Audacity + Big Head = Disaster

NEW NEWS FROM Dallas News;
"Congresswoman urges delay on DISD cuts decisions
3:30 PM Thu, May 14, 2009 | Permalink
Kamrhan Farwell/Editor Bio | E-mail | News tips

While Tawnell is busy covering this afternoon's school board proceedings, this press release from Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson just arrived.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON STATEMENT ON FUNDING STATUS FOR DALLAS ISD LEARNING CENTERS AND MAGNET SCHOOLS

Washington, DC - (May 14, 2009) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today released the following statement about the status of funding for Dallas Independent School District (ISD) Learning Centers and Magnet Schools:

"I remain greatly concerned about the status of funding for Dallas ISD Learning Centers and Magnet Schools. Over the past weeks, I've been in close contact with the Department of Education, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Superintendent Michael Hinojosa regarding potential funding cuts within the Magnet Schools and Learning Centers. In particular, there are outstanding questions as to whether or not the Learning Center programs may gain a waiver from being required to meet comparable funding requirements.

"All Title I schools must meet comparability requirements in order to receive Title I funding. If Dallas ISD is found to be in violation it could potentially lose Title I funding, which is approximately $105 million.

"The Department of Education and the Texas Education Agency are closely reviewing all of Dallas ISD's comparability numbers in order to determine what, if any, funding cuts need to be made. Dallas ISD has been working hard to get TEA all the necessary data, but it is my understanding from TEA and the Department of Education that there is still outstanding data that it needs to review. The Department of Education will not be able to give a determination until they can review all of this information.

"Based on these circumstances, I have called on Dallas ISD Board of Trustees President Jack Low to delay tonight's vote on the budgetary measures that will result in funding and staff cuts for the Learning Centers and Magnets. While I understand the need to plan for next year and reposition staff, I also believe that final determinations from TEA and the Department of Education are integral to this funding decision. We should not make cuts to these schools and programs until we know what is required under law. I have been assured that the Department of Education will make a prompt determination once it has the necessary data, so I do not advocate a lengthy delay to this vote.

"It is my hope that the Board of Trustees will take this under advisement, and I will continue to do my part in working with the Department of Education to receive an answer on what funding cuts may be necessary in a timely manner. I will continue to work with Dallas ISD to get the best possible result for our schools.""

OTHER MESSAGES SENT;
Flag this messageMagnets, Learning Centers, Title 1, DISD
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 1:32 AM

View contact detailsTo: "Nancy Binghm" , "Lew Blackburn" , "Leigh Ann Ellis" , "Edwin Flores" , "Jerome Garza" , "Jack Lowe" , "Adam Medrano" , "Ron Price" , "Carla Ranger" ... moreCc: "Tawnell Hobbs" Message contains attachmentsLetter to DISD Board of Trustees 5-13-09.doc (31KB)May 13, 2009
Message sent;
Dallas Independent School District
School Administration Building
3700 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204-5491

ATTN: Board of Trustee Members;
Ron Price, Jerome Garza, Adam Medrano, Edwin Flores, Leigh Ann Ellis, Nancy Bingham, Lew Blackburn, Carla Ranger, Jack Lowe
Dear Board Members,
Significant dysfunction within the Dallas Independent School District has me concerned, again.

Had DISD demonstrated an ability to operate in a financially sound manor, had decisions been clearly in the best interest of maintaining a strong educational delivery system, then perhaps the concern would be of less significance. However decisions, many times this school year alone, have caused legal concerns, financial discord, conflict of interest concerns, distrust, disruption of staff and many schools.

As a taxpayer, parent, business community member, and concerned citizen, I request that the strong Board of Trustees, of whom I voted, whom were elected for this purpose, make demand upon the District Superintendent to produce sufficient time and effort towards requesting, and procurement of, waiver(s) to ensure necessary funding be permitted, and continue, for all Magnet and Learning Centers within the Dallas Independent School District.

Failure to ensure continued Magnet and Learning Center ’s funding will show no backbone, it will do harm. Simply, like putting oil on a fire. This school district will become mediocre. Every model reviewed and examined will have been for not. Do not allow DISD to simply fade to a level below standards already in place. Every Trustee should be on board with this. There should be plurality since this matter stands to disembowel DISD should the waivers not be obtained.

I implore every Trustee to stand up for us regarding this issue. Do the right thing, fight for our schools and our children. Remember; “Our Schools, Our Future”, right! Not “Our School Sour Future”.

RESPONS FROM BOARD MEMBERS REGARDING EMAIL; ONE
Carla Ranger

"There should be plurality since this matter stands to disembowel DISD should the waivers not be obtained."

INSTEAD WE'VE GOT:
AUDACITY + BIG HEADS = DISASTER

"This school district will become mediocre."

MOVE OUT OF DALLAS COUNTY, LET THE TAX BASE REFLECT WHAT WE'RE GOING TO RECEIVE!