Does this ever happen to
you, that while you're
trying to solve a problem
some seemingly unrelated
thought tries to intrude and
you shush it away until
you have an Aha moment
and realize, "Oh, there's a
connecting thread here"?
I've been as mystified as
anyone why Dallas
business leaders chose
Mike Hinojosa as Dallas ISD
supe to begin with then
continued to stand behind
him despite some of the
biggest bloopers possible
-- the $120 million procure-
ment card debacle, the
$60-80-120 mil surprise
deficits resulting in a state
of financial exigency
because Mike didn't insist
on getting detailed
financials he could
understand, then the
teacher RIFs last summer
even though Mike could
have fired consultants
instead.
Here's the recurring
thought. Some years ago
when a supe in a distant
galaxy far far away had to
leave his post because of
a credit card scandal I
assumed the man's career
was over. Then when he
was named as the new
supe at a different district
soon afterwards, I
expressed my astonish-
ment to a friend. "He's
compromised," I pointed
out, to which my friend
replied gently, "That's why
they hired him. The city's
business leaders can
control him."
So here's my question for
you: Did the Dallas
business community hire
someone likely to fail so
completely in order to put
into place sufficient
justification for mayoral
takeover of the school
district? Will Dallas ISD
leadership become another
oligarchy of the rich and
powerful replacing trust-
ees elected by ordinary
citizens?
Urban mayors else-
where have cast greedy
eyes on their school
districts' billion-dollar
budgets. Good luck to
parents trying to effect any
changes in New York or
LA or Chicago let alone
achieve any accounta-
bility or transparency.
Bottom line: Dallas ISD
needs a better superinten-
dent--but it's not the mayor
and his big biz cronies.
you, that while you're
trying to solve a problem
some seemingly unrelated
thought tries to intrude and
you shush it away until
you have an Aha moment
and realize, "Oh, there's a
connecting thread here"?
I've been as mystified as
anyone why Dallas
business leaders chose
Mike Hinojosa as Dallas ISD
supe to begin with then
continued to stand behind
him despite some of the
biggest bloopers possible
-- the $120 million procure-
ment card debacle, the
$60-80-120 mil surprise
deficits resulting in a state
of financial exigency
because Mike didn't insist
on getting detailed
financials he could
understand, then the
teacher RIFs last summer
even though Mike could
have fired consultants
instead.
Here's the recurring
thought. Some years ago
when a supe in a distant
galaxy far far away had to
leave his post because of
a credit card scandal I
assumed the man's career
was over. Then when he
was named as the new
supe at a different district
soon afterwards, I
expressed my astonish-
ment to a friend. "He's
compromised," I pointed
out, to which my friend
replied gently, "That's why
they hired him. The city's
business leaders can
control him."
So here's my question for
you: Did the Dallas
business community hire
someone likely to fail so
completely in order to put
into place sufficient
justification for mayoral
takeover of the school
district? Will Dallas ISD
leadership become another
oligarchy of the rich and
powerful replacing trust-
ees elected by ordinary
citizens?
Urban mayors else-
where have cast greedy
eyes on their school
districts' billion-dollar
budgets. Good luck to
parents trying to effect any
changes in New York or
LA or Chicago let alone
achieve any accounta-
bility or transparency.
Bottom line: Dallas ISD
needs a better superinten-
dent--but it's not the mayor
and his big biz cronies.
Will a big warm smile,
smarts, now-familiar
high-energy interview
techniques, occasional
cleavage, plus a track
record which includes
leaving behind a $25
million deficit and
unfulfilled promises
(although Meria had told
St. Paul she had 5-7
years of work there,
she's bailing after only 2
1/2) coupled with new
Austin ISD's supe Meria
Carstarphen's job
history of not sticking
around anywhere else
long enough to see if
she actually delivers --
will any of this save
Austin ISD? We're
about to find out.
My prediction:
Based only on her
history, Meria will be
gone from Austin no
later than Summer
2012; until then she'll
be away most Fridays at
self-promoting edu--
conferences. She will
continue her secretive
ways in Austin including
not posting AISD's
check register online
(St. Paul's isn't, West St.
Paul's is.).
My hope: Meria
proves me wrong and
matches Pat Forgione's
10 years at the helm of
Austin ISD, eschews
edu-conferences in
favor of working in the
district, and posts
AISD's checks.
smarts, now-familiar
high-energy interview
techniques, occasional
cleavage, plus a track
record which includes
leaving behind a $25
million deficit and
unfulfilled promises
(although Meria had told
St. Paul she had 5-7
years of work there,
she's bailing after only 2
1/2) coupled with new
Austin ISD's supe Meria
Carstarphen's job
history of not sticking
around anywhere else
long enough to see if
she actually delivers --
will any of this save
Austin ISD? We're
about to find out.
My prediction:
Based only on her
history, Meria will be
gone from Austin no
later than Summer
2012; until then she'll
be away most Fridays at
self-promoting edu--
conferences. She will
continue her secretive
ways in Austin including
not posting AISD's
check register online
(St. Paul's isn't, West St.
Paul's is.).
My hope: Meria
proves me wrong and
matches Pat Forgione's
10 years at the helm of
Austin ISD, eschews
edu-conferences in
favor of working in the
district, and posts
AISD's checks.
CLARK COUNTY SCHOOLS (NV)
Block scheduling costs
Las Vegas $11 million/year
By Peyton Wolcott
Thur., Feb. 19, 2009/12:07 am
Block scheduling costs
Las Vegas $11 million/year
By Peyton Wolcott
Thur., Feb. 19, 2009/12:07 am
But then, public education ceased being about teaching kids decades ago;
save for a few heroic souls here and there, it's vendor-driven and uses tax
dollars meant for kids to consolidate adults' money and power into a form of
oligarchy, the same concentration of power in the hands of a few privileged
elite that Ben Franklin warned us against: "We can keep our Republic or we
will inevitably end up with an Oligarchy, a tyranny of the elite."
save for a few heroic souls here and there, it's vendor-driven and uses tax
dollars meant for kids to consolidate adults' money and power into a form of
oligarchy, the same concentration of power in the hands of a few privileged
elite that Ben Franklin warned us against: "We can keep our Republic or we
will inevitably end up with an Oligarchy, a tyranny of the elite."
What a revelation to most folks it's been to learn that the CEO's of
our largest financial institutions have been almost entirely big
Dem contributors only too happy to go along with Barney Frank
and Chris Dodd and the subprime debacle they created.
A long-time liberal goal: the nationalization of our
local public schools. Former IBM CEO Louis Gerstner laid
it all out for us last December in the Wall Street Journal, how this
will happen. Nationalize standards -- towards which NCLB was a
first step -- then consolidate all districts within a state to a single
district, with another 20 for each of the large urban centers. As
models go, every one of our largest districts including Dallas ISD
is a wasteful corrupt mess which produces high school dropouts.
our largest financial institutions have been almost entirely big
Dem contributors only too happy to go along with Barney Frank
and Chris Dodd and the subprime debacle they created.
A long-time liberal goal: the nationalization of our
local public schools. Former IBM CEO Louis Gerstner laid
it all out for us last December in the Wall Street Journal, how this
will happen. Nationalize standards -- towards which NCLB was a
first step -- then consolidate all districts within a state to a single
district, with another 20 for each of the large urban centers. As
models go, every one of our largest districts including Dallas ISD
is a wasteful corrupt mess which produces high school dropouts.
But then perhaps Bridger
parents have asked and were
rebuffed as PTO officers were
at our local high school here in
Texas by then-principal David
Solomon and then-Marble Falls ISD
supe Dana Marable; both school
executives blocked ongoing
efforts to view detailed financials
from our then-fundraiser chair,
Lucretia Lehrmann. Even though
it's been several years, MFISD still
is not able to produce detailed PTO
fundraiser financials from that
period. All three individuals
are now living and working in
other communities: Dana is interim
supe in Lancaster ISD, David is
principal at Pleasanton High
School, and Lucretia is a math
teacher at Round Rock High
School. Although all three have
declined to discuss the lack of
financials, it's encouraging to note
that at least two of the districts
have online check registers:
Lancaster and Round Rock. Also,
after Marable's departure from
Marble Falls ISD that district posted
its check register online.
Transparency: A good idea
we can all get behind.
parents have asked and were
rebuffed as PTO officers were
at our local high school here in
Texas by then-principal David
Solomon and then-Marble Falls ISD
supe Dana Marable; both school
executives blocked ongoing
efforts to view detailed financials
from our then-fundraiser chair,
Lucretia Lehrmann. Even though
it's been several years, MFISD still
is not able to produce detailed PTO
fundraiser financials from that
period. All three individuals
are now living and working in
other communities: Dana is interim
supe in Lancaster ISD, David is
principal at Pleasanton High
School, and Lucretia is a math
teacher at Round Rock High
School. Although all three have
declined to discuss the lack of
financials, it's encouraging to note
that at least two of the districts
have online check registers:
Lancaster and Round Rock. Also,
after Marable's departure from
Marble Falls ISD that district posted
its check register online.
Transparency: A good idea
we can all get behind.
Congratulations to Walt, by the
way, for putting his district's
check register online; that
makes two so far in Nevada.
way, for putting his district's
check register online; that
makes two so far in Nevada.
| The block scheduling bandwagon continues to roll, sometimes in spite of the children playing in the road. On these pages, I provide evidence that block scheduling does not provide an academic benefit and can even seriously harm academic achievement in school. I didn't begin with that assumption. Rather, it is the conclusion that arises from looking at serious research on the block and academic achievement. Parents and students are not being told about the risks when the block is proposed for their schools. Sadly, many administrators don't feel a responsibility to find real data before the decision is made, and often refuse to seriously consider the evidence once it is laid before them. Informed parents find this utterly irresponsible and bewildering. And when parents and teachers experience the problems with the block -- problems that were often denied as real risks by well-paid consultants who are brought in to usher in the block -- the result is even more frustration at an educational system that doesn't really put the students first. |
SLAPP suit. A former partner at Bracewell & Giuliani, Dave left to start Thompson &
Horton, a boutique law firm in the same building and stairwell comprised of "women and
minority attorneys [who] will make up a majority of the ownership of the new firm." Gee,
what contracts might this give T&H a leg up on?
Bill Ratliff pushed through the rewrite of the Texas Education Code in 1995 which
included the weakening of Texas' elected trustees' powers then hung out his shingle as a
registered paid lobbyist and went to work for TASB explaining his new governance model,
the "Team of Eight." To expand on that, he's also got a sweet side gig, the Bill Ratliff
School Executive Academy of Northeast Texas, a "Superhighway," he calls it. But wait,
there's more! "The Education Service Center/ Region VIII and the Bill Ratliff School
Executive Academy of Northeast Texas have developed an Alternative Certification
Program for Superintendents in collaboration with Texas A&M University-Commerce, the
ESC VIII Regional Council, the ESC VIII Advisory Committee, the Superintendent’s
Association of Northeast Texas, and the Small Schools Association of Northeast Texas,"
at $3,000 per.
Hey, here's an idea: Let's collectively raise a hand for this energetic bunch--and gently
encourage them to step away from our kids and our schools. And, if they really care
about our kids as much as they say they do, given that all four Grand Old Rich Guys of
Education have been made wealthy by anyone's standards from GORGE-ing on taxpayer-
funded public education monies, why not do everything pro bono from here on out?
Whadya say, guys? Are ya in? We'll raise our hands to say "Bye-bye" to you on your way
out the door, with our most profound and heartfelt gratitude and blessings for your
departure.
---------
P.S. While researching Bill Ratliff's current lobbying activities (below left), I came across
various names for "Raise Your Hand." According to the Texas Comptroller there are two
entities:
Horton, a boutique law firm in the same building and stairwell comprised of "women and
minority attorneys [who] will make up a majority of the ownership of the new firm." Gee,
what contracts might this give T&H a leg up on?
Bill Ratliff pushed through the rewrite of the Texas Education Code in 1995 which
included the weakening of Texas' elected trustees' powers then hung out his shingle as a
registered paid lobbyist and went to work for TASB explaining his new governance model,
the "Team of Eight." To expand on that, he's also got a sweet side gig, the Bill Ratliff
School Executive Academy of Northeast Texas, a "Superhighway," he calls it. But wait,
there's more! "The Education Service Center/ Region VIII and the Bill Ratliff School
Executive Academy of Northeast Texas have developed an Alternative Certification
Program for Superintendents in collaboration with Texas A&M University-Commerce, the
ESC VIII Regional Council, the ESC VIII Advisory Committee, the Superintendent’s
Association of Northeast Texas, and the Small Schools Association of Northeast Texas,"
at $3,000 per.
Hey, here's an idea: Let's collectively raise a hand for this energetic bunch--and gently
encourage them to step away from our kids and our schools. And, if they really care
about our kids as much as they say they do, given that all four Grand Old Rich Guys of
Education have been made wealthy by anyone's standards from GORGE-ing on taxpayer-
funded public education monies, why not do everything pro bono from here on out?
Whadya say, guys? Are ya in? We'll raise our hands to say "Bye-bye" to you on your way
out the door, with our most profound and heartfelt gratitude and blessings for your
departure.
---------
P.S. While researching Bill Ratliff's current lobbying activities (below left), I came across
various names for "Raise Your Hand." According to the Texas Comptroller there are two
entities:
| Robin Hood & 22 'equity' failures |
| Following the money in our vendor-driven schools |
| U.S. school district check registers online |
| I care a lot about our district and am proud of several of our accomplishments during the 2 years I was on the Board.....I happily spent hundreds of hours working on the bond committee and...I am pleased that we improved somewhat the transparency of district operations. I hope you will continue to work toward providing a high quality education, creating a positive environment for our students and employees, and doing these using as few tax dollars as possible. In departing, I offer some comments and advice. Accept or reject as you see fit.... To the Board. Beware. I believe you are moving in a dangerous direction. When a majority of Board members believe their role is simply to approve what the admini- stration presents, there is a problem. When the Board unknowingly approves an incommplete budget and the administration resists fixing it, there are problems. When I, as a member of the public, will have faster and easier access to district information than I do as a Board member, there is a problem. When Board members want to spend the $250k saved after the two refunding bonds passed instead of reducing the $1.7 million deficit, there is a problem. When Board members think it is better for TEA to take over the District than it is to make the difficult financial choices to keep the District solvent, there is a problem. See the pattern? Diligence is needed, not complacency. This said, I do wish you all health, peace, and the courage to do what you know is right. |
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| Copyright 1999-2009 Peyton Wolcott |
"Walk softly and carry a big stick." -- Teddy Roosevelt "Trust but verify." -- Ronald Reagan |
| Just because you can doesn't mean you should. |
| H o w w e t a k e b a c k o u r c h i l d r e n ' s e d u c a t i o n: o n e p e r s o n , o n e q u e s t i o n , o n e s c h o o l a t a t i m e. |
| Check Registers US TX Flyer Ask your district Set goals/organize Ask questions Board Ethics Pledges Watchdog?AngryActivist Alert PR |
C o m m e n t a r i e s - F e b . 2 0 0 9
| ERDI supe Alton Frailey (Katy ISD / Texas) versus public freedoms |
| First They Came First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a communist; Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a socialist; Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a trade unionist; Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --because I was not a Jew; Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak out for me. -- Pastor Martin Niemoeller |
| Gloria from Luling on sidewalk outside Walsh Anderson party at Austin's Iron Cactus with unnamed man who was shy about revealing his name (TASA Mid Winter, 2007 ) |
| Soghra Najafpour (L) was sentenced to death at age 13 for the first time in Iran; she's now 31 -- more here. Did principal Robin E. Lowe (L) mention Soghra during her 'Islam 101' day May 22 at Friendswood JH? Will she mention Soghra at her new gig running Houston ISD's Pershing MS? Wouldn't that be a step towards "raising [her students'] awareness of the culture" -- of the true culture -- in Iran? That perhaps Robin's invited speakers from CAIR might have forgotten to mention? Oops? UPDATE: As of today no response yet from Robin to telephone and email queries. |
IRAN: Execution
Danger Alert
Danger Alert
| The American Superintendent (Leonard Merrell) as Allan Ramsay's King George III (Mixed-media collage by Peyton Wolcott, Copyright 2008) |
Wolcott
Peyton
| Jan.2009 commentaries here |
| Hats off to Jim Van Overschelde Wimberley ISD (TX) Trustees doing the right thing |
| 1. End discretionary spending. Set an example for your staff; let them know you mean business about running a tighter ship: No trips, no conferences, no meals, no credit cards. If you want to learn more about something, use Google. Do a webinar. Read a newsletter. No golf games with vendors, ever. No chauffeurs, no rental cars. Stay home, do your work and keep your nose clean. 2. Reduce administrative costs. Go through your administrative staff roster and cut every other job, starting with getting rid of all PR and marketing. No advisors, no consultants. Learn how to really read a budget. Put your check register and all wire transfers online. 3. Ethics. No nepotism. Let your wife and kids earn a living in a field other than education. No board members' spouses working in the district. Conduct all discussions with vendors and potential vendors in the open; invite your public to watch and ask questions. Throw away your contract and work year by year. Move your chair off the dais at board meetings. You're not a team member with your elected trustees. You're not equal to them. They're your boss. 4. No construction. If you're the rare district truly experiencing sufficient growth to justify building new schools, splinter off that population and let them start their own new school district or charter school. They might be able to take over an abandoned church or office building for much less than the Taj Mahal you had in mind. 5. Back-to-basics curriculum. Math table (1st grade: add, 2nd grade: subtract, 3rd grade multiply, 4th grade divide) daily drill. You made sure your own kids learned the basics at home or with tutors; why shouldn't all children have that same opportunity? Ditto for phonics. Classical literature. History, not social studies. No more block scheduling. Daily P.E. for all. Emphasize individual effort and accomplishment. 6. Attitude. You're a public servant, not a Third World dictator. Practice humility and gratitude. Remember when your employees laugh at your jokes or tell you you're cool or vendors marvel at your every utterance that they're all sucking up to you. Remember why you got into education to begin with. Sell your house in the gated community and buy one in the middle of a real subdivision like your average parents and taxpayers can afford. Let yourself be driven not by the latest platitude you picked up at the latest education conference but by the same wonderful noble desire to educate kids that got you into this field. |
| nation & 49 states |
| Texas |
b e s t
p r a c t i c e s
p r a c t i c e s
s c h o o l n e w s
q u i c k l i n k s
q u i c k l i n k s
| More "Best Practices" here. |
| U.S. FEDERAL TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO DISD 2000-2007 2000-2001 $ 121,951,145 2001-2002 $ 137,745,786 2002-2003 $ 169,103,740 2003-2004 $ 188,618,903 2004-2005 $ 188,838,330 2005-2006 $ 215,068,567 2006-2007 $ 217,970,686 TOTAL $1,239,297,157 |
| TEXAS TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO DISD 2000-2007 2000-2001 $ 204,116,731 2001-2002 $ 180,097,229 2002-2003 $ 254,465,426 2003-2004 $ 199,905,502 2004-2005 $ 199,940,243 2005-2006 $ 198,907,113 2006-2007 $ 305,839,277 TOTAL $1,543,271,521 |
| Saturday, February 28, 2009 |
Texas and U.S. taxpayers have sent
almost $3 billion
to Dallas ISD since 2000
almost $3 billion
to Dallas ISD since 2000
| Best Practices Ethicspledges Transparency Lax oversight San Antonio Triple Crown Team of 8 Pass the trash |
| One clue as to the seduc- tive nature of power is that once you get some, it's hard to voluntarily give it up. President George Washington gave our fledg- ling nation a great gift by walking away from the presidency after only two terms -- at a time when many in America would have happily allowed him to be regent-for-life. He had the greater good in mind and heart, and for his gift we can all be grateful -- and look to his example. Wimberley ISD trustee Jim Van Overschelde has done something commendable along those same lines by resigning from the WISD school board earlier this week after receiving a promotion at the Texas Education Agency. In an articulate and thoughtful letter of resignation, Jim makes some suggestions to his fellow trustees of which it would be wise for all school board members everywhere take heed. From Jim's letter: |
| Jim Van Overschelde |
Way to go, Jim!
FAQ ARCHIVES FOLLOW THE MONEY CHECK REGISTER INFO STATE & LOCAL GOVERNANCE VENDOR LOBBY
| When I first saw the headline yesterday morning that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich had just been arrested along with his chief of staff, John F. Harris, on charges of among other things trying to sell Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, my first reaction was probably not that different from yours, "Oh. Illinois." You know, as in the 3 R's: prior governor George Ryan, former Congressman Dan Rostenkowski, and long-time Obama supporter Tony Rezko. As in, to quote Matt Drudge, "Crook County." As in, "Chicago, |
| Arne Duncan (L) and Rod "Even My Hair's For Sale" Blagojevich (R) (GRAPHIC IMAGE--Peyton Wolcott) |
| What's Arne Duncan's track record on financial transparency? Given that getting rid of corruption in public education must be job one for the next US DOE secretary, and given that Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan has deep ties to Chi-Land (he's from there), and given also that he's a front runner for the post, a good question to ask is, "How transparent has Arne been during his tenure as supe of Chicago schools?" Meaning, how much has he opened up specific-dollar CPS actual financials to the public in the cheapest, easiest and fastest way possible, by putting checks online? No pie charts, no percentages, no aggregates, but real checks-to? When I went looking on Chicago Schools' website and couldn't find their checks, I called the CPS PR department and asked whether Arne had made any plans to put their check register online. After explaining to the fellow with whom I spoke what a check register was, he said he'd look into it and get back to me. Shouldn't be that hard; even though Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools has fewer students, if we can believe Chicago Public Schools accounting over Miami's M-DCPS spent a lot more money last year, $6.7 billion for all expenditures, all funds as opposed to the $4.6 bilion CPS will admit to. I sent the PR guy a helpful link to Miami's check register so Arne could see for himself. Oh, wait! Miami-Dade's check register is online because Marta Perez, an elected trustee, pushed for it last year -- but all seven Chicago Public Schools trustees are appointed by Mayor Daley. D'ya think they'd risk losing their appointments by pushing for financial transparency with a Chicago mayor who controls all of Chicago public ed? No response yet from CPS Perhaps that was the famous "I'll get back to you when Hell freezes over" time frame. Or, maybe what the CPS PR guy really meant was, "It's a long way to Tipperary which is where we hid the check register |
| Corruption Capital" and the "Chicago Machine." As in, apparently anything goes in Chi-Land and surrounds that's not nailed down. Graft, graft everywhere and not a drop to drink Chicago's suburbs have not been immune from graft and corruption. It was just over three years ago -- a year after Gov. Blagojevich appointed Thomas Ryan, then-supe of Community Consolidated School District 168 in Sauk Village (a half-hour south of Chicago) to a task force of school administrators to help shape Blagojevich's new Department of Education -- that investigators raided Ryan's home and hauled off a |
| Left: Thomas Ryan (center) in his garage. Right: Investigator carrying laundry basket filled with cash. (PHOTOS--Southtown Star) |
| laundry basket filled with cash, ten years of financial records, computers and a collapsible metal billy club. Ryan was eventually indicted, tried and sent to a minimal-security prison where, presumably without the asp, he served only a few years of his eight-year sentence. |
| SAUK VILLAGE SCHOOLS: Role played by investigative journalists A shout out to the Daily Southtown: The Illinois State Attorney only began looking into Sauk Village schools' finances after The Daily Southtown published stories by reporters Linda Lutton and Kati Phillip regarding questionable payments made to Thomas Ryan, his family and school district vendors. _________________________________________ |
| And earlier this year it was reported that "former Hoover-Schrum Elementary District 157 administrator Rosemary Hendricks was paid as superintendent for the Calumet City school system and another suburban Cook County school district." Two months ago, the suburban Cook County district, Bellwood SD 88, accepted Hendricks' resignation and appointed an interim supe. (SOURCES--Joan Carreon/ Northwestern Indiana Times; David Pollard/Proviso Herald; and Proviso Insider Blogspot) |
| While a former Chicago Public School manager remained jailed on felony theft charges Tuesday, the high school that entrusted her with its finances is struggling to recover from a loss of nearly half a million dollars. Marilyn Jenkins-Evans, 47, was ordered held on $200,000 bail by Criminal Court Judge Thomas Hennelly, a day after |
| Closer to home, Tracy Dell'Angela and Jeff Coen of the Chicago Tribune reported on something that occurred on Arne Duncan's watch as CEO at Chicago Public Schools: |
| Marilyn Jenkins-Evans 2006 mug shot |
| she was arrested on allegations that she stole $457,000 from Simeon Career Academy High School, where she once worked as business manager. Investigators alleged that she wrote herself 319 checks, forged the former principal's signature and deposited them in her personal accounts over more than five years at the school. "How is this school going to recoup that money?" asked the interim principal of the South Side school, Leonard Kenebrew. "That's $90,000 a year for five years. That could have been novels. Or microscopes. Or training for the teachers. Or field trips for the students. It's so depressing." |
| and when we get it cleaned up I'll get back to you." In any event, at press time there was still no response from Chi-Land Schools about Arne's intention (or not) to put their check register online. Here's hoping Mayor Daley will let Arne put CPS checks online whether or not Arne makes US DOE secretary; specific-dollar transparency in the form of online check registers is a terrific way for honest Illinois administrators and politicians to separate themselves from the Blagojevich / 3R's crowd. |
| More good news from GCISD: Frank has volun- tarily posted the district's check register online . Way to go, Grape Creek! |
| Hats off to Frank Walter Grape Creek ISD (TX) Student art mural |
| At a time when some administrators are hiring vendors to paint patriotic or school spirit-inspired murals on their schools' walls, Grape Creek ISD superintendent Frank Walter has continued the time-honored tradition of allowing student-painted murals. |
| The mural above, by art teacher Jack Cavness' Grape Creek High School students, is part of a larger effort in nearby San Angelo to place more art in public places. More here from GCISD's home page: |
| Frank Walter |
| Everybody wins with disciplined and focused student-painted murals such as this. Kids have learned a skill with which they can make money for themselves in the future, and tax dollars are saved. Plus the world's a prettier place. Here's an aquatic-themed mural painted last year at an expressway by Jack's students at San Angelo ISD's Central High: |
| The seventh period art class of Mr. Jack Cavness created a mural for the GCHS Library and presented it to Mrs. Franklin Dec. 12th. It was produced in sections with all class members creating different parts of the artwork. This is quite an undertaking, because each piece has to match perfectly when it comes together. The eagle now soars on the west wall in the library. Come by and look at their great work. |
| Hats off to David L. Cockerham Espanola #55 (NM) Online Calendar |
It's frustrating for moms
and dads and taxpayers to
call their superintendent's
office only to be told by the
secretary that he/she is not
available. Period. With no
explanations offered or
given, even when pressed.
Not so in Espanola Public
School District #55 in New
Mexico, located just north of
Santa Fe and Nambe
Pueblo. Superin-
tendent David L. Cocker-
ham's calendar is included
as part of his report to the
board; better yet for the
public, a link to the PDF'd
calendar is included in the
district's BoardBook
paperless Agenda Packet--
along with their checks.
Way to go, David & board!
(Posted 01.03.09)
and dads and taxpayers to
call their superintendent's
office only to be told by the
secretary that he/she is not
available. Period. With no
explanations offered or
given, even when pressed.
Not so in Espanola Public
School District #55 in New
Mexico, located just north of
Santa Fe and Nambe
Pueblo. Superin-
tendent David L. Cocker-
ham's calendar is included
as part of his report to the
board; better yet for the
public, a link to the PDF'd
calendar is included in the
district's BoardBook
paperless Agenda Packet--
along with their checks.
Way to go, David & board!
(Posted 01.03.09)
| Above, Espanola students greet bikers on their "Run for the Wall" 2008 trek from California to the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C. |
| Texas school district check registers online |
| Terms & Conditions |
| Sorry to have to include this; believe it or not, some groups--God bless them --have copied my research and published it as their own. |
| MALDEF's 22 Edgewood districts have cost Texans billions -- but show us failed academics & extravagance. |
| What works: The friendly approach |
| Take the Golden Rule with you when asking your schools to post their check registers. Flyer with testimonials addressing issues & concerns. |
| Are there enough degrees of separation between Arne and Blagojevich for Arne to be the next US DOE secretary? By Peyton Wolcott Wednesday, December 10, 2008 / 12:02 a.m. - Updated Wednesday, December 10, 2008 / 9:59 a.m. |
| Transparency history |
| Llano ISD FOIA conviction Edgewood ISD PD detainment Progress by March 2007 1st year ann'y: Oct. 2007 Gov.Perry & Comm.Scott |
| 01.20 News story & 01.22.09 editorial - Dothan Eagle (AL) |
| 01.12.09 Editorial Austin American-Statesman (TX) |
| CHECK REGISTERS |
Dec.2008-Jan.2009 here
| THE GORGE-OUS GUYS OF TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION Why should we raise our hand for these guys now? We did what they wanted in 1995 and look at the mess we're in. By Peyton Wolcott Wednesday, January 28, 2009 / 12:16 a.m. - Updated Friday, January 30, 2009 / 11:17 a.m. - New photos & data |
| L to R: Sandy Kress, Mike Moses, Bill Ratliff, David Thompson (With special thanks to Mr. Fish for original image) |
| Raise Your Hand Texas 816 Congress Ave Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701 Ratliff, William R. (00020737) P.O. Box 1218 Mt. Pleasant, TX 75456 $25,000 - $49.999.99 Raise Your Hand 327 Congress Suite 450 Austin, TX 78701 Erben, Randall H. (00013689) 807 Brazos Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 50,000 - $99,999.99 Wakefield, Kakhi H. (00062269) 807 Brazos Street Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00 Yarbrough, Brian G. (00037475) 807 Brazos Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00 |
| Ratliff II, Shannon H. (00050870) (512)494-3656 - Bracewell & Giuliani LLP 111 Congress Avenue Suite 2300 Austin, TX 78701 Long-time school law attorneys: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP 111 Congress Avenue Suite 2300 Austin, TX 78701-4304 Less Than $10,000.00 Active school tech vendors: Cisco Systems Inc. 12515 Research Blvd. Building 2 Austin, TX 78759 $50,000 - $99,999.99 City of Carrollton 1945 E. Jackson Road Carrollton, TX 75006 $50,000 - $99,999.99 Invenergy Wind Development LLC 1400 S. Congress Avenue Suite B-330 Austin, TX 78704 $50,000 - $99,999.99 Not in good standing as of Jan. 28, 2009 with Texas Comptroller: The Corporation for Texas Regionalism 1305 San Antonio Street Austin, TX 78701 $50,000 - $99,999.99 Heaven forbid that the Ratliff's wouldn't get some of the taxpayer bank bailout money: Wachovia Corporation 150 Fayetteville Street Mall Suite 600 Raleigh, NC 27601 $50,000 - $99,999.99 |
| RATLIFF LOBBYISTS |
| Raise Your Hand for Public Schools/Raise Your Hand Texas 816 Congress Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701 Anderson, David D. (00053708) 823 Congress Suite 900 Austin, TX 78701 $25,000 - $49.999.99 Jones, Neal T. Jr. (00013745) 823 Congress Suite 900 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00 Raise Your Hand for Public Schools PO Box 302183 Austin, TX 78730 All "less than $10,000": Eschberger, Brenda (00029854) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Girard, Charles H. (00058717) 504 West 14th Street Austin, TX 78701 Johnson, Michael J. (00055885) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Kelley, Russell T. (00013737) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Kemptner, Sara (00057952) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 McGarah, Carol (00051437) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 McGarry, Mignon (00012905) 504 West 14th Street Austin, TX 78701 Sabo, Jason T. (00052402) 1122 Colorado Street Suite 102 Austin, TX 78701 Waldon, Barbara (00057030) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 |
| Ratliff, William R. (00020737) (903)572-1846 P.O. Box 1218 Mt. Pleasant, TX 75456 Such a sweet deal! Found "Raise Your Hand Texas" then make more than the average Texan's salary from this alone: Raise Your Hand Texas 816 Congress Ave Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701 $25,000 - $49.999.99 |
| RAISE YOUR HAND ENTITIES/LOBBYISTS |
RAISE YOUR HAND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS 32024213194 78204
RAISE YOUR HAND FOR TEXAS EDUCATION FUND 12038185778 78204
RAISE YOUR HAND FOR TEXAS EDUCATION FUND 12038185778 78204
And, surprise, surprise! David Thompson (see above) is a registered director for "Raise
Your Hand For Public Schools."
Here's the group statement from one table's participants at the January 28, 2009 "Raise
Your Hand" conference at the Hilton in downtown Austin, Texas for principals who had
participated last summer in a conference at Harvard regarding that experience:
Your Hand For Public Schools."
Here's the group statement from one table's participants at the January 28, 2009 "Raise
Your Hand" conference at the Hilton in downtown Austin, Texas for principals who had
participated last summer in a conference at Harvard regarding that experience:
| [Raise Your Hand director] Bull, Blaine H. (00012158) (512)744-0044 327 Congress Ave. Suite 450 Austin, TX 78701 CHRISTUS Health 4109 Carmel Mountain McKinney, TX 75070 $25,000 - $49.999.99 Texas Border Coalition 901 Business Park Dr. Suite 200 Mission, TX 78572 $10,000 - $24,999.99 Texas Employers for Immigration 1209 Nueces Street Austin, TX 78701 $10,000 - $24,999.99 |
Are the four Grand Old Rich Guys of Education ("GORGE") of Texas schools public
servants -- or merely self-serving folks GORGE-ing at our kids' education troughs?
servants -- or merely self-serving folks GORGE-ing at our kids' education troughs?
Hard to say. They keep coming
at us with new ideas such as
"Raise Your Hand" (more
below) and the Sandy Kress/
Mike Moses/David Thompson/
Don McAdams* "Common
Ground" paper (not to mention
the new "visioning" report from
such 21st Century Skills folks
as Phil Schlecty and Willard
Daggett, "Creating a New
Vision for Public Education in
Texas") --but the new ideas
always entail putting more of
our tax dollars in their pockets.
Vendors, lobbyists, call them
what you will. They want our
at us with new ideas such as
"Raise Your Hand" (more
below) and the Sandy Kress/
Mike Moses/David Thompson/
Don McAdams* "Common
Ground" paper (not to mention
the new "visioning" report from
such 21st Century Skills folks
as Phil Schlecty and Willard
Daggett, "Creating a New
Vision for Public Education in
Texas") --but the new ideas
always entail putting more of
our tax dollars in their pockets.
Vendors, lobbyists, call them
what you will. They want our
| Mike Moses (center) at podium speaking to 100 or so Texas principals at downtown Austin Hilton on a school day -- January 28, 2009. |
Who are these GORGE-ous guys?
Sandy Kress is a lawyer and also a vendor's representative/lobbyist for Pearson, the
British-based education giant who profits from the accountability testing that's key to the
No Child Left Behind legislation Sandy's credited as being the architect of -- how circular
is that?
Sandy Kress is a lawyer and also a vendor's representative/lobbyist for Pearson, the
British-based education giant who profits from the accountability testing that's key to the
No Child Left Behind legislation Sandy's credited as being the architect of -- how circular
is that?
| When the Texas public school principals attending the "Raise Your Hand" conference were told "You are the best and brightest," no one raised their hand to disagree or to question the accolade. |
And Mike Moses (see "Raise
Your Hand for a Hand Out" at
far right here) and Bill Ratliff
dreamed up "Raise Your
Hand," which appears to want
to drive the next generation of
drecky unproven edu-reforms
designed to benefit liberal
social engineering agendas
and the vendors who sell
programs supporting them.
The group's consigliari, David
Thompson, has, with Mike
Moses, a superintendent
search firm, School Executive
Consulting, Inc. Dave on his
own is a registered lobbyist
for the Texas Association of
School Administrators among
others; he collects as much
as (declared) $155,000
annually, from this one
revenue stream alone. He's
also an attorney with a
lucrative private school
practice--name a MALDEF/
Robin Hood lawsuit in recent
memory he's not collected
sizable fees from--who is
known as the filer of a
Your Hand for a Hand Out" at
far right here) and Bill Ratliff
dreamed up "Raise Your
Hand," which appears to want
to drive the next generation of
drecky unproven edu-reforms
designed to benefit liberal
social engineering agendas
and the vendors who sell
programs supporting them.
The group's consigliari, David
Thompson, has, with Mike
Moses, a superintendent
search firm, School Executive
Consulting, Inc. Dave on his
own is a registered lobbyist
for the Texas Association of
School Administrators among
others; he collects as much
as (declared) $155,000
annually, from this one
revenue stream alone. He's
also an attorney with a
lucrative private school
practice--name a MALDEF/
Robin Hood lawsuit in recent
memory he's not collected
sizable fees from--who is
known as the filer of a
| [Note spelling and capitalization] |
| Yolanda Larkin of Brownsboro ISD (left, standing) facilitated this table's group consensus statement regarding their Harvard experience at the "Raise Your Hand" January 28, 2009 conference at the Austin Hilton. |
money, despite the fact that what they've been selling us since 1995 when SB 1, the
rewrite of the Texas Education Code, passed has not only been wasteful but also has not
worked.
rewrite of the Texas Education Code, passed has not only been wasteful but also has not
worked.
* I am researching a new separate commentary on Don McAdams.
ANOTHER GORGE- OUS BILLIONAIRE TEXAS GROCER GUY?
Whose strings is Mr. Butt pulling?
Whose strings is Mr. Butt pulling?
"Raise Your Hand" if you know the answers to any of the above. Here
are clues from the handouts last week at the Austin Hilton "Raise Your Hand" (more
below) event:
are clues from the handouts last week at the Austin Hilton "Raise Your Hand" (more
below) event:
| NEW: Link: 2009 Texas Ethics Commission Edu-Lobbyists |
Charles Butt's $1 million
in campaign contributions
How he spent $23,000 of it in 2008:
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78209 Self Employed/Grocer $1,000
09/29/2008 G LAMPSON FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,000
09/22/2008 G CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Food Stores/CEO $2,300
03/31/2007 P CHET EDWARDS FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Pro-Gay Rights, Pro-Abortion, Pro-Illegal
Immigration. "Led fight on House floor
for partial-birth abortions." Pro-taxpayer
funding of ACLU lawsuits. Pro-1st
bailout. Pro-ACORN.
in campaign contributions
How he spent $23,000 of it in 2008:
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78209 Self Employed/Grocer $1,000
09/29/2008 G LAMPSON FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,000
09/22/2008 G CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Food Stores/CEO $2,300
03/31/2007 P CHET EDWARDS FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Pro-Gay Rights, Pro-Abortion, Pro-Illegal
Immigration. "Led fight on House floor
for partial-birth abortions." Pro-taxpayer
funding of ACLU lawsuits. Pro-1st
bailout. Pro-ACORN.
First the source of
Charles Butt's billions
"The story of H-E-B began more than a hundred
years ago in a tiny, family shop in Kerrville, Texas
. . . . Today, H-E-B boasts more than 300 locations
throughout Texas and northern Mexico and
employs upwards of 60,000 people."
(SOURCE--Microsoft, 2007) HEB "operates
supermarkets and food / drug combination stores
under several banners, including Central Market,
H.E.B. Marketplace, H.E.B. Plus, H.E.B. Pantry
Foods, H.E. Butt and Mi Tienda, a Latino-themed
store." (SOURCE--Chain Drug Review)
Charles Butt's billions
"The story of H-E-B began more than a hundred
years ago in a tiny, family shop in Kerrville, Texas
. . . . Today, H-E-B boasts more than 300 locations
throughout Texas and northern Mexico and
employs upwards of 60,000 people."
(SOURCE--Microsoft, 2007) HEB "operates
supermarkets and food / drug combination stores
under several banners, including Central Market,
H.E.B. Marketplace, H.E.B. Plus, H.E.B. Pantry
Foods, H.E. Butt and Mi Tienda, a Latino-themed
store." (SOURCE--Chain Drug Review)
BUTT, CHARLES SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H.E.B. GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN & C $2,300
06/17/2008 P KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON
FOR SENATE COMMITTEE - Republican
Pro-Abortion, Pro-Illegal Immigration
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 04/02/2008 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
BUTT, CHARLES SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN $1,000 03/11/2008
P COLLINS FOR SENATOR - Republican
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,300
03/03/2008 P CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H.E.B. Grocery/Chief Executive Offi
$2,300 02/12/2008 P MCCAUL FOR
CONGRESS, INC - Republican
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 11/09/2007 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 06/06/2007 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Butt, Charles C SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H.E. Butt Grocery Company/Chairman
$2,300 04/12/2007 P CHARLES A.
GONZALEZ CONGRESSIONAL
CAMPAIGN - Democrat
BUTT, CHARLES SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN $1,000 08/22/2008
G COLLINS FOR SENATOR - Republican
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,000
03/27/2007 P CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
78204 H.E.B. GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN & C $2,300
06/17/2008 P KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON
FOR SENATE COMMITTEE - Republican
Pro-Abortion, Pro-Illegal Immigration
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 04/02/2008 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
BUTT, CHARLES SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN $1,000 03/11/2008
P COLLINS FOR SENATOR - Republican
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,300
03/03/2008 P CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
Butt, Charles SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H.E.B. Grocery/Chief Executive Offi
$2,300 02/12/2008 P MCCAUL FOR
CONGRESS, INC - Republican
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 11/09/2007 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Butt, Charles Mr. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H-E-B Foods/Drugs Inc./Executive
$2,500 06/06/2007 P NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Butt, Charles C SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 H.E. Butt Grocery Company/Chairman
$2,300 04/12/2007 P CHARLES A.
GONZALEZ CONGRESSIONAL
CAMPAIGN - Democrat
BUTT, CHARLES SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB GROCERY
COMPANY/CHAIRMAN $1,000 08/22/2008
G COLLINS FOR SENATOR - Republican
Butt, Charles C. SAN ANTONIO, TX
78204 HEB Grocery Stores/CEO $1,000
03/27/2007 P CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR
CONGRESS - Democrat
According to Time Magazine, "Most Americans, 56
to 40 percent, want a border wall built along
Mexico and America... all the way across. 62
percent of Americans want the military to guard
the border. 51 percent want all illegals deported,
and the border sealed...(SOURCE--DirectorBlue.Blogspot)
to 40 percent, want a border wall built along
Mexico and America... all the way across. 62
percent of Americans want the military to guard
the border. 51 percent want all illegals deported,
and the border sealed...(SOURCE--DirectorBlue.Blogspot)
| You may have noticed in a recent report by my Austin bureau colleague R.G. Ratcliffe that grocery store executive Charles Butt has emerged as one of the biggest political donors from San Antonio. He has given more money — $1 million — than fellow San Antonio businessman James Leininger, who has given $720,000 to state candidates and committees so far this year. And while Leininger's primary interest is promoting tax- paid vouchers to allow some students to attend private schools, Butt is a strong supporter of the public school system. The vast majority of Butt's contributions, $785,000, in this election cycle went to Texas Parent PAC, an anti- voucher political action committee that was instrumental in several races for the Texas House. He was the PAC's single biggest donor by far. (SOURCE--South Texas Chisme) |
Is Forbes-listed San Antonio, Texas billionaire
grocer Charles C. Butt merely another left-leaning
inherited-wealth activist?
Or, as some readers have suggested, does he
have a larger scheme -- or schemes -- in mind?
To answer this, first we have to answer the
question: Just who is Charles Butt? Could he be
described as being another GORGE-ous Grand
Old Rich Guy of Education? Given the amount of
money he's poured into trying to institutionalize
children as young as four in pre-school where they
would be subject to indoctrination by their
government handlers, this seems a good time to
take a closer look. As LBJ used to say, "Come, let
us reason together."
grocer Charles C. Butt merely another left-leaning
inherited-wealth activist?
Or, as some readers have suggested, does he
have a larger scheme -- or schemes -- in mind?
To answer this, first we have to answer the
question: Just who is Charles Butt? Could he be
described as being another GORGE-ous Grand
Old Rich Guy of Education? Given the amount of
money he's poured into trying to institutionalize
children as young as four in pre-school where they
would be subject to indoctrination by their
government handlers, this seems a good time to
take a closer look. As LBJ used to say, "Come, let
us reason together."
Forbes lowers Butt's rank
Although Charles' wealth has remained constant
in actual dollars ( $2.2 billion ) from 2005 to 2008,
Forbes has kicked Butt's ranking among
America's 400 wealthiest Americans down to 205
in 2008, from 112th place in 2005.
Butt outspends Leininger
Although Charles' wealth has remained constant
in actual dollars ( $2.2 billion ) from 2005 to 2008,
Forbes has kicked Butt's ranking among
America's 400 wealthiest Americans down to 205
in 2008, from 112th place in 2005.
Butt outspends Leininger
| The source of Charles Butt's money: an inherited grocery and drugstore chain |
Q: Is Charles Butt looking out for his
commercial interests at the expense of
U.S. security -- and, according to Time
magazine, the wishes of most of his
U.S. grocery customers?
Butt, who owns grocery stores in Mexico, has given
substantial sums to Texas Senator Kay Bailey
Hutchison (right), who opposed and de-funded the
U.S.-Mexico border wall.
commercial interests at the expense of
U.S. security -- and, according to Time
magazine, the wishes of most of his
U.S. grocery customers?
Butt, who owns grocery stores in Mexico, has given
substantial sums to Texas Senator Kay Bailey
Hutchison (right), who opposed and de-funded the
U.S.-Mexico border wall.
| Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (IMAGE SOURCE below) |
By Peyton Wolcott Wednesday, February 4, 2008 / 10:00 a.m.
| From top, clockwise, Texans all: San Antonio grocer (HEB, etc.) Charles Butt, House Education chair Rob Eissler, new House Speaker Joe Strauss (from San Antonio), Senate Education vice chair Dan Patrick, Senate Education chair Florence Shapiro |
ANYTHING FOR A BUCK
More of the folks Charles Butt pays $320,000*
to lobby our Texas Lege to "Raise Your Hand"
By Peyton Wolcott - Sat., Feb. 7, 2009 /1:00 a.m. - Updated Mon., Feb. 16, 2009 /4:51 a.m.
More of the folks Charles Butt pays $320,000*
to lobby our Texas Lege to "Raise Your Hand"
By Peyton Wolcott - Sat., Feb. 7, 2009 /1:00 a.m. - Updated Mon., Feb. 16, 2009 /4:51 a.m.
Raise Your Hand for Public
Schools/Raise Your Hand Texas
816 Congress Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701
Anderson, David D. (00053708) 823 Congress Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701 $25,000 - $49.999.99
Jones, Neal T. Jr. (00013745) 823 Congress Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand for Public Schools
PO Box 302183 Austin, TX 78730
Eschberger, Brenda (00029854) 919 Congress Avenue
Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Girard, Charles H. (00058717) 504 West 14th Street Austin,
TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Johnson, Michael J. (00055885) 919 Congress Avenue
Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Kelley, Russell T. (00013737) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Kemptner, Sara (00057952) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
McGarah, Carol (00051437) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
McGarry, Mignon (00012905) 504 West 14th Street Austin,
TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Sabo, Jason T. (00052402) 1122 Colorado Street Suite 102
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Waldon, Barbara (00057030) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand Texas
816 Congress Ave Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701
Ratliff, William R. (00020737) P.O. Box 1218 Mt. Pleasant,
TX 75456 $25,000 - $49.999.99
Raise Your Hand
327 Congress Suite 450 Austin, TX 78701
Erben, Randall H. (00013689) 807 Brazos Suite 402 Austin,
TX 78701 $50,000 - $99,999.99
Wakefield, Kakhi Huffaker (00062269) 807 Brazos Street
Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Yarbrough, Brian G. (00037475) 807 Brazos Suite 402
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Schools/Raise Your Hand Texas
816 Congress Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701
Anderson, David D. (00053708) 823 Congress Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701 $25,000 - $49.999.99
Jones, Neal T. Jr. (00013745) 823 Congress Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand for Public Schools
PO Box 302183 Austin, TX 78730
Eschberger, Brenda (00029854) 919 Congress Avenue
Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Girard, Charles H. (00058717) 504 West 14th Street Austin,
TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Johnson, Michael J. (00055885) 919 Congress Avenue
Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Kelley, Russell T. (00013737) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Kemptner, Sara (00057952) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
McGarah, Carol (00051437) 919 Congress Avenue Suite 950
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
McGarry, Mignon (00012905) 504 West 14th Street Austin,
TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Sabo, Jason T. (00052402) 1122 Colorado Street Suite 102
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Waldon, Barbara (00057030) 919 Congress Avenue Suite
950 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand Texas
816 Congress Ave Suite 990 Austin, TX 78701
Ratliff, William R. (00020737) P.O. Box 1218 Mt. Pleasant,
TX 75456 $25,000 - $49.999.99
Raise Your Hand
327 Congress Suite 450 Austin, TX 78701
Erben, Randall H. (00013689) 807 Brazos Suite 402 Austin,
TX 78701 $50,000 - $99,999.99
Wakefield, Kakhi Huffaker (00062269) 807 Brazos Street
Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
Yarbrough, Brian G. (00037475) 807 Brazos Suite 402
Austin, TX 78701 Less Than $10,000.00
HEB Grocery
P. O. Box 839999 San Antonio,
TX 78283
Gilbert, Don A. (00030056)
401 West 15th Street Suite 870 Austin, TX
78701 $50,000 - $99,999.99
P. O. Box 839999 San Antonio,
TX 78283
Gilbert, Don A. (00030056)
401 West 15th Street Suite 870 Austin, TX
78701 $50,000 - $99,999.99
| Brenda Eschberger was a lobbyist for Philip Morris, Inc. in 1995. Eschberger has knowledge of the tobacco industry’s lobby tactics employed in Texas. (SOURCE--U.S. District Court, et al) |
* (Texas Ethics Commission as
of 2009)
of 2009)
Brenda Eschberger used to lobby for tobacco
interests and now includes among her clients
outdoor billboards; she already holds 41
contracts worth as much as $410,000 thus far,
and the Lege is just starting up.
interests and now includes among her clients
outdoor billboards; she already holds 41
contracts worth as much as $410,000 thus far,
and the Lege is just starting up.
| Brenda Eschberger at billboard convention in Puerto Rico (March 2008) |
$410,000 - Eschberger, Brenda
(00029854) (512)480-8444 919 Congress
Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701
3M Company Less Than $10,000.00
Accenture LLP Less Than $10,000.00
Aetna Less Than $10,000.00
Air Evac EMS Less Than $10,000.00
American Airlines Less Than $10,000.00
Aqua Water Supply Less Than $10,000.00
AT&T Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
BEPCO L.P. Less Than $10,000.00
Chesapeake Energy LessThan$,$10,000.00
City of Amarillo Less Than $10,000.00
Collin County MUD Less Than $10,000.00
Cottonwood Financial Less Than $10,000.00
Credit UnionLeg.Coalition Less Than $10,000.0
Crow Family Pshp Less Than $10,000.00
Dallas Regional CofCLess Than $10,000.00
Dell Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
Denton County Dev. Less Than $10,000.00
Denton CountyWSD4Less Than $10,000.00
Denton CountyWSD7Less Than $10,000.00
ETX Med.CtrHealthcareLess Than $10,000.0
EMC Corporation Less Than $10,000.00
Entergy Texas Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
First Southwest Co. Less Than $10,000.00
Fort Worth Chamber Less Than $10,000.00
General Motors Corp.Less Than $10,000.00
H-E-B Less Than $10,000.00
Hicks Sports Group Less Than $10,000.00
Hillwood Dev. Less Than $10,000.00
Holt Texas Ltd. Less Than $10,000.00
LCRA Less Than $10,000.00
NTX Texas Tollway Less Than $10,000.00
NRG Energy Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
Outdoor Ad Assn TX Less Than $10,000.00
Peter O'Donnell Jr. Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand Less Than $10,000.00
Richard C. Strauss Less Than $10,000.00
San Antonio Spurs Less Than $10,000.00
Teaching HospitalsTX Less Than $10,000.00
TX BeverageAssn Less Than $10,000.00
TWU Foundation Less Than $10,000.00
Trinity Industries Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
(00029854) (512)480-8444 919 Congress
Avenue Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701
3M Company Less Than $10,000.00
Accenture LLP Less Than $10,000.00
Aetna Less Than $10,000.00
Air Evac EMS Less Than $10,000.00
American Airlines Less Than $10,000.00
Aqua Water Supply Less Than $10,000.00
AT&T Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
BEPCO L.P. Less Than $10,000.00
Chesapeake Energy LessThan$,$10,000.00
City of Amarillo Less Than $10,000.00
Collin County MUD Less Than $10,000.00
Cottonwood Financial Less Than $10,000.00
Credit UnionLeg.Coalition Less Than $10,000.0
Crow Family Pshp Less Than $10,000.00
Dallas Regional CofCLess Than $10,000.00
Dell Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
Denton County Dev. Less Than $10,000.00
Denton CountyWSD4Less Than $10,000.00
Denton CountyWSD7Less Than $10,000.00
ETX Med.CtrHealthcareLess Than $10,000.0
EMC Corporation Less Than $10,000.00
Entergy Texas Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
First Southwest Co. Less Than $10,000.00
Fort Worth Chamber Less Than $10,000.00
General Motors Corp.Less Than $10,000.00
H-E-B Less Than $10,000.00
Hicks Sports Group Less Than $10,000.00
Hillwood Dev. Less Than $10,000.00
Holt Texas Ltd. Less Than $10,000.00
LCRA Less Than $10,000.00
NTX Texas Tollway Less Than $10,000.00
NRG Energy Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
Outdoor Ad Assn TX Less Than $10,000.00
Peter O'Donnell Jr. Less Than $10,000.00
Raise Your Hand Less Than $10,000.00
Richard C. Strauss Less Than $10,000.00
San Antonio Spurs Less Than $10,000.00
Teaching HospitalsTX Less Than $10,000.00
TX BeverageAssn Less Than $10,000.00
TWU Foundation Less Than $10,000.00
Trinity Industries Inc. Less Than $10,000.00
She's also listed by Texans for Public Justice as
part of their "Exposing the misuse and abuse of
the public commons" effort:
part of their "Exposing the misuse and abuse of
the public commons" effort:
| July 18, 2007: Peddling Welfare-Privatization Boondoggles / Appendix: Texas Social Service Privatization Lobbyists, 1997-2007 (max. value of contracts: $80,000 |
Yum-Yum: Products produced by Brenda's client
the Texas Beverage Association include such
ingredients as high fructose corn syrup, caffeine
and low-calorie sweeteners. Also from TPJ re
the 2005 Lege::
the Texas Beverage Association include such
ingredients as high fructose corn syrup, caffeine
and low-calorie sweeteners. Also from TPJ re
the 2005 Lege::
| Sin-tax opponent RJ Reynolds boosted its lobby spending 67 percent. The soda-pushing Texas Beverage Association spent $225,000 in the specials after sitting out the regular session. . . . Special Sessions Newcomers - In addition to the lobby clients that increased their lobby expenditures, 61 clients that were not registered in the regular session decided to hire lobbyists during the 2005 special sessions. Sin-tax interests again topped this list of new lobby clients. The top new client was the Texas Beverage Association, a soft-drink trade group that may have helped let the fizz out of junk- food taxes. The beverage group paid 10 lobbyists—led by Public Strategies—up to $255,000. |
Here are the Raise Your Hand registered lobbyists -- thus far:
| A teacher among teachers: Rafe Esquith of The Hobart Shakespeareans (LAUSD / CA) |
| Rafe Esquith (L) with |
Recently when I attended a
Charles Butt-hosted "Raise
Your Hand" event in Austin
several principals voiced
concerns about the issues
and problems many
students bring to school
with them; they asked
about additional funding
available for dealing with
such students.
Why do educators
automatically seek more
dollars for dealing with
challenged students when
the richness they seek lies
within their own hearts?
Rafe Esquith, a 5th-grade
teacher in Los Angeles
USD, is daily confronted
with all of these same
issues then some.
Hobart Elementary's Room
56, home to Rafe's "Hobart
Shakespeareans," is
situated in one of the
poorest parts of LA.; all of
his students qualify for free
breakfast and lunches, and
few speak English as a
first language. Many are
from poor or troubled
families. The school is on
frequent lockdown
because of drug traffickers.
Charles Butt-hosted "Raise
Your Hand" event in Austin
several principals voiced
concerns about the issues
and problems many
students bring to school
with them; they asked
about additional funding
available for dealing with
such students.
Why do educators
automatically seek more
dollars for dealing with
challenged students when
the richness they seek lies
within their own hearts?
Rafe Esquith, a 5th-grade
teacher in Los Angeles
USD, is daily confronted
with all of these same
issues then some.
Hobart Elementary's Room
56, home to Rafe's "Hobart
Shakespeareans," is
situated in one of the
poorest parts of LA.; all of
his students qualify for free
breakfast and lunches, and
few speak English as a
first language. Many are
from poor or troubled
families. The school is on
frequent lockdown
because of drug traffickers.
| The Hobart Shakesperareans believe "There Are No Shortcuts." These 5th grade children begin to arrive in class at 6:30 a.m. and by 7:00 a.m. are solving complex math problems a full hour before traditional school begins. They stay until 5:00 p.m. or even later, and voluntarily come to school during their vacation periods. They read high school level literature and devour United States History, learning how to be good Americans. Most important of all, these children are recog- nized around the world for their outstanding character. In addition to scoring extra- ordinarily high on standard- ized tests, these students feed the homeless, raise money for the Red Cross, and give performances to support AIDS research. These students receive over $1 million each year in scholarships to attend first- rate schools. Oustanding prep schools know these students are a sure thing. |
| The Hobart Shakespearans performing in Texas (Summer 2008) |
Because Rafe succeeds
where others fail -- rather
than producing high school
dropouts as do many of his
peers at urban schools, his
students attend an
impressive array of colleges
-- let's listen to Rafe:
where others fail -- rather
than producing high school
dropouts as do many of his
peers at urban schools, his
students attend an
impressive array of colleges
-- let's listen to Rafe:
I'm hoping that this August
rather than hiring outside
convocation speakers at
$5,000 a pop our adminis-
trators will save $4,970 and
instead show their staff Mel
Stuart's video about Rafe
and his kids. It will inspire
and encourage even the
most tired and jaded of our
wonderful educators.
rather than hiring outside
convocation speakers at
$5,000 a pop our adminis-
trators will save $4,970 and
instead show their staff Mel
Stuart's video about Rafe
and his kids. It will inspire
and encourage even the
most tired and jaded of our
wonderful educators.
| Brenda Eschberger $410,000 (00029854) (512)480-8444 919 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701 |
| Randall H. 'Randy' Erben $2.65 million (00013689) (512)472-1682 807 Brazos Suite 402 Austin, TX 78701 |
| For a guy wielding this much power, Randall Erben's surprisingly camera-shy. I was unable to find a single photograph of him on the Internet; the closest was this one (L) of his million-dollar Austin house. Small world: Andrew Erben (R) works as a lobbyist for another public ed group, the Texas Institute for Education Reform. He also sells houses |
Specific immediate
steps educators and
trustees can take to
lower costs:
steps educators and
trustees can take to
lower costs:
| Edu-Monopoly Education,Inc Technology ERDI "Financial Exigency" Credit cards TX supes travel/meals Edu-Conferences TASA MidWinter Supes/Golf/Vendors 1 2 3 |
Who else other than Charles Butt
is Randy being paid to lobby for?
Here are Randall Erben's lobby contracts per the Texas
Ethics Commision as of this week:
is Randy being paid to lobby for?
Here are Randall Erben's lobby contracts per the Texas
Ethics Commision as of this week:
| IMAGES: Drunk driver wreck: http://passaicnews.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/drunk-driver.jpg |
| Consumer Affairs reports from University of Phoenix students |
Given the amount of money San Antonio grocer Charles Butt is pouring into the passage of
legislation during the 2009 Texas Lege in order to advance his pet social causes, this seems a good
time to take a closer look at the company he keeps. Whether or not one man spending inherited
wealth should be able to control the lives not only of future generations of Texas schoolchildren but
also the finances of the parents and taxpayers who are going to have to foot the costs of Charles'
bills is a good question. In answering that question fairly, the company Charles keeps -- the lobbyists
he's paying to get his new laws passed -- certainly deserve a closer look.
legislation during the 2009 Texas Lege in order to advance his pet social causes, this seems a good
time to take a closer look at the company he keeps. Whether or not one man spending inherited
wealth should be able to control the lives not only of future generations of Texas schoolchildren but
also the finances of the parents and taxpayers who are going to have to foot the costs of Charles'
bills is a good question. In answering that question fairly, the company Charles keeps -- the lobbyists
he's paying to get his new laws passed -- certainly deserve a closer look.
| Whose strings is HEB's Charles Butt trying to pull? Scroll down for larger image. |
| INDICTMENTS, SETTLEMENT In March 2004, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Reliant Energy Services, Inc. and four of its officers—Jackie Thomas, a former vice president of Reliant's Power Trading Division; Reggie Howard, a former director of Reliant's West Power Trading Division; Lisa Flowers, a term trader for Reliant's West Power Trading Division; and Kevin Frankeny, Reliant's manager of western operations—for their alleged role in the California electricity crisis. All of the defendants are residents of Texas. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and commodities manipulation and wire fraud, as well as manipulation and attempted manipulation of the price of a commodity in interstate commerce. The indictments were filed on April 8, 2004.On August 15, 2005, Reliant announced that it had reached a $445 million settlement with the states of California, Oregon and Washington, resolving civil litigation claims against the company related to the sale of electricity in the California electricity crisis of 2000 and 2001. In March 2007, Reliant agreed to pay a $22.2 million penalty in addition to a $13.8 million credit provided in a previous settlement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (SOURCE--Wikipedia) |
| Who is Randall Erben? |
More about Randy Erben's client Reliant Energy & the
California energy crisis (2001-02)
California energy crisis (2001-02)
| FBI Director Robert Mueller on the 2004 Reliant Energy indictments: They demonstrate the FBI's dedication to investigating corporate greed at all levels, as "corporate fraud impacts not only individual victims but the entire economy as well." (SOURCE--ENS) |
| Then-U.T. Attorney General John Ashcroft (L) announcing 2004 Reliant indictments; ass't AG , Kevin Ryan |
| April 9, 2004: Reliant Energy was indicted "over an alleged plot to artificially boost power prices during the state's energy crisis, becoming the first company prosecuted for a corporate-wide conspiracy to rip off California consumers .... Two Enron officials have pleaded guilty, and a third has been charged for that company's complex California energy trading strategies, which had sinister-sounding names like "Death Star'' and "Fat Boy.'' Reliant is accused of a much simpler method of manipulation: closing power plants to create shortages, which drove prices up. (More here) (SOURCE--SFGate.com) |
| In an effort to save $11 million annually, Clark County is dropping the block schedule program at all but a few Valley high schools. Starting with the 2009-2010 school year, students will have the same set of classes every day. Block schedules allow students to take more credits by holding longer classes on alternating days. In typical cases, the schedule lets kids take eight classes instead of six. The school board and Clark County School District Superintendent Walt Rulffes decided to cut the block scheduling to help the district comply with state-ordered budget cuts of $120 million per year. (SOURCE--Fox News5Vegas) |
Congratulations
to Las Vegas
supe Walt Ruffles
(Clark County
School District)
for figuring out
what parents
have known all
along: Block
to Las Vegas
supe Walt Ruffles
(Clark County
School District)
for figuring out
what parents
have known all
along: Block
| Walt Ruffles |
Money isn't the only problem
with block. Jeff Lindsay, a
dad in Appleton, Wisconsin
with a Ph.D. in chemical
engineering who is also a
registered patent agent and
therefore on both counts
knows a thing or two about
scientific evidence, has been
beating the anti-block
scheduling drum for years:
with block. Jeff Lindsay, a
dad in Appleton, Wisconsin
with a Ph.D. in chemical
engineering who is also a
registered patent agent and
therefore on both counts
knows a thing or two about
scientific evidence, has been
beating the anti-block
scheduling drum for years:
schedules are expensive.
St. Paul supe as Austin ISD finalist?
El Paso supe busy back home
By Peyton Wolcott - Mon., Feb. 23, 2009 / 5:14 am
El Paso supe busy back home
By Peyton Wolcott - Mon., Feb. 23, 2009 / 5:14 am
| 02.21.09 NH WEMJ radio interview podcast here |
Meria Carstarphen has a lot to smile about these days; not only has her name emerged
as a finalist for Austin ISD's top job, she's only 39 and in her third year as a first-time
superintendent running St. Paul, Minnesota's public schools.
For starters, she's in the third year of a three-year contract which her board still hasn't
renewed. Had that happened here in Texas the supe in question would have been job
hunting two years ago. Clues along those lines: Meria's house in St. Paul is for sale,
and there are some mystery away dates on her February calendar.
ProAct Search executive Nancy Noeske also has much to smile about; placing Meria at
Austin ISD would mark the second time she's struck gold in placing Carstarphen, having
also helped her land the St. Paul job. Here's hoping that if Carstarphen is given the
Austin top spot she lasts longer in Austin than in St. Paul.
as a finalist for Austin ISD's top job, she's only 39 and in her third year as a first-time
superintendent running St. Paul, Minnesota's public schools.
For starters, she's in the third year of a three-year contract which her board still hasn't
renewed. Had that happened here in Texas the supe in question would have been job
hunting two years ago. Clues along those lines: Meria's house in St. Paul is for sale,
and there are some mystery away dates on her February calendar.
ProAct Search executive Nancy Noeske also has much to smile about; placing Meria at
Austin ISD would mark the second time she's struck gold in placing Carstarphen, having
also helped her land the St. Paul job. Here's hoping that if Carstarphen is given the
Austin top spot she lasts longer in Austin than in St. Paul.
| Meria Carstarphen (L), Nancy Noeske |
Meanwhile, El Paso ISD supe Lorenzo Garcia, another
rumored Austin ISD front runner, dropped out of the race in December,
citing his family's love for El Paso; he has since become involved in divorce
proceedings. El Pasoans remain preoccupied with the district's ongoing
corruption problems. Video here of 14-year trustee Sal Mena publicly
apologizing to the community and his family after pleading guilty in federal
court last week.
rumored Austin ISD front runner, dropped out of the race in December,
citing his family's love for El Paso; he has since become involved in divorce
proceedings. El Pasoans remain preoccupied with the district's ongoing
corruption problems. Video here of 14-year trustee Sal Mena publicly
apologizing to the community and his family after pleading guilty in federal
court last week.
| Lorenzo Garcia |
Questions about that
NAFTA grown-in-Mexico
produce you purchase from
your local grocery store
have been raised and
published by Newspaper
Tree in El Paso. In addition to
little Angela losing her arm,
in another incident a toddler
was crushed to death by
truck tires in a field in
Sinaloa; he was with his
teenaged parents working in
the fields because there
was no one to care for him.
NAFTA grown-in-Mexico
produce you purchase from
your local grocery store
have been raised and
published by Newspaper
Tree in El Paso. In addition to
little Angela losing her arm,
in another incident a toddler
was crushed to death by
truck tires in a field in
Sinaloa; he was with his
teenaged parents working in
the fields because there
was no one to care for him.
MEXICO: 10-year-old
Angela Barraza Lopez
loses left arm to machine
while cleaning NAFTA
green beans
Angela Barraza Lopez
loses left arm to machine
while cleaning NAFTA
green beans
| Former El Paso school board president Salvador “Sal” Mena Jr. pleaded guilty in federal...to wire fraud, conspiracy and taking bribes, along with the man who bribed him. The hearing before Federal District Court Judge Frank Montalvo was on the docket for Mena’s guilty plea, but standing with Mena in court was Gary William Lange, a former executive with two companies Strategic Government Solutions Inc. and its subsidiary, ESP. Lange’s name had never been publicly mentioned before in connection with the FBI’s public corruption investigation into county government and at least two El Paso school districts. Mena, who served 14 years as a school trustee, stopped on the courthouse steps after the hearing to read a statement apologizing to El Pasoans for his deeds.... One specific item in the list of overt acts states that on Feb. 14, 2005, Mena accepted $5,000 from the vendor “as a bribe disguised as a campaign contribution from a political action committee for his continuing support and vote for Vendo-6 as a contractor with EPISD.” But Mena’s campaign finance report for that period shows no $5,000 contribution. |
Read the rest of the article here. Background on this case:
| AUGUST 30, 2007: Court documents related to the public-corruption case also show that EPISD Trustee Charles Roark and Ysleta Independent School District Trustee Mickey Duntley are among the targets of the FBI investigation. Earlier this month architect Bernardo Lucero Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that he illegally obtained a $25,000 loan to influence an unnamed EPISD trustee....The investigation has touched various areas of the community and has resulted in guilty pleas by three people -- John Travis Ketner, former chief of staff for County Judge Anthony Cobos; Betti Flores, former county commissioner; and Lucero. A mechanic's lien -- a document filed in court by a bank -- connects Lucero to Mena's daughter, Katherine Mena, whom the lien listed as the recipient of the home-improvement loan. On Tuesday, the EPISD board voted to terminate a contract with Lucero's firm, Lucero/Melendez Architects, citing his guilty plea as the reason. (SOURCE--Gustavo Reveles Acosta/El Paso Times) |
PTA/ PORTLAND PS (OR)
Making the case--sadly and
again--for schools to
include PTA, booster &
activity accounts in their
online check registers
By Peyton Wolcott
Sun., Feb. 22, 2009/10:36 am
Making the case--sadly and
again--for schools to
include PTA, booster &
activity accounts in their
online check registers
By Peyton Wolcott
Sun., Feb. 22, 2009/10:36 am
| Jackalin Lillie |
You're right, PTA
funds are not
technically part of a
school district's tax-
based finances.
However, in most
parents' minds,
funds are not
technically part of a
school district's tax-
based finances.
However, in most
parents' minds,
money to their kids' PTA or
band or choir or football
boosters or any other such
organization is still money to
the school.
As quite often these funds fall
under the schools' general
money-spending umbrella as
dollars are commingled, it makes
sense for districts to find a way to
make these expenditures public.
Had this occurred in Portland
Public Schools with their Bridger
Elementary PTA funds, perhaps 11
1/2-year treasurer Jackalin Lillie
might not be in prison today rather
than staying home and caring for
her autistic son. Perhaps if such
a school had paid closer attention
to accountability and less to being
"a positive and caring learning
environment" someone would
have thought to look at Jackalin's
receipts sooner. Perhaps at a
school where "teachers
encourage students to be
independent thinks, learners and
problem solvers" Jackalin might
have taken this too literally in
solving her day-to-day wants and
rather than leaving PTA funds
where they belonged instead
splurged on "$4.20 coffee breaks,
trips to first-run movies and a
$329 shopping spree at
Ikea...[along with more than $100
on cable and another $100 on her
cell phone service per month."
(SOURCE--Aimee Gree/The Oregonian)
band or choir or football
boosters or any other such
organization is still money to
the school.
As quite often these funds fall
under the schools' general
money-spending umbrella as
dollars are commingled, it makes
sense for districts to find a way to
make these expenditures public.
Had this occurred in Portland
Public Schools with their Bridger
Elementary PTA funds, perhaps 11
1/2-year treasurer Jackalin Lillie
might not be in prison today rather
than staying home and caring for
her autistic son. Perhaps if such
a school had paid closer attention
to accountability and less to being
"a positive and caring learning
environment" someone would
have thought to look at Jackalin's
receipts sooner. Perhaps at a
school where "teachers
encourage students to be
independent thinks, learners and
problem solvers" Jackalin might
have taken this too literally in
solving her day-to-day wants and
rather than leaving PTA funds
where they belonged instead
splurged on "$4.20 coffee breaks,
trips to first-run movies and a
$329 shopping spree at
Ikea...[along with more than $100
on cable and another $100 on her
cell phone service per month."
(SOURCE--Aimee Gree/The Oregonian)
| Bridger Elementary - Portland, Oregon |
| UPDATE: Not everyone in St. Paul is enamored with Meria Carstarphen; also, enrollment's down since she took over -- plus there's also her reported high job turnover rate. HATS OFF: Austin American-Statesman for advocating greater transparency in Austin ISD's supe selection process; wish they'd mentioned St. Paul school board's failure to renew Carstarphen's newbie contract last year or this. |
LOUISIANA
Why Bossier Parrish
Schools are a great
candidate to become the
state's first district posting
its check register online
By Peyton Wolcott
Tue., Feb. 24, 2009/12:25 am
Why Bossier Parrish
Schools are a great
candidate to become the
state's first district posting
its check register online
By Peyton Wolcott
Tue., Feb. 24, 2009/12:25 am
DALLAS ISD
Was shoring up supe
Mike Hinojosa part of
Mayor Tom Leppert's
grand DISD takeover
plan?
By Peyton Wolcott
Tue., Feb.24, 2009/2:17 am
Was shoring up supe
Mike Hinojosa part of
Mayor Tom Leppert's
grand DISD takeover
plan?
By Peyton Wolcott
Tue., Feb.24, 2009/2:17 am
| Leppert (L), Hinojosa |
As districts go, Bossier
Parrish Schools seem to have
suffered one image setback
after another when it comes to
their handling of money.
There was Albert "Bud" Dean,
Bossier High School principal,
a reservist called to duty in
2003 who returned home then
was arrested in 2006 for
stealing $30,000 from his
school's activity fund. There
was a $50,000 athletic
overspend at Airline High.
There have been audits since
2002 calling for tighter internal
controls. And now, Bossier
Parrish superintendent Ken
Kruithof "has been under fire
amid a federal corruption
investigation that has ensnared
three school system employ-
ees. Several members of the
school board have been
unhappy with his job perform-
ance, particularly communica-
tion with the board." (SOURCE--KTBS)
What a terrific farewell gift to his
community Ken's posting
Bossier's check register would
be before his June retirement.
Parrish Schools seem to have
suffered one image setback
after another when it comes to
their handling of money.
There was Albert "Bud" Dean,
Bossier High School principal,
a reservist called to duty in
2003 who returned home then
was arrested in 2006 for
stealing $30,000 from his
school's activity fund. There
was a $50,000 athletic
overspend at Airline High.
There have been audits since
2002 calling for tighter internal
controls. And now, Bossier
Parrish superintendent Ken
Kruithof "has been under fire
amid a federal corruption
investigation that has ensnared
three school system employ-
ees. Several members of the
school board have been
unhappy with his job perform-
ance, particularly communica-
tion with the board." (SOURCE--KTBS)
What a terrific farewell gift to his
community Ken's posting
Bossier's check register would
be before his June retirement.
DALLAS ISD (TX)
Q: Anyone find any details yet re Dallas mayor
Tom Leppert's DC visit last week with President
Obama & US DOE Sect'y/ former Chicago supe
Arne Duncan? Did Blago drop by also?
By Peyton Wolcott
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / 7:30 p.m.
Q: Anyone find any details yet re Dallas mayor
Tom Leppert's DC visit last week with President
Obama & US DOE Sect'y/ former Chicago supe
Arne Duncan? Did Blago drop by also?
By Peyton Wolcott
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / 7:30 p.m.
| Q: Does AISD need less rock star and more rock solid? |
Much as I'd like to know who said what to whom at that
meeting in DC last Friday where Obama, Duncan and Leppert
were all present -- meaning, exactly who was promised exactly
what in return for doing and/or providing exactly what, plus how
much money and when -- we should also be asking the
bigger, deeper question: Why would a Republican like Tom
Leppert be interested in spreading Democratic old-style
Chicago ward politics and corruption to Dallas public schools?
Have no doubt, that's what another mayoral takeover of another
urban district means: corruption piled on top of corruption, so
many layers deep we'll never be able to unearth it all.
meeting in DC last Friday where Obama, Duncan and Leppert
were all present -- meaning, exactly who was promised exactly
what in return for doing and/or providing exactly what, plus how
much money and when -- we should also be asking the
bigger, deeper question: Why would a Republican like Tom
Leppert be interested in spreading Democratic old-style
Chicago ward politics and corruption to Dallas public schools?
Have no doubt, that's what another mayoral takeover of another
urban district means: corruption piled on top of corruption, so
many layers deep we'll never be able to unearth it all.
| L to R: Rod Blgojevich, Barack Obama, Arne Duncan, Tom Leppert |
The only
reasonable
answer to why
a big-city mayor
and his big-biz
buddies would
want to also
take on a school
district is the
same answer
for much other
corruption in our
vendor-driven
reasonable
answer to why
a big-city mayor
and his big-biz
buddies would
want to also
take on a school
district is the
same answer
for much other
corruption in our
vendor-driven
| A Helping Hand-- but for whom? Vendors golfing with public school supes at resorts on school days at TAS/MUS "professional development" edu-conference. |
public schools: Greed, and corporate greed in particular,
disguised as "partnering" with schools, as golf tournaments
benefiting schools, as edu-conference sponsorships, etc.
disguised as "partnering" with schools, as golf tournaments
benefiting schools, as edu-conference sponsorships, etc.
Timing is everything
Can it be an accident that Tom Leppert met with Obama on
Friday then Sunday morning The Dallas Morning News
discussed Tom's plans to take over Dallas ISD? The time
and effect are clear: While pre-DC Leppert's intentions were
only whispered rumors, post-DC they're suddenly attention-
grabbing headlines in the local newspaper.
Can it be an accident that Tom Leppert met with Obama on
Friday then Sunday morning The Dallas Morning News
discussed Tom's plans to take over Dallas ISD? The time
and effect are clear: While pre-DC Leppert's intentions were
only whispered rumors, post-DC they're suddenly attention-
grabbing headlines in the local newspaper.
| Bust of Bo Pilgrim dominates roof of gazebo at Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant. |
Context: The Lead-Up
Although the popular assumption has been that big business
and its leaders are dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, a curious
phenomenon has occurred over the past several decades.
Thanks to environmental laws and anti-business legislation as
more and more industry has gone offshore our U.S. economy
has become more and more not about building things then
selling them but instead about the financial services industry
and our public schools; in most counties in America the latter
are our largest single budget and employer, and for many
banks the local school district is their largest single account.
Although the popular assumption has been that big business
and its leaders are dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, a curious
phenomenon has occurred over the past several decades.
Thanks to environmental laws and anti-business legislation as
more and more industry has gone offshore our U.S. economy
has become more and more not about building things then
selling them but instead about the financial services industry
and our public schools; in most counties in America the latter
are our largest single budget and employer, and for many
banks the local school district is their largest single account.
As this has been
occurring, quietly and
gradually in the back-
ground over the past two
decades we've seen the
emergence of RINO
businessmen such as Bo
occurring, quietly and
gradually in the back-
ground over the past two
decades we've seen the
emergence of RINO
businessmen such as Bo
Pilgrim wanting to import cheap illegal labor to work in
his chicken processing plants and gave heavily to
Republican candidates who led and legislated
accordingly -- which has led to our current porous
borders and our social services being overrun by
illegal aliens. All this even though a core conservative
value is tight enforcement of immigration and border
his chicken processing plants and gave heavily to
Republican candidates who led and legislated
accordingly -- which has led to our current porous
borders and our social services being overrun by
illegal aliens. All this even though a core conservative
value is tight enforcement of immigration and border
| Ben Franklin |
laws. We've seen also the emergence of RINO legislators such
as former Texas state senator Bill Ratliff who worked to strip
elected local school board members of their power with the
passage of his rewrite of the Education Code in 1995 and
instead concentrate it in the hands of a single individual, the
superintendent they hired. Now, one man or woman controls the
spending of millions or billions and if elected trustees ask too
many questions they are accused of micromanaging.
as former Texas state senator Bill Ratliff who worked to strip
elected local school board members of their power with the
passage of his rewrite of the Education Code in 1995 and
instead concentrate it in the hands of a single individual, the
superintendent they hired. Now, one man or woman controls the
spending of millions or billions and if elected trustees ask too
many questions they are accused of micromanaging.
| A quick 3-month plan for Mike Hinojosa & the Dallas ISD school board for staving off Mayor Leppert: o Mike shows DISD's board his two most recent IRS returns. o DISD's board stops accepting money or gifts from DISD & vendors. o No trips or meals for any Dallas ISD trustees or employees. o Temporarily defer all school construction. o No chauffeurs, cabs or rental cars. o Give 30 days notice (or whatever's speci- fied in contracts) to consultants: Good-bye! |
Where the powermongers would like for this to go: Mayor Leppert gets to
control DISD's almost-$2 billion purse and dole out favors to his friends. At most he
might have to answer to a school board he himself appoints, as in New York and
Chicago--big whoop. Bad as this would be, the next step afterwards would be for
President Obama and our liberal Congress to nationalize our schools.
Cures
For a short-term fix, please see my suggestions above right (orange box). Long-term, the
search is on for school and civic leaders with character and principle. Based on conversa-
tions with folks across the U.S. I have become increasingly aware of a growing hunger for
leadership motivated not by self-interest and greed for money and power but based on
character and principle. Where do we find these folks? A good place to start is by looking
in the mirror and doing what we can to polish our own character. Build it and they will
come.
control DISD's almost-$2 billion purse and dole out favors to his friends. At most he
might have to answer to a school board he himself appoints, as in New York and
Chicago--big whoop. Bad as this would be, the next step afterwards would be for
President Obama and our liberal Congress to nationalize our schools.
Cures
For a short-term fix, please see my suggestions above right (orange box). Long-term, the
search is on for school and civic leaders with character and principle. Based on conversa-
tions with folks across the U.S. I have become increasingly aware of a growing hunger for
leadership motivated not by self-interest and greed for money and power but based on
character and principle. Where do we find these folks? A good place to start is by looking
in the mirror and doing what we can to polish our own character. Build it and they will
come.
| GOOD QUESTION: Isn't it great that America's true conservatives are waving adios to fear mongerering and remembering the courage and grit that made us great? |
AUSTIN ISD
Meria "Hop-Around
Kid" Carstarphen is
Austin's new supe
By Peyton Wolcott
Fri., Feb. 27, 2009/10:27 am
Meria "Hop-Around
Kid" Carstarphen is
Austin's new supe
By Peyton Wolcott
Fri., Feb. 27, 2009/10:27 am
| Meria Carstarphen |
| 1997-1999 National Geo. Photographer 1999 - Boston (MA) Intern (principal) 1999-2001 Columbus (OH) Ass't to superintendent 2001-2003 [unknown] Education consultant 2003-2004 Kingsport (TN) Admin./accountability Oct. 2004-April 2006 DC Admin./accountability July 31, 2006-Feb. 2009 Supe / St. Paul PS (MN) |
With Austin ISD's
hiring yesterday of
Meria Carstarphen for
their top job, the big
question is not so much
"Stand & deliver" but will
she "Stay & deliver"?
Meria's work history:
hiring yesterday of
Meria Carstarphen for
their top job, the big
question is not so much
"Stand & deliver" but will
she "Stay & deliver"?
Meria's work history: