Public School

I wanted to pass along some information from my friend, April, about the changes they are planning on making to the school hours and recess. While I no longer have my kids in the public schools here, I still want to help get the info out and hopefully help stop them from hurting these kids further. Here is the email April has sent.


Hello Everyone,

In spite of hearing our concerns and after giving the impression that this year MISD would not be extending the school day for the elementary schools, they are moving forward anyway (and with a longer time) - and we believe in a way that is "back door" and not upfront. Maybe they think that by making the announcement at a school board meeting (that is being held while most people will not even be aware, will be on vacation, or be at work) that they are providing the opportunity to let us know. We think this is even more wrong than the extension itself.
The school board meeting will be held on Monday, June 8th at 4:00 (615 W. Missouri)

PLEASE ATTEND, and if you can't, CALL AND/OR EMAIL YOUR CONCERNS.

MISD will present their change to the board - it is unclear that it even has to be voted on by the board. Mr. Isaacs, the school board president, has told me personally that even if had to be voted on, he was almost positive the board would all vote yes, and move on with out another thought or discussion. He also said - "What is 10-15 min in the grand scheme of things?" "What teacher DOESN'T want more time?" And that if a teacher didn't want more time, then they basically have their own agenda or issues. (The way our teachers are treated and discounted is another issue that needs to be addressed!!)

I find it disconcerting that, as elected board members, they are not listening to what we have to say--or maybe they have just not heard enough voices. If you disagree with what is happening--you need to contact the school board members and MISD and let them know--they need to hear from everyone! Let them know that you do not agree with extending the school day and with the way the change is being made. Let them know that you are watching and listening and expect accountability.

If you are concerned - PLEASE email and call the school board and MISD administration - ASAP - I have included the email addresses below again. I think that it is important that EVERY concerned parent ATTEND THE BOARD MEETING. If the meeting room was FULL of concerned parents--they will have to at least pay attention. They are very specific as to when the public can say anything, but if you do want to address the board you have to fill out a form and then they give you (limited) time after the agenda slot. (If you want to address something that is not on the agenda, they open up the last 15 min to the public - but you still have to fill out the form.)

I hope that in spite of the history of how school administrations/boards say parents' input is important and welcome, but do what they want anyway - that we can have enough people show up and speak up that they have to listen. PLEASE ATTEND, even if you don't intend to speak. And PLEASE let people know!!

Also, you might want to call your school campus and check on the status of your recess.

PLEASE pass this on to everyone you know - many people still are not aware that this is even happening (which is apparently what MISD wants).

Thank you,
A Bushman


Jane Rambo, Executive Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning jrambo@esc18.net
Dr. Perez, Superintendant sylperez@esc18.net
Dr. William Maurer, Executive Director of Student Services bmaurer@esc18.net
Sylvia Garza, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning sylviag@esc18.net
Teresa Moore, Executive Director of Administrative & Information Services tmoore@esc18.net
Ed Zachary, Assistant Superintendent for Administration & Operations ezachary@esc18.net

The Board Members are:
Jay Isaacs, President (District 7) email: jisaacs@esc18.net
Tommy Bishop, Vice President (District 3) email: tbishop@esc18.net
Karen Nicholson, Secretary (District 5) email: knicholson@esc18.net
Rick Davis, Trustee (District 6) email: rickdavis@esc18.net
Karen Fullen, Trustee (District 4) email: kfullen@esc18.net
James E. Fuller, Trustee (District 1) email: jfuller@esc18.net
Angel Hernandez, Trustee (District 2) email: anhernandez@esc18.net