1. The DISD school board approved a budget-reduction plan that will result in nearly 1100 employees being let go next week, including about 550 teachers. No way around it: this was a debacle, blame ultimately rests on Superintendent Hinojosa’s shoulders, and now he must find a way to restore faith in the district and his leadership. I hope he can do it, because I think up to this point he was doing a remarkable job steering an enormous, cumbersome ship.
2. I feel for Anna Tinsley, the reporter on this story. Because I imagine her sitting at her desk, hoping the day will bring her a chance to do some quality journalism, when an editor approaches her and says, “Hey, we want you to hang out with local Hockey moms tonight and tell readers what they think about Sarah Palin’s debate performance.” And she smiled and said okay, and then went back to searching Monster.com for a job that doesn’t seem so ridiculous.
3. New Mavs coach Rick Carlisle says his team needs to be nastier this season. I mean, really be tougher. Meaner. Not just talk about it. Grrr, you know? Just like they’ve promised to do every year for the past half-dozen or so. But this time they’re serious! Roar!
4 comments
Regarding the Hockey Mom assignment, I especially like this quote:
“She can relate,” said Talkington, 45, of Southlake. “She knows where she’s coming from on that.”
Oh, the troubles and burdens of Southlake.
re: #1 – NBC5 said last night the district will save $30,000,000 this year by eliminating 600 jobs, 550 of which are teacher positions. I thought teachers were poor? Doesn’t that average their salary at $50,000 a year? With a GREAT vacation plan?
My favoritr quote:
No comment.
#1) Eric, thanks because your post is not only fair but true and truly felt. It is just killing me to watch this train wreck, cutting 500 teachers, along with support. This is not only a personal disaster for real people doing real work (teachers) but it’s a terrible injustice to the children, who attach themselves to a teacher who disappears? PS: Hinojosa has been a god-send. But this is his day as Job and he must somehow vindicate himself in my and our eyes. Because, no matter what the excuses, this tragedy should have never happened.
I have recommitted myself to volunteering in DISD schools; beginning with James Bonham (on Henderson between Old Monk and Louie’s) where I went 7 years. That school was judged ‘Exemplary’ despite no money. Basically grades 1-3. The teacher’s lounge a closet. I’m going to be the party ham speaker for a January James Bonham fundraiser, with Henderson area restaurants helping out. God knows why anyone would pay to hear me, but the food will be good and the cause will be great. Please consider coming Saturday, January 10.