Progress Reports

The first progress reports will be sent to parents on Friday. Can you believe that it's already time? I appreciate the start that we have had, and I am thankful that we were able to begin school without more challenges. I appreciate your willingness to work with us and your patience as we worked to overcome the electrical issues that we faced at the beginning of school.

There are a lot of activities taking place around the district. Keep in mind that Homecoming is quickly approaching. September 20 will be the Homecoming game and activities. We invite you to join us!

We appreciate that you allow us to be a part of your child's life. It takes all of us working together to provide every child with the opportunity for success. We are thankful for the partnership that we have with our parents and community members. Thank you.

Thanks for a Great Start!

I just want to say "Thank You," to everyone for your patience and understanding as we worked to overcome a last minute set back to the start of school. I believe things went well, and some actually liked having the shortened day for the beginning of school. This allowed the students to meet their teachers and learn about rules and procedures and then take a break to let it all sink in before having a full day of classes.

I'm looking forward to a great year in 2013-2014. I am excited about the possibilities that are ahead of us, and I am excited about the opportunities that await our students. I welcome your help and partnership as we work together to create the premiere district in Texas.

2013-2014 School Year

There's always something thrilling about the days before the start of another school year. I don't know what it is exactly that causes the excitement, but it's there all the same. Maybe it's the thought of all of the new possibilities the year holds or the idea that you are getting a fresh start that does it? Anyway, I always get a rush before the start of the new year. This year is no exception.

I know it's difficult to get the students back into a routine of going to bed at a decent hour and waking up early. We struggle with that at our house, as well. If you start now and ease your children into that routine, it will make it easier when school starts. Also, don't forget to make any changes in your information and make sure the school campus has those changes.

I look forward to a great year in 2013-2014! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's life.

April 2013

I can't believe that April is already here, and we are quickly moving towards the end of another school year. It seems that the years seem to move faster and faster as I get older. We have many activities taking place during this month, and we invite you to come to the school and participate with us.

We have had students that have been successful in Academic UIL, One-Act Play, golf, tennis, track, baseball, and softball. These activities will continue throughout the month. We are very proud of our students, coaches, and teachers for their hard work and success.

The 83rd Legislature is halfway complete, and there have been many bills filed. A couple of major issues face public education: 1) Testing and accountability; and, 2) public school funding. Please contact our representatives and let them hear from you about the issues. Representative Chris Paddie is our state representative, and our senator is Kevin Eltife.

83rd Legislature

If you're not aware, the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature is in session. During the course of this session there will be thousands of bills filed, usually between 1-3 thousand bills dealing specifically with public education alone. One of the Constitutionally created duties of the Legislature is to provide for a general diffusion of knowledge. This means that all children in Texas receive access to an adequate education. The recent sessions have not been kind to Texas schoolchildren, and we are seeing the same ideas permeate the 83rd session. Please take time to contact your legislators and representatives and let them know that you expect them to meet their Constitutional duty. You can visit the following link to see the Texas Legislature online: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/

School Funding

Yesterday, the judge in the lawsuit over the system used to finance public schooling in Texas ruled that the current funding system in Texas is unconstitutional. He stated that the funding system was inadequate, inequitable, and constituted a de facto state property tax. Over 600 school districts in the state were involved with this lawsuit, including Harleton ISD. Although the state will likely appeal this ruling, the ruling does at least open the conversation concerning how we finance schools and the future of our great state.

Christmas Time's A Coming...

The Christmas Season is upon us! I know that because my wife spent 18 hours straight shopping after Thanksgiving. I also see the smiles on the children's faces as they anticipate the coming of Santa Claus and the holiday decorations that are upon the houses and in the stores. I just can't believe that 2012 is almost at an end. This year has gone by swiftly.

In January 2013 the state's 83rd legislative session will begin. There will be many issues facing our representatives when they convene, and many of these issues will deal directly with public education in Texas. I encourage each of you to educate yourselves about the issues. Don't just rely on the media soundbytes. The decisions that are made in 2013 will have a significant impact upon the future of our children in Texas. Our children deserve a world-class education that prepares them to be successful in the 21st Century.

One of the most significant issues facing the 83rd Legislature is the system of finance for public education in the state. The last session cut funding by $5.4 billion. These cuts had dramatic effects upon school districts across the state, including cuts of approximately $900,000 to the Harleton ISD budget. Here are some key facts about school funding in Texas:

How was Public School funding cut during this biennium by $5.4 Billion?

·       Foundation School Program (FSP) was cut by $4 billion.

·       Eliminated funding for property value and ADA decline.

·       Other program cuts of $1.4 billion included reducing funding for Pre-K, Student Success Initiatives, DATE, ESC’s, Instructional Materials, AP Incentives, and Communities in Schools Programs.

·       Technology Allotment Eliminated

·       Science Lab Funding Eliminated

Other Facts about Public School Finance

·       In 2009, the State supplanted $3 Billion in one-time federal stimulus money into the funding for Public Education, instead of supplementing the Public Education budget.  The State never replaced that $3 Billion in the budget for Public Education.  Instead, they added that money to the “Rainy Day” fund.

·       With reduced funding, Texas will educate an additional 170,000 students during this biennium.  Many of them with special needs or language barriers to overcome. 

·       Accountability standards have increased. (STAAR, EOC, AYP)

·       Transportation Allotments have not been adjusted since 1985. 

·       The majority of school districts will only be funded at 97% of their WADA.  However, we are expected to educate 100% of our WADA.

·       Funding continues to be below 2010 funding levels and the structural deficit has not been addressed.

·       Pre-K is not funded.  Most districts lose money by offering Pre-K.

The last day of school before the holidays will be December 18. We will have Early Release on December 17 & 18. Semester exams will be given on these dates, as well.

During this Holiday Season I hope that you are able to visit with family and friends and reflect upon the blessings we have all been given. I also hope that you will take the time to learn about the issues facing our state and will let your voices be heard by our representatives. Harleton ISD is a great place for our children to learn. If you don't want Austin dictating how your children should be educated and believe that we should have local control over our schools, please let your local officials know your thoughts. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!