September, 2009
Volume 18, Issue 1
EYES ON THE BOARD
WAIVER IS A REALITY!
On Monday, September 28, 2009 the waiver for elementary grades K-4 passed with a 7-0 vote. A lengthy discussion occurred. It still is unclear as to what number class sizes will rise to. Mr. Saldivar asked numerous questions regarding the waiver. Mr. Kent repeatedly asked the Superintendent what the maximum number in a class was going to be. The Superintendent refused to answer the question. On a local radio 710, Mr. Moore told the public that the maximum number in a class was to be 25—but that was not mentioned on Monday night.
We sent out two (2) flyers to the public. We were concerned that the public including moms, dads, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other concerned people were left out of the waiver issue until the last minute. If we had not shared the information, think about the possibilities.
Many bills were paid during the meeting. The equipment for the new Activities Centers at each high school is not complete.
Possible medical and/or Dental Plan Design Changes were pulled from the agenda (not acted on). Ms. Lopez,
Assistant Superintendent for Business, mentioned raising the health insurance premiums by as much as 8%. The Superintendent has said in previous meetings the health plan is too rich.
A gentleman from transportation discussed the problems at the bus barn. It seems all the joy has left the work environment.
Agreements were approved between McAllen ISD and South Texas College. The renewal of the Maintenance Agreement for Destiny Library Management System was approved.
The Interlocal Agreement between McAllen ISD and the Development Corporation of McAllen, Inc., for the After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) was approved.
September 14. 2009
McAllen ISD Board of Education discussed a long agenda of items including the waiver for elementary school. Mr. Saldivar asked numerous questions regarding the issue.
Mrs. Arcaute responded to one question regarding special education from Mr. Saldiver—there will be no difference in instruction if there are several special education children enrolled in the class—as a teacher of many years it does make a difference to your class if you have special education children enrolled in your class. Of course, it needs to be said just what disabilities a child has and what their IEP requires.
Mrs. Arcaute also said that teachers would step up to the challenge of larger classes. Apparently the board is going to ignore that this is a business decision. Busing costs more money—no doubt about it.
For the community there were few seats—administrators packed the room. We understand that numerous telephone calls and emails were made to McAllen ISD board members. It is their job to listen to their parents, educators, etc. They should not run for the school board if they don’t listen. Dr. Ponce has reorganized board meetings. Voting on the waiver is September 28, 2009.
Mr. Moore and Mr. Frias indicated they wanted benefits tighten (cut) as the plan is costing too much. We will keep you informed.
September 21, 2009
On Monday I attended two (2) McAllen ISD Board meetings that started at 8 a.m. and ended at 7:30 p.m. The first meeting was a training on unity for the board and then a discussion of all the financial issues confronting McAllen ISD. Finally the board set goals for Dr. Ponce and his team of administrators. Dr. Ponce will be evaluated on analyzing MISD programs, finances, and personnel; outlining plans to remedy any maladies; improve parent relations; improve community relations (PD, court, agencies); establishing benchmarks for student performance.
At 5 p.m. the second McAllen ISD meeting was held. This meeting covered health insurance. Your cost will not be going up this year, but your benefits will be reduced. The changes will begin in January 2010. The school board wants to have just one hospital (for you to use) to cut costs—this may be difficult to make happen as the hospital war in McAllen is causing financial problems for some hospital systems.
The dental will be cut from $2,000 to $1,000 in benefits. Generic drugs will be required. I brought up that some members have told me that the generic drug equivalent will not work for them. Disease management will be pushed hard—improve your health or you may have to pay more. Network utilization will be pushed hard—don’t use facilities out of the McAllen ISD health network—will cost you a lot more.
The PCI clinic (that McAllen AFT pushed hard to get for you with a $5 copay) located at 500 S. Bicentennial Blvd. phone number 971-0077—will be the place to have MRI’s, etc. done for district employees. The cost for the MRI will be a $5 copay. The PCI clinic is giving the district a 65% discount on services.
PRESENTATION TO
MCALLEN ISD
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
Good evening. My name is Ruth Skow, and I represent the McAllen AFT made up of employees from the teacher to the bus driver.
We first want to mention that employees are concerned about the children of this school district in regard to using a waiver designed to increase class sizes. Class size affects learning. As I have told my members, McAllen ISD Board members over the years have mentioned in board meetings that 22-1 is important to maintain. There are many options that would help population shifting. The bad economy has compounded citizen’s bad decisions—such as buying a home when you really could not afford it. You can use the “R” word—Rezoning. You could put portables where they might be needed. There are many other options that have not been considered. We have not seen the Compliance Order posted to the public. There is no shame in recognizing an error and correcting it.
Over the last year the employees have been able to use the PCI Clinic for a $5 copay. About 95% of the employees we have talked to are pleased with the clinic. In times of economic down turn the opportunity to maximize district and employee dollars is a good thing.
In addition, the changes that might be made to the district health plan for employees is of concern. We especially are concerned about having only the one hospital option. The doctors in the community are made up of an assortment of talents and professional arrangements. We are concerned that one hospital might not meet the needs of employees.
Lastly, we are concerned about high school class loads. We ask that the Assistant Superintendent over all Schools evaluate the fairness of class loads in all high schools. No matter what staff does on campus teaching should be first. A review of all tasks or duties assigned to our teaching staff should be done. Every student in high school classes should have a teacher who has the proper time to prepare for their classes and not be burdened down with duties that take away from the teacher’s focus—preparing the student for college or the work place.
Thank you.
ELECTION DAY
NOVEMBER 3, 2009
SOME AMENDMENTS
TO CONSIDER
1: BUFFERS FOR MILITARY FACILITIES
2: PROPERTY TAX
APPRAISALS FOR RESIDENT HOMESTEADS
3: UNIFORM
PROPERTY APPRAISAL
STANDARDS
4. ESTABLISHING MORE
TIER ONE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
5. CONSOLIDATING
ADJOINING APPRAISAL
DISTRICTS
6. HELP VETERANS
OBTAIN LAND AND MORTGAGES
7. DUAL OFFICES FOR
STATE MILITARY MEMBERS