P E Y T O N W O L C O T T |
WHO REALLY FUNDED SUPES' WINING &
DINING AT EDU-CONFERENCE?
DINING AT EDU-CONFERENCE?
February 5, 2006
By Peyton Wolcott
By Peyton Wolcott
BACKGROUND: Part of the murky
underbelly of public education, and one
of the biggest sinkholes where tax
dollars go never to be seen again, are
the regional Education Service Centers
(ESC's). Texas has 20. They go by
different names in each state.
AUSTIN--What's wrong with
this picture?
FIRST, Region 4 ESC served
alcohol at a reception for
public school executives.
Articles 3 and 9 of the Texas
Constitution prohibit public
schools from purchasing or
serving alcoholic beverages.
SECOND, there's the moral
issue of public schools
diverting taxpayer funds
intended for the education of
schoolchildren to pay not only
for the alcohol served at this
reception but also for the
lavish buffet.
Q: Is Region 4 ESC using a
loophole to get around the
Constitution? A: Just because
you can, doesn't mean you
should.
NOTE: Everyone to whom I
have shown this photo has
been outraged. No exceptions.
What's worse, according to the
Hilton management with whom
I spoke, at least three other
ESC's hosted similar
receptions during the same
TASA conference. This is just
one hotel and one conference--
think how many conferences
are going on each week of the
year in each state of the union.
THIRD, why is this the first
underbelly of public education, and one
of the biggest sinkholes where tax
dollars go never to be seen again, are
the regional Education Service Centers
(ESC's). Texas has 20. They go by
different names in each state.
AUSTIN--What's wrong with
this picture?
FIRST, Region 4 ESC served
alcohol at a reception for
public school executives.
Articles 3 and 9 of the Texas
Constitution prohibit public
schools from purchasing or
serving alcoholic beverages.
SECOND, there's the moral
issue of public schools
diverting taxpayer funds
intended for the education of
schoolchildren to pay not only
for the alcohol served at this
reception but also for the
lavish buffet.
Q: Is Region 4 ESC using a
loophole to get around the
Constitution? A: Just because
you can, doesn't mean you
should.
NOTE: Everyone to whom I
have shown this photo has
been outraged. No exceptions.
What's worse, according to the
Hilton management with whom
I spoke, at least three other
ESC's hosted similar
receptions during the same
TASA conference. This is just
one hotel and one conference--
think how many conferences
are going on each week of the
year in each state of the union.
THIRD, why is this the first
| STILTON AT THE HILTON An open bar featuring fine wines and beer along with prime beef and a lavish array of European cheeses ranging from brie to bleu to Stilton were on the menu Tuesday in Austin when Region 4 ESC (Houston) treated administrators visiting the TASA 2006 Midwinter Conference. All Texas ESC's are included in the Texas Education Agency budget, funded by primarily by homeowners in the form of property taxes on their homes. A bevy of snappily dressed tuxedo-clad waitpersons served the reception. |
photo that's been published of
such a party at an education
conference? These have been
going on for decades. You have
to wonder why our newspapers
have been so intent in getting
out the "good news" about public
schools that they have missed
much of the real news--which is
that our supes talk about our
schools being broke while at the
same time living it up like kings
and queens when away from
home---and taxpayers' watchful
eyes.
such a party at an education
conference? These have been
going on for decades. You have
to wonder why our newspapers
have been so intent in getting
out the "good news" about public
schools that they have missed
much of the real news--which is
that our supes talk about our
schools being broke while at the
same time living it up like kings
and queens when away from
home---and taxpayers' watchful
eyes.
| SEE BELOW for another example of supes living well while far from home: Austin area superintendent Nola Wellman stayed at The Hotel Adolphus in Dallas at $200 per night during the same school year a local TV station reported that "Luxuries are just the beginning of what this school now has to do without" and "The district is strapped for money." (SOURCE--News 8 Austin, March 2005) |
| FEB. 23, 2006: PW FOLLOW UP TO ESC 4'S ATTORNEY |
| THE SUPE STAYS AT THE ADOLPHUS |
Feb. 23, 2006 query to ESC 4
attorney Angela Bishop:
1. I was surprised to learn of PBK's
having "underwritten" the ESC 4
wine and cheese reception on
January 31, 2006 shown above at
the Hilton Hotel in downtown
Austin during the TASA Midwinter
Conference because nothing at the
event suggested PBK's participation
in any way. There were no signs
and no printed matter bearing the
name "PBK," only "ESC 4."
Further, the Hilton's electronic
lobby calendar (see above) only
refers to "TASA" and "Region ESC
4." Nowhere at the Hilton was PBK
mentioned. What documents do
you have supporting your statement
that PBK underwrote this event?
2. How does ESC 4 consider this to
be legal and/or ethical, to allow one
of Texas' largest construction
entities to underwrite and/or
sponsor such an event?
3. What considerations if any has
PBK extended to ESC 4 in exchange
for this underwriting opportunity?
attorney Angela Bishop:
1. I was surprised to learn of PBK's
having "underwritten" the ESC 4
wine and cheese reception on
January 31, 2006 shown above at
the Hilton Hotel in downtown
Austin during the TASA Midwinter
Conference because nothing at the
event suggested PBK's participation
in any way. There were no signs
and no printed matter bearing the
name "PBK," only "ESC 4."
Further, the Hilton's electronic
lobby calendar (see above) only
refers to "TASA" and "Region ESC
4." Nowhere at the Hilton was PBK
mentioned. What documents do
you have supporting your statement
that PBK underwrote this event?
2. How does ESC 4 consider this to
be legal and/or ethical, to allow one
of Texas' largest construction
entities to underwrite and/or
sponsor such an event?
3. What considerations if any has
PBK extended to ESC 4 in exchange
for this underwriting opportunity?
TO:
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (1 of 3)
RE:
"The Hotel Adolphus and TASA/TASB
$984.84" - Charges billed to Eanes ISD
Platinum Business Card (Sept. 2004)
The Hotel Adolphus, Dallas
Bank of America Ref. #247****15 ($199.47)
Bank of America Ref. #247****23 ($199.47)
Bank of America Ref. #247****82 ($460.90)
TASA Bank of America Ref. #243****18 ($125.00)
TOTAL: $ 984.84
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which served as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for are the receipts for the above in sufficient
detail such that all component charges are detailed, including
details regarding meals, parking and in-room and in-hotel services
(such information to include but not be limited to individual
components of those meals, services, etc.). I am also seeking to
view any public records Eanes ISD possesses that show or reflect
the purpose for the charges and the name (s) of any person or
persons who stayed in these hotel rooms for which nights and ate
any meals comprising these charges. As an example, for purposes
of illustration only, the receipts I'm looking to view would look
something like this although again not limited to any of the
following:
RECEIPT: The Hotel Adolphus, Dallas, Texas - Sept. 17,
2004 - Nola Wellman
$73.00 per night plus $x.xx for all applicable taxes
$15.00 dinner ($6.00 roast beef sandwich, $2.00 iced
tea, $2.00 pie, $x.xx taxes, $x.xx tip)
$10.00 valet parking
EANES ISD PURCHASE ORDER/REQUISITION: Purpose of
Dallas stay: Attend TASA/TASB convention
RECEIPT: TASA/TASB Convention - John Doe breakout
workshop, "How To Help Your District Reduce Expenses
and Save Teachers' Jobs" $125.00
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February
7, 2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records
that afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that you have a
perfectly reasonable explanation for staying at a four-star hotel at
a time when your district is giving up luxuries* and I am eager to
learn how Eanes' being "strapped for money" reconciles with your
staying in a luxury hotel. Literature for the Adolphus states:
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (1 of 3)
RE:
"The Hotel Adolphus and TASA/TASB
$984.84" - Charges billed to Eanes ISD
Platinum Business Card (Sept. 2004)
The Hotel Adolphus, Dallas
Bank of America Ref. #247****15 ($199.47)
Bank of America Ref. #247****23 ($199.47)
Bank of America Ref. #247****82 ($460.90)
TASA Bank of America Ref. #243****18 ($125.00)
TOTAL: $ 984.84
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which served as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for are the receipts for the above in sufficient
detail such that all component charges are detailed, including
details regarding meals, parking and in-room and in-hotel services
(such information to include but not be limited to individual
components of those meals, services, etc.). I am also seeking to
view any public records Eanes ISD possesses that show or reflect
the purpose for the charges and the name (s) of any person or
persons who stayed in these hotel rooms for which nights and ate
any meals comprising these charges. As an example, for purposes
of illustration only, the receipts I'm looking to view would look
something like this although again not limited to any of the
following:
RECEIPT: The Hotel Adolphus, Dallas, Texas - Sept. 17,
2004 - Nola Wellman
$73.00 per night plus $x.xx for all applicable taxes
$15.00 dinner ($6.00 roast beef sandwich, $2.00 iced
tea, $2.00 pie, $x.xx taxes, $x.xx tip)
$10.00 valet parking
EANES ISD PURCHASE ORDER/REQUISITION: Purpose of
Dallas stay: Attend TASA/TASB convention
RECEIPT: TASA/TASB Convention - John Doe breakout
workshop, "How To Help Your District Reduce Expenses
and Save Teachers' Jobs" $125.00
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February
7, 2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records
that afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that you have a
perfectly reasonable explanation for staying at a four-star hotel at
a time when your district is giving up luxuries* and I am eager to
learn how Eanes' being "strapped for money" reconciles with your
staying in a luxury hotel. Literature for the Adolphus states:
| TASA MONKEY BUSINESS |
Former TX
comptroller (and
failed lt. gov.
candidate) John
Sharp's humor draws
yuks from supes
comptroller (and
failed lt. gov.
candidate) John
Sharp's humor draws
yuks from supes
WHEN John Sharp addressed
the Texas Ass'n of School
Administrators Midwinter
Conference earlier this week, the
Texas Tax Reform Commission
chair shared his plan for tax
the Texas Ass'n of School
Administrators Midwinter
Conference earlier this week, the
Texas Tax Reform Commission
chair shared his plan for tax
| **** "The Adolphus Dallas hotel ushered in a grand new era of sophisticated Dallas lodging. Amid such treasures as early Flemish tapestries and a Victorian Steinway once owned by the Guggenheims, you can recall the splendor of bygone days and almost feel the presence of the famous guests who stayed here before you. Once you are shown through our carriage doors, you may just feel like royalty yourself . . . . In the luxury of your guestroom, you may feel less like a visitor than an aristocrat returning to the private quarters of your European country manor." **** |
reform (drop property tax caps
from the present $1.50 per $100
for M&O to $1.00, then make up
the diff with business taxes).
Sharp also told two jokes, the first
about a monkey having sex with a
lion, and the second about a dog
urinating on its elderly owner's
trouser leg in Victoria, Texas,
Sharp's hometown. Both drew
huge laughs and applause from the
crowd. Used to be, this sort of
humor was reserved for guys
huddled together in a back room.
from the present $1.50 per $100
for M&O to $1.00, then make up
the diff with business taxes).
Sharp also told two jokes, the first
about a monkey having sex with a
lion, and the second about a dog
urinating on its elderly owner's
trouser leg in Victoria, Texas,
Sharp's hometown. Both drew
huge laughs and applause from the
crowd. Used to be, this sort of
humor was reserved for guys
huddled together in a back room.
Worse, the supes laughed and
applauded. As one friend put it,
"I always thought school
superintendents were better than
that."
Apparently not.
applauded. As one friend put it,
"I always thought school
superintendents were better than
that."
Apparently not.
| The Adolphus exterior, lobby and guest quarters (above) |
| Fact: Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, appointed Sharp, a Democrat, to head TTRC. |
As a further courtesy, please note that I will be publishing any
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
* "Luxuries are just the beginning of what this school now has to do
without . . . . Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully
sued the state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman
said her district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
* "Luxuries are just the beginning of what this school now has to do
without . . . . Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully
sued the state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman
said her district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
TO:
Johnny Veselka, exec. director -
Texas Ass'n of School
Administrators (TASA)
RE:
Guidelines for speakers at
TASA- sponsored conferences
Johnny, what guidelines does
TASA suggest to speakers it
engages for TASA-sponsored
public education events?
This comes up because of two
jokes/anecdotes John Sharp told
the general audience on
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at the
TASA Midwinter Conference in
Austin. One involved a monkey
having sex with a lion, and the
other involved a dog urinating
on a man's trouser leg.
How appropriate do you feel
such comments were at a
general convening of K-12 public
school educators, the folks who
are entrusted with the tender
care and education of children in
Texas?
Especially given that the
educators' attendance at such
event was by grace of Texas
taxpayers; this would include not
only TASA's conference fees and
TASA dues, but also travel,
lodging, meals and other
incidental expenses associated
with a three- or four-day trip to
Austin?
When I listened to the tape
recording I made of the event, I
was surprised at the loud level of
general laughter and applause
these two jokes/anecdotes
generated from the audience.
Johnny Veselka, exec. director -
Texas Ass'n of School
Administrators (TASA)
RE:
Guidelines for speakers at
TASA- sponsored conferences
Johnny, what guidelines does
TASA suggest to speakers it
engages for TASA-sponsored
public education events?
This comes up because of two
jokes/anecdotes John Sharp told
the general audience on
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at the
TASA Midwinter Conference in
Austin. One involved a monkey
having sex with a lion, and the
other involved a dog urinating
on a man's trouser leg.
How appropriate do you feel
such comments were at a
general convening of K-12 public
school educators, the folks who
are entrusted with the tender
care and education of children in
Texas?
Especially given that the
educators' attendance at such
event was by grace of Texas
taxpayers; this would include not
only TASA's conference fees and
TASA dues, but also travel,
lodging, meals and other
incidental expenses associated
with a three- or four-day trip to
Austin?
When I listened to the tape
recording I made of the event, I
was surprised at the loud level of
general laughter and applause
these two jokes/anecdotes
generated from the audience.
| Johnny Veselka |
| John Sharp |
| STATUS: Sent queries to both Messrs. Sharp and Veselka on Feb. 3, 2006. No responses rec'd as of Feb. 23, 2006--will post when they come. |
TO: John Sharp
CC: Gov. Rick Perry
RE: Jokes at TASA conference
John, wondering if you have
reconsidered your choices of
humor in addressing Texas
public school executives in your
capacity as chair of Governor
Perry's Texas Tax Reform
Commission on Tuesday
afternoon, January 31, 2006 at
the TASA Midwinter Conference
in Austin.
This comes up because of two
jokes/anecdotes you told the
large audience comprised of
K-12 public education
executives. One involved a
monkey having sex with a lion,
and the other involved a dog
urinating on a man's trouser leg.
How appropriate do you feel such
comments were at a general
convening of K-12 public school
educators--the folks who are
entrusted with the tender care
and education of children in
Texas? Especially given that the
educators' attendance at such
event was by grace of Texas
taxpayers (this would include not
only TASA's conference fees and
TASA dues, but also travel,
lodging, meals and other
incidental expenses associated
with a three- or four-day trip to
Austin)?
What was the name of the
elderly man in Victoria with the
dog? And the lady's name you
mentioned? I'd like to spell
them correctly in my book and
website, and to contact them for
a follow-up.
CC: Gov. Rick Perry
RE: Jokes at TASA conference
John, wondering if you have
reconsidered your choices of
humor in addressing Texas
public school executives in your
capacity as chair of Governor
Perry's Texas Tax Reform
Commission on Tuesday
afternoon, January 31, 2006 at
the TASA Midwinter Conference
in Austin.
This comes up because of two
jokes/anecdotes you told the
large audience comprised of
K-12 public education
executives. One involved a
monkey having sex with a lion,
and the other involved a dog
urinating on a man's trouser leg.
How appropriate do you feel such
comments were at a general
convening of K-12 public school
educators--the folks who are
entrusted with the tender care
and education of children in
Texas? Especially given that the
educators' attendance at such
event was by grace of Texas
taxpayers (this would include not
only TASA's conference fees and
TASA dues, but also travel,
lodging, meals and other
incidental expenses associated
with a three- or four-day trip to
Austin)?
What was the name of the
elderly man in Victoria with the
dog? And the lady's name you
mentioned? I'd like to spell
them correctly in my book and
website, and to contact them for
a follow-up.
TO:
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (3 of 3)
RE:
35.00 Late Fee for Nola Wellman Eanes ISD Platinum Visa Business
Card" billed to Eanes ISD Platinum Business Card
Bank of America Ref. # (None) (Dec. 2004)
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which serve as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for is any public record possessed by Eanes ISD
supporting why a $35.00 late charge would be incurred on a district
credit card which is already costing Eanes ISD children and
taxpayers monthly finance charges at the approximate rate of $200
per year.
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February 7,
2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records that
afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that there is a perfectly
reasonable explanation for causing Eanes ISD to incur a $35.00 late
charge at a time when your district is "strapped for money"* and
how such a statement reconciles with $35.00 in avoidable charges
which benefit neither school children nor teachers nor taxpayers.
As a further courtesy, please note that I will be publishing any
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
"Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully sued the
state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman said her
district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (3 of 3)
RE:
35.00 Late Fee for Nola Wellman Eanes ISD Platinum Visa Business
Card" billed to Eanes ISD Platinum Business Card
Bank of America Ref. # (None) (Dec. 2004)
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which serve as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for is any public record possessed by Eanes ISD
supporting why a $35.00 late charge would be incurred on a district
credit card which is already costing Eanes ISD children and
taxpayers monthly finance charges at the approximate rate of $200
per year.
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February 7,
2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records that
afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that there is a perfectly
reasonable explanation for causing Eanes ISD to incur a $35.00 late
charge at a time when your district is "strapped for money"* and
how such a statement reconciles with $35.00 in avoidable charges
which benefit neither school children nor teachers nor taxpayers.
As a further courtesy, please note that I will be publishing any
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
"Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully sued the
state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman said her
district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
John Sharp's speech to Texas public education executives featured a joke about a monkey having sex with a lion, and another about a dog urinating on a Victoria ("my hometown"), Texas resident's trouser leg. What are your thoughts? Does this seem appropriate to you? Are you wondering if your supe laughed with the crowd and went along with the humor, or walked out? Rest assured. If your supe was there, he/she didn't walk out. I was watching the exits. No one walked out in protest. |
| Here at left are some examples of effective public records requests. For more information, go to my "Practical How-To's" page. |
How we take back our children's education: one person, one question, one school at a time. |
TO:
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (2 of 3)
RE:
"Aramark Dome Suite $206.50" - Charges
billed to Eanes ISD Platinum Business Card
Bank of America Ref. #247****24 (Aug. 2005)
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which served as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for are the individual receipts for the above in
sufficient detail such that all component charges are detailed,
including details regarding meals, beverages, parking and all other
goods and services provided for the total cost to Eanes ISD of
$206.50. I am also seeking to view any public records Eanes ISD
possesses that show or reflect the purpose for the charges including
the specific name(s) of any person or persons who visited this suite
and ate any meals comprising these charges.
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February 7,
2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records that
afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that there is a
perfectly reasonable explanation for charging $206.50 worth of
expenses for the "UIL Football: Texas Football Classic -- Austin
Westlake vs. Leander" event at the Alamodome in San Antonio at
a time when your district is giving up luxuries* and I am eager to
learn how Eanes' being "strapped for money" reconciles with these
charges.
Literature for the Alamodome states:
"The Club Level permits only those guests holding a
200 level ticket to access the concourse. The
concourse features carpeted walkways, upscale
lighting fixtures and lounge areas with leather seating
arrangements . . . . Each executive suite provides guests
with plush theater-style seating, upscale furnishings
refrigerator, two televisions, private phone, coat
closet and wet bar area. For every two suites there is
a personal suite attendant to service guests with their
food and beverage needs."
As a further courtesy, please note that I will be publishing any
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
"Luxuries are just the beginning of what this school now has to do without
. . . . Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully sued
the state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman said
her district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
Nola Wellman, superintendent
Eanes ISD (Austin, Texas) (2 of 3)
RE:
"Aramark Dome Suite $206.50" - Charges
billed to Eanes ISD Platinum Business Card
Bank of America Ref. #247****24 (Aug. 2005)
Nola, under the guidelines established by the Texas Public
Information Act, I'd like to view any and all Eanes ISD documents
which served as backup and details for the foregoing. What I'm
specifically looking for are the individual receipts for the above in
sufficient detail such that all component charges are detailed,
including details regarding meals, beverages, parking and all other
goods and services provided for the total cost to Eanes ISD of
$206.50. I am also seeking to view any public records Eanes ISD
possesses that show or reflect the purpose for the charges including
the specific name(s) of any person or persons who visited this suite
and ate any meals comprising these charges.
As I'll be in Austin on other business Tuesday morning (February 7,
2006), I'd like to stop by Eanes and view these public records that
afternoon (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), if that's convenient,
optimally sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although I am not required to do so under the Texas Public
Information Act, as a courtesy to you I will share with you the
following information: It is my assumption that there is a
perfectly reasonable explanation for charging $206.50 worth of
expenses for the "UIL Football: Texas Football Classic -- Austin
Westlake vs. Leander" event at the Alamodome in San Antonio at
a time when your district is giving up luxuries* and I am eager to
learn how Eanes' being "strapped for money" reconciles with these
charges.
Literature for the Alamodome states:
"The Club Level permits only those guests holding a
200 level ticket to access the concourse. The
concourse features carpeted walkways, upscale
lighting fixtures and lounge areas with leather seating
arrangements . . . . Each executive suite provides guests
with plush theater-style seating, upscale furnishings
refrigerator, two televisions, private phone, coat
closet and wet bar area. For every two suites there is
a personal suite attendant to service guests with their
food and beverage needs."
As a further courtesy, please note that I will be publishing any
response from you and/or Eanes ISD in my book and accompanying
website (among possible venues), including all or a portion of this
request. Please additionally note that I will be date-tracking Eanes'
responsiveness and response time to this request for a comparison
with previous TPIA requests to Eanes.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the foregoing, via
return email is the quickest way to reach me right now.
Thank you very much, and wishing you all the best.
Peyton Wolcott
"Luxuries are just the beginning of what this school now has to do without
. . . . Eanes was among the hundreds of districts that successfully sued
the state for more school dollars . . . . Superintendent Nola Wellman said
her district is strapped for money." (News 8 Austin, March 2005)
| Hot off the press! |
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WHAT'S WRONG ___ WHO'S RESPONSIBLE Education, Inc. & the big pot o'money Administrators on the Move, Educators in the News (Aa-Ald) (Ale-Alp) (AlQ-Anc) (And-Arz) (As-Az) Featured educators Where are they now? Lax oversight The media ___ WHAT YOU CAN DO Accountability Practical how-to's Success stories, Kindred spirits What to expect ___ Commentary/Home About Contact |
AASA - American Association of School Administrators ASA - Association of School Administrators CSD - Consolidated School District DOE - Department of Education ES - Elementary School HS - High School ISD - Independent School District JHS - Junior High School MS - Middle School MSM - Mainstream media NSBA - National School Boards Association NSPRA - National School Public Relations Association PS - Public School(s) SBEC - State Board for Educator Certification SD - School District Sup't - Superintendent TAKS - Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills TASA - Texas Association of School Administrators TASB - Texas Association of School Boards TASBO - Texas Association of School Business Officials TEA - Texas Education Agency TEKS - Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills USD - UnifiedUnited School District |
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| POP QUIZ: Do you still picture your supe at education conferences as munchin' and dunkin' donuts while listening to sober and scholarly dissertations-- all the while scrimping to save the district desperately needed dollars by staying at the Super 8? |
David v. Goliath: How America's Moms & Dads are taking on Education, Inc. PEYTON WOLCOTT |
Jan. 31, 2006
OVERCOMING DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS Steelers running back Jerome Bettis has shined a light all week on how he pulled himself our of Detroit's beleaguered education system. "Don't believe that you're a product of your environment, and all those things that people like to say, (and use it) as an excuse," Bettis said. "I was able to make it. And if you can commit yourself and stay focused and you want it bad enough, you can do the same thing." Here's to never making excuses. --San Antonio Express-News Feb. 5, 2006 |
| Fine dining at the Adolphus |
| All 3 requests emailed to Eanes ISD on Feb. 1, 2006. No documents received as of Feb. 9, 2006 |
| PROGRESS REPORT Feb. 2, 2006 - I asked Texas Ed. commissioner Shirley Neeley and TEA assoc. comm. Adam Jones re legality of serving booze at public school events. STATUS AS OF FEB. 14, 2006: No answer yet. ----- Feb. 2, 2006 - I asked Region 4 exec. dir. Bill McKinney for sign-in sheets for Jan. 31 event. Followed up with query to TEA assoc. comm. Ernie Zamora on Feb. 4, 2006. STATUS AS OF FEB. 14, 2006: No answer yet, no sign-in sheets, no "We're looking for them and will get back to you as soon as we've found them." . . . . Such a non- response is about the usual we have learned to expect from state and local government edu-agencies and departments and districts and service centers. . . . . HOWEVER: According to Texas Public Information Act rules, Region 4 ESC's responses must be postmarked no later than Feb. 16 (ten business days) to avoid non-compliance with the Act. |
| Ask the commish |
| H a d t o a s k |
| $35.00 late fee |
"History shows that in crisis the people in power tend to refine and intensify the status quo system which eventually destroys them. This is the present movement in education." --L. Thomas Hopkins PHI DELTA KAPPAN (1974 |
| Soiree Signage (below) According to correspondence just received from ESC 4's attorney, the above ESC 4 event was "underwritten" by construction giant PBK-- which raises far more questions than it answers. |
March 28, 2006 Investigation underway! This story developing! Check back here in late April! |