Out of town conferences

July 5, 2018

An EPISD employee sent this in:

Referring to your recent post Different Information:
This is an annual tech conference for using Technology in the classroom.   At the very least those attending should be teachers or computer teachers using the technology to integrate with classroom instruction OR IT (Instructional Tech Trainers) which EPISD has several (who probably attended as well) who actually know how to use the technology and know how to train teachers to use the technology.
Will Mr. Cabrera or Dr. Brown come back and train all the teachers on the wonderful educational sessions they attended? Not likely…We ALL know what occurs at out of town conferences…no accountability as to which sessions were attended.
If there is no money for raises, and insurance is rising, then no one should be able to attend out of town conferences as we also know those are very informational (and intended for teachers) but also a luxury this poor district cannot cannot afford.

2 Comments | El Paso Independent School District | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Independence day

July 4, 2018

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

4 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Now we have to appease to a new demographic

July 3, 2018

Max Grossman sent this to us:

Dear Friends,

The anti-TIRZ and anti-“Arena” efforts have made state news, this time on the Texas Standard. My takeaway is this statement by City Rep. Cassandra Hernandez Brown of District 3 justifying the  City’s ongoing attack upon our environmental and cultural assets:

“You develop beautiful properties–retail properties–to incentivize and attract and recruit new companies to come here by providing that new atmosphere to appease to a new demographic.”

Grammar aside, I find this statement deeply disturbing on a number of levels. I wonder which “demographic” our City hopes to “appease” and what implications that has for the old demographic.

***********************

“appease to a new demographic?”

Isn’t her job to help the current population?

We deserve better

Brutus

15 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Is it 25:1 or is it 14.9:1

July 2, 2018

A loyal reader sent this in:

Teachers,

Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, all secondary school schedules will now be a 6 of 8 model, including all core and non-core teachers. All core and non-core teachers will have a prep period and a planning period. This allows for better use of schedules to benefit students, and allows teachers the time needed to plan, grade, and meet with colleagues.

To accommodate this change, the teacher-student ratio has been changed to 25:1. This has resulted in some teachers being shifted or displaced. All displaced teachers are guaranteed a position with the District and this will not affect campus seniority. Displaced teachers will be assigned to their current campus until further notice.

Teachers impacted by the change will be notified on July 10. We ask that you please respond promptly so that we can meet and discuss your assignment.

Administration has been working diligently with our teacher associations to ensure this is a smooth transition for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation and for being part of Team EPISD. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Marc Escareno

Principal, Coronado High School

16 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Arena battle still going on

July 1, 2018

This came in from Max Grossman:

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Rome, where I spend summers for work.

As you may have heard, the El Paso Times and other media are reporting that the City of El Paso is attempting to dismiss one of my three lawuits–this one in the 2nd Court of Appeals in Fort Worth. These reports have generated a great deal of confusion, including within the City itself. Let me be clear. The lawsuit has not been dismissed and we are still in full litigation mode in that court and have no expectation of any change in the status quo at this time. I will have more to say about this in the next several days. At the moment I need to go and enjoy a glass of wine.

Buon giorno a tutti!

1 Comment | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

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