Portables serve an important function by easing overcrodwing at a school. However, the BETTER function is to let the neighborhood around it know how overcrowded it is. Most people around a school NEVER set foot inside it.

If a school has more than 10 portables, or they are there for more than five years, the NEIGHBORHOOD--not just the "parents." need to ask questions about attendance zones.

Skyline is set to explode! It was designed in the 1970's for a capacity of 4,000 or so students, back when there were no "small" classes for special ed or anything else. Now, it is at a whopping 5,100!!! Teachers are in misery. Some non-core classes are jammed with over 40 kids per class, and they even have ART teachers floating. Come on, how can you teach art from a cart?

A new bond issue is coming soon.... they are even picking people for a committee to serve as advisors. NOW is the time to speak up to the school board. Southeast Dallas needs at least one additional high school. Roosevelt and Madison are underused. Why not create a couple of "mini-magnets" at those schools to draw kids away from Skyline and back to South Dallas?

In fact, EVERY high school should have "mini-magnets" in it. And no, not all computer geared classes. Vocational Education could retain potential dropouts and boost attendance.

So, call your School Board member today! Ask them if they have chosen a rep for the committee yet. Ask them what their goals are for your area. Complaining on a blog only will do nothing to help DISD.

[Ed Note: I believe the official count brings the number of portables at Hill to 13--but I could be wrong.]