2009 FBISD Tax Hearing (On YouTube)

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2009 FBISD CONTROVERSIAL TAX HEARING (YES THEY ARE RAISING THEM AGAIN--see petition of over 500 district taxpayers asking for board accountability) --In case anyone missed it they raised the property tax rate again (4th time) in 2010 and more than likely will do so again in 2011 facing another projected 15-20 million dollar budget deficit, according to some media reports. ***NEW*** ..Petition TO STOP THE GSTC (Global Science Museum being planned at the district central office--near $30 million dollar project that superintendent Jenney is pushing): http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopthegcst/ (see update below on this apparently ending this project after 2 years)

Friday, February 29, 2008

FBN Requests Police Dispatch Calls On "Riot" At Missouri City Campus (MHS, FBISD)

Apparently these dispatch calls from official sources completely contradict FBISD administrative reports on the "riot" at MHS:

http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Police-Tapes-Show-Dispatchers-Sent-Officers-To-Quell--Huge-Fight--At-Marshall%20=&hash=comments_20853&page_label=home&id=20853&widget=push&open=&#comments_20853

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Chronicle Covers Riot At Missouri City High School (FBISD)

District officials are down playing the seriousness of the "riot" covered today by several media outlets at MHS in Missouri City. Follow the link for the full story:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/5575104.html

FBN Reports Possible Riot At MHS (FBISD) In Missouri City

Follow this link for the full story. Apparently the press was run off campus by district administrators:

http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=20387-Police-Departments-Called-In-To-Quell-Fight-Outside-Marshall-High-School&article-Police-Departments-Called-In-To-Quell-Fight-Outside-Marshall-High-School%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&#cb_post_comment_20387

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

School Board Report (FBN & Chronicle)-

FBISD Trustees Approve Redistricting Plan
by John Pape

Fort Bend ISD trustees approved an attendance zone redistricting plan to accommodate new elementary schools 39 and 43, but leaving a group of about 25 students living in Oyster Creek Plantation zoned to Lexington Creek Elementary School after parents raised safety issues with the first version of the zoning proposal.

The plan, originally presented by district administrators in January, was developed to provide attendance zones for the two new Missouri City-area elementary schools while reducing the number of students going to currently-overcrowded campuses. Adjustments were also made to several middle and high school attendance zones.

In his briefing to board members, Executive Director of Support Services Lee Petros noted that during the process of developing the proposed zones, focus was primarily placed on natural boundaries, feeder patterns, overcrowded schools, neighborhood schools and supporting academic achievement for students.

Elementary school no. 39, which will open this fall, is located on Lexington Boulevard just east of FM 1092 and north of Fifth Street. Elementary schools affected by the redistricting to this school are Dulles, E.A. Jones, Quail Valley and Palmer.

Areas rezoned to the new school include the portion of the Dulles attendance zone east of FM 1092, the portion of the E.A. Jones zone west of Staffordshire Road and the part of the Quail Valley attendance zone north of a line extending west from Court Road to FM 1092.

Also affected by the rezoning is a portion of the Palmer attendance zone located in the Quail Valley subdivision. Those students will instead go to Quail Valley Elementary.

A group of about 25 students in Oyster Creek Plantation that were originally scheduled to be shifted to Quail Valley from Lexington Creek will instead remain zoned to their current school. Changes were made in the plan after a number of parents appeared at board meetings to voice their objections to the proposed change.

The parents cited safety issues caused by children having to cross busy FM 1092 to get from their homes to school. Reza Sarahani addressed trustees on behalf of the Lexington Creek parents to express their appreciation for the reconsideration. . .

Get the full stories at:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=20181-FBISD-Trustees-Approve-Redistricting-Plan&widget=push&article-FBISD-Trustees-Approve-Redistricting-Plan%20=&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/5569944.html

Related chronicle blog piece: http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/2008/02/fbisd_trustees.html (BOT members attack taxpayers/families who spoke up, log your opinion)

Comment:

FBISDWatch wanted to thank the BOT watchers who attended and shared their perspectives with us on last nights meeting.

Monday, February 25, 2008

FBN: Zoning An Issue At Tonights BOT Meeting

FBISD May Change Several Schools' Attendance Zones During Tonight's Meeting
by FortBendNow Staff

Fort Bend Independent School District Board trustees will take up the complex topic of student attendance zones at a workshop at 5 p.m. today, followed by a regular board meeting in which they may approve a variety of zoning changes.

The workshop, which is open to the public, will be held to “Receive and discuss the Building Utilization Committee’s revision of their initial report on January. 14, 2008…” the district said in the workshop agenda.

In its regular meeting, at 7 p.m. in the district administration building’s board room, trustees will consider approving attendance zones for elementary schools #39 and #43.

Attendance zones for school #39 would change zoning for E.A. Jones, Dulles, Quail Valley, Palmer and Lexington Creek elementary schools, according to the school district’s meeting agenda. . .(see http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=20125&widget=push&article-FBISD-May-Change-Several-Schools--Attendance-Zones-During-Tonight-s-Meeting%20=&instance=home_news_bullets&open=& for more).

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Chronicle Blog Covers FBISD Sports Controversy--

Are ice hockey teams getting cold treatment from FBISD?

For two years, several student ice hockey teams in the Fort Bend school district have been badgering school officials to bless them with a student club status and to treat them just like any other student groups such as a drama club or a softball club.

Parents, coaches and the students have petitioned, e-mailed and publicly addressed the school board and the administration asking for the sport to be recognized. I still remember a school board meeting two years ago that dragged until after 2 a.m. after dozens of ice hockey players and their supporters lined up to make their pleas.

They appeared to be making some headway at one point when Mike McKie, the district's assistant superintendent for high schools, openly declared that "I don't see recognition as a problem" and pledged to advise principals to allow the teams to have their pictures published in school yearbooks and their activities announced in campus newspapers.

The parents and students viewed it a sign of the district beginning to address their concerns, though they were not satisfied with the promise because it stopped short of affording the teams the club status that they said would enable the teams the right to receive letter jackets and a sense of legitimacy.

But Rosemary Abramson, mother of a student player who attends Dulles High, said what McKie promised never happened. . .

Additional comment from Abramson in the blog that FBISDWatch thinks should be taken more seriously (parent/taxpayer representation on district committees):

"This is at zero cost to the school district and with zero liabilities to the school district.

Furthermore, it is very unfortunate that our elected Trustees, EXCEPT for one, voted on a policy that was not allowed any type of public input, no student input, no tax paying input, no established public committee or task force.

In the audio portion of the recent school board meeting held on Feb. 11th, the assistant superintendent, Mr. McKie, publicly states, we have to support the "Majority Interest". Our Varsity Ice Hockey kids chose a sport that isn't of the "Majority Interest" such as football.

Couldn't this be construed as a documented statement by a FBISD administrator that they, the district, openly discriminates against those in the "minority interest" ???

They, FBISD, has created a "political game" out of a child's game and have publicly stated in a documented school board meeting that they only support the "Majority Interest" --- what a PITY on the face of FBISD for OPENLY acknowledging discrimination."

From: http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/2008/02/not_recognizing.html#comments

FBN Reports: Democrats Out Polling Republicans 2-1 In County Races During Early Voting!

Follow this link for more: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-In-The-Heart-Of-What-Was-DeLay-Country--Democrats-Out-poll-GOP-More-Than-2-1%20=&page_label=home&id=20001-In-The-Heart-Of-What-Was-DeLay-Country--Democrats-Out-poll-GOP-More-Than-2-1&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Upcoming FBISD Events

Upcoming FBISD calendar events:

Fort Bend ISD will host a Community Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m., at the FBISD Administration Annex in the Main Auditorium (3119 Sweetwater in Sugar Land).

Feb. 25 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM
March 1 - Fort Bend Education Foundation Gala
March 3 - Town Hall Meeting - 7:00 PM, Admin. Annex, 3119 Sweetwater Blvd.
March 10-14 - Texas Public Schools Week
March 10 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM
March 10 - Last Day to File for May 10 FBISD Trustee Election Details
March 11 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elem. Early Dismissal)
March 17-21 - Spring Break
March 31 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM

All BOT meetings start at 7p. at the admin building on Lexington.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

FBISD Breaks With Tradition And Joins In Missouri City TIRZ #3?

This is just in from FBN regarding Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 in Missouri City. If this information is confirmed that means the district has agreed to not accept the ad valorum taxes within TIRZ 3 for approximately 20 years. The FBISDWatch question is why would the district that traditionally hasn't participated in these taxing zones suddenly change its mind? Also apparently appointed to the zone by the Missouri City council is a school board member.

We will update this at intervals...

FBN Covers Apparent Zoning Victory In Missouri City Neighborhood!

Follow this link for more: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=18634
&article-Oyster-Creek-Plantation-Students-To-Remain-At-Lexington-Creek-Elementary%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&

Modified Zoning Plan For Missouri City Schools Link-

Lexington Creek parents and families appear to have been victorious in their battle to preserve their community school. See the revised zoning plans at: http://www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/about/zoning.cfm

Upcoming FBISD calendar events:

Fort Bend ISD will host a Community Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m., at the FBISD Administration Annex in the Main Auditorium (3119 Sweetwater in Sugar Land).

Feb. 25 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM
March 1 - Fort Bend Education Foundation Gala
March 3 - Town Hall Meeting - 7:00 PM, Admin. Annex, 3119 Sweetwater Blvd.
March 10-14 - Texas Public Schools Week
March 10 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM
March 10 - Last Day to File for May 10 FBISD Trustee Election Details
March 11 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elem. Early Dismissal)
March 17-21 - Spring Break
March 31 - Regular School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM

All BOT meetings start at 7p. at the admin building on Lexington.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

More problems at Marshall H.S.

From FBN:

Marshall Teachers, FBISD Spar Over Copier Policy; Union Files Grievance
by Bob Dunn

Marshall High School teachers said Thursday they were told a week ago that the school has “run out” of copy paper for the year, and they are not allowed to make copies for classroom lessons and projects.

However, a Fort Bend Independent School District spokeswoman said “that’s just not true,” adding that the school has “30 cases, and there’s plenty of paper.” She also said the school has “someone there who makes copies for the teachers.”

Meanwhile, officials at the Fort Bend Employee Federation, which represents 1,600 or more district employees, backed up the teachers’ statements, and said the organization is in the middle of a grievance procedure on the issue.

“We’ve had an ongoing problem” with teachers being unable to make copies, said Federation President Karrie Washenfelder. “The union has had to give the (Marshall) history department two cases of paper.”

The union’s grievance involves a Marshall teacher who purchased his own copy machine on eBay, then brought it to the school in August to give teachers in some departments the ability to make copies when needed. Sources close to the case said the teacher also bought all paper, cartridges and related supplies. However, in mid-December, Marshall Principal Alonzo Reynolds III learned of the machine and ordered that it be permanently removed from campus.

Reynolds did not return a call seeking comment for this article. . .(follow the link below for the full story)


http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=18063&article-Marshall-Teachers--FBISD-Spar-Over-
Copier-Policy--Union-Files-Grievance%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&#cb_post_comment_18063

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

FB Star Covers Missouri City Zoning Controversy

See: http://www.fortbendstar.com/020608
/s_Rezoning%20that%20affects%20eight%20FBISD%20elementary%20schools%20opposed.htm

From FBN: More district employees complaining

FBISD Bus Drivers Continue To Press Their Pay Rate Complaints To Trustees
by John Pape

A number of Fort Bend ISD bus drivers renewed their plea to school trustees for a pay raise during this week’s board meeting.

Two drivers, Clinton Ard and Gerald Kallina, spoke on behalf of a group of about a dozen drivers in attendance. Both said that Fort Bend bus drivers’ salaries are below those of other districts and the low salaries are resulting in low morale and high turnover.

“Our neighboring districts have noticed the need for an increase in salaries to offset the cost of living. Houston ISD’s starting salary is $15.50 per hour, compared to Fort Bend ISD’s starting salary of $11.85 per hour,” Ard told trustees. “Our district has a higher turnover rate of drivers than neighboring districts, meaning the more we hire and train drivers, the more they leave and go to other districts paying higher salaries.” . . .

(get the full story at: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-FBISD-Bus-Drivers-Continue-To-Press-Their-Pay-Rate-
Complaints%20=&page_label=home&id=15772-FBISD-Bus-Drivers-Continue-To-Press-Their-Pay-Rate-
Complaints&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=& )

FBN Reports On Missouri City Mayoral Race

Follow this link for more:

http://fortbendnow.com/pages/
full_story?article-Poats-Announces-Another-Run-For-
Mayor%20=&page_label=home&id=15669&widget=
push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

FBN Reports: Board Member Objects To Administration Making District Policy--

Perhaps in a very note-worthy local article on FortBendNow, one out-spoken board member brought to the publics attention an issue that needs to be addressed. Do we allow board policy creation to be generated by unelected upper administrators or should they re-assert their legal authority?

“The administration should not be in the business of writing board policy. The board should have a policy review committee, with members from the community on that committee as it was in 2005 when I chaired it, and policies should be written, revised and amended, then brought to the full board for discussion and approval,” Magee explained. “When a school board sits by and allows the administration to write its policies, then some are not performing their duties as a board." Stan Magee

We strongly agree with Mr. Magee! See the full piece at: http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/3911

Chron: School District Employees Ask For Raises

Follow this link for the full story: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/5533533.html

Monday, February 11, 2008

Chronicle Covers Poats Run For Missouri City Mayor!

Follow this link for more:

http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/
2008/02/mo_city_mayor_c.html#comments

Greyling Poats Announces For Missouri City Mayoral Race--


The following is the official campaign announcement for Greyling Poats seeking the position of mayor in Missouri City during the May 2008 elections from FortBendWeb.com:

Friends,

With great anticipation of the positive we can make in Missouri City, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Mayor. The past has taught us Missouri City cannot depend on one subdivision to sustain the standard of living that was the norm here. Our potential is boundless if we use the assets within our corporate city limits and only bring in additional areas to add to our greatness, not deter from the same. Great cities utilize ideas and criticism of it's citizens to prosper and grow, failing cities are staid, barren of new ideas and keep leaders in office far to long eliminating the vitality and vibrancy that it needs. This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our City.

To assess where we are as a community, one must ask, has the quality of my life improved under the current leadership? Has this administration had ample time to improve the quality of our lives? Have my property values increased while my taxes have been lowered? Have the amenities of my neighborhood and city; doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, grocery stores, churches, coffee shops, golf courses, small businesses, facilities for youth, bookstores, and landfills etc., improved or declined under the current administration? How does my community compare to cities with similar neighborhoods and facilities? Are we better, the same or has this mayor and council let us deteriorate while offering a myriad of excuses on why they cannot do anything to attract businesses and families to Missouri City proper?

Where is the focus of this mayor and council? How often do you hear your neighborhood in a positive light from the current administration? Does this mayor and council spend my tax dollars on enhancements i.e. mobility, drainage, street signs, side-walk repair, bridge construction and improvements, traffic lights, festivals, etc. for the benefit of those who pay MISSOURI CITY TAXES or is their primary concern with the EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION that does not pay city property taxes? These are only a few of the questions one must ask when electing a new administration. My campaign request to the Citizens of Missouri City is to critically think about these concerns and other issues you know of before selecting your Mayor. I will file my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Missouri City, Texas. With your help, I and other candidates seeking councilmatic office, will again make Missouri City the preeminent community in Texas.


Greyling Poats
Missouri City, TX


For more on Poats: http://poatsformayor.blogspot.com/2008/02/poats-formally-announces-his-candidacy.html

Other sources:

http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2008/02/greyling-poats-announces-for-missouri.html

http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=875&Itemid=1

Thursday, February 7, 2008

FBN: District Employees File Complaints

Bus Drivers Voice Pay Complaints, FBISD To Study Compensation
by John Pape, Feb 06, 2008, 04 21 PM

About 20 Fort Bend ISD school bus drivers, along with several union representatives, appeared at a recent school board meeting to voice their complaints to trustees about pay issues.

The drivers complained that current pay rates were below what other districts were offering, making it difficult to keep good drivers. School spokesperson Mary Ann Simpson said that the district will be sending the drivers a response soon to let them know that a compensation study will be undertaken to look at district pay issues.

“We will be sending a formal response to our bus drivers soon to let them know that their concerns and the points they have raised in recent board meetings have not fallen on deaf ears,” Simpson said. “We have just contracted with the Texas Association of School Boards to conduct a comprehensive compensation study of all pay grades and job groups in the district, including our bus drivers and bus monitors. This study includes research into what is market value for particular jobs in the greater Houston area.” . . . (get the full story at http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/3870)

Related chronicle piece: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/5522799.html