DISD HQ Has Packed House
I’m live at the district board briefing at 3700 Ross Avenue. The original room booked for the meeting has reached capacity.
About 25 people, including this reporter, are in an over flow auditorium down the hall. I’ll post updates as available.
UPDATE 11:50 a.m.
After two speakers in the public forum, the board has entered closed session to discuss acquiring land for new school sites. Half a dozen members of the Jubilee Park Neighborhood are outside protesting the possible demolition of some older homes and O.M. Roberts Elementary.
UPDATE 12:31 p.m.
Return to open session. No action was taken in closed session. The board is now giving a legislative update, the table setter for Budget Version 6.0.
UPDATE 12:40 p.m.
The board announced the cuts — and budget revisions — will continue for 4 years, including the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. This is a reflection of legislative action.
UPDATE 12:46 p.m.
There will be two 2011-2012 budget versions presented today: Version 5.1 (with a projected $90 million shortfall) and Version 6.0 (with a $63 million shortfall).
UPDATE 1:05 p.m.
The board discussed the possibilty of restoring librarian and counseling positions by reducing full-day pre-kindergarten to half-day, or cutting positions elsewhere.
UPDATE 1:27 p.m.
Trustee Carla Ranger argues for fewer staff cuts, saying “Education is more than data.”
UPDATE 1:35 p.m.
Interim superintendant Alan King closes the budget briefing portion of the meeting by asking the trustees to think of alternate ideas to contentious cuts if they aren’t happy with the current proposals.
