illegal immigration on education, the economy and social issues.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:36
Preventive Law Corner - USERRA – Part II
A district employee had been identified as an established uniformed service member. The time has come for the district to determine its obligations when releasing the employee for military duty and then returning the service member to employment rolls. This installment of our USERRA series will examine the parameters and commitment districts must demonstrate for their military employees when the employee is called for duty.
  May 9, 2008, 08:32
Florence Shapiro weighs run for U.S. Senate
AUSTIN -- State Sen. Florence Shapiro of Dallas is considering setting up an exploratory committee to run for the U.S. Senate in anticipation of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison running for governor. Mrs. Shapiro was not available for comment but her political consultant, Bryan Eppstein, said people around the state are urging the Dallas Republican to seek the Senate if Mrs. Hutchison resigns or retires. “Right now, she’s strongly considering it,” said Mr. Eppstein. He noted that a year ago, former Dallas Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach was among those touting the idea and volunteered to help if Mrs. Shapiro ran for an open Senate seat. Comment: Shapiro is chair of Texas Senate Education Committee - js
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:31
Superintendent Vacancies
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| Vacant |
Zavalla ISD - Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Mexia ISD - Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Coahoma ISD - Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Fruitvale ISD - Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Hillsboro ISD - Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Central Heights ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Venus ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Liberty Hill ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Veribest ISD - Search by Dr. Jeffrey L. Brasher & The Veribest ISD Board of Trustees |
| Vacant |
Thrall ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
San Felipe Del Rio CISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Moulton ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Alpine ISD - Search by Bob E. Griggs & Associates |
| Vacant |
Water Valley ISD - Search by Bob E. Griggs & Associates |
| Vacant |
Sulphur Bluff ISD - Search by Sulphur Bluff ISD Board of Trustees Brochure! |
| Vacant |
Springlake - Earth ISD - Search by Dr. Gary Bigham & SEISD Board of Trustees Brochure! |
| Vacant |
Caddo Parish School Dist., Shreveport, LA - Search by BWP Associates, George McShan & Nolan Estes Application Info! |
| Vacant |
Oakwood ISD - Search by Dr. Douglas E. Moore & Oakwood ISD Board of Trustees |
| Vacant |
Bullard ISD - Search by Horn, Smith, Wood & Associates, LLC |
| Vacant |
Hart ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Tom Bean ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Lockhart ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Garner ISD - Search By Bob E. Griggs & Associates |
| Vacant |
TEA Deputy Commissioner for School District Leadership & Educator Quality - Click Here for More Info! |
| Vacant |
Harlingen CISD - Search by Waterford School Services - Dr. Jess Butler, Dr. Felipe Alanis, Dr. Bob Galvan |
| Vacant |
Region 15 ESC (San Angelo) Executive Director Brochure! |
| Vacant |
Meridian ISD - Search by Meridian ISD Board of Trustees Brochure! |
| Vacant |
Overton ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Mineral Wells ISD - Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Vacant |
Riviera ISD - Search by Dr. Jim Walter, Dr. Don Rogers & Raul Prezas of University Associates |
| Lone Finalist |
Sam Rayburn ISD - Jeff Irvin, Interim Supt. SRISD; Search by Sam Rayburn ISD Board of Trustees |
| Lone Finalist |
Somerset ISD - Saul Hinojosa, Jr. High Prin. SISD; Search by Dr. Jim Walter, Dr. Don Rogers & Raul Prezas of University Associates |
| Lone Finalist |
Cleburne ISD - Ronald "Ronny" Beard, Supt. Sweetwater ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| Lone Finalist |
Quinlan ISD - Michael French, Supt. Scurry-Rosser ISD; Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Lone Finalist |
Palestine ISD - Dr. Tommy Wallis, HS Prin. Mabank ISD; Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Lone Finalist |
Silsbee ISD - Richard Bain Jr., Supt. Water Valley ISD; Search by Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt, L.L.P. |
| Lone Finalist |
Krum ISD - Mike Davis, Supt. Alpine ISD; Search By Bob E. Griggs & Associates |
| Lone Finalist |
Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD - Pat Adams, Supt. Central Heights ISD; Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| Lone Finalist |
Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD - LaTonya Goffney, Jr. High Prin. COISD; Search by COISD Board of Trustees Brochure! Apply Here! |
| Lone Finalist |
Olney ISD - Tom Bailey, Frmr. Supt. Lockhart ISD; Search by Dale Thomas of Region 9 ESC |
| Lone Finalist |
Christoval ISD- David Walker, Prin. Oakwood ISD, Search by CISD Board of Trustees Announcement! |
| Lone Finalist |
North Forest ISD - Dr. James Simpson, Former Supt. North Forest ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Woden ISD - Brent Hawkins, Supt. Diboll ISD; Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| New Super |
Bay City ISD - Keith A. Brown, Supt. Thrall ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Brady ISD - Dr. Jeffrey Brasher, Supt. Veribest ISD; Search by Brady ISD Board of Trustees |
| New Super |
Temple ISD - Dr. Robin Battershell, Supt. Salado ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Carthage ISD - Glenn Hambrick, Supt. Elkhart ISD; Search by Arrow Educational Services Click for More Info! |
| New Super |
Brownwood ISD - James "Reece" Blincoe, Supt. Stockdale ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Crystal City ISD - Ramundo Villarreal, Personnel Dir. Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Royal ISD - Nathaniel Richardson, Prin. RISD; Search by Royal ISD Board of Trustees Brochure! |
| New Super |
Wharton ISD - Dr. James Bartosh, Supt. Granger ISD; Search by Wharton ISD Board of Trustees Brochure! |
| New Super |
Whitewright ISD - Steve Arthur, Supt. Sam Rayburn ISD; Search by TASB Executive Search Services |
| New Super |
Alamo Heights ISD; Kevin Brown Dir. Personnel & Public Information AHISD - Search by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, LTD. |
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Last Updated: 5/08/08 |
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Click Here for More Vacancies & Details! |
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How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com? | |
  May 9, 2008, 08:30
Arrow Educational Services: ‘Supt.’ Search engine humming for Mexia ISD
The “Search Engine” cranked up Tuesday evening as a school patron audience, cut short by conflicting events throughout town, made statements at invitation of Dr. Russell Marshall, representative of Arrow Educational Services. The search firm heard from the community Tuesday at a meeting held in the schools’ Administration Building.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:29
Del rio: 'Super' requirements cited
Integrity, visionary, supportive, passionate, innovative, fair and open-minded are some of the most sought after traits voiced Tuesday by those attending public sessions in search of a new superintendent.
More than 60 people took part in seven public sessions at the Del Rio Civic Center meant to help guide the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District’s Board of Trustees in seeking a new superintendent.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:29
Superintendents of four Concho Valley districts on the move
Several Concho Valley school districts will begin the next academic year with new leaders. Water Valley Superintendent Richard Bain was hired Monday as the new Silsbee school district superintendent after waiting the state-mandated 21 days as lone finalist. Also, Veribest superintendent Jeffrey Brasher has been named the new superintendent at Brady and will start June 2. David Walker, an assistant superintendent at Oakwood in East Texas, will take over the Christoval school district in June as well, earning $76,000 a year.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:29
Two Hallsville principals to step down
HALLSVILLE — Two Hallsville Independent School District principals will be
leaving their campuses to take on other roles of leadership with the
district. High School Principal Brian Morris and Junior High School
Principal Eve Ford will each transition to their new positions sometime during
the summer, said Deputy Superintendent Paula Rogers. Morris, who has been
the high school principal for more than 4 years, will oversee district
transportation issues and be involved in campus construction as the director of
operations and support services. Morris will replace Gary Lovelace, who has been
named to the newly created position of director of facility planning and
development. Lovelace will oversee the construction of the new facilities from
the bond election passed in November. Lovelace's position is not
permanent. Superintendent Greg Wright said the position has been authorized for
the life of the bond issue. When construction is completed in 2011, the district
will evaluate the position to see if it is still needed. Morris said he is
excited about his new position. "I see this as an opportunity to have an impact
on a larger number of kids," Morris said.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:29
School security deadline is Aug. 31
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a reminder Wednesday to school districts that Aug. 31 is the deadline to submit campus security audits to the Texas School Safety Center.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:20
Bulletin Board
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TexasISD "Events and Opportunities" |
| TASN - Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week |
- Celebrate May 5-9, 2008
- TASN would like to say a special thank you to all of our amazing Child Nutrition Professionals. Celebrate your caring, trained, and professional child nutrition staff during the week of May 5-9, 2008.
- School Administrators, here's your opportunity to recognize your Child Nutrition Department and salute all of their hard work! Directors, do you have a great story about your dedicated staff? Child Nutrition Staff, does your co-worker go above and beyond every day?
- Let us know! Email your stories, recognition, and comments to paulinav@tasn.net
- For more information, including a printable appreciation certificate, please visit www.TASN.net.
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| Texas Association of Public Schools (TAPS) & Schwartz & Eichelbaum Wardell Mehl and Hansen |
Litigation Risk Management Seminar Another Member Service of the Texas Association of Public Schools. Approved for 6 hours Texas Education Agency Training Certification Topics: Defensive Hiring & Firing, Construction Basics, Avoiding Litigation Landmines To Register email Reservations@tapsplf.org or for More Info
| May 6th |
San Antonio |
Doubletree Hotel |
| May 7th |
El Paso |
Camino Real Hotel |
| May 19th |
Texarkana |
La Crosse Hotel |
| May 20th |
Fort Worth |
Hilton Hotel | |
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5th Annual Read Right® National Conference May 15-17, Hyatt Regency Hotel Dallas/Ft Worth Airport |
Total Solution for reading problems: Perhaps this powerful reading intervention program is just what you’ve been looking for to help your most at risk readers pass the TAKS. Consider sending some of your team to learn about Read Right and network with reading intervention tutors, trainers and principals from across TX and America; over 300 attendees. Last year attendees reported the conference as: "Excellent!", "Very useful, practical information. Thank You." Visit the program in action at nearby Irving ISD, Over 30 break out Sessions. Click Here for Conference Information |
| Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators |
- Workshops, conferences, and communications covering HR laws, best practice, and state agency updates.
- Regional workshops in June at various locations and dates for supervisors of non-exempt personnel:
2008 Dates and locations: El Paso June 4, Corpus Christi June 12, San Antonio June 13, Austin June 16, Dallas June 19, Houston June 26. Designed for Frontline Supervisors (cafeteria, maintenance, transportation, etc.), principals, Superintendents, Personnel Directors, and/or other HR staff.
- Regional Documentation workshops with Dr. Frank Kemerer and Dr. John Crain September-November:
2008 Dates and locations: TBA
- State-wide conferences held in Austin in July and December for administrators:
Summer half-day Law with Schwartz & Eichelbaum, P.C., July 23; TASPA Summer Conference, July 23-25; Winter Law with Legal Digest, Dec 10; TASPA/TAEE Winter Conference Dec 10-12.
- State-wide conference held September 21-22 for all HR staff (administrators, secretaries, certification clerks, benefits specialists, etc.).
- Visit the TASPA website at http://taspa.org/conferences.html for conference descriptions, locations, and dates, and http://taspa.org/form.html for membership information.
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| Region XIII High School Summit - Featuring Ruby Payne! |
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Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute – The 08-09 cohort is forming now. |
- A blended online program designed by superintendents, for aspiring superintendents.
- Attend face-to-face sessions in San Antonio (ESC20) and Austin (ESC13) once every six weeks.
- Conveniently complete coursework online, while interacting with the other participants and the course facilitator.
- Visit the TSCI website to apply.
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| Region 4 ESC |
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Region 4 Education Service Center is pleased to offer the Aspiring Superintendent and Education Leadership Academy beginning September 2007. The Academy will include six sessions beginning in September 2007. <Download Info>
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Region 4 Education Service Center is pleased to offer the second year of the ten-module Superintendents’ Academy. The Academy is open to any individual currently serving as a superintendent of schools. <Download Info> |
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Lamar University Superintendent & Principal Academy |
- We are now receiving nominations for Superintendent Academy XV and Principal Academy XI. You can nominate yourself or another principal or superintendent by calling Trudy Willett or Bob Thompson at (409) 880-1841 and we will fax you a tentative calendar and nomination forms.
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Superintendent Academy Info
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Principal Academy Info |
| The University of Texas at Tyler’s Web-Enhanced Superintendent Certification Program |
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  May 9, 2008, 08:00
Student stabbed at Dickinson school
A student told police Wednesday a classmate stabbed in him in the back, prompting an emergency lock down at Dickinson High School while police searched the area for a suspect.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:00
TAKS scores up for Dallas ISD eighth-graders, but district still trails state
Dallas ISD eighth-graders posted significant gains on state exams this
spring, bringing a bit of good news to a public school system that often seems
mired in problems. District officials said the improved scores provide evidence
that improvement efforts are paying off for DISD students.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 08:00
Comal: CISD discusses raises for 2008-09
Comal Independent School District trustees discussed changes Thursday to CISD’s proposed 2008-09 budget of about $119.5 million, which must be balanced and approved by late August.
The budget for the current academic year is close to $111 million — about $8.6 million, or 7.75 percent, less than next year’s proposed sum.
If the budget is approved, teachers will get an approximately 6.5 percent raise next year, administrators will see a raise of about 4.5 percent, and the salaries for teachers’ aides, custodians and office workers — will rise by about 8.5 percent.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:51
State education commissioner questions new Bible course law
AUSTIN - A new law giving Texas high schools freedom to teach elective Bible courses has the state's top education official unclear about the obligations to offer such classes. Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott is asking Attorney General Greg Abbott for an opinion about whether public high schools must offer a Bible course if requested by at least 15 students, a threshold referenced in the bill that was passed last year.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:50
Pleasant Grove breaks ground
Pleasant Grove Board of Trustees President Robert Sheppard talks about the rich tradition of the school district during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning.About 200 people were on hand Thursday for a ground-breaking ceremony that celebrated renovations and new construction for Pleasant Grove Independent School District.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:49
Houston ISD works to save Ryan Middle School
Ryan Middle School is a school in crisis. For two years, it has been rated by the state as academically unacceptable. Last fall the principal was let go and teachers say morale is low.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:47
Learning to love reading
The halls of Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School were buzzing with excitement Thursday night, as Nacogdoches ISD elementary school students and parents gathered for the third annual "Summer Reading is REaD HOT" Family Literacy Night. The purpose of the event was to encourage parental involvement in dealing with literacy, according to Malinda Lindsey, NISD director of literacy, social studies and dyslexia.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:47
Early votes heavy for Bland ISD, City of Commerce elections
The early voting was heavy for Saturday’s elections in the Bland Independent School District and the City of Commerce, both of which have major bond issues pending.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Hallsville ISD changes leaders on 2 campuses
Two Hallsville Independent School District principals will be leaving their campuses to take on other roles of leadership with the district. High School Principal Brian Morris and Junior High School Principal Eve Ford will begin their new positions sometime this summer, Deputy Superintendent Paula Rogers said.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
LISD official reprimanded for vote calls
Bramlette Elementary School Principal Vernessa Gentry was reprimanded Thursday for using school district equipment to encourage parents to vote for Longview's $266.9 million bond proposal. State law prohibits school officials from using school time or equipment, including telephones and copy machines, to advocate a position on a political issue. They can provide factual information, such as details of a proposal and voting locations. "Our principals and staff are excited about the potential of this bond passing," Superintendent James E. Wilcox said Thursday. "Principal Gentry made an honest mistake. We've dealt with the situation internally with a formal, written reprimand and she'll be repaying the district."
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
S&S Consolidated School District works to move bus stops off U.S. Highway 82
SADLER — Students in the S&S Consolidated School District may soon have to travel a bit farther in the mornings to catch their bus to school. Though no official decision has been made, S&S Superintendent Robert Steeber met with Director of Support Services Ron Yoast, Grayson County Commissioner Jackie Crisp and S&S parents to discuss the possibility of moving the current bus stops on U.S. Highway 82 to several strategic stops just off the highway.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Sherman ISD considers network improvements
SHERMAN — The Sherman School Board approved several measures Tuesday to improve the networking systems at Sherman High School, Piner Middle School and Dillingham Intermediate School.
Director of Facilities Chuck Edwards presented information to the Board on network systems. SISD utilizes a districtwide Building Automation System which operates air conditioning, heating, ventilation, exterior lighting and water heaters.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Temple ISD bus involved in accident
Four 5th grade students from Thornton elementary in Temple were sent to the hospital after a vehicle ran into their school bus. District officials say it happened around 11:00 Wednesday morning when the bus was at the intersection of Loop 363 and 57th Street. They say a vehicle ran the stop light and collided with the bus. There were no major injuries.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Voters head to polls Saturday
Elections on Saturday include a $39 million bond issue in the Hitchcock school district, a referendum on civil service rules in Santa Fe, a sales tax referendum in Clear Lake Shores and numerous city council and school board races. Below is a list of the races and polling places.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Weslaco: WISD refutes TAKS allegations
WESLACO — Two complaints filed last month with the Texas Education Agency allege Weslaco school district personnel violated testing procedures to try to boost state test scores.
The complaints - both sent to the TEA anonymously - focus on Memorial Elementary and Raul Gonzalez Elementary.
One complaint says Memorial teachers falsely coded some poor-performing students' Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests so they would not be included in the statewide testing data.
The complaint goes on to allege students knew the test's essay prompts - the topics on which they were to write - before the students were tested.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:45
Ennis: City urges voting on EISD bond package
Without endorsing the Ennis ISD bond included in the May 10 election, the Ennis City Commission approved a resolution encouraging citizens to vote on the proposal.
The $48.9 million bond has been called to construct a new Intermediate School and a new Early Childhood Center, and to expand the existing Sixth Grade Center and Travis Elementary.
“It pleases me very much that we approve this resolution tonight,” Mayor Pro-tem Bob Taylor said.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:40
Bond panel comes up with $350 million wish list for Allen schools
An Allen school district bond committee has come up with a list of $350 million in projects deemed "critical" to district operations. That's nearly $100 million more than the district's estimated current bond capacity – the maximum debt the district can undertake. The school board will probably whittle down the list of top priorities – and possibly add a few of its own – before calling a November bond election. The most expensive project deemed critical is a proposed 20,000-seat stadium with a price tag of more than $65 million. "I'm in sticker shock," school board President Victoria Sublette said after hearing the cost of the stadium last week.
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:39
Pearland: PISD trustees, city council discuss hot topics
Pearland City Council and the PISD Board of Trustees held a joint meeting May 7, where updates on roadway improvements, demographic studies, “Green” policies and school district funding were discussed as shared interests and sources of concern.
The most heated discussion was came upon viewing a presentation on state funding for Texas school districts, with Assistant Superintendent of Business Don Marshall stating that 1,034 public school districts are headed for “financial disaster” and “current funding is fixed indefinitely.”
[ View Article ]
  May 9, 2008, 07:36
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