Trustees & Administrators Meet with Legislators, Testify before Senate Education Committee

March 11, 2011

Plano ISD coalition meets with state lawmakers, testifies before Senate Education Committee and participates in Collin County Days in Austin

Members of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees and executive level administrators met this week with state legislators at the state capitol where they testified before the Senate Education Committee, met privately with lawmakers and participated in activities surrounding the Collin County Days event in Austin.

Senator Florence Shapiro of Plano (right), chair of the Senate Education Committee, stepped out of hearings this week to meet with Plano ISD representatives, seeking ideas for consideration and sharing ideas. Pictured are Plano ISD Trustees (from bottom left), Marilyn Hinton, Tammy Richards and Nancy Humphrey, joined by Richard Matkin, Plano ISD associate superintendent for business services.

"Meetings with legislators were productive, collaborative and conversational," reported Karla Oliver, Plano ISD executive director for government and community relations, who said that Senator Florence Shapiro took time to meet with Plano representatives, including them on considerations of the Senate Education Committee and seeking ideas from the Plano group.

Plano ISD's Richard Matkin, associate superintendent for business services (second from left), and Plano ISD Trustees Marilyn Hinton and Nancy Humphrey visited with Representative Van Taylor during Collin County Days in Austin.

Representative Van Taylor also welcomed Plano ISD trustees into his office. Trustee Nancy Humphrey opened the discussion on a prepared handout regarding Plano ISD priorities. "Van asked a number of questions and everyone chimed in with answers," said Ms. Oliver. As the meeting with Van came to a close, he invited the Plano representatives to walk with him as he made his way to the House floor to continue discussing issues under consideration by the legislature.

Preparing to testify before the Senate Education Committee in Austin this week, Missy Bender, school board secretary, was joined by Karla Oliver, executive director for government and community relations, and Richard Matkin, associate superintendent for business services.

"The experience personified what Collin County Days is all about," said Ms. Oliver. "We were provided information as needed and enjoyed invaluable networking opportunities with fellow Collin County groups."

Collin County Days activities were coordinated by the Plano Chamber Chamber of Commerce, which hosted a dinner on Monday evening attended by Plano ISD trustees.

Plano ISD's Legislative Priorities

Discussions with the state's elected officials this week centered on the legislative priorities outlined by Plano ISD trustees and administrators regarding school finance, the state's recommended 4x4 graduation plan and other required mandates, accountability measures and local control.

In light of the state's $27 billion shortfall, announced in January, and its estimated impact on Texas schools, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees declared a financial exigency and approved a reduction in force (RIF) in January. The board's budget discussions and reduction measures will continue this spring. Read more and watch related board videos.

Trustees Nancy Humphrey, Carrolyn Moebius, Marilyn Hinton and Missy Bender, board secretary, are pictured with House Public Education Committee Chair Rob Eissler.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto has stated, "Plano ISD is poised in a position of hope that our legislators will give us the opportunity to participate in the conversation concerning budget reductions and deficits rather than suffer the consequences of uninformed decisions and mandates in the face of financial strife.

"We will continue to meet with state legislators and to share our priorities regarding the curriculum, accountability and school finance measures, and we encourage all Plano ISD citizens to follow closely this legislative session and voice your concerns to state legislators regarding bills affecting public education."