Plan 3 Approved

Congratulations to everyone who spoke, came to meetings, got up early to wait in line, created petitions, signed petitions, filled out surveys and followed this crazy boundary process over the last 6-7 months.  I, for one, am glad it's over.

Plan 3 was approved last night by the Board of Trustees. 

In one way, I feel elated that our community came together with one voice, created a plan and saw it through.

In another, I'm selfishly sad because my family has to leave Mills. Thankfully, I'll have lots of familiar Mills faces at Kiker as we transition to a new and wonderful school community.

Mrs. Butler is working with Mrs. Schneider to create some transition events - I'll post those plans here, if there are specific things you want to see, feel free to post a comment.

BUT WAIT!  There's more!

On May 8, the School District will hold elections for some current Board of Trustee members.  Since we've gone through this process, Lisa and I feel it's important that parents and community members have an opportunity to meet the candidates for the District 7 Board position - the position that represents SW Austin.

We're working with the PTA to set up a candidates forum in March, where you'll be able to submit questions for the candidates to answer - so look for details on that coming soon!

We made it. 

REVISED AGENDA FOR TONIGHT

PUBLIC COMMENTS START AT 6:10PM

REVISED AGENDA:


I. CALL TO ORDER

6:00 PM

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

6:02 PM

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:05 PM

IV. PUBLIC HEARING: SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BOUNDARIES

(90 Minutes)

6:10 PM

V. BOARD DISCUSSION

(60 Minutes)

7:40 PM

VI. ADJOURNMENT

8:40 PM

Come one, Come All

To the Final Elementary School Boundary Forum

This is your last chance to publicly support the Boundary Plan before the AISD Board of Trustees. A public forum will be held Thursday, February 11, at 6pm at AISD headquarters.

We need as many parents and residents as possible to show up wearing Mills T-shirts, carrying Pro-Plan 3 Signs, and ready speak publically in support of the task force plan. Other schools are coming out strongly in opposition to the plan.

Interested in speaking? Come to a meeting TONIGHT, Tuesday, February 9 at 6pm in the Mills Library. Or, contact Lisa Chatham at lisadhc@yahoo.com for more details.

The Board of Trustees will vote on the plan at their February 22nd regular meeting.

New Article:
http://impactnews.com/southwest-austin/258-recent-news/7043-public-comments-on-southwest-school-boundaries-sought

KVUE Interview with Dr. Carstarphen

She talks about the Strategic Plan - and also the "turnaround" plan which is looking at addressing underperforming and under utilized schools.

HEADS UP: Community Meeting Feb. 11

The Board of Trustees will have a public meeting February 11 at 6pm.  This meeting will strictly be for the board to hear from community members regarding the current FUBTF recommended boundary plan.  Sign up proceedures are the same for the speaking at a regular board meeting.

We will hold a meeting for Mills parents Tuesday, February 9 at 6pm in the Mills Library.  Can't make the meeting?  Email millsrep@gmail.com for more information.

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Just got this from Joe Silva with AISD...More information on how to sign up coming soon.  But please, mark your calendar's now.  We will need a solid turnout.
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HI Everyone,


Just wanted to let you know that the District will releasing a press release later today (if it hasn't gone out yet) that the Board of Trustees will be holding a public forum on Thursday February 11, 2010 in the Board Auditorium to get community input regarding the FUBTF final recommendation that will be presented to them on February 8, 2010.

The process to sign up to speak will be same as Citizen Communications. Signup for speakers will start at 7:45 on 2/11/2010 in the Superintendent's office.

New schools in Austin despite empty classrooms

Mills parents,

Read this new Statesman editorial:

New schools in Austin despite empty classrooms

Please don't let this editorial go unanswered. It's time to be clear why this plan is sound, while being respectful of other schools. After you comment on the editorial, don't forget to sign the petition:  http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/FUBTFrecsupport/

Kiker Transition Meeting

Ms. Butler and Ms. Schneider are in touch with one another and plan to have a transition meeting for the Mills students who will be moving to Kiker next year. 

However, we need to wait until after the Board of Trustees votes on the plan in order to get the meeting together.  That happens Feb. 22. 

Please hold off on calling Kiker to ask about the meeting - I promise I will post information here as soon as something is decided.

Thanks!

Oak Hill Gazette: The community newspaper for Southwest Austin

Another reason to have people who support Plan 3, the plan recommended by the FUBTF attend the Feb. 8th Board of Trustee meeting. Wear your t-shirts, bring signs.

Oak Hill Gazette: The community newspaper for Southwest Austin

New Petition Circulating

Debby Clarke, a concerned community member who's been following the boundary process, has created a petition that supports Plan 3, the plan voted on by the FUBTF and the plan that will be presented to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 8.

If you would like to read or sign the petition, click here:  http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/FUBTFrecsupport/

Also, if you plan on speaking at the Feb. 22 Board meeting, please contact Lisa Chatham directly at lisadhc@yahoo.com, she is coordinating and will have specific information for you.