One big challenge I have mentioned previously is to manage the phenomenal growth that Comal County has been experiencing the last 5 years. Every Monday evening you'll get caught up with the top stories from the last week. Eric joined Community Impact as an editor in July 2021, returning to journalism after several years in the New Braunfels business community. Yes, there are pockets of goodness in individual teachers and teams across the district, but for the most part this is dismal and must change. It is important we manage our tax monies prudently. person will not be tolerated. Christopher Willis and Fabian Castillo Dealva are seeking the District 2 seat. However, we need to ensure that there is equity throughout our schools. Election day will be November 8, 2022. I want to serve on the board because being more involved in the community has not always been easy as a mom and a teacher, so this is my way to get more involved and to help students in a different way. Prior to CI, Eric freelanced for multiple publications and was a reporter for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Two incumbents and five challengers competed for three trustee seats on the Southwest ISD board. In addition, utilizing school design replication would lower design costs, maintenance costs and fixture costs. We need to look at how we plan out future growth by working with local leaders in New Braunfels, Garden Ridge, Canyon Lake and Smithson Valley to insure we meet this growth in a fiscally responsible manner. Retired principal Corrine Saldaa narrowly won election with 33% of the vote. Keep it Clean. Comal Independent School District Board of Trustees Calls Two Elections to Address Enrollment Growth and Teacher Pay The Comal ISD Board of Trustees called for two elections to be held Nov. 2. I do believe Comal ISD is doing a good job in educating our students. Comal ISD trustees to discuss election guidelines for bond, new tax Why or why not? Their futures rely on the education they receive while attending Comal ISD schools. Image courtesy of Comal ISD. I am a parent with a long-term vested interest in the district. If you are not an incumbent, would you have voted to rescind the mask mandate? *Tim Hennessee: District No. Don't Threaten. Do you think your district treats its teachers, principals and support personnel well? Carey Watson Hildebrand will represent Place No. No board, no person, no institution is perfect. School Board / School Board Elections - c-ischools.org Because I understand some of the financial burdens placed on school districts, I will strongly advocate for teachers and taxpayers at the state level to ensure that more of our tax dollars stay in our own fast-growing district. VisitVotetexas.govfor more information on how to register. Think of the Comal ISD school district as a triangle. Do you know this means your student scored about a 40% on the test? Good communications between schools and parents is sometimes not there, and teachers and staff are leaving because of a lack of trust or for other unknown reasons because our Central Office doesnt have a process to analyze why. The Comal Independent School District board of trustees is gearing up for a bond election and a tax rate increase election in November. San Antonios largest school district, Northside ISD, had three competitive races on the ballot. A new exhibit reconsiders its complicated history, Rosie Castro confirmed as temporary council member for San Antonios District 7, Former SAPD officer who shot Erik Cantu Jr. receives criminal trial start date in June. Brittany Soto: District No. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. [1] Trustee meetings drew packed board rooms this year following a series of controversial actions, motivating those who opposed their decisions to launch a get-out-the-vote campaign. Beginning on April 19, there will be an election for two members of the Board of Trustees for New Braunfels Independent School District. I think it shows our message has resonated with the community, and people are ready for change, Sorensen said. Details about the VATRE and Bond 2021 can be found on theDistrictswebsite. There is a trust that comes from our Constitution that the republic works, and that the People will elect in a fair election the only kind we have here in Texas the representative whose values best represents them. 5. Student enrollment growth is also a significant challenge for the district, and is projected to increase by 1,200-1,500 students per year for the next four years. I would have voted to keep the mask mandate. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today. Lillard set franchise and career marks with 71 points tied for the most in the NBA this season and 13 3-pointers in the Portland Trail Blazers' 131 -114 victory over the Houston Apartment Therapy flipped into Apartment Therapy Schools should keep students safe and secure while they learn. I have worked in these fields for companies such as Texas Instruments, M&M/MARS-Wrigley, Russell Stover Candies, and John B. Sanfilippo & Sons/Fisher Nuts. (Community Impact Newspaper staff), Editor, New Braunfels and San Marcos/Buda/Kyle. Would you like to receive our daily news. Sorensen was part of aslate of candidates backed by the teachers union, student groups and progressive organizations running against board incumbents and former city councilwoman Leticia Ozuna. The pandemic created significant gaps, and they need to be addressed in meaningful ways, so our students go into the next phases of their education prepared. Current board president and UTSA education professor Carol Harle easily won reelection in District 6, and incumbent Karen Freeman received the majority of the vote, even with a crowded field of three challengers. Why or why not? Why? The Texas Secretary of State's elections department is also an excellent resource for election/candidacy questions and can be reached at (512) 463-5650 or http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/index.shtml Submit application to: Comal ISD, 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130, US We will continue to lose teachers, and we will start to see students leave this district. KTPD 89.3 FM in Del Rio's broadcast signal is currently down. Those board member positions are occupied by Marty Bartlett and Cody Mueller, respectively. How should CISD handle growth within the district? My goal is to see our district continue being a pacesetter in statewide education. D. At first I believe Comal ISD did a good job of providing options to students and parents to see if theyd like to attend in person or remote learning. The seats of District 1 incumbent Stephen Smith, District 2 incumbent David Drastata and District 5 incumbent Amy Freund were up for election, in addition to a special election for the District 6 seat held by Marty Bartlett. Occupation: I am currently retired, but I do some substitute teaching. I would have polled the constituents in my district- all staff, parents and student input would be considered before casting my vote. Texas Public Radio. We are working to restore the radio signal. This allows me to literally Think Outside the Box when looking at solutions to problems facing the community and its educational requirements. I am Orlando OJ Dona, and with your vote I will be your Trustee for Comal ISD SMD 7 on May 7, 2022. Do you think your district is doing a good job educating its students? Withitspassage, teachers and staff would receive a 3 percent pay increase this year with auxiliarypersonnelreceivinga$1.50 hourly pay increase. please consider making your gift of support today. A keen eye must be kept on how our tax monies are being spent. March 14, 2012 Candidates for the Comal ISD School Board including Stephen Smith (District 1), David Drastata (District 2) and Amy Freund (District 5) are all unopposed for the May 12. Local school boards dont have much of a say in this. We do not need to do deficit budgeting. We need to reach out to local or even corporate businesses to see if we could get any donations from them. In District 4, incumbent Denise Kern was unopposed in her re-election bid. Currently I am an English Language Arts and Reading high school teacher working with 9th-12th grade students who are working towards earning English credits so they can stay on track to graduate with their peers. Lastly, it is no secret that there are divisive political agendas threatening to infiltrate our schools a place where these differences should be set aside. In comparison, Northside School District which has approximately 110,000 students and Northeast ISD which has 60,000 students can easily fit within the boundaries of Comal ISD and have a much denser and diverse tax base to support this higher student number to include businesses. Have they mentored students in the National Honor Society or won awards for Robotics at the Texas State Level with their kiddos? May 7 Election results: School, College Districts - KSAT If the School Board approves the updated Hillsborough County District Map, the students of thousands could be affected during the next school year. New Braunfels police chief finalists announced, Q&A: Meet the candidates running for New Braunfels City Council, From persuasive writing to planting trees, Carl Schurz Elementary students celebrate Earth Day, Q&A's: Meet the candidates running for New Braunfels ISD board of trustees, Comal County surpasses 10K confirmed, probable COVID-19 cases. What experience do you have making financial decisions? The early years of my post-graduate career were spent in the outdoor industry, beginning with the famed YO Ranch and, soon after, a luxury wing-shooting lodge in Kentucky. My kids are twelve, six, four, and I recently had another child who is almost seven months now. Sorensen said she wants parents and students to have more of a say in their schools, and to bring more transparency to the budgeting process. Mask mandates are still being litigated in the Texas Court of Appeals by 19 Independent School Districts. Proposition C, at$20,397,672, will fundstadium capacityexpansion projects at both Canyon Lake and Davenport High Schools. Early voting begins April 25 and ends May 3. We have lived in Garden Ridge for over 10 years. Comal ISD, District 7: The trustee candidates speak. For best results call during our business hours Error! Political agendas and ideals have no place in the classroom. Top priorities for me are transparency in how board decisions are made. For TPR's full Voter Guide, click here. The other three members of her slate, Judit Vega, Luke Amphlett and Yasmn Parra Codina, received 40 to 45% of the vote in their races. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Mostly clear. Share with Us. We must continue to study the projected growth in the district so we can make strategic decisions regarding when and where to purchase land. I am a teacher first in all things, and have taught students here in my own district for years I am known by parents and current/graduated students from Smithson Valley, Davenport, and Pieper High Schools. Why do you want to serve on the school board? I am aware of the importance of replication of equipment in our school system to include school designs. Currently, COMAL ISD comprises over 40% minorities in our student body; yet, representation on the school board does not reflect this. With 16 competitive races spread across six different Bexar County school districts Saturday, familiar names held a lot of sway. Experience: 6 years as a certified teacher in the State of Texas. NEW BRAUNFELSIn a resounding 7-0 vote, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution supporting area residents and communities, echoing their concerns about the proposed Vulcan quarry, and directing the school administration to file for a contested case hearing. If you are in favor of the progressive ideas eating away at the root of our representative republic and democracy, then do not vote for me. At CI, Lauren covers education, local government, transportation, business, real estate development and nonprofits in New Braunfels. CTE Spotlight: Health Science Students Gain Experience, Earn Certifications racist or sexually-oriented language. It should also allow contractors to sharpen their pencils on how to rebuild similar buildings based on previous experience. Comal ISD board of trustees District 1 - impact Don't knowingly lie about anyone This says a lot about my passion and determination to help others. Johnson Ranch Elementary - Comal ISD With a very dynamic growth rate, Comal ISD is poised to continue growing at a rapid pace. This will have a domino effect on our community if we do not address this before the coming school year. M-F 10-2. Being a current teacher allows me the ability to understand teachers in the district in a different way. Meet the Teacher, Orientation, & Open House, Lamar University Educational Leadership Program. Those board member positions are occupied by Marty Bartlett and Cody Mueller, respectively.. The Board's primary functions are goal setting, approving the budget and policymaking. It is no secret that Comal ISD is growing at an unprecedented rate, and how well we handle additional student enrollment is crucial. At CI, Lauren covers education, local government, transportation, business, real estate development and nonprofits in New Braunfels. TheBoard called for aVATREto generate additional local revenue toprovide teachers and staff with additional compensationand to fund new teaching positions to meet student enrollment growth. I have lived in New Braunfels 11+ years and have a family of four two of which graduated from Canyon High School. Clay Page will be the new trustee representing Place No. Tex. Comal ISD voters will weigh $527 million bond at polls in November In the race to fill the District 7 trustee seat for the Comal ISD school board, currently held by Cody Mueller, are David Krawczynski, Kaila Stovall, Orlando Joseph Dona, Jr., who will appear as Orlando OJ Dona on the ballot, and Stephen (Steve) Gallets. Parents are concerned about what is taught in our classrooms that Texas is not immune to the rampant progressive ideology that is being taught in other states and there is no mechanism in place for our district to give them any kind of assurance. School discipline at some schools are lax and district policy is not always enforced. Code 11.061; Tex. He was one of two trustees to vote against removing the mask mandate. Four seats on the Comal Independent School District Board of Trustees were up for general election on May 9, 2015. Error! Proposition A, at $411, 287,320, will fund the construction offournew schools:Elementary #19, which will provide relief for Clear Spring and Freiheit Elementary Schools; Elementary #20, which will provide relief for Garden Ridge and Morningside Elementary;Middle School #8, which will relieve Pieper Ranch Middle School; anda new Hill Country College Preparatory High School. There was no communication with teachers or parents. The next election for Board members is scheduled for May 6, 2023. The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved a bond package that will accommodate continued enrollment growth as well as address items such as campus safety and security, student technology, and expansions and improvements at existing campuses during a meeting on Feb. 15. Elections - District - Comal Independent School District Elections Notice of deadline to file an application for a place on the ballot Notice of Deadline to File It appears you don't have a PDF plugin for this browser. 5:11 PM Feb 2, 2021 CST, Applications for election to the school boards will be accepted until Feb. 12. Threats of harming another Last fall, current Board President David Drastata called the coronavirus the China virus in an athletic booster letter, a term criticized for contributing to anti-Asian rhetoric. 1, Did not respond. Board of Trustees Agendas & Minutes Board Policies Elections Meeting Schedule Meeting Video Single Member Districts Past Board Elections She currently works as a COVID-19 contact tracer. Ill focus on the latter. I will also expand teacher inputs into district decision-making and create a teacher task force for addressing student discipline, social media and teacher pay. If approved by voters, the Maintenance and Operations tax rate for 2021 would be 94 cents compared to 2020s tax rate of 92 cents. Student grades are not improving, and the loss of teachers is making it worse. This is a state issue however. Lauren joined Community Impact Newspaper as a reporter in October 2019. Students, parents, and staffed should not have to worry about contracting the virus while going to school. Nine out of the 10 incumbents on the ballot won reelection. I am an active member of the community, serving as the chairman of an advisory commission for the city of Garden Ridge over the past four years and coaching sports teams for my children. Being a teacher has always been my dream job, so Im thankful I am able to continue down this path. For more information about the Comal County Elections, click here. Comal ISD is divided into single-member districts and has a seven-member Board of Trustees. This is a challenge. Comal ISD incumbent Tim Hennessee received 61% of the vote in his race, despite facing two challengers. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. In June, this Board approved a resolution that would ensure that revenue generated by the VATRE, both this year and in future years,isdedicated solely to fund teacher and staff compensation, as well as new teacher positions, says Comal ISD Board President Jason York. CISD has done a great job keeping the schools open and I hope they remain open through the end of the school year. Sign up today! That means we need to open the doors of our schools and invite our taxpayers to see the facilities and programs that could not be possible without their financial support. Jason Isbell 5. From my perspective Comal does not treat their school employees well. Ive always visualized Comal County as the place where I would raise a family. In addition, several San Antonio-area school districts are holding bond elections, including: Comal ISD: $500 . I would love the opportunity to work with teachers and parents across the district to promote the well-being of our students. I believe in hard work and integrity demanded it of my own children and students and will demand it of this board if you elect me. Louie G. Luna, the only viable candidate for Harlandales District 3, won election by just 16 votes. San Antonio ISD was at the forefront of desegregation in the south Finally, high-quality teacher retention and recruitment is a significant challenge, and we must seek creative solutions to funding increases. While I acknowledge that each student has different learning style, I do not support charter schools. Comal ISD, District 6: The trustee candidates speak By Lauren Canterberry Collecting information regarding the budget, profit and loss potential. Five school board member positions in New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD will be up for election May 2. I have served as a high school vice principal and have taught at colleges and universities in four states since 2000. | As one of the board members correctly pointed out, there's no way that Comal ISD will ever close the gap between what we can offer and the private sector, but we're paying the higher price regardless, which is taking us over budget. | School Board District 6. It is our responsibility to use money wisely, and the wisest thing we can do is pay our teachers more, but not only our teachers, we also need to pay our support staff more. PDF Notice of Election (Aviso De Eleccin) Comal Independent School There was a lot of concern over the health precautions that were going to be set in motion for the school year, but ultimately the first semester was a success. Proposition A will also fundcampusreinvestmentandinfrastructure projectsas well asthe purchase ofcampus safety and security,busesand land.
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