I’m not surprised that there is a lot of finger pointing directed at Gov. Rick Perry related to the HCISD budget cuts. However, I do think there are things that could be cut that in the long run would help abate staffing cuts. Over the years, from time to time, I have become incensed by what I see as incredible waste on the part of HCISD. The main thing that comes to mind is the massive amount of printed material on heavy bond and other expensive print papers that are produced by our district. Regular copy paper could work just as well. Now I’m not suggesting that the difference in savings by changing the way information is communicated will cover the deficit but I am sure it would come to quite a bit and that’s just one example. We waste tons of money on mailing progress reports/report cards and sending the same copies home with our children. That process adds man hours, paper, envelopes and postage. A complete waste particularly when the Portal is now available. “But what about the people who don’t have computer access?” or “What if the students aren’t forthcoming with their report cards?” Well, my opinion is that parent involvement in their children’s education lies on a vast continuum. Meaning that if a parent’s involvement is such that they ask for report cards/progress reports and they aren’t presented from their children, they will find out the progress and areas, if any, needing attention on their own. My point is I think we have wasted and continue to waste our HCISD funds. I just received an automated call from the district announcing Tuesday is 7th grade benchmark and FREE BREAKFAST is available that day. WHAT? WHY? Obviously, breakfast is important everyday but, since there is a remote possibility that a free breakfast on TAKS day MIGHT increase our scores....more waste.
I’d much rather see a teacher stay in his or her classroom than have the tons of paper produced from the district and free breakfast on TAKS testing days.
Marcia Montgomery
Kyle
