Live Blog Tonight: January 2010 Board Meeting

Board passes public information transparency policy!

Specifically this item in particular--and who doesn't want it!

To quote the policy:

"The purpose of this policy is to provide transparency through an electronic central depository for the public to access frequently requested and available District information and documentation."

The policy creates an online server where frequently-asked-for information can be kept for the public to see along with copies of all public information requests made by the media and others (which are, by definition, public information themselves).

It also houses all required disclosures (financial, conflicts, etc.) and expense reports from all trustees.

It's 5:38 and we're live. Refresh your browser often. As usual, forgive the typos.

We're getting the Superintendent's report. Getting ready to see a video relating to Dallas Achieves...

5:52 - On to the committee briefings.

By the way, we found out from one of the trustees that the "public information" item was pulled from the consent agenda because there was no dollar figure attached to it. That figure is about $50,000 and it represents a fundamental shift in openness and transparency for the District--provided it's used correctly.

Obviously, details will need to be worked out. It will be interesting to see what the comments are when the item comes up for discussion.

5:57 - Time for the public forum (speakers to agenda items)

First up, Vince Murchison, chair of the SBDM at J.L. Long. Subject: speaking to Dallas Achieves - Beyond the Headlines.

Next, Nancy Wilson speaking about the Magnet programs and the application (and reapplication) process.

One one of the agenda items, the requirement that students reapply for admission to each grade level, in the magnets, has been deleted.

Michael MacNaughton is speaking about the public information policy. He is urging all information to be posted--everything that is public.

6:09 - The consent agenda passes unanimously! The minutes, the bane of Carla Ranger, which is now permanently pulled for a separate vote passes unanimously with no discussion.

6:10 - We're on to discussing the magnet/re-application issue. Bernadette Nutall is urging the board to delay implementation of a new policy "midstream" and get more input from the public, parents and students.

Carla Ranger is up. She is moving to waive the policy for Irma Rangel and postpone the adoption of the policy.

Jerome Garza and Edwin Flores disagree. They believe that once a student has been accepted, then he or she should not have to reapply for admission each year. Garza points out that there are vacancies in each grade level each year. Garza pointed out that he brought this issue to the table 2 years ago.

Ranger and Nutall are urging a delay.

Nutall wants to see the numbers relating to how many slots will be available for students seeking to get into Travis. The answer: 22. Last year, there were 216 students applying for these 22 slots.

"That's why we need to make all our schools good schools," replied Nutall. There was much applause.

Bottom line: there are simply too many questions over the details of the policy. It probably deserves a good tabling. Besides, what is the board doing implementing a policy regarding a fairly tedious policy right before a deadline?

7:10 and we're still debating it.

7:36 and the policy passes 8-0 with Jack Lowe voting against it. And we're on to the public information policy.

There doesn't seem to be much opposition to this policy. There are a few nits. Carla Ranger wants specific language concerning grade level enrollment.

It passes 9-0! Get ready for more transparency!

7:41 - On to another issue: "Contingency plans for Academically Unacceptable Year 4 (AU4) Schools."

Nancy Bingham and Carla Ranger indicate they're appreciative of the town hall meetings on this issue. "I'm ready to move forward [with the vote]," said Ranger. Jerome Garza is also echoing his thanks.

And it passes 9-0!!

You know, tonight has been very calm for the most part. There just doesn't seem to be as much tension on the board. Perhaps Carla Ranger, for instance, feels her voice is being heard now. Perhaps it is. Perhaps the Board believes that Superintendent Hinojosa is listening to them. Perhaps he is.

Of course, the honeymoon period is still in effect!

8:02 - Speakers to non-agenda items.

We're sitting here listening to Teneshi Rose, an employee at Kiest Elementary. Rose is complaining about the principal and her treatment of the staff. Great speech. We'll try to get a clip and post it online (I want to do more video on the site anyway).

8:21 - We have no more speakers! It's on to the individual board member reports. Bernadette Nutall recognizes Delta Sigma Theta and the contribution they make to DISD.

Carla recognizes the Carter marching band. Lew Blackburn is talking about the kids acknowledging school board members. Oh, by the way, it's school board appreciation month so thanks, trustees, for serving. Lew's closing speech should probably be an online video clip too.

8:25 and the meeting is a wrap!