Excellent idea and at the same time why not move the superintendent's office into a portable and maybe then he will leave.

I have seen the enemy of good business management and it is the superintendent, some of the school board members and the Dallas Mismanaged News.

[Ed Note: Keep in mind that, perhaps, one of the reasons that all of us are frustrated with Hinojosa from time-to-time is that he's making decisions that his predecessors did not.

I feel your frustration. But it doesn't mean he's a bad guy.]

Free waivers given out to any DISD exec who doesn't feel like moving into Dallas. Don't want to put your children in DISD or pay for private school? Free waivers available for everyone. Hinojosa needs you on his dream team, and you don't want your family in the big, bad big D? Free waivers for everyone. Pull plenty of that property tax money out of Dallas with your big, bloated salary. Free waivers. Only available as long as the unending supply lasts.

[Ed Note: You'll have to be specific on the free waivers. Who did he give a waiver to?]

Dr. Hinojosa gave a waiver to Kim Olsen at the start of her tenure.

It is my understanding that the rules say a district employee has 6 months to move into the district to meet the residency requirements.

At the end of that time frame, the employee may request an extension of 6 months from the Superintendent.

It is also my understanding from the June Board Meeting at Conrad HS that Dr. Hinojosa has already granted Ms. Olsen the extension as a part of her agreeing to come to Dallas.

Oh, and I forgot to say that Ms. Olsen was just voted on to the School board in Weatherford in May.

I am assuming that Dr. Hinojosa thought that DISD could afford to invest $177,486 for one year because of her experience with the "ROAD TO BROAD" managment program.

There is no guarantee that Ms. Olsen will be here after next year.

She would basically have to choose between WeatherfordISD and DISD.

Which do you think she will choose? Oh, and on a side note, she left a military career under questionable circumstances and is currently promoting her new book about Iraq!

Sorry for the rambling....Passionate about DISD!!!!!!!!

[Ed Note: You're not rambling at all and you raise important issues. First, it is my understanding is that Ms. Olson already has a residence in Dallas, so she would be in compliance with local policy.

We'll obviously be watching the situation unfold as, I assume, will you!

To see if Ms. Olson is worth this salary, just ask someone who works under her tyranny.

Also, ask all the people in the district who are trying to get this debacle of problems with salary taken care of!

It's a nightmare that Ms. Olson doesn't care to deal with as she has been known to desire to "personally escort any teacher who complains about their pay from the office".

Sorry Kim, your "I'm here to help you" speech you gave this summer during training has fallen on deaf ears.

After all, your actions speak louder than words.

[Ed Note: Actually, I have spoken to many people who work under her "tyranny" and that's not how they classify her. Most everyone I've talked too--from teachers to administrators, has nothing but praise for her. Perhaps you can cite a specific example instead of generalizing?]

You are entitled to your opinion, however, anyone who will not allow their employees to have something as simple as family pictures on their desks sound like a micro-manager to me.

Also, I personally had some issues regarding my pay which she did not address even after multiple attempts to contact her.

The Human Development department as a whole needs revamping with a mission of servant leadership that will remind them we are all just employees of the District and treating their fellow employees fairly should be their focus.

If she is as wonderful as you describe, then perhaps she can change this "don't call us, we'll call you" attitude to one of "how can I help you?"

[Ed Note: Once again, this is not my opinion. I'm reporting what others have said.

Sorry to be pointed on this, but I really like to get to the facts when there's a debate. If you'll help me do that, perhaps we can figure out who is wrong and who is right (or the balance).]

Allen, I hate to disagree with you, but the military routinely gets rid of unwanted field grade (major or above) officers with honorable discharges. That is SOP, so to speak. If they don't, they would have to prove something, say conduct unbecoming, etc... It is easier to just let them leave. If they have 20 years in, they get to keep their pension/retirement pay and all that entails.

Everybody wins.

I believe she deserves a chance, but if she is going to work for the DISD, then she needs to WORK for the DISD, that's all, that's it, nothing else. Sorry, teachers are expected to do it. Principals are expected to do it. If she wants to "lead from the front," then she needs to be all DISD or nothing at all.

Yes, she has a nice start. She inherited a very, very broken personnel system. But what was the first change? Better hours so teachers can actually MEET with people when they have problems? Nope. Was it a series of meetings on campuses to solve pay and other issues? Nope.

It was to rename the department.

"Human Development."

Yep, they are growing eggs over there at Ross Avenue? Give me a break. Changing the name, so what? They still don't work past 4:30 or let you talk to a live person.

[Ed Note: "Growing eggs!" Love it! We'll be watching what she does. Please keep us informed as to what you and your colleagues observe.]

Sorry your facts are incorrect.

The hours for the Human Development department are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

During that time at least one person from each department is there to help you.

There are also at least two receptionists and two customer service representatives that can answer most questions.

There hours have been in place since July.

Thanks for correcting me. I am glad to see the hours have changed. Many are not aware of it, and when we had problems with our new hires in August, we were told to have them FAX, NOT GO to Ross Avenue to resolve issues.

Since DISD has what, 19,000 employees, having many rush the desk would be bad. But honestly, it isn't well-known about the hours change.

[Ed Note: Perhaps someone will do a better job getting the word out?]

Google Olson and what will pop up is an eye full of charges of running a business on the side while she was in the service. Gosh, seems like history always repeats itself.

While we all know personnel has been as dysfunctional as possible for 30 years with all the inside deals, nepotism, especially with Robby Collins running a hit squad to eliminate any teacher who let the public know about dirty activity funds or any other corruption, but the Colonel's background has nothing to do with understanding how to operate effectively with teachers.

Hinojosa is surrounding himself with some very questionable choices such as the previous Celso fiasco. Oh yeah, and he was a close associate of Robby Collins. That in itself tells all.

[Ed Note: Yes, but until there is a conviction for something wrong: the equivalent of a felony or a high misdemeanor, doesn't she deserve the benefit of the doubt?

I'll give it to you that Hinojosa has, in the past, surrounded himself with some lesser species. However, he has made a few good plays recently. Let's give it a bit more time until the empirical analysis happens (which will be soon).]

I'll bet Olson is just brilliant because she was referred through the Broad Foundation after her stint overseas came to an unwelcome close.

I know her energy level must be rather phenomenal to be able to work on her book deal and sit on the school board in Weatherford. That means for her rather hefty salary, DISD only gets part of her attention.

I guess Mike Moses set the tone for this kind of behavior. He was also paid a hefty sum and found all kinds of time to devote to making deals on the side.

Poor teachers. Most of them are so tired at the end of the day after they get to fulfill their extracurricular obligations for free that they don't the energy to be enterprising like these superstars.

Maybe teachers should be given free cell phones to they can work on their private business interests on district time just like their role models in administration.

Maybe we could get teachers some admin help and they wouldn't be so distracted by their DISD duties.

I wonder how all those staff members at the low-performing schools are doing putting in 12-hour shifts to try to turn those schools around? And for only a third of the pay of Ms. Olson. Wonder if they could use her help?

[Ed Note: Hypothetical question. What if Olson's efforts actually pay off and result in a better performing, more productive, more satisfied teaching staff?

But one thing really impresses me about Olson: those who have traditionally been critics have good things to say. She crosses all aisles and seems to impress everyone who meets her. This is somewhat new. Can we give her 6 months?]

I just want to scream every time I read something about Dr. Hinojosa not being a bad guy.

True he is not a "bad guy," but his leadership is something to be talked about.

If you talk to any of the principals at several schools (off the record), they will tell you if you are not male or Hispanic, you will not be promoted in the DISD.

Just look at Hill Middle School and the previous relationship the former principal had with the Hinojosa entourage.

Why do you think he never moved her and what is even more unbelievable is that she is still in the DISD.

Thanks to the parents at the school for investigating what had been going on there since she entered the school. Too bad it took so long!

[Ed Note: Look, we have a request in for the latest salary/position database. When we get it, we'll put a little analysis piece in it, and put it up. Until then, everything is just speculation.]

"If you talk to any of the principals at several schools (off the record), they will tell you if you are not male or Hispanic, you will not be promoted in the DISD. "

This has been going on for years. I know some folks that have had that happen to them and confirmed by other employees downtown.

Now in defense of that, you have to consider that DISD is what 65% Hispanic. Most of those parents aren't going to talk to somebody outside of their race--even if that person knows Spanish.

The only problem is: what's going to happen when the schools are no longer diverse in terms of staff?

Now in defense of Hinojosa.

He's just doing the house cleaning that should have been done in the past. We still have too many folks roaming around collecting checks and NOBODY knows what these folks do in DISD outside of collecting checks.

Once we clean them out we can start fixing some of these schools.

One of the biggest issues that need to be fix in the overage kids roaming around in our schools. How many 17-19 year old 7th-9th graders are screwing up TAKS (or whatever it's called now) for many schools?

I agree with "The Truth" that there needs to be house cleaning within DISD, but I don't trust those with the broom!

As for 17-19 yr old kids, there are several reasons for that.

If the kid came to this country (from anywhere)after age 13, they stick them in the 9th grade. They take ELI classes, which gives them no credits for graduation, but helps them learn English. So, now, they have been here a year, know some English, and are now going into sheltered classes. They may succeed the first time, maybe not. So, sadly, these kids can be 18 and still be sophomores on credits.

What is needed is an alternative track for these kids, because they are often the very ones who drop out, seeing no future long term goal of higher education, but see a paycheck at a job now. Tough choice if your family is barely making it.

Also, we have some kids who are special education classified. They have the right until age 21 to finish high school.

And then you have the slackers, the truants, the ones involved in juvenile justice. They get behind. So, their skills are poor. If they drop out---and it is their and their parents' decision, the SCHOOL takes a hit on AYP. If the kid stays, he could fail the TAKS, and again, the SCHOOL takes a hit.

We need to recognize that college is not for everyone. Vocational education is severely needed and valued. Every other industrialized nation has a fully funded voc ed program.

[Ed Note: I'm agreeing with you on vocational education. Where we seem to disagree is that I believe it is the kids+parents choice as far as what opportunity the kid pursues.

I would have been extremely disappointed if someone else had made my career decisions for me at an early age. Just think: I might not have had this website with Ron Price threatening to sue me all the time!]

The idea that you have to accommodate one race because they won't talk to another is really absurd. Switch it back about 50 years and see if it sounds good in the abstract:

This district is majority white, and I am a white parent. Therefore, I only want to talk to white teachers and white principals.

I think Mr. Tasby filed a lawsuit to end that thirty years ago, so now, we give in because they are Hispanic? No way, Jose!

As for cleaning house, I agree, clean it. THEN CLEAN IT. Cronyism is still going on. Go ahead and clear out all white and black teachers, principals, etc... Who will do the job of teaching?

So, exactly how many people in the top layers were let go?

[Ed Note: I think there are folks reading too much racism into the superintendent's delayering! Again: let's wait until we get the database--which should be by the end o the month. Until there is empirical data, we really can't make some of the statements we're making.]

Only thing is the meetings would always be in portables.

The system has had portable buildings since 1885 has never been without them and never will be. Schools are never built for their peak enrollment. To do so would be impractical since enrollment climbs and falls over time.

They should come to the portables/classrooms at Lakewood.

Per Dr. Hinojosa: all air-conditioning was on and working today.

He must not have visited our old school here in Lakewood.

Several classrooms were without air today.

I am sure Dr. Hinojosa's office had air.

These poor teachers and students sweated all day.

I am so glad to see that he is "telling the truth" every time he goes to the media.

I also teach at Lakewood. Hear, hear ! We were indeed without adequate air in both portables and classrooms first day of school How shameful!

Being without A/C in Texas is a bad thing. In fact, in a crowded portable, it can be dangerous.

So, have you signed up to speak at the next board meeting? Invite the Board to come on a Saturday to sit in your classroom for 7 hours, with only a 28 minute lunch. Spring for the bottles of water.

A portable was the deciding factor to leaving DISD this year.

It was leaning to one side.

The chalkboard would not hold chalk on its surface.

The bulletin board had been torn from the wall and had been leaning against the wall for months.

The peep hole was missing with just a hole open to the public. It was also sitting in a huge puddle of water.

The screen had a huge curse word written across it.

The teacher who had had the portable the year before said that it had been like this when she got it but requested repairs had not been made.

Parents-go to your child's school and see what your child sees every day.

Please be aware that Professional Support Staff are not secretaries, office people, etc. They are media specialists, counselors, etc., and most of these employees are certified teachers.

Also, keep in mind that most teachers work 185 days per year while Central Administrative staff, Administrators and those "secretaries, office people, etc." work 225/226 days a year.

Excuse me. If one secretary in this district is making a dime over any teacher, the excuse that teachers only work 185 days won't cut it.

I spent at least 5 summers on my own time and my own dime taking extensive graduate work directly related to my instruction of students. I worked on programs for my students at least 3 weeks of every summer with no extra pay. I don't know of any teachers except the slugs who don't work on bringing in the new school year by starting weeks before school starts on the instructional program. How many secretaries have to grade papers every night and on the weekend?

The only teachers who have a real 185-day work schedule are at the bottom of the barrel. The rest of us had no life during the school year, and that included holidays, because we were working on school work. How many of these secretaries have extensive graduate school credentials?

It is certainly true that secretaries in the private sector quickly outpace the salaries of veteran teachers even if the secretaries have no degrees. This is another example of why the "profession" is constantly churning through new graduates.

[Ed Note: Very important point being made here. The devoted group (which is rather large) actually spends their Summer getting ready for Fall. I've learned that, in general, teaching is not a profession; it is a way of life.]

I have to disagree with this essay. I'm a veteran teacher and believe that I do a very good job. And I do not spend my summer planning my fall.

I'm sorry but that is part of the perk of this field: we have a summer vacation!

I think that teachers, like those in other professions, need to spend their vacations as vacations.

I'm a better teacher for it and know many others who feel the same.

Certainly due to papers to grade, etc. we do not limit ourselves to 185 days.

But with maturity and development in the field, you should be able to manage better than taking home papers every night and weekend!

Work smarter - not harder.

Teachers just don't get no respect, I tell ya.

Seriously, they do not.

Doctors are licensed, and they stay licensed. Not teachers. They have to keep renewing their licenses every 5 years now. (Those certified after 2000.)

Dentists are not blamed if their patients get cavities because of their own neglect. Teachers are blamed for every failure, even thought they are not the parents, the ones who brought these kids into the world.

If a smoker keeps smoking, does the doctor he goes to get threatened with his job if the patient refuses to quit smoking? Does he get "reconstituted" if he takes on the most ill patients in the county, but many die because of their own habits?

You know, it is easy to teach in Highland Park. Ain't so easy in South Oak Cliff. Or Far East Dallas. Or Pleasant Grove. Or West Dallas.

Companies will send employees to work on their master's degrees. They will pay for all training. They have all the office supplies they can get their hands on. Teachers have to scrounge for paper, take summers to work on education at their own cost and then be criticized because the kids they teach refuse to do homework, come to tutoring or generally care to pass the TAKS test.

[Ed Note: You think teachers get no respect--you should try being editor of Dallas.Org!]

Not only does the DISD not offset the cost of advanced degrees, a teacher with a master's degree is only paid about $1,500 more per year than teachers with a BA degree. How many years would you have to teach to realize a financial return on your investment. Also, PhD teachers only make about $1,500 more than the master's level.

At least in one state I am aware of, a teachers annual salary increases by as much as $10,000 even prior to completion of the master's degree.

I have a notion it's not easier to teach or be a principal in Highland Park than it is in DISD. For instance, how many principals and administrators in Highland Park are allowed to steal money from their district and keep their jobs?

Do you think if this widespread DISD theft ring complete with Walmart gift cards minus receipts occurred in Highland Park, there would just be a few letters put in a few files? How about giving a promotion to one of the thieves? How about using HISD's tax money on gift cards to reward teachers who didn't show up late from lunch???? Think those standards would work in the bubble??

And do you really think many DISD teachers, especially those who are not even certified in the subjects they are teaching, would last a long time in Highland Park? You think the parents of Highland Park would appreciate teachers whose undergraduate credentials in terms of subject matter are slim, and whose instructional methods are based on lack-luster performance?

Or do you think parents with money and power can afford to recruit teachers who have the same academic achievement standards they wish to see in their own children? All extremely qualified teachers work very hard, but this idea that it would be easy to work in a top tier school district is ridiculous. The standards of acceptable performance are completely different because Highland Park can easily replace non-performing principals and teachers.

At the rate DISD is going, being the corruption capital of the urban school district universe, they will continue to scramble for anything that can walk and breathe at the same time. If you want lifetime employment and are completely mediocre, head for a school district where parents are powerless over the behemoth that can't educate their kids. And while you are there, help yourself to the student activity fund and anything else that isn't nailed down. You can always blame your larceny on the crummy neighborhood where you teach.

Hey, do you know anything about No Child Left Behind?

Under NCLB, EVERY teacher MUST be certified in the subject they teach, no matter if it is in South Oak Cliff or in Plano.

The term "highly qualified" means you have a degree in that area and you passed the state test, that is it.

The teachers in HP are no more qualified than the people in DISD.

And your critique of "undergraduate credentials are slim," huh? Are you saying my college degree is worth any less than anyone else's from my top tier university?

Let's see, you think it is difficult to teach kids whose parents are lawyers, doctors and CEO's?

How many of them were born addicted to drugs, or how many of them did not speak English when they walked through the door? (True story: HPHS called the DISD to ask how to teach a German kid, because they couldn't help her at first.)

How many of the kids come into school hungry? How many come in abused? How many of the little sweeties in Highland Park have mommies who give lavish gifts to the teachers every year? You don't have to steal--if you are being bribed to pass a moron who is the rich guy's son.

You see, many of us in DISD have been asked to teach in Highland Park. They (HP) have a turnover problem as well. Apparently, they have helicopter parents in Highland Park, and if little Abigail or little Preston III doesn't get a 98 in French II, well, it couldn't be that he is a spoiled little brat and can't speak French if he were to try?

It must be the teacher's fault. (You see, teachers talk to teachers. We know all about which moms and dads do what with whom as well....)

Oh, and the overwhelming number of DISD teachers did NOT steal, do not steal, and will not steal. And stealing is not limited to the DISD. I seem to see a lot of CEO's going to prison, too.

You are totally right about one thing, though. DISD is a cash cow for some. Not just the activity fund pluckers, but the many, many "consultants" who make tens of thousands of dollars from DISD in sweetheart deals.

[Ed Note: Point made. There are hardworking teachers everywhere. Highland Park, while it doesn't have the specific problem set that DISD does, it has its own.]