At three public hearings hosted this week by the Plano ISD Feeder School Alignment Committee, approximately 100 speakers addressed the committee each night, while standing-room-only crowds listened to discussions regarding feeder school scenarios.

Plano ISD's three senior high schools housed public hearings, which were each attended by more than 500 residents this week.

Public input garnered at the hearings will assist the committee in formulating its recommendation to present to the school board on November 3. The Feeder School Alignment Committee Website includes links to the committee's calendar and charts related to school capacities and enrollments and feeder school scenario models. The website also includes a link to video filmed at the October 5 public hearing of the committee's opening presentation.

Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest Underway
Purchase Cards Through Plano ISD Education Foundation

"Season of Harmony" is the theme for Plano ISD's 2009 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest sponsored by Webb&Webb attorneys and the Plano ISD Education Foundation. All students are invited to participate by following rules on the official contest entry form. Cards are available for purchase through the Plano ISD Education Foundation. Visit the Foundation website for details.

Artwork by student Rachel Lee, Robinson Middle School, was among the 2008 judges' picks. (View art galleries from 2008, 2007 and 2006)

Plano ISD Achieves 7th Annual 'Superior' Rating
Through 'Schools FIRST' Financial Integrity Program

For the seventh consecutive year, Plano ISD has earned a "superior achievement " rating through the Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program. The district was graded on 24 accountability indicators.

School Board Update

October 6 Meeting - School trustees took the following action at their regular monthly meeting which was held this week.

• Recognized the human resources department for a second high performance rating from the Texas Department of Insurance and the Division of Workers' Compensation;
• Announced the appointment of Jennifer Methvin, Hedgcoxe Elementary School third grade team leader, to the position of Weatherford Elementary School assistant principal;
• Approved the Consent Agenda, including several bids and routine business items;
• Denied a parent grievance heard in an earlier closed session, upholding the level three decision;
• Nominated Dr. Leo Fitzgerald to serve on the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors for Collin County for another two-year term;
• Heard a report from Linda Madon, executive director for financial services, about the district's "superior" rating in the Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program. Trustees also held an accompanying public hearing (read news article);
• Adopted the parameters order authorizing the issuance of Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2009A, as introduced by Richard Matkin, associate superintendent for business services. Representatives of First Southwest Company and Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P., were present to support the presentation.
• Adopted the parameters order authorizing the issuance of Unlimited Tax Qualified School Construction Bonds, Series 2009B (Tax Credit Bonds), as introduced by Mr. Matkin.
• Heard a report on campus enrollment data, as presented by Mr. Matkin, for both current and projected enrollment for 2009-2010 as well as year-end enrollment for the 2008-2009 school year. Currently, the total enrollment for the district exceeds the enrollment projected for 2009-10. East and west clusters have continued to show increased growth. Discussions and public meetings will be held this school year to accommodate this growth along with the design of a realigned feeder school system to incorporate Otto Middle School in 2010 and McMillen High School in 2011.
  
• Adopted four district policies as presented by Karla Oliver, executive director for government and community relations.

The agenda, with supporting links, is posted on BoardBook.
The meeting video (1:08:22) can be viewed online.

Thought for the Week:
“There is no 'I' in TEAMWORK. ”
~Unknown

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