An ethics complaint about the actions of the Ysleta Independent School District superintendent and its then board president was filed with the Texas Ethics Commission back in 2015.
They were accused of using public funds to pay for political advertising relating to a pending bond issue.
The commission recently assessed a $500 dollar fine against each of the individuals.
According to the a Times article the superintendent said:
“that he does not agree with the commission’s ruling but agreed to pay the fine to avoid using taxpayer dollars to litigate the case in Austin.”
We believe that his decision was the right one, without regard as to whether he actually violated the law or did not.
We find it unfortunate, however, that:
“He said the district has paid both his and McClean’s fines, which totaled $1,000.”
The district did not violate the law. Whatever happened was the result of their actions and the taxpayers should not be required to pay the fines.
You can read the ethics commission order here.
We deserve better
Brutus
elpasospeak 
Since when does anyone take responsibility for anything in government here? It’s always, “Me no Alamo.”
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It was good to finally get a published resolution to this matter that blogger Max submitted sometime ago.
But something that taxpayers, and the media, should really look into is declining student attendance. A good place to start is to examine that Templeton Demographics Report that was issued prior to YISD’s bond election. Except for student attendance levels at Eastwood, all other high school campuses are under capacity.
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The fine was assessed on the individuals, not the school district. The individuals should pay the fine. The superintendent should also be fired for breaking the rules in order to help sell the bond. The lesson for students in that rules do not matter.
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This is really getting silly. Ysleta sends out of Newsletter with a mention of the Bond Issue and Super get fined along with board President. EPISD hires a BRANDING Company in May of 2016 for $250,000 before the $669,000,000 bond issue vote in November to puff up the EPISD. The Bond issue passed with flying colors and the Board President was made to look so good she decided to run for congress. The EPISD followed through this year with another $300,000 extension to keep the district looking good as Dori is still tied to the great things that were supposed to be happening according to the PR people, but of course they never mention the accountability in the district which shows that over 54% of the students tested in Reading did not MEET state Standards. But I guess the EPISD did not mention “BOND” so it was OK. Here is what the company BrandEra was going to do for the District. Wonder how the Ethics people would look at this? If federal money had been mixed with this the FBI might have looked at it but alas only local tax dollars were spent. 😦
BrandEra will provide guidance on strategy on communication matters for the Board and Administration. Our services can include content development such as speech writing, drafting articles, developing blogs posts and social media content. Additionally, we can work alongside District personnel to pitch story opportunities focusing on good news and the success of EPISD programs and students.
BrandEra produces marketing collateral, such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, direct mailers and point of sale materials from conceptions through printing and delivery; Development of digital and social media strategies; Creation of unforgettable print, radio, TV and web advertising campaigns from concept through graphic design and copywritingSubmit
We believe the District wide marketing and campaign for El Paso Independent School District must be smart to distinguish EPISD, serving to re-introduce the District to students, parents, business and community leaders, legislators, faculty and staff, alumni and area residents. The marketing initiatives must find the right balance between consistency and cutting edge ideas so that EPISD is branded boldly delivering desired results such as increased loyalty and reversal in enrollments, attendance, and graduation rates as well as changed perceptions of the District in specific areas. As a full-service marketing agency, BrandEra provides all elements of a successful integrated marketing, advertising and PR campaign, including: Logo and corporate branding initiatives; Market research; Creative conceptualization and campaign development; Strategic planning; Producing marketing collateral, such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, direct mailers and point of sale materials from conception through printing and delivery; Development of digital and social media strategies; Creation of unforgettable print, radio, TV and web advertising campaigns from concept through graphic design and copywriting; Strategic media buying: stretching advertising dollars and finding your “wasted” dollars; Scriptwriting press materials, including media kits and news releases; Planning special events and education showcases; Designing and updating websites; and Development of pitch packages and promotional initiatives.
3BrandEra’s marketing methodology is straight forward: Survey stakeholders and understand goals and expectations. Research key demographics of target market and assess competitors’ brands, messaging and advertisement placements. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan and timeline deliverables. Implement the approved campaign initiatives.
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