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)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Chron: Jenney Pushing "Global Taj Mahal" Start Before Spring Elections!

...In May, David Wallace, former Sugar Land mayor who heads a committee that has studied the project's financial feasibility, said it is estimated to cost $26 million to be constructed and equipped, and $800,000 a year for operation, including insurance, utility, maintenance and transportation of teachers and students.

The district has been trying to secure donations from numerous corporations and organizations. Wallace told district officials then that possible private funding could amount to at least $400,000, which is half of the building's expected annual operating cost.

However, it’s unclear how much the district has raised so far. District spokeswoman Mary Ann Simpson said the administration plans to present an update on the project to the school board, possibly on Dec. 14 or later.

"There will not be any new information available before the time the update is presented to the board," she said....

...The project has spurred mixed feelings among teachers, parents and other residents of the district from passionate backing to harsh criticism and legal threats. (search FBW for more on this controversy and $30 million dollar vendor feeding project by the district during a recession and near $20 million dollar budget deficit and record bond debt ranking the district in the top 10 in the state for debt.).

Get the full piece at: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/11/global-center-construction-could-start-spring

Friday, November 13, 2009

Chron: FBISD Joins Very Expensive Lawsuit To Not Report Actual Scores--follow the link below--

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/11/should-fort-bend-isd-be-honest-grading

"The school board gave the green light to the district to join a lawsuit against the new state law that requires a school district to be honest in reporting a student’s grade and progress." Chron

Thursday, November 12, 2009

FBN: Is Moran Gone From CHS?

UPDATE: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/11/13/42166

Get the full piece below:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/11/12/42151

FBW Comment: It would be nice if we could get a straight answer from the district communications office. After-all it is what our taxes are supposed to be paying for.

FBISD LETTER RELEASED:

November 12, 2009



Dear Clements High School Parents and/or Guardians,

This letter is to inform you of the change in leadership at Clements High School. Mr. Moran, principal, has resigned from the Fort Bend Independent School District.

Barbara James will continue to act as interim principal until the position is filled. We will post the vacancy this week and hope to fill the position as soon as possible.

We are confident that the current administrative staff and teachers will continue to provide positive leadership and oversight for our students. In addition, Mr. Mark Foust, Dulles High School principal, and I will continue to provide support at the campus during this interim period.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Clements High School, thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.

Sincerely,



Michael McKie
Assistant Superintendent for High Schools

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Chron: Zoning Controversy Continues-

Do you like FBISD's zoning plans?

November 11, 2009 9:33 am Zen T.C. Zheng

Opposition surfaced two days before two scheduled public hearings on the Fort Bend school district’s two school attendance zone plans.

The first hearing is slated for today at Hightower High School, 3333 Hurricane Lane, followed by the second on Thursday at Schiff Elementary, 7400 Discovery Lane. The campuses are in the Missouri City area. Both hearings will start at 7 p.m...

Get the full story at: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/11/not-all-ok-school-zoning-hearings-set-tonight#comment-268

Monday, November 9, 2009

Important Info>

Date/Event

Nov. 9 Regular School Board Meeting
Nov. 11 Public Hearing - Zoning
Nov. 12 Public Hearing - Zoning
Nov. 25-27 Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec. 14 Regular School Board Meeting