June, 2011
Volume 19, Issue 11
EYES ON THE BOARD
THE MISD BUDGET PASSED 6-0
McAllen ISD School Board Meeting, June 20, 2011
Farias was absent.
The budget for 2011-2012 passed. The $191,197,145 new budget is $3,942,941 higher than last year. The vote was 6-0.
New assistant principals were not on the agenda--that decision will be after July 13, 2011 when the district comes back from vacation.
Special Education is receiving 400 IPads, accessories and Professional Development for Learning.
One (1) bus was ordered in this year's budget, and when the new budget kicks in on July 1, 2011 five (5) more buses will be ordered.
A new GigaMan Circuit for the Internet at McHi was approved. This circuit will be needed because the district computer system is being moved from under the stadium to Crockett (now closed).
Read 180 upgrade to next generation was approved 6-0.
CSCOPE Curriculum System Cooperative approved with Region One Education Service Center.
Service agreement with UT Austin's Center for Hispanic Achievement approved.
Acceptance of $9,400 from the McHi 2011 Senior Class for a Bulldog Statue. Pictures show a very tough looking Bulldog.
Wellness Screening and related services renewal was approved.
Skyward Student Information System renewal was approved.
Student Accident Insurance and Student Accident Voluntary Insurance was renewed.
A new high volume copier was approved for the Print Shop.
McAllen ISD School Board Meeting, June 6, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Farias was absent and Dr. Caporusso left before the budget meeting. New principal at Bonham Elementary is Jennifer Saenz; at Wilson Elementary, Kristine Garza; Lincoln Middle School--pulled--no announcement; at Instructional & Guidance Center, Lizette Hinojosa.
The McAllen ISD Board agreed to a settlement with Delia Longoria (former principal at McAllen High School). As usual, no amount of money was announced.
High School Scholarship Report indicates that $15,735,262 was won by seniors in our three (3) high schools.
The budget will be approved on June 20, 2011.
Many of the plant operations staff who have a work schedule of 260 days attended the meeting. Instead of saying their pay was cut $1,800 to $2,200 EACH the board indicated that on June 20 they will take another look--e.g. phasing in the pay cut.
Ponce announced that IB will be in all elementary and middle schools. He has made a deal with IB to adjust expenses because of the budget crunch. Five (5) schools will come on line in 2011-2012--south side schools. Five (5) more in 2012-2013 and the last two (2) in 2013-2014. It was unclear where the money is coming from.
Budget Meeting, June 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Nothing new.
BUDGET TOTALS FOR 2011-12
Instruction -- $104,721,837
Leadership Support Services -- 13,150,287
Pupil -- 33,209,185
Admin. Support Services -- 4,716,407
Plant Maintenance Operations -- 18,552,552
Security -- 2,180,998
Data Processing -- 2,673,655
Community Services -- 22,945
Debt Services -- 65, 334
Fac Acq Construction -- 750,000
Payment to Juvenile Justice -- 10,000
Other Intergov. Charges -- 690,382
TOTAL $180,743,582
Debt Service -- 10,252,488
Capital Projects -- 201,075
Other Uses -- 0
GRAND TOTAL $191,197,145
BUDGET HEARING, June 20, 2011
Good evening. My name is Ruth Skow, and I represent the McAllen AFT (American Federation of Teachers).
As the McAllen ISD Board of Education votes to approve the 2011-2012 budget we urge you to carefully think about those curriculum projects that you fund.
Each project should have an evaluation component review every three (3) months. The board should be looking at whether expenses are following what has been planned.
In addition to money tracking, the board should be looking at attendance, achievement, and stability. There should be proper secretarial/clerical staff that keeps accurate information regarding each project.
The teaching staff should be focused on planning, teaching, evaluation, and review—not on intensive record keeping. The administrative staff should be focused on supporting the teaching staff regarding discipline, attendance, and adequate supplies.
The administrative staff should not create numerous new reporting documents for tracking of the project—one (1) sheet of paper can show everything.
The teaching staff should not be paying for supplies required in a curriculum project. Expenses of the project should be paid for by the district.
Parents should be an important part of curriculum changes. Quarterly presentations—both written and in person—should be part of the process.
To be sure the staff is completely behind any project the following should occur:
The staff should have the support of administration to make changes in regard to what does not work.
Is there a Plan B in case sudden concerns appear?
On behalf of our members who are support staff whose vacations and work days are being cut we ask a phase in rather than an enormous pay cut.
Thank you.
PUBLIC COMMENTS, JUNE 20, 2011
Good evening. My name is Ruth Skow, McAllen AFT (American Federation of Teachers). As you begin the new budget year on July 1, 2011, we are concerned that the new budget year reflect some important evaluations.
Comparison of GT and IB programs.
Changes in the Parental Involvement Program—real progress in working with parents to improve scores and attendance
Importance of health-related activities for our students
Importance of continued bullying training
Scope—is this curriculum project really working?
Real progress in technology
Plan of action to attract parents and students back to McAllen rather than charter schools
Importance of having a mentor for every new teacher (1on 1)
Importance of having a safety survey regarding the work environment for all support staff
Report by Superintendent regarding his involvement with parents