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By Dr. Harry Tennant

Dan S. Martin's Principal Rider

by Dan S. Martin
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Entries with keyword: Budget
Posts 1 - 9 of 9

Saturday, April 23, 2011

In The News: Praying For Rain Instead Of School Finance And Funding Solutions

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
Just about every time I read about the Governor of the 'Great State of Texas', I am amazed at the double-speak and disingenuous nature of his dialogue.  It reminds me of a catch phrase on ESPN for athletes who do bone-headed things: "COME ON MAN!"

The LA Times op-ed piece below exposes his double-speak of anti-federalism versus his tendency to take federal funds as readily as any other politician.

Not addressed in this article---but something most of us educators recognize--- is his double-speak about supporting education but doing little to prove it.

Please lead and pray for us on education financing.  It is now raining some in Texas...and I'm sure it will rain a bunch more here before school finance is fundamentally addressed.

Here are a few quotes from the article you can access in its entirety by clicking the image below:

..."You'll recall that Texas' governor has, on more than one occasion in recent years, flirted with the notion that the state should secede from the Union.

Speaking to a Texas "tea party" rally in 2009, for example, Perry said:

"We've got a great Union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're pretty independent to boot."

..."A lot of it is in his book, "Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America From Washington." 

..."Turns out, though, that Perry is -– as they say in Texas -– all hat and no cattle."

Where's the beef?!?!

Posted at 10:24 AM (permalink) 0 Comments View/Leave Comment Share this post with email Share this post on Facebook Share this post on Twitter Share this post on LinkedIn
Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, School Finance

 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

In The News: Big City Problems Can Invite Big City Solutions

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
This is an interesting study of local politics...if nothing else.  But it is much more.  In previous posts I've covered varied responses by local school districts to drastic cuts in Texas school funding.  This is yet another very unique case.

This detailed, fairly lengthy article sheds light on internal communications (and just a few of the prickly issues) raised by some ideas floated between Austin ISD and the city of Austin.  This article is a good read.

A few quotes:

..."Such a degree of formal collaboration would be unusual between the city and school district. Unlike some states, nearly all Texas school districts are set up to operate independently of city and county governments. School districts set their own taxes, spending and policies.

..."early proposal to close schools. Such a move, he said, would seem to run counter to the city's efforts to reduce suburban sprawl and encourage growth in the urban core."

..."Other ideas tossed around City Hall included what one person described as a "tax trade-off."

..."described the trade-off as an arrangement in which the city would raise taxes while the district lowered taxes. The plan wouldn't cost taxpayers any more money, according to the speculation, but it would raise more money for the district, which is forced to hand over a portion of revenue it raises to the state under school finance law."

This is just a sampling of the ideas being floated regarding Austin ISD's shortfall.  Some are much more controversial than others.  The article is worth a read...and you may even know a social studies teacher who could use it in instruction on local politics!  If so, please...

Check It Out!  Pass It On!


Click the photo above to access the complete story from The Austin American-Statesman

Posted at 12:05 PM (permalink) 5 Comments View/Leave Comment Share this post with email Share this post on Facebook Share this post on Twitter Share this post on LinkedIn
Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, School Finance, Save Money

 

Saturday, March 19, 2011

In The News: As If Draconian State Budget Cuts Weren't Enough, They Are Triggering Federal Cuts For Some Districts

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
Vision and planning are good things.  Austin ISD had a vision, did a tremendous amount of planning, applied for & won a federal grant of $62.3 million dollars from a "highly competitive, five-year Teacher Incentive Fund grant." 

Sounds great.  Austin ISD had a vision to attract and retain top-notch teachers and administrators to their more challenging "east side" schools.  The federal government vetted and bought into the plan.  The problem is, the grant is contingent upon local money that Austin ISD had allocated before the budget slash.  With looming state budget cuts of 15-25%, Austin must re-allocate those funds.  Now, the feds say if the local matching funds are not there, there will be no federal funds.  And...they seem to mean it.

So, Austin ISD will take a State budget slash triggering a complimentary federal cut in funds.

Good times for Texas school districts.


Click the image above for a much more in-depth explanation from an
(Austin) Statesman article.

Posted at 3:00 PM (permalink) 0 Comments View/Leave Comment Share this post with email Share this post on Facebook Share this post on Twitter Share this post on LinkedIn
Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance

 

Friday, March 11, 2011

In The News: Texas Governor Rick Perry Places Blame For Teacher Layoffs On 'Locals'

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
Is there an educator left in Texas who supports Governor Rick Perry?  Feel free to comment...pro or con.

If you are still on the fence, here are a few quotes from the much more lengthy article below...

"We're baffled by Governor Perry's comments," said Dax Gonzalez, spokesman for the Texas Association of School Boards. "Let there be no mistake that the decisions being made in school districts across the state regarding budget cuts and teacher layoffs are the direct results of decisions ... at the state Capitol."

School district officials in Tarrant County collectively shook their heads at Perry's remarks.

"It causes me much consternation that he would say something like that," said Cindy Lotton, the Keller district's school board president. "There are problems with funding from the state, and the districts have been tasked with cleaning up the mess."

(Read the entire Star-Telegram article by clicking the image below)




A rally on the south steps of the state Capitol on Saturday is being organized by a coalition called
Save Texas Schools.

Planners say they expect as many as 10,000 participants.

Posted at 12:21 PM (permalink) 4 Comments View/Leave Comment Share this post with email Share this post on Facebook Share this post on Twitter Share this post on LinkedIn
Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance

 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

In The News: Rainy Days Are Here For Texas School Districts...Where Are The Funds?

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
Some momentum seems to be picking up for use of State "Rainy Day" funds to lessen the impact of budget cuts on Texas school districts.  There are, of course, those hoping to hold back the tide...like Governor Rick Perry.  One argument those of a like mind advance is probably solid.  Specifically, dipping into the fund would only be a short-term infusion that will not fundamentally solve school budget woes in Texas schools (until school finance reform is enacted).  O.K., they often fail to acknowledge the part about school finance reform...or at least any viable solutions.  That is where we need to get to.

Below find a few quotes from the WFAA.com story, followed by an embedded video of the entire story:

"...In the worst-case scenario, Dallas (ISD) would lose $253 million in state funds, and that could result in nearly 4,000 jobs lost.

One way to ease the pain would be to tap the state's Rainy Day Fund for public education.

But as schools across Texas brace for the pain of unprecedented budget cuts, Gov. Rick Perry's office told News 8 his stance remains the same: The Rainy Day Fund should go untouched."

Posted at 12:41 PM (permalink) 2 Comments View/Leave Comment Share this post with email Share this post on Facebook Share this post on Twitter Share this post on LinkedIn
Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance

 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Communication: A Group Of Leading Teachers Is Planning To Communicate A Message To Wash. D.C.

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
This march on D.C. is being organized by a large group of National Board Certified teachers -- teachers from many states who have passed rigorous examinations by an independent national board.

July 28-31 sure is a nice time for a visit to our nation's capital!  Perhaps we should join our educator friends there!
 

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Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, School Finance, March On Washington

 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

In The News: Parents Are Beginning To Band Together Against Proposed Draconian Cuts In Texas Education

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
People power seems to be a theme of 2011.  Are the people of Texas about to demand adequate public school funding?

A few quotes from WFAA.com are below and the longer video story is embedded as well!

"The push is on for Texas lawmakers to consider all resources to deal with the budget crisis — including diving into the state's $9.4 billion "rainy day" fund."

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.."I keep on getting the feeling that they all want us to meekly accept that there is going to be cuts,"  said Susan Schuerger of the Woodrow Wilson Community Council. "It hurts my feelings. It insults me as a parent and as a concerned citizen."

..."We are already at the bottom, and we don't need to race to be last," said Cochran. "We understand there's a budget shortfall, but you cannot cut the school funding for our children."

..."The grim picture across the state is pushing parents to recruit others. They want their voices to reach the state Capitol one way or another.

"We've got a ton of people sending letters to their legislators, meeting with their legislators, planning rallies in Austin," Cochran said.  "We've got a long battle ahead of us. I think more and more parents are going to come out and be heard."



I love parents who support their local schools!

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Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance, Parent Involvement

 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

In The News: School Board Meetings Into The Wee Hours

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
Arlington ISD (Texas) was already facing a budget shortfall of $13 million.  Add on up to an additional $35 million of state budget cuts and you have yet another district in a deep, deep hole.  So deep, in fact, that demands from parents like the one below are basically absurd:

"Parents said the district needs to come up with a way to cut costs that does not affect students and teachers."

No district can cut $48 million dollars and not have a dramatic impact on the students and teachers.  Let's be somewhat realistic.

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Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance

 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

In The News: As Most Texas School Districts Prepare To RIF Employees (Or At Least Not Hire New Ones), The Question In Some Becomes---->Who Are The Best Teachers???

EdConnections Posted by Dan S. Martin
It is clear that Texas is undergoing a major contraction in public education, as all thousand-plus Texas districts prepare for major budget cuts.  The story below raises an important question for those districts that must go through the "RIF" process (Reduction In Force).  Once a district like Dallas ISD must cut 3,100 teachers from its force--as the story below represents--the question becomes: on what basis should districts determine whose careers will be interrupted by this financial calamity?  Which teachers and support personnel must go?  The criteria used will vary from district to district. 

What do you think?
  • What makes a "great" teacher? 
  • Are these cuts going to affect the quality of education in Texas?
  • Is it fair to continue ratcheting up accountability as we ask each and every employee to take on the duties of the countless thousands that will be cut? 
  • Do we have any other choice?
  • Is Texas no longer one of the leading states in our nation regarding the education of its youth?
  • Do we put our money where our mouth is in Texas?
  • Will this actually trim "fat" that needs to be cut in public education?
  • Why Texas?  We are in one of the healthiest regions of the nation.
  • There are many more questions about our fiscally conservative approach to this issue.  Many will be raised in future blog posts.  As will a look at other states trying to navigate these rough waters.

A few quotes from the WFAA.com reports are highlighted below.  A video and print version of the story can be accessed below these quotes:


"The Dallas Independent School District discussed the possibilities of some very serious cuts within the district Thursday, including the elimination of 4,000 positions, 3,100 of which would be teachers.

It's now a concern weighing on many teachers and parents in the district.


District policy when looking at cutting back teacher looks at four areas: teacher certification, performance in the classroom, seniority and their professional background. On paper, it can seem simple enough, but translating that into people is tough.

While the district says it has not put together a list, it has already taken some employees off the table, including fine arts teachers and workers who are considered the "best teachers." But, who and who isn't a "best" likely won't be an easy question to answer."


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Keywords: In The News, Budget Cuts, Budget, Texas, Teacher Cuts, School Finance

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