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32 The Eanes school district marched further down the path to a bond election Feb. 3, when school board members held a study session.
District superintendent Nola Wellman took board members back to the drawing board to provide more detail on issues members had questioned in past sessions. Along for the ride were administrators, including Les Reddin, director of maintenance and operations and Cynthia Martin, director of special education, there to answer specific questions that arose.
“The board continues discussion and information gathering, but has not yet deliberated or decided upon what a bond proposal might look like,” said Dale Whitaker, district communications director.
Wellman did come prepared with a possible bond scenario that included six topics for discussion: elementary schools, special populations, technology, the Shriner Tract, support services and other facilities. The total estimate for all the work reviewed in that scenario adds up to $125 million.
Wellman acknowledged that was a high starting number for review.
“The administration is not recommending a $125 million bond program,” Whitaker said, clarifying that the amount covered a number of variable issues.
Board member James Kallison kicked off the four-hour discussion of bond considerations by reminding the board and administrators that money spent in the district through the issuance of bonds was cheaper than money spent out of the maintenance and operation fund.
“There are few advantages these days to being in a wealthy district, and those are on the INS side of the budget,” Kallison said. “It is not subject to recapture, and it takes fewer pennies to generate the kind of money that you need to repay the bond principal and then the interest. We need to be very careful about every penny that we tax, but we also need to recognize that we are getting a much bigger bang for our buck on the INS side.”
Kalison said that the decisions made regarding the issues being discussed in light of a potential bond would determine how well the district navigated the next 10-15 years.
“I know that ($125 million) is a big price tag, but I think it would be a huge step forward and significant progress for the school district,” he said. “It addresses so many of our needs. It addresses the needs of populations at two elementary schools (Eanes and Valley View). In addition to that, you eliminate having two elementary schools side by side, which helps Forest Trail. You get a new repurposed building at Valley View, which gives us a needed new administration building, which takes care of the professional development component. You can consolidate special education functions. By vacating the current administration building, you provide a permanent structure for the alternative education center and the learning center.”
Kalison said the areas under consideration for possible bond coverage offered significant gains for the district to weigh against the negative aspect of the high cost.
Detailed discussion during the study session centered on topics including the increasing number of students using special education services in the district and the special classroom needs those new students would require and the district’s need for increased professional development and administrative space.
In response to questions by board members if putting bond money into buildings for administrative space and not into students and regular classrooms was where the district should be headed, Wellman responded that the quality of education has increased in recent years by focusing on improving teacher skills in the classrooms and by providing support to students with special needs in the classrooms.
“There is no question but that it has increased our test scores and benefited our students,” she said.
Whitaker said that the board did not appear to be ready to call for a May bond election, which would need to be called by the end of the month. The next opportunity for a bond election would be in November, which would require an announcement this summer.
“The board will need to provide the administration with direction so that a proposal can be developed,” Whitaker said.
She said the district would likely schedule public informational forums during the spring.
Editor’s note: Eanes school board member James Kallison’s comments supporting portions of a possible bond package were erroneously attributed to support of for all possible bond options estimated at $125 million. Kallison’s comments were in support of the remodeling of Eanes Elementary School, the building of a new elementary school on River Hills Road and the repurposing of Valley View Elementary School to administrative offices. The estimated cost of an elementary school package, including classroom work at Forest Trail Elementary School, was estimated at $42.1 million.
The suggestion in this article that I endorse a $125 million bond package for the Eanes district is incorrect. The endorsement I made at the February 3rd board study session was specifically for the “elementary school package” which includes 1) a new elementary school on River Hills, 2) renovation of Eanes Elementary, 3) repurposing Valley View, and 4) repurposing the current administration building. The estimate for these projects totals $41 million. And while I will, no doubt, support other projects for the bond to meet the significant needs of the district, I hope the board can pare down the total cost of the bond proposal from the $125 million value currently under consideration.
James (Kal) Kallison
Eanes ISD Board of Trustees
The population of children with special needs in Eanes ISD is not increasing as this article suggests.
(Quote from this article: “Detailed discussion during the study session centered on topics including the increasing number of students using special education services in the district and the special classroom needs those new students would require … “)
In fact, percentages reflect a significant (and alarming) decrease in the population of children with special needs in Eanes ISD: 04-05/11% — 05-06/10% — 06-07/9% — 07-08-8%.
When Mr. Kallison was appointed over other candidates who demonstrated popular support, I think everyone hoped that his advanced degrees might portend a board member who would critically question the decisions being made. I think that if he thinks that “only” publicly supporting the proposals for a new elementary school and major renovations to two others (when we only have enough elementary aged school children in this district to fill five of our six existing elementary schools) is a fiscally sound decision, I don’t think he has the judgment everyone was hoping for. Also, the quotes attributed to him about the interest and sinking funds (as opposed to the legally separately taxed and used maintenance and operation funds) indicates a very shallow and two dimensional understanding of an essential and important school financing concept. Ten years ago our electorate was intelligent enough to figure out the pragmatic relationship between the two. I trust some of those smart voters will consider running for the board. Some intelligence and common sense is badly needed.
Dear Lawyermom: While “pragmatic” is a great word, especially for a lawyer, your attack on Mr. Kallison, his judgement and his education is beyond the standards of acceptable social behavior.
After a great football season, a wonderful holiday season, the football team committing 6 players to some of the finest universities in the land (with more to follow), my hiatus has concluded and now that I’m back to my fighting weight am going to take on the likes of YOU and the balance of your “I Trash Eanes Because I Am Not A Happy Person” contingent.
So here’s what I say to you and your “ITEBIANAHP” brethern: According to your index, you are smart enough to run for school board—so run. As a proud Texan, I can hardly believe your temperament is home grown, so my money says your tasteless, personal diatribe about Mr. Kallison may play well north of the Mason Dixon line, but I’m quite confident people of good taste would not drop a quarter in your juke box. That’s why you use a meaningless forum that only the likes of folks like you and I frequent.
I’m left to believe your kind attack a public figure and a member of our community under an alias because, well, you know why…so, run for office, take credit for your remarks and see who is smarter.
As I’ve said in this forum many times before, disagreement is the American way, but a personal attack against someone serving our children is unacceptable and socially deficient.
By your own suggestion, you lawyers know everything or at least “you” lawyer does—You’ve not only said that Mr. Kallison isn’t smart enough, even with “his advanced degrees”, but that the Eanes electorate isn’t smart enough to elect the right people.
If the Eanes electorate are voting for people that disagree with the likes of you and your fellow “ITEBIANAHP”-ers, then I would contend they are exactly the kind of folks that the district needs and much smarter than you give credit for.
Now you’re going to tell me my retort to your attack on Mr. Kallison is different than what you did, right? Yep, just like y’all always do…bring it on lawyermama!!
Over and out—
Rrrrrrrrruff!
for school board candidates who don’t mirror the behavior and priorities of Rex the Dog and our incumbents.
Dear I will vote: Since the only opinion I’ve espoused is that regarding the anonymous, socially deficient and destructive personal attacks on public figures who are also our neighbors, it can only be suggested that a vote against my opinion is a vote FOR the same…so sad.
Another member of “ITEBIANAHP”. Now there are two…I’m sure more will join soon.
lawyermom – how are Mr. Kallison’s remarks “shallow and two dimensional”? From the article, he seems to be addressing the expressed needs of the Valley View community to have a school in their neighborhood, the Eanes Elementary community to upgrade their aging facilities, the retro-fitting of the administration building to handle special needs populations (which have been specifically criticized as deficient on this newspaper’s blogs), and the retrofitting of VV to handle professional development, an express need of the District to support the growth of its teachers. Bond monies are not subject to Robin Hood and therefore, as Mr. Kallison suggests, are not subject to recapture and the dollars go farther (we don’t send 50% or so away). He appears to be considering the expressed needs of many communities in Eanes and the District’s own goals – and then considering the most efficient means of funding those needs and goals. Given that there is still much to analyze and review before a final decision is made, I would suggest that Mr. Kallison is doing exactly what we want an elected school district official to do on our behalf.
Kallison has failed to look at the impact the additional 75k sq ft a new elementary school will cost to operate plus the additional employee costs. We have over 200 non employee out of district transfer students in all of our elementary schools but Bridge Point that are used to help raise funds to “operate”. If this is the case then how will we be able to afford to operate an entirely new space that will be on top of what we operate now?
Dr. Wellman has said on many occasions that schools are more efficient if they have 600 to 700 students because the programs that are funded spread across a larger group of students. The 17:1 funding ratio used by the district is used for all sizes of schools- the 400 student elementary schools and the the 2400 student high school(hmm if you think this might not be a fair way to do it you are right).
I am not a fan of 700 student elementary schools but see how we could more efficiently operate 5 schools over 6 by removing out of district transfers, adding on to Barton creek and Eanes increasing their capacities to 6oo/650, review our boundary lines and be cost conscious when it comes to the number of facilities we operate.
Without knowing that RobinHood is going away or that the amount redistributed will be significantly decreased we should be conservative in how we operate and build from the ground up as suggested by Paul Stone, Robert Durkee and Clint Sayers at the last study session.
I respect the Valley View community and their want for a new school but when we cannot fill our current schools with students from within our own district it does not make sense especially when Barton Creek is around the corner.
We need taxpayers to ask the question- do we want programs or do we want new schools because in the end we will be forced to make that choice. As a parent I vote for educational programs during these economic times. In the event our district increases our current growth rate of 1% that is now flat to warrant another elementary school we can move in that direction. However, we are not there, we do not have the overcrowding problems of South Austin, we have the exact opposite- not enough students resulting in out of district transfers.
If people are curious what happens to a school district that overbuilds for too few students they should look at the school system in Flagstaff, AZ. They cannot afford to operate resulting in the choice between teachers or buildings. They are closing new campuses because the choice is clear when dollars are stretched thin- teachers are needed to teach.
Rex and his buddies are bullies and very often make remarks I deem to also be sexist. Nice combination. Anyhow, what Rex the Dog and his ilk fail to ever recognize are the many, MANY students at Westlake who don’t happen to play football and yet, are remarkably still going on to the “some of the finest universities in the land” without the beneficial crutch of football. It is a sad commentary on his narrow mindset.
It’s official…I’m a Rex fan! Keep it up
It’s tough to be a fan of Rex the Dog. So far he has managed to condescend to women, non athletes, lawyers, and those ‘north of the Mason Dixon line’. What’s to love? Bigotry in any shape or form isn’t what we should be supporting or teaching our children.
Who is Rex the Dog? Although he is anonymous, we know this. Rex the Dog is very unhappy with those who have an opinion that differs from his own. But Rex the Dog doesn’t argue the issues. Rex the Dog simply attacks anyone who dares to disagree with the Eanes ISD leadership. Rex the Dog is a bully, an attack dog. Rex the Dog makes derogatory remarks about people based on gender (especially women) and socioeconomic status (even children). Rex the Dog thinks football is life. Rex the Dog chooses to remain anonymous. Who is Rex the Junk Yard Dog? And who is yanking his chain?
Dear Proud Westlake Mom: That’s right…kick the dog. Y’all are all alike…all of you “ITEBIANAHP”-ers. How about siding with what’s right even if you disagree with Mr. Kallison?
For example, I believe Obama is a marxist, but I also believe he’s probably a nice enough guy. At least he’s given me reason to believe he’s a Marxist…on the contrary, Mr. Kallison, oh well, you know.
How in good conscience can you side with anonymous personal attacks on our neighber by someone who in their frustration has a limited ability to express their opposing view?
I’m a sexist and a bully? Why, because I support Westlake HS atheletes or because the football team signed multiple kids to great schools or because along with plenty of other folks in the area I’m tired of folks like you bashing people of good will with venomous personal attacks?
BTW, you disqualified yourself as credible when you said that football players received a beneficial crutch into some of the finest schools—partially true yes, but not entirely—you may want to do your research before you make a blanket statement about a group of boys who have worked hard, maintained their grades and got accepted into some of the finest schools in the same manner the non-athletes do/did……better yet get together with Lawyermom…she appartently is smarter than Mr. Kallison and all of the Eanes electorate.
I’m mad as heck, and I’m not rolling over any more!! (I’m not really mad, but it was a good movie line).
So, come on back good buddy with more hatespeach…I’m waiting.
This is Rex the Dog and you’re not and I will not be deterred…Rrrrrruff!! Ahhhh-ooooooh!!
I recall Rex’s bullying of Westlake kids who do not play football. It was really a remarkable thing. Who can love someone who is a bully to highschoolers? I am not a Rex fan.
We are all free to express ourselves without harassment, right? Rex, why be critical of commenters when you have also been extremely critical of our neighbors and our kids. We should be allowed our opinions without being policed by Rex.
It’s very important to debate both the bond and the future operations and maintenance costs of new facilities in a district with 1% growth and a current deficit in its operating budget, regardless of whether Rex approves or not. The taxpayers need to know real numbers about what this bond will cost us in higher rates, and parents need to know how maintenance on new facilities will be maintained without costs to our many excellent existing programs or to the most important factor of all–our teachers. The job of asking the hard questions falls on those who serve as elected representatives. I’m glad to see that many of our board members are pushing for these answers and that the electorate is active.
I agree with “Issues”. I love an active, informed electorate as well. I am sure, however that it frightens those who would prefer to maintain the status quo. But business as usual just isn’t working for many children, parents, and taxpayers. I agree that we need to take a close (and informed) look at the issues and then speak out. We need to gather/share information, ask questions, and voice our opinion because this is how we protect our freedom of speech and our right to hold government accountable. I think that Eanes ISD needs to toss the wish list or find private funding for their dream sports facilities.
There are also plenty of children who live in Eanes ISD and attend private school because they cannot attend the local public school. They too are matriculating to “some of the finest universities in the land” (as a direct result of leaving Eanes ISD) and their parents remain here in Eanes ISD paying property taxes and voting on proposed bonds. As a member of the 72% of taxpayers in this district who don’t have children enrolled in Eanes ISD, I intend to vote against any bond that includes frivolous items such as a covered football field. And just maybe (one fine day) if we all do that, the children who cannot attend Eanes ISD will return to the district because it will be focused on and committed to meeting the needs of all (not just some) and then the district won’t need all those transfer students to fill the schools. Instead of new schools and more administrative offices, we need new board members and a new superintendent to accomplish that.
What can we afford? How does this solution allow for new facilities for the special needs children and space to support teacher development, which supports programs?
Wow Rex the Dog! My comments regarding Mr. Kallison’s quoted remarks were not a personal attack, but a sincere expression of disappointment that he has failed to see beyond the superficial. I truly hoped that he would. What can we afford?? remembers and understands. We’ve been here before. We couldn’t afford a second high school or a third middle school–not because we couldn’t afford the land or bricks and mortar–but because there is little that we can build with those Robin Hood exempt dollars that doesn’t require a lot of M & O to operate. And if you’ve missed the recent school board meetings, absent tax relief from the state (which is unlikely to come any time soon–last time it took a decade), we’re going to need to start cutting staff–without building anything.
I’m not sure whether I should be complimented or insulted that you think I’m a northern intellectual. Actually, I’m a sixth generation Texan who has season football tickets, attends almost all of the games, but doesn’t take a hiatus from what’s going on in the school district to do so. And no personal attacks are necessary. I will not be running for the board, although I am concerned about having quality candidates to chose from. My children have graduated, and I believe our board really needs an infusion of younger parents. I’m hardly a malcontent–I am an opinionated happy person who dedicates my professional efforts to helping children in education.
We do need to have open discussion about the financial future of our district without indulging in how it affects our favorite or least favorite projects. Had we built a second high school, we would have bankrupted the district. In these treacherous economic times, we all need to get a grip and help our community make sound decisions to enable today’s children to enjoy the educational advantages our children had.
ZAP, BAM, POW, CRASH, KAPOW—Wow, now I know how Batman must have felt (and Mr. Kallison, of course) and just like Batman, I’ll spread my wings (paws) and fly above those wishing to unleash (dog joke) holy socially deficient attacks on our neighbors…luckily for me it won’t take much altitude to fly above you all…heck, I thought I knew what a dog-fight was, but y’all bring a whole new meaning to it…packs do that though…attack the little guy. Just a reminder, your contemptible and rude behavior continues to discredit your purpose.
Dear lawyermom, your retreat into passive-aggressiveness is unbecoming, disingenuous and mean spirited…the fact is you owe Mr. Kallison and the entire Eanes electorate an apology. Declaring your personal attack an “observation” is like saying Obama is a pro-business conservative and not a Marxist…not that there’s anything wrong with that (if you lived in the Soviet Union 50 years ago).
Sorry to hear that you’re a 6th generation Texan…not sure I would publicize that given your behavior.
By the way, you used the word intellect, not me.
Dear Issues and Marathon Momma—I’m not sure if we agree on the issues, but I do indeed agree with you on the necessity to debate and openly discuss all of the issues before the district and our children. My “chap” so to speak is with those who shamelessly and anonymously attack others for attempting to do so…in this very specific case with lawyermom.
Y’all better delve into the Picayune’s archives and find where I was a sexist and show me…I may be and not even know it. I’ll be waiting. If you can’t, then I would appreciate my apology in the same forum as my denunciation.
In the meantime, all of you “ITEBIANAHP-ers”, EANES HATERS, MR. KALLISON BASHERS and I LOVE TO KICK REX THE DOG BECAUSE I’M NOT HAPPY-ers, please take two aspirin, reduce your intake of caffeine in the mornings and stay away from the stemware in the afternoon and look towards heaven…happiness abounds and a little altitude will get you there.
Now, y’all bring it on, I’ll be waiting.
I am Rex the Dog and you’re not and no, I will not roll-over…Rrrrrrrrrrruff…Ahhhhhh-oooooooh!!
Here’s a good starting place for those who want public information regarding Eanes ISD board member Kal Kallison. Audio of his interview for appointment to the board (August 10, 2009) is available at this link as well as excerpts from that audio. Just scroll to bottom of page.
After reading his stated philosophy, each voter has the option to follow his actions and decide whether he represented the best interest of Eanes ISD children and taxpayers. Here’s the link:
http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/eanes_isd_appoints_trustee.htm
Rex the Dog wrote (2/17/10):
Y’all better delve into the Picayune’s archives and find where I was a sexist and show me…I may be and not even know it. I’ll be waiting. If you can’t, then I would appreciate my apology in the same forum as my denunciation.
Rex the Dog says:
July 16, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Suggestions: Maybe you girls should 1. Move to another district where they don’t do things like this, say like Pflugerville.
Ignore the individual who is trying to divert the discussion. Those who exert their rights to express their opinions and share information about taxes, spending, fiscal responsibility and education shouldn’t be silenced by someone who claims the president is a socialist but the school board should be free to tax and spend with no critique.
Oh my goodness, you lefties sho’ fire up easy—no wonder you think I’m a bigot…I laugh.
Here’s my thinking—we know LADY doesn’t apply (for obvious reasons) and if I’m addressing someone with a female alias, who can’t utilize “adult” restraint when expressing an opposing opinion or if it’s a male using a female alias, then I’m not sure what word other than GIRLS appropriately applies—let me know, until then I think I’ll just use the word, let me see…hmmm…well, uh GIRLS…and I figure Pflugerville is just about far enough away where folks like me won’t hear folks like you “girls” (and I just like saying the word Pflugerville, especially when I say it like Sylvester the Cat)…but for your convenience I’ve taken my protractor and drawn a circle around Westlake the same distance as Pflugerville…I’d be happy to provide you with a list of other possible host cities.
Enough said…I’ll take my apology now…and use ALL CAPS, would ya?
By the way, add a little chocolate to my earlier prescription for happiness…a little chocolate goes a long way.
And yes, I am Rex the Dog and you’re not and like McCartney and Lennon sang—I am the doggy, I am the doggy, you are the hydrant…goo goo g’ joob…Rrrrrrrrrrruff—Ah-Ooooooooh…
UT alumni–I don’t see where “what we can afford?” responded to you. I can’t speak for him/her, but I think that we certainly we need to examine our needs–critical, necessary, and desirable–in prioritizing how to allocate our limited resources. I anticipate that there will be a difference of opinion on that. I hope that the board eventually provides the electorate with multiple choices rather than “bundling” everything. If they do the latter, they’re going to turn people like me who would support what I see as critical–for example, ADA compliance costs–into “no” votes. I could not support the cost of converting classroom space into office space to further expand our administration (which has exploded in size in the past six years) or office space into classroom space because I’m not convinced that this is an efficient use of resources or that more space for teacher development is a critical need at this time. I don’t deny that the mushrooming administration has provided support that has arguably boosted our test scores, but since we are already facing staff cuts, which helps our kids more–class sizes of 25 to 1 instead of 30 to 1 at WHS or more planning support? The year we went to the latter, homework was reduced significantly. If money were not an object, we’d do everything–as some have urged. But that is not the case. Also, donors to EEF are beginning to realize that their donations are indeed going to teaching slots–and are supplanting local tax dollars that are being used on expanded administration instead. Most special needs parents I know have returned the cold shoulder EEF has shown their kids and not donated. I am concerned that as our needs in this area increase in the next few years, fewer, rather than more donations will be made to EEF. I know and like many of our administrators, but when we have to tighten our belt, we have to realize that we are too small a district for the size of administration that we are currently supporting. There have to be other, more efficient ways to address these areas.
I seem to recall Rex stating something to this effect: “my football player is tutoring your kids with the pocket protectors”. Sounds like a bully to me. I was offended and my child doesn’t even wear a pocket protector.
Oh, and he will also be going to a very nice college and he is involved in other, less “important” varsity sports. But we can’t dare mention any other kids like this, we might get our heads bitten off.
By the way Rex, what makes you call us all “lefties”(I’m not), among other things, and then write about your urge to pee on us? You need to calm down a bit. Be a good little doggie.
….. SQUIRREL!!!
UT Alumni- If we reduce the number of Elem campuses to 5 by adding on to existing campuses and redistricting, the current VV campus will be able to be used for the 19+ program, a CDC, and possibly Admin.
I fully support making all of the changes necessary to make our district ADA compliant- it is simple- it is the law.
It simply does not make sense to add over 75 thousand sq ft of additional operating space.
Before Eanes ISD puts forward a new bond package for the taxpayers to approve, I would like to see some meaningful accountability and transparency for past bond expenditures. An audit by Deloitte and Touche, LLP of bond expenditures revealed the following overall conclusion with respect to our district’s management of construction related costs:
“EISD has established a construction management program to review and evaluate construction-related costs; however, a number of opportunities exist for EISD to improve the controls in the program to appropriately manage construction related costs. We identified approximately $663,000 of questionable payments to contractors that should be further examined by EISD as to whether reimbursements to EISD for these payments are warranted.”
This audit report was sent to Eanes Trustee Robert Durkee who was at the time, the Finance Committee Chair. Were these discrepancies an agenda item for open session of an Eanes ISD board meeting, and if not, why not?
Taxpayers should ask for and expect a true and accurate accounting of all bond money spent. It would be appropriate for the Eanes trustees to openly address these accounting irregularities and their plan to improve our district’s bond accounting practices in a future board meeting. A decision to do so will provide the much needed and asked for transparency. It would also allow for community understanding and input.
Show us the money, how it’s been managed (or mismanaged) before asking us to approve another bond.
Those with an interest in reviewing the Deloitte audit report may access it by cutting and pasting this link into your web browser:
http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/pdf/Eanes%20Internal%20Audit%20Construction%20Management%20May%202004.pdf
Maybe EEF can just pass the hat to cover this?
If the district doesn’t track the money, the public can’t follow the money.
This Eanes ISD construction audit found $663,000 of questionable payments:
http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/construction_audit_2004.htm