February, 2010
Volume 18, Issue 6
McAllen AFT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
1500 Dove Avenue, McAllen, TX, 78504, 682-1143
EYES ON THE BOARD
the great many challenges
February 22, 2010
The McAllen ISD Board of Education met at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2010. Contracts for administrators were approved—no info on moving principals around—that is confidential—until we see it happen. Superintendent has been having coffee meetings with parents at eight (8) schools already. Ponce would not discuss personal concerns with parents—that will come later.
Instructional Services Briefing Committee—no meeting by 2 brd. members. Business Operations Briefing—no meeting by 2 brd. members. District Operations Briefing—lead by Vela—discussed inter/intra transfer policy; student graduation; new Texas School Board Update 86—this was a closed-door meeting.
Approved money donation to Hendricks--$8,000. Approved Special Education instructional materials, supplies, and equipment; Risk Management Services; Intercom equipment, materials, and installation/repair services; glazing supplies; lawn and garden equipment; fencing materials and installation services.
February 15, 2010— Board meeting from 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.
Discussed were interviews and ranking of firms for insurance and employee benefits and consulting services. The firm selected was Eichlitz, Dennis, Wray & Westheimer Agency Inc DBA Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, San Antonio, Texas. This took about three (3) hours. The consultant is very important in controlling costs. There was a great deal of time spent on old ways of doing things—very odd.
Then the Board discussed the 2010-2011 Budget. This was another two (2) hour discussion. Career and Tech was discussed—brings in a lot of money—need to consider before cutting courses and staff. No discussion of the New Comer Academy for Middle School.
There were the familiar talks of leasing out the transportation department to an outside company (few years ago that was done in Brownsville—did not work out and cost a fortune to buy new buses and start over). There was a discussion of paying new teachers higher salaries—seemed odd when most new people have been non-renewed for three (3) years in a row. Then there was a discussion of the tax-roll back which would raise $.13 or about $13 million dollars—don’t know public would go for this.
Lastly the Board discussed the Superintendent’s Summative Evaluation. That was another hour. They did not finish the evaluation, but will on March 8, 2010.
February 9, 2010
These are the facts from a 1 ½ hour discussion. In a 4-0 vote the McAllen ISD Board of Education supported the Superintendent to cut 120 employees. Moore, Garcia, and Farias did not show up for the meeting. All three had said they would vote for the cut. Moore indicated that probationary teachers had problems. Caporusso moved to approve the cuts and Mark Kent seconded. Mr. Saldivar asked a lot of questions. Please watch this meeting on Channel 17.
Members of the Rio Grande Labor Council were there to support you. They will spread the word across the Valley about the injustice of doing everything in one year.
Librarians were shown to have salaries for next year. It is obvious they have cause to be concerned. For those of you in Career and Technology a discussion of PREP indicated that it is on the line—cuts will probably be based on who retires, leaves, or is non renewed. No discussion of the New Comer Academy slated for middle school. IB shows an increase in funding. If you teach in K-8, you can expect to move between K-8. If a K-8 teacher is not needed in middle school and is certified for elementary, they can be moved.
PRESENTATION TO MCALLEN ISD BOARD
FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Good evening. My name is Ruth Skow, and I represent the McAllen AFT. We are composed of all employees in the district. We do not represent administrators.
In reviewing MISD Curriculum expenses for the year we have some concerns to bring forward. INOVA and other programs introduced this year have not been productive as far as many teachers are concerned.
These new curriculum initiatives seem less than helpful. The concept of constantly monitoring the teaching staff has destroyed the self-confidence (mainly 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year probationers) and just plain annoyed many of the staff—thus causing fractures between individual school members. Teachers feel that they are not trusted to use their best judgment.
We continue to draw to the attention of administration that most of the teaching staff is not getting their conference period. The Texas Education Code 21.404 Planning and Preparation Time says a classroom teacher is entitled to at least 450 minutes within each two-week period for instructional preparation, including parent-teacher conferences, evaluating students’ work, and planning.
During a planning and preparation period, a classroom teacher may not be required to participate in any other activity.
According to Texas Education Code 21.405 each classroom teacher or full-time librarian is entitled to at least a 30-minute lunch period free from all duties and responsibilities connected with the instruction and supervision of the students.
In elementary, teachers are being instructed to drop off and pick up students during their 30-minute duty free lunch. That is a violation of the Texas Education Code 21.405.
We also continue to remind the McAllen ISD School Board that according to TEA directives they must require Administration to reevaluate paper/computer work every year. The teaching staff is being overburdened with excess paper work. A report should be brought to the board concerning where the reductions have been done.
Lastly we are concerned with the treatment of individuals who are being laid off. It is obvious that Human Resources is encouraging improper behavior by their supervisors. Supervisors are getting employees non renewed to get even for imagined infractions.
We also understand that supervisors have been instructed by Human Resources to write down anything against a non-renewed individual so that unemployment benefits don’t have to be paid.
Thank you.