The Week Ahead

There seems to be a lot going on this week, so here is the run down on what to see.

Today-

Valley Metro will begin charging for its Route 45 that runs from Harlingen to Brownsville. The fares for one-way will be $1.50 and half off students, seniors and  with disabilities. Route 13 that runs within Edinburg will start its new route starting from University Drive and McColl to Raul Longoria to Sprague and will hit on Closner. For more information and to view the new schedules, visit www.lrgvdc.org/valleymetro 

Dallas:

Dallas ISD: Today there will be a forum for the candidates running for the District 1 spot. The forum will take place at Marsh Middle School starting at 6:30. Also, watch out for any superintendent updates while a called meeting is still on to books for today where the lone candidate for the spot might be announced today or Wednesday.

Candidate Reponse Updates

We are going to stick with the postings of our reponses from the candidates how we used to do them day by day. Below is the new dates for reponses:

April 12- District 1
April 13- District 3
April 14- District 9
April 16- Endorsements
April 23- Early Voting for May 12 Elections Begin

Dallas ISD Election Season Begins

Today, candidates are starting off their campaigns for DISD in Districts 1 which includes North Dallas, District 3 in East Dallas, and District 9 which now includes parts of Pleasant Grove, South Dallas, Far East Dallas, and Portions of South Oak Cliff, due to the Redistricting Maps passed in August. So far here are the candidates running.
District 1
Edwin Flores (Incumbent)
Michael Greenberg

District 3
Bruce Parrott (Incumbent)

District 9
Bernadette Nutall (Incumbent)
Damarcus Offord

As we did last time, as soon as all the candidates have filed we will post questionares here in Preppy Issues around April. This Years election will be held May 12, early elections will be from April 30-May 8.

DISD’s New Redistricting Plans are out!

Now, it’s DISD’s turn to redraw maps from the 2010 Census and they have now come out with 4 plans. Theses maps are not as a big deal, and nothing dramaitc, but the maps are now for you to look at the Districts Redistricting Page. Meetings are set for Next Week and for the Week of August 1st, with location sites TBA. We’ll be there to cover one or two of the meetings, so check the page for updates.

Things to watch with the maps: (Spoiler Alert!)
-I’m really worried about West Dallas, many of the maps have them split with 8, 5, and 7. District 8 looks like almost like District 6 in the City Council.

-There is one area south of Love Field which every map has District Two in for some reason.

-There is one map that has Woodrow with District 2, thats for you to find out.

-Otherwise, just some places being shift to other districts, nothing as bad for my neck of the woods.

Your Taxdollars At Work

If you got a chance to see what will be going on at tomorrows DISD Board of Trustees Meeting, there’s actually a meeting video up. No, the actual meeting did not start today, but there is a 30 minute video that was just released today for no reason, but there were people who were getting ready for tomorrows meeting. Some of the preparations that are being done was really intesting about how our Mock Trial is going to be recognized at tomorrows meeting, testing the power points, the swearing-in of the new and old members, how they were going to seat Eric Cowan at the table, and how many tables they needed. Actually, I heard that the members can make comments about the superintendent so it will be intesting. Just remember that one big thing also that will happen will be the election of officers so that will be something to see. I have other awards assembles to attend back at school, so I might be able to catch the swearing-in of Eric Cowan and the elections, then leave after they recognized us, check out the video if you get bored during the day today.

The Finish to the Mock Trial Season

Well, if many of your were wondering how our team did, it was an amazing trip and journey when our team worked really hard to get to where they went this year. Being in my 2nd season of Mock Trial, I really didn’t know if we really were going to make it to Philly, but I knew that we would make it even that far because of the kind of team that we had. We have scrimmage four teams before the competition and our neighbor to the north, Oklahoma. We only went up against four teams with Washington, Virgina, Alabama, and Wisconsin. Theses teams were really good also, and theses matches where really close to call and had some things that were unbelievable. Many of the judges that I heard were really shocked about our lawyers and how they did and it was like those ”Watch out for Texas” kind of thing. We ended up winning the song contest which was a really fun experience where we shot it in just one hour, I’ll try to get the video up later for everyone to see. We really thought we would be crush, but how they chose the winning song was really intesting where they ended up have 6 in the top. With the help of our neighbor Louisiana, we won the contest and ended up with $10 I-Tunes cards which weren’t that bad. This was during the pin-exchange which was really fun where we exchanged not only pens, but really cool stuff from all the way from South Korea and Guam. It was a really fun trop for having the honor to go to Philadelphia and being a part of the winning Texas Mock Trial Championship Team. It’s not what we really didn’t want it to happened, but we ended up with 34th out of the 44 teams that competed in this really intense rounds. I’m very proud of our team, and I think the team will do even better and make it to our way to Phoenix where next’s years competition will be held, but Chris Clark actually ended up with an outstanding award for also his hard work in the team. Here are the results of the placement of teams by visting the National High School Mock Trail Website.

We Recommend….

This is the moment that we have been waiting for, some races it was obvious who we picked, but there is a race that was just so hard to choose and there are some good people who are running from their hearts and it really good that they are giving up their time to do this race and to help make DISD a better district, but at the end of the day we have decided on the following after looking at the responses, seeing other endorsements, the chatter, who they wanted and heres what we came up with:

District 4: Camile White

As many of you know, the incumbent Nancy Bingham has done a lot for our area and we respect that. Lately from the RIF’S to the controversal textbook vote last month. Many feel that she is part of the problem with the board and we feel that District 4 need a new person that will represent them on the matter on which many believe is right. One of her platforms is to stop the busing of students from District 4 to 9 which is the Spruce-Lincoln and Madison placements and is a problem that theses schools are even  facing at this time.  One thing that Mrs. White mentions is getting parental involvement which is a good thing and that is something that would need work on. District 4 schools are falling apart and with Camile, she will work hard to raise the standards and wants to do something about it which is a great need in that part of town. It’s time for a new direction and leadership in the Southeast part and something must be done about it.

District 5: Dr. Lew Blackburn

This is one race that was hard to choose who should be the next representative of the board of trustees. Lately, he has been asking the hard questions to theses people who are just going to make it worst in the system. He has been a supporter for many of the things that people wanted, wants to get meetings going for the budget, and supported the magnets. One thing that people should understand is that next year if it happens, we need him for redistricting and of course that is going to be a big deal and he has seen it and we need him there to over see it and we support him as the president of the board for next year.

District 7: Eric Cowan

His job title has to do with budgets and that is a big plus for him for this seat. We need someone who will be able to look at that and to see what if any needs to be done. He is a new person who went into this race and he is the only one that is really dedicate to even running unlike the other person running. Mr. Cowan should be the person and race for this one should not matter and wants to improve issues to all people, not just one. One thing that also stands out is that he is really going to send his kids to DISD schools, and now he will know about the real things that are going on in the schools.

Eric Cowan

What would be some of the things you would push though the board once you’re elected?

I have three initiatives I will work on immediately if elected. I will meet with the Superintendent to discuss the plan to replenish the General Fund. I will tour the 31 schools in our District to see what needs to be addressed and how I can best serve them as a Trustee. Iwill then meet with the parent organizations to determine their level of involvement in each of the schools.

Is there anything going on that needs attention in your District?

We have some very good schools in District 7. One of my initiatives, if elected, is to visit with the teachers and principals from each school in District 7 to determine what needs attention. I would also like to know what successes we have so we may build upon those throughout DISD.

Any past public offices held or ran for?

No

Education- Please elaborate about your past education, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

I graduated from public high school in Lubbock, Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Baylor University.

In the 2008-2009 school year, there was many RIF’S, would there had to been anything to prevent it from happing again?

The Board of Trustees needs to hold the Administration accountable for the accounting standards and employee formulas used to staff campuses. The Board also needs time to review and discuss the budget with the Administration prior to approval.

Do you think there’s a problem with Transparency with DISD?

Transparency has been a problem in the past and the Board needs to continue improving in this area. We should have all relevant financial and policy documents available on the DISD website.

Did you think that the cuts from the Magnet School and Learning Centers in May of 2009 were necessary, and do you support Magnets and Learning Centers?

Our magnet schools are very respected and very successful. We should protect these institutions, learn what is successful, and apply these best practices to the other schools in the District.

If there were one thing you would change the School Board about, what would it be?

I would like to see a more united front in terms of Board relations. The Board of Trustees may not always agree on every issue, but the Board should maintain a healthy level of professional respect.

What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.

As a Board, we need to make sure that all schools are successful by making sound financial decisions and set education policies that help all students succeed. District 7 can only be truly successful if the other disticts succeed too.

How important it is to have all sorts of Race Relations with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?

We have a very diverse community and student body. It’s important we address the needs and concerns of all regardless of race, religion, etc.

Why should people elect you and any final words?

As Director of Revenue Management for Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and Rosewood Crescent Hotel, I bring a financial skill that is unique and critical to the Board of Trustees and the District. As a parent of two daughters who will soon enter DISD, I have a vested interest in the success of our public school system. If elected, I am committed to act in the best interest of DISD through accountability, accessibility, and a focus on achievement.

Daphene Edmond

What would be some of the things you would push though the board once you’re elected?
Complete fiscal accountability and transparency
Programs that help with the high dropout rate
The elimination of programs that have not shown to be effective by teachers
Parental Involvement – Involve parents in every aspect of a student’s education.

Is there anything going on that needs attention in your District?
Budget issues need to be addressed right away if we are to avoid a situation like we had in 2008 in the near future.
The high number of low performing schools in District 5.
The lack of qualified teachers with a proven tract record teaching in low performing schools.
Unfair administrators that intimidate teachers, parents and students.

Any past public offices held or ran for?
No this is my first time running for public office my only political desire is to be a trustee.

Education- Please elaborate about your past education, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.
I graduated from James Madison High School and attended Grambling State University however; I did not obtain a degree. I have a degree in being a 20 yr. involved parent of District 5.

In the 2008-2009 school year, there was many RIF’S, would there had to been anything to prevent it from happing again?
If the trustees on the 2008-2009 Board were doing their job and keeping an eye on taxpayer dollars the RIF would not have happened. They casually vote on agenda items without doing the research they should and following the money. Trustees have to do the job that they have been elected to do. Fiscal accountability must be demanded by the stakeholders and tax payers.

Do you think there’s a problem with Transparency with DISD?
There absolutely is a problem with transparency in DISD. They spend tax dollars freely and deny taxpayers and community member’s easy access to budget information.

Did you think that the cuts from the Magnet School and Learning Centers in May of 2009 were necessary, and do you support Magnets and Learning Centers?
I support all schools in DISD and I do not think that the funds should have been cut.

If there were one thing you would change the School Board about, what would it be?
Lew Blackburn as District 5 Trustee. With me as District 5 Trustee I would hold the Superintendent accountable and be a voice and advocate for students, teachers and taxpayers.

What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.
If elected I would be an advocate for all students regardless of the area they reside in and regardless of attending comprehensive schools or magnets to receive a quality education that prepares them for college or the workforce.

How important it is to have all sorts of Race Relations with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?
Race relations are extremely important and will always be an issue however educators and anyone that works within DISD should be color blind. Education Is The Great Equalizer!

Why should people elect you and any final words?
The school board election will be decided by the parents and taxpayers of District 5 and by every District 5 resident who recognizes the critical importance of improving the quality of education for the students of District 5 and DISD. I am the only candidate that has successfully put three kids through Elementary, Jr. High and High School in District 5. I am the only candidate that will ask the tough questions such as where Lew Blackburn really resides and why he wants to continue to represent a district in a volunteer position that he has admitted that he is away from at least four days a week spending time with his wife in her Grand Prairie home. Elect me if you are tired of Lew’s any way the wind blows voting habits and not holding the Superintendent accountable. District 5 deserves someone that will listen to the voice of the entire District 5 community. District 5 deserves a trustee with authentic District 5 experience.
I am The RIGHT Person, At The RIGHT Time, For The RIGHT Reason!!

Camile White

What would be some of the things you would push though the board once you’re elected?
Some of the things would push for is to compel board members to support a new way of sharing financial information with the public. After all it is public money that is being used to finance the operations of DISD. And to keep better accounting records.

Is there anything going on that needs attention in your District?
Dropout rates, schools rated Academically Unsuccessful, parent involvement needs to be increased and to ensure the needs of the student in District 4 are being met.

Any past public offices held or ran for?
Sought -Dallas City Council District 5, currently hold the position of – Precinct Chair for precinct 3314

Education- Please elaborate about your past education, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas – Master of Liberal Arts Degree – Political Science
Graduated August 2008

DeVry Institute of Technology – Irving Texas – Bachelor of Science Degree – Computer Information Systems
Graduated February 1986

Oak Grove High School – Diploma 1983

In the 2008-2009 school years, there was many RIF’S, would there had to been anything to prevent it from happing again?
Yes get proper account techniques in place to ensure funds are being account for properly.

Do you think there’s a problem with Transparency with DISD?
Yes, I do. Money from approved packages needs to be tracked to ensure the work is being completed in a timely manner. Accounting information needs to be made available to the public in a place that can be easily accessible. Plans should be shared with the community during the planning stage not at the completion of the planning.

Did you think that the cuts from the Magnet School and Learning Centers in May of 2009 were necessary, and do you support Magnets and Learning Centers?
I do not feel the cuts were necessary and I strongly support our magnet programs we have at DISD and I wish the Learning Centers could have been left in tack as well.

If there were one thing you would change the School Board about, what would it be?
I would advocate for policy that states if you are a current board member you cannot do business with DISD. I would also like all board members present for employee grievances.

What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.
Do my best to make sure monies are accounted for, ensure teachers and staff members are being treated fairly, and try to make sure everyone feels safe on their campus because some students do not feel safe on their campuses.

How important it is to have all sorts of Race Relations with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?
I am not sure I understand this question so I am going to answer it from the stand point of what I think you are asking. I think you are asking how import is it to have a diverse population of Board Members, student population and community members etc…It is very important to have a diverse Board, and student population it makes for a healthy learning environment for all involved. For students they get to learn about the differences of other cultures and how to interact with different races and it increases your social base. For adults on the Board it makes them aware of what is happening across the district not just in their backyard. It gives them another point of view to base things on I feel.

Why should people elect you and any final words?
Because I not only have an invested interested in the community because I live in District 4 but I also have children who attend DISD schools. It is almost as if I have been in training for this position for quite some time now. I was a substitute teacher in District 4 for over two years and I am committed to bringing a New Vision & New Direction to District 4. I have the following organizations standing in support of me: Alliance-AFT, NEA Dallas, Dallas AFL-CIO Council, Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and Dallas Friends of Public Education. I am so really to do great things in District 4 with the help of the community, teachers, support staff, campus principals, and students of District 4.