Sugar are you saying I need to go back to school and become a teacher? Or should I run for that Board position (one of three that are up for re-election)? Who's job should I apply for, pick one of them? I don't mind rolling up my sleeves, and I certainly don't just attend PTA when it comes to my children. If you happen look you may see me in the hallway of one of my children's schools, or even in one of the schools they used to attend. I tend to stay involved with these matters. I've been in the DISD schools since 1982 doing many a thing or two, know many a person or two, have seen a good many leave. At the same time, and with that same energy, I also run a business, full time for the last 21 years, and home, attend church and help out a neighbor if they need it. What I'm saying is, I can't do every thing. Sometimes there is a conflict in my schedule. What I expect is when we put people into positions, they asked to be in, we should expect them to do the job. We must expect accountable behavior, as per the job plan and rules. When we allow public accountability to become dimenished, as it is within DISD, then the officials tend to become dictators, standoff and lacking ethics. I hear alot of complaining but now hands to the fire for answers. If we can't call a round table meeting and expect results then the team in charge needs to be changed.

[Ed Note: I can't get past "sugar" :) ]

I graduated BA before Mrs. Goodsell came but what I have heard from teachers, parents, and others-- is that BA has rebounded and the school is returning to its great heights it enjoyed during the 1980s. Not everyone is perfect yet her idea of "weeding" out the kids that don't belong-- I applaud her. That is something that is lax around the whole district. We have school boundaries for a reason. Basically, follow the rules. If these kids were smart, they would know about the transfer policy. There so willing to say a teacher violated their rights- yet ask them what one of the Bill of Rights are and I bet you they can't answer the question.

For too long has a ghetto mentality run DISD policies and administrations. Congratulations to Mrs. Goodsell for bringing an end to this deteroriation of BA and DISD. As for the teacher that is worried about Mrs. Goodsells' "ethics" you show me any powerful person without flaws! Sometimes you have to sacrifice a little and offend a few to protect the majority.

The principal of BA is a mixed bag of tricks. I sincerely believe she is committed to the school and works very hard. However, I question her integrity and ethics. For example, some of my colleagues she did a wonderful thing when she sent out a mailer to all the students and quickly had staff gather the returned letters and collect the names of students she suspected out of the BA area. She then called an assembly of these students and told them that they had 3 days to bring proof of residency or they were OUT! Some of the students started to cry, thinking they didn't have any rights to challenge the demand. Never did she tell the students to apply for a transfer. She simply kicked kids out in droves. It was very sad. But she wanted the "trash" out as she put it to a fellow colleague.

Next she quickly announced to the staff that she had once dated Superintendent Hinojosa. I believe this to be true, but she used this to intimidate Emilio Castro into submission. Later she was offered his job but wouldn't take it due to the residency rule. So by default Castro got his job back after being demoted back to elementary.

Cindy Goodsell is a smart enough cookie, but she believes herself to be above the law. She locks herself up in her office and dictates what is to be done. That's fine, but I won't work for her.

[Ed Note: All I know is what I can see at B.A. For the first time in years, the school is on an upward trend. For this to be the case, I have to call into question some of the statements you've made here. I'm willing to grant you a difference in perception, but I also want to see B.A. continue its upward trend. No one seems to dispute it is because of Cindy Goodsell at the helm.]

Couldn't agree MORE!!

Ms. Goodsell is NOT as she appears. She plays on both sides of the fence. MANY of the "good clean-up" things that have happened @ BA were slated to happen, thanks to Ms. Ramos!! Ms. Goodsell takes credit for some things that would have happened any way. Moral for teachers & students school spirit is in the dump! A lot of teachers that are gone were NOT fired, but left because they didn't like doing the "grunt" work & letting the Admins. take the glory!!

Some change is good, BUT no one should be "lulled" into submission, Goodsell is "climbing her way up!!"

[Ed Note: Wow, this is just opposite from what I've observed at the school! There is more pride, the teachers I've talked to are happier; the parents and students are happier.

Why don't you message me with the names of the teachers who say the "school spirit is in the dump" and we'll check into it. But from everything I can tell, nothing you've said here rings true.]

Goodsell is not "climbing her way to the top." She could retire at any time, if she wanted. She was offered the job Emilio Castro has now. They were going to demote him, and then bring her in. She refused, she wanted to stay and continue to bring BAHS out of the hole the previous principal dug!

She actually hurt her career and her chances of future promotion by doing that.

And unless you know what is in the personnel files, some teachers will TELL you they left on their own idea, not always the case.

Are you really trying to say that the previous principal had the money slated for the re-do of the front door bathrooms? Really? Two years ago, when we asked for graffiti to be removed from the bathrooms on our hallway, it took WEEKS to get it done back then.

Remember when the SBDM voted for uniforms, and Ramos refused, because her precious--and so-o-o obedient daughter would have to wear one? Gosh, we can't have that, can we?

Remember when fights broke out nearly every other day?

Morale in that school is low because of the stress we are under witrh AYP 4 status. Yea, you are right. We don't agree with all that she has done, and we may not be crazy about the entire admin staff, but the school is less crowded, cleaner and scores went WAY up in math last year. More people this year are staying. Some will go, and that is normal at any school. Best of luck to them.

So, maybe you need to transfer as well, if you are a teacher. Go on. No problemo. Dallas ISD will be looking for 1,300 teachers this year. We can make it 1,301. Just tell us what you teach at BAHS, and we will add it to the list. If you don't want to be there, don't let the door hit your butt on the way out!

[Ed Note: Yes, Goodsell put herself and her career on the line when she took the job at Bryan Adams. She didn't have to take it, but she did. I think that speaks volumes about her.]

WELL!!! No teacher here, just a "weary" working parent w/kids in 3 different DISD schools & one that already graduated from B.A.; Guess that's why I made a mistake in my spelling of "wary", maybe I was just too tired as I typed (or maybe stupid!) I stumbled onto this website a few weeks ago.....I quietly read/observed for awhile....then thought perhaps it was time to share my observations.
My comments are based on time spent @ B.A over the last 9 or 10 years as a parent, Aunt, & friend to many students & teachers. I observe things happening in & around as a volunteer, parent & PTA member. I'm not a BIG "rabble- rouser" (excuse me if I misspelled the term), MORE of a quiet observer. My perceptions come "personally", by talking & listening (especially to my own child & friends). I attend sporting events, musical/theaterical performances, parent conf., PTA, parent comm. mtngs., etc. Once again.....I observe, I listen. I've seen some good changes....BUT I don't forget the good things that transpired before Goodsell. There is good & bad in everything.....if your TOO busy seeking out only the GOOOD, you may overlook the BAD.....IF your TOO busy seeking out only the BAD, you may overlook the GOOD. (hmmmmm, gives you something to think about)
I don't believe we live @ Walgreens....NOT @ B.A.....Not anywhere! (in case you don't get that....nothings perfect).
I don't know if I'll be posting any comments again, any time soon....I'll probably just go back to quietly observing for a while. I never liked being scolded or reprimanded by teachers when I was in school, for stating my thoughts/opinions....that's how I learned to be a quiet observer....I don't wish to stay here for more reprimands.

Keep your EYES open....keep your EARS open....you might be surprised what you can see, hear, learn....learning doesn't stop when you complete you formal education....you will always learn in the school of life.....just listen.....

First of all, I don't "get" your subject line. Do you mean BA beware? Or do you mean we're tired? It's April, about to be TAKS time, and so we're all tired...but I don't know if that's what you meant.

Second of all, I've been teaching for quite awhile now - no newbie here. I've never been around a more complaining group of people than teachers. Things at BA are actually looking UP, but apparently that's not good enough for this person. Oh well, I'm sure he or she complained a lot when the previous principal was at BA.

As far as taking credit for things, you know, that's pretty easy for you to say, oh anonymous poster. Cindy Goodsell deserves credit for making a lot of difficult choices, for putting up with more crap from students AND teachers than you would believe, and for getting rid of DEAD WOOD that had been floating around the school for way too long (teachers and students).

If you're wondering how I know, I teach there. Do you? Or are you just yapping about rumors of poor morale - or "moral" as you put it? I really don't see it, but again, teachers are too often complainers. The people I work with are generally very positive, like what they see happening, and actually care a lot about the kids. I'm not drinking the Kool aid, just stating facts here, rather than reporting rumors.

[Ed Note: I think they meant "wary" but, hey, we aim's to please :) ]

Mrs. Goodsell is as she appears. She caring about the students, staff and the school. Ask any principal that takes over for another and there is much work to be done. What things are you referring to that were already in place to happen? Are you on staff at BA or getting your info second hand? Maybe you should come see for yourself. At the end of her first semester, gangs were gone. Is that something Ramos was going to get rid of? If so it would of already taken place. Uniforms implemented, making a HUGE difference in atmosphere. Cafeteria and bathrooms remodeled with the student's input, outdoor area off the library unused for 50 years, turned into a patio for students. As far as Goodsell moving up, she had a chance to be the Area Superintendent for the East Learning Community and she turned it down because she wanted to continue things she had already put into motion. Therefore they moved Castro back to this area. Personally I think she could do a better job than he, but I'm so glad she's still at BA. Of all the schools my kids have attended, the staff overall is hands down the best I have had the pleasure of supporting. From Custodial staff, Administrators, Office Staff,Teachers, Counselors, there's one thing they all have in common...A smile on their face. In my book, that's Hugh. Did Ramos have that effect? From what little I hear, I don't think so. As for teachers who left last year, maybe they needed to go. When you can't get away with not doing your job because there's accountability, then maybe it's time to go.

[Ed Note: My impression, based on first-hand experience, is that things are looking up at B.A. for the first time in a long time.]

I too, question some of your comments. I will assume you are a teacher at another school, probably not in this area. I am a very involved parent of a student at Bryan Adams and in the school at various times, several days a week. Obviously you are getting some of your information second hand. Maybe you should come see for yourself. Under the past administration this school went DOWN. There is nothing but positive things that are coming out of BA and it will continue to grow. Many left when the school started going down, to go to magnets and slowly this area is regaining the trust of neighborhood again. I too agree with another who said principals should not be allowed to have their children at the same school they are at. It creates alot of problems and probably Vicki Mitchell could of done something sooner, before Ramos 2nd child graduated. My children have done transfers for the past 10 years and last year was the first time they have gone to their neighborhood school and couldn't be happier. The staff, due in part to Mrs. Goodsell, is hands down the best staff from custodial to teachers to office staff of the 4 schools we have attended since Kindergarten. Mrs. Goodsell is in the classrooms, the hallways and yes the door has to be shut at times to get work done, but the school wouldn't be where it is now if it was for her. Thank you Mrs Goodsell. You are a Blessing.

From a teachers standpoint, I would be thrilled with what Cynthia Goodsell has done there. I understand the number of periods are down, which is good in my opinion because the teachers have more time perhaps at school to get things done and more time at home for family. Also by reducing kids numbers who do not live in the BA zone means smaller classroom size and perhaps higher test scores? I know she sits in the classrooms and watches class participation. We do not have to deal with favoritism of a principal's kids, she has none there, which I believe no principal should ever be allowed to admisitrate in the same school his/her kids attend, ever.

If I was a student, I would know the code of conduct bar has been raised probably to one of the highest levels seen there in twenty years meaning regular mopping of bloodbaths from the hallways is probably few and far in between. I am sure Goodsell had some undertaking in standard dress code which is sorely needed in all DISD schools. I would know that respect is expected from both the students and the faculty.

I have heard scores have improved dramatically and I mean dramatically HIGH. From a taxpayer living in the school zone, the property looks better, I drove by the whole perimeter yesterday. Who knows, our trustee for our area is in the landscaping business, I would hope she could donate some time to tell us what is needed there to improve the campus. I know the school plans to have some function to let neighbors know the school is a learning environment again. We need this support bacause we have been a "black-eye" and rightly so from both Dallas Morning News reporters and Allen Gwinn has injected hours of his time and thoughts into this mess as well as Robert T. Hill. I would hate to see where we would have been if these two sources were not such good bird-dogs, but we have a huge mess in progress involving a large school district who has wasted millions of our dollars with a smile on their face, in my opinion. Remember the sex in the classroom? Hill made CNN Headline News for that one under Rex Cole, who again may have started out as a good principal, but was an alley cat in the end if you ask me. I never could get Cole to sit down in the same room as me to discuss issues at Hill and I had some with him. At least Hexter has remained a constant average to above school who seems to stay out of the negative media stories and the campus is always clean. I would like to say I am going to do my part for Bryan Adams and call on a good friend to come in next year, give his $8000 hour speech for free if he agree's to BA teachers that survived the cut because I feel they were sorely abused for years into situations that were not teacher friendly environments and I also would like to help facilitate huge corporate sponsorship for the kids next year because this is what it is all about, Dallas KIDS! Let's give Dallas kids the creativity to sustain a normal life, not what my kid graduated in 2006 with, the inability to get the answer correctly what 25+7 equals, took him three times to guess an answer. He will not be able to keep up in society unless he learns a skill, because he was offered a poor Bryan Adams education and I was involved, believe me I was involved with the administration and all I can say for the past administration, get as far away as possible, your motives were selfish in my opinion.

If you want to talk gossip, I've got lots about Ramo's, but her personal life is not my concern, her business on my money in DISD will be debated and those pop up with any principal no matter how well Cynthia Goodsell is percieved or not. I also know Emilio Castro, he was my daughters Principal and ran a top flight school at Greiner where teachers were teaching and kids were happy and learning. He is considered a good friend by me, but that is plain nonsense your comments about how he in manipulated around, just plain garbage and you know it. Emilio could benefit from better communication, but look at the crowd on Ross he has to work with, the chief and nine trustee's. I just hope he stands on his values and not give into the Good Ole Boy's system.

Mr. Castro has not been good for Area 8, Area 10, East Learning Center.... Whatever they want to call it this year. He pits his principals against each other and does not facilitate a learning environment among the schools. If you mean "never available to speak to" and learning not to "humiliating people in front of their peers in an unprofessional manner" then it's true that he could definitely benefit from communication. When they moved him for that brief time there was a sigh of relief. When he was brought back, there was disappointment. He did not spend enough time being a teacher or even a principal before being promoted. It is evident in the favoritism and conduct we have witnessed in his handling of many issues. I think he was fast tracked through management too quickly which is probably why we see many of the problems with some administrators in DISD now.

[Ed Note: We've heard many stories like this related to Mr. Castro. However, I'm a skeptic by nature. I'd like to see a bit more substantiation on some of these things. I certainly am not denying that these things don't exist, I would just like to talk to some folks face-to-face. Somebody email me (private message me) and let's get a group together--keeping in mind that I'm going to get his side to these things too.]

Heard from a teacher at Spence today that her principal informed them that they could not fail a student in their courses if the student passed the Reading TAKS. I am guessing that they should just show movies the rest of the year since TAKS is more important than academic rigor.

[Ed Note: Come again? This is not my understanding.]

That information is false. If an 8th student passes both the reading and math portions of TAKS, the Grade Placement Committee can make a recommendation to either pass or fail the student according to the factors presented. The Grade Placement Committee guidelines are on the TEA website.

[Ed Note: That sounds a bit more plausible.]

Yep, been done at other schools in other years. As a motivation to get the kids to pass TAKS, you reward them by automatically passing them for the six weeks or semester.

Trouble is, the kid thinks he passed the test, so he shuts down. Stops doing work. But in high school, we have ACPs! and our CEI is based on them!

Recommendation to Spence teachers: Get it in writing. Ask the principal if this is not falsifying grades, as the kid did not actually EARN the grade. He just passed a test.

Remember, if there is an investigation later, the teacher gets the knife for "falsifying" grades.

You have got to be kidding! It was at Greiner or Sunset, I was told, he never was in the classroom and never looked at the teachers planners. There is a big can of worms when you look into his background. Many around the district are willing to tell stories. He's not doing much for the schools in his areas. It's alot of hot air, tell you what you want to hear, but listen to what he does say, then call him on it, then his tune changes. At Greiner, he spent 85,000 with his P-card in 5 months. Check out his other purchases. He was, I believe the 89th spender out of the Top 100 in the district. What were his consequences ?? With dealing with him concerning Hill Middle School, I was faced with lies and inconsistencies. Don't be fooled with his smile and somewhat charm. I was not going to give up. That's the district way, to wear you down, put you off. I still say the district needs more Area Sups for less # of schools, so they can do their jobs better. Don't listen to what the principals say, look at the schools, ask the teachers. Are they smiling ?? Don't please one, at the expenses of others, say and do what's right. Always remember there are policies there for a reason.

[Ed Note: Keep in mind that there were people who spent large amounts on their procurement cards that were, from the District's standpoint, "legitimate charges." Whether or not the public would approve (i.e. exotic art furniture and paintings, buying gourmet meals for staff, etc.) is another thing. But as long as there wasn't theft involved, he could have charged $850,000 and there wouldn't be anything the District could have done about it.]

I can tell you where Castros values are. He is working on his Ph.D thru the University of Texas that is being paid for by we the taxpayers. There are several on this same path. I understand Dr. Hinojosa received his PHD the same way, at the taxpayers expense. Please! Please! I hope I can be so fortunate to have my higher education paid for by so many.

[Ed Note: If you have a problem with this, then you really need to work on changing the policy. This is one of the benefits of working for a school district. Many private companies and schools offer similar benefits. The philosophy is that if employees further their education, they will be of greater benefit to the organization. I'm not sure I disagree.]

Correct me if wrong, but I believe anybody in DISD (a title one district) can get their college paid for.... that is have their loans forgiven by the federal government. It is called the "loan forgiveness program" which requires any DISD employee to simply work for the district for at least 5 years and then each subsequent year chunks of the loan are removed.

This is not entirely true. The campus must be Title I (not the district), and the educator must be in a classroom teacher in a high-needs area.

Please refer to the following link:

http://www.tgslc.org/pdf/teacher_loan.pdf

I'd like to know if his classes are at night or if it's on DISD time?

He goes at night, and that is a fact, since there are a few other DISD people in the classes with him. It is all after school hours.

[Ed Note: As I say, I have no problem with "education benefits" for DISD personnel. I know there are some who disagree with this position.]

Shirley Ison-Newsome, the Executive Director of the Southeast Learning Community, didn't make the last two Inside Track Meetings. Dr. Castro is not the only one who doesn't show up when they should.

Just curious. Why are you so interested in Castro's PhD?

If you want to know, my understanding is that it's at Texas A&M-Commerce (not the University of Texas as another person posted). I also believe all of his classes are at 4:30 pm or later.

What does any of this prove???

I am interested, in when his classes are.

If he has classes in Commerce at 4:30 then that cuts his day job short. Maybe that has something to do with getting back with me last year on Hill's principal. He asked for policy violations and I gave him 12. I didn't hear from him for 5 months, till I insisted on some answers. Maybe he was taking classes then, too.

I agree with other bloggers that there are WAY TOO MANY bad principals in the District. First of all, the district needs some logic in watching the schools better. If he hasn't been to, but one, Inside Tracks, how can he know what's going on in the schools. I have some district Inside Tracks, that for which a concern about Hill was brought up and ignored, while the Inside Tracks Rep was not only hand picked by the principal, but the same question answered was the opposite from the districts.

I feel sorry for the teachers who are here for the right reasons and have no voice. My husband says..When the ship's going down, you look to the captain. Sure were alot of captain's replaced last year. And 72 Low-Performing schools. Parents still don't know their rights as parents and get put off by principals, who are out for themselves. Last year Castro had 40 schools, this year half of that. It's still too many. Need to watch more of what's going on in the schools. And yes I am disappointed in the leadership for the East Learning Community. Our Area Sup has gone from Elem. to Middle school to High School to Area Sup. way to fast. Our area also had 3 Area Sup's in the past 4 years. How can they know enough about what's going on in the schools if they keep changing Area Sup. Makes no sense to me. No Continuity. Then demoted principals keep their salaries. That makes no sense. Screw up, we'll give you less work and you keep the same pay. I agree with other bloggers, it's all about power and not about the kids. Why give bonus, they aren't for the right reasons, they'll for whatever they want. It's sad to see so many of my children's friends move, to avoid bad principals that are ALLOWED to run the schools and their community down. They usually don't live in their school's community. If they did they would get an earful.

Mr. Castro sure must have a busy schedule working on that degree. He was only able to make it to one Inside Track Meeting this year.

[Ed Note: Uh-oh. Does anyone else (besides everyone who reads this blog) know this?]

I have an issue with this because it's not across the board. These perks are given for certain people on fast paced programs but you have 1000's of employee's who are not considered professionals but support employees and the district must feel that they wouldn't benefit by helping those people get bachelor degrees to further their career.

Course most of those support employee's are minority, and doing jobs that need to be done (plumbing, maintenance, etc)

Allen-

You are being very dismissive of taxpayers' complaints about Pcard expenditures. IF we ever see an audit, we will find out how much money will have to be repaid by taxpayers to cover the audacious behavior of people like Castro. There are guidelines for Title I and TEA guidelines for spending taxpayers' monies. It is very apparent from looking at those who even bothered with keeping receipts that there were policies broken, and Castro, as an example, violated spending policies. This money will be repaid out of our collective pockets, and it had no impact on his career. The man was promoted annually for several years with no classroom experience at the secondary level, and about three years experience at the elementary.

To get the full impact, go to the DISD web site and look for yourself at the comments on the depositions. Even though Coggins's office was not as familiar with federal and state guidelines as someone who works full-time with grant monies, what they did uncover would have been reasons for termination in a district who top administrators had ANY integrity. Instead, Hinojosa chose to ignore this very egregious behavior unless the person in question admitted criminal conduct or just chose to resign.

There is no way Castro had the time to develop instructional or managerial competence in the time he was garnering yearly promotions into schools where he had no background. Aside from that, the Pcard expenditures should have been grounds for termination. What kind of administrator can you expect with the Pcard record he left???

[Ed Note: I'll say it again. I have a problem with the P-Card investigation. I have a problem with how it was conducted, and how much we spent on it. I have a problem scapegoating a lower level administrator.

I think you'll see the audit, and I think you'll see it before the bond election or we'll point out how it is being restricted and delayed--and I bet you the Dallas Morning News will too.]

Hmmm, news to people at BA that she "dated" Hinojosa way back when. You would think that a connection like that would help the science department there get paper towels. Oh, but wait, Woodrow was running out of toilet paper, so I guess it doesn't matter who you dated then (BA) or who you date NOW (Woodrow's principal). DISD did not budget enough money for paper products this year, so there you go.

As for the assembly to verify addresses, more power to her. Sorry, but ALL schools should do that every 90 days. EVERY single one of them. In fact, why isn't that policy? Skyline had over 100 Mesquite kids. Or would that upset too many "championship" basketball teams and football teams? (And yes, DISD kids sneak in over there, but I am concerned with MY DISD tax dollars. Mesquite can clean its own house.) How can a bond issue build schools where they "need to be" if we don't really know where the kids ARE?

And again, not sure if you are actually in BA's hallways, but Goodsell is not locked up in her office. If anything, she's out of the building too much, because as with all principals, DISD calls them to meeting after meeting after meeting. When she is in the building, she has to get caught up with AYP 4/5 crud, meet with APs, parents, and what else. Yes, you have to make an appt to see her, but at least you can SEE her. Under the Old Regime, nope, not unless you were in the "inner circle."

Best compliment of BA heard this year came from a parent: "Hey, it doesn't smell anymore when you walk in the door." That says it all. She cleaned the place up, in more ways than one.

The way BA charged students $2 dollars a day BECAUSE they had no drivers license to legally drive and/or no insurance to cover damages to others in the neighborhood? Is this stagnant or just pure greed and arrogance? Where did the money go, I never could get DISD to show records, so I feel it was pocketed to someone, maybe? I know for fact itemized tickets were not given to students, so where does the fault land with? I even found out that the parking lot gentleman did not turn in the daily cash he collected as he should have. I totally disagree that a principal making 104K should have had better sense, so being on the job too long may be your excuse, but the kids graduating from BA in 2004-2006 were simply cheated from a fair education when the academics were sliding over the cliff.

[Ed Note: It's important to note that things are different now.]