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New Orleans doesn't see kids as one-size-fits-all Opinion, Let's Choose Schools in Texas, August 30, 2010 "Schools now have the freedom to select teachers whose skills and philosophy match their mission, and vice versa. Students and their families have choices, too. No student is assigned to a school according to a neighborhood boundary, and any parent unhappy with his or her child's school can choose a different one.State officials have put charters in a position to succeed or fail on their own merits. They've also allocated resources fairly. Charters occupy public school buildings, like regular public schools, and they receive equitable funding for each student they enroll" Wall Street Journal quote Read more
Gov. Perry Press Release August 31, 2010 Gov advocates for ISD's to cut administrative costs that divert much-needed funds from the classroom Read more
Teachers deserve a pay raise Editorial Out of the Storm August 30, 2010 For every teacher in AISD, there is an AISD employee who is not directly imparting knowledge to our students Read more
Education leader moves on August 31, 2010 Austin American Statesman
Who will take the helm read more
AISD Considers Tax Hike by Jim Bergamo KVUE News,August 23, 2010 Austin Independent School District board members met Monday night to vote on a proposed operating budget of $716 million. But Austin residents won't get the opportunity to vote on the matter because the AISD board elected not to put the issue on the ballot. Watch Video and Read more
ISD Board to Vote on Tax Increase Today, Austin Chamber, Drew Scheberle
Monday, August 23, 2010 On Monday night, Austin ISD trustees will decide whether to hold a November election asking voters for permission to raise the tax rate by up to five cents per $100 of assessed value to fund district operations. The board will also vote on an additional tax increase of 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value tax to cover district debt payments on previously approved bonds. The 2.5-cent tax increase does not require voter approval, according to district officials.
The Austin Chamber continues to ask trustees to adopt greater efficiencies and certainly not to dig a deeper fiscal hole before considering a tax rate election. On Monday, the Chamber will again ask trustees to dedicate themselves to cutting deeper in order to reallocate money to fund the programs that will result in the higher graduation, college/career readiness and post-secondary enrollment rate goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan.
All trustees would benefit from hearing your views on a potential tax rate election, in particular Trustees Sam Guzman, Annette Lovoi, Tamala Barksdale, Lori Moya, and Robert Schneider. The Chamber would appreciate your advice and your willingness to contact Trustees in advance of Monday’s vote.
Judging by the discussion at last night’s school board meeting and discussions at past board meetings, here’s where the trustees seem to stand on a November tax rate election:
Standing firm against the five-cent tax increase: President Mark Williams, Vice President Vincent Torres, Cheryl Bradley and Christine BristerStrongly in favor of the five-cent tax increase: Tamara Barksdale and Sam Guzman Previously said they would support the five-cent tax increase: Secretary Lori Moya and Annette LoVoiPreviously said he would support the five-cent tax increase if the district’s “house is in order”: Robert Schneider
Dr. Carstarphen has not taken a public position on the five-cent tax increase as of this writing.
Last night, Sam Guzman said that he will propose the five-cent tax increase on Monday regardless of the superintendent’s position. If that motion fails, he will propose that the district spend up to $22 million into fund balance to fund additional teacher salary increases beyond the small increase already included in the budget, as well as other currently unfunded programs.
This motion, if adopted, would not represent fiscal stewardship, could reduce Austin ISD’s bond rating (which increases future borrowing costs) and will create an even deeper fiscal hole trustees will have to dig out of next year before even starting to fund key strategic plan priorities.
Gene Austin, Chamber board member and CEO of software company Convio, Inc., told trustees last night that the Chamber is enthusiastic about Austin ISD’s positive direction and strongly supportive of the district accomplishing the goals of its strategic plan. Austin recommended that trustees work on further financial efficiencies before talking with voters about a higher tax rate. The Austin, Austin Asian American and Capital City African American chambers have all asked the trustees to balance the FY11 budget and fund the strategic plan.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Pilar Sanchez and President/CEO Andy Martinez asked trustees to “demonstrate further efficiencies before seeking a tax increase” and “limit…use of the reserve fund,” in a statement Sanchez gave last night. They also asked trustees to adhere to the strategic plan, continue recent positive changes, and aggressively pursue funding from external sources. (Read the full statement.)
Charlie Betts from the Downtown Austin Alliance also spoke in opposition to the five-cent tax rate increase last night.
In closing comments to last night’s board meeting, Austin ISD Board President Mark Williams cited business concerns, among many others, about supporting a tax rate election as a compelling reason to get Austin ISD’s house in order before approaching voters about a tax increase. Please contact dscheberle@austinchamber.com with any questions or comments.
Back to school without leaving the house By Ericka Mellon Houston Chronicle August 22, 2010 The first day of school will be different for the Blane family this year. Parents Eric and Melissa won’t have to pack their children’s lunches or send them to the bus stop this morning.
DC Gives Performance Pay to Teachers, July 1, 2010 Let's Choose Schools in Texas
The American Dream Summit, Austin, Texas July 2-3 visit the Austin CEO Foundation booth moreThe Lottery Film Review, Huffington Post, June 10, 2010 The Lottery film is about the children -- young, impressionable, eager to learn and, often, ignored in the knock-down drag-outs between the unions and the charter schools ..." more
Race to the Top BAD says Education Week, May 26, 2010 Commentary Diane Ratvich read commentary and comments here
TEA Press Release May 26, 2010 Commissioner of Education Robert Scott in March announced his intention to close Kendleton, a Houston-suburban district, because of chronic academic problems. Press Release here
TEA Press Release May 21, 2010 The State Board of Education approved new social studies curriculum standards on a series of 9-5 votes today. See press release for more details.
Read Social Studies Standards here Liberty blog CNN debate Fox News
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Press Conference audio with Robert Scott, TEA Commissioner on Accountability ratings here
TEA Texas School Accountability Ratings July 30, 2010 view here
TEA Texas Student Dropout and Graduation Rates view here
TEA Press Release Q&A Texas Projection Measure here
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