Verdict not in yet on school bill
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/16/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Lawmakers are touting an education reform bill awaiting the governor's signature, but Abilene area school leaders say it's too soon to tell just how good it is. \r\n\r\nThe bill, if signed by Gov. Rick Perry, will cut property taxes and give teachers a pay raise. \r\n\r\n");
document.write("\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bill came out of a special session that adjourned Monday. If Perry approves the legislation, the Texas Supreme Court\n
Session e");
document.write("nds with property tax cut
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 05/16/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Lawmakers finally agree on a school finance fix.\r\n\r\nBy Jason Embry, Corrie MacLaggan\r\nAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF\r\nTuesday, May 16, 2006\r\n\r\nLawmakers reached ");
document.write("the top of a mountain they've been climbing for more than three years Monday, handing Gov. Rick Perry a plan that will change the state's school finance system and, they hope, resolve the lawsuit that hundreds of school districts brought against\n
\n(Beaumont Enterprise © 05/16/2006)
The Texas Legislature ended a special session Monday to ad");
document.write("dress a state Supreme Court order that it change the school funding system. Lawmakers also passed several other measures. Here's a look at what legislators approved: \r\n\r\nSCHOOL FUNDING BILLS \r\n\r\n_SCHOOL REFORM: Replaces some school property taxes with $2.4 billion in budget surplus money and allots ");
document.write("additional money for schools and teachers.\n
Legislative session ends with proposed school funding plan
\n(Dallas Morning News © 05/");
document.write("16/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Legislative session ends with proposed school funding plan\n \r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n05/16/2006\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nBy APRIL CASTRO\n / Associated Press\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Legislature's answer to the state's school finance crisis now rest");
document.write("s with Gov. Rick Perry.\n\r\n\r\nWith two weeks left to avoid the threat of schools closing, lawmakers sent Perry a landmark tax overhaul hoping to prevent a freeze on stat\n
Lawmakers head home feeling victorious
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 05/16/2006)
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n AUSTIN – Texas lawmakers, thwarted repeatedly in past efforts to fix school ");
document.write("funding, finally ended a session on a successful note Monday by finishing work on a massive tax-swap plan that takes care of the state's legal troubles – for now. \r\n\r\n The final two bills of the package – in\n
Lawmakers send Perry final parts of school finance overhaul
\n(El Paso Times © 05/16/2006)
AUSTIN -- The curtain dropped Monday on the first productive special session on school finance since lawmakers s");
document.write("tarted their current battle with education funding in 2003. \r\n\r\nSome say a court deadline motivated lawmakers to get the job done. Others attribute the success to more inclusive leadership styles from Republican state leaders. And few could ignore the role of looming November elections i\n
Final school finance bills passed
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/16/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Faced with th");
document.write("e prospect of a court-ordered shutdown of public schools in a gubernatorial election year, lawmakers on Monday completed their task of overhauling the way Texas finances its education system.\r\n\r\nOn the 29th day of the 30-day special legislative session, the final pieces of the school finance puzzle ");
document.write("were sent to the governor's desk, where they are expected to be signed into l\n
Editorial: Legislature and new taxes
\n(Houston Chronicle ©");
document.write("; 05/16/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Widening the share DEALING with taxes is never easy or pleasant, but the new Texas Tax Reform Commission Plan, which broadens the base for those paying franchise taxes, is a step in the right direction.\r\n\r\nFirst, it widens the b");
document.write("ase and includes most businesses that pay the tax, and it is assessed at a low rate of 1 percent 0.5 percent for retailers and wholesalers and exempts sole proprietorship\n
Local school districts cautiously optimistic about legislation
\n(Waco Tribune-Herald © 05/16/2006)
The Midway Independent School District will have $1.5 million more to spend next year on teacher pay raises and other extras.\r\n\r\n");
document.write("One expense it won’t have is a big one — sending $5.2 million to pay for public education elsewhere in Texas.\r\n\r\nAccording to a Texas Legislative Budget Board projection, the suburban Waco school district would have had to send the state that much money next\n
Letters to the Editor
\n(Baytown Sun © 05/14/2006)
Build the school that Highlands deserves\r\n\r\nI have been reading about the cost overrun of the new junior high in");
document.write(" Highlands and the possibility that the new school will not be built. The problems, we are told, is that they only allowed for 3 percent inflation, not 6 percent like the other schools put in for, plus they did not allow about a million for driveways, sidewalks and parking lot. Now, how \n
House sends school funding measure to Perry
\n(Corpus Christi KRIS (NBC) 6 © 05/13/2006)
AUSTIN -- The Texas House approved a sweeping education reform bill ");
document.write("Friday, sending another major piece of school finance legislation to Gov. Rick Perry four days before the end of the 30-day special session on the court-ordered issue.\r\n\r\nThe bill, which replaces some school property taxes with surplus money, is one of five that make up the Legislature's plan to fix");
document.write(" the system before a June 1 dead\n
Bill to cut school tax goes to governor
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/13/2006) (Regi");
document.write("stration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Lower property taxes, higher teacher salaries, a uniform start date for classes -- and a new future for the Texas school finance system -- that's the impact of dramatic school finance legislation finally completed Friday by Texas lawmakers.\r\n\r\n\"This is a histo");
document.write("ric day for our state,\" said Gov. Rick Perry, who has watched five previous plans collapse under the weight of legislative bickeri\n
Good work, folks
\n(Fort");
document.write(" Worth Star-Telegram © 05/13/2006) (Registration Required)\n
There's no better way to say it: The Texas Senate did good work this week on school finance. It was good because advocates for poor school districts and for rich ones found ways to lift each other towar");
document.write("d their separate goals, and all Texas students will benefit.\r\n\r\nFrom a committee meeting late last week marked by angry words and a walkout by six senators, through days of delayed floor sessions an\n
House sends school funding measure to Perry
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/13/2006) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas House approved a sweeping education reform bill Friday, sending another maj");
document.write("or piece of school finance legislation to Gov. Rick Perry four days before the end of the 30-day special session on the court-ordered issue.\n\r\n\r\nThe bill, which replaces some school property taxes with surplus money, is one of five that make up the Legislature's plan to fix the system before a June ");
document.write("1 deadline.\n\r\n\r\n
House balks at Senate's cigarette tax
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/12/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - Even as the Texas House prepared to endorse compromise legislation reducing school taxes and raising teacher pay, differences with the Senate over higher cigarette taxes delayed completion of Gov. Rick Perry's tax swap Thursday.\r\n\r\nSpeaker Tom Craddick said the House will reject the S");
document.write("enate version of the tobacco bill because it dedicates 5 percent of a $1-per-pack cigarette tax increase t\n
AISD looking for a dietician
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/10/2006) (Registration Required)\n
The nation's growing problem with childhood obesity prompted the Abilene Independent School District to advertise for a dietician. \r\n\r\nStarting next school year, the dietician will educa");
document.write("te students and parents about nutrition, said John Joines, the district's child nutrition director. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoines said the district has always monitored the menus at each campus to make sure they meet \n
Strayhorn delivers signatures
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/10/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Boasting that she \"blew the barn doors off this petition drive,\" independent candidate Carole Kee");
document.write("ton Strayhorn on Tuesday trucked 101 boxes containing about 223,000 signatures to the Texas Secretary of State's Office to have her name placed on the gubernatorial ballot in November.\r\n\r\nThe number, if certified by the state's top elections official, would be nearly five times the 45,540 sig\n
Capitol Briefs
\n(Brownsville Herald © 05/09/200");
document.write("6)
Smokers are closer to having a $1.41 tax slapped on each pack of cigarettes purchased. A bill that would increase the cigarette tax by $1 sits ready for debate in the Senate.\r\n\r\nHouse Bill 5 passed the Texas Senate Finance Committee 9-5 on Friday, with Sen. Juan Chuy Hino-josa, D-McAllen,");
document.write(" voting against the increase.\r\n\r\nHe is not against increasing the cigarette tax, but voted against the bill bec\n
AISD middle s");
document.write("chool named for 'Mr. Math'
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
One wall of Wanda Craig's kitchen is covered with mementos from her late husband's distinguished career in education. \r\n\r\nThere are newspaper articles, Byron ");
document.write("Craig's picture, service awards, honors bestowed after his 1987 death, and a miniature school desk still filled with tiny messages written over 30 years ago by his junior high math students. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n''You'll find the names of a lo\n
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - Accompanying her fourth");
document.write("-graders around the Capitol, South Texas teacher Michele Cadwallader tries to answer the students' many questions. \r\n\r\nThey want to know why the Senate leader bangs his desk with a gavel. She searches for ways to explain the school finance problem and the used car tax lawmakers are debating. \r\n\r\nWhe");
document.write("n it comes to talking teacher pay with adults, her answers come easi\n
Proposal calls for more math and science
\n(Austin American-State");
document.write("sman © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
As clock ticks down on special session, Senate committee debates curriculum change as part of school finance measure.\r\n\r\nBy Jason Embry, Corrie MacLaggan\r\nAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF\r\nThursday, May 04, 2006\r\n\r\nMcCallum Hi");
document.write("gh School junior Ashley Flowers, 18, plans to take pre-calculus pass-fail next year, and she won't take science at all. \r\n\r\n\"Your senior year, you shouldn't really have seven classes\n
HP will pass hat to fund schools
\n(Dallas Morning News © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
HP will pass hat to fund schools\r\n\r\nOfficials: $100 million endowment would give district fiscal ");
document.write("stability \r\n\r\n\r\n12:01 AM CDT on Thursday, May 4, 2006\r\n\r\nBy KRISTEN HOLLAND / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n The state Legislature has exhausted two years and four special sessions searching for a new way to finance public schools. \r\n\r\n Highland Park schools, howe");
document.write("ver\n
Panel votes to delay school starting date
\n(Dallas Morni");
document.write("ng News © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Panel votes to delay school starting date\r\n\r\nPlan calls for classes to begin Aug. 27, with no chance for appeals\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, May 4, 2006\r\n\r\nBy TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nYOUR");
document.write(" TAXES,\r\n\r\nYOUR SCHOOLS AUSTIN – All Texas schools would begin classes the fourth Monday of August under a provision adopted Wednesday by a key Senate committee – a decision\n
Amendment for uniform school start date added to finance bill
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - Public schools across Texas would begin classes on the same day -- the fourth Monday in A");
document.write("ugust -- under an amendment to school finance legislation.\r\n\r\nThe legislation, House Bill 1, remained pending Wednesday in a key committee of the Texas Senate. It would allocate an additional $1.5 billion in funding for education and $2.4 billion to reduce local school district property taxes, and s");
document.write("et\n
2 board spots are contested
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Three Cy-Fair I");
document.write("ndependent School District board of trustee positions are up for election May 13, though only two of the races are contested.\r\n\r\nPosition 5 incumbent John Ogletree faces challenger Monique Hazell while Position 7 incumbent Bob Covey is challenged by Andrew Ewoh. The Position 6 race, with incumbent D");
document.write("on Ryan, is uncontested.\r\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n\r\nPosition 5Ogletree is the founder and pastor \n
Bottom line feels impact from Katrina
\n(Houston Chronicle ");
document.write("© 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
While Texas school district administrators are putting numbers to paper while waiting to see if the state Legislature will come up with a new formula for school funding, the Alief Independent School District has the challen");
document.write("ge of estimating the additional costs of educating 3,000 students from Louisiana it inherited last year.\r\n\r\nAbout 80 percent are expected to return for 2006-07. According to a p\n
Senate panel adds start date issue to school spending bill
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - All Texas public schools would start on the fourth Monday in August under language added to a surplus ");
document.write("spending bill Wednesday by the Senate Finance Committee.\r\n\r\nThe committee voted 10-5 to adopt the uniform school start date as an amendment to House Bill 1, which uses nearly half of the state's $8 billion surplus for property tax cuts, teacher raises and extra money for high schools. Th\n
Spring Branch says Robin Hood rules are unfair
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Spring B");
document.write("ranch school district officials hold slim hope the Legislature will eliminate or ease the constraints of Chapter 41, a section of the Texas education code requiring wealthy school districts to fund poorer ones, during its special session.\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nLawmakers are working out ways to reduce reliance on p");
document.write("roperty taxes to fund the state's schools, but what is commonly referred to as \"Robin Hood\" \n
Bell talks TAKS, teacher pay raise in Slaton visit
\n<");
document.write("b>(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 05/04/2006)
SLATON - Chris Bell, Democratic candidate for governor, swung through West Texas on Wednesday to talk about standardized testing while visiting with about 10 people at Slaton High School.\r\n\r\nHis message focused primarily on high-stakes testing,");
document.write(" but he also addressed teacher pay, dropout rates and school finance.\r\n\r\nGov. Rick Perry is pushing a four-pronged school finance plan through the Texas Sen\n
05/03/06 - 11:00 a.m. Seminar on school finance attracts taxpayers, educators By Kurt Johnson
\n(Midland KWES (NBC) 9 © 05/04/2006)
By Kurt Johnson \r\n\r\nNewsWest 9\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE for video of this report.\r\n\r\nMIDLAND, TEXAS - With school finance reform coming d");
document.write("own to the wire, the University of Texas-Permian Basin hosted a seminarto educate the public on what might be in store for them.\r\n\r\nThe meeting did make one thing clear for taxpayers and school administrators ... just how much work lawmakers have had to do produce a sc\n
Eltife wary of tax reform bill
\n(Paris News © 05/04/2006)
State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, says a tax reform bill on the way to the governors office may not deliver the amou");
document.write("nt of property tax relief Texans expect.\r\n\r\n I just dont think we are going to get to $1 and thats why I voted against the bill, Eltife said early today after the Senate voted 16-14 on a business tax overhaul and sent the measure to Gov. Rick Perrys desk. \r\n\r\n All across this state T\n
Educators waiting, watching salary legislation
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/04/2006) (Registration Required)\n");
document.write("
Accompanying her fourth-graders around the Capitol, South Texas teacher Michele Cadwallader tries to answer the students' many questions.\n\r\n\r\nThey want to know why the Senate leader bangs his desk with a gavel. She searches for ways to explain the school finance problem and the used car tax lawm");
document.write("akers are debating.\n\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to talking teacher pay with adults, her answers come easily. Like \n
More taxes would give state more");
document.write(" money
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - After years of failed attempts, the Texas Senate on Tuesday sent a watershed business tax overhaul to Gov. Rick Perry's desk for approval. \r\n\r\nThe $3.4 billion tax expan");
document.write("sion changes the structure of the law so that more Texas companies will have to pay. Under current law, an estimated one in 16 businesses pays the business tax. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe new business tax structure is a key p\n
Proposal would curb school districts' authority on property tax breaks
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Texas school districts became m");
document.write("ajor economic development players in 2001, when the Legislature allowed them to grant property tax subsidies to help recruit businesses. \r\n\r\nNow the Legislature might take away one of the school districts' key powers: the ability to do an independent analysis of the economic effect of property tax b");
document.write("reaks. \r\n\r\nUnder House Bill 3, a tax overhaul measure, that job woul\n
Texan takes aim at executive pay
\n(Austin American-Statesma");
document.write("n © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Pension board chief is leading push to hold companies accountable.\r\n\r\nBy Robert Elder\r\nAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF\r\nWednesday, May 03, 2006\r\n\r\nWhen he was an occasional columnist for Forbes magazine years ago, Dallas money m");
document.write("anager Frederick \"Shad\" Rowe once compared himself to Woody Allen's character in the movie \"Play It Again, Sam.\" \r\n\r\nNo big stretch there. The chairman of the Texas Pension Review\n
TEA notifies district of Chapter 41 status
\n(Baytown Sun © 05/03/2006)
The Goose Creek school district has received a letter from the Texas Education Agency indicating that the district will be a Chapter 41 school next year.\r\n\r\nUnder the states current Robin");
document.write(" Hood school finance plan, a Chapter 41 district is one that is considered property rich, and must send some of the taxes generated by its property taxes with the state or share them with a property poor district.\n
Four running for WISD board of trustees
\n(Conroe Courier © 05/03/2006)
WILLIS - While three of the four Willis Independent School District Board of Trustees candidates want to address the");
document.write(" district's growing student population, one candidate said that growth isn't coming to the district.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n Christen Arnold and George S. Webb are running against each other for Position 1, which is being vacated by Jack Crumpler. Larry Allen is challenging incumbent Jim S\n
Editorial:The conservative case for school funding
\n(Dallas Morning News © 05/03/2006)");
document.write(" (Registration Required)\n
Before the special session on school funding began in Austin, a Dallas businessman told me that we hadn't made the sale. At first, I didn't know what he meant. Then the light went on, and I realized he was dead right. \r\n\r\nThose of us who adv");
document.write("ocate putting more money into public schools haven't turned the debate.Sure, things have improved. Texas Parent PAC is on the rise, and several school advoc\n
Senate sends new business tax to Perry
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 05/03/2006)
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n AUSTIN – Large and medium-size businesses would start paying a new state tax in 2008 ");
document.write("to help fund a hefty school property tax cut under legislation narrowly passed by the Senate and sent to Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday. \r\n\r\n The new business-tax measure was approved on a 16-14 vote. It would \n
Machiavelli-style management
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
My criticism of Arlington Superintendent Mac Bernd isn't personal. But it ");
document.write("contradicts everything that the Star-Telegram wrote in a feature about his tenure here. (See April 9 news story \"Chief keeps steady course.\")\r\n\r\nI don't suggest terminating him, and I don't question his competence, dedication or good faith. But since when is an acceptable \"C\" rating worthy of such g");
document.write("ushing praise? What about \n
Proposed raises not enough, teachers say
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 05/03/2006) (Registration");
document.write(" Required)\n
AUSTIN - Texas teachers may see a salary increase of $2,000 under proposed state legislation.\r\n\r\nBut they might lose a $500 stipend that helps cover health insurance.\r\n\r\nTeachers' aides and other support personnel would also take a hit, receiving no stipend and no raise.\r\n\r\nGro");
document.write("ups representing Texas educators voiced their appreciation of lawmakers' attempt to boost teacher salaries but expressed d\n
Texas taxes
\n(Houston Chr");
document.write("onicle © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
THE blueprint for school finance reform designed by a commission headed by former state Comptroller John Sharp and endorsed by Gov. Rick Perry would lower local school property taxes by a third and substitute a low");
document.write("-rate, broad-based business tax. This model would abolish the loopholes that allow most companies to avoid the state business franchise tax and provide a tax base that would grow to me\n
Hard times ahead for Galveston ISD
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 05/03/2006)
Hard times ahead for Galveston ISD\r\n\r\n08:29 AM CDT on Tuesday, May 2, 2006\r\n\r\nBy Marty Schladen / Galveston County Daily News\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n GAL");
document.write("VESTON — Caught in the pincers of increasing costs and declining enrollments, Galveston schools are faced with a $6.6 million operating deficit in two years, the school board was told Monday. \r\n\r\n Worse, painful steps\n
Editorial: Shortsighted thinking will cost us in long run
\n(Longview News © 05/03/2006)
The Texas Senate is making headway on tax reforms designed to shift ");
document.write("some of the burden for public school funding from local property taxes to a broader business tax and in most respects the legislation looks almost identical to that passed by the Texas House.\r\n\r\nThere is one important difference brewing, and no doubt House Speaker Tom Craddick and his more conservat");
document.write("ive chamber have already taken n\n
Bigger is not always better
\n(Marble Falls Highlander © 05/03/2006)
School Servi");
document.write("ces ShouldBe Consolidated \n Texas law requires every school to have a principal, and every district a superintendent. This mandate, which seems logical at first glance, actually has a stifling effect on districts’ ability to find unique solutions to local problems.In smaller d");
document.write("istricts, it could make sense to share principals between schools, or superintendents be\n
Eltife, Hughes vote again");
document.write("st tax plan
\n(Marshal News Messenger © 05/03/2006)
Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) and State Rep. for District 5 Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) voted against House Bill 3 this week, the \"heart\" of the coined \"Perry-Sharp\" school funding proposal.\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n Both East Texas legislators");
document.write(" cited a few concerns.\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n The legislation, part of the plan drafted by the Texas Tax Reform Commission chaired by former Comptroller John Sharp, revamps the franchise tax b\n
Harlandale OKs teachers' raises
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/03/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Saying they are tired of waiting for the Legislature to act and sick of losing teachers to high");
document.write("er-paying districts, Harlandale school trustees have approved an average 4.5 percent raise for educators. \r\n\r\n The Harlandale Independent School District approved a $1,900 increase for teachers across the board, compared with the $410 increase they received this school ");
document.write("\n
Over TAKS-ing Students, Teachers, and Parents?
\n(San Antonio WOAI (NBC) © 05/03/2006)
The paperwork, t");
document.write("he deadlines, the pressure! We're not talking about your job, we're talking about the TAKS test. And your kids are not the only ones feeling the heat. \r\n\r\nIn a recent survey, teachers were asked: \r\n\r\nIn your opinion, has the quality of education in areas not covered by the TAKS been adversely affe");
document.write("cted by the emphasis on TAKS scores? \r\n\r\nYes -- 93.2%\r\nNo -- 2.8%\r\nNot sure/no opini\n
Leschber running for TISD board
\n(Taylor Daily Press ©");
document.write("; 05/03/2006)
Ivan R. Leschber of Taylor is running for the at-large position on the Taylor ISD Board of Trustees.Leschber is a former teacher, coach, curriculum director and principal and has worked in public, private and parochial schools.\r\r\n\r\n He received a Bachelor of Science degr");
document.write("ee from Texas Lutheran University, a master's degree and superintendent certification from Texas State University and\n
Despite p");
document.write("rogress, school finance not a done deal
\n(Tyler Morning Telegraph © 05/03/2006)
If there weren't so many ghosts from special sessions past, Texans might be getting a little optimistic about chances for finally getting their state school finance problem behind them, at leas");
document.write("t for a while\r\n\r\nProgress is reported regularly from the current special session of the Texas Legislature, with major parts of a school-funding plan gaining approval relatively early. People might tend to r\n
Budget targets teachers
\n(Wichita Times Record © 05/03/2006)
You stand more of a chance of getting some money relief than the schools do. \r\n\r\nWith a legislative special session currently under way, sch");
document.write("ool officials had hoped the judicial mandate to fix the school finance plan would drive more dollars their way. \r\n\r\nThat would have been appreciated now that it's budget time again. \r\n\r\nBut it appears that legislative tinkering with school finance will do no\n
Senate approves three parts of plan
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN- The Texas Senate te");
document.write("ntatively approved three major parts of a school funding plan Monday, including a $3.4 billion business tax plan. \r\n\r\nSenators voted 18-13 to adopt the House version of the tax without changes. It still needs final approval by the Senate before it goes to Gov. Rick Perry's desk for his signature. \r\n");
document.write("\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother measure tentatively approved Monday dedicates t\n
SELLING POINTS
\n(Dallas Morning News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Required)\n
SELLING POINTS\r\n\r\nWILLIAM McKENZIE makes the conservative case for school funding\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, May 2, 2006\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nBefore the special session on school funding began in Au");
document.write("stin, a Dallas businessman told me that we hadn't made the sale. At first, I didn't know what he meant. Then the light went on, and I realized he was dead right. Those of us who advocate putting more money in\n
Surprise! Session may actually pass a bill
\n(Dallas Morning News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Surprise! Session ");
document.write("may actually pass a bill\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, May 2, 2006\r\n\r\nBy CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nANALYSISAUSTIN – Midway through the special session on school finance, lawmakers appear poised to do something that has eluded them the last two years and four sessions on the ");
document.write("subject: pass a bill.\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of battles still to be fought over money\n
Hard times ahead for GISD
\n(Galveston Daily News © 05/0");
document.write("2/2006)
GALVESTON — Caught in the pincers of increasing costs and declining enrollments, Galveston schools are faced with a $6.6 million operating deficit in two years, the school board was told Monday.\r\n\r\nWorse, painful steps such as closing schools, laying off teachers and consolidating pr");
document.write("ekindergarten programs with Head Start would save only about two-thirds of the money the district will need in order\n
Candidate wants new blood on ");
document.write("SH board
\n(Longview News © 05/02/2006)
Spring Hill trustee candidate Walt Irwin said it's time for a change on the school board.\n\r\n\r\n\"I don't go into this (election) with a lot of issues. Our current board has done a good job. I don't think it hurts to get some new blood i");
document.write("n there,\" Irwin told the Longview News-Journal editorial board Friday.\n\r\n\r\nIrwin will face incumbent Billy Roy, 49, a landman at Irv Nelson & Associates, for Place 6 \n
Strayhorn stands by certification fight
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 05/02/2006)
Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn defended her gubernatorial campaign's challenge to state procedures that certify her spot on a November ballot, even as she confirmed the c");
document.write("ampaign had \"blown past\" state requirements to be included in the election.\r\n\r\nStrayhorn has until May 11 to turn in the 45,540 petition signatures needed to add her name to the ballot as an independent candidate. \r\n\r\nH\n
Time to head to the polls
\n(McAllen Monitor © 05/02/2006)
Monday was the first day of early voting for this year’s school board race. Current Board President Javier");
document.write(" Farias is facing former school board member Noe Tamez. Incumbent Myrna Garcia will be facing Ralph Garcia and incumbent Mark Kent will be facing John Phillips. \r\n\r\nWhen we look at the number of registered voters as compared to the number of those voters who actually exercise their right to v\n
Business tax increase clears Senate hurdle
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Req");
document.write("uired)\n
AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passed a $3.4 billion expansion of business taxes to cut local school property taxes Monday, voting 18-13 for preliminary approval over objections from Democrats who want a bigger focus on improving education. \r\n\r\n Because i");
document.write("t already has cleared the House, final Senate passage would speed the bill to the desk of its top champion, Gov\n
Lawmaker says te");
document.write("achers holding out for bigger raise risk losing what's on table
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Opposition by Texas teacher groups to a modest pay raise puts "a big question mark" on the Senate'");
document.write("s ability to pass such legislation, Senate Education Chair Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, said Monday. \r\n\r\nThe state's four teacher groups contend that public school teachers, who have not received a state pay raise since 1999, need at least a $3,000 across-the-board pay inc\n
Teacher pay raise looking shaky
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 05/02/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUS");
document.write("TIN — Opposition by Texas teacher groups to a modest pay raise puts "a big question mark" on the Senate's ability to pass such legislation, Senate Education Chairwoman Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, said Monday. \r\n\r\n The state's four teacher groups contend that publi");
document.write("c school teachers, who have not received a state pay raise since 1999, need at least a $3,\n
Seguin ISD sets sights on creating more educa
\n(Se");
document.write("guin Gazette Enterprise © 05/02/2006)
By Janet Grafe\r\n\r The Gazette-Enterprise\r\r \r\n\r\nPublished May 2, 2006\r\r GUADALUPE COUNTY A Seguin ISD school bus pulling up to the Central Texas Technology Center looks pretty routine that is, until the students begin to file ou");
document.write("t.\r\n\r\nThis is no group of rambunctious youngsters. At a glance, the average age of these students looks to be about 35.\r\n\r\nVogel secretary Sarah Carden\n
Dunbar eager to do more at L-EISD
\n(Texarkana Gazette © 05/02/2006)
By DIONNE VICTOR\r\nTexarkana Gazette\r\n\r\n\r\nAs a Liberty-Eylau Indepen-dent School District parent, Butch Dunbar said he understands the importance of education and its relation to building the comm");
document.write("unity. He said he also wants to continue to bring this perspective to the Board of Trustees.\r\n\r\nDunbar is the incumbent in the District 1 school board race and faces William Atchison in the May 13 election\n
Senate tentatively approves three parts of plan
\n(Waco Tribune-Herald © 05/02/2006)
By APRIL CASTRO\n \r\r\n\r\nAssociated Press Writer\r\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAUSTIN — The Texas Senate tentatively approved three major parts of a");
document.write(" school funding plan Monday, including a landmark $3.4 billion business tax overhaul.\r\n\r\n\r\nSenators voted 18-13 to adopt the House version of the business tax without changes. It still needs final approval by the Senate before it goes to Gov. Rick Perry's desk for his\n
Longtime Lake Travis school trustee faces newcomer
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 05/01/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Elect");
document.write("ion day is May 13; early voting starts today.\r\n\r\nBy Raven L. Hill\r\nAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF\r\nMonday, May 01, 2006\r\n\r\nLake Travis school board Place 1 Trustee Jim Cummings, who has served on the board since 1997, faces Carol Johnson, a school district volunteer, for another three-year term in the May");
document.write(" 13 elections. \r\n\r\nJohnson said she thinks the school board would benefit from having trustees \n
If not now, when for Texas schools?
Henderson Daily NewsIt will be tempting to apply a projected state surplus of almost $9 billion to reduce property taxes that fund public education. But Texas legislators should resist the urge to use those funds to reduce by 33 percent taxe");
document.write("s that fund maintenance and operation of our public schools. \nState Rep. Chuck Hopson, D-Jacksonville, believes the Legislature is already close to striki\n
Editorial: Schools vs. homeowners?
\n(Houston Chronicle © 05/01/2006) (Registration Required)\n
They're crumbling \r\n\r\nIN response to state Rep. Joe Nixon's April 28 Outlook article (\"Texas House has passed fair school finance reform / Package gives ");
document.write("needed relief to hard-pressed homeowners\"): The House has only passed a tax reform, not financed our schools. He extolled the value of property tax cuts and of replacing the cut with a business tax measures with which I agree. However, he did n\n
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/30/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Just Good Business\r");
document.write("\n\r\nTexas executives agree: Give schools a chance\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, April 30, 2006\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nNow that the Texas House has passed a reasonable plan to change how the state funds schools, the Senate can get out the magic marker and make sure the good effort doesn't end up harming Texans in t");
document.write("he next 10 to 15 years.\r\n\r\nThe House's passage of a new state business tax so loc\n
LETTERS
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/30/2006) (Registration Required)\n
LETTERS\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, April 30, 2006\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nSocial Security confusion\r\n\r\nRe: \"Law cuts benefits,\" Sunday Letters.\r\n\r\nLois Day of Irving has some misinformation in her lette");
document.write("r. Benefits aren't reduced up to 50 percent of total benefits – only the tier-one benefits are reduced from 90 percent to a maximum of 40 percent of average indexed monthly earnings. \r\n\r\nFor 2006, the first\n
Serving as guardian angels for GISD students
\n(Greenville Herald Banner © 04/30/2006)
Carol Ferguson\r\nThe Herald Banner\r\n\r\nGREENVILLE — The classified ad for this particular job might read:\r\n\r\n“Wanted");
document.write(". Mature, reliable persons to work 2 hours a day, 5 days a week during school year. Must relate well to children. Salary is low, but rewards of smiles, waves and cheerful greetings are priceless.”\r\n\r\nThe job described is for school crossing guards — those orange-jacketed men and women \n
Supts. School funding needs overhaul
\n(Paris News © 04/30/2006)
Most Lamar County school superintendents agree anything less than a revamp of the way Texas f");
document.write("unds education with more money in school coffers guarantees a trip back to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nNothing will get done, and the state will be right back in court, Prairiland superintendent James Morton said about the current special session on school finance.\r\n\r\nThe same thing will happen this time a");
document.write("s in th\n
5 school districts seek bond approval
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/30/2006) (Regist");
document.write("ration Required)\n
Five Bexar County school districts grappling with growth or outdated facilities are turning to voters for help — the financial kind. \r\n\r\n The Harlandale, Somerset, Southside, Southwest and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City school districts all wil");
document.write("l hold bond elections May 13 to build, expand or renovate school facilities. Early voting begins Monday and goes t\n
Comment");
document.write(": Point finger at legislators, not teachers
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/30/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Clearly, Roddy Stinson wrote the column "For a laugh about Texas educators, try this: 'We are gravely concerned'" (April 23) wi");
document.write("thout researching anything he's talking about. \r\n\r\nThe public education community, which Stinson claims has no clue about the issues facing Texas schools and how to solve them, does, in fact,know what is wrong with Texas education and how to solve it\n
Editorial: Super-rich are cutting deals as usual; guess who'll pay the taxes?
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/30/2006) (Regi");
document.write("stration Required)\n
Watch out. When the Legislature is in session, it is about the deals that are being cut, and unless you are among the super-rich, you ain't got a knife in the fight. \r\n\r\nWhen 181 lawmakers were ordered into special session over a tax bill forced by the Texas Su");
document.write("preme Court, it wasn't surprising that leaders of the 150-member House quickly moved to put the kibosh on any real debate over\n
School funding package win");
document.write("ding through Legislature
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 04/29/2006)
AUSTIN — The Texas Legislature moved closer to a school funding fix on Friday, as Gov. Rick Perry's proposal for an expanded business tax won approval from a key Senate committee and legislative leaders tackled a");
document.write(" school improvement package.\r\n\r\nThe tax plan is the centerpiece of legislative attempts to lower property taxes while addressing the Texas Supreme Court's order that the state fix its un\n
Coleman: This tax plan threatens to starve Texas' schools
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/29/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Garnet F. Coleman, TEXAS HOUSE MEMBERSaturday, April 29, 2006\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's hal");
document.write("f time in the special legislative session, and it's time for the truth. Most Texans believe the Legislature is working on a real school finance solution. But Gov. Rick Perry's tax plan, as passed by Texas House, is not the \"longterm school finance solution\" that has been advertised for months. \r\n\r\nI");
document.write("n fact, the plan will sta\n
Nearly Half of Texas Teachers Want to Leave the Classroom
\n(Beaumont KBTV (NBC) 4 © 04/29/2006)
A new study");
document.write(" conducted by Sam Houston State University shows that almost half of Texas teachers are considering leaving the profession. \r\n\r\nAmong the record-high 46-percent who may leave their teaching jobs, 36-percent said compensation and working conditions were key factors that could drive them from the clas");
document.write("sroom. \r\n\r\nTexas State Teachers Association President Donna New Haschke says the findings\n
Business tax plan advances in Senate
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/29/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Business tax plan advances in Senate\r\n\r\nLeaders of both chambers also agree on boost in teacher pay\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, April 29, 2006\r\n\r");
document.write("\nBy TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nYOUR TAXES, \r\n\r\n HARRY CABLUCK/APSen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen (right) was one of four Democrats who voted against the business tax plan to cut school property taxes. \r\n\r\nYOUR SCHOOLS AUSTIN –\n
Legislature closing in on a raise for teachers
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/29/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- As a busi");
document.write("ness tax expansion to cut school property taxes reached the Senate fast track Friday, legislative leaders agreed teachers should get a pay raise of at least $2,000 a year. \r\n\r\nThe exact pay raise remained unclear, however. \r\n\r\nSeveral leading Senate Democrats worried that lawmakers won");
document.write("'t do enough for education as they try to meet a June 1 Texas Supreme Court dea\n
Abilene schools take up the question of one high school ");
document.write("campus or two
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 04/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
A school district struggling with declining enrollment. Two high schools with unequal enrollments. A plan to consolidate. \r\n\r\nIt's not just an issue for the Abilene Indepe");
document.write("ndent School District. It was a problem Victoria ISD, 300 miles away, faced in 1999. \r\n\r\nVictoria is still dealing with the aftermath of the school board's decision to consolidate two high schools. Some say it was the best decisi\n
House approves $1-per-pack cigarette tax increase
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 04/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN- A pack-a-day will cost Texas smoke");
document.write("rs an extra $365 a year under a cigarette tax increase approved in the House on Thursday. \r\n\r\nThe higher tax, which would kick in Sept. 1, is expected to generate $680 million. That money would be used to offset a portion of school property tax cuts that are part of Gov. Rick Perry's plan to revamp ");
document.write("the way Texas funds public education. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n
Smokers may pay school tax bill
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 0");
document.write("4/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - A pack-a-day will cost Texas smokers an extra $365 a year under a cigarette tax increase approved in the House on Thursday. \r\n\r\nThe higher tax, which would kick in Sept. 1, is expected to generate $680 million. That money ");
document.write("would be used to offset a portion of school property tax cuts that are part of Gov. Rick Perry's plan to revamp the way Texas funds public education. \r\n\r\nThe plan, whic\n
CSIS");
document.write("D Plans for Growth
\n(Bryan KBTX (CBS) 3 © 04/28/2006)
Amanda O'Neal\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nCollege Station school board members are talking about future growth in the city, and");
document.write(" the district. In March a committee recommended the district rebuild College Hills Elementary, build a new elementary and high school and add new wings for several other campuses.\r\n
Attend, but don't spend, students say
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Attend, but don't spend, students say \r\n\r\nTeens plan to take part in immigration rights ");
document.write("boycott while at school\r\n\r\n\r\n09:47 PM CDT on Thursday, April 27, 2006\r\n\r\nBy HOLLY K. HACKER / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n They'll bring lunch from home Monday instead of buying it in the cafeteria. And they might stop by a voter registration drive after school. But to ");
document.write("support immi\n
Holly K. Hacker:Fix financing before tackling other school issues
\n(");
document.write("Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 04/28/2006)
Here we go again. \r\n\r\n Another special session on school finance starts today in Austin. With several in the last two years, it makes you wonder what's so special about them anymore. \r\n\r\n In fact, Texas has gr");
document.write("appled for more than 30 years with how to pay for public schools. The Legislature can't possibly find the answer in the next 30 days.\n
Editorial: In the sc");
document.write("hool board candidates’ own words
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
In the school board candidates’ own words\r\nStar-Telegram\r\n\r\nIf you pay taxes in the Fort Worth school district, you know that the largest portion of ");
document.write("your property tax bill goes toward educating children.\r\n\r\nThat’s an investment well worth making — but a substantial investment nevertheless.\r\n\r\nSchool board members set the policies that guide the spending of that money and determine the goals it goe\n
Educator sexual misconduct cases seem to be increasing
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/28/2006) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas Educators Code of Ethics Standard 3");
document.write(".6 is clear -- the educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student -- but educators still cross the line.\r\n\r\nCody Ledbetter, a former high school football coach in Alvarado, was put on probation for having sex with a 16-year-old female student.\r\n\r\nDaw");
document.write("n Reiser, a former teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic Sch\n
Texas House to talk taxes
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 04/24/2006");
document.write(") (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN - The Republican-led House is tackling taxes this week to try to change the state's school funding system and satisfy a Texas Supreme Court order. \r\n\r\nThe suspense lies in which avenue the House will take and whether enough Republica");
document.write("ns will support Gov. Rick Perry's preferred plan. GOP Speaker Tom Craddick said signs are ''positive'' for passage of a new tax proposal, but he didn't make an \n
Edit");
document.write("orial: Schools rely too much on local property taxes
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 04/24/2006)
Gov. Rick Perry has called the Legislature into special session to address the Supreme Court's decision that the Texas school funding system is unconstitutional. Some may believe the L");
document.write("egislature will solve the funding problem for school districts. \r\n\r\nMake no mistake - this special session is about changing the source of existing revenue, not about providing additional funding for school district\n
C-BISD candidates focus on the finances
\n(Brazoria County Facts © 04/24/2006)
School finance is at the forefront of concerns expressed by Columbia-Brazoria ISD school board candidates, who want to expand extracurricular prog");
document.write("rams while closely monitoring spending.\r\n\r\nMarjorie Clark, 60, will attempt to unseat Position 2 Trustee David Jordan, 41, and make her comeback to the board where she served for six years. Clark was defeated last year when she was up for re-election for\n
School district strategizing for success
\n(Brownsville Herald © 04/24/2006)
May 13 bond election gets bigger push than failed 2004 pitch\r\n\r\nBY AARON NELSEN\r\n\r\nThe Brownsville H");
document.write("erald\r\n\r\nApril 23, 2006 Superintendent Michael Zolkoskis accented Spanish echoed through the Brownsville Events Center on Thursday as he spoke to more than 600 parents about the school districts $135 million bond election on May 13.\r\n\r\nThough the attendees signed up for a parental involvement confe");
document.write("\n
Oh, brother: Lawmakers square off over tax-swap plan
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/24/200");
document.write("6) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- If knowing your enemy is vital to winning a war, no House members will be better prepared for today's battle over taxes than the brothers Keffer. \r\n\r\nThe sibling Republican state representatives Jim Keffer of Eastland an");
document.write("d Bill Keffer of Dallas enjoy a good relationship outside the Capitol, both say, but that brotherly love will temporarily give way to political rivalry i\n
Purloin");
document.write("ing the plan
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/24/2006) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas House is in the process of hijacking the plan advanced by Gov. Rick Perry and former state Comptroller John Sharp as a way to solve problems with the unconstit");
document.write("utional school finance system.\r\n\r\nBills scheduled for debate in the House today would allow the state's wealthiest school districts to raise millions of dollars more than poor districts and would block future revenues from a new Pe\n
The main eventSpecial session leads to tough political battle
\n(Sherman-Denison Herald Democrat © 04/24/2006)
AUSTIN --While Gov. Rick Perry keeps working to coax legislators onto his tax ");
document.write("bill bandwago\r\n\r\nComptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, who calls herself one tough grandma and is in charge of the state's money, keeps pointedly telling Perry how to preside over the 30-day special legislative session on school finance.\r\n\r\nIt makes for new agitation in an already testy Texas governo");
document.write("r's race as Strayhor\n
Task force supports adequate funding, local control for schools
\n(Wise Couty Messenger © 04/24/2006");
document.write(")
All schools need adequate funding, and they should be able to have some say of how money collected locally is used locally - those are the basic beliefs of the Northwest ISD School Finance Task Force.\r\n\r\nOn Thursday, the task force met again to discuss their core beliefs on the issue of sc");
document.write("hool finance. Not surprisingly, the issue of adequate funding for public schools is at the top of their list.\r\n
Why all the long faces a");
document.write("t the Legislature?
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Sunday, April 23, 2006\r\n\r\n\r\nJust three years ago, the Texas Legislature was agonizing over a $9.9 billion shortfall in projected revenues. Rather than raise taxes");
document.write(", lawmakers closed the gap by enacting new and higher state fees of $2.7 billion; reducing support for public education, the Children's Health Insurance Program and higher education; and eliminating 10,000 state jobs through layoffs, earl\n
Bond Election effect on property tax
\n(Borger News Herald © 04/23/2006)
Bond Election effect on property tax\r\r\n\r\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n \r\r\n\r\nMichelle Berry, Staff WriterWith the BISD bond election ju");
document.write("st around the corner, the district wants the public to be aware of how their property taxes will be affected.Gary Schneck, who is the president of the Borger ISD board of trustees, said the district is at the maximum tax rate of $1.50 per $100 valuation.“There are two \n
Legislators should focus on session's purpose
\n(Brazoria County Facts © 04/23/2006)
Less than a week into a special session called specifically to address ");
document.write("a broken school finance system, Texas lawmakers already have broken from the confines of the issue and resorted to political sniping about who has the best interests of the state’s school children in mind.\r\n\r\nThe 30-day special session, which began Monday, was called by Gov. Rick Perry to allow the ");
document.write("Legislature to bring the stat\n
Kolkhorst remains hopeful as lawmakers end first week of special session
\n(Brenham Banner Press © 04/23/200");
document.write("6)
AUSTIN -- State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) said Friday that while an expansion of sales taxes is not on the table during the special legislative session which began Monday, the work during the first week looks like it could bring some tangible benefits to property taxpayers.The speci");
document.write("al session was called by Gov. Rick \r\n\r\nIt is the ultimate taxpayers bill,Kolkhorst said of House Bill 2, which\n
As schools ");
document.write("struggle, ends don't always meet
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
As schools struggle, ends don't always meet\r\n\r\nRich districts do fundraisers, poor districts do without \r\n\r\n11:57 PM CDT on Saturday, April 22, 2006\r\n\r\nBy");
document.write(" LAURIE FOX / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n Parents resort to fundraisers to boost teacher salaries, buy library books and even replace classroom doors. \r\n\r\n Bond elections once reserved for new schools or fan\n
<");
document.write("b>Real world vs. 'Robin Hood'
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Real ");
document.write("world vs. 'Robin Hood' \r\n\r\nRicher districts patch holes as poor ones struggle for basics \r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, April 23, 2006\r\n\r\nBy LAURIE FOX / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nParents resort to fundraisers to boost teacher salaries, buy library books and even replace classroom doors.\r\n\r\n B");
document.write("RAD LOPER/DMNVenus ISD students Candy Cano (left) and Kyle Swanner hopped from the bus last wee\n
Re");
document.write("member the Schools
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Remember the Schools\r\n\r\nSenate plan falls short; House plan falls flat\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, April 23, 2006\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nWeek 2 of Austin's school finance session b");
document.write("egins tomorrow. For the sake of students statewide (read: Texas' future), here's what should happen:\r\n\r\nIn the Senate\r\n\r\nReformers should amend the Senate effort to invest in schools in order to make certain that campuses have suffi\n
Awards haven't stopped for longtime educator, 85
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
ARLINGTON -- Myrtice Nygaard Larson boldly announced her life's intentions a");
document.write("t age 5 in her mother's kitchen in Bosque County, and she hasn't strayed from her goal yet.\r\n\r\n\"I prissed around while my mother did the dishes and I said, 'I'm going to be a teacher, and I'm going to teach 40 years and retire,'\" Larson said. \"My mother said, 'How do you even know what the word reti");
document.write("re means?'\"\r\n\r\nEighty ye\n
In the school board candidates' own words
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/23/2006) (Registration Requ");
document.write("ired)\n
If you pay taxes in the Fort Worth school district, you know that the largest portion of your property tax bill goes toward educating children.\r\n\r\nThat's an investment well worth making -- but a substantial investment nevertheless.\r\n\r\nSchool board members set the policies that guide");
document.write(" the spending of that money and determine the goals it goes toward accomplishing.\r\n\r\nThree seats on the nine-member b\n
Session doesn't look t");
document.write("hat special
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
By BOB RAY SANDERS\r\nStar-Telegram Staff Writer\r\n\r\nTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS/HARRY CABLUCK\r\nSen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, foreground facing camera, talks with Sen. Todd Staple");
document.write("s, R-Palestine, last week during the special session.\r\n\r\nSaturday Night Live used to feature a character called the Church Lady, played by Dana Carvey in drag, who interviewed celebrities on her \"Church Chat\" show and offered pith\n
Session is 1st for new lawmaker
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Kirk England is a 44-year-old rookie.\r\n\r\nHe arrived in A");
document.write("ustin last week to take his seat representing Grand Prairie and south Irving in the House of Representatives at a monthlong special session of the Legislature.\r\n\r\n\"It feels as right as anything I've ever done in my life,\" said England, a Grand Prairie insurance agent.\r\n\r\nHe won a special election ca");
document.write("lled by Gov. Rick Perry in late Fe\n
Who's that with the club itching to beat on Perry?
\n(Houston Chronicle © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Beware of comptrollers bearing oversized revenue estimates, particularly if you are the governor and the bearer is gunning for your job.\r\n\r\nThat, of course, isn't telling Gov. Rick Perry anything he didn't already know.\r\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n\r\nHe already regards Com");
document.write("ptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn with about as much trust as most people afford a pit bull with rabies. And he already knows that whatever the \n
'School Finan");
document.write("ce' Plan?
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 04/23/2006)
In last month's primary elections, those of us who are parents and teachers used our votes to send a very clear message to our state leaders, saying we want additional state funding for our schools.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, I wo");
document.write("nder if Gov. Rick Perry and his team heard our message when I read that he proposed nothing more than replacing local property taxes with new state taxes and called it a \"school f\n
Focus: Education
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Support fitness for kids \r\n\r\nAs a physician, mother and grandmother, I care about adolescent health and we");
document.write("ll-being. Too many Texas adolescents are overweight and the health, emotional and financial costs are huge. \r\n\r\nMore than 64 percent of Texas adults and 40 percent of school-age children are overweight or obese. This epidemic also hurts schools and workplaces through absenteeism\n
Roddy Stinson: For a laugh about Texas educators, try this: 'We are gravely concerned'
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/23/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Sidesplitter of the Week \r\n\r\n From a press release sent to the Texas media by 17 associations of professional educators and their school-industry allies: \r\n\r\n "We are gravely concerned about the future");
document.write(" of the children of Texas." \r\n\r\n Sidesplitter of the Week Runner-up \r\n\r\n From the same press re\n
VAN ISD OFFICIALS EMPHASIZE THREE BOND PROPOSALS
\n(Tyler Morning Telegraph © 04/23/2006)
VAN - Van Independent School District officials have been conducting meetings to raise awareness about three bond proposals that will be on the district's May");
document.write(" 13 ballot.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nA meeting held on Thursday at the Van Intermediate Auditorium had about 10 people in attendance and was led by members of the School Bond Steering Committee.\r\n\r\nVan ISD superintendent Joddie Witte said more than 400 com\n
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 04/22/2006) (Registration Required)\n
House Republicans thwarted an effort Fr");
document.write("iday to include teacher pay raises and other school-spending measures in next week's debate on tax policy, angering Democrats who say the Legislature is leaving schools out of school finance reform. \r\n\r\nRepublicans said that the chance to increase school spending would come soon enough, but Democrat");
document.write("s were skeptical. \r\n\r\nRepublican House leaders say that afte\n
Taxpayer summit focuses on limiting government growth
\n(Austin Americ");
document.write("an-Statesman © 04/22/2006) (Registration Required)\n
As legislators wrangled with the state's school finance system Friday at the Capitol, a group of community organizers gathered a few blocks away to strategize about how to limit government growth. \r\n\r\nGOP Senat");
document.write("e candidate Dan Patrick of Houston slammed Gov. Rick Perry's tax plan, saying it's bad for businesses, bad for workers, bad for shoppers and bad for Republicans. \r\n\r\nSan Antonio businessm\n
Boerne ISD stops payments to the state
\n(Beorne Star © 04/22/2006)
“The Attorney General has stated ‘the Court did find that our current Robin Hood tax system violates the tax provision of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution,” s");
document.write("aid Boerne ISD superintendent Dr. John Kelly. “We must therefore determine whether it is illegal for Boerne ISD to continue to make ‘Robin Hood' payments.”Last fall, the Texas Supreme Court ordered\n
Carroll ISD jamboree puts the 'fun' in fundraising
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/22/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Carroll ISD jambor");
document.write("ee puts the 'fun' in fundraising\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, April 22, 2006\r\n\r\nBy JADE JACKSON / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nSOUTHLAKE – Someone will win a 2007 Saab convertible. Nearly 1,000 runners will compete in 1-mile and 5K runs. Professional athletes will sign");
document.write(" autographs and teach sports clinics. \r\n\r\nThe group of parents behind the Digging \n
Storm brews ove");
document.write("r teacher transfers
\n(Dallas Morning News © 04/22/2006) (Registration Required)\n
Storm brews over teacher transfers\r\n\r\nDISD: 250 reassigned to put more bilingual educators in elementaries to satisfy law\r\n\r\n\r\n12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, April 22, 2006");
document.write("\r\n\r\nBy KENT FISCHER / The Dallas Morning News \r\n\r\n\r\nDallas schools are shuffling an estimated 250 teachers into new jobs as the district puts more bilingual teachers in its elementary schools, moves that are causing resentment and a\n
Legislative muddle
\n(El Paso Times © 04/22/2006)
Texas state legislators need to listen to state Rep. Paul Moreno, D-El Paso -- and listen hard.\r\n\r\nMoreno, embroile");
document.write("d as are his peers in the pursuit of an acceptable school-funding plan, said in trying to point out how some proposed legislation misses the point of reforming school financing, \"Education is so damn important, we have to provide for that. We have to; that's all there is to it.\"\r\n\r\nPr\n
Board seeks input
\n(Ellis County Chronicle © 04/22/2006)
ROISD to vote on 2006-07 school calendar May 17B");
document.write("y MANDY BOURGEOIS, Chronicle staff writerThe opinions voiced at a public hearing hosted before the regular Red Oak Independent School District board of trustees prompted the board to table the proposed 2006-07 school calendar, pending further information and input from administration, teachers throu");
document.write("ghout the district as well as the community.“W\n
House sets limits on school tax bill debate
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 0");
document.write("4/22/2006) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas House set the stage Friday for its school tax debate by limiting changes that can be made to tax proposals, a move Democrats claim will stop attempts to spend more on schools and teachers.\r\n\r\nRepublican Speaker Tom Craddi");
document.write("ck said the GOP-proposed rules ensure that legislators vote only on issues set out in the governor's special session agenda.\r\n\r\n\"This is nothing new,\" said Craddick, no\n
Growing voice asks where school money is
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 04/21/2006)
AUSTIN - As House tax writers worked on a collection of bills designed to lower property tax rates, a chorus of voices at the Capitol on Thursday urged improvements for schools and more money ");
document.write("for teachers.\r\n\r\nGroups representing teachers, principals and school districts said they want a funding system that gives districts discretion in using local property taxes. They also called for a teacher pay\n
Session should focus on schools
\n(Cameron Herald © 04/21/2006)
April 17th was important to the taxpayers across the state for two reasons. Number one it was the last day for you to file your income taxes with t");
document.write("he IRS and number two it was the first day of the latest session on school finance in Texas.\r\n\r\nIf my memory serves me correctly this will be the third special session held on school funding. Let's all hope that in this case third time is in fact the \n
Honor excellence in teaching with more pay, not just platitudes
\n(Conroe Courier © 04/21/2006)
We honor them at luncheons and banquets. We give them");
document.write(" roses, cards, plaques, warm embraces, and pats on the back.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n But thanks to the way teacher pay is structured in Texas and most other states, there's one thing we won't be doing for many teachers like Tammy Zunker and Shirley Baker, recently named teachers of the year for the Conroe");
document.write(" Independent School District: we won't be payin\n
Demos offer school plan
\n(El Paso Times © 04/21/2006)
AUSTIN --");
document.write(" Texas House Democrats, calling for more education money, filed their own school finance plan Thursday as a House committee approved the final parts of Republican Gov. Rick Perry's tax plan, which does not include new money for schools.\r\n\r\n\"I am flabbergasted, frankly, that we could do a school fund");
document.write("ing session that's not about schools,\" said state Rep. Scott Hochberg, D-Houston.\r\n\r\nLawmak\n
School finance plans come under attack
\n(Fort Worth Star-T");
document.write("elegram © 04/21/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN --A looming political showdown over school finance became all the more certain Thursday as teacher groups, school administrators, school districts and Democrats separately criticized proposals by Gov. Rick Pe");
document.write("rry and others to lower property taxes without allocating an extra dime for education.\r\n\r\nDemocrats complained the Perry plan won't make up for past budget cuts. District officials say \n
Groups rap legislators' focus on tax relief instead of education
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 04/21/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN — The remaining pieces of a multibillion-dollar tax");
document.write(" overhaul moved out of a House committee Thursday as some Democrats and school groups complained that public education is being left on the back burner. \r\n\r\n "The schoolchildren have been left behind. That is not acceptable," Rep. Garnet Coleman of Houston said ");
document.write("as Democrats called for investing eq\n
“Where’s The Money For Schools,” Groups Ask Lawmakers
\n(Waco KWTX (CBS) 10 © 04/21/2006)
(April 20, 2006)--As");
document.write(" House tax writers worked on a collection of bills designed to lower property tax rates, a chorus of voices at the Capitol Thursday urged improvements for schools and more money for teachers.\r\n \r\n\r\nGroups representing teachers, principals and school districts say th");
document.write("ey want a funding system that gives districts discretion in using local property\n
John Young: The 1 percent non-solution
On school funding, don’t you just love the grandiose measures lawmakers say they wish to achieve without the requisite resources?\n\r\n\r\nState Sen. Florence Shapiro, chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on School Finance, told the Dallas M");
document.write("orning News that she wants to have a teacher pay raise, give extra money for high schools to prevent dropouts, “bolster college readiness programs&\n
'Mañana legislators want to wait to fix schools
\n(Harlingen Valley Morning Star © 04/18/2006)
We have all heard - and some of us have had to endure - jokes about the \"mañana\" stereotype: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Despite the ridicule of this ment");
document.write("ality, some in the Texas Legislature have apparently adopted it when it comes to financing our public schools.\r\n\r\nThe Texas Supreme Court was very clear in directing the Texas Legislature to come up with constitutional met\n
Politicians listening to teacher organizations
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 03/27/2006) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- If the first task of a teacher is to get the students to pay at");
document.write("tention, then the army of educators that mobilized in more than a dozen campaigns for state House seats in this month's primaries accomplished Job One.\r\n\r\nVolunteer campaigners from the ranks of teachers, parents and school executives are credited with a large role in the March 7 defeat of veteran s");
document.write("tate Rep. Kent Grusendorf, \n