FBISDWatchDogs

THIS SITE IS BEING ARCHIVED FOR YOUR SEARCHING CONVENIENCE--

2011-05-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

This site, after nearly 5 years, is being archived. It will be available for searches and historical background information on the taxing area of FBISD in Fort Bend County, Texas...

Suggested alternative sites for following some of the areas local characters & their politricks: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_195822643783611&ap=1

http://myfortbend.net/

or

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ISupportFBISDorg/119561358117796

http://stopimperialsugarmillapartments.com/

FB Sun: Former Candidates Reflect On Recent BOT Election

2011-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_e6f3f466-5cec-5566-b922-6556812ba558.html

FBISD Pushing For Higher Property Taxes Again (4th time in 4 years)

2011-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/05/24/52031

New Reform Minded Board Members Take Seats At Swearing In Ceremony (New elected officers sworn in too in BOT shake-up)-

2011-05-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Numerous speakers during the public comments section of the FBISD BOT meeting Monday night congratulated the newly elected members of the board of trustees. Dr. Patsy Taylor and Bruce Albright officially took their seats and joined a coalition in voting in an entirely new board president, vice president and secretary as their first order of business....

Update: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/05/24/52023

FBN: New Faces Coming On The Board!

2011-05-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

Election update: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/05/16/51870

Patsy Taylor & Bruce Albright Pull Big Upsets In FBISD School Board Races!

2011-05-14T19:17:00.001-07:00

Updates and full election results: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er110514_01.pdf

FBW comment: Neither of these candidates accepted or solicited school district corporate vendors and contractors PAC dollars to finance their campaigns. FBW wants to congratulate both on a clean well fought victory!

UPDATE: Election Day Today! Get To Your Polling Station...

2011-05-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

UPDATE on voter request for state election monitors:http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_0ee69c23-48f0-5e89-999a-5926b6aee992.html FB Sun

http://www.fortbendstar.com/?p=2579 FB Star

FBN: Rumor confirmed by Texas Secretary of States Office--read below

2011-05-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/05/10/51765“We have received a request for an election inspector for the Fort Bend ISD election on May 14 and will send at least one inspector to observe activities at district polling locations on Election Day,” said Randall Dillard, director of communications for the Texas Secretary of State. FortBendNow

Rumor Circulating That Several Local Candidates For Office In Fort Bend Elections Have Requested State Monitors For May 14th Ballot Measures!

2011-05-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

This just in from the "FBISD Concerns" facebook page. Several posts emanating from facebook pages seem to support a rumor that an official petition has been issued to the Texas Secretary of States office election division requesting election monitors for the May 14th ballot. The public post in question has appeared on several well visited sites and states, "FYI: Confirmation that a petition request has been sent to the TX secretary of states election division requesting state election inspectors to monitor the 40+ polling stations for next Saturdays election here in our county (Specifically FBISD, Sugar Land & Missouri City stations). Apparently 4 of the requesters are current candidates in school board races and city council races from our area. Several other candidates are also supporting the requests for monitoring this cycle."

We will update this once it has been confirmed via local media and/or other sources.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_195822643783611&ap=1

Chron: Crowded Position 4 Race Heads Into The Home Stretch!

2011-05-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

See:
http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/244078-race-for-position-4-seat-a-crowded-one-in-fort-bend-isd

FBISDWatch Endorses Watassek & Albright In Board Races!

2011-05-02T18:01:00.001-07:00

Due to their concern over authentic and long-term budget challenges impacting the FBISD school system under the current school leadership over the last 5 years, FBISDWatch is officially supporting Bruce Albright for the at large trustee seat and Wade Watassek for the position 1 trustee seat. These selections were made after consultation with the watch election committee. No selection was made in the position 5 race due to several issues that were never addressed by either candidate Dr. Taylor or Dr. Reynolds. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get out to early voting which began today and runs through May 10, with election day coming May 14th...stay informed and keep in touch!

Related:

http://www.votewatassek.com

http://www.brucealbright.com

FBN: More federal monies are on the way to help bailout Texas school districts (will it make it to the classrooms though?)

2011-04-25T19:23:00.001-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/04/25/51524

FBN: Lack Of Fiscal Restraint Is One Reason Watassek Is Seeking FBISD Board Position #1

2011-04-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/04/15/51385

FBN: Finally An OP/ED Not Directed/Approved By The FBISD Leadership

2011-04-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/04/13/51343

"First, why did the Board reward Dr. Jenney with a new 5-year contract? It has become painfully clear that he is masterful at manipulation and that democracy is not evident on this board. Board meeting after board meeting I have watched him whisper to the board president. She listens attentively to the Superintendent, then begins to maneuver the board in such a way that whenever other board members present strong opposing points, her summation of all of their statements somehow comes out representing only one viewpoint, one that aligns with that of the superintendent’s! It is easy to see that, for the most part, the board has given its power, perhaps not intentionally, to the Superintendent and he is not going to give it back without a fight!" FortBendNow

FB Star Coverage Of FBISD/Federation Candidates Forum

2011-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendstar.com/?p=727

FB Star candidates review: http://www.fortbendstar.com/?p=548

FB Sun: Picks up story on video parody of FBISD superintendent

2011-04-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_57bd7c70-55ba-5984-92f0-09dd96ffce3d.html

Candidates forum:

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_bd4883c3-da5a-5007-9a52-8d87eb0ff4cd.html

FB Indep: http://fbindependent.com/fbisd-eliminates-positions-p3567-1.htm

Chron: 500 More Jobs May Be On The Line--

2011-04-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

See: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7507830.html

Parody Of Superintendent Tim Jenney Makes Ch13 News--

2011-04-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

See: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8055170

FBISD Plays Blame Game (Points finger at state cuts)-

2011-04-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/04/04/51196

FBW comment: This will be the 4th out of 5 years that the current district leadership has been unable to balance the budget and had maintained record bond debt at over 1.5 billion dollars. Don't be fooled by the finger pointing...

RIFs under-way in FBISD schools

2011-04-02T04:40:00.000-07:00

See: http://fbworkroom.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-wave-of-lay-offs-sweeps-through.html

RIFs under-way in FBISD schools...

FBI: FBISD Candidates Share Positions

2011-03-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

See: http://fbindependent.com/fbisd-candidates-spell-out-their-platforms-p3530-1.htm

Teacher Federation Candidates Forum At The Marriot In Sugar Land 7pm (Please attend if you can)

2011-03-29T04:12:00.001-07:00

The FBISD teacher association is sponsoring a candidates forum this Thursday evening at 7pm at the Sugar Land Marriot in the town square. Pre-event questions were sent out to all candidates. This should prove to be an interesting event and one of just a few forums available to the public prior to these all important elections. Please attend if you can...the district has been running consecutive record budget deficits under the current superintendent as well as record long-term debt. It was announced a few weeks ago that they were declaring a second financial emergency (never before in the district history have they done this) and may need to RIF another 1000 teachers/staff...

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/29/51103

Active Facebook Page Engages In FBISD District Debates--visit it if you can!

2011-03-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

"FBISD Concerns" is a fairly active facebook social networking page that is discussing some of the hot button issues as we approach the school board elections.....you may want to visit and even participate.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_195822643783611&ap=1

FB Chamber Hosts Candidate Forum #1

2011-03-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Business Education Division will host the Fort Bend Independent School Board Candidate Forum on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land, TX. The community is invited to join us and hear from the candidates. The event is FREE to the public and registration is not needed.

Watassek Challenges Hohnbaum For FBISD Board Seat!

2011-03-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just in from the "FBISD Concerns" Facebook Page:

Wade Watassek
Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees Candidate—Position 1

As a candidate for Fort Bend ISD’s Board of Trustees in Position 1, I would like to take this time to introduce myself. Both my wife and I grew up in Quail Valley and graduated from Dulles High School. I earned both a B.B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Houston. For the past 10 years, I have worked in the oil and gas industry. Currently, I serve as a Risk Analyst in the Financial Performance and Analysis Group for ConocoPhillips.

Fiscal responsibility should be a top priority – doing the best with what we have. My experience and education in business administration will allow me to see challenges from the angle of parent, community member, tax payer, and business citizen.

I believe in open and honest communication. More can be accomplished with our ears than our mouths. Listening to parents, teachers, and campus administrators while look-ing at the hard data in an effort to make sound decisions for the entire community is critical. Justification and accountability are as important as the actions themselves.

In light of the current economic situation, I believe people need a strong leadership team that understands how to work together and make the best decisions for the community as a whole. It is essential that the Board of Trustees has a clear understanding of the direction and mission of this district. With a flourishing community, long-term planning for the future is imperative.

My wife has served as an educator for 13 years; 9 of which have been as a classroom teacher here in FBISD. Our decision of where to raise our family was based strongly on the education they would receive. There was no question that we wanted Fort Bend to be our home; we want our children in this school district so as to have the same opportunities we had growing up. With 3 young children, we have served as volun-teers in the schools and members of the PTA; we look forward to many more years raising our children in this district. I enjoy giving back to the community as a volunteer for the West Sugar Land Little League where I serve on the board and as a coach. Our family spends many hours in sports and recreational activities in the area.

I am committed to my family and the thousands of students who count on achieving a solid educational foundation in Fort Bend ISD. Vote for the future of our students; vote Wade Watassek for FBISD Board of Trustees.

Excellent Chronicle Report On Recent School Board Meeting--

2011-03-20T10:55:00.001-07:00

See: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/237315-sparks-flying-at-fort-bend-isd-board-meetings

Interesting Opinion Piece From The FBWorkRoom--follow the link below--

2011-03-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

See: http://fbworkroom.blogspot.com/2011/03/albright-seeks-to-unseat-incumbent.html

Brantley Withdraws From FBISD BOT Race In Favor Of Watassek--see below--

2011-03-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/17/50913

Chron: All FBC Candidates Listed

2011-03-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/237317-see-who-is-running-for-office-in-fort-bend-county

Deliberate "Mistake" Or Politics As Usual? Error In Filing Reported By FortBendNow News Service!

2011-03-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/15/50889

UPDATE 3-16: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/16/50907

FBW comment: Were other mistakes made?

ALL FBISD Candidates File To Challenge Incumbents!

2011-03-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/15/50877

Local commentary:

http://halfempth.blogspot.com/2011/03/nine-file-for-three-fbisd-board-of.html

Rumor has it....

2011-03-11T14:43:00.001-08:00

CANDIDATES FOR THE BOT SEAT FROM THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE DISTRICT ARE FILING...

UPDATE 3-12-11: Update on one possible candidate from multiple sources....we have been informed that Kyle Brantley of Sugar Land will file for the west-side seat currently held by Susan Hohnbaum on Monday. --We wish both candidates the best of luck and will pick one to endorse very soon!

----------

Just a quick note to those that have been e-mailing with regard to the potential candidates filing for the school board seat in the West. We have it on good authority that 3 are in the process of filing with 1 already completing the paperwork. The deadline to file is Monday by 5pm. We will release the names once this has been confirmed, but it is good news for those of you that have been asking!

Good Luck to all candidates and here is wishing you all a clean, fair run for these seats. FBW will be announcing endorsements during the week of early voting.

Stay informed and keep in touch!!!

Here are the candidate website links we have so far. All sites will be listed upon request or as we find them...:

http://www.brucealbright.com

FBN: "False" Accusations Become Foder For Approaching School Board Elections--

2011-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/09/50787

“It is no secret that Dr. Jenny runs this BOT and runs an extremely tight ship as well,” Babb later told Fort Bend Now. “He does not like to be questioned, unless it is a very controlled environment, about his decisions and becomes quite agitated when an ‘un-planed’ question is asked.” FBN

ABC13: Jenney's BOT Pushes For Another "Financial Emergency" To Prepare For RIFs (after 3 property tax increases and 4 record budget deficits)-

2011-03-08T06:26:00.001-08:00

See: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=8000666&syndicate=syndicate§ion&cmp=fb-ktrk-news

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/08/50772

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/236235-fort-bend-isd-declares-financial-emergency-amid-state-cuts

Zoning Update:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/08/50768

ABC13: Implications Of State Budget Cuts On FBISD--

2011-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=7995341

Candidates Forum Announced--

2011-03-07T04:16:00.001-08:00

See: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/235785-fort-bend-chamber-to-host-school-board-city-council-candidate-forums

Is the District Once Again Planning To Declare Financial Exigency (that they are broke)--

2011-03-04T11:32:00.001-08:00

For the second time in as many years and with a combined ending fund balance of $368,636,089 with $120,000,000 million (according to the FBISD financial records) available for the "rainy day fund", the FBISD superintendent, according to one school board member, is preparing to declare it once again. This after 3 property rate tax increases and a bond debt that ranks our district in the top 10%. Not to mention the 4th consecutive budget deficit, predating the state financial crisis, in a row under the current superintendent...

From Jim Babb's Facebook page-

"BOT Agenda is set for March 7 vote to declare "Financial Exigency", laying the groundwork for a possible R.I.F. The Agenda is being placed on-line now for public view and should be completed by 3:00 p.m. this afternoon."

See this FBN piece on it:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/04/50724

Petition Against Rezoning Option 3 In FBISD-see link below--

2011-03-04T04:15:00.000-08:00

Click the link below for access-

http://www.petitiononline.com/NoZoneFB/petition.html

More Candidates File For BOT Seats--

2011-03-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/03/50689

Local School Reform Organization Responds To AEIS Report By FBISD Leadership--

2011-02-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5Q-BQL6gV4

More File For FBISD Seats-

2011-02-28T11:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/28/50637

Youtube On Recent FBISD Zoning Meeting--Lake Colony

2011-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYmunEb7J0g

FBS: Do Parents Trust FBISD Communications Office?

2011-02-25T06:17:00.001-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendstar.com/022311/n_ParentAlleges.htm

Budget Meeting At Marshall (Local report from FBSUN)

2011-02-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_ae2f25bd-9c52-5013-9e39-a91eb11b8e68.html

"Fort Bend stands to lose anywhere from $49.4 million a year to $73.9 million a year,” Hoke said. “Considering that our budget is $488 million, that is almost 20 percent of our operating budget that may disappear next year.” FB Sun

--Is the district trying to make the case for yet another property tax rate increase while they sit on $368,636,089 million in reserve funds (120 million for the rainy day fund)???

Upcoming Meetings-

2011-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Date/Event
Feb. 26 Education Foundation Gala
Mar. 3 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Mar. 5 Watch Week Fair
Mar. 07 School Board Meeting
Mar. 8 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Mar. 10 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Mar. 7-14 Watch Week

SITE TRAFFIC STATS (SINCE 2010 FOR FBISDWATCH)--

2011-02-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

FBISDWATCH BREAKDOWN ON SITE TRAFFIC BY COUNTRY OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS:

United States
10,817

Netherlands
771

Germany
706

Russia
420

Latvia
197

Poland
147

United Kingdom
128

Ukraine
101

Report From FBISD Zoning Protest (update)-

2011-02-21T06:25:00.001-08:00

http://fbindependent.com/parents-take-fbisd-zoning-protest-to-the-streets-p3410-1.htm

Recent "George Scott Reports" Article On FBISD Reform Battles To Come--

2011-02-20T16:08:00.001-08:00

See: http://georgescottreports.com/2011/02/19/fort-bend-isd-school-board-jim-babb-is-on-an-island-of-courage-surrounded-by-an-ocean-of-acquiescence/

BOT member site being mentioned in the story:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Babb-For-FBISD/272950882709

FBN: Zoning Protest Planned For Feb. 19th

2011-02-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/18/50502

FBN: Candidates Begin Filing For FBISD BOT Seats--

2011-02-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/17/50481

Albright Announces Intention To Run For FBISD Board, Two Incumbents File For Re-election
By: Jamie Mock on Thu, Feb 17, 2011News

Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustee At-Large Position 4 incumbent Daniel Menendez and Position 1 incumbent Susan Hohnbaum have filed for re-election in the May 14 election. Bruce Albright has announced his intention to run against Menendez.

No candidates have filed for Position 5, currently held by Laurie Caldwell.

Albright is a longtime resident of FBISD and raised two children in the school system with his wife teaching in the district for more than 19 years. He has served as a volunteer teaching Sunday school for more than two decades.

Albright said that if elected he will “focus his attentions on the severe budget crisis the district is facing and work to bring more openness and transparency to the central office.”

“Restoring the board as the supervising body for the district is paramount in this campaign,” says Albright. “During times like these we must have community support to be able to continue improvements in the academic programming while simultaneously reducing extraneous spending and better aligning our processes of service delivery. We must be more responsive to the needs of the public and remember at all times, it is they who are paying for all this. The days of deliberate public deception by governmental agencies and their operatives must end during these tough times we now face.”

-Get the full piece by following the link above....

Major Personnel Cuts Announced By FBISD Administration--or where is the money?

2011-02-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/15/50442

FBW comment: Why no one has mentioned the "reserve" accounts (developed from past bond elections) often referred to as the rainy day fund. It was close to 100 million last year. We've had 3 property tax rate increases in a row...what next?

FB Sun- After 4 years of concurrent budget deficits and property tax increases, outlook under the district leadership is bleak:

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_7ebbff56-aa84-5c62-9d2e-3b157ee6f7f9.html

Upcoming Meetings-

2011-02-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

Feb. 14 Candidate Filing Period for BOT Begins
Feb. 15 Zoning Public Hearing
Feb. 17 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Feb. 21 President's Day - Weather Make-Up Day
Feb. 22 Zoning Public Hearing
Feb. 26 Education Foundation Gala
Mar. 3 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Mar. 8 Budget Town Hall Meeting

Local Community Activist Sounds Off On Taxpayer Abuse In This Houston Chronicle Piece--click below--

2011-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2011/02/houston-chronicle-fb-section-txhb-879.html

FBI: Covers Specifics of Supts. Extended New 5 Year Contract (Gift from the BOT in 6-1 vote)--

2011-02-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

http://fbindependent.com/virtual-science-center-is-part-of-districts-goal-p3376-1.htm

FB Star requested the latest amendments to the supts. contract: http://www.fortbendstar.com/012611/images/01.12.10_Supt%20Third%20amended%20Contract_Signed.pdf

FBW comment: Amazing the board is providing incentives for normal job expectations and performance...take a moment and read the link.

FBN: Local Activist Group Questioning FBISD Open Records Process

2011-02-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

“If this administration wants to espouse a hyper-technical enforcement of the Open Records Act, then what they are saying is that we reserve the right to spoon feed our school board and spoon feed our public information that should be readily available when it is completed,” Scott told Fort Bend Now. George Scott

--Click the link below for the full article...

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/08/50343

Update: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/09/50351

FBISD's Willowridge Academy Gets The Budget Axe

2011-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/03/50266

FBN Editorial: Is FBISD going to meet its $74M budget deficit by creating “uniformly overcrowded” high schools?

2011-02-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/01/50176

By A.Krishnan

"In Monday, Jan 25th’s FBISD Board meeting which started with a Budget workshop and concluded with the Zoning workshop, it was as if the FBISD Board who sat in on the budget workshop were not the same ones who sat in the Zoning workshop! In the budget workshop , it became evident that FBISD was facing one of its largest shortfalls in history – $ 74M and there would have be serious cuts in programs and services if the district wanted to live within its budget. In the zoning workshop that followed , not a single Board member raised a question around cost savings from the various rezoning options proposed. Instead the FBISD Board focused on creating “Uniformly crowded” High Schools as one Board member called it, by moving students from one overcrowded High School (Clements) to yet another overcrowded High School (Elkins). Their short sighted focus was on the here and now when all of the district’s own projection data showed Clements enrolments declining and Elkins enrolments increasing between now and 2014.They completely lost sight of the fact that Elkins would be at 137% of its capacity and Clements, at 88% of its capacity by 2014. Elkins has a capacity of 1959 students and based on the current rezoning, Elkins would reach 2682 students in 2014 , 723 students more than the school is built to handle! Where is the intelligence and foresight in this decision?"

Get the full piece by following the link above...

FBW comments: Where is the 90-100 million dollar rainy day contingency funds that were "repurposed" from past bond-debt elections???

Drop In Number Of Higher Performing FBISD Schools Noted By NCEA (Only 10 reported in 2010 vs. 21 in 2009)

2011-01-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/28/50134

The report does not speculate as to why the numbers dropped so significantly from the '09 numbers...

FB Star Covers Apparent End Of GSTC Project

2011-01-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

After nearly 2 years of records requests, an ignored order from the Texas AGs office (originally pursued by this watch group), much brow beating by many on the current school board, 2 petitions, etc. the district changes direction on the $30 million dollar "GSTC" project:

http://www.fortbendstar.com/012611/n_FBISDDitches.htm

&

http://fbindependent.com/global-science-and-technology-center-changes-direction-p3336-1.htm

FBN: FBISD Trustee Tells Press She Will ‘Go After’ Reporters Who Misquote Her

2011-01-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/25/50078

& Texas AG orders release of documents surrounding MHS investigation:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/25/50070

FBN: FBISD Board Scraps Plan For Global Science Center

2011-01-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

Updated FB/Sugar Land Sun: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/sugar_land/news/article_7ed20c3a-d35f-5ec6-85e1-9063e52cc442.html

FBISD Board Scraps Plan For Global Science Center
By: Jamie Mock on Fri, Jan 21, 2011News

Citing “economic challenges” and several other concerns, the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees has scraped the controversial plans to build a Global Science and Technology Center.

The plans were unveiled in March of 2009 during a presentation that ended with a video by Houston’s PBK Architects showing a 3-D rendering of the “Global Center for Science and Technology” while rock music blared in the FBISD board room.
Administrators offered the science center as a method of “bridging the divide between theory and practice.”
The proposal stirred up controversy in the community, with residents expressing concerns over possible tax increases, the ability of students to actually visit the facility and transportation issues. Many said the center would be a duplicate of the new Houston Museum of Natural Science location in Sugar Land.

District officials now say the goal is to develop a plan that “utilizes technology to deliver daily innovative science content to students through lessons at their home campus site.”

“In response to the economic challenges the district continues to experience and concerns related to the cost of maintenance and utilities for the facility, too little access by students, and transportation expenses, the Board of Trustees chose the new direction for science instruction by adopting a Board/Superintendent goal to make the most of the principles of the proposed science and technology center via technology and distance learning,” said district officials in a statement.
Officials said that by not building the facility, which was projected to cost $25 million and cost at least $500,000 a year to operate, not including transportation, the district will be able to redirect some bond interest money for “more pressing” capital improvement projects.

Officials also said eliminating the plan and using funds elsewhere will mean the district will not hold a bond referendum next November.

Full source: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/21/50041

Interesting Column This Week In FB Star

2011-01-20T04:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.fortbendstar.com/Columns/burner.htm (get the full piece)

Related: http://www.fortbendstar.com/011911/n_FBISDSuperintendent.htm

The buck stops there...and there....and there.....I’ve probably written right here in this space that I’ve never witnessed a superintendent so universally reviled than Dr. Tim Jenney. I really haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly why he has failed to connect to a lot of people in the community. Of course, I’ve had little interaction with him personally so I don’t know if he is charming, grouchy, smart, dull, knowledgeable, sexy or whatever.
But I can state with certainty that we all need to be careful who we blame.

I made the mistake years ago in blaming a superintendent when actually he didn’t make a move that wasn’t approved by the board of trustees. In fact, all superintendent’s moves are approved by a board of trustees.

You probably were surprised when you heard that even though Fort Bend ISD has a budget shortfall of $20 million, has laid off several hundred teachers, cut several programs, and is threatening to close several schools, its board of trustees granted the superintendent an extension contract this past week.

And here’s what should really tick you off. They tried to say that in these difficult economic times they had reached an agreement with Dr. Jenney for a REDUCTION in his salary.

Two birds in the hand....Folks, even though I didn’t approve of his actions, I feel just like ol’ Joe Wilson did when he stood up and told the president during his state address, “You lie!”

Because that is exactly what they did. Here’s how it rolled out: The board claimed that Dr. Jenney took a $34,000 reduction in his approximately $350,000 annual salary which includes bonuses, annuities, expenses and retirement. What the board actually did was to take $34,000 that was supposed to be awarded to Dr. Jenney in a performance bonus (more about that later) and guaranteed it to him next year without the performance strings attached to be deposited into his retirement fund.
Let me state that again. They guaranteed him a tax-reduced payment of $34,000 next year that if they had paid this year, he would have had some performance goals to reach.

Then to kick a little sand in the taxpayers’ faces, they extended his contract for five more years.
About the performance bonus: it is based of things any decent superintendent should do. For example, he gets an extra $2,000 per year if he formally visits all 70 school sites. He also gets about $1,000 if he meets with department and grade level chairs at least three times per year, and another $1,500 to meet with a random group of new teachers three times per year.
And so it goes - $6,000 for conducting a thorough analysis of teacher absenteeism and creating a marketing campaign to improve attendance. And another $5,000 for improving all aspects of the Transportation Department’s fuel dispensing. (Heck, as I’ve said before, I thought just hiring a competent transportation director would be worth its weight in gold since according to complaints I have had for years, that has been severely lacking for some time.)

In any event, the $34,000 annuity which is supposed to be performance based is actually based on a performance that any superintendent should execute. Specifically, these goals are simply activities, (visit, write, file) and not performance.
He is also eligible for another $34,000 salary if he meets certain target gains. However, these target gains are achievements that a majority of school districts are expected to reach. Most districts in the Houston area will exceed them. In fact, this bonus will be eliminated altogether because the state is changing its academic ratings in the next year, so Dr. Jenney would have had to renegotiated his salary anyway. And the academic portion of his bonus is exactly what is being reduced or deferred in 2012 but will be reinstated in 2013, according to board president Sonal Bhuchar (who, by the way, I sternly warned that “it’s not nice to lie to Bev Carter”). When something is going to be reinstated in future years, that is a deferrable in my book.

Now I don’t know if you are riled up by now, but I sure am because the board went into executive session and didn’t emerge to vote on the new contract until every last audience member or reporter was gone. They even peeked out a couple of times to check.

Now mind you, they still had the nerve to send out a press release that called this a REDUCTION instead of a DEFERRAL.Smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors.

There is one hopeful note. Trustee Jim Babb did not vote for the new contract. However, I have one thing to say to the following trustees (an oxymoron) Sonal Bhuchar, Susan Hohnbaum, Daniel Menendez, Laurie Caldwell, Marilyn Glover, and Jim Rice...liar, liar, pants on fire!

Upcoming Meetings-

2011-01-17T04:12:00.001-08:00

Date/Event

Jan. 17 Martin L. King Day - Holiday

Jan. 20 Vendor Expo

Jan. 24 Budget Workshop

Jan. 24 School Board Meeting

Feb. 14 AEIS Public Hearing 5 p.m

Feb. 14 School Board Meeting

Feb. 21 President's Day - Holiday

FBN: More Disinformation Coming Out Of The District Regarding Superintendents New Extended Contract (District still not complying with TPIA Request)

2011-01-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/13/49917

"Fort Bend Now requested the contract after learning that the FBISD Board of Trustees Monday night extended Jenney’s contract for five years, with amendments. Fort Bend Now wanted to publish the details of the contract, including details on what the district is calling a “reduction in compensation” for Jenney, but what others have said is actually a deferment of payment." FBN

Related Chron: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7378164.html

FBN: One Board Member Votes Against Extending Superintendents Contract

2011-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/11/49869

"Fort Bend Now has submitted an open records request to the district to view the contract, including the amendments. When the contract is made available, Fort Bend Now will publish the details." FBN

FBW comment: Apparently the publically announced cut by the district to the superintendents contract is a misleading statement based on bonus monies being included now as part of his regular pay. This makes the money guaranteed in the new year of the contract if verified. FBN has requested a copy of his contract.

Former State Representative for TX HD 27 Sends Appreciation Note To Community Supporters--

2011-01-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

Chron: FBISD Proposed School Closings Hot Topic!

2011-01-11T04:08:00.001-08:00

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7374443.html

As Bond-Debt Election Time Approaches: See this George Scott Report On An Often Used Strategy In Selling The Latest & Greatest

2011-01-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

See:

http://georgescottreports.com/2011/01/09/galveston-superintendent-larry-nichols-hero-must-be-elmer-gantry-his-stunt-on-taks-the-chronicles-wickedly-incompetent-education-reporting-give-false-picture/

--Didn't this tactic sound familiar? Perhaps because a similar effort was tried here in FBISD a few months ago. Does anyone remember the "Texas Projection Measure" (our magic solution to low tests scores)?

We will update this as the need arises!

FBN: Behind The Scenes Of School Board Campaigns (or how does the superintendent always get his board)--follow the link below for more--

2011-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/06/49801

(exert)...I agree that the community needs to know that Board members are able to work together; however, the community also wants to see respectful debate, discussion and occasional dissenting votes.

As a presidential candidate once said, “If we both (all) agree on everything, then only one of us is doing the thinking.” Basically, we can disagree and still be agreeable. The community needs to know that their School Board is acting as a system of “checks and balances” and that any superintendent is not just being given “carte blanche” to do whatever he or she wants.

Now for the irony I promised. The same anonymous friend (mentioned earlier) advised me that he had recently been contacted by a prominent member of the current Board, who attempted to recruit or encourage him to become a candidate in the upcoming BOT election, thus fueling speculation that there may be an open seat, should an incumbent decide not to seek re-election. The call was received prior to the holidays. In any campaign, such advance notice provides a significant advantage to the forewarned candidate.

Such strategies are not unique to FBISD. During recent training, we learned of another Texas school district that has a tradition of the retiring incumbent resigning his seat in mid-term, so that a preferred replacement could be selected, giving the appointee a tremendous advantage in the upcoming election.

It will be nice to see a day when such strategies are no longer employed and the average citizen had just as even a chance of winning as any other candidate...

UPDATE OF EARLIER WATCH RELEASE:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/06/49809

Good News, According To One Current Trustee

2011-01-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

This has been cut/pasted from current FBISD board member Jim Babb's facebook website:

"Jim Babb For FBISD: To all who have been concerned about the possibility of FBISD building a Global Science & Technology Center structure (GSTC); I have good news. Although I do not speak for the Board and am not at liberty to reveal details at this time, it will NOT be built without another public Board vote, mandating its construction. AND I don't see that happening."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Babb-For-FBISD/272950882709?ref=nf

Nothing was mentioned about the $20-30 million dollars the superintendent was setting aside for this project or whether or not it would be released for use on other much needed campus based projects. No original source is mentioned either in the release and the public should be concerned about the other BOT members who have supported this spending project during several budget short-falls, severe RIFs and increased debt but for now this is good news!

MORE:

Closed meetings being used to evaluate criteria and assessment of superintendent-

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/01/04/49763

Happy New Year! --See District Calendar Below--

2011-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Date/Event

Jan. 10 School Board Meeting
Jan. 17 Martin L. King Day - Holiday
Jan. 24 Budget Workshop
Jan. 24 School Board Meeting
Feb. 14 School Board Meeting (FIRST DAY TO FILE FOR BOT & LOCAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS)
Feb. 21 President's Day - Holiday
Feb. 26 Education Foundation Gala

2010-12-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

FBN: Covers Controversial Glover CAD Board Nomination--click below--

2010-12-16T10:38:00.001-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/16/49499

"Many residents have questioned the ethics of nominating the husband of an active board member, and Babb said he has been inundated with phone calls and e-mails concerning the nomination.

There is no mention of Albert Glover’s name in the agenda packet for the meeting. The resolution included in the packet has a blank line where the nominee’s name would be written.

Babb said he abstained from voting because he was unaware that the board already had a candidate in mind. He said he was under the impression that the board would be viewing resumes and discussing possible candidates." FBN

--FBW comment: So this is how it really operates?

Talk of HS Closures Fills BOT Meeting-

2010-12-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/14/49454#comment-16420

More on possible school closings (update 12-16): http://www.fortbendstar.com/121510/n_FBISD.htm

Albert Glover, Husband of BOT Member Marilyn Glover Selected For Possible Appointment To CAD Board (Apparent conflict of interest?)

2010-12-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

FBISDWatch was notified a few weeks back about a vacancy on the county appraisal board for a FBISD member. These positions have come under the spot-light over the past few years because of the record number of challenges to property tax appraisals in the district. Recently an appointed CAD board member for FBISD resigned leaving the seat open for several months.

According to inside sources and the district, this position may be filled by a husband of one of the school board members who has been very active in supporting BOT candidates that back the superintendent and many of his spending projects. The real question is, could this present a conflict of interest if he is voted in at the commissioners court meeting today?

Stay tuned, we will update this at intervals...

School closings update: http://fbindependent.com/fbisd-plans-to-close-down-two-schools-p3151-1.htm

(Note: Does it make sense to not utilize existing campuses for student needs rather than to close existing campuses while building several new ones and proposing an additional project costing as much as a campus to operate in the "GSTC"?)

Upcoming Meetings-

2010-12-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

Dec. 13 Zoning Boundaries Workshop

Dec. 13 School Board Meeting

Dec. 20-Jan. 2 Winter Holidays

Jan. 10 School Board Meeting

Jan. 17 Martin L. King Day - Holiday

Jan. 24 Budget Workshop

Jan. 24 School Board Meeting

EXTRA Chron: FBISD zoning workshop--still discussing possible school closings...

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/223764-ktrk-fort-bend-county-to-hold-zoning-workshop-tonight

FBN OP/ED: FBISD Bond Steering Committee Politics--click link below for more--

2010-12-08T12:25:00.001-08:00

Is the bond debt steering committee process a farse? See what one resident has to say about it in this local FBN editorial....

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/08/49346

and this one (school district still pointing the finger at the state for 3-4 years of budget woes rather than take responsibility for mismanagement)--12-10-10:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/10/49383

"...Despite widespread criticism by school officials about the level of state funding for public schools, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has released a report saying school spending per student has increased by 63 percent during the last decade, outpacing both enrollment growth and inflation.

Fort Bend Independent School District officials, having just faced their third budget deficit in a row, have long blamed the state’s school financing system for their financial woes..." FBN

FBN: Willowridge High School One Of Several Schools Being Discussed For Closing--click the link below for more--

2010-12-07T11:44:00.001-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/07/49325

Upcoming Meetings-

2010-12-01T04:39:00.000-08:00

Dec. 07 Tech. Ed. Expo

Dec. 13 School Board Meeting

Dec. 20-Jan. 2 Winter Holidays

Jan. 10 School Board Meeting

ZONING UPDATE 12-1: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/01/49212

More Budget Problems:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/12/02/49243

FB Sun Coverage Of Controversial GSTC Project (Never Approved By Voters/Taxpayers)--click below--

2010-11-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.hcnonline.com/sugar_land/news/article_68f6998d-1d24-58b7-8b72-998293b3cf01.html

Have A Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

2010-11-23T04:36:00.001-08:00

FB Star Update On Superintendents Push For Spending on "Science Center" (at the central office)

2010-11-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendstar.com/111710/n_IsFBISD.htm

Also from the "Burner" column, this interesting tid-bit on vendor relations and how they treat some "connected" board members:

'FBISD, the smart group.....We learned last week that 3 FBISD board members stayed in an expensive Houston hotel because they were attending a meeting close by. The meetings were a little over 20 miles from their homes but in this day of cutting teachers and watching pennies, Laurie Caudwell, Marilyn Glover, and Jim Rice just couldn’t make that long drive home and be back for a meeting the next day.

FYI: they stayed late at night to go eat at an expensive restaurant with district vendors picking up the tab.
They ought to be ashamed."

FBSun: Rezoning Controversy Continues

2010-11-18T07:09:00.001-08:00

See: http://www.hcnonline.com/sugar_land/news/article_1b3ecb96-aae7-5fac-a9d3-129c0a9ad11f.html

FBN: Under-crowding Or Over-crowding for FBISD? Which is it?

2010-11-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/15/48949

ABC13: KISD Apologizes For Misuse Of Taxpayers Phone Lists During Bond Campaign--see link below--

2010-11-14T07:51:00.001-08:00

http://thevote.abc13.com/2010/11/katy-school-district-apologizes-parents-say-its-too-little-too-late.html

Will this tactic be used during the forth-coming FBISD bond campaign? Apparently members of the fact finding committee are already being secretly asked to join the "promotion" group, which usually makes up hand picked community members that are favorable in their opinions of pushing for additional bond debt, increased taxes and often from associations with the contractors and vendors in the district that directly benefit from these dollars. Almost half the members of the last bond "promotion" committee were GFBCEDC members or in the school district foundation. Hardly a random sample drawn from the community at large.

We will update this at intervals...

Related over spending issues:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/08/48844

FBN: "Global Taj Mahal" Alive And Well, according to this report (Project Never Approved By Voters)--

2010-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

“One thing to keep in mind is the state of the economy – we could be looking at a state of the economy that would make it impossible for us to open middle school 15 in that time frame,” said Jenney, referring to the next few years.

Jenney has not said if economic conditions will affect the future of the science center. FBN

Get more: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/10/48893

FBW comment: FB Star publisher had this to say last week:

"The global center for science and technology was FBISD’s answer to low science scores on the TAKS tests. Rather than throw a bunch of money at the classrooms, the district in its bid to build something it could name after somebody proposed a project that, except for its name, wasn’t going to do much for anybody, what with loading kids up and busing them several miles once or twice a semester so they could spend scant minutes at the center before loading on a bus and heading back to their home campus.

I had no idea the district was still kicking that ill-fated idea around until the board started talking about a bond election in order to not only build more schools, but of a more immediate nature, repair some schools in bad shape. Board members were informed that money still left over from previous bond issues was being saved for the science center rather than being used for current repairs.

Are you kidding me??? It is inconceivable to me that with as much controversy over the center in the first place that it would still be on the agenda.

Does the superintendent, Dr. Tim Jenny, realize that the effective term of a school superintendent is about five years, and he is dangerously closing in on that term."

http://myfortbend.net/news/local/opinion-editorial/1351-just-in-from-the-fb-star-qgstcq-rumor-confirmed-by-local-media-

Related wasteful spending article:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/08/48844

Contentious School Board Meeting Leaves Zoning Critics Dissatisfied

2010-11-09T04:24:00.000-08:00

Following several zoning workshops, where district officials gave numerous reasons for several of the current rezoning plans, quite a few speakers responded during the open comments section questioning the need for rezoning. Some raised concerns about a rumor circulating the media regarding the superintendent holding onto some of the 2007 bond funds (nearly 20 million dollars), some of which was ear-marked for land purchases for new schools in Telfair and elsewhere. There was no official response from the superintendent or other board members during that agenda item.

Related: "A New Territory resident who is a member of the Google group SMS BBE Zone, started as an effort to organize a protest of the division of the neighborhood, said in an e-mail to the group after the meeting that many people are missing the real issue of the story, which she said is that there aren’t enough students to fill the new school.

“I think it is natural for people to make the easy leap between “rezoning” and “overcrowding” and
the reporters so far have made portrayed this situation to be a result of “growing pains” in the district when in fact it is the exact opposite,” said Kathy Morrow in a message using the Google Group. “If Aliana and some of the other nearby developments had grown more in the last two years, like the district probably anticipated, we wouldn’t be faced with this. That part of the district has not grown enough to support this new school. It’s due to the economy – which of course nobody could have predicted.”

A speaker at the regular meeting asked the board not to use their children as “filler” to meet quotas for an under capacity school." Fort Bend Now

As additional media reports come in, they will be shared below:

http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-school-rezoning-story,0,7770411.story

http://www.khou.com/news/neighborhood-news/-Parents-complain-as-Fort-Bend-ISD-experiences-growing-pains--106940134.html

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/09/48864 (New zoning options presented)

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/09/48876

Background:

http://kathymorrowsterritorynews.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-territory-rallies-against-proposed_27.html

FBN: FBISD Once Again Attempting To Block Access To Records Requests (This time involving the MHS embezzlement scandal)

2010-11-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/08/48836

Just In From The FB Star--"GSTC" Rumor Confirmed By Local Media--

2010-11-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Just in from the FB Star:

The hubris of leadership....I am often astonished by the arrogance of some of our appointed and elected officials.

For example, I recently was informed that FBISD’s global center for science and technology was still on the drawing boards. I thought everyone agreed that in the economic climate of today, the science center was a program we did not have to have.

The global center for science and technology was FBISD’s answer to low science scores on the TAKS tests. Rather than throw a bunch of money at the classrooms, the district in its bid to build something it could name after somebody proposed a project that, except for its name, wasn’t going to do much for anybody, what with loading kids up and busing them several miles once or twice a semester so they could spend scant minutes at the center before loading on a bus and heading back to their home campus.

I had no idea the district was still kicking that ill-fated idea around until the board started talking about a bond election in order to not only build more schools, but of a more immediate nature, repair some schools in bad shape. Board members were informed that money still left over from previous bond issues was being saved for the science center rather than being used for current repairs.

Are you kidding me??? It is inconceivable to me that with as much controversy over the center in the first place that it would still be on the agenda.

Does the superintendent, Dr. Tim Jenny, realize that the effective term of a school superintendent is about five years, and he is dangerously closing in on that term...

...I’ve never known of a superintendent that the teachers hated so universally. He brought many administrators from Virginia Beach with him which may have been a good thing as schools have a way of becoming inbred, but it has resulted in untold resentments.

Now we find that amid all the other economic problems plaguing the school district, a “secret” fund is still being kept aside for the building Dr. Jenney wants to build. The hauteur of this action seems almost unbelievable. Shame on Dr. Jenney and shame on the school board for letting our schools go dangerously lacking in repair while still harboring conceited thoughts of a “science center.”

Zoning Conflict In Telfair & New Territory Escalates!

2010-11-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.click2houston.com/education/25637916/detail.html?taf=hou

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=7765621&syndicate=syndicate§ion

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/03/48791

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/11/05/48827

http://www.fortbendstar.com/110310/n_Campaign.htm

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/11/05/fort_bend_sun/news/sws-_telfair_schools.txt

"The school district said there is one major problem -- there's no money to build a new high school. Officials said a 2007 bond election provided money to buy land, but said that does not appear to be a smart move right now."--From the channel 2 story--Apparently from inside sources, this just isn't true. There is 20 million the district is sitting on for a project that wasn't supported by the voters called the "Global Science & Technology Center (Global Taj Mahal)", a duplicate science museum (very similar to the one in Telfair). There is also several tens of millions of dollars from prior bond elections now in reserve accounts. Plenty to make the purchase on the land....

We will update these stories as they come in.

Get county election results below!

2010-11-02T20:08:00.001-07:00

See: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er101102_01.pdf

Bond Battle Heats Up In Neighboring KISD--follow the link below--

2010-10-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

School district releases cell phone numbers and other contact information to pro-bond-debt forces in KISDs controversial election. KISD already ranks in the top 10 for bond debt closely followed by FBISD which is also in the top 10% and uses many of the same corporate vendors. It has been rumored that FBISD is planning on another bond election while sitting on nearly 20 million dollars from the last RECORD bond-debt election of only a few years ago. Sources claim that the FBISD supt. is planning on using some of those funds for the NON-voter approved duplicate science museum at the central office. THIS WOULD MEAN, IF CONFIRMED, THAT HE WOULD BE USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR A VERY LARGE NON-CAMPUS BASED BUILDING PROJECT THAT WAS NOT APPROVED BY THE VOTERS. Stay tuned while we update this...:

http://instantnewskaty.com/2010/10/29/17059

http://instantnewskaty.com/2010/10/28/17041

Background:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/02/fort_bend_science_center_1.php

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/06/fort_bend_science_center.php

Telfair & New Territory Residents Speak Up At BOT Meeting On Zoning Concerns--

2010-10-26T07:40:00.001-07:00

It appears zoning has once again taken center stage at the board of trustees regular meeting, this time for the families of New Territory and Telfair. Of primary concerns listed was traffic patterns, safety and over-crowding at the currently zoned high school for the area (Clements). A large group of taxpayers showed up and quite a few spoke to the packed house. While several east and west end district high schools are under-utilized with regards to their maximum seating capacity, Clements is well over its allowable load and has been for several years now. The real question is whether or not this board will address it or continue to ignore it as past boards have thus allowing the problem to mushroom.

We will update this below as media permits:

Update 10-28: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/28/48675

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/26/48600

Question of the week: Why Is The FBISD Administration Attempting To Investigate The Marshall High School "Embezzlement" Scandal Internally?

2010-10-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

FBW Question: Why Is The FBISD Administration Attempting To Investigate The Marshall High School "Embezzlement" Scandal Internally? Wouldn't it be better handled by an outside agency? Will our reluctant D.A. get involved?

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/15/48405

Stay tuned for more...

FBN: Local Corruption & A Free Press

2010-10-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

Follow this link for more: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/18/48438

Early Voting Begins Oct. 18th--

2010-10-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

County, state and federal mid-term elections early voting starts Monday the 18th...

Get more info: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getsitepage.asp?sitepage=3230

FBN: Community Pressure Exposes Complications In BOT Voting Process-

2010-10-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/14/48392

District Seeking To Usurp Voter Approval For Tax Hikes In Legislative Agenda (1 member speaks out against this)-

2010-10-13T13:07:00.001-07:00

FBN: Babb Abstains From Voting On FBISD’s Legislative Agenda

"Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees member Jim Babb abstained from voting on a legislative agenda at Monday night’s board meeting after expressing concerns about a portion of the document that requested school districts have the right to raise taxes without voter approval..."

Full story: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/13/48371

Other board action: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/12/48342

FBN: Growing Controversy Surrounding Neighboring Districts Bond Election--see link below--

2010-10-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/12/48352

Upcoming Dates-

2010-10-07T06:08:00.001-07:00

Date/Event

Oct. 9 Recycle For Reuse
Oct. 11 School Board Meeting
Oct. 22 Community Conference
Oct. 25 School Board Meeting
Oct. 27 Academy Expo

***Updates (Bond controversy with shared district vendors and other news from local media sources):***

Update on BOT representatives meeting with PGMUD: http://www.fortbendstar.com/100610/n_HotWords.htm

And does this firm look familiar (PBK)? Yes they are a regular FBISD contractor/vendor:

http://instantnewskaty.com/2010/10/06/16538

Looks like KISD delivered its "state of the schools" speech in much the same way FBISD did.

http://instantnewskaty.com/2010/10/05/16494

FBN covers growing bond promotion controversy in neighboring district:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/07/48270

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/07/48274