

Fed Up -
Quote · Jul 24 2015 11:02 AM
FED-Up----I Agree With The Post From "Outraged"
HFT's silence has contributed to Grier's destruction of HISD. They have not done enough to help
the teachers that they supposedly represent. They are quick to collect money, but slow to act and
defend the battered teacher. HISD very effectively ousted most veteran teachers. HFT stood by.
HISD reconstituted schools and let veteran teachers go. HFT stood by. HISD began Apollo
schools and dismissed veteran teachers. HFT stood by. The Union has done very little in the last
six years. It needs new leadership and a new vision. The Union just doesn't seem interested in
doing their job.

???????
Quote · Jul 24 2015 11:03 AM
Dr. Rebecca Brown new SSO .................. from Aldine ISD really!!!!!

Some help
Quote · Jul 24 2015 12:44 PM
Does anyone have any knowledge about a security breach of data concerning Concerta? Did
anyone receive a notice from Medical Information Engineering? Please let me know. Thanks!

Silence of the Lambs
Quote · Jul 24 2015 1:49 PM
@Fed Up:
While I agree that HFT chooses to be impotent regarding the protection of teachers, you neglect
to hold one other group accountable for the demise of HISD - teachers.
HISD ousted veteran teachers - their peers stood by silently. HISD reconstituted schools and let
veteran teachers go - their peers stood by silently. HISD began Apollo and dismissed veteran
teachers - their peers stood by silently. The HISD you see today is a direct byproduct of the
union's failure to protect teachers AND the reluctance of over 10,000 teachers to speak out
against the blatant mistreatment of their peers.
Stop whining about the worthless teachers' union. You don't have to join the union to speak up for
yourselves and each other.

Sheep
Quote · Jul 24 2015 5:26 PM
The comment from Silence of the Lambs resonates. Outspoken teacher advocates are pretty
scarce. Lots of teachers complain but, they comply. Sadly, we have to, at the end of the day, pay
the mortgage. HISD teachers vote with their feet. Without much in the way of worker protection,
the individual teachers who do speak up get labeled as not a good fit or not a team player.
Always, when principals present the latest initiative requiring more from teachers, the teachers
who raise valid questions and reasonable objections are scolded - reminded that "it's all for the
children". Without collective action and unified efforts to protect the profession of teaching, there
will continue to be an erosion of teacher rights. Even using the words - teacher rights, creates
almost immediate outrage.
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Principal shuffle announced 7/24/2015
Quote · Jul 24 2015 5:56 PM
From the Chronicle:
Holland Middle School: New principal is LaShonda Bilbo-Ervin, the former principal of Booker T.
Washington High School.
*Booker T. Washington High School: New principal is Carlos Phillips II, the former principal of
Gregory Lincoln K-8.
*Harvard Elementary: New principal is Laura Alaniz, former principal at Gabriela Mistral Center
for Early Childhood.
*Durkee Elementary: Former Corpus Christi ISD principal, Irma Sandate, takes over as principal.
*Fondren Elementary: New principal is Alicia Craig, a former assistant principal in Alief ISD. (Side
note: Her Alief bio says she is a Dallas Cowboys fan. My Twitter followers know where my
football loyalties lie.)
*Lewis Elementary: Marlen Peña, former assistant principal at Benavidez Elementary, is
promoted to Lewis principal.
*Oak Forest Elementary: April Williams, former assistant principal at Lanier Middle School, is
promoted to Oak Forest principal.
*Roberts Elementary: New principal is Trealla Epps, who previously led Bruce and Gordon
elementary schools.
*Garcia Elementary: Linda Bellard, former principal of Elrod and Blackshear elementary school,
assumes the top spot at Garcia.
*Looscan Elementary: Erin Chávez, an assistant principal at Bonham Elementary, is promoted to
Looscan principal.
*New school support officers: Roosevelt Elementary Principal Yolanda Rodriguez joins
elementary transformation office. Carlos Ramirez, a deputy superintendent from the Stafford
Municipal school district, joins the elementary office.
*Adam Stephens, who oversaw the district’s Linked Learning effort as part of the federal Race to
the Top grant, becomes the officer for innovative curriculum. He will oversee advanced
academics, grants, library services, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Global
Education, and the fine arts access initiative.
With about a month until the first day of school, the district still has about a dozen principal
vacancies, based on its job website.

An oldie What used to be a great school
Quote · Jul 24 2015 6:47 PM
@SILENCE.. I agree with your viewpoint regarding HFT but I must say that I understand why
veteran teachers do not create a loud noise voicing their displeasure at the way peers are being
mistreated. These crazy people have us in a choke hold! Teachers with any experience at all
could not possibly agree with the tactics used to intimidate their fellow educators. Everyone is
worried about the paycheck and trying to support themselves and their families.( To say nothing
about the fact that they may just 'LOVE' teaching.) I myself have been harassed, written up, and
taunted to the point where I have become sick. I will, however, leave when I choose to do so. The
crazy B that calls herself a Principal is nothing more than a redneck gone wild and a person who
desperately needs to get out of the school systems. Karma will catch up with her. It stinks but I
also do not want anyone to speak up for me because they will then be placed on her "list". I am
stronger than she is, I am a great teacher and my peers all 'get it'. Maybe she will be transferred.I
am thinking Transylvania!

What does it take?
Quote · Jul 24 2015 7:05 PM
@Silence of the Lambs-you are correct and everyone reading this knows it. Teachers in the
district are concerned with one thing and one thing only-themselves. (not all but too many) They
do not get involved, they stay silent, they do not vote, they do not know what is taking place at
board meetings, they do not care. Teachers in other states have met the challenge, they have
united and protested, gone to their Capitol. How many teachers here have done that?

Data Security Breach
Quote · Jul 24 2015 10:54 PM
@Some help - Yes, every member of our family -- including a minor teenager -- received an
individual letter from MIE (Medical Informatics Engineering) announcing that "some personal and
protected [??] health information contained on Medical Informatics Engineering's network" had
been compromised and that the information included "SSN, address, phone, and birth date." In
my case, it also included my email address. A notice on MIE's website
(https://www.mieweb.com/notice/) includes Concentra as one of the "healthcare providers ...
affected by the Medical Informatics Engineering cyber attack." I'm guessing that HISD's
relationship with the two HISD Concentra Health Clinics is the reason that HISD employees'
personal information has been exposed. MIE is offering 2 years of identity theft protection and
credit monitoring through ProtectMyID (for adults) and/or FamilySecure (for parents whose minor
children's records have been exposed), both provided by Experian. I'd recommend that affected
employees take advantage of that offer *AND* also put an immediate 90-day fraud alert on the
credit record of every affected member of the family. See the FTC's site - http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert -- for more information about fraud
alerts and security.
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FED-UP----Don't Blame Teachers
Quote · Jul 24 2015 11:20 PM
I stand by my comments about HFT. They have done the bare minimum to help veteran teachers.
They have stood by and allowed HISD administration to bully them into leaving or retiring. I have
a feeling that the posts opposing me were written by HFT personnel. I know teachers that were
told by the Union to take whatever HISD offered them as a buyout. Why should teachers speak
out against administration, when HFT doesn't. The Union represents the teachers. That's why
they pay the Union. Don't blame the teachers for HFT's lackluster performance. Plenty of
teachers have voiced concerns about Grier and the HISD Board. Apparently when teachers voice
their opinions, HFT turns a deaf ear. Why else would they support 2 current board members for
another term. Stop blaming the victims. Has HFT challenged Grier's reorganization plan? Have
they held news conferences to protest against Grier and his supporters? Gayle Fallon was too
busy inviting Grier to her birthday party. I have not seen Zeph at any meeting. Andy Dewey barely
speaks above a whisper. No wonder Grier and the HISD Board feel that they can get away with
anything. They can. The Union is weak and it's not worth 600 dollars a year. As for teachers not
speaking out, that's a total lie. In the last 6 years, hundreds of teachers have attended the HISD
Board meetings. Many of them pleaded their cases to the Board. Did it get them anywhere? No,
the numb nine and Grier the Impaler sat in silence and paid no attention to the concerns that
were voiced. As for me, I have taken action. I withdrew from HFT. I attend board meetings. I have
addressed my concerns to HFT reps. I am not silent by any means. Of course, I'm sure that the
Union would like me to be quiet and not voice my frustration with their do nothing organization.

About HFT and Teachers
Quote · Jul 25 2015 1:51 AM
Fed Up is right. Teachers have been dishing out $600 a year to a feckless organization that fails
to act on their behalf and be their voice. Teachers aren't stupid. They are not going to have their
careers jeopardized, their certifications challenged and their names blackballed so they can
"speak out" against the "man".
HFT uses the same old tired argument. HFT apologists claim "unions have no power in Texas".
True. I agree. So why should I pay out $600 a year to HFT? I have said it before and I'll say it
again. HFT is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Democratic Party and serves one purpose... to
advocate for Democratic politics and politicians on issues that have NOTHING to do with public
education. HFT should not be a political organization they should be a teacher organization. Your
$600 goes to pay salaries and provide employment for its "reps" while they advocate to get
certain politicians elected... and their even worse at doing that.
Problem. Solution. Execution.
Problem - HFT sucks and is worthless.
Solution - Force their hand
Execution - Defund them until they prove worthy of your $$$ or simply go away.

Silence of the Lambs
Quote · Jul 25 2015 5:22 PM
@FED UP:
With all due respect, no one questioned or challenged your criticism of HFT. I was merely
pointing out that teachers, through their silence, are partially responsible for the current state of
HISD. I am curious as to where you come up with this "blaming the victim" accusation? My
question to you is this: Why do you insist on portraying teachers as helpless infants completely
dependent on others for their well-being? You don't need HFT's permission to protect yourselves.
As for your suggestion that some comments here are made by HFT operatives, well, I'm still
smiling about that one. Just to ease your mind, my HISD teaching career spanned three decades
and I NEVER joined the union. From day one, I saw that it was an organization that had very little
to offer me.
Here's my point, FED UP. When Apollo started, more than a dozen of our school's best teachers
(as verified by test scores and teacher evaluations) were removed from campus. Of the remaining
staff, not a single teacher spoke up on their behalf. No appeals to the board. No letters to the
superintendent. No support of any kind was offered. That's understandable - fear of retaliation is
a great motivator. Then, the following year, when even more teachers found themselves in the
crosshairs, they lamented the lack of support they received from their peers. This pattern has
been repeating itself for the last five years and people still act surprised when good people are
removed or let go. While I am not condemning people for choosing self-preservation, I am saying
not to fool yourselves, for all you have won is a temporary stay of execution. Good people keep
getting removed and the ones left behind keep getting abused. It's a war of attrition and Grier
keeps on winning. Don't believe me? Look how much Grier has screwed up, just this past year
alone, and he's still in charge. In fact, there are rumors posted on this site suggesting he's due for
yet another extension.
Change your tactics or expect more of the same. Be bold. What have you got to lose - except for
a job you're learning to dread?
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
@datasecuritybranch
Quote · Jul 25 2015 7:22 PM
Thanks for making the connection. I, too, received the letter and wondered why since I have
never been to a Concentra clinic.
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@ Lambs
Quote · Jul 26 2015 1:06 AM
"my HISD teaching career spanned three decades and I NEVER joined the union."
Saved yourself about $18,000. Good choice.
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Concerning HFT
Quote · Jul 26 2015 8:38 AM
I was a member. None, no, nada help during Apollo. I quit. However, we could SO use this
organization if they would get tough like Mr. Monroe. It is true, when you go to party events with
your enemies, you are shaking your middle finger at every single teacher you represent. HFT has
become exactly like Grier, listens to no one but a few select. You have literally thousands of
teachers you have let down. You have no idea how to organize an event that promotes our
welfare or gets the teachers united. It is really too bad because you are needed. I rarely hear
about you anywhere. One thing I know is that HFT represents very, very few when it comes to a
teacher being let go, accused etc. Your money to HFT won't save you. Really, really a crying
shame.
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FED-UP----I Disagree
Quote · Jul 26 2015 4:33 PM
I personally know several teachers that were let go by the district after HFT did nothing to help.
The teachers had plenty of data and paperwork documentation to fight the district. In each case,
HFT told the teachers to settle and take the buyout. The Union told them that they would lose.
Apparently, the Union could not be bothered to fight for their clients. I guess Silence of the Lambs
and I will just have to agree to disagree on this topic.

Interested Observer
Quote · Jul 26 2015 8:41 PM
@Fed Up and Silence of the Lambs:
I've been reading your latest posts and it seems to me that you're on the same page. FED UP
seems to be saying that HFT stinks and they've let teachers down. SILENCE seems to be saying
that HFT sucks so go fight for yourself. FED UP, you say that you know several teachers who had
plenty of documentation to fight the district yet HFT told them to settle? I'm curious. Why didn't
these teachers fight on their own? Too expensive? Too intimidating? Too overwhelming?
Again, I don't think SILENCE is disagreeing with you. I think he/she is saying that, even if the
union lets you down, you still have to fight.
In any case, I wish both of you well.

Why bother
Quote · Jul 26 2015 11:03 PM
There is no reason why we should have this many Principal openings with the new school year
just around the corner. There are hundreds of AP's on campuses who sit back in their positions
because it is safer. I have yet to see an AP dismissed due to test scores, campus rating, or
evaluations. I thought AP's wanted to and/or being trained to become Principals? I guess I don't
blame them for not wanting to take a chance getting their own school. Right now, the AP's have
the safest jobs in the district. No accountability!

????????
Quote · Jul 27 2015 2:12 PM
To all the new SSO's and Chiefs.......... Why take a job that you will only have for a year some of
you have mooved here from other cities and states to only get that big salary for one year.

TAG------Not All Assistant Principals Are Safe
Quote · Jul 27 2015 4:49 PM
Assistant principals may have a safe job at some schools but not at Stevenson Middle School.
Two of our three assistant principals were forced to leave by our ignorant principal. But this is the
exception not the norm. I can't wait to see how these new changes at Stevenson will play out. I'm
betting that it will not go well at all. Principal Ruth Ruiz still hasn't figured out that the two A.P.'s
that were removed were respected by the faculty. They were the academy ( 6th and 8th ) leaders
who supported their teachers concerning instruction and discipline issues. Good test scores come
form good teaching and good leadership. Test scores will suffer greatly with these two assistant
principals gone. Not to mention the 55 staff members that have left due to the incompetence of
Ruiz. A new school year is starting. It would be great if it were beginning with a new principal at
Stevenson.

FED-UP---Assistant Principals
Quote · Jul 27 2015 10:37 PM
I know why we have 18 principal openings. They don't want to work in HISD because of Grier and
his autocratic policies. The turn over in some schools is ridiculous. One middle school has had at
least 6 principals in the last 6 years. ( maybe more )One Apollo high school has had 11 in the
same amount of time. Why would anyone ( other than a friend of Grier ) want to come to HISD?
They have a good chance of being removed before their second year. Assistant principals are
afraid to move up for the same reason. Why would they give up a sure position for one that
provides no job security? The amount of employees that have left HISD in the last 6 years is
staggering. Remove Grier or the large turn over will continue.

FED-UP @ Interested Observer
Quote · Jul 27 2015 10:45 PM
I appreciate your comments and I believe that you make a valid point. Your objectivity put things
in perspective. Thanks.

HFT
Quote · Jul 28 2015 12:33 AM
I really hope HFT reminds all the new principals about the rules for our planning/ arrival and
departure times / staff meetings/meet and greet(should be during our scheduled time not at
night.) and any other information that is important for them. Many principals started getting
transferred last April and May and are not on chronicle list.

???????
Quote · Jul 28 2015 11:30 AM
Principal positions are hard to fill when people who are quilified can't get them because of the
PIPELINE foolishness. Grier and all of his friends don't have to take the Haberman, but everyone
else does. The Haberman is a old white guys way of ensuring enthnic people don't become
principals in the communities that need them the most. What principal doesn't ensure student
safety, meet with parents and conduct observations. The Haberman only takes into account that
a persons race is the most important factor in every senario.

FED-UP @ HFT
Quote · Jul 28 2015 12:21 PM
No principal can legally require you to work outside your contract hours. That's why HISD is
paying teachers a hundred dollars a day to attend inservices before school officially begins. If
they require you to work outside the contract hours, just refuse. legally there is nothing that they
can do to you. I never stay for anything nor do I attend anything outside my contract hours. They
just look at me and say "okay". That's all they can do. Don't be bullied by administrators.

Assistant Principal Houston
Quote · Jul 28 2015 10:23 PM
@Fed-Up
There has been NO high school in HISD that has had 11 principals over the last 6 years. Please
stop being so dramatic.
In addition, there are a lot of Assistant Principals who would like to be Principals. If a person can't
get into the pipeline, they probably don't need to be a principal. Its a simple process.
AP's are the least safe of all individuals on campuses. Teachers have to be taken to file review
and given notice of their dismissal prior and also have the ability to appeal and fight. AP's can be
fired without notice and there is no appeal process. I know AP's that have been released on the
last day of their contracts. And also APs usually get replaced every time the principal changes.
Teachers remain in place.
HISD has a lot of issues, but don't over exaggerate things people.

Hidden Costs
Quote · Jul 28 2015 10:40 PM
Having retired from teaching, I took a job in the home improvement field (a second passion of
mine). Today, a much younger co-worker told me that she would be leaving us to begin a
teaching career - in Channelview. Unsolicited, she told me that she and her classmates were
warned to stay away from HISD "until things get better". This young lady will be teaching science
to 6th thru 8th graders. She is energetic, intelligent, and creative - just the kind of teacher HISD
needs - and just the kind of teacher who avoids HISD .
Make no mistake; this is one of the many hidden costs that is a direct result of Grier's punitive
tactics. If and when this guy leaves, it will take HISD many years to undo his damage.
Teachers, enjoy what's left of your summer.

?????????
Quote · Jul 29 2015 1:13 PM
@Assistant Principal
Know one knows the threshold for passing the Haberman. If you do please share with us, also
Kashmier has had a new principal every year since grier arrived that's six and if you count the
interem principals they used that is twelve.
One more thing it's hard to get selected for an interview from the pipeline if the SSO/chief does
not know you or your work that is why so many new principals are TDS now or people who the
SSO's have groomed. Your information is incorrect you can get a hearing if your terminated as an
AP (look on TEA WEBSITE) that is HISD's contract that states that, it's just like HISD says you
cant recinde a resignation but the higher ups do it all the time.

@ Assistant Principal
Quote · Jul 29 2015 2:03 PM
And in high schools they have really long hours. Of course, teachers also have to put in many
hours. Still, the APs are assigned all kinds of extra duties that extend well beyond the 8 - 3
schedule. All kinds of things come across their desks on any given school day. According to
Grier's appraisal system, they are required to sit in on classrooms. Then the follow ups with
teachers. Long days, tough hours and an extremely challenging job. Some are really very good at
what they do. Some truly believe in what they are doing. And some are burned out and do only
the most minimum, half-hearted. I certainly wouldn't want their jobs and kudos to the many good
ones - trying to survive in this system.

FED-Up----I Stand By My Comment
Quote · Jul 29 2015 4:27 PM
The comment about 11 principals at one high school was said at a televised HISD Board
meeting. No one corrected the person that said it. ( can't remember who stated it ) Since not one
HISD Board member refuted it, I assumed it was true. I am not trying to be dramatic. HISD has
enough unbelievable stupidity that one does not need to embellish. If I want drama, I'll attend a
play. LOL

FED-UP---@?????????
Quote · Jul 30 2015 2:30 PM
Thank you for posting that Kashmere has had 12 principals in the last six years. ( 6 were interim )
To @Assistant Principal---See I was not being dramatic. In fact, I was one short when I said 11. I
knew I was correct about the large number. I just couldn't remember if it was Kashmere or Yates.
Even interim principals make changes in the short time they are on a campus. No school should
have to endure 12 principals in 6 years. That is just plain stupid and certainly not productive. No
wonder why assistant principals don't want to become a principal. Who wants to lose a secure
position for a 2 month principalship? Besides, some people are excellent assistant principals but
are not so good at being the principal of the school. What's wrong with someone remaining as an
assistant principal for 20 years if they get the job done and are successful? Not everyone wants
to be the boss. Some people are better at being second in command. There's no shame or harm
in that. We need good teachers, good assistant principals and good principals. What HISD
doesn't need is Grier, the current board or a weak union.

AP available!! Please take her!
Quote · Jul 31 2015 10:23 PM
If your school would like to have our raving lunatic asst principal she is available! I pity the school
that ever ends up with her as a principal. She makes it her specialty to totally berate strong and
very successful teachers in a screaming hysterical tirade. Each time she has done this to me, she
was the one totally wrong and had to apologize. I filed a grievance with the union.... wait for it...
nothing!!! What I find unbelievable is that she passed the Haberman... wait, she was a hand
selection of King Grier. Many of us think that she was actually a mole but her behavior is so out of
line that its hard to imagine the mighty King would be ok with it. Wow! you should hear her take
apart a student!! IF she were not the same race as the ones she is ripping into shreds there
would be racial accusations all over the place. I can definitely say I have seen her take at least 4
huge boys down to sniffling pathetic creatures after she was down tearing them apart verbally.
She is nothing but a pure model of the mighty King Grier.

TAG--BACK TO SCHOOL
Quote · Aug 1 2015 1:35 AM
Well, it's that time of year again. Our principal (Ruth Ruiz) sent us the "welcome back to school
letter". The letter contained some interesting things. First of all, there are 26 new people to our
school. ( about the same number as last year ) I can't be the only one that finds these numbers
disturbing. Who has about 55 new people in two years? It breaks down to the following:
Grade 6---6 new people
Grade 7---7 new people
Grade 8---6 new people
That's a total of 19 new teachers. How many will be here next year?
She has also hired a reading interventionist and another reading teacher listed with a title that I
can't figure out. It sounds like a special education title. ( modified )
A person was hired with the title---SECME
There are two new instructional specialists. One is a friend of hers from Ortiz Middle School. We
already have a specialist. She's been with us for years. So far, the only things that she's done is
work on yearbook, deliver testing material late and lose completed scantrons. If these two
additional specialists are anything like the one we have, we are in serious trouble. All these
specialist jobs are a gigantic waste of money. They rarely have any original ideas. They cause
more problems than they solve.
She also has listed the names of three new assistant principals. This is the biggest joke of all.
Between the 3 of them, they have the combined experience of about 6 months. LOL LOL
Grade 6---Alexis Brown---She is the senior one of the three. She was appointed interim assistant
principal after Ruiz had Ms. Johnson transferred to Attucks Middle School. Ms. Johnson is a true
professional. She is experienced and has integrity. I cannot say the same about Ms. Brown. She
has now been promoted from interim. She has the 6 months of experience.
Grade 7---????? A little confusion here. Joanna Ortiz has been the 7th grade assistant principal
for years. Is she still with us? Her name is listed on the Stevenson homepage. However, in the
"welcome back" letter, we have a Nicholas Lopez listed as a new assistant principal. From what I
can gather, he has no experience as an assistant principal. Last year he was a teacher at
Fondren. Maybe it's a different Lopez. However, I think I am correct. So is Ortiz out? Did she get
the same treatment as Ms. Johnson and Ms. Tezeno? Or has the discipline at school reached an
all time low, so that we need another assistant principal just to keep things under control? As I've
stated before, thanks to the incredibly incompetent Ruiz, discipline has declined. Her policies are
the reason.
Grade 8---Ms. Ruiz forced Ms. Tezeno into retirement at the end of the year. Ms. Tezeno had
years of experience and was super successful as the leader of the 8th grade Academy. Ruiz only
replaced her out of extreme jealousy. Ruth Ruiz is a petty person with no self esteem. Why else
would she be threatened by the beloved Ms. Tezeno? So, who is her replacement? It's a woman
named Patricia Perez from Crespo Elementary. She has never been an assistant principal and
therefore has no experience. Good going Ruthie!!!
We now have a principal (who is a complete idiot) leading the school with a totally inexperienced
leadership team. Heaven help us!!!!!!
Ruiz also stated in her letter that we are headed in the right direction. Ruiz wouldn't know the
right direction even if she got directions from the Auto Club. LOL LOL Ruthie----invest in a GPS
system. You are totally lost.
She states that Stevenson has the right people. Really? Stevenson lost most of its highly qualified
veteran teachers in the last two years. The school has also lost 2 highly qualified assistant
principals. Does Ruiz really believe these new inexperienced people are going to do better? She
probably does. After all she is a complete moron. Can anyone say ----LOW TEST SCORES.



FED-UP---@AP Available
Quote · Aug 1 2015 9:27 PM
Two comments:
1. I am not surprised that the Union has done nothing for you.
2. I have never let a superior get away with yelling at me. Don't allow it. They have no right to do
it.
Hope things go well for you this new school year. Good luck.

? Does anyone know
Quote · Aug 2 2015 10:40 PM
Does anyone know if summer school teachers were supposed to get paid (per the July 16 board
meeting) for the bad weather day in June?

TAG--Ruth Ruiz Still Looking For Teachers
Quote · Aug 3 2015 8:21 AM
As if twenty six new people isn't bad enough, Stevenson Middle School is still advertising for a
special education teacher and a language arts teacher. Just keep running people off Ruthie. Last
year about 8 or 9 staff members left in the middle of the year. When will the first person leave this
year?

Fed Up Teacher
Quote · Aug 3 2015 8:58 AM
All the computers charging all over the classrooms all the cords all against Harris County School
Fire safety policy

NO WORDS
Quote · Aug 3 2015 10:04 AM
Dr. Grier's going to work full time for AP Board in October we could only wish and hope. During
this circus we have had a talent drain, he has replaced principals and ran off great instructional
leaders and replaced them with people who have no knowlege of the TEKs or people who ran a
charter system or business with no form of certification teaching or administrative (Jason Bernal
and several others). Our board is just letting this man destroy our students future based on his
poor hiring decisions. When teachers make poor choices or don't meet the standard the teacher
is PPAed and then terminated, Grier has missed the mark every year but gets bonuses and a
pass on his negative behavior it's time for Dr. Terry Grier to move to other pastures because
HISD is in a drought we have no more green for him here.

About Voting Rights
Quote · Aug 3 2015 4:57 PM
Voting rights have not been undone. All the Supremes said a year or so ago was that states in
the South would no longer have to get approval from the Feds to change state voting laws, the
same basic rights held by the vast majority of states.
The reason Southern states were subjected to Fed approval was due to the Democratic Party's
Jim Crow laws 50+ years ago that were designed to stop blacks from voting. What the Supremes
ruled a year ago was that these Southern states have now corrected those Democrat induced
inequities in voting and actually now have higher black voting turnout and registration than in
many of the non-Fed approved subjected states. The Supremes ruled the federal government
would need to show why in 2015 these isolated states must still have to face federal approval to
change local voting laws since they no longer have the systemic problems they had half a century
ago.
It gets so tiresome having to explain simple things because some people use demagoguery and
innuendo to make false claims that simply are not true... like "Moses is a founding father"... etc
etc.
What we have is an upcoming election cycle and a political party who simply has to invent false
straw men in order to rev up certain voting blocks. This political party uses the same playbook
every election cycle. Nothing new. The soft bigotry of low expectations from whites who want us
to believe that proving you are who you say you are by showing proper id to vote is discriminatory
to blacks and hispanics is extremely offensive and bigoted. Why do white bleeding hearts believe
blacks do not have id cards? I don't get it.

Brutus
Quote · Aug 3 2015 5:01 PM
When will the high school attendance appeal process in HISD finally receive the sunlight it needs
to be cleansed? Campuses, and the District itself are in hot water if a strict interpretation of Texas
law is applied.
Scrutiny of secondary attendance appeals in HISD could result in greater public backlash than
the grade change allegations. What is worse, recording a grade a student did not earn, or
excusing a student from attending 1 out of every 4 classes in exchange for some meaningless
task on campus? Pressuring a staff member to record an illegitimate grade, or presenting a
teacher with a stack of incomplete attendance appeal plans to sign? The Attendance Committees
that supposedly determined if credit will be awarded essentially do not exist, and the plans'
attempts to reinforce instructional objectives range from half-hearted to completely ridiculous.
Ineffective standards, supervision, and outright abuse of the attendance appeal provisions have
destroyed teachers' ability to enforce attendance and meet instructional objectives.
Attendance appeal plans, under law, are about the meeting of instructional objectives. The
problem is, in the Houston ISD, they're not.

Cato
Quote · Aug 3 2015 5:12 PM
When will the high school attendance appeal process in HISD finally receive the sunlight it needs
to be cleansed? Campuses, and the District itself are in hot water if a strict interpretation of Texas
law is applied.
Scrutiny of secondary attendance appeals in HISD could result in greater public backlash than
the grade change allegations. What is worse, recording a grade a student did not earn, or
excusing a student from attending 1 out of every 4 classes in exchange for some meaningless
task on campus? Pressuring a staff member to record an illegitimate grade, or presenting a
teacher with a stack of incomplete attendance appeal plans to sign? The Attendance Committees
that supposedly determined if credit will be awarded essentially do not exist, and the plans'
attempts to reinforce instructional objectives range from half-hearted to completely ridiculous.
Ineffective standards, supervision, and outright abuse of the attendance appeal provisions have
destroyed teachers' ability to enforce attendance and meet instructional objectives.
Attendance appeal plans, under law, are about the meeting of instructional objectives. The
problem is, in the Houston ISD, they're not.

Classroom Management 101
Quote · Aug 3 2015 9:28 PM
@Fed Up Teacher. Basic classroom management. Either don't let them charge their computers in
class or set up a corner desk near an outlet and make them sit there to charge. It would be the
equivalent of a high-tech dunce cap.

A few suggestions for HISD!!! LOL!
Quote · Aug 4 2015 9:26 AM
1. NEVER combine your HR dept. and Payroll dept. in the same office. HR is for hiring ( or just
bringing in new sheep)..... Usually folks visiting payroll means perhaps a 30+ year veteran
employee and NOT their first rodeo ----- has resigned and has NOT been paid and PERHAPS --NOT Happy! Perhaps, you need to re-think your policy of "mailing" final check----- and continue
the very reliable Direct Deposit system!
2. DO NOT allow a veteran employee into a room with 50 to 60 NEW hires especially when
veteran employee has not been paid, given that the veteran employee has had numerous
communications with payroll for several weeks for a resolution to this very simple accounting
issue.
3. When signing at legal affidavit and told you must make a personal appearance to HISD to sign
an affidavit in FRONT of a HISD Notary---- it might be important to actually do that IN FRONT of
the "said" Notary! It may even be important to ask for employee's identification! "One should
NEVER have question ---"Shouldn't the Notary at least be in the same room as the "affidavitee"
when signing this legal document--- OR how about just in spitting distance--- if not in the same
room?!
4. NEVER make veteran employee return the following day to pick up the check they never
received in the first place. Never suggest to veteran employee that employer can mail the new
check once the affidavit has been process. ( Yes... let's do that again---it worked out so well the
first time and let's all look up the definition of INSANITY---Mmm-kay!)
Biggest accomplishment from yesterday's HISD adventure---- so proud that there was not a
VERY LOUD announcement to the packed room of 50-60 new hires--- "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES----SAVE YOURSELF NOW!!----were not shouted out.
Today is a new day! Woot-woot! Can't make any promises today that an announcement of this
nature will not occur given a repeat of yesterday's adventure. Be afraid... be very afraid.
Signing Off HISD!
God bless those new hires!
God bless veteran teachers!
God bless to those moving on!
GOD Bless FINAL PAYCHECKS in hand! WHO-HOOO!

Southern Strategy and a Changed Democratic Party
Quote · Aug 4 2015 12:00 PM
The Democratic Party of the Jim Crow era and the Democratic Party of today has changed. When
Democratic president LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act, many Democrats in the South left the
party - supporting George Wallace and later fell in with Nixon and his "southern strategy". Lots of
former Democrats supported Reagan, who stood in Philadelphia Mississippi and championed
"states rights", a dog whistle heard by many southern whites who were discontent with federal
support and intervention aimed at discriminatory practices. Just a reminder that the Democratic
Party in the South lost support from a lot of racist whites who found a more comfortable home
with a different political party that appeals to their interests.

@Classroom Management 101
Quote · Aug 4 2015 2:43 PM
He/she (Fed Up)is correct. High Schools would penalize you for putting a student in the corner to
power up. Also, there are 12-15 per class! Outlet cords are given to teachers to place all over the
room. No discussions over cords or safety. It is all about the almighty Power Up.

administrator
Quote · Aug 4 2015 7:59 PM
The PLS was a showcase of hypocrisy and misinformation. Truly horrifying to watch people
deliver tired cliches and lecture schools about the practices that didn't work in the school they
used as an example. Much time was wasted over the past two days at NRG. There was a
moment of clarity when presenters mentioned that test scores have been flat in HISD for several
years.
Board Members, it is past time to end this farce.

FED-UP @ Fed Up Teacher
Quote · Aug 5 2015 2:34 PM
Your post made me laugh. I just saw an image of all these cords with a teacher under them trying
to give directions. While the teacher is struggling, there's a clueless administrator looking in the
classroom and commenting-----" This can't be good." Thanks for the laugh.
Of course, the real problem will happen when the internet connection for HISD is down. This
should occur about the same time as the HISD HUB page goes off line. HISD----the number one
comedy show. Who needs television? LOL

FED-UP---@ A Few Suggestions
Quote · Aug 5 2015 2:47 PM
I don't understand why HISD doesn't direct deposit the last paycheck either. It would avoid the
check getting lost and the recipient being inconvenienced. It's just another way that HISD can
screw its former employees.
Not having the notary actually witness the affidavit being signed is illegal. I find it hard to believe (
NOT AT ALL ) that HISD would do something illegal. LOL

Insider
Quote · Aug 5 2015 9:25 PM
Board----we all know you read this blog. Please reel in Smith and Kaler. Their plan for reducing
waivers---by the way---they are blaming it all on YOU, well, the "plan" is ludicrous and is not what
is best for kids. Sure, waivers may have been mentioned once by you that they need to be
reduced, but they are going overboard and creating a PR nightmare for the district---again,
blaming it all on a tongue lashing they say they got at one Board Meeting. Most of the schools
with waivers Met Standard, but their genius plan has capping those schools, making parent
upset, and overcrowding IR schools. Please step in-----

@ Southern Strategy
Quote · Aug 5 2015 10:44 PM
You still did not address why states who have erased voter inequities, and actually advanced
minority voting more than most of northeastern liberal states, should remain dependent on Justice
Dept approval in the year 2015. All the court said was that the standard for these restrictions
needs to be adjusted to the realities of where these states now fall in their voting outcomes. An
updated standard and evidence is needed to continue to punish these states indiscriminately.
That is a reasonable decision.
Clearly by your lengthy explanation of the history of the Democratic Party you do not believe that
the Democratic Party should be held in contempt and punished for their policies 50 years ago.
You recognize that the party has changed. Yet, you celebrate still holding individual states in
contempt for their policies 50 years ago? You will not consider their advancements in the past 50
years? Why should the DNC get a pass for its history 50 years ago yet states should not be held
to the same level of recognition for their improvements?
Does the word hypocrisy mean anything to you? It should. You are swimming in it.

While I was waiting
Quote · Aug 6 2015 5:46 AM
@A Few Suggestions For HISD- I was in HR not all that long ago.
I heard 2 statements while waiting on line.
#1 I am here for my last check.
#2- I am her for my last check. I am leaving the district.
That summed up all that was happening while I was there.

@@ Southern Strategy
Quote · Aug 6 2015 4:31 PM
You are arguing with yourself. My post was not defending the Democratic Party. After your
original outraged post about voting rights, it seemed appropriate to provide a more complete
account of the Democratic Party and the realignment amongst the electorate in the South.
Not "celebrating" anything nor discouraging anyone from holding racist people or policies in
contempt. I do however want to encourage you to take the time to reread my first post.
Do the words reading comprehension mean anything to you?
Hyperbole much?

To HISD Principals this 2015-2016 New Year
Quote · Aug 6 2015 6:35 PM
Admit you left the classroom because you were sick of grading papers and working 75 plus hours
a week for a low salary
Be honest with yourself
Realize your teachers are dreading coming back
Your biggest problem is Grier
Your second biggest problem is discouraged teachers... ask yourself how you can fix that?
Honestly, is your position about power or really caring about the kids
If you are afraid of Grier and don't stand up to him, how can you live with yourself?
Do you have an inner circle of teachers that you favor? It will hurt your school
When you walk into a teacher's classroom, ask yourself how you can HELP them
Serve your teachers
Be humble
Be grateful to your teachers
Lead by example not by words
If you are going to criticize teachers to other teachers (that's called gossip) you will hurt your
school
Remember, just as with our students, teachers may have horrible things going on in their Private
lives
This district has created a nightmare of fear and distrust..try to change that in your school
Recognize that most teachers really, really try
Don't throw us under the bus to save yourself
Remember that your veteran teachers are the roots that hold your school together. Get rid of
them because of lack of computer skills, not volunteering enough like the young ones, you will kill
the heart and soul of your school
LISTEN to the ideas of your teachers. Honest to God, don't you think they have the heartbeat of
your school? You are a fool not to LISTEN
If you honor your teachers, they will honor you.
The Best this year.
Your Teachers

A few suggestions for HISD
Quote · Aug 6 2015 7:24 PM
Just a follow up. Final pay Check in hand although a 2 day process to get it. In addition to week
long communication with payroll. Placed in same waiting room with the new hires. Same sign in
on the laptop. Wait your turn. Finally called back to the payroll cubicle to sign for the check.
Stated I was minutes away from releasing the "flying monkeys" at HMW and the entire room
laughed. Was even encouraged to release the flying monkeys. Lol.

Witness
Quote · Aug 6 2015 7:35 PM
New report reveals that teacher professional development is costly and ineffective
http://hechingerreport.org/new-report-reveals-that-teacher-professional-development-is-costlyandineffective/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HechingerR
eport+%28Hechinger+Report%29

To Rhonda Skillern Jones
Quote · Aug 7 2015 7:19 AM
Thanks for appointing your friend to the middle school on the northside that keeps up mess by
talking about teachers to other teachers, thinks four corners and accountable talk will solve the
many problems on campus now, and promotes her friends that are equally as sorry as she is.
Never keeps her word about anything and changes ideas after 5 minutes. Doesn't bother to listen
to anyone. One thing about it, you can't have a school without teacher support so keep talking
about people.

No surprise
Quote · Aug 7 2015 3:31 PM
New TEA accountability ratings are out - 21% of HISD schools (58 of 275) did not meet
standards, this is up from 17% last year for the district. How can this keep going on in our city???
What can parents and residents do???

TO RSJ
Quote · Aug 7 2015 10:45 PM
What you gonna do about MC Williams? Mind as well have called out the school's name. Folks
not happy and mounting campaign behind scenes so you no longer on board.

@To RSJ
Quote · Aug 8 2015 10:14 AM
Just out of respect for her parents whom many have much respect for,many people have not
called her out. Since it is out there, you are right, the community is not happy with the principal at
Williams. She has done nothing to impress anyone. Since said she brags day in and day out
about RSJ and her friendship, this is just a prime example of who you know and not what you
know. What are RSJ priorities? Friendships or student

Goodbye - and Good Luck
Quote · Aug 9 2015 1:56 AM
Even though I left HISD early in Dr. Grier's tenure, I've spent considerable time these last few
years attempting to bring attention to his negative impact on the district. While I've enjoyed a
couple of minor successes, my efforts, for the most part, have been in vain. At this point, I've
decided that this is a battle I no longer need to fight. Before I go, however, I would like to share a
few observations.
1) Teachers, collectively, are gutless. Aside from complaining anonymously for years on this
website, MOST of you have done absolutely nothing in defense of your profession, your fellow
teachers, or even yourselves. Any time someone hints at speaking out or standing up, they are
ridiculed for being unrealistic or naïve. Are they? HISD has been in steady decline since Grier
took over. Teachers have been reduced to serving as test-administering automatons. Morale
couldn't be lower. If you're okay with that, then stop railing against the status quo. Your voiceless
acquiescence has given Grier no reason to pause in his lunacy. And spare me the juvenile
dismissal of "speaking out against 'the man'". This isn't some cheesy Black exploitation film we're
talking about. This is your career and profession. Is it worth taking some risks for or are you
content to wait for someone else to do the dirty work? You see what waiting has gotten you.
2) The local media are pathetic. The Houston Chronicle is an embarrassment to this nation's
fourth-largest city. After a non-stop stream of failure after scandal after poor decision, the
Chronicle continues to run stories on prostitution stings, expensive real estate, and local tv
personalities' social lives. Their limited education coverage reads like press releases from HISD's
p.r. department. The television media (aside from Greg Groogan at Fox-26) are no better. Little
coverage and even less follow-up. If and when the travesty of the Grier administration is ever
exposed, a sleeping media should be implicated along with our nine trustees.
3) Houstonians, where are you? Do your children go to HISD schools? Do your neighbors'
children attend HISD schools? Taxpayers, do you know that you're generously funding the
lifestyles of Grier's friends and family members? That in itself wouldn't be objectionable IF these
people contributed something of worth to the district - but they don't.
There you have it. I'm done. Thanks for listening. Teachers, you have my sincerest wishes for a
peaceful and productive school year. Good luck and God bless.

TRS surcharge for Retirees
Quote · Aug 9 2015 8:08 AM
Speaking from experience.... The TRS surcharge for retirees is ridiculously expensive and is
based on a PERCENTAGE of the retirees highest average salary. Actually, there are 2
surcharges, one for TRS and the other TRS Care surcharge. I happen to be recruited (teacher) to
return after my retirement in a critical shortage area.
Retirees can only work 50% or less without occurring the surcharge. Retirees can negotiate with
the school district if they are returning to work after retirement to pay the two surcharges. Most
often or at least in my case, the district did not want to pay the surcharge plus my full-time 30+
year salary . I chose to remain part-time at less than 50% following my retirement as to not to
incur the surcharge. I made more money working part-time (2 days a week) than returning to a
full-time position at 5 days a week. Had I chosen to return to a full-time position after retirement
and had to pay the surcharge out of my pocket, I would have worked for "free" for for 2 1/2 days a
week after the surcharge out of my salary would have been deducted. Obviously, "working for
free" for was not an option!

HUBNUTZ
Quote · Aug 9 2015 2:41 PM
This new HUB thing is ridiculous! The training of trainers was one of the WORST technology
trainings I have ever attended. I am lost and now I am supposed to train others? Come on! I want
to know how many people were paid off to adopt this mess. I'm sure it will be around for at least a
couple years.

Appalling
Quote · Aug 10 2015 5:31 PM
Is Lance Menster serious? He and Grier are celebrating a 2% increase in 3rd grade reading
scores? We are supposed to be elated over 2 percentage points? That's the best we could do
after spending 10 million dollars? I think it's deplorable. It does NOT prove, as Menster would
have us think, that his Literacy By 3 initiative was successful.
Also, what about the other grade levels? They lost ground. Can we address that please? This
math guy is a joke. He's doing a good job of presenting himself as the savior of HISD reading
scores. Get real. How dumb do he and Grier think we are?

have a great year!
Quote · Aug 10 2015 6:08 PM
Your friends in Spring ISD! BETTER EVERYTHING!

Really????
Quote · Aug 11 2015 8:08 AM
Cameras in the classroom to protect the rights of special needs students? What needs are being
ignored? Is the author of this blog in favor of putting cameras in all classrooms? How about the
lounge? The assumption that teachers have to be constantly monitored to make sure they do
their jobs is insulting and demeaning. Or is it because the author believes teachers of special
needs students are a bunch of perverts and abusers? Teachers get enough disrespect from all
levels of administration. Must they be disrespected here as well?

Elementary teacher
Quote · Aug 11 2015 8:10 AM
@appalling
You make a good point. All that money for a mere 2% hike in grade 3 scores. In HISD though, it's
all about spin and from what I can tell, they are trying to convince us that 2% is a remarkable
achievement.
I would also like to know how they explain away the drop in reading scores at other grade levels.
It could be the confusing curriculum, which was different this past year and much harder to follow.
These constant changes and redesigns are muddying the waters for us. Why is writing simple,
clear elementary curriculum so hard? They do it in other districts don't they? Why did we reinvent
the wheel again this year? And I've heard from friends and relatives who teach secondary that
their curriculum was posted in the HUB in disorganized segments. If the HUB is going to
revolutionize teaching, can they find a way to make the curriculum coherent?
This is nothing but frustrating.

Not buying it
Quote · Aug 11 2015 4:44 PM
To Appalling & Elementary Teacher, I completely agree with you both. We are being told that a
focus on third grade led to our astounding growth in reading. Ha! you won't find a teacher out
here who's impressed. Maybe if we hadn't been saddled with those snapshots we would have
seen real progress in scores at every grade level. How much did that Harvard contract cost? Add
that to the ten million and it's clear we got a poor return for our dollar.

@Really????
Quote · Aug 11 2015 6:17 PM
What's wrong with cameras in special education classrooms? SpEd students are our most
vulnerable population and abuse does occur. Seems to me the cameras would protect teachers
from bogus accusations as well. A win-win as far as I'm concerned.
You think classroom cameras are insulting and demeaning? Really? Grier and this administration
have been insulting and demeaning teachers for years. Why object now? School hasn't even
started and already there have been posts about the farce of an in-service at NRG, the confusing
HUB, and Grier and Menster's ridiculous spin on reading scores. Somebody asked if Grier and
Menster really think teachers are that dumb. Yes! Yes they do! Well, maybe not dumb, but
definitely too scared to question them.
Don't worry, though. Come June of 2016 and Grier will be gone (unless he finagles another
contract extension), and we can all begin cleaning up the mess he'll be leaving behind. Let the
countdown begin.

@Really????
Quote · Aug 11 2015 6:21 PM
@Really???? Where have you been the last few years? How do you think the cameras came
about? There has been an overabundance of abuse of special needs children in public schools
and yes, in and around the Houston area. Ever watch reporter Greg Groogan? Story after story of
abuse. Unless teachers (some of whom are the abusers) come forward and testify charges
cannot be brought. Proof needs to be shown. Therefore, Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms
became a law. A side note, have you any idea how many years we have had cameras in all the
common areas of schools. We have cameras in hallways, office, gyms, cafeterias, libraries, etc.
No big deal and if one is doing the right thing, nothing to worry about.

HUB HELL
Quote · Aug 11 2015 6:24 PM
Comments on HUB anyone? OMG- what a mess. Who came up with this idea and why? What
exactly is the purpose besides giving someone a whole lot of $$$$? Time consuming, confusing,
not needed, get rid of it. How much did this gem cost the district?

Insider
Quote · Aug 11 2015 9:56 PM
North Forest schools struggle???? Seriously----those principals should be lauded for what they
have done. 3 of the 7 campuses MET STANDARD after less than two years of taking over after
decades of neglect. Check out the research. Three to five years to turn around a single campus,
and these teachers and administrators making huge gains in less than two. Kudos!

Stay Tuned..
Quote · Aug 12 2015 7:00 AM
Board meeting really going to be something. Be sure and watch

Cameraphobe?
Quote · Aug 12 2015 1:02 PM
If you are doing what you are suppossed to be doing, like Really said, no worries. If anyone
needs extra precaution, it our special education students. They deserve the best!

Snapshots
Quote · Aug 12 2015 4:31 PM
@ Not Buying It
Everyone knows Menster is the force behind the snapshots. The question to him is: where did
they get us? The data provides the answer: nowhere. He has alot of explaining to do.

HISD Veteran
Quote · Aug 12 2015 8:40 PM
Snapshots, Don't hold your breath. Lance Menster is part of the HMW in-crowd, he won't be
explaining anything. He was so much more effective when he stuck to his field, math, not literacy.

Barkley
Quote · Aug 12 2015 9:45 PM
@ Really?? - Our special needs kids are our most vunerable - often unable to recognize wrong
behavior and lacking a voice with which to object. As a previous writer said, it's a win-win in
protecting students and teachers.
@ Insider - Agreed. A hat tip to the administrators, staffs and kids in the former NFISD for their
hard work in reaching above. Continue that great effort!
There will be no contract extension coming for Grier unless the Board is suicidal. And with the
millions of $ he's pulled from the District already with his salary, bonuses, external connections
and friends and family plan, a buy out better surely not be offered. If the Board is smart they'll
continue to drain away his remaining power (weaker by the moment) and let him use his sick
days. Let's call the paramedics and start our long recovery from this circus, and to the Board choose more wisely next time.

Feeling overwhelmed first week
Quote · Aug 12 2015 10:48 PM
Sitting at this meeting...listening to: login here -click there- input this- press tab. Turn this in- take
these tests-make a practice lesson-create this-carry your iPad with you everywhere to document.
Im seeing a room of overwhelmed teachers that already feel a burn out with hisd coming by the
end of year. HISD needs to concentrate on 1 thing at a time and actually create it correctly-so
teachers do no start off every year frustrated.

Access for Blind and Low Vision Revisited
Quote · Aug 13 2015 6:53 AM
HISD does not feel responsible to provide access to materials for blind "braille" students for
electronic text. The reason for this is that TEA does not provide a "braille" provision for braille
students when a district opts for electronic textbooks and materials. Currently, HISD has taken
the attitude "not out fault---not our problem" to address the need for braille when using electronic
text." The law does not provide for it so we don't have too either.
However, HISD has STILL not provided speech access software on the "Power Up" laptops nor
have they provided screen enlarging software for low vision users. This has nothing to do with
providing braille for those students that require braille. Blind students NEED SPEECH on a
computer for access. Some Low Vision students need screen enlarging.
Sighted students will receive their "power up laptops" blind and low vision users will receive a
"power up laptop" which is virtually useless to them because the software needed for accessibility
has not been purchased by the district.
One one think, the intent of TEA stance on electronic text (without a provision for a braille users)
would be that a district MUST provide accessible software on a computer so that a blind or low
vision student has half a chance at accessing curriculum materials that are provided in an
electronic text format---- ideally at the SAME TIME as their sighted peers. How about NOW--- not
6 months from now---- this is the 3rd year and last wave of the Power-Up Laptop initiative. The
students who need the specialized software have waited long enough!

FED-UP----Call the Media
Quote · Aug 13 2015 3:34 PM
I think that it is outrageous that HISD is ignoring the needs of blind and visually impaired
students. You should contact the media. Let HISD look callous on the evening news. Don't let
HISD sweep this under the rug too.

Board Meeting
Quote · Aug 13 2015 5:40 PM
I'm listening to Anna Eastman speaking at the Board meeting. Wouldn't it be nice if she could get
to the point, she's so long-winded. It would be even better if she'd address real issues in HISD,
instead of skirting important matters, like low scores. Expressing displeasure with poor scores
isn't enough. Do something Anna!

Still at Board Meeting
Quote · Aug 13 2015 6:12 PM
Andy Dewey means well-----but sorry, no one listens to him. Time for a change.

Disgusted
Quote · Aug 13 2015 8:34 PM
Employees, you may now begin to look for new dental and vision providers as most of your board
voted to take Cigna and let United fall by the wayside. A few thousand more in bidding did that
job. The several pleas from providers, employees, the Union went unheeded and you can bet it
will now cost more to take care of these needs. For so many years employees have trusted their
providers, but did the board care, no. This will be a hardship on many and I wonder what this
decisions will do to many of the providers. Terrible, apathetic and another disgusting decision
from your "elected" board members. Oh and let us not forget the story of too many complaints
about these providers, which did not seem to happen as the Union had NOT 1 complaint.

WMS= Failure
Quote · Aug 13 2015 9:06 PM
We have a principal that doesn't listen and allows her ego and insecurities to make staffing
decisions. We are tired already and the year has not even started. Here is our school plans:
Achieve3000 and Avid Binders. Stop talking about people and talk about some plans. In all of my
years of teaching, this is by far the worse PD session ever. Open transfer can't come soon
enough

What the....
Quote · Aug 14 2015 6:14 AM
Yeah, Williams is not where it needs to be under this leadership. Dr. Seymour was on point. He
knew how to run a school. I didn't care for Crier too much because she devalued anything outside
of academics and wrote people up for almost anything and not following her polices that didn't
even closely align to HISD board policy, but you have to respect someone that works like a
Hebrew slave and knows what they are doing and can raise test scores. Seymour had a clear
plan and expectations and Crier forced people to follow her academic plan even though her
means went against many HISD policies,union rules, labor laws. It took this week to realize that
this entire leadership team at Williams are not even equal to the two. I wish Seymour would come
back. As much as I hate to say this, I wish Crier was here. Not ready for this.

Fed-up parent---one of many
Quote · Aug 14 2015 6:45 AM
To "Board Meeting"......... As you said, Anna Eastman talks endlessly but does little. She presents
herself as one of the "good guys". I have attended many of her meetings and despite parent
complaints about excessive testing in HISD, she does absolutely nothing about it. She honestly
sees herself as a righteous change agent and is out of touch with how parents actually view her.
Mike Lunceford is another all talk, no action person. How many classroom hours did your child
spend last year taking District Snapshots? Anna knows all about it, Lunceford knows all about it.
But nothing happened because they are either completely insincere about wanting to stop the
nonsense, or they are just incapable of dealing with Grier's aggressiveness.
I gave up on these two long ago. So have lots of other HISD parents. We're all bracing ourselves
for another year of idiocy. Thank God for HISD teachers who try to compensate for the muck.

Westbury HS
Quote · Aug 14 2015 7:39 AM
I'd like to know why Jason Catchings took the fall for grade changing. It is common knowledge
that he consulted with the high school office. How come no heads rolled there? He did the wrong
thing-- for sure. But so did his so-called advisors at HMW. All of those people retained their jobs.
Why?
Btw, Susan Monaghan may not know this, but some of the nasty, negative teachers at Westbury
are already quietly trying to stir things up behind the scenes. I don't envy her dealing with these
underminers. I wish they'd concentrate on teaching instead of focusing on how to bring her down.
We have an opportunity to begin again. Let's do it.

TAG----The Resignations Begin
Quote · Aug 14 2015 6:48 PM
Well, the beginning of the first week started off with returning faculty members trying to guess if
the chairperson of the P.E. department was fired by Ruiz or had quit. ( Incidentally, this coach
was the last remaining teacher of Stevenson's original faculty of 1994 ) Today, I heard that the
school librarian is moving on to HMW. The librarian was brought over from Ortiz Middle School
last year. ( Ruiz's former campus ) I guess even your friends don't like working with you Ruthie.
True, the move to HMW can be viewed as a promotion. However, if I were a friend of the
principal, I would be loyal and stay more than one year. Of course, maybe she finally has realized
how stupid and ineffective Ruiz really is. When talking about Ruth Ruiz, I can't help but think of
that line from " Forrest Gump". ----"Stupid is as stupid does".
I thought nine people leaving in the middle of last year was pretty bad. However, at least it was
over an entire year. It's only the first week and already two people have left. Ruthie, are you trying
to set a new record? By now a normal person would be questioning themselves. Of course, you
don't think like a rational person. Do you seriously think that 60+ people are wrong? Ruiz is
delusional, but what about her superiors? I know I would question what's been happening over
the last 2 years. The first year I understand. Her superior was her friend. ( Noellia Longoria )
Longoria didn't care. After all, Ruiz created a new position for Longoria's husband. Not sure why
last year's supervisor didn't question all those resignations. This year there is another person.
Maybe things will change. However, I doubt it. I think it is time for the parents to start questioning
her about her dumb decisions. Maybe then the Middle School Office will investigate her more
closely. Whatever, I'm sure the year will be filled with more resignations. I guess I will just have to
wait for the next person to leave. At this rate, it should be next week. LOL LOL

FED-UP-------Time For Change!!!!!!!!!!
Quote · Aug 14 2015 7:02 PM
Cheers to the people who have been extremely vocal about their unhappiness with the HISD
Board and Grier. After six long years, people have finally reached their breaking point. The Board
needs to change their ways and wake up to the fact that they cannot continue in this negative
direction. They need to find a way for Grier to resign before his current contract expires. Firing
him will cost money. Pressure him till he leaves on his own accord. It would be nice if we could
replace the current board members. However, with HFT supporting two current members, it will
be harder. I could almost forgive them for supporting Juliet Stipeche. However, RSJ needs to be
replaced. Her lack of concern has become more evident since becoming the HISD Board
president. My concern about Stipeche is that she is tainted by association. We just need new
faces with better insight and vision. I really don't understand how they cannot realize that they
messed up and should move on to someplace else. They're like the bad version of the U.S.
Supreme Court. It's time for CHANGE!!!!!!

@Westbury
Quote · Aug 14 2015 9:17 PM
Why did Catchings take the fall for changing grades? Because he was so sure of himself and his
invincibility, that he actually put it in writing. He may have consulted with higher ups, although
improbable. It is more likely that based on his experience, he made some assumptions. It is
common practice to "encourage" long term subs to not assign grades lower than 80. Due to this
well known practice, he probably felt that his command to change these grades would go
unmentioned. His superiors washed their hands of him and went on with the day as if his
livelihood was unimportant. Perhaps he has had some time to reflect on that. He has had a hand
in ending some careers - unjustified. You know, goes around and comes around.

Change in Direction
Quote · Aug 15 2015 8:59 AM
Yes, RSJ does not care at all. She appoints her friends to principal positions and they destroy
schools. She appointed two in her area. One school is a daycare for middle school students. Get
rid of her. She doesn't care at all. I come to most board meetings and you can tell from her
demeanor in the board meetings that she doesn't care. She has allowed Grier and company to
destroy careers and lives. All this money wasted on products that didn't even work. He has
become a millionaire and so many of his friends due to this tacky board. They just don't care. I
would like to know why the union would even consider endorsing this woman who was part of our
problem as teachers. There was so much talk about the new union president as being better than
Gayle. Looks like he will be a carbon copy ditto sheet of Gayle.



FED-UP---- @ Change in Direction
Quote · Aug 15 2015 11:12 AM
You are so correct with your comment.

Transparency Please
Quote · Aug 15 2015 7:25 PM
Judd, the Board met in closed session in July to decide if the District would continue to pay Larry
Marshall's legal fees. Did I miss the final decision? Since it is taxpayer money, shouldn't we at
least be informed? How can we find out the outcome?

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Aug 15 2015 9:08 PM
I have filed a Texas Public Information request to get information about the district's decision to
pay Mr. Marshall's legal fees.

Can't Take Much More
Quote · Aug 15 2015 11:03 PM
I know all the above is very, very important but has anyone ever considered what the STAFF
have to go through when they have a bullying principal? A principal that gives their teachers only
10 reams of paper - per semester! A title one school and she won't use money to buy paper.
Doesn't this fall under supplying teachers what they need to teach their children effectively? Not
all students have computers at home for use of a zip drive - hence Title 1. Experienced and highly
effective staff that are removed from their positions so they can put their former students in a
higher position. No warning given, just told on Friday it's effective Monday. Don't principals have
to follow protocol. She throws temper tantrums, yells at them, demands. Yet she is still there.
Complaints have been filed with EEOC only to decline them because you didn't follow protocol.
(being did you talk to her about it first) Seriously! There is literally no where to go for help - your
just stuck. So why bother to complain? You need your job so you just suck it up!

The Truth Southwest Houston
Quote · Aug 16 2015 8:20 AM
We all know that In order to release Grier from his contract the district would have to pay over
$1million (so I've heard). Maybe he is trying to get fired. That's a win for him. Maybe he's doing all
of this on purpose

The Truth x2
Quote · Aug 16 2015 10:28 AM
Ok! Let's fire him! pay the $1million and fire all of the unnecessary overpaid administrators from
the friends and family club. That will recoup the million dollars and in the end we will save more
money from not coming up with more ineffective programs. Get the district back to what it is
supposed to be- a public education system centered on students, let the principals run their
schools as those schools should and as those principals were trained. And fire the district lawyers
that allowed this provision as well. Really? he was fired from 10 other school districts before
infecting us with his toxic behavior- it should have been obvious to the HISD lawyers that
something stunk! How hard is this really?

wondering?
Quote · Aug 16 2015 10:48 AM
@ can't take it anymore- do you belong to an organization, Union, ATPE, Congress? Every
employee in the district should have themselves covered legally. I also remember quite a while
back how the EEOC usually sides with HISD so even if you followed protocol what would
happen? If anyone has had any experience with the EEOC can the post about it. Thank-you.

Request
Quote · Aug 16 2015 2:21 PM
Davis teachers were told last week that the school would not be rebuilt. One of the teachers told
me that hundreds of thousands of dollares were spent on architectures, etc. They sent dozens of
teachers to view schools in Oregon or Washington. Didn't the voters vote for the bond. is this
true? Can the district go back on what they told us parents? How do I find out?

Learned My Lesson
Quote · Aug 16 2015 6:00 PM
To Can't Take Much More
If I didn't know she was already out of HISD I would swear you are talking about Brandi Brevard.
Everything in your post is exactly what happened when she came to Tinsley. Incompetent,
dishonest and an idiot, how in the world she ended up getting a job at KIPP is beyond belief. I told
my own kids to enroll their children at KIPP, but after they hired that lunatic I told them to go with
YES prep. Obviously KIPP is not very discerning. They'll hire anything.

Rebuild is a Do-Over
Quote · Aug 16 2015 6:22 PM
Ditto for Bellaire. Teachers sent to Oregon and Washington (guess they don't get that its a
different climate there!). The architects got paid first! and less then half left... so BHS will get a fixup/repair which is just fine with us! We (the community) did not want the school rebuilt as it has
had 3 major refurb/additions in the last 20 years and large portions are in excellent condition.

TAG----One More To The List
Quote · Aug 16 2015 8:50 PM
Just add the school nurse to the people that have left Stevenson during the first week of school.
That makes three!!!! Ruthie you are way ahead of last year. Congrats on your progress. (NOT)
Wake up----you have no rapport with 95% of the school. And the count continues. LOL

Obsession
Quote · Aug 16 2015 10:22 PM
@TAG:
I mean this in the nicest way possible: Get a life. Your obsession with Mrs. Ruiz is a little
disturbing. We get it; she's a lousy principal and not a nice person. Disrespecting her on a regular
basis, however, only demeans you as a person and detracts from your own credibility as a
teacher. Focus on your students. Everything else is out of your control.

What gives!
Quote · Aug 17 2015 6:25 AM
Judd, can you please do an Open Records on this news about high schools not being built? This
is the word that continues to spread and it's very alarming after the voters passed the bond to do
so.

Obession What?
Quote · Aug 17 2015 4:52 PM
@Obsession
Whoever you are..... You're missing the point. You must be one of Ruiz's pals. Did she hire you
too? LoL

TAG @ Obsession
Quote · Aug 17 2015 5:00 PM
Thanks for your comment. That's the best part of being an American.----We have freedom of
speech. Therefore, I will continue to exercise my right to post whatever I please. Here is my
response:
1. I assure you that I am not obsessed with Ruiz. I just really don't like her. She's not a nice
person. If you worked at Stevenson, you would know that. She has been toxic ever since she first
set foot on our campus.
2. My credibility as an educator has nothing to do with my posts concerning Ruiz. I am a highly
effective teacher. When I'm in my classroom my focus is on the students.
3. Ruiz has destroyed the morale of Stevenson. She has changed the whole tone of the school.
4. Ruiz doesn't deserve respect. She is nasty to the staff and to the students.
5. I will continue to post until Ruiz is removed from the Stevenson campus. If you are tired of my
posts about Ruiz, then don't read them.

bellaire and Davis
Quote · Aug 17 2015 6:41 PM
How much was each school promised in funds. Doesn't this sound highly suspicious if not flat out
illegal if that was voted bond money for the rebuilding of schools?
Which "leader" decided this for the schools?

Obsession Stop
Quote · Aug 17 2015 8:32 PM
@TAG:
Stop with the Mrs. Ruiz comments. It is getting super old! You have lost all, if any, credibility. I
agree with obsession. Focus on your students. Do you even work at Stevenson? If you hate a
person that much, why do you work there? Find somewhere where you will feel valued and
respected. I hope you find peace.

Give it a rest
Quote · Aug 18 2015 5:51 AM
Stevenson is a demonstration school for the district (TAG--take a hint), receiving 5 of 5
distinctions from T.E.A. Ruiz isn't going anywhere. I don't know her personally, but I agree with
comments about TAG. Madam or Sir, you probably need to go somewhere and like the others
have said, find your innner peace. It's called Open Transfer period.

Worried Already
Quote · Aug 18 2015 7:01 AM
Looking at the elementary reading curriculum is already upsetting me. Is it just me? Am I missing
the boat? It got so confusing last year, it's still wordy and confusing this year. Why can't Mr.
Menster, the person in charge of that dept, make life easier instead of harder for teachers. We
face enough challenges as teachers without struggling trying to piece together a reading
curriculum.

seriously now
Quote · Aug 18 2015 6:04 PM
Evan E. Worthing Senior High needed another Principal due to the illness of the retired Principal
(Mr. John Modest). Dr. Grier brought him in from North Carolina. He was given a three year
contract. Instead of choosing an instructional leader who was a former Principal in HISD (had
great success), has a great track record, knows the problems that already exist at Worthing, is
respected by the faculty, staff and community; the district decided that the AP at the defunct
Jones High School is a better choice for the new Principal. Mr. Brooks the current AP was not
even interviewed. How sad for the students of Worthing High School.

Right On!!!
Quote · Aug 18 2015 6:25 PM
Guys, hold up.....please don't attack someone for expressing their opinion on this blog because
that is what we all do here. Nobody should be off limits on this blog. If so, what's the purpose?
And besides, aren't you expressing YOUR opinion when you blog that bloggers need to quit
blogging about Ruiz at Stevenson? This blog is a democracy. You do have the right to not read it.

TAG----Your Opinion Doesn't Matter To Me
Quote · Aug 18 2015 6:50 PM
You all the miss the point. I'm not unhappy with my job, school or any other aspect of Stevenson.
I'll repeat-----I will continue to post until Ruiz is removed. Bored or annoyed? -----DON'T READ IT.
It's my RIGHT to express my opinion. Personally, I believe you are pro-Ruiz staff members. LOL
Have a great evening! Wait for my next POST. LOL

Obsession
Quote · Aug 18 2015 7:16 PM
@TAG:
You have my sincerest wishes for a successful (and peaceful) school year.

HaHA in HISD
Quote · Aug 18 2015 7:49 PM
If you know of a campus in HISD where you TRULY feel valued and respected...by all means
post the name of campus.

@TAG
Quote · Aug 18 2015 8:19 PM
Are you sure the three teachers/nurse at Stevenson left their position due to Ruiz? Maybe they
left for personal reasons or a higher paying job.

TAG @ Right On!!!
Quote · Aug 19 2015 12:38 AM
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your supporting free speech.

happy blog!
Quote · Aug 19 2015 4:23 AM
I'm very happy ...not at a HISD school.. since I left.. the culture is very toxic.. it's true.. you don't
really see it until you leave....

TAG----All Of A Sudden
Quote · Aug 19 2015 6:30 AM
Wow! All of a sudden there are so many comments about my posts. Sounds like Ms. Ruiz is
feeling the pressure. I could be wrong. However, I am beginning to think Ruthie has people
posting on her behalf. Comment on this: Ruiz has said in the past that she doesn't think public
education is as good as private education. She has also made disparaging remarks about the
quality of education provided for the students in HISD schools. I also have friends that are
administrators. They think she is a loud mouth and a fool as well. One friend cringes every time
Ruiz opens her mouth at a principal's meeting. Another friend said that " she shows her stupidity
every time she opens that big mouth". I am not the only person that finds her incompetent. Some
of her peers have no respect for her either. When she articulates something particularly stupid,
my two principal friends will text me about it. That provides a good laugh for the day. More posts
to come.

TAG FIND PEACE
Quote · Aug 19 2015 8:36 AM
TAG
We get that you don't like Ms. Ruiz but don't insult others. Why the hatred towards the Ortiz folks?
You do not even know them. Yet, you insult them. I am glad they do not read this blog. The
librarian left because she got a promotion, not because of Ms. Ruiz. The nurse left, so what?
Does it have to be because of Ruiz, as well? Please find peace and we will skip your posts if we
don't like it, that is the fair, but if your peers on here are saying to calm down -- it might be good
advice for it is not healthy to have all this hate.

@wondering
Quote · Aug 19 2015 10:03 AM
I currently have a case before the EEOC regarding bullying, harassment, etc. against HISD. The
EEOC has so many complaints that they are a year or two behind. It will be a year since my initial
complaint this fall. It can be very discouraging to go though this process. My harassment and
bullying by administrators and even those at HMW became worse after HISD found out about the
complaint. I left HISD but I am continuing my EEOC case against HISD. My advice to those going
to the EEOC is to document and record everything. I did not go through my representation
because I have enough proof to prove my case. And I researched the law enough to know I am in
the right. My EEOC case manager stated that representation and lawyers can actually slow down
the process after I inquired about seeking representation to have my case speed up.

TAG @ Tag Find Peace
Quote · Aug 19 2015 3:51 PM
1. I haven't expressed hatred for Ortiz personnel. I actually have some friends that work there.
Ruiz got rid of people because she wanted her friends from Ortiz. That's my beef with that. I could
list the people. However, I'm going to pass for now.
2. How do you know that the Ortiz faculty doesn't read this blog? Unless you are close to the
people at Ortiz. Apparently, I was correct when I guessed that pro- Ruiz people are writing these
posts. I would say that Ruiz was writing them. However, she has the writing capacity of a 4 year
old. ( Sorry, didn't mean to insult the Pre-K crowd. ---LOL )
3. Big deal----the librarian left because she got a promotion. That's one person. What about the
other 60 people? Is that why 9 people walked out in the middle of last year? Again, this proves
my point. Only Ruiz and her followers would know this information. If you were from another
campus, you would have no idea about the nurse and why she left.
4. I'm tired of telling you the same thing. I'm going to continue to post. Don't read it Ruthie and
friends.
5. I'm also tired of your snarky comments about peace and health. I assure you that writing these
posts does not affect my health in any way. Worry about your own health. I'll take care of mine.
6. Here's a challenge------Why don't you list some of the positive things that Ruiz has done in the
last 2 years. Start with staff morale. How has she improved the climate of the school? What has
she done to make teachers and staff want to remain at Stevenson? How has she embraced the
Stevenson culture? Explain how she has improved on the foundations that we had in place before
she arrived. Tell us all about how she welcomes former staff members when they want to visit.
Having the police escort them off campus would not be a good example. LOL By the way, be
prepared for me to respond to your examples. I guarantee that I will be able to refute anything
you post. It will just make Ruiz look even worse.
7. I will not name people. However, I will use initials. If Ruiz is not writing these so called
"peace/health" comments, then it's probably P.B. or A.M. Please don't get me started on the two
of you.
8. Haven't you realized that every time you tell me not to post, I post more? Be smart. Don't try to
compete with me. You are not going to deter me in any way. You will only make Ruiz and
yourselves look like fools.
9. You may want to reread your last 2 lines. It's kind of jumbled and doesn't make sense. Maybe
Ruiz did write it. LOL 10.Have a nice day. I hope you find peace and happiness also. May I
suggest yoga and meditation?

wondering?
Quote · Aug 19 2015 5:55 PM
Thank-you to @wondering. There are so many cases of bullying in HISD the EEOC" is year or
two behind", yet we just had to watch and take a test on bullying in the workplace. The hypocrisy
in this district is incredible. Report bullying, what is considered bullying, etc. etc. imagine parents
walking into a school to hear their principal screaming at teachers. This district just gets worse by
the day.

Not all bad
Quote · Aug 19 2015 7:03 PM
It would be interesting if those with positive experience were more vocal on this blog. There are
HISD schools were the staff is happy and the principals are well liked. I love my principal and I
have many teacher friends at other campuses who are very happy as well. And we are not your
"rich"
schools where there is a higher concentration of veteran principals who are both effective and
well liked. Do we still struggle to grow students who come to us with big gaps? Yes. Are there
times when our principal rolls out changes
Or a new initiative and we all grumble about it? Of course. Change is not easy. But if she can
show us its for our students we figure out a way to adjust. I have 3 friends with new principals and
they feel very positive about the new direction of their campus. It would be nice to share both
sides here. I know that typically people who are unhappy may feel more compelled to post, but
those who have had good experiences, shout your campus out! We don't do enough to celebrate
those who fly under the radar. Plus maybe for those who are unhappy with their leader but
committed to serving the kids of THIS district, you will have an idea of places to try to transfer to!

District Settles With Jason Catching
Resignation vs Firing
Quote · Aug 19 2015 8:17 PM
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Former-Westbury-High-principal-gets-5-monthspay-6443673.php

Jason Catching Scapegoat for Terry Grier Quote From Chron
Quote · Aug 19 2015 8:22 PM
Catchings, in his first year as Westbury's principal, was under pressure to improve academics at
the school, according to his attorney, Tiger Hanner.
Emails obtained by the Houston Chronicle under the state's public information law show that
Grier expressed concern that Catchings was not exiting enough teachers.
"Worry you are not moving out enough folks," Grier wrote Catchings in a Jan. 30 email.
"We have processed 10 teachers and 1 administrator off the campus during the fall semester,"
Catchings responded.
Hanner said Catchings had a hard time finding good teachers to fill the vacancies.

Keep Posting
Quote · Aug 19 2015 10:07 PM
TAG:
TAG, no one is trying to deny you your freedom of speech. From my vantage point (as a retired
teacher who recently transitioned to the private sector), others posting here were simply
attempting to let you know that your comments do not reflect positively on you (as a person or as
a teacher). I don't believe they were demeaning you; I think they were merely offering
constructive criticism. Of course, it's your decision whether or not to heed their advice.
By all means, please continue to post. Keep in mind, however, that those who disagree with your
derogatory style are not necessarily Ruiz, her friends, or HISD operatives trying to discredit you.
Looking forward to your next post.

Where there is no vision, the people perish:
Quote · Aug 20 2015 12:21 AM
i just reviewed the Traffic Light Report and one thing that captured my attention what the large
variations in the capacity of the school buildings. There are high schools being built for 400
students and high schools being built for 2,500 students. What gives? Sound like there is no
vision on the prototype for the school model for students management. We are not talking about
retrofitting schools. We are taking about building brand new schools. School sizes are all over the
place. As such you will have so much of the bond funds being spent on soft cost like preliminary
engineering and architectural design..
The end result is that many of these project will see the light of day.. Sound like more smoke and
mirrors. . .More betrayal of Houston taxpayers. Who hires a biology teacher as the Chief Honcho
to manage an almost 2 billion dollar bond issue.

time for change
Quote · Aug 20 2015 5:36 AM
Now 3 HISD employees have their names on Ashly Madison according to local news. Nothing
surprises me anymore.
@Jason Catchings Scapegoat, how deplorable is Grier? No end to his mass cuttings of dedicated
educators. Something really wrong with this guy and yet the board has supported his decisions
throughout his reign of terror. No feeling for those who have dedicated their lives to helping
students in this district, only a massive overhaul of educators.

Grier's Plan
Quote · Aug 20 2015 7:06 AM
The email to Catchings from Grier reveals one pillar of Grier's plan - fire teachers. The other
pillars are 2. fire more 3. more still 4. fire even more. Grier states that he is worried. He worries
that "enough" teachers have not been fired. He states no concerns over any particular teacher or
teachers. That is because his plan isn't to remove weak teachers. His plan is to fire a certain
number of teachers. Operating like that creates fear and more failure. He will need lots of luck
finding those good teachers to fill vacancies. Fewer and fewer people want to become teachers
and of those who do, they don't have much interest in HISD.

Power UP Flop DOWN!
Quote · Aug 20 2015 8:12 AM
So if you thought you just log onto the HUB or click on the icon and the math text is there... think
again... I can't wait til parents find out there are no books for science, social studies or math at the
"Power UP" schools and this edict from King Grier is also followed with another edict prohibiting
publishers from providing an actual text to a classroom teacher! Even more fun is that all of social
studies except American History does not even have an e-book. Well... anyway... maybe some
folks might want to look into this because reality hits on Monday!!
See below- My favorite part: "wait 3-5 business days for password" then "wait 1-3 days for course
creation" so maybe in 10 days one can get their students on the material.
Follow along the 7 easy steps for accessing the Calculus book for HISD teachers and students:
The following are the steps needed to take to access our AP Calculus e-book and so instructional
software.
ACCESSING OUR AP CALCULUS E-TEXT AND SOFTWARE
1. Go to http://www.webassign.net/
2. Sign up through the Instructor Sign Up link (Upper right corner of page)
3. Wait for e-mail the provides your user name and password (3-5 business days)
4. Login as directed
5. Create a course(s) (From the drop down menu in the upper left corner of the page)
A. Course Number (From GradeSpeed)
B. Course Title (AP Calculus AB)
C. Section (001)
D. Instructor (You)
E. Roster (Instructors enroll from roster)
F. Term 2015-2016
G. Start Date 082415
H. End Date 060316
I. Textbook
1) Select Calculus from the drop down menu
2) Select the Larson Calculus Early Transcendental Function 6th ed (BE SURE TO SELECT THE
6TH ED)
J. Select Additional resources 1, 2 and 3 (Bottom left of page)
K. Select Create Course (Bottom left of page)
6. Wait 1-3 business days to receive notification of course creation (You will be able to view the
course and its ancillaries before then)
7. It is suggested that an Excel file is created to export into the publisher’s software. This will
allow for student access and online assignment grading.
The Excel file should include the student name (Last, First)/Identification Number/E-mail

Saw It Coming A world far, far away from HISD
Quote · Aug 20 2015 12:43 PM
@Grier's Plan:
I guess when Dr. Grier introduced Apollo several years ago, people assumed it was an isolated
incident and felt their jobs were safe - no reason to get involved. As the truth behind Apollo
unveiled itself (mass release of many very good, veteran teachers), people took notice but still
took no action - keep a low profile and maybe you won't be targeted. Well, the craziness has
continued for years and the end is nowhere in sight. Who knows what will happen next?
Abundantly clear, however, is Grier's attitude regarding veteran teachers - they don't matter. They
were ignored when the latest salary schedule was released. They are no longer acknowledged
for their advanced degrees. They are the primary targets on principals' "hit lists" (see the post
regarding Grier's message to Catchings). I usually try to find something encouraging to say in the
face of depressing news, but, try as I might, I can't come up with anything (unless waiting for
June of 2016 appeals to you). Teachers, you are alone in this war. Your co-workers will not
support you. Your superiors certainly won't. And, as much as I hate to say it, most parents and
students won't speak up in defense of teachers who have unselfishly served them for decades too lazy, selfish, and/or apathetic. You are alone.
But, hey, here's some good news: it will be Christmas before you know it.

TAG@ Keep Posting
Quote · Aug 20 2015 4:18 PM
I repeat----The comments came from Stevenson. No one else would have known about the
librarian being promoted. Also, I never said " HISD operatives ". This isn't a spy movie. LOL As
I've told you before-----don't worry about my health or my reputation. Both are in outstanding
condition. Hope you are doing just as well.
By the way, why would you look forward to my next post? You didn't like the others. Again, a
sarcastic remark from you.

Me
Quote · Aug 20 2015 4:41 PM
Stevenson you did not lose a certified librarian. You lost a teacher who was not a certified
librarian, who could give the students, staff and patents so much more. Unfortunately there are
fewer and fewer certified librarians in the schools. They get students to read and learn how to do
research.

Stevenson MS
Quote · Aug 20 2015 5:45 PM
To Keep Posting
Although your comment was polite and professional, I have a feeling that you have never known
the misery of working for a principal who destroys your confidence and creates a sense of dread
among faculty members. Unfortunately, I have. We have far too many principals like Ruiz in
HISD. I empathize with the teacher from Stevenson. I don't agree with you that her comments
reflect poorly on her. She is struggling to survive in a toxic environment and if posting on this site
helps her/him, then so be it.
I'm also wondering why people are zeroing in on this Stevenson teacher. Have you, and they,
read what is posted here about other HISD employees? Grier? Sarabia? Huery? Numerous
principals? Board members? etc. etc. etc. This teacher's comments are not out of line.

No Way
Quote · Aug 20 2015 5:51 PM
@tag. I'm with you. Those people are clearly Stevenson administrators. Come now. Are people
who read this blog really considered too stupid to see that? Pretty defensive if you ask me. There
must be truth to the accusations.

The Holier-Than-Thou Act Isn't Working
Quote · Aug 20 2015 6:40 PM
To "Keep Posting"
Constructive criticism? Get real. You need to do a better job of masking your anger. It seeps
through your phony-baloney facade.

HMW Insider
Quote · Aug 20 2015 6:48 PM
Let me tell you what's really going on here with the Stevenson defenders. They know, full well,
that Grier's minions read this blog. That is common knowledge at HMW. The Spencers read it.
Mark Smith reads it. The School Chiefs read it. The list is endless. The Stevenson people are
running scared now because they are afraid that Grier and his crew will come down on them hard
because of the negative comments about their leadership tactics. That's the reason they are
posting rebuttals. I know nothing about Stevenson and cannot speak to the accuracy or
inaccuracy of the claims. But I do know what goes on at HMW and can assure you that Ruiz and
her team will receive "feedback" as a result of this site.



Hey TAG
Quote · Aug 20 2015 10:38 PM
What is the 411 on the PE teacher that left before the start of this school year? Some say she
was promoted and others say she told Ruiz to F****Off. So Mr./Ms. TAG which is it?

FED-UP---Some Comments
Quote · Aug 20 2015 10:38 PM
I have some brief comments about some of the recent posts. Here they are:
1. Let's start off on a positive note. I am happy that someone finally posted that they like their
principal. However, I wish they had named the person or the campus.
2. I have no idea why a district would want to get rid of librarians. They are essential to the
education process. I have a better suggestion-------get rid of all these extra administrative
positions that everyone knows we don't need.
3. I also don't understand why school districts don't take projected student growth into
consideration when they build new schools. It seems they build for the current population number
and a few years later the new school is over crowded. How about being proactive?
4. Power-Up is another one of HISD's foolish ideas. It isn't working and it's cost the district a lot of
money.
5. The e-mail between Catching's and Grier is evidence that HISD is out to get teachers. Why is
the Union not showing outrage? Why are they not asking the media to investigate? Why are they
so silent on important matters? The answer is simple. HISD must have HFT in their back pocket.
Grier is a mean spirited person. The Board is unconscious and HFT is useless.

TAG-----Thanks For The Support
Quote · Aug 21 2015 2:41 AM
I would like to thank everyone who posted comments supporting me. It is greatly appreciated. I'm
glad that people recognized that I have the right to post and that Ruiz has her minions writing
things against me. I was particularly happy to hear that people at HMW read this blog. Maybe
someone will step in and help us at Stevenson. As far as I know, the P.E. teacher was fired.
However, out of respect for her, the other P.E. teachers are not divulging any information. It's
very sad because she was a great teacher and department chair. The P.E. department was
extremely efficient. Also, another P.E. coach was switched to the in-school suspension spot. He
was also an excellent coach as well. During the tenure of former Stevenson principals the school
was cohesive and had common goals. Ruiz took everything that was good about our school and
haphazardly destroyed it. That's why I keep posting. I miss the caring family environment. In her
first year, she managed to destroy 12 years of good things that former principals worked so hard
to achieve. Thanks again to everyone that understands my frustration with Ruth Ruiz.

@ Stevenson staff member
Quote · Aug 21 2015 5:14 AM
First off let me start by saying I don't care either way on your posts.. they are cute.. makes me
think about a teachers lounge with a larger audience....again I agree Ruiz is full of hot air... but
she ain't going anywhere 6/7 distinctions...just saying...feel free to rant.. I hope it makes you feel
better..

TAG@ Stevenson staff member
Quote · Aug 21 2015 7:04 AM
If you don't care about my posts, why do you keep commenting on them? As usual, thanks for
your sarcasm. Maybe she would have received 7/7, if she didn't drive off the best science teacher
on campus. I believe we dropped 10 points in that area. She's an idiot who doesn't deserve to be
principal of Stevenson. She made that clear the first year when all she did was make negative
remarks about the Stevenson staff and our school. She kept comparing us to her former school. (
Ortiz ) Why? I'm not sure. They were inferior to us at the time. We had a B+ rating and they had a
D rating. Perhaps if Ruiz had a better mentor than Noellia Longoria things would be different. I
pity all our new inexperienced assistant principals. If Ruiz is mentoring them, they will be failures
as well. Let's hope they are more intelligent than Ruiz. Maybe they will realize that she's an
ineffective moron who can't be trusted. I hope so or we are in deep trouble.

Westbury Insider
Quote · Aug 21 2015 12:32 PM
From the ground level at Westbury last year, when Catchings fired the ESL department, save his
one follower from Scarborough, it rocked the ELA department. All ELA teachers left except two
(LaWare, Brooks) this past year. Catchings then put nearly every math teacher on a growth plan,
despite decent Algebra 1 STAAR scores, and began processing them out. Result: every math
teacher at Westbury except one (Myers) left.
Gone are the days when prospective teachers lined up at HISD waiting for jobs to open. There is
a nation and regional teacher shortage.
Grier's policy of "just fire them all and hire new ones" has been a disaster as only one Apollo
principal remains from the original 20: Gasparello.
Hey Grier -- we know you read this -- if the problem is with the teachers, how about creating
better work environments and raising pay to match FBISD and others?

"Teachers' Lounge"
Quote · Aug 21 2015 12:34 PM
@ Stevenson staff member
A clarification for the larger audience you mentioned
For those newbies to the profession, a 'teachers lounge" is usually an ill equipped room with a
bathroom and a drink machine that works only randomly. It is that place a teacher goes during
one period of a seven period day because a floating teacher is using their classroom. Many times
administrators choose to call this room a lounge in order to keep afloat the idea that teachers
somehow manage to lounge around during the day while carrying student loads of 190 or more,
having two or more preps, and a duty station before or after school. Lounge. Indeed.

Exhausted Mustang Pearland
Quote · Aug 22 2015 11:37 AM
Austin HS currently has 8 Administrator most whom look as if they're in their 20s. Our new plans
are 2 pages long and we have to document what we are doing every minute of class. We were
also told that walkthroughs will be constant. Haven't spoken to one excited person this week. I
feel sorry for the teachers who are "stuck" here. We are burnt out already and school hasn't even
started.
Intere st ing approach to improving the school. Ride the teachers while kids do nothing

stuff
Quote · Aug 22 2015 3:59 PM
One brand new teacher at Westbury was put on a growth plan by October. How on earth can a
leader do this?

@exhausted Mustang
Quote · Aug 22 2015 4:00 PM
We at other high schools agree. There is no way to follow the list of rules and teach

Marc Heaven Elsewhere
Quote · Aug 23 2015 10:43 AM
Once again.......HISD is a hell hole and until you decide for yourself IF you want to stay and be a
martyr or save yourself/career is all up to you! Don't wait around to long because then they will
make that decision for you. I remember in the beginning of this when Grier started treating
teachers like shit and some schools were targeted and when we cried out for help everyone
looked the other way because we were the "bad schools" and we got what we deserved. Yah we
got a stupid ignorant young Principal named Christian Winn who ruined our school Frost
Elementary and the careers of all the teachers there. Then she was moved before the end year to
Young Elementary and started the same thing there. Was she fired for screwing up 2 schools,
heck no she was/is Asst Principal at T.H. Rogers where they have hidden her out for a few years!
As for us screwed over teachers, we are now happily in other districts where they are shaking
their heads and laughing at HISD for letting such great teachers go and they picked us up!
So.......most of you teachers who are STILL within HISD classrooms and are crying out for
help......to late...because when we were screaming out you ignored us and now we, veteran
teachers who thought you would support us, are no longer around to support ya'll. So again, you
have to either get the hell out and save your career or suck it up and kiss a few behinds like all
the administrators are doing to save THEIR jobs NOT yours!!!!! Principals like Mrs. Winn and
others who have cemented their futures in HELL already have signed on with one DEVIL Grier
himself, so again sorry for your pains because those who have gone before you are happy now!

FED-UP---I Agree
Quote · Aug 23 2015 10:53 AM
There is never enough time to do what the administration wants a teacher to accomplish during a
school day. Lesson plans have become so intricate that you spend more time doing them and
less time preparing quality lessons. A lesson plan was for the teacher, not the administrator.
Veteran teachers especially know what they are teaching without having to fill out these ridiculous
plans. I doubt if anyone even reads them on a daily basis. I don't care what my principal or
assistant principal wants. I have a very brief outline for each lesson. If they don't like it too bad. I
really don't care. My focus is on educating my students, not pleasing some autocratic principal.
Most of the new administrators are in their 30's with little classroom experience. Every
administrator ( including Grier ) should have to teach one class. Maybe they will realize that there
is more to being a teacher than completing paperwork. I decided a long time ago that I will not
jump through hoops to please some inconsiderate administrator.

FED-UP----@Teachers Lounge
Quote · Aug 23 2015 10:56 AM
You are so accurate with your description of a teachers lounge. I could not have said it better.

learned my lesson
Quote · Aug 23 2015 4:49 PM
Tomorrow starts a new year and a new opportunity to impact young lives forever. Put aside your
resentments and grievances and do your best for as long as you can to give the youngsters all
that you have. The mess that is HISD is not their fault so put on your happy face and drink an
extra cup of coffee. Have a wonderful, productive and rewarding school year!!!

FYI
Quote · Aug 23 2015 5:18 PM
Most of Westbury was put on a growth plan. Cute little APs don't even know what they are talking
about! Where do they find these "kids"? Catching just strutted his business. No worries. Everyone
left.

@Marc:
Quote · Aug 23 2015 8:59 PM
Good to see you posting again. I am truly pleased to hear that things are going so well, and you
richly deserve an "I told you so," to all the bystanders who did nothing but watch when this mess
started. I can certainly relate to your experience. I taught at Attucks, same neighborhood as Frost
and Young. I felt your pain.
Teachers, you deserve better than Grier and his "people". Whatever you decide, I am praying that
you have a peaceful, productive, stress-free school year.

good luck today!
Quote · Aug 24 2015 6:21 AM
Let's see how long it takes for the first teacher to be put on a growth plan!

Why bother!
Quote · Aug 24 2015 4:47 PM
I have been retired for the last 2 years. Not by my choice, but by King Grier's fancy but failing
programs. I would love to hear from some veteran teachers and also newbies on how their first
day went. Don't hold back- give all the details.

FED-UP----@ good luck today!
Quote · Aug 24 2015 10:06 PM
What makes you so sure that they haven't already? LOL What a sorry district. Grier is a disgrace
to education.

OMG.
Quote · Aug 24 2015 10:48 PM
Is it summer yet? Grier is at it again...power down... more fights.... gangs.. and incompetent all
around..

Hmmm...
Quote · Aug 25 2015 9:03 AM
Is any elementary adhering to max class sizes of 22 for K-4 grades? Many of our classes are
over that... as are many other schools in the area...

Question
Quote · Aug 25 2015 6:00 PM
Any way we can find out how many teachers left Sam Houston last year? We are getting an
earful from teachers that fled the school because of Ghandi and his side kick Ali Clark. Clark was
hours away from being put on a growth plan at Apollo Lee. She was crying on everyone's floor
(yes floor) She was applying for grad school because "HISD" and Ghandi and Davila were so
terrible. The next thing we all know is she is an AP with no experience that continued the downfall
of Lee. Ghandi got it in his strange head that a student could set up the schedule and it created
disaster in the credits for students and they had to do some illegal rearrangement of transcripts to
get the students graduated. Our new teachers are telling us hilarious disasters at Sam Houston.
These two people, ladies and gentlemen, are running Sam Houston.... but what happened to all
the teachers?

Showtime @ the Apollo
Quote · Aug 25 2015 6:45 PM
Here at one of the Apollo schools, opening week is in chaos as students were not scheduled into
their classes -- once again -- due to the extraordinarily high turnover rate among administrators.
Remember when schools kept administrative teams in place and a continuity existed that ensured
a smooth start to the school year?
Once again, the one-hour-a-day gains of an Apollo schedule have been off-set by the loss of
instruction for the initial three weeks as students are scheduled in and out of classes erroneously.
Let's hope that upon Grier's de-throning, a more gentle and loving (Stripling-esque)
superintendent will follow and re-establish the continuity and stability of leadership that campuses
require to start the school year with learning instead of endless "ice breakers" and fluff as we
await final class leveling and schedule corrections.

Lunceford and Snapshots
Quote · Aug 25 2015 7:45 PM
What? Lunceford's schools do not give the snapshots? Then why did he vote last year in favor of
the contract with Roland Fryer and Harvard Labs? If he knew the snapshots were going to be
garbage, why didn't he vote no and save the district a small fortune, let alone the poor kids who
were forced to take those Menster monstrosities? Lunceford is a huge disappointment, he's an
intelligent man who supports poor decisions and can't think for himself. Too bad all the other
schools in our district weren't allowed to ditch the Snapshots. Wouldn't we all have enjoyed an
opportunity to use snapshot time to actually teach?

Lesson plans
Quote · Aug 25 2015 7:55 PM
Are the requirements for lesson plans coming from Grier? My campus is doing the 5E.....this is
ridiculous I have to write the questions I will ask for every story I read. My lesson plan for reading
is 6 pages alone. By the time I finish with math/science/social studies it's 14 pages at the least.
Get this ----TEAM HISD...we were told wants individual plans so NO sharing. supposedly if
someone from the district walks in they are going to read the question to see if actually ask
them....yes contact HFT and they send teachers a memo about lesson plans for you to give
admin....why doesn't HFT send it to board members/Grier to make sure campus admin is in
compliance. That's what we pay for? Instead HFT wants teachers to pass memo to admin and
become a target for that admin.....as if anyone thinks admin will not target them for giving them
that memo! Working for HISD IS GETTING WORSE EVERY YEAR!!!!

The Leftbehind
Quote · Aug 25 2015 8:52 PM
Interesting to see former teachers returning to work in HISD after the "Purge of 2009." I guess
HISD has no other choice to hire them since few teachers want to work in this district based on
it's bully reputation. I have one question. Did all of the "retired-rehire" principals and other central
office folks take the Haberman test and did they have passing scores? I would like for this site to
request their scores. This is for Dan DeLeon, Justin Fuentes, Noelia Longoria and others..... This
Haberman process is suppose to be the great predictor of success. If not, then what are they
doing leading our schools?

Justin Fuentes
Quote · Aug 26 2015 6:49 AM
What about Justin Fuentes? Was his role in the Westbury HS grade-changing debacle exposed?
It doesn't look like it. You can ask anyone informed about what went on and he will tell you that
Fuentes was guiding Catchings' decision. Too bad only Catchings took the fall.

FED-UP---@Lesson Plans
Quote · Aug 26 2015 11:45 AM
Neither the district or your principal can legally dictate that teachers complete comprehensive
lesson plans. Six pages is ridiculous. Teachers just need to refuse to do that. Administrators can't
legally take action against you. Teachers need to exercise the few rights that we have. Get
together as a campus and stop this abuse.

outrage
Quote · Aug 26 2015 7:06 PM
Someone needs to send the news media over to Davis High school where you will see all the
homes and businesses boarded up across the street because HISD bought them for the
"new school" The tagging and vandalism and homeless moving into the homes is causing an
alarming problem. where are you HISD? If this was Bellaire, the parents would throw a fit.

harrogate
Quote · Aug 26 2015 7:18 PM
Justin Fuentes is an amazing educator who will achieve great things at Sterling,. His students and
staff are going to love him. He is so dedicated to students. That's why the high school office was
not for him. He has far too much integrity, passion and love for educating to thrive in the scum at
HMW.

Mouton get over yourself
Quote · Aug 26 2015 7:41 PM
Ok. We get it.. your sad because you got demoted..your great for kids.... but really GET OVER IT!
No one cares....

Marc NOT HISD......
Quote · Aug 26 2015 9:55 PM
To all the teachers who are fed up with having to write long lesson plans......take your T.E.s and
make copies of everything THEY the book publishers have written for you on EACH lesson. Look
at the T.E. and it tells you "how to open the lesson" "questions to ask" "how to close the lesson"
and everything in between. So again, IF your T.E. is online now, print it, staple it together, and
hand it in! IF you have books, put them on the copier and hit the print button....staple and hand
them in! They DONT like'em......TO DAMN BAD......THEY choose the books! THEY chose the
texts on line! Soooooo...IF and WHEN they come in pick up your copy and read it word for word
WHILE they are in the room. WHEN they leave do what you gotta do to make it through the day!!!
Just remember over half of these administrators are dumber then a 5th Grader so they won't
catch on until one of your so called "buddy" teacher runs to tell to get those Grier brownie points!
So again....get together with your TRUSTED friends and screw with these ignorant fools that
bought their degrees on line or at the Dollar Store and wouldn't know a good teacher or lesson
unless they were told!! Remember when....you NEVER saw anyone in the front office without first
being a teacher for more than one or two years and that was for an AP job and 10 or more to run
the show.....what the hell has HISD become???? SO in closing.....let's all start looking around the
office when we are called in and see some of these bogus college degrees these people have
bought on line and the head clown doesn't care because where did HE buy his????????
University of South Park..University of Pasadena,,,,,College of the Bayou......U of Texas/New
York....HWM Junior College....and the list can go on and on......what's your choice of name and
state?? LOL Clown University located at West 18th enrollment is on going!

Jocelyn Mouton
Quote · Aug 27 2015 1:13 PM
To Mouton Get Over Yourself
I don't understand your comment. If there's one thing we all know about Jocelyn Mouton, it's that
she never complains. She just gets the job done. I can't tell you how many principals and
teachers she has helped through the years. So what are you talking about? Your comment is illinformed and rude. Save your spite for people who deserve it.

So What Else Is New?
Quote · Aug 27 2015 3:46 PM
I'm not surprised about the High School Ahead mess. The school was another brainchild (or
should I say brain "fart") of Grier's. As usual, something pops in his head and he doesn't give a
damn about the implementation. He has no regard for Texans or Texas school policy. Then when
it all falls apart, he finds a scapegoat to blame. Whatcha wanna bet those committees find all of
the students competent and ready to move forward? Otherwise those parents will tear up this
District and Grier does not want anymore bad publicity.

Lesson Plans
Quote · Aug 27 2015 7:49 PM
Lesson Plans for HISD are a joke and no one reads them. Last year my plans were 8-14 pages
long for one subject. My appraiser didn't even read them before she did my appraisal. After
writing these extensive plans, we had to write them all on the board for our agenda. We had to
include what the students were doing and what the teacher was doing for every minute of the
class period. I had Omogbehin come in my room and throw a fit because I did not have enough
garbage written on the board. It was embarrassing yet funny at the same time with how she
acted. I rarely had enough room on my board to teach my lessons that took hours to write. I am
so happy that I chose to go to another District. It was worth a small cut in pay to have so much
less Grier and the BS from HMW.

FED-UP---Lesson Plans Again
Quote · Aug 27 2015 9:53 PM
You can write anything in a lesson plan. No one reads them. Most administrators are too
uninformed ( stupid ) to know one objective number from another. Besides, if they like you, they
will not care if you write lesson plans or not. If they don't like you, your'e screwed regardless of
your perfect 20 page lesson plan. Teachers wake up and start refusing to do all these things that
actually take away from instruction and student learning.

What A Joke
Quote · Aug 28 2015 5:28 AM
Why is Courtney Busby even a principal? She is terrible. Now, they wrong for this. We are going
through mass confusion. No one has an answer on anything. She brought all these people in
here and they know nothing. Then, she is so long winded and ultimately says nothing.

Wait, What?
Quote · Aug 28 2015 6:32 AM
If Arabic is so commonly spoken in our students' homes (as Grier says), then why are the 3
languages on HISD signage (in this order): English, Spanish and Vietnamese?
If we go by his logic, shouldn't we have a Vietnamese immersion school?

learnedmylesson
Quote · Aug 28 2015 7:06 AM
I agree with the comment about Jocelyn Mouton. She is so fabulous! Supportive, knowledgeable,
and the ultimate professional. I can't believe she hasn't gone over to Spring ISD. I know Dr.
Watson would love to have her.

mouton
Quote · Aug 28 2015 8:23 AM
Is it just me...or is mouton going to make her chief pay of 176k while the rest of the SSO'S make
normal pay? Nice gig if you can find it...

@Wait,What
Quote · Aug 28 2015 11:49 AM
I think Grier needs to personally staff his Arabic school. He should travel to Syria, Afghanistan,
and Yemen to recruit. Maybe they'll keep him. A side trip to North Korea would also be good for
our district. LOL

Front Page Link About Catchings
Quote · Aug 28 2015 1:57 PM
Click on the link on the front page about Catchings. Reading through the email exchanges
between Catchings and Grier sheds some light on the dark operations taking place across the
district. Grier's comment - "Looks like Westbury is losing" and the reply from Catchings with
numbers of teachers who are on growth plans, forced into retirement, suggests / proves that the
"file review" process is sold to building principals as a contest. "Looks like Westbury is losing"
shows that Grier wants the principals to compete with one another to fire or force out the largest
number of teachers. This is sport for them. All of them. Grier and his principals. I have held on to
the notion that many of the principals are upstanding professionals caught in a bad situation. But
if they are participating in this sick contest to fire the most teachers, and not one...not one of them
has enough character to stand up to this asshole and report to the community and school board
and press the way this asshole operates then they are just like him. Screw em. They suck. All of
them.

Respectfully Disagree
Quote · Aug 28 2015 4:05 PM
Not one of our trustees has earned the privilege of being called "good". They're all bought and
paid for. At this stage, I am convinced that, even though trustees are not paid a salary, their ability
to steer contracts to wealthy and influential interests and appoint friends and family to
principalships and other administrative positions
has tainted their objectivity. They have made themselves susceptible to under-the-table wheeling
and dealing for the promise of financial "payback" once they leave the board. Grier may be an ahole, as a previous post charged, but give him credit - he understands human nature. Whether
appealing to their greed or vanity, Grier has used these weapons to manipulate our trustees like
puppets.
As for the comment about no principals having the "character" to stand up to Grier and report
their concerns to the community, the school board, or the media, guess what? The community is
apathetic. The board has sold you out, and the media (aside from Fox-26) has been mysteriously
disinterested for years. Does anyone really expect a principal or other higher-ranking
administrator to risk his/her six-figure salary by doing the right thing, by looking out for others?
Most of these people owe Grier their nice titles and comfortable lifestyles in the first place. They
wouldn't bite the hand that feeds them. Most of them know that this is going to be as good as it's
going to get for them.
As you approach year seven of the Grier Dynasty, does it really surprise you to hear that these
building principals,
under direct orders from Grier, are making a game out of terminating teachers' careers? The
leaders with character and integrity are long gone; Grier got rid of them first. Same with the
teachers. He counted on everyone else to shut up and march along to his orders out of fear of
losing their job. Grier may indeed be an asshole, but he and his friends have gotten rich at your
expense. Congratulations, you've held on to your teaching positions in HISD. By the way, that's
not rain pouring down on you; it's Grier pissing on the teaching profession.

Exposed
Quote · Aug 28 2015 8:38 PM
Maybe a FOI process could show definitive evidence of this file review process. Maybe the file
review contest could be exposed as a game played by Grier and his "team". It is sick. And quite
unprofessional. Most of all it is sick. It shows the thinking amongst the leadership of the district.
Sad. And very sick.

Barkley
Quote · Aug 28 2015 10:43 PM
It's cute how Grier got Davila to challenge Stipeche. Isn't this the same tactic he used against
Eastman 2 years ago? "If you're going to criticize or challenge me, you're getting competition".
And Eastman smeared his horse in the race.
Grier's ego can't take challenge. Stipeche is one of the few who doesn't buy his "this shit
sandwich tastes like BBQ" routine. She sees right through it, and has crossed swords with him a
number of times. He just doesn't understand the relationship - he works for the Board, not the
other way around.
As his power diminishes daily until the end of the ride in June (though I'd still be scared about his
burn-the-village mentality), it is time to start assessing for the long recovery. Grier minions sharpen up those resumes and interviewing skills. You'll need them because the gravy train is
about to stop for you.
My money is on Stipeche to easily win, Rodriquez and Skillern-Jones to lose in runoffs.

the truth will prevail
Quote · Aug 29 2015 12:12 PM
Folks, don't just bet on these races, get out and help. Grier is so arrogant he must believe Davila
will defeat Stipeche. let's get the word out on DD and help JS. How can Davila even face folks
after all the mess she was involved with. let's have a debate between the 2 candidates and let's
have the other district candidates debate between themselves. We cannot afford to loose Juliet
Stipeche from the board.

We DEMAND answers.
Quote · Aug 29 2015 3:29 PM
So if Mouton got a demotion why is she making more money than the rest of the SSO'S? As a
law-abiding and tax-paying resident in this city we DESERVE an answer to THAT question.. if it's
district policy or other rule that's fine.. but we deserve an ANSWER. The answer should be
answered REGARDLESS if you think she is great or not...simple..176k is a lot more than 130k for
the same work.

Money Grab
Quote · Aug 29 2015 5:37 PM
After reading "Rerun Time" about Davila and other board shenanigans, I have two questions:
Why aren't these people in jail? Are HISD and HCC trustees having some sort of contest to see
who is the most corrupt?
Can you blame people for going the charter school/private school route? Many parents who value
education have completely given up on HISD. Corrupt leadership, unsafe schools, and a
standardized-test-obsessed curriculum are the primary reasons. Grier has six years of mediocre
performance on his HISD resume, and here he sits, as untouchable as ever, treated as if he has
accomplished something spectacular. Same for our rubber-stamp trustees. As someone stated
earlier: Screw 'em. They suck. All of them.
Teachers, you have approximately 39 weeks of school left to make plans for next year. If Grier
returns, you know what to expect. If he doesn't return, there is no guarantee that his replacement
will be an improvement. After all, most of the board that selected him will be entrusted with
choosing his successor. Do you trust them? In either case, there will be a huge mess to clean up.
It will take years to complete this task.

Witness
Quote · Aug 30 2015 6:59 AM
It's no surprise if Grier is pushing Diana Davila to challenge Stipeche. Davila's crooked sleaze
complements Grier's grandiose bullying. It's a match made in heaven...and to hell with both of
them.

the truth will prevail
Quote · Aug 30 2015 11:56 AM
Sorry folks, just went back and saw my post, should have been lose, not loose. Apologies!

True Indider
Quote · Aug 30 2015 1:59 PM
Move along. Dr. Mouton is one of the GREAT ONES. she loves all therkids. She takes care of her
principals. The reason she was demoted was that there needed to be a scapegoat for king grier.
He was not going to choose Loria- she has been FOLLOWING grier for 20 years. He wasn't
going to choose Sarabia - too political- East Side (Manny, etc)... so he chose the path of least
resistance.. just figured you should know.

Where did this woman come from?
Quote · Aug 30 2015 2:41 PM
Can someone please tell us what Courtney Busby did at BJHS? We just find it hard to believe
that she did all this stuff at BJHS when this place is a pure disaster. She is just too messy. She
has created mass confusion among teachers with teacher, admin with admin, admin with teacher.
Now, she wants to call meetings about performance. Please, she has her best buddy the science
specialist ($60,000) passing out supplies and Avid binders all day. Ask her something, usual
answer I don't know. Some people teaching legos. Shaking my head and closing my door. I have
never seen someone so easily pawned in my life. Not doing all this work without adequate
support.

FED-UP----Absolutely Disgusted
Quote · Aug 30 2015 2:48 PM
With all the things that have come out about Grier and the HISD Board, how are these people still
in charge of our district? The idea that firing people and putting them on growth plans is a
game,makes me absolutely sick and disgusted. How awful!!!! Grier must have been bullied when
he was a child. Now he wants to bully other people. I am not a psychiatrist,but it seems like Grier
has some mental issues. ( my opinion ) I hope that they find something illegal that Grier has
done, so he can spend some time in jail. Maybe while he's there, he'll find time to reflect on all the
evil he has done to teachers and students. When he removes highly qualified educators, he is
hurting the students of HISD. This latest revelation that firing teachers is a game, has left me
totally appalled. There's nothing that we as teachers can do. However, the HISD Board, HFT and
the media can certainly try,since they have the power and resources.

nothing changes
Quote · Aug 30 2015 6:15 PM
@FED-UP---AD- Exactly what has HFT done in the years Grier has been here? A few words at
board meetings? Where was the Fallon of years ago who stood up and had all the media inside
the board room? Come to find out Grier and she were buddies. The school board is the joke.
Grier works for THEM, not the other way around. How many teachers were fired or made to
resign or retire since Grier came on? it was a mass assault not only on Houston teachers but
certain communities in which schools closed down. This board not only voted for these firings and
closures they continued to give the King raises and bonuses. Where was the outrage from HFT?
As for the media, they for the most part are in Grier's pocket, maybe except FOX news local. And
let's repeat what many seem to forget. School district after school district did what ever they
needed to do to get rid of him. HISD board hired him and embraced him. They fell for all his ploys
to make his friends rich, from Apollo, to leverage to Roland Fry and we can go on and on. He has
spent millions on ineffective reading programs. He creates an atmosphere of hate and
intimidation and wants his followers to do the same. He has no clue and yet he remains. Good
luck this year!

A shame West HISD
Quote · Aug 30 2015 6:59 PM
What a shame and a waste of talent at Ashford Elementary! The capable Assistant Principal is
running the show and doing the dirty work while the Principal does what? Really?

learned my lesson
Quote · Aug 30 2015 7:44 PM
Courtney Busby is Brian Busby's wife. He has been promoted to a very high position without
education or credentials to justify the position. Nobody loves the husband/wife promotion program
more than Grier. The friends and family plan has been a priority since the day Grier arrived.
That's why she's a principal. Before you know it she'll be an SSO.

RIP
Quote · Aug 30 2015 9:47 PM
What's been going on in HISD the past several years has been going on in the private sector for
some time now. Incompetent people gain a foothold of a business (or school district), surround
themselves with incompetent sycophants (usually friends and family), bleed their host like a
vampire, and then move on to their next victim. I guess they've hung around so long because
HISD is an unusually large host with lots of blood (money). Grier's other victims (his previous
places of employment) were wise enough to recognize their illness and implement a cure
(contract buy-out) before it was too late. Apparently, there is no such luck for HISD. HISD is full of
quality teachers - teachers whose time and talents are wasted on meaningless documentation
that serves only to validate some non-teacher's pompous title and bloated salary.
I frequently read the comments here and what I see is a terminal illness approaching its final
stages. The HISD we thought of so fondly is nearly dead. The caring, family-like atmosphere at
many schools has been replaced by suspicion, resentment, and an "every man for himself"
mentality. People who used to love their jobs, now dread going to work as the implementation of
Grier's next "big thing" will most assuredly result in more paperwork, less quality time with
students, and constant anxiety that only detracts from job performance. Barely one week into the
school year and the hurt, the disappointment, and the anger in your posts are nearly visceral..
It's taken awhile, but the business world is beginning to fully realize that public school districts are
virtual gold mines waiting to be plundered. Expect to see MORE superintendents like Grier, not
fewer. Grier's a tool, a conduit for business interests. He's no visionary, merely a piece of toilet
paper waiting to be used and flushed. Still, he has served his purpose well, thanks to our board
and a completely clueless public.
RIP HISD.

Dr. Mouton.
Quote · Aug 31 2015 6:36 AM
To True Insider.
You have it exactly right. Dr. Mouton is one of the FEW people at HMW that people in the schools
celebrate. We depend upon her. She's in this profession to help. She isn't critical, she's
supportive. As far as salary goes, Orlando Riddick kept his. I bet Harrison Peters was offered the
same salary. That's how Grier works it until the "crisis" passes.
If we had more like Dr. Mouton, teachers would not be confused every year by changes in
personnel and rewrites of the curriculum. Dr. Mouton made sense of all this for us. She made it
manageable.
No, Sarabia will never be touched, even though he's an ineffective fraud. His recent remarks
about Grier's incompetence are bold. Grier has tried to dump him in the past but met with Board
resistance. And Loria? No way. As you said, she has followed him across the country. She wears
teflon.
I just hope that Dr. Mouton stays in HISD. We need the excellence she brings to the job.

File Review
Quote · Aug 31 2015 12:55 PM
Hey Judd,
Would you make a Freedom of Information request for emails related to this file review and the
contest between principals connected to the process? This could be the final stupid move made
by Grier. I don't see the school board being able to get away with doing nothing about this
extremely unprofessional process. Put some light on it if you can. Thanks.

forget the political endorsement
Quote · Aug 31 2015 5:25 PM
The endorsing of RSJ is nothing more than a political one. Obviously, those who endorse her do
not care one bit about HISD, they probably have not read this website. Nothing more than a
political move. Same with JJ. What exactly do these folks have to offer? In the case of our
esteemed board member, she has helped to destroy careers and lives. We need new blood with
education experience, not more city council members. How much crazier is tis going to get?

Sorry I Looked
Quote · Aug 31 2015 8:23 PM
Honestly, I really do make an effort NOT to pay attention to other people's salaries (three things
you don't discuss: religion, politics, and income), but I took the bait and looked at HISD's top ten
salaried employees. Grier's base salary of 300 grand doesn't phase me, but, and forgive my
pettiness here, why the hell is Grenita Lathan making $190,000? She was allowed to resign from
her position in Peoria rather than be fired. Peoria is a district of 14,000 students. While I do
believe in capitalism, how does one fail in a fairly small school district, land a cushy job in the
nation's seventh-largest school district, and end up the district's ninth-highest paid employee? Oh,
I forgot, she's part of Grier's "Friends and Family" plan.
Hey, Terry, I've been researching my family tree on Ancestry.com and it looks like we're related. I
think I'd make a great SSO. What do you say?


Barkley
Quote · Aug 31 2015 8:47 PM
@ Money Grab
How could Grier's successor NOT be an improvement? Seriously.

JK
Quote · Aug 31 2015 10:30 PM
@Dr Mouton
I agree with you. Jocelyn Mouton is a true professional. I also heard that Sarabia ripped Grier in a
meeting with some of his closest allies. It's so interesting that he gets away with trash talking
Grier, who's notoriously thin-skinned.

Power UP is a flop!!
Quote · Sep 1 2015 10:18 AM
It took my daughter over 3 hours to be able to log on to the Calculus book last night so she could
do her homework. It was 1am. The homework was due, assigned yesterday, the HISD access
into the website was the problem not my internet provider. IS this really what HISD thinks will
make our students prepared for college? pass exams? pass the courses. This on line textbook
idea is nothing but a slippery slope to failure for all of our students. Who ever came up with this
idea should be removed immediately for sheer stupidity! And this is the 2nd week of school!!!

Money Grab
Quote · Sep 1 2015 11:49 AM
@ Barkley:
Yes, seriously. Like I said, most of the same people who selected Grier will probably be on the
board when it comes time to appoint a new superintendent. What makes you think they'll do a
better job next time? Hope I'm wrong. Wish I shared your optimism, but I have ZERO faith in our
trustees doing anything that isn't self-serving.
I've appreciated and enjoyed your comments over the years, but we'll have to agree to disagree
on this one.

@ Political Endorsement
Quote · Sep 1 2015 12:02 PM
I was thinking the same thing. Is the GLBT community's support based on the candidates' stance
on GLBT issues or their stance on educational issues? I don't give a damn whether you're gay or
straight; I want to know how you're going to improve our schools.
Ditto for your comments on the board not needing any more former city council members (are you
listening, Wanda Adams?). Professional politicians are a huge part of the problem, not the
solution.

Barkley
Quote · Sep 1 2015 8:31 PM
@ Money Grab
I don't think we necessarily disagree, I just can't imagine a worse scenario. But you may be
right...at least next go around Larry Marshall and Paula Harris will be gone, and hopefully better
people making the decisions.

Mouton
Quote · Sep 1 2015 9:01 PM
Ok. Makes sense..she is a perfect educator in EVERY way...she walks into schools and none
readers simply turn to readers by her sheer powers... but why are we NOT allowed to ask
questions regarding BOARD policies since she was demoted... if it's there..FINE.. but as tax
PAYERS in this city we DEMAND an answer... regardless if she is perfect in EVERY WAY...

Far Northwest
Quote · Sep 1 2015 9:21 PM
Ms. Skillern-Jones has been a great advocate for our schools in the former North Forest district.
She has been a great supporter, not played games with the old politcal folks in that area of town,
and has been all about the kids. She has our vote!

@a shame West houston
Quote · Sep 2 2015 4:04 AM
What's the deal with Ashford. We are new to the school. Should we be worried?

@learned my lesson
Quote · Sep 2 2015 6:33 AM
If Courtney Busby AKA super lazy becomes an SSO or whatever they call them, I would retire
from teaching. This is not even a good circus show.

Looking Ahead to Better Times
Quote · Sep 2 2015 10:22 AM
I'm sure Grier is working on his exit strategy. A few months ago I made some predictions. I
believe that he will announce his resignation at the December Board meeting with an effective
date of July 1, 2016. He will cite medical and family reasons for leaving. This will give the new
Board an opportunity to begin the search process. The recent reorganization is certainly his last
so his cabinet members should polish off their inflated resumes and begin looking for new
positions, outside of Texas, for the 2016-17 school year. None of them will be considered for the
superintendents position in HISD. Ken Hewitt will be named the interim superintendent even
though he is clueless about schools, teachers and classrooms. He is however, a decent beancounter. One can assume that the majority of his non-Houston cabinet members are renters.
Each should review their lease agreements and begin discussing their exit with their landlords
now. So, let's look at the big picture. Who is out there in the bigger world of education that could
be considered as a candidate for the superintendents position? A name we have not heard or
someone who moved on but would return if considered? Let's see, there is Karen Garza, edgy,
smart, team builder and supporter of teachers and principals; Chris Barbic, resigning his current
position in December, smart, knows how to surround himself with talented leaders and
understands how to attract and retain teachers, friend of Jason Bernal from YES Prep.; Dallas
Dance who had a decent reputation while he was here and has gone on to do good things on the
east coast, spoke against Grier whenever he could. Those are just three that come to mind.
Let's start a "looking Ahead" thread with what we want HISD to look like after Grier and many of
his cabinet members hop on the ship of fools and return to North Carolina, California, Chicago
and other places away fro Houston.

Burrus El. and HISD Bullies OPT out kids and parents
Quote · Sep 2 2015 10:35 AM
Look what these kids and parents had to go thru. Issue was resolved but involved calling in some
big guns for resolution.
Great news! The twins were re-enrolled and promoted!
At 11 o'clock this morning, Shavonda Collins, the twins' mother, had her grade placement
committee meeting at Burrus Elementary School. With her were representatives from CVPE and
from the NAACP. The boys were re-enrolled and promoted to the 4th grade. As of today, Tyler
and Tylan can begin their 2015-2016 school year.
Thank you for spreading the word and for contacting Superintendent Terry Grier, the Board, and
the elementary school SSO's on behalf of this family. Bullying and scare tactics only work when
no one knows about them or says anything about them. By bringing this out into the light, we,
along with the NAACP and the media, forced the school to back down. We also sent a very clear
message that retaliation against Opt Out families will not be tolerated.
Burrus Elementary Principal & HISD Abuse Power, Refuse to Allow Students to Learn
posted by HoustonCVPE | 29sc
August 29, 2015
As they did in April 2015, Houston ISD is going on the offensive against their students and
families. They are deliberately breaking the law and established district procedures that violate
the TEA Education Code and in doing so have caused serious harm to two students. HISD is
retaining a set of B+ third graders in retaliation for the parents choosing to opt them out of STAAR
math last spring. Will you email the superintendent at tgrier@houstonisd.org or call him at (713)
556-6300 and the school board members to remind them that HISD must comply with TEA Code
and that this grade retention of B+ students would not have happened if they were White and
privileged? The question we should be asking is what is the purpose of HISD's anti bullying policy
if not to protect families from this?
Tyler and Tylan Brantley are long-time students at Burrus Elementary, attending since prekindergarten. They are strong B+ students who participate in the fine arts magnet program at
their school. Third grade was a big year for both Tyler and Tylan, as it is for many students. They
passed their classes and were viewed by the school as stellar students during the school year;
that is,. until the mother chose to opt her sons out of the STAAR math test over concern that
school had become less about learning and more about test prep and test and punish policies.
ALWAYS about the STAAR and so much less about learning and growth.
They opted out of STAAR math but like many other third graders across the state, they failed the
reading STAAR last spring. Instead of holding a grade placement committee meeting, as district
policy stipulates, where parental input could have been considered, the school demanded the
students attend summer school as a condition of promotion. The parents complied with this
requirement and made sure the boys attended each day of summer school and thought
everything was going well.
On the second to last day of summer school, the twins' parents were informed that their sons did
not, in fact, pass summer school, and were both given grades of 69. This grade seems
particularly capricious and suspect given that the students attended summer school daily,
participated actively and learned what was expected of two hard-working almost fourth graders.
Were the students to have received at least a 70, they would have "passed" summer school and
would have been allowed to pass on to fourth grade. It is highly unusual and suspicious for third
graders with B+ averages who attend summer school solely because of STAAR failure to be
given summer school grades of 69. Each school year, over 40% of Burrus 3rd graders do not
pass the reading STAAR, yet the school regularly promotes these students each year after they
attend summer school.
A grade placement committee was not held until mid-July, at which point the twins' mother was
told that her sons would be retained in 3rd grade and removed from the magnet program for a
probationary period (1st report card cycle). During the grade placement committee, it was
apparent the committee had not done two things required by state law: (1) considered parent
input as the decision was made prior to the meeting, and (2) consider the whole academic record
of the students as required by the Texas Education Agency code, the Student Success Initiative
(SSI). You can read more here, the TEA Section 28.0211(c) and Tx Ed Rights grade placement
guide.
The offenses continued and became grievous and outrageous when the twins showed up on the
first day of school. They were not permitted to go to class, but instead were forced to spend the
entire day sitting in the cafeteria and office, without any contact whatsoever with the parents.
When Ms. Collins showed up the following day at Burrus and respectfully asked to meet with the
principal, he refused to even come out of his office and then had Ms. Collins removed from
campus by an HISD Police Officer!
This treatment of this well-intentioned parent by Houston ISD is abusive and outrageous. During
the first week of school, Houston ISD was forcing the twins to miss out on valuable instructional
time by refusing to allow them to return to class by stating that the twins, who have attended the
school with a valid address since pre-K, were no longer in the school attendance zone. Ms.
Collins has contacted the School Support Officer, who delayed meeting with the parents until the
end of the first week, 8/28/15.
What will it take for the school to stop the unlawful action of keeping these boys from attending
school? Can you imagine if your children were treated this way? Would HISD treat the child of a
lawyer or a socio-economically advantaged parent this way? Is HISD treating the family in such a
discriminatory way because they are African American and of limited means?
Call Superintendent Grier's office at (713) 556-6300 or email him at hisdsuperinten
dent@houstonisd.org or at tgrier@houstonisd.org
Call your school board member, which you can find here:
http://www.houstonisd.org/domain/10786#finder .
Email the School Support Officers over elementary school: Sam Sarabia,
SSARABIA@houstonisd.org>, Karla Loria, KLORIA@houstonisd.org, and Grenita Lathan,
GLATHAN@houstonisd.org>
Tell them that it is NEVER okay for Houston ISD to bully ANY parent and the Brantley twins
should be allowed to return to class immediately.


Missing Information on Twins
Quote · Sep 2 2015 4:32 PM
I seriously doubt that these twins were B+ students in reality. Please post their STAAR reading
scores so we can measure how many questions they got right even though they failed the test.
The cut off passing score was very low...something around 40% or less correct. If they were B+
students they should have easily passed. Because the parent opted out of the STAAR math test
has nothing to do with it since that test didn't count anyway and should not be an issue. ..this last
year anyway.
Also, what was their NPR and grade equivalent on the Iowa Assessments? Were they on grade
level? How did they perform overall including math? That's the kind of data we should see to get
an overall picture of these twins. While the Iowa Assessments were not a promotion standard,
they do give another piece of data on their overall performance.
While I don't support how the school handled this situation it looks to me as if the parent bullied
the school into promoting her darlings. I'll bet that the mother has even requested that they be
placed in the same room.
Back to third grade at their home school is my vote. There is no way they will be successful in
fourth grade. Worth following.

@missing information
Quote · Sep 2 2015 6:58 PM
You smell like Grier, talk like Grier oh, you are GRIER. lOL. Too funny. Gotcha!

@Missing Information on Twins
Quote · Sep 2 2015 8:02 PM
You have absolutely no proof to offer. Yet you make several wild speculative assertions
denouncing these children and calling their parent a liar. I find that saddening and asstounding if
this is coming from an educator. You should have better sense and a higher level of respect than
you displayed in that comment.

@Jolanda Jones
Quote · Sep 2 2015 8:14 PM
Interesting.....she had to send her kids to a charter school across town to give her son a good
education(so there wasn't an HISD school good enough for her son)......her first target--quality
teachers- new way of assessing teachers. I wouldn't vote for someone who chose a charter
school and now wants to be on our school board. She doesn't mention Grier- Or that HISD IS
TOP HEAVY and doesn't have a clue what being a teacher entails.....I get so tired of teachers
always being the first target. I believe principals ratings should include staff reviews. This will be
my last year in HISD.

Barkley
Quote · Sep 2 2015 8:54 PM
@ Looking Ahead to Better Times - Interesting thoughts. I don't see where Barbic could handle
our 210k+ student District; from what I've heard he operates a "Dictate" model and I think we've
all had quite enough of that.
Michelle Rhee is available, as is Mike Miles. Just joking.
@ Missing Information - Face value looks like the District could have handled themselves better.
All said, I'm curious too if the B+ average was typical social promotion since they also failed the
STAAR Math, although not too uncommon. How do you fail summer school??

@missing info on twins
Quote · Sep 2 2015 8:56 PM
You had some valid points on missing data. The whole story is not known. However you lost my
support when you said "back to their home school". So you must advocate that students behind in
grade level or maybe even identified as special needs should not be allowed to attend schools
outside their zone nor allowed into magnet schools. Seems very elitist to me. Hope you never my
Child's teacher. Or principal.

Mouton!
Quote · Sep 2 2015 9:43 PM
What is district policy? Why is she the HIGHEST paid CHIEF who I'd not a chief.. that 40k could
hire another TEACHER!

Why bother
Quote · Sep 3 2015 3:38 AM
@Looking ahead at better times:
Garza-ok
Barbic- don't know too much about him.
Dance- you've got to be kidding. Tells you what you want to hear and lies to your face. Just speak
to the teachers from the failed Apollo program. Not what we want!

time for a real change
Quote · Sep 3 2015 3:52 AM
@ @JJ- yet "The Union" supports her for schoolboard member. We need a teacher on board not
another elitist who thinks she knows what's best for this district but in reality these sb wannabes
know nothing. School boards should be made up of teachers, not people who need to inflate their
egos and sit above the rest of us. Did you ever wonder why this board sits so high when other
districts have their members sitting at eye level with the audience? They believe they are above
all others. If these candidates get in we will go from bad to worse and you can point a finger at the
Union for that. Just what makes JJ the go to person for endorsement? What made WA that
person, because they were on CC? Too bad we do not have more retired teachers willing to step
up to run. I wish Larry McKenzie god luck. I am tired of seeing HISD disintegrate as it has over
this reign and it was with the blessing of this board.

To Burrus Parent
Quote · Sep 3 2015 12:30 PM
Your arguments in your long narrative about how unjustly your children were treated does lead to
some questions. Firstly, as already indicated, how did they fail the reading component and still
make B+. Either the grades are highly inflated to head off confrontations as such which results in
unrealistic perspective of a student's abilities or the twins were influenced that the exams were
insignificant and doing well might not be important. However, you totally lost all respect for your
demands when you played the "race card." Really? do you really think that all the people involved
from the STAAR examiner, administrator, the school personnel really set out to discriminate
against your children? Really? how did they all know what race your children are? and do you
think that absolutely no one that is your background was involved in any part of your students'
exams or evaluations? Really? way to quick to jump to an excuse instead of examining what
really might be going on without evidence. By the way.... most teachers don't allow 69 averages
to happen. I can absolutely tell you that all 7 principals that I have worked under for 30 years
have all agreed that something should be done with averages between 65-69- re-evaluate, reexamine, make sure it is extremely valid. It is the work in summer school that resulted in the 69
that should have been your focus either in protest or in introspection that maybe there grades are
inflated...

Back to the context
Quote · Sep 3 2015 7:47 PM
I'm noticing that everyone is waving their pitchforks and torches over this "game" of exiting
teachers. If you go back and read the emails between Catchings and Grier, Catchings references
that he thought Grier's email of "I noticed Westbury is losing" was unfinished. To which Grier
responded "Interest in the AP program." Before we start inciting a war, please make sure that
we're reading everything in context.

Fock It Katy, Tx
Quote · Sep 3 2015 9:58 PM
So what's the update on these new lesson plans? I teach multiple subjects and lesson plans are
3 pages each. This is insane. I can barely finish one much less 3

Don't Worry
Quote · Sep 3 2015 10:11 PM
@ Back to the context :
You're correct; this is a relatively innocuous email that isn't worthy of the attention it's been given,
BUT, it doesn't mitigate the damage Grier has inflicted on HISD. As for your "pitchforks and
torches" comment, haven't you been paying attention these past few years? The pitchforks are
plastic and the torches aren't real. So don't worry; no war will be started and no one will get hurt.

JJ ran away
Quote · Sep 3 2015 11:25 PM
So ex city council member Jolanda Jones wants to be the grand protector of the District 4 Third
Ward kids on the School Board.
Sadly, when it came to the moment of truth, Jolanda chose to enroll her kid across town at a
fancy, hand picked charter school which kicks out kids who under perform and shuns kids with
disabilities and language deficiencies to maintain its elitist ratings. What? Our schools likes
Blackshear, Cullen, and Yates where our kids attend are not good enough for her child? Too
much violence, teacher turnover, and few special programs? What was HFT thinking when it
endorsed this "inner circle" school board candidate who ran from HISD when it counted? The
School Board is not a pit stop for ex city council members on their way to higher state office. The
story could have been different. Jolanda could have been at her child's Third Ward schools and
school board meetings raising JJ hell for quality, equitable education for her son and the children
of others over the last fifteen years. But she chose to be elsewhere. Her son is grown and
successful now, every mother's dream. Third ward's kids, indeed all the District 4 kids, need
genuine leaders to watch out for them, not another out of work professional politician who will, if
elected, grab the spotlight and the money and then run away. So clueless on education issues.
Certainly not an agent of change.

Sean
Quote · Sep 4 2015 11:18 AM
I have worked at the same school for a very long time. In that time I have lost count of the number
of teachers who have passed through our building and were dismissed by the district years later
because they couldn’t pass the teacher certification examinations. Some of them who have
passed had to take the examinations multiple times. These are university educated professionals
with college degrees mind you. That brings me to my point. For the life of me I can’t figure out
how you all summon the audacity to ask that parent with malice, why her third grade children
weren’t successful on a state examination. What confuses me most isn’t the plight of this parent’s
problem and her children’s academic acumen in relation to state testing. What confuses me is
where you clueless educators come from attacking a parent and impugning her integrity because
you have suspicions. I advocate for ALL children and their parents and they are always right until
proven wrong. They always get the benefit of the doubt with me. From previous experiences I
vaguely remember. That is what they use to teach in colleges of education.

File Review
Quote · Sep 4 2015 11:54 AM
I read the entire stream of comments between Catchings and Grier. Note the subject line says
"file review". And Catchings and Grier were discussing the number of teachers Catchings was
forcing out. Grier's comment was he was worried He was not removing enough teachers.
Catchings followed with the number of teachers he was forcing out and Grier followed with
Westbury is losing. It is worthy of attention. The file review process needs some light. If nothing is
there then fine. But it seems there is some kind of contest among principals pertaining to file
reviews. Won't hurt to look into it. Well it could hurt those who don't want the truth exposed.

Concerns for Milby Students
Quote · Sep 4 2015 10:58 PM
On September 3rd. I was informed there was a fight between students at Attucks MS and 9th
grade students from Milby HS. This occured during PE class. Milby parents were assured thier
children would not be intergrated with Attucks students. We were told the two schools would be
segregated. Well, PE is an exception. Both Attucks and Milby must share the gym during their
Physical Education Class. One half of the gym designated for Attucks and the other half for Milby
during the last period of the day. Guess what.....fight between the two schools. Please fix this
horrible situation. This is only the 2nd week of the academic school year! What other classes are
shared between the two schools? This is not acceptable!!!
A very concerned parent.

@ Concerns for Milby students
Quote · Sep 5 2015 1:15 AM
Dr. Grier has assured us that Attucks is an Apollo success story. There are no problems on that
campus.
How sad that the most obvious solution to the Attucks/Milby issue is a segregation of student
bodies. What's next? Separate restrooms and drinking fountains? Oh, the irony.

Following the Bond Money
Quote · Sep 6 2015 8:05 AM
It is in the taxpayers interest to know what exactly is going on with the bond money. It is not
surprising that this is another of Grier's debacles along with the board. I would like to know what
was promised for these bond money schools in the beginning and what is not being delivered
now. If HISD claimed imminent domain--- and now will just sell off the land at some future dated,
that needs to be known now. I have only seen the Urban talk about the bond money not being
there and now a personal rep. from Davis. Staff at HSPVA ---saying the same thing about their
rebuild or lack of it.
HISD needs to come clean on this now! HISD board needs to come clean. HISD board obviously
knows the plan for these rebuild schools as reference by Anna Eastman's reply in a facebook
thread from CVPE (copied and pasted). Ericka Mellon has also been referenced in the same FB
thread on the Davis issue.
FB Anna Eastman's response on CVPE thread: This is not an issue isolated to Davis. But, please
know as the board member for Davis, I do not support the current plans for the school. Like ·
Reply · 2 · 13 hrs
FN Ericka Mellon's response to being tag on this Davis bond thread: I didn't get your email. Call
when you get a minute.
So the Board obviously knows the bond money is not there to do what they promised during the
bond campaign. So why keep this hush hush to the communities?! Why are these
announcements coming from small faculty meetings? Once again HISD fumbles and the lack of
transparency is so apparent! HISD standard operating procedure they have that fine tuned!

@Following the Bond Money
Quote · Sep 6 2015 11:54 AM
Our district leaders (trustees and administrators) are only doing what the public has allowed them
to do.
Taxpayers don't care enough to get involved. The media don't care enough to afford these
developments the attention they deserve. Board members are too protective of their positions to
challenge the status quo and risk being ostracized by their fellow trustees (there must be financial
perks - otherwise, why would trustees turn a blind eye to the blatant corruption facing them on a
daily basis). The business community remains mum, presumably because many of them are the
beneficiaries of the district's largesse.
Here's what we do know: 1) Taxpayers approved a nearly-two billion bond. 2) A lot of this money
is unaccounted for. 3) The media have responded with disinterest. 4) The taxpaying public has
not demanded transparency or accountability - even after leaks about gross mismanagement of
these funds. 5) Trustees have provided no explanation/justification for these broken bond
promises.
Houston taxpayers, you've been suckered. You paid for state-of-the-art mansions for your
children and you're getting refurbished mobile homes instead. Don't worry, your money has been
put to good use, most likely for lavish trips abroad or vacation homes for superintendents,
trustees, and their friends in the business community.
HISD, what a gaudy monument to ignorance, greed, and incompetence.

More discussion on bond woes thru Facebook--SMH!
Quote · Sep 6 2015 7:00 PM
Running dialogue of today's facebook thread from CVPE thread. Starring HISD board Eastman,
Skilleran-Jones, Stipeche. We have the union Zeph Capo and a few hopeful board candidates
chiming in. Interesting dialogue---long read but worth it. Found out more in this FB thread than
one can imagine. If this bond wasn't so serious--- it would be funny!
• Anna Milliken Eastman: This is not an issue isolated to Davis. But, please know as the board
member for Davis, I do not support the current plans for the school.
• Mindy: Anna, what can we do to right this situation? We need your support and voice to put
plans in place we can all support.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Mindy, right now following the conversation and asking questions is the
most helpful. Coming to community bond meetings and the board meetings is also critical. The
board is aware of the issue, as is administration. This bond was huge and was going to be difficult
to implement well and efficiently in the best of circumstances. Conditions at many schools are not
what we want and most, if not all projects are having these problems, so creating a collective
voice is important. There is a wealth of information here: http://www.houstonisd.org/2012bond
Mindy: This looks to only be information about the bond itself. I haven't found any new information
about the struggles facing the implementation which is the issue we're facing today. Is it true that
Davis will not be getting the new school they were promised? Or is construction simply on hold?
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Read the bond oversight meeting minutes and the stop light report. If
we were to accept the current proposal, Davis would not get a new school. I am not willing to
accept that option. Diane points out many other current conditions that are also unacceptable.
• Ben Becker: Shame on you, Anna Milliken Eastman. You've been on the board since 2009 -you should have been a the heart of making sure this bond was executed as promised. Now
saying that "This bond was huge and was going to be difficult to implement well and efficiently in
the best of circumstances." What do you mean? That we should expect in average circumstances
that the bond would be impossible to implement and done so with inefficiency? Referring
constituents to "follow the conversation" and "ask questions" to get improvements. Seriously!?!
That's what we're already doing. And we're directly our questions to YOU: our elected
representative that is supposed to be watching out for this. Simply saying you're not supportive is
not an answer. Saying we should read minutes of an independent, non-voting, no power
committee whose purpose is to inform YOU so that you can take action is not an answer. Telling
us to attend board meetings where you get to speak and ask questions as long as you like and
where we get to speak for one or two minutes and are not allowed to ask questions is NOT AN
ANSWER. Do your job and 1) get answers on why budgets are not coming in as planned, 2)
commission independent professionals to put together a remediation plan and a way forward as
our current admin has failed to do so in the last 3 years, 3) stop the administration from moving
forward until questions are answered and a remediation plan approved by the board, and 4) direct
the admin to focus on making the current schools operationally clean, safe and reliable -something they're as you admit failing to do so. For the love of our children, DO SOMETHING!
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Ben, Mark Twain's "there's no such thing as an original idea," continues
to prove true. I agree with you 100% and all of the things you list are underway. Folks asked how
to participate and being informed is the place to start. Info on current status is easy accessed in
the Oversight Committee's minutes. You know full well that having a loud, audience pushes the
board to act and the board can only act in a majority of five. I am not going anywhere so keep the
heat on.
• Orlando: Didn't teachers go out on strike in Seattle for some of these savage inequalities. Would
be good to get a real rundown of where all that bond money went. The way current policies are
set, does it not go to the "better-performing schools" anyway? This American Life just did a
segment on how race plays into this, with Americans still making choices about where to send
their kids, or what kids not to receive based on race.
• Myla: Thank you for offering your statement Anna Milliken Eastman.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Myla, of course and I am very aware of the situation. It's incredibly
frustrating and the current solutions aren't acceptable.
• Myla: If anyone has access to Ed Gonzalez, that may be helpful. He did attend at least one
bond meeting personally, and sent representatives for at least one other. Therefore, there is
interest from his office as to how this is being conducted. Even if you don't have access, an email
or Facebook message to his page may yet be helpful. (I made an attempt via his Facebook page)
• Megan: Is booker t Washington in the same situation? All those houses torn down along Yale
and now the weeds just grow and grow. There's no sign of a new school there!
• Ben Becker: Reposting here for everyone... Shame on you, Anna Milliken Eastman. You've
been on the board since 2009 -- you should have been a the heart of making sure this bond was
executed as promised. Now saying that "This bond was huge and was going to be difficult to
implement well and efficiently in the best of circumstances." What do you mean? That we should
expect in average circumstances that the bond would be impossible to implement and done so
with inefficiency? Referring constituents to "follow the conversation" and "ask questions" to get
improvements. Seriously!?! That's what we're already doing. And we're directing our questions to
YOU: our elected representative that is supposed to be watching out for this. Simply saying
you're not supportive is not an answer. Saying we should read minutes of an independent, nonvoting, no power committee whose purpose is to inform YOU so that you can take action is not an
answer. Telling us to attend board meetings where you get to speak and ask questions as long as
you like and where we get to speak for one or two minutes and are not allowed to ask questions
is NOT AN ANSWER. Do your job and 1) get answers on why budgets are not coming in as
planned, 2) commission independent professionals to put together a remediation plan and a way
forward as our current admin has failed to do so in the last 3 years, 3) stop the administration
from moving forward until questions are answered and a remediation plan approved by the board,
and 4) direct the admin to focus on making the current schools operationally clean, safe and
reliable -- something they're as you admit failing to do so. For the love of our children, DO
SOMETHING!
• Leslie: I think reading it once was enough thanks.
• • Anna Milliken Eastman: Ben, Mark Twain's "there's no such thing as an original idea,"
continues to prove true. I agree with you 100% and all of the things you list are underway. Folks
asked how to participate and being informed is the place to start. Info on current status is easy
accessed in the Oversight Committee's minutes. You know full well that having a loud, informed
audience pushes the board to act and the board can only act in a majority of five. I am not going
anywhere so keep the heat on.
• Ben Becker: Anna, Your quote from Mr. Twain aptly illustrates the difference between our views
of what is going on here. You think this is an ego thing. That my criticisms of you as my District I
trustee are because I think I can do a better job or have better ideas. On the contrary, I think you
have all the abilities and many of the ideas to do a better job. I'm simply standing here with so
many other parents wondering why you're not. Of course the four things on my list aren't original
ideas--I wrote them within a few minutes of reading this teacher's account. And that's just the
point, these ideas are basic--remedial--which is why we're all the more concerned when they
aren't happening. You now say they are happening, but it seems a little hard to believe when it
takes a Facebook post to ellicit. Moreover, the fact that they were happening wasn't your first
response but only a follow up to me asking why they weren't. For me, this isn't about ego, it's
about competency and accountability and demanding that our trustees not continually cede so
much of its authority to others -- administrators, governmental agencies, and other school
systems.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Ben, to be clear the post didn't prompt the attention to the problem, it
started a conversation here on FB. I'm not worried about my ego, nor grandstanding, only getting
the job done.
• Ben Becker: Good to hear, but as you solicited from us earlier, the heat will keep coming. Too
many parents and too many students at too many schools have had to wait too long for this board
to "get the job done." At some point, someone needs to be held accountable. Meanwhile, surely
we can expect a solution to students and teachers having to spend their days in rat-infested
classrooms in a matter of a week.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: I did learn about the rat issue from the post.
• Zeph Capo: So if all of the land bought isn't used for educational purposes, then what? Given
back to previous owners? Maybe Ericka Mellon should have a chat wit Ben Wermund so we can
all get to the root of how these projects go off the rails? We've brought in new people to get ours
(HCC) back on track. It's messy and we continue dig up bad decisions made by previous admins,
but we continue to push through to get it right.
What changes are being made at HISD to get it back on track?
• Rachel : Fiscal and strategic incompetence, disrespect of the community it purports to serve,
and utter absence of stewardship to voters and taxpayers....this modus operandi has worsened
since Grier was hired and enabled by a majority of the HISD board. Some of the millions HISD
has thrown at crackpot educational projects and extra layers of administrators should have been
directed instead to retaining the most expert, honest project managers in Houston to oversee this
bond. Get the GHP in there with some expertise to mitigate the damage their boy Grier has
wrought. I am completely disgusted and deeply angry.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: GHP historically supported all of this. They were not willing to listen to
those of us on the board who were skeptical and did not support them, but we have continued the
conversation and I agree experts need to be appointed to recommend a path forward to avoid it
becoming another political football.
• Rachel: My challenge to the GHP was in large part tongue in cheek, and I stand corrected.
Thank you, Anna.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: They need to be a part of the conversation in a serious way, not just an
entity that stands to fuel more money into the economy at any given moment. I believe the
capacity to do that is there now.
• Myla: The bond schools:. Austin, Bellaire, Davis, DeBakey, Eastwood, Furr, High School for the
Performing and Visual Arts, Jordan, Lamar, Lee, Madison, Mickey Leland College Preparatory
Academy for Young Men, Milby, North Early College, Sam Houston, Sharpstown, South Early
College, Sterling, Washington, Worthing and Yates
• Myla: So, Washington is supposed to be but...
• Jess: Plus all the others that were waiting on improvements or additions to accommodate
overcrowding and demand.
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Plus Field Houses, Middle School Restrooms and Technology
upgrades.
• Diane: A promise is a promise
• Rhonda Skillern Jones: I am asking the administration to halt the work until we can develop a
plan to deliver exactly what we promised and what the tax payers voted for. I have been
PUBLICLY screaming about inequities and disparity for 3 years and this bond is no different than
the daily inequities across this district for minority students and communities. The Board knows it
and refuses to acknowledge and make policy that will change it. It only takes 5 votes. This
injustice is systemic and requires an overhaul in the system by changing policies that promote
equity and not perpetuating disparity. If every school i n every community received the same
resources, human capital and programming support that our high performing and geographically
preferentially located ones do, then the MAJORITY of our schools would achieve at satisfactory
levels. I'm tired of people saying they want improvement but vote down any policy that remotely
attempts to level the playing field. It's just plain hypocrisy. Unacceptable!
• Zeph Capo: Sooo true, Rhonda. Some are willing to let their community suffer rather than bring
real change.
Look at how the Milby community was treated? Look what happened to second ward at Rusk with
the fallen roof before Juliet Katherine Stipeche came in to clear the cronyism out of there?!?
I hope those out there pay attention who is helping Hisd move forward Rhonda Skillern Jones and
JKS and vote to get you some help. You've got to have 5 votes to do anything!
• Ben Becker: Zeph Capo, You have to have some votes on policies of consequence for the
public to know the difference trustees that act and those that just talk.
• Rhonda Skillern Jones: That is true Ben Becker! Go back and check the votes !
• Juliet Katherine Stipeche: Today, I requested a full internal and external audit of the 2012 bond
and any pending 2007 bond projects. I've also requested an update regarding the district's
maintenance and inspection program.
• Rhonda Skillern Jones: Juliet Katherine Stipeche those were requested I'm August and are
already in progress. What we need that I sent today is to stop the current unacceptable work
before buildings are built in a manner far less than what they should be. Audits are great and will
give us a basis for going forward but I need the Boards support in stopping these projects in the
meantime
• Zeph Capo: Hope yall don't sell anymore bonds and add a ticking time clock to the mix! Note to
everyone- never, ever, under any circumstances allow someone to convince you to sell bonds all
at once. Lessons learned from unintended consequences of previous admins.
• Ben Becker: Rhonda Skillern Jones, "Asking" the administration to do something isn't an
appropriate trustee role -- the board's role is to ask for information and then to propose and pass
a policy directing the administration to take certain action. A lot of trustees simply "asking" for
things and Dr. Grier placating them with "answers" is what has brought us to this point. We all
know that the board needs a majority to act; however, as President, you're the only trustee that
can unilaterally add items to the agenda. So, will you put a directive to halt work and appoint an
outside auditor on the agenda for this week's board meeting? As President, please don't hide
behind the majority of do-nothing trustees, put it to a vote and let each trustee either show their
support for the status quo or allow them to embrace their responsibility to taxpayers and enforce
accountability. Whether it passes or fails, we need leadership. Will you stand up?
• Zeph Capo: I hear you, Ben. It is not always as easy as it seems. I've got a chancellor I truly
believe is working to fix our bond issues. I do put controversial issues on agenda if I think they will
help us dig out of the hole. Still I feel handcuffed by pa...See More
• Anna Milliken Eastman: Don't forget Robert Glazer
• Zeph Capo: Was thinking about election cycle, but yes. Robert Glaser is def one of the team to
help fix.
• Orlando: Yep, exactly what THis American Life exposed. Everyone is willing to fight for their
school and their kids, but when it comes to redistributing resources and desegregating schools,
oh hell no, only my kids life matters.
• Rhonda Skillern Jones: Ben you are incorrect. I KNOW my role. It is inappropriate to give a
directive on operations as that is not my the role of a trustee. In addition, it is past the public
posting deadline for this week's agenda. I will do exactly what I said which is the correct course of
action according to policy not opinion.
• Ben Becker: Rhonda, Did I say the board should give directive on operations? No. I said, "The
board's role is to ... propose and pass a policy directing ... action."
For those playing at home, let's look at HISD's own documentation on board/staff roles in policy
making...http://www.houstonisd.org/.../10104/GovernanceHandbook.pdf
I’ll quote the introduction: "Because policymaking is central to governance and oversight, it is
imperative that policies and regulations be clearly written, up-to-date, and legally viable.
The board and staff members have specific roles in policy development, adoption,
implementation, review, and evaluation.
• Policy development is a cooperative effort involving the board, staff, and community.
• Policy adoption is the responsibility of the board.
• Policy implementation is the responsibility of the superintendent and staff.
• Policy review and evaluation is the responsibility of the board on the basis of information
received from the administration, community, and other sources.
The policymaking process should result in policy that 1) reflects the board's intent and
articulates a definite course of action, (2) delegates key responsibilities, and(3) declares desired
outcomes. Written governance fosters stability and continuity, establishes a legal record—and a
legal basis—for many board actions, forms the core of the district's written governance system,
and provides a framework for the superintendent and staff members to confidently assign duties
and execute those assignments.
So what have we learned... 1) It is the board’s responsibility to set policy. 2) If the board wants to
set policy and have that policy followed, it should be written down, voted on and documented for
the public. 3) The board is also responsible for evaluating whether that policy was carried out.
If you believe the results of the bond implementation are inadequate, the board should set new
policy with new delineated outcomes. If the board doesn’t believe the administration has the
capability to execute, it should hire new administrators. If the board doesn’t believe the
information it is getting from staff, it should hire external auditors. All of these actions require the
board to vote...to act on behalf of their constituents. Simply “asking” the administration to halt an
operation is exactly the opposite of what your role is as it doesn’t provide a defined course of
action, doesn’t provide written transparency, and doesn’t provide legal viability.
So I ask again, will you put a directive of new policy on the agenda?
• Larry McKinzie: So now the bonds are evil, so now Grier is the devil, so now the other trustees
are do nothings. To all, I have been speaking against all and asking for help. If you want
someone who is against such travesty support my campaign. I've been fighting since 2006 and
I'm an educator in the union (HFT ). Zeph Capo. If you want a fighter, I'm that fighter and proven
in Hisd.
• Larry McKinzie: If you want to shame him, fire him.
• Larry McKinzie: By the way, which trustees voted against his job performance bonus. Travis.
Travis McGee: Grier is suppose to work for the board

@@a shame HISD
Quote · Sep 6 2015 7:38 PM
You should do your homework before placing your child in any school. I would recommend
attending a neighborhood committee meeting in order to check on a few things....1. The
experience of the administration and their track record -what is the teacher turnover? 2.Why do
the teachers leave., if they do? Why do they stay? 3.Who is teaching what and are they
experienced in that area and do they have teaching credentials that say they are qualified? Who
makes up the faculty? Is it a diverse group?5. ARE THE TEACHERS CERTIFIED or are they just
'working' on their certification? Always check the discipline plan of the school. Even if your child
does not have a discipline problem, he or she will certainly witness how a problem is handled.
You don't want them to see a child being dragged or manhandled by people who are not trained,
or who have neglected to follow the rules themselves.6, Always, drop in unexpectedly in order to
see what is going on at different parts of the day. You should be welcomed at all times if
everything is above board. Is the Principal available to the parents when they need him or her?

Quiet Observer
Quote · Sep 6 2015 8:37 PM
Courtney Busby is just too messy. If she would focus on the school instead of he said she said
stuff, things might go the right way. All that passive aggressive behavior is not necessary. She
really does not know anything. The scores are down and so are the numbers. She has "creeping"
issues so she is just being plain nasty to people. She talks about everyone and creates all kind of
drama just for attention. Ok, let us all make her the center of attention so she can be secure.

bond..
Quote · Sep 6 2015 11:20 PM
Notice that the WHITE elementary school with parents that are wealthy got there school in
PHASE 1... it was completely quid proquo..we vote.. but we get phase 1...LOOK IT UP....phase
4.. HIGH SCHOOL AT DAVIS... no school.

Burrus Elementary
Quote · Sep 7 2015 12:12 AM
To Missing Info on Twins
You are right on the money. Students with B+ averages do not fail STARR reading. The test
should be a breeze for any student whose classroom average is that high. The presentation of
"facts" has holes, although some commentators on this site choose to naively suck up the
parents' version of reality.

@ Bond... Lets re-read! Davis is not group 4
Quote · Sep 7 2015 1:55 PM
There were exactly 4 elementary schools in the 2012 bond. Majority of bond work was for high
schools. So you are going to call out and focus on an Elementary that has white students in group
1 build? The other group 1 Elementary is a relief school and does not have a racial make up yet?
Seems silly and racist. Davis HS is group 2 build out not group 4 so lets keep the facts straight.
Bond is serious business and a lot of information of late is being passed around--- lets keep with
the facts OK?!
Hope this inquest to bond money and what will get rebuilt or repaired will yield better information-- now that it has the attention of media and HISD Board. HISD communities need answers--NOW even if it means all construction stops and no bonds are sold until this is sorted out.

Do Something Already Houston
Quote · Sep 7 2015 2:13 PM
Bond funds being mishandled, promises not being kept but no one mentions the man that is really
responsible for administrating this, the Teflon man himself, Leo Bobadilla, another Grier disciple
who is the biggest joke of a leader the district has known. Instead of taking responsibility for his
directions he instead used good experienced leaders as scapegoats and replaced them with his
"yes men." The fact is all the good ones have either left or were forced out because they
challenged the misdirection and poor leadership of this man with a Napolean complex. He pays
joke organizations like the Council for Great City Schools and their smoking, hard drinking
washed up leaders to provide audits and awards that present a false impression of the
dysfunctional CFS organization that he leads. Good men such as Mark Miranda, Issa Dadoush,
Dylan Brady and Robert Sands after short stints with Bobadilla left. Instead you end up with
pseudo politicians like Dan Bankhead , Sue Robertson and Brian Busby. This is where the focus
of this
audit/ investigation needs to be. Thank the lord I have one year left before retirement so I can get
out of this circus!

The Quotation Game
Quote · Sep 7 2015 3:33 PM
A constituent asks pointed questions and he gets Mark Twain quotes from Mrs. Eastman. You
like Mark Twain quotes? Well, I have two that are entirely appropriate for our notorious nine: 1)
"God made the idiot for practice, and then he made the school board." and 2) "It is better to be
silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." You have been playing at being
trustees for over five years and you still have no clue as to the damage you've done to teachers,
students, parents, and communities. Your children and your friends' children attend our best
schools (never heard of a board member whose offspring weren't gifted and talented) and to hell
with everyone else. I don't know whether to laugh at Eastman's pompous stupidity or scream at
the mess you've created. To paraphrase a much earlier post, let me conclude with this: Screw
you. You suck. All of you.

Fed-Up---@The Quotation Game.
Quote · Sep 7 2015 4:26 PM
Your comments were perfect. They were spot on. The last part had me laughing out loud. Too
funny.

A little late
Quote · Sep 7 2015 6:17 PM
I am sorry, but any response from the board regarding any matter is just 6 years too late. They
have allowed this administration to turn teacher against teacher, administrator against
administrator, administrator against teacher, students against teachers, well you get my point.
The board is just ineffective and they all need to go. Enough stealing and back alley deals have
happened-enough. Everyone on the board has flourished-politically and financially, but our
students have not flourished, our teachers have not flourished, our support staff have not
flourished. This board gave raises to SSOs, Principals, and people who really do not have much
connection to students. People are making lucrative salaries while teachers, bus drivers, clerks,
custodians, police officers (The people who actually make schools schools) barely have enough
money to make ends meet, yet, they come to schools where they have administrators that are
just waiting for their next big promotion or demotion rather than investing into the students and
the schools. This is the most ineffective system. It is ineffective because it is not student
centered. It is how makes the money centered, who has the power centered. While the adults just
argue and display evil conniving behavior, guess who is looking.

Sean
Quote · Sep 7 2015 9:17 PM
Children can fail a test for a variety of reasons that have nothing at all to do with their acumen or
preparation. If you don't know that. You're probably one of the educators who had to take the
certification exam several times.

Doesn't pay to be smug
Quote · Sep 8 2015 10:04 AM
To Sean
Your second "sentence" is a fragment. Were you one of the educators required to take the
certification exam several times?

Mouton..
Quote · Sep 8 2015 11:58 AM
Forget the Bond.. get back to Mouton.. why does she get a free pass? ONLY SSO with chief pay..
must be NICE.

Sean
Quote · Sep 8 2015 2:05 PM
I teach math.

@Doesn't pay to be smug
Quote · Sep 8 2015 7:23 PM
@Doesn't pay to be smug- I knew someone else would comment on the criticism by Mr. Sean. I
concur.
None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes and hopefully that is something we teach our
students.

Mouton's Pay
Quote · Sep 9 2015 10:22 AM
As per HISD policy, when you are moved to a position that is a lower pay grade than your current
position (when you get demoted) you keep your pay for one year. After a year if you are still in the
position that is at a lower pay grade you will start to earn the salary associated with that position.
In other words, you keep your pay for a year regardless of the position/title.

Please the Biology Teacher Superintendent Grier
Quote · Sep 9 2015 12:42 PM
Why don't the board take a vote of no confidence and set this dude aside. Clearly the African
American mayroral canditdates have a strong disdain for Terry the biology teacher Grier
Even Ray Charles the blind boys from Alabama and Jose Feliciano would have forecasted an
inflationary factor for labor and materials. What this an inflationary factor included. Are the
projects off schedule which is increase the cost of constructions? There are questions that need
to be answer. Is the cost of construction only going up in certain parts of Houston?
We all know that international and domestic economic marketplace is slowing down particularly in
Texas due the glut in production in the middle east and in Texas. There will be a lag time but
labor rates will drop. .but they will drop that's no doubt. .
Why didn't Mr Superintendent Terry the biology teacher Grier get some of his buddies from East
Carolina, Rice and Harvard to advise him on economic forecasting models so that he could give
the public the truth on the cost of building schools.
Please don't tell us that other school district in the area are having the same problem in properly
forecasting construction cost. That's your problem. You are supposed to the best and the
brightest of all the Superintendents in the State of Texas. You are the highest paid, Broad and all
award winners.
I continue to say that the biology teacher is way over his head. He clearly has no understanding
of business, human resource, staff retention and development. Just a waste of tax payers
monies.
Put his butt out to pasture. . . .are you listening board members....

Grier and the bond
Quote · Sep 9 2015 4:11 PM
Grier promises ponies and unicorns in order to get votes for the bond. And the vote came. And
the bond passes. But wait....promises are not kept. Some communities continue to get shat upon.
Shocker.
Grier is a big ol bully. That is what he does best. When it comes to running schools, he can't keep
out of the ditch. Nobody on earth should believe one single word that comes out of his mouth.

A few Chronicle articles today
Quote · Sep 10 2015 6:21 AM
HISD is and has played games with tax payer money!
Audit finds HISD exceeded contract limits without approval; trustee demands accountability:
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/Audit-finds-HISD-exceeded-contractlimits-without-6494427.php?t=43fd0f3499&cmpid=twitter-premium
AND editorial by Chronicle:
Editorial: Promises and votes
http://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Promises-and-votes-6494416.php

HISD Elementary Administrator
Quote · Sep 10 2015 7:38 AM
Jocelyn Mouton is a well-educated and experienced person. I already miss her leadership I'd like
to see her replace Lance Menster, he didn't get it done on my campus. She has a wealth of
knowledge in literacy. If she cannot replace him, allow her to mentor him, he has alot to learn

Mouton
Quote · Sep 10 2015 1:51 PM
Agreed. Especially since she is making so MUCH money, let her teach a couple of classes a day
AND mentor Menster.

FED-UP----Bond Money
Quote · Sep 10 2015 3:57 PM
I hope Grier and the HISD Board wind up in jail. What a disgrace! They cannot do anything right.

Bond Garbage
Quote · Sep 10 2015 4:23 PM
The public bought it
Now all they can do is audit
Voters have been had
Grier says it ain't that bad
He got his bonus
While for all that is wrecked, he puts the blame on us
He walks around in a high priced suit
But he deserves to get the boot
The school board keeps trying to explain
The district is great under his reign
When oh when will we ever get wise If their lips are moving, it's all pure lies
They say he is innovative, visionary, and bold
But really he is just totally cracked, truth be told

Grier
Quote · Sep 10 2015 5:06 PM
We win! We outlasted you! Kids win! Teachers win! Now let's get a REAL educator and not an
eduCRAT. The main issue now... don't let SARABIA become the superintendent. Elect a good
BOARD... AND MOVE OUT ALL THE RUBBISH GRIER BROUGHT IN. Watch everyone leave
now .. EXODUS.

Grier IS GONE BABY GONE!!!
Quote · Sep 10 2015 5:15 PM
Gone! AT LAST!!! CHEERS!

The new caring educational reformers
Quote · Sep 10 2015 6:50 PM
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! I want to thank everyone for your prayers. The nightmare is finally over!
There are literally thousands of displaced students from Milby and other schools, thousands of
teachers, hundreds of parents without a voice, and hundreds of administrators rejoiceing at this
moment. I hope Dr. Grier takes his Sharpstown principal, Mark Smith, Sam Sarabia, and all his
other minions who tolled the line with one of the meanest superintendent in the history of HISD
and Texas. I hope he can sleep well at night after March 1st for all the pain and suffering he
caused to many people in HISD. Remember, those who will all of sudden become the most
humbliest of all mankind. Do not forget! They are truly deceiving snakes. To the school board
trustees who read this - I hope in November there is a new school board who will never - ever
hire a dictator as an HISD superintendent. Listen school board members - Never again! Never
again! Never again hire a mean spirited bully superintendent. God bless to all who prayed for an
end to this nighmare. God is good; he finally listened.

HISD --- OPT OUT --Quote · Sep 10 2015 8:32 PM
"from KING Grier---
A parent/guardian who refuses to allow his/her child to participate
in state-mandated assessments will complete and submit to the
principal a “Refusal to Participate in Assessments” form acknowledging
the possible implications of such action. This form is not
considered to be an authorization for a test exemption request.
If a student is present during the state test administration and
chooses not to test, a blank answer document - coded with an “S”
for scored – is submitted for scoring as required by the state. The
student will receive a raw score of zero and the lowest possible
scale score for the grade/subject.
If a student is absent during the entire state test administration,
they are marked absent. Such designation does not impact the
school or the district regarding performance calculations, but will
impact participation rates on the test.
Additionally, the student will be referred to the school-based Grade
Placement Committee (GPC) for an initial determination whether to
move forward with promotion or require the student to receive additional
instruction during summer school.
(P. 128-129) --- is it any wonder King Grier chose today to resign? Even today he is trying to slip
stuff in...
--- Basically just be absent---- let's see if this pushes principals to have the "low" students stay
home....is it really the 1980's again?

Barkley
Quote · Sep 10 2015 8:48 PM
Our long national nightmare is over.....
The Friends and Family plan is ending. Polish your resumes and pack your bags soon gravy train
kids.
Let the games begin. Who is next? Who is a healer? There is a mountain of damage to repair,
and the Board has the arduous task of finding the right person who will hire the right team.

Right On!!!
Quote · Sep 10 2015 8:50 PM
Thank the Lord our prayers have finally been answered. I thought the day that Grier announced
he was leaving would bring me so much joy.........but for some reason I am sad. I'm sad for what
our students, teachers, support staff, and community as a whole have suffered through while
Grier has been here. I''m sad that good, decent, hard working people had their careers ruined for
reasons that had nothing to do with their abilities. I'm sad that our School Board failed us. I'm sad
that we taxpayers didn't get our monies worth from the well paid salary and big time bonuses that
Grier was paid. I'm sad that it will take years before this district can recover and rise again. It's a
shame that time in HISD will be calculated in BG (Before Grier) and AG (After Grier).
To Grier I say this....... You were the worst and most ineffective superintendent this district has
ever employed. And you may take your millions and run in March, but judgement day is coming.
To me you are the equivalent to any terrorist that serves time at Super Maxx. No you didn't set off
bombs, or fly planes into buildings, but you conspired to destroy lives all the same. You did it in a
suit and behind a desk, and received a fat pocket bonus. It's pitiful that we had a school board
that could have put a stop to you long ago, but allowed you to drag this district to its ruins. But
their judgement day is coming to. I can only hope that this district will get an effective
superintendent to lead. You have no problem looking in the mirror cause you have no reflection.
You are disgusting and March can't get here fast enough. Poof Pow Be Gone!!!

WHERE IS THE FBI WHEN YOU NEED THEM
Quote · Sep 10 2015 9:00 PM
This whole situation smells of corruption. Approving contracts over their spending authority. The
separating of purchase orders for the same job into pieces under the $500k spending limit.
Paying vendors/contract for work not completed. Paying vendors/contractors for work not
authorized and added to the invoice.
Mr. Bobadilla stated that they had the right team for the job. It just shows his ineffective
leadership and lack of knowledge. What day will his letter of resignation will be tendered. I have a
word of advice to for Mr. Grier and Mr. Bobadilla. Please don't lie to the FBI when they come
calling and surely they will. The FBI love reading local newspapers. If you lie, you are looking at a
minimum of 5 years in jail. Since you are the last Superintendent of the Year for the Broad
Achievement Awards, I am sure they would want to make an example out of you. Look at the
folks in Atlanta that went to jail for falsifying test scores.
No one likes a thief and a liar and it appears that you are both. Oh don’t forget to take your friend
Leobardo L Bobadilla.
Good riddance!.

not so fast
Quote · Sep 10 2015 9:33 PM
Grier's exit is just the beginning. If we do not get a new board, if we do not move the cronies out
and those in the delusional area of wanting to become the next superintendent we are still in for a
struggle. Most of these ego maniac board members need to get a 9-5 and go home. It sickens me
now that the elections are getting closer some of their votes seem pro education, pro teacher. do
not buy into it. WA for one. Make sure you all campaign for and vote for the right candidates for
our next school board.
A special thanks to the UUAA for all they have done and will continue to do. Keep on, keeping on
ladies and gentlemen.

Board Idiocy
Quote · Sep 10 2015 10:39 PM
Team-HISD board members had the opportunity to rid themselves of this man and begin the new
school year with a reboot. Instead they elected to preserve the lunacy, failure and corruption that
is synonymous with the Team-Grier reign. The un-Trustees have left the district leaderless until
the Lame Fu.... Duck retires into the sunset.
While this long goodbye drags itself out for 5 more months the rest of us can watch as the hacks
at HMW jockey and distance themselves from the stench that is Team-HISD.

Long Term Principal
Quote · Sep 10 2015 11:09 PM
Sarabia would be an excellent superintendent and everyone who has been in this game long
enough knows it. Everyone who warns against "getting burned by him" is probably a principal
who didn't make it happen on their own campus and is disgruntled. He knows his stuff (much like
Mouton who everyone seems to like to slam here despite her being one of THE BEST in the eyes
of every principal I know). Sarabia would put us on the map. I dare a principal who has worked
closely with him to suggest otherwise. We are fully in support of him.

Hollow Victory
Quote · Sep 11 2015 12:41 AM
While you're celebrating Grier's announcement, I'll be thinking of my friends who would still be
teaching if it weren't for people like Terry Grier, Larry Marshall, Paula Harris, and the rest. So
ends a very dark period in HISD history. Let's make sure it doesn't happen again.

Grier's gone...But who else is gone
Another District
Quote · Sep 11 2015 7:40 AM
Here is the long and the short of it: It is a wonderful day for Houston ISD, especially its' students,
my child included who attends a historically significant school in HISD. But I weep, literally, for the
debacle that has been made of the district. As I am employed elsewhere now, I felt the shame of
admitting the school that I last worked for, and the district, having to come to terms with the idea
that I did all that I could, but simply could not stay any longer. I was straightforward with my new
employers when I told them, "It is very hard for me to honestly answer why I am leaving the
district without sounding negative or badmouthing. If you asking me, to honestly answer, I would
have to say that if it were for the students, staff, or school, I would never leave, but unfortunately,
there is administrative incompetence that I simply cannot tolerate for another year."
Ultimately, did some educators need to go? Yes, I would say it is decidedly so in ANY profession,
that there are simply those that should be weeded out. But, for so many high quality professionals
to leave in so short a time is hard to fathom. The pressure that so many were forced to endure is
hard to look at objectively. When the numbers are high, and when the turnover is ridiculous,
examination beyond teachers is necessary.
My concern remains the students, not fellow educators, in this game that Grier has been playing.
Honestly, there are other districts willing to hire teachers of a higher caliber if you are willing to
look and move like I did. There are so many like me who have left, hearts on sleeves, to find
peace elsewhere. When discussion of Grier comes to surface, we need to really take a hard look
at the suffering of students and education; of the sacrificing of the basic right to a high quality
education that Grier and his minions assured WOULD NOT be received; and of the people in
power - especially the HISD Board of Trustees - who allowed this abuse of these kids' rights,
voting over and over AGAINST the good of the students, and what that will mean in not only
choosing a new superintendent, but a new leadership and power base in the largest school
district in Texas.
Because my child still attends school in HISD, I am still a stakeholder in what this means for the
education of students in Houston. While we celebrate and discuss, let's focus on the idea that no
one works in isolation. There is still a lot of cleaning up to be done.

Where Are The Charges?
Quote · Sep 11 2015 8:38 AM
I don't believe Mr. Accountability should be allowed to slither away that easy to perpetrate his
fraud on another district. If laws were broken he needs to be held "accountable". If he were black
or Hispanic the feds would be fighting the state over whose prosecution should take precedent.

Bittersweet Teachable Moment
Quote · Sep 11 2015 9:47 AM
For all of the teachers rejoicing and breathing a sigh of relief, let this be a teachable moment for
you. The next time a "leader" comes through and destroys your friends' and co-workers' careers,
AND ruins your schools, don't just watch, DO something. A little courage five years ago would
have saved a lot of you years of misery. While I have nothing positive to say about this lame duck
superintendent and the nine fame whores who rode his coattails, I am equally disappointed at the
lack of courage and integrity displayed by so many in the teaching profession. I sure as hell
wouldn't want to be in a war with some of you watching my back. Hope you enjoy your lives after
Grier.
The King is Dead. The King is Dead. Long live the King!

King grier
Quote · Sep 11 2015 10:01 AM
https://vimeo.com/138881807
KING GRier.... never thanked the PRINCIPALS..great job....

Sam Sarabia
Quote · Sep 11 2015 12:08 PM
To Long Term Principal--I am a principal who has worked closely with Sarabia and I will take your dare and say otherwise.
In fact, I wonder how closely you have worked with Sam. I ask because if you had, it would be
impossible for you to get on this site and suggest that he become our next superintendent.
Let me put it this way--I have been in HISD longer than most and am fully conversant,
unfortunately, with Sam's underhanded, bullying tactics. His ego demands close-mouthed
adherence to his positions and practices. If Chip Zullinger were alive, he could tell you a thing or
two about Sarabia--and none of it would be good. Sarabia tried to run Chip out of the job and
filled people's ears with falsehoods about Chip. Why? Because Chip was moving his schools and
had earned the respect and affection of his principals and teachers.
I could provide countless specifics, but I won't. Suffice it to say that Sarabia is a snake in the
grass. He would be no better than Grier and just as dangerous. I'm not sure why you think you
speak for all of Sarabia's principals, but let me assure you that you don't.

I Disagree
Quote · Sep 11 2015 1:43 PM
@Long-term principal
So according to you, anyone who has a concern about Sam Sarabia's leadership is simply a
"disgruntled" employee who just "didn't make it happen." No way Sarabia's at fault, in other
words, because he's so gifted a leader that all of his schools achieve if they have principals who
are willing to be guided by him.
I wish that were true. How wonderful would it be for all of us if Sarabia were a wise person with a
deep understanding of how to run schools and mentor our leadership teams. I'm sorry to say that
what I have encountered is an impatient man with high expectations, but not the foggiest idea
about how to improve classroom instruction. Oh yes, he has all the right buzz words about guided
reading and small group instruction, but the buzz words are not founded upon deep content
knowledge. I'm surprised Sarabia has kept the job for so long given widespread discontent with
him. Now that Grier is leaving, Sarabia will remain in place for years to come. What a farce.

TheProphet
Quote · Sep 11 2015 1:51 PM
First off, I am a former HISD teacher who is now officially retired due to health reasons. I taught in
HISD for 14 years and have fond memories of my experiences there. I still have a friend and
many former colleagues who still work in HISD and this is why I write this post. The news of Terry
Grier planning to leave the district is the best news there teachers have had in along time. I have
nothing positive to say about Terry Grier as he was tyrant who ran off many fine educators with
his tactics. Like many veteran teachers I was subjected to his "hit teams" who went from campus
to campus looking for "bad teachers" by coming into classes with their clipboards and notes. In
one lesson they decided a teacher was unfit to teach in HISD no matter what their principal
evaluations indicated. I was disheartened to hear a former colleague of mine at Atherton
Elementary lose her job because of shady accusations that she had her students cheat on the
state tests. Plus, the fact that thousands of qualified teachers lost their jobs or left the district due
to Grier's "Reign of Terror" with most of those teachers being African-American. The work is not
done because as long as the current board members sit in power the only thing will change is
"the main player, not the game." All these current board members need to go! God bless you
educators who have stuck it out, if only the media and public knew what you are going through on
a daily basis. I wish the leadership of the HFT had a backbone and stated the truth about Grier
instead Zeph Capo made a public statement claiming some positives about Grier. Now I know
why Grier ruled with an "iron fist" because no one except the teachers and some parents dared to
question his decisions.

Info
Quote · Sep 11 2015 6:35 PM
FYI: this last year a demographer set the projections at central office and NOT the principals.

New Superintendent
Quote · Sep 11 2015 6:43 PM
To I Disagree
Several years ago Grier tried to axe Sarabia, but was blocked by some board members. After that
he divided Sam's schools between three people, not trusting Sarabia to make needed
improvements. Say what you want about Grier, but he recognized the BS Sarabia was throwing
his way. Check out the scores at Sarabia's schools. And this is the guy someone wants as
superintendent????

let's not repeat the mistake
Quote · Sep 11 2015 6:50 PM
I have hard nothing but negatives about Mr. Sarabia. Almost sounds like a family member or
close buddy aspiring to get a high position wrote the glowing report. One wonders how he was
able to ride the storm when so many others could not hang on. We have read quite a bit about
this man on this blog. We do not need another egomaniac running the district. We need someone
who has a vested interest in the children, in the communities and the teachers. We need
someone who has empathy and can work with the board and listen to them. And, we need new
board members.

Hold up!!!!!
Quote · Sep 11 2015 7:28 PM
Principals DID NOT over project on student enrollment. They were not allowed to make their own
projections this year (even though they know their communities, demographics, etc). Brain child
of out-of-control egomaniac Susan Kaler. She "needed" to control the numbers and now won't
own the fact that schools are over staffed. Great job Suzy!!!!

Sarabia@sarabia
Quote · Sep 11 2015 8:02 PM
Didn't Sarabia "remove" the principal at Crespo and then miraculously his brother was hired.
Corruption. So many of the SSO'-SIO stabbed people in the back to move up. We need someone
who really cares.

our job is not done..
Quote · Sep 11 2015 8:14 PM
We know Drew has been laying low..no where to be seen.. rumor is he was hiding out on third
floor.. WE ALL know he won't be around.. but we need to make SURE he does NOT get a
superintendent job.. we know Everyone On the third floor hates him.. we need to know where he
is applying so we can call those BOARD MEMBER like we did his first try... Let els NOT LET
UP... we have MUCH TO FIGHT FOR STILL!!!

Principal
Quote · Sep 11 2015 8:48 PM
Mr. Sarabia is not without skills, but is essentially a petty person with a huge ego. We've had
enough of that.

The Urban
Quote · Sep 11 2015 10:00 PM
Hello my people
The Urban knows this : this is no time for a celebration. Grier and Paula Harris is more dangerous
now than ever before. It was indeed a day to celebrate and I was at the building when Griers
resignation was announced. When Paula Harris leaves let the celebration begin. We won't sleep
until all these criminals are gone. I just want to let you know that we left it on the floor this week.
And we will continue to fight for students teachers and parents. We love what we do. And if you
want to join we will be doing a membership drive next month. Doesn't cost anything. Just the will
to fix our school system.
G. Monroe
Exe. Director
The UUAA

You do realize....
Quote · Sep 11 2015 10:21 PM
@Our job is not done: You do realize that if you call every board that could potentially hire Drew,
(or anyone else for that matter), you risk him staying in HISD longer?
OAN: Grier's contract was up at the end of this year. He resigned prior to that on his own terms.
Why are we giving credit to a particular person or organization for this natural occurrence? Be
careful who you build up and allow to have a voice. You may regret doing so when this is all said
and done.

Grier needs to be indicted
Quote · Sep 11 2015 10:38 PM
Grier resignation is a way out of an ivestigation from the FBI. He knows the bond mishaps have
come to light. He knows time is running out for him. Thanks to the Urban Leauge and school
principals that blew the whistle. We welcome an FBI investigation.

Grier
Quote · Sep 11 2015 10:48 PM
Let the criminal investigations begin!!! Lets go with open records and Fox 26.

Pretty comical
Quote · Sep 11 2015 11:49 PM
Now the announcment has been made, it is comical to see the look on some of these folks faces.
Adam Stephens better be using that Ipad that is connected to his hip and start looking for another
job--he will be one of the first to be gone. Hasnt done a damn thing but draws a 130K salary. One
of the worst Grier hires.

FED-UP----HFT-Please Explain



Here's a quote from HISD Board member RSJ in reference to a new superintendent:
" I think the goal should be to find someone who can continue the work that we're doing
while bringing a sense of calm and stability, and creating an environment that is inviting
to a new superintendent."
Is she serious when she states that she wants another candidate like Grier? What an
outrageous comment! What's even more unbelievable is that HFT is supporting her in the
November election. I would like an explanation from Zeph Capo as to why HFT is in
support of her continuing on the HISD Board. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all.

Susan Kaler
Quote · Sep 12 2015 6:01 AM
To Hold Up
Susan Kaler was given Lupita Hinojosa's job when Hinojosa left for Spring. She does not have
the background & experience for the position, but was hand-selected by Mark Smith. Why do you
think Mark White resigned shortly thereafter and went to Tomball with Martha Salazar Zamora,
another former HISD administrator who was given the shaft. Mark White wasn't even considered
for Hinojosa's spot, although he had been doing Hinojosa's work for years, propping her up and
making her look good. Kaler was handed the job on a silver platter and White got the hell out.
That's how it works when you're part of the HISD in-crowd.

FED-UP----SEPT. HISD Board Meeting
Quote · Sep 12 2015 6:08 AM
The HISD Board members need to be replaced. They were obnoxious at Thursday's board
meeting. Paula Harris and Rhonda Skilleren-Jones were particularly rude. At one point they didn't
like what a speaker had to say, so Harris prodded RSJ to turn off his microphone. ( which she did
) The opposition to the Board continued throughout the meeting. The parents and community
members are no longer remaining silent. They have clearly expressed their displeasure with the
HISD Board. They don't believe that they are capable of telling the truth or doing a good job. ( I
agree. )
Gerry Monroe continued his opposition to Grier and the HISD Board. Some people may not like
his style. However, I think he just tells it like it is---plain and simple. He has no problem accusing
the HISD Board and Grier of lying and incompetence. Thanks Gerry. The opposite is Harvin
Moore, who praised Grier and his Team HISD. His obtuse comments made me want to gag. He
has been on the Board for 12 years. It's time for him to resign.
Greg Myers and Wanda Adams also need to be replaced. Every time Myers smiles, I feel as
though he is covering up something. As for Wanda Adams, I think she has been influenced by the
pompous Paula Harris.
Manuel Rodriguez barely speaks or expresses his opinion, while Anna Eastman can't stop
talking. She drones on and on about everything. Lunsford seems to be frustrated lately.
I am having a change of heart about Juliet Stipeche. I think that she means well. Now I can see
why HFT is supporting her in November.
The topic of rebuilding Jack Yates H.S. was discussed for a long time. The Yates community
expressed concerns about the renovation project. They wanted the board members to table the
start for at least a month. They had about 6 questions that they wanted the board to answer. After
much discussion, the Board agreed to table it till the next meeting. Community members are
afraid that Yates will be torn down but not rebuilt. They are also worried about the money allotted
for the new campus. These are very valid concerns and need to be addressed with the Yates
community.
There was opposition to value added, EVAAS and Aspire funding. The HISD Board seems to
believe that these programs are good for teachers and students. ( in spite of the proof of failure )
HISD will continue to be a circus after the ring master leaves in March. Only when a new HISD
Board is elected will sanity return to our district.

Hold Grier Accountable
Quote · Sep 12 2015 7:06 AM
We truly need to hold Grier accountable for breaking promises during the bond election to bring
all HISD campuses up to date.
In addition, the Houston taxpayers also need to understand that he has shortchanged them in just
delivering the basic legal requirements as far as staffing those schools.
Before Grier leaves, I'm sure there will be a huge PR push to highlight his success with his
Mandarin/Arabic/Energy (insert name of boutique school here) schools. Except, it's hard to
imagine that these schools are staffed by actual Texas certified teachers (these aren't areas that
are normally considered for certification).
Here's how we as citizens can do our own research to hold him accountable.
1) Search "Certificate Lookup" online
2) The TEA search engine will pop up
3) Put the name of each teacher or administrator into the search
4) The teacher/administrator's credentials will pop up
5) If they aren't there, then there is no certification or it might have even expired
6)Legally, the teacher/administrator should have certification for their position, not another
subject/administrative area---not certified in the area where they are working? Not legal.
I would be surprised if even most of the teachers at these boutique schools are certified in their
areas. I would actually be surprised if most HISD teachers overall had traditional certification
versus "alternative" certification (which means that it's hard to know exactly what that means,
since alternative credentials could mean just a quick 5-week TFA course).
Once we have the numbers, I bet it will show that Grier's administration was all smoke and
mirrors. That not only did he shortchange us on the buildings/campuses we were promised---but
he also shortchanged on the certified teachers we need to make our district viable.
I think this will show a major fail for Grier. Now, if we could just get him to hand over his bonus
money, plus interest for the scam he pulled on the Houston community---in fact, can we sue him
for not delivering anything that was required by his contract from Day One when he stepped off
the plane here in Houston? It would only be fair.

@Adam Stephens..
Quote · Sep 12 2015 11:21 AM
Stop it right there.. Adam Stephens is one of the best educators in the district. He COMPLETELY
cares about kids.. he has single handedly been keep the team together.. he turned around Saint
a George and made it a beacon for the community... he is a wonderful leader and is a rising
superstar with the district...people try to tear him down but it cannot be done!

Adam Stephens
Quote · Sep 12 2015 3:56 PM
Adan Stephens helped destroy Lee High School. He was arrogant, selfish and pompous. You
don't even want me to come on this site and tell you many of the simply horrific things he did to
teachers and students. He was a coward and followed Davila around like a puppy as he joined
forces with huge evil to destroy careers. He shouldn't be able to sleep at night for what he did.

A Note to Busby
Quote · Sep 12 2015 7:35 PM
Seymour was a very smart person. He knew what he was doing. He knew Crier was on top of the
instruction and a workaholic. He used that to his advantage and wasn't intimidated by her like you
are. He took Crier for what she was and recognized her strengths and worked with her
weaknesses. Then, you talk about Seymour too and how he didn't have systems and let Crier run
the school. You are still talking about how many boyfriends Crier had from every continent in one
year. Who cares. She knows how to move scores. Your own team knows that you can't get the
job done. You took Crier off the testing subjects thinking you can do it better and gave her
science. Most of the scores went down 30 to 40 points and now only science has the best scores
which Crier was over. Now, you are blaming Crier because everyone keeps saying when Crier
did it.... saying she did all the thinking for us and that you are not going to do that and that is why
the scores went down. Then, you bring all these "do nothing" people here and it is just the worse.
We all know Seymour and Crier had their issues and personality problems, but they knew how to
move a school. So HISD would rather have someone that runs in the right circles rather than
someone that can get the job done. All you do is name drop Rhonda Skillern Jones' name and
talk about crap you did at BJHS and how people begged you to take over Williams. Stop the lies
and the madness. The majority of the staff wants out except Gatson who does absolutely nothing
all day and knows nothing, but since you are cool with her, she can do it. All the people that are
cool gets to skate all day and teach blocks and Legos.

@Adam Stephens..
Quote · Sep 12 2015 8:20 PM
You have no idea what you are talking about. Adam Stephens helped to FIX Lee. Lee was a
blight in the community before he arrived. Look at SG. HMW is lucky to have such a GREAT
educator come through its doors. You have no idea what you are talking about. You are just
jealous. It is very obvious.

Hard to believe
Quote · Sep 12 2015 9:36 PM
Interesting that Stephens is now an Officer and making a substantial salary. So crime does pay.

It's the appearance
Quote · Sep 13 2015 9:03 AM
Why would Lawrence Marshall give money to Manuel Rodriguez Jr a 300 dollar campaign
contribution? Why would Trustee Rodriguez accept it while the Board is paying for Mr. Marshall's
define?.
Even though Mr. Rodriguez has not done any wrong because he HISD board revised its policy in
2012 to require a trustee from voting on contracts or other agenda items involving a donor who
had contributed more than $500 to his or her campaign in the prior 12 months.
It's the appearance that matters

@Adam Stephens
Quote · Sep 13 2015 10:33 AM
Lee HS is an example of something he fixed? Lee HS is a train wreck. Poor leadership, a
pompous SSO, incompetent Instructional Specialists, teachers without certifications and students
with no respect run that school. All of the good teachers left again this year. Look at the teacher
turnover rate for the last few years. Lee HS is still a blight on the community. Many student fights
and disrespectful behavior that is consistently ignored by the Admin. Test scores are still
embarrassing.

why the endorsement?
Quote · Sep 13 2015 10:37 AM
Note the editorial in the Chronicle today on Terry Grier.
I too would like to know how HFT came to endorse the likes of RSJ. Her arrogance, her voting
record is not acceptable and I believe you also endorsed Jolanda Jones, why? Just who decided
these choices? This will be a continuation of what we have now. If these board members
continue, with the exception of Juliet Stipeche, I believe it will be the downfall of HISD. We are
close to that point now.
As for the Adam Stephens issue, when one receives these glowing reports it could very well be
that person themselves writing, as I believe others have done , a family member or close friend.
Doesn't take much to figure that out.

Grier
Quote · Sep 13 2015 10:39 AM
I hope Grier doesn't go too far because he and I still have a special day in court. I refuse to allow
him to get away with his bullying and harassment of employees. I wonder what he will do without
his circus of HISD lawyers backing him up and covering his legal fees. I hope wherever he goes
is aware of all of his legal woes and the damage he has done to Houston's children, schools, and
teachers.

@Adam Stevens
Quote · Sep 13 2015 11:28 AM
How about mocking a gay young man in the front office when the young man was asking for
theater arts or telling a young black student he had given up on him which he also said in front of
people in the main office. How about when he sat in a first year's teachers room all day to type
away on his computer critical reports. I figure you are one of the babies Grier hired to force all
veteran teachers out. Some of you got" lucky" and moved up the chain without knowing the heck
what you are doing which continues the disaster dominoes affect in HISD.
Ask him about the student teacher basketball game where he crowded out the other teachers so
he could be the man. We all went to other districts and are doing well. How about your district?
Back at you Adam Stephens'wife.

Grier
Quote · Sep 13 2015 11:43 AM
A few years back when Grier encouraged principals to clean house....qualified teachers were
replaced with TFA's who of course worked 2 years and left. My friend worked at a campus at the
time a new principal arrived.... He quickly cleaned house and hired TFAs scores went down And
on the start of the 3rd year was promoted. Guess what he was replaced by friend of the SSO.
She had NO EXPERIENCE. That same SSO left HISD but somehow managed to endorse
unqualified people into leadership roles at various campuses in HISD. Anyone in a leadership role
should have to reapply....HISD is full of incompetent people in leadership roles-some who have
only taught 2 years and are running a school. I would like to see the test scores of our leaders
when they were in the classroom....

Gandhi, MLK, and Terry Grier - Sounds About Right
Quote · Sep 14 2015 12:30 AM
I read the Chronicle's editorial on(by) Terry Grier, and, while I hate to admit it, it really bothered
me. Has the person who authored this masterpiece been living in Houston the last six years? I
knew where this editorial was headed when Gandhi and MLK were mentioned early on in the
piece. Yes, let's construct another Mount Rushmore, this one with Grier, Gandhi, and MLK. Make
sure Grier's profile is the largest.
Thousands of teachers left (or were removed from) HISD during Grier's tenure. Were they all
incompetent, angry malcontents? Several years ago, I personally contacted Ericka Mellon to
suggest she get a teacher's point of view regarding Grier's performance as superintendent,
especially relating to his overly-praised Apollo Program. She declined. And for the record, Apollo
did not greatly improve math scores. The gains in math, accomplished through 3-on-1 tutoring,
were not replicable in a traditional school setting. To the author of this editorial, who might argue
for Apollo's success, I would simply ask one question: If Apollo was such a success, why does
Grier refuse to even discuss it in a public forum?
The editorial made me wonder what is going to happen if/when Grier's transgressions are fully
exposed. The tremendous waste of money. The broken bond promises. The "friends and family"
approach to filling key administrative positions. The never-ending personnel changes on way too
many campuses. The quid-pro-quo relationships between trustees and vendors. If justice is
served, and there's no guarantee it will be, some of HISD's major players should/could end up
doing time. Hopefully, this group will include a few members of the news media who were asleep
at the wheel the entirety of Grier's time running/ruining HISD.
In the end, it was entirely predictable that Grier would dictate the terms of his departure rather
than giving the board the opportunity to embarrass him by not renewing his contract. Give the
man credit. For being a selfish, spineless, self-serving prick, he was way smarter than the nine
bumpkins who appointed him. He knew his time was up.
I am not proud that I have such petty resentment for this man, but I'm trying to be honest here.
Obviously, no one is perfect, but, in my most humble opinion, he was the most negative and
destructive superintendent I've ever seen. It just doesn't seem right that the Chronicle and other
Grier sycophants are portraying him as a bold, misunderstood visionary rather than a mediocre
leader at best. I'm sorry, but when I see or read something about this man, I can't help but think of
the thousands of decent, nameless, faceless teachers deemed replaceable by people who knew
nothing about them. That is the real crime of the last six years.

Accountability for Grier
Quote · Sep 14 2015 1:03 PM
Odd that Grier is able to dodge accountability for all of his slow-cooker ideas that turned into
putrid debris. The students, teachers. and community suffered during this brute's run for personal
greatness. Now he will go onto a payroll somewhere, quietly getting his payback for a crooked
pact made while running the district into the dirt. Watch. He will hire on with some entity that
made millions off of HISD. Good riddance. Hopefully he cleaned out his desk already. Finding
anything of value created by him would require time travel back to his early childhood days when
he first learned to color inside the lines. You have to wonder how he can find any cheerleaders
willing to write a favorable word about him, much less an entire editorial. Good riddance I say.

?????????
Quote · Sep 14 2015 5:03 PM
So all those transitional people Grier hired will be jobless soon........ One of them doesn't even
have any type of teaching credintials (J. Bernal). Then some of the others only got the job
because of who they know ( I will not name Names )

Thank-you, ALL!
Quote · Sep 14 2015 5:23 PM
As goes Grier, so must most of the board. Everything which transpired in this district happened by
the vote of the board. Members are now declaring they are pro-teacher as elections come nearer.
I truly have no idea why the likes of former city council members are board members. I am hoping
and counting on the community to get out and vote come November . Don't just vote, vote for
candidates who will make a difference in children's lives. Thank-you, Juliet Stipeche for all you
have done and will continue to do. Thank-you, Editor! Without this blog I doubt Grier would have
exited. Most of us would not have realized what was happening in our district without the
connection of Watch. You have really made a difference. Thank-you CVPE for all your work on
behalf of the community. Thank-you Gerry Monroe and UUAA. Different approaches to getting
the word out, different methods but collectively you all made a difference. Next, a change in the
board.

TheProphet
Quote · Sep 14 2015 6:07 PM
Part of the problem in getting rid of Terry Grier was thinking the HFT was on the teacher's side
when in fact I came across Terry Grier's Facebook page and found Gayle Fallon, the former head
of the HFT, as one of his Facebook friends. I expected to see people in power in HISD on his
friend's list as they were, but Gayle's name there came as a surprise. Goes to show that some
people can be two-faced!

Right On!!!
Quote · Sep 14 2015 7:09 PM
I thought it was just me that gets raging mad and damn near physically sick when I read some bs
editorial attempting to praise Grier for his failed Apollo 20 and all the other crap that didn't work.
But we must remember that he wasn't the biggest failure - our school board was because they
allowed it to continue by keeping him on, awarding bonuses, allowing schools to close, and
renewing Grier's contract. He didn't do no more than they let him do. I live in the museum district
which has some of the highest property taxes in the city, and there is no middle school in my
neighborhood. My kids would have to be shipped to Cullen or some place else. Countless
teachers and staff members who had worked hard and dedicated their lives to our students were
run out of this district. The Flunky 9 stood by, turned a blind eye, turned a deaf ear, ignored what
all of us already could see, and let it happen. Now here we are six years later with money bond
money wasted and unaccounted for, broken bond promises, etc. Are there any lawsuits or class
action suits that can be legally filed by the tax payers of this city about this bond mess? I was
against it from the gate, but it managed to pass anyway. I knew this would happen. I can't stand
for Grier to be here until March. Buy him out now and get him the hell out of Houston asap!!!

Administrator Houston
Quote · Sep 14 2015 8:47 PM
Can anyone tell me what happened to the lawsuit Gerry Monroe promised was coming. Didn't he
have a team from Atlanta on the case?

teacher Could be anywhere
Quote · Sep 14 2015 8:57 PM
As it should be, the focus is on Grier and his long awaited exit but what about the tyrants that
were hired during his reign? So many lives were disrupted or ruined by so called leaders that I
can't help but wonder' when 'or 'if' the truths will be exposed and if they are, will there be anyone
left who cares? I still look at my school under the same hideous leader, who continues to reward
her friends and the people she can control and wonder .After truths have been printed, the
community has met and gone to HISD and there is obvious distaste and distrust of her, does any
of it matter?? Has such a negative climate been created that we have no hope of recovering? My
school is a toxic environment and one only needs to look at the faces of the teachers with some
experience to know that they have almost given up.

@Adam Stephens..
Quote · Sep 14 2015 9:12 PM
You or your wife must really have huge egos. At least Muton, Sarania, or Grieir, or even Busby
don't come on here trying to defend their actions or deeds. You two must really move on. Your
EGO is really something. You have made some terrible mistakes, you have been selfish and selfcentered, and don't seem to understand the kids of houston, your teachers, and this community.
Leave it be. Stop trying to justify your salary, your position, or that you would leave within 5 mins
if it got tough or for more money.

Another way of looking at it
Quote · Sep 14 2015 11:37 PM
To @Adam Stephens
It doesn't follow, as you've suggested, that people who defend Adam Stephens are his wife
and/or other relatives. It's more likely the case that these people have worked well with him and
have seen a more productive side. He has a better reputation than you realize.

Cut Vacation Short? Not likely.
Quote · Sep 15 2015 2:01 PM
The tragic bus accident and death of two students will be a test for Grier. He SHOULD cut his
vacation short and return to Houston immediately. This will be perhaps his final test of character.
Will it be one of empathy for the students, their families and classmates conducted through
personal contact or will it involve him just sending tweets and brief messages through the Press
Office? More than likely it will be the later. Good riddance!

Ashford Elementary Parent
Quote · Sep 15 2015 4:34 PM
We need to rally the Ashford EL neighborhood to get HISD to do something about the principal at
Ashford. She is disrespectful to teachers and parents. She sits in her office and hides most of the
day and non of her staff takes her serious. My kids started at Ashford last year and the only times
i see her not in her office she walks past people without saying a word and when she does talk its
about clothes and shopping. We need her gone. There are familes that live right down the street
who have decieded not to send their child to Ashford because of the principal and her poor
leadership.

King Grier
Quote · Sep 15 2015 5:26 PM
Will the superintendent return and visible tomorrow at FURR?

Condolences to the family and friends
Quote · Sep 15 2015 8:07 PM
Sincere condolences to those who knew the victims in today's bus tragedy. I am so sorry for the
loss of lives and to those injured, a speedy and complete recovery. It leaves one speechless.

Barkley
Quote · Sep 15 2015 9:57 PM
Our prayers to Ms. Simmons and the entire Furr community for their loss today. How tragic for all
involved, especially the families.
Meanwhile, a serious suggestion to the Board - why would you even consider buying Grier out?
What a slap in the face to all of HISD, especially those who were disposed of or trodden on.
Name an interim, and have Terry go work magic at one of the Apollo campuses until March. He
knows it all, right? Actually, he'd be as clueless as always to the real work teachers and campus
administrators have to do. The futile deadlines. The broken tech and applications. The busy work
justifying jobs elsewhere while the real work - student academic growth and safety - gets shunted
aside.
Don't buy him out. Don't embarrass yourselves further.

Chronicle
Quote · Sep 15 2015 10:05 PM
A reader comment from the Chronicle praising Grier:
"We can't expect any school superintendent to accomplish the impossible without a united
board."
You're kidding, right?
The only reason the board isn't united is because Terry Grier pits one board member against
another. That's his calling card, that's his method of operation. It's happened here, in San Diego,
in west Texas...you name the place, he left it shredded of harmony. His bullying tactics are well
known towards Board members, parents, employees (and witnessed by Chronicle reporters as
well as others, whether it's screaming at staff/board members, or threatening to close schools
because someone or a community won't acquiesce); his heart is not in it for the kids but for the
family and associates he has brought in for jobs (just the latest - a friend terminated from a
District up north).
The Grier circus has made millions from this District; his legacy is one of disharmony (over a
thousand of truly capable people have left the District out of disgust or being driven out), broken
promises (unfinished/reduced bond work, Apollo non-achievement, lackluster execution of
grandiose ideas like on-line textbooks but highly inadequate infrastructure to access, District
curriculum materials rife with errors in content and timing), and possible criminal and civil litigation
(side stepping state law regarding funding projects; erroneous terminations).
Shame on you, Chronicle. You are the only full source of news for this town and you blew it. But
you were played by Grier since he hired one of your top editors from the beginning to neuter the
only large source of news in town. You were complicit. Your hands are dirty.
It will take this District years to recover from the Grier reign of error. Years

A reminder
Quote · Sep 15 2015 10:12 PM
Today's tragedy is a reminder that our students are deserving of our best at all times. Children
should not lose their lives trying to get to schools that do not value them first and foremost as
human beings. For too long Team-HISD has placed farcical value on our children and has long
forgotten to appreciate them for the people they are and the people we want them to become. .
Tomorrow when I return to work I will think about those children whose lives were lost simply
trying to get to school. I will be reminded that parents send their children to us in order to get a
quality education and we have a professional and civic responsibility to give them that quality
education, in spite of the top down regulations that are implemented by our politicians and
executed by our bureaucrats. We owe it to each student to do right by them.
While the trustees send out robocalls and prepared statements tonight lets hope they, too, step
back and reconsider whether the policies they have put in place are there to benefit students or in
place to benefit adults.

The Quotation Game
Quote · Sep 16 2015 4:27 PM
Two more gems from our "in-over-our-heads" trustees. There was an interesting article in today's
Houston Press concerning two very important issues demanding our board's attention. One was
the school construction issue where someone divvied up major projects into parcels of less than
$500,000 in order to avoid the board's scrutiny. (Contracts over $500,000 require the board's vote
of approval). Apparently, all of this wheeling and dealing was taking place right under the
oblivious noses of our nine trustees. Apparently, they were too busy tweeting, taking selfies, or
posting on Facebook to realize contractors were duping them. Of this embarrassing revelation,
our "Queen of Quotations", Anna Eastman, said, "Someone's got to be held accountable for it.
There's been too many 'oops'." Hey, Anna, I'll give you nine guesses as to whom should be held
accountable for this mess.
The second issue concerned what to do with our lame-duck superintendent. Do we buy him out,
hire an interim superintendent and reassign Grier, or simply let Grier muddle along until March 1?
As for this dilemma and the probable blowback from the contractor fiasco, Rhonda Skillern-Jones
had this to say: "Who do we hold accountable and in what way?" Hey, Rhonda, look in the mirror.
There's your answer.
So, after six years of chaos and who knows how much money wasted, Mr. Accountability and his
nine "mini-accountabilities" are poised to blame each other for the mess that now remains of
HISD. Let the finger-pointing begin.
"God made the idiot for practice, and then He made the school board." - Mark Twain

Happy Ashford Parent
Quote · Sep 16 2015 6:13 PM
First, I want to express my sympathies to HISD family yesterday for their loss. As a mother that
was my first thought yesterday when I heard the sad news. Second, I want to know if Ashford
Parent is talking about the principal that says good morning to my child BY NAME every morning
when she opens the car door for her. Third, we are happy with the principal and Ashford so take
your negative talk somewhere else. My child loves her kindergarten teacher and the principal.

Credibility and Goodwill
Quote · Sep 16 2015 7:05 PM
At a time when the district should be viewed as trustworthy and credible, it can't. The public and
the families dealing with this tragedy mistrust the district, its leadership, and those whose job it is
to speak for the district. Terry Grier can't draw from any goodwill because his tenure has been
marked by duplicity. When tragedy strikes we are reminded of the need for the public's trust. This
absence of trust makes every statement seem insincere.

Grier went missing.
Quote · Sep 16 2015 9:07 PM
Where is king grier?

@Happy Ashford Parent Former Ashford Parent
Quote · Sep 16 2015 9:54 PM
I think it's great that you are happy with Ashford and the teacher. The teachers of Ashford and the
Assistant Principal are great. I have had wonderful experiences at Ashford. I have also
experienced the same as the parent who commented early. The current school principal is not
supportive of all students and families or teachers for that matter. My child does not attend
Ashford anymore because i decided it was not in the best interest of my child to continue there.
I've watched the principal (V. Sikes) treat parents and teachers who were not on her list of
favorites horrible. I've spoken with teachers that have talked about the lack of leadership,
communication, and respect that the principal shows toward her staff everyday. She is not to be
trusted. I challenge you to take a close look at the high turn over of teachers within the past 3
years and the amount of parents that have moved their children to other schools from Ashford
within the past year. These are parents that live within walking distance to a school that has
always been loved by the surrounding community. My question is, with all the change in staff, has
there been an improvement in the education of the students at Ashford. My older kids went to
Ashford and are in the top of their classes currently. This is a result of the strong base they
received at Ashford from the teachers that were run off by this principal. She has done nothing to
improve Ashford and has made it a 2nd rate campus. Parents if you aren't happy, call Greg
Myers (board member). If you are happy with Mrs. Sikes' leadership, I encourage you to beware
for the sake of your child.

Really ?
Quote · Sep 17 2015 7:34 AM
Word has it Grier is on vacation this week...

Teacher Ashford Elementary
Quote · Sep 17 2015 7:29 PM
I agree with former Ashford parent. The principal at Ashford is not a true leader. She treats her
position like a day job and it is really hard to take her seriously. She constantly plays favorites
with certain teachers and will walk right pass others without saying a word. It's very sad. It's no
accident that the enrollment has dropped significantly and everyone has decided to send their
child to other schools.

Accountability??
Quote · Sep 17 2015 9:22 PM
Rhonda Skillern-Jones had this to say: "Who do we hold accountable and in what way?"
LMFAO. RSJ, there hasn't been one ounce of accountability beyond the teachers and principals
for a long time now. There has been an endless parade of Friends/Family of Terry parading in
and out of the District, totally unprepared and inadequately suited to hold the high positions they
were awarded and richly paid. The Superintendent reached 3 out of 5 goals on his appraisal and
was given a bonus. If a teacher or principal ever scored a "60" they would have been terminated,
no questions asked.
Accountability? There is none what so ever once you leave a campus.

Are you really happy? HISD
Quote · Sep 18 2015 11:48 PM
Whoever you are, I guarantee you have not had your child greeted at the car door with the
Principsl knowing her name every day.I work there and the Principal is not even there every
morning! I am glad that you are happy if you are really a parent because Ashford needs some
positive press. Unfortunately, it's a train wreck at this time and I wonder if it will ever get back on
track. I have not met one member of the faculty, well maybe one, who would actively speak up in
support of this woman if it came down to it. Even those that do a good job of pretending to
support her do not.

To All of our SSO Everywhere in HISD
Quote · Sep 19 2015 10:21 AM
Since you are visiting campuses and pointing out areas of improvement in teachers, why not go
ahead and ask principals if teachers are getting 450 of planning- SSO's know campuses are in
violation requiring us to attend meetings weekly, during our planning-and even on weeks with
early dismissal. Go ahead and check our extensive lesson plans required every week....HFT
should hold SSO's accountable too after all they are monitoring principals right? Don't bother
telling me not to attend these meeting....I've seen what happens to non team players!

master50
Quote · Sep 19 2015 6:58 PM
When will the district follow the law when it comes to snap shot testing? HB5

RSJ
Quote · Sep 20 2015 8:51 AM
She has to go. She is at the very head of all of this. The other board members are just as guilty.
We really need to focus on making HISD really great all over and these thieves should not be a
part of that. Her tone already is just inexcusable. Still trying to cater to a superintendent. Still
trying to find a superintendent that will be in on their stealing. Why not find someone that will want
the district to be appealing to students? Right now, the students in the district are suffering. RSJ
is responsible for selecting the most incompetent principals in her areas. She placed her friends
in leadership positions and those schools are failing now. Her area is the lowest performing area
in HISD.

Grier's legacy
Quote · Sep 20 2015 9:24 AM
Making my rounds as a sub: Several campuses have already had teachers walk away from their
jobs, several still haven't filled all their positions? And that's just the small sample of campuses
where I've been and it's not even the first month of school? Would be nice if the media people
actually investigated instead of writing up Grier's "accomplishments"? The picture would definitely
not be as pretty.

Debate
Quote · Sep 20 2015 3:55 PM
Does anyone have any news on yesterday's debate?

master50
Quote · Sep 21 2015 7:08 AM
HISD needs to get rid of this evaluation system !! This is the thing that drives teachers out of this
district. Teachers also stay away because of this thing. Get rid of the evaluation monster and
IPDP. Please let teachers teach before it is too late, HISD!!!!!

Debate
Quote · Sep 21 2015 10:18 PM
Oops, the debate is NEXT Saturday, the 26th. My bad. Reading comprehension is my friend.

The exodus is beginning
Quote · Sep 22 2015 3:04 AM
Grier's minions have already started to apply to new jobs. No one even cares anymore. They are
openly apply for jobs. What a joke. Board members we need an interim superintendent. Do
something!

from the students....
Quote · Sep 22 2015 6:47 AM
http://dearhisd.org/2015/09/21/where-are-the-textbooks-why-doesnt-my-school-have-textbooks/
Dear HISD,
Thanks for giving us our laptops. Really, thank you. The laptops are a great tool in the classroom
and at home.
With that being said, where are our textbooks?
With the new PowerUp initiative, everything has been digitized to the HUB. Unfortunately, the
HUB frequently crashes as thousands of students around the school district attempt to access the
same website at the same time. This is a huge issue as eBooks are all on the HUB. Only AP
classes assign print textbooks; College Board requires print textbooks be assigned as part of the
AP curriculum.
I have listed flaws in the new textbook policies:
1. Teachers are prohibited from receiving classroom copy of print textbooks.
HISD is working to transition into a fully digital era. Quite unfortunately, this has prohibited
publishers from giving print textbooks to teachers as a classroom set. The vast majority of
students prefer having a print copy of the textbooks available. History textbooks with large
pictures, diagrams, and maps are not as easily viewed in eBook format.
2. Teachers must purchase their books from their own paychecks.
If teachers wish to have a hard copy of the book they are teaching from, they must buy the books
with their own money. For example, my AP Calculus book has an Amazon online tag of over
$270.
3. New teachers without degrees must teach without readings in textbook. They are provided only
supplementary material.
AP-level courses are often taught by teachers with many years of experience as well as with a
graduate degree. New teachers are often delegated to teach students in lower-level courses. This
proves especially difficult when the teacher is unable to teach material from a formal textbook.
Instead, the teacher must use a conglomerate of supplementary materials, none of which provide
an in-depth understanding. The students that need the most help are the ones not receiving
formal textbooks.
4. The classrooms in Pin Oak do not have a complete classroom set for every student.
Pin Oak Middle School is the last of the Power-Up Schools. It does not have enough print copies
of textbooks, even though laptops have not been distributed. This in between period leaves
students with neither the electronic nor print information. Without proper resources, the students
are unable to maximize their time to learn.
5. There are homes that do not have an internet connection.
My high school’s library closes at 4:30 p.m. on every day except for Friday, which is 4:00 p.m.
The public libraries close at 6:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m. Some students who work do not have the
luxury of library Wi-Fi access as the library is closed after work hours. The majority of working
students are not able to access public wifi to do their homework for this reason. This discourages
working students from taking classes that require an internet connection.
6. None of the freshmen have textbooks; a school needs textbooks.
A school is a place to learn. Unfortunately, many of the freshmen have not developed strong
study skills before freshman year. Freshmen at my high school rarely take AP courses. This
leaves zero books for the freshmen class. Freshmen have not yet come to fully appreciate
technology as a tool. Instead, freshmen may see the laptop as an extension of gaming and
distraction.
Issues with the complete digital era are:
1. Our fine motor skills in our hands are not as developed as the students from the decade
before.
We lose muscles that we don’t exercise. In middle school, I had imagined myself hand-writing five
pages for every high school essay. I trained myself to write with my left-hand to relieve my right
hand’s burden. Thankfully, I have very rarely had to hand-write an essay that’s five pages long.
Oddly enough, I find my right hand cramping after writing one page of an essay. In middle school,
I could write three pages of an essay without a problem. Much of my essays are typed instead of
handwritten. Psychologically speaking, object permanence when using writing utensils create a
deeper impression than when typing on a keyboard. It has been tested and proven that people
remember details more when we hand-write a note.
2. Eye problems occur from too much screen time.
The amount of screen time in a day has a strong correlation with the amount of vision problems. I
have bought countless bottles of eye drops to re-wet my eyes after a long study session. Not only
is this irritating, but I will suffer from lifelong consequences of vision impairment.
3. Technology is distracting.
I can personally attest that I focus much better without the temptation of opening another window.
Students often procrastinate during class when there is a substitute teacher. The substitute
teacher often does not care enough to check if the student is on task. Students should not be off
task, but there is a great deal of temptation when the teacher is not there to assist the student.
In short, I believe that there needs to be a revisions in the textbook and digital policies. I propose
the following:
Classroom sets need to be available to all teachers that are in need of textbooks
Print textbooks must be available for students to borrow
Textbooks should not be paid from the teacher’s paycheck
Students are not to have their grade deducted when homework is delayed for lack of internet
access
Improve the functionality of the HUB so that it will not crash
Warm Regards,

HISD parent
Quote · Sep 22 2015 10:25 AM
And some schools have neither textbooks nor laptops.

HISD HS teacher
Quote · Sep 22 2015 3:13 PM
While we are on the subject of e-books and electronic media, visually impaired students do not
have access to disability software needed to access the laptops.

Typical Roll Out
Quote · Sep 22 2015 5:24 PM
The power up and tha "hub" are typical of any new shiny process or program that HISD has tried.
It doesn't matter whether it's SASI or gradespeed, EVAAS, or EdPlan. The people who attempt to
train the trainers, are either inept or trying to do their best to train people to use something that
has fatal flaws, poor design, or a solution to some problem somewhere but doesn't offer the
utilities most needed by HISD teachers. It is extremely frustrating for teachers to be subjected to
this garbage with regular frequency. It's like that super duper "not available in stores" One
Second Slicer. You hear about it and order it and you just can't wait to get it. But when you take it
out of the box, you see that it is cheaply made and won't work as advertised. The problem here is
that students are being cheated.

mick lefree ozone
Quote · Sep 22 2015 8:03 PM
It sure would be nice if the district would provide employees with the tools needed to do our jobs.
Its like giving a painter one brush and telling him he can borrow a roller if one is available on the
day he needs it.
I was told I can not get a laptop since I received a new desktop last year. My laptop was more
than 5 years old and marked for replacement.. Problem is, I had gotten a desktop earlier in the
year to replace my 12 year old desktop so this was denied.
Problem is compounded by the fact my real work is on campuses, away from my desktop. All my
work is to be documented and posted. Amazing thing, an enormous amount of money was paid
to put windows on our doors....

Not going to Happen HISD
Quote · Sep 22 2015 9:08 PM
@Master 50
It would be amazing if HISD got rid of the evaluation system as it is now but it's not likely to
happen any time soon! Just imagine being able to teach, excel at your chosen craft, assist your
students with their growth and NOT be told by someone who has spent little or no time in the
classroom that you stink at what you do ! The system is a joke and everyone knows it. Some are
still holding on but most have fled or are in the process of lining up their options. The dedicated
teachers are finding other ways to fulfill their dreams without having to subject themselves to
cruel criticism and lack of support. Good luck to them. Pity the children.

@Typical
Quote · Sep 22 2015 9:35 PM
Adam Stephens was the one that brought all of these ideas to Grier. He should be fired today as
he is responsible for this debacle.

Milby parent who wants better
Quote · Sep 22 2015 11:14 PM
My child attends Milby Jones. She catches the bus at 6:00 in the morning to make the trip to
Jones HS so far away. She comes home late. During the day, she is in crowded hallways.
Teachers share classrooms. Classes are big. Last year I heard students getting robbed at knife
point. I was promised she would be back in our neighborhood in two years in a new school. But
when I drive by the campus each day to work, I see little activity. I recently heard the return date
is two years from now. They lied to us about everything. I am preparing for three more years with
all the fussing over the bond. If Mr. Fonseca can get my daughter back on campus in temporary
buildings next year, I will vote for him. His opponent is not watching out for my child. That could
have been my child's bus.

@parent who wants better
Quote · Sep 23 2015 6:51 AM
"They lied to us about everything."
Yes. Yes they sure did.
I am sorry this is happening to you. But you are right - they lied about everything. They continue
to lie on top of those lies. The truth is they did nothing about the physical condition of schools for
decades. Decades plural. Their kids are not jumping on a bus to ride all the way across the city
so they don't give two toots about your children. When they issue statements about how their
number one priority is the safety of the children across the district, know that it's a lie. You want to
know what they care about and don't care about? Look at what they do. Not what they say. Throw
all of them out. All of them.

master50
Quote · Sep 23 2015 9:55 AM
@ not going to happen
The evaluation will change, but can it get worse. I had idiots who know nothing about my subject
telling me how and what to teach my whole career. I have been under the TTAS, PDAS, MPDAS,
and this monster we have now. HISD will have to give this up because they are bleeding great
teachers out of the district. HISD will HUB and TADS their way into a state take over if they do not
give this evaluation system up. I still believe in miracles and T G is gone!!

Williams is Done
Quote · Sep 23 2015 12:36 PM
Put a fork in it. Teachers walking around passing out supplies all day long instead of teaching.
What is Gatson's purpose? Everybody talking about that. How is she an instructional
coach/recruiter when she can't do anything? The numbers are low and both her and Busby, I
don't know. Ummm...... is getting old real quick. Courtney Busby is too messy and insecure. She
does not know anything about instruction. The kids are doing whatever they want whenever they
want. How many times will the fire alarm be pulled in one semester? Stop saying Acres Homes
begged you to come here. You got the hook up. This school is crap now. Then, she hired Ms.
Flowers AKA Super Ghetto to come and be over instruction. This woman was forced out of
another school because she was terrible. Why is a consultant trying to charge teachers up? Hook
up. Can we please get someone over here to at least stop the kids from running around. Damn,
Crier went HAM, but she knew what she was doing with instruction and those kids didn't even
think about messing with her. Everybody worked. The school was actually going in the right
direction now we have super lazy that just wants recognition.

Your "Profession"
Quote · Sep 23 2015 10:20 PM
Based on comments here, it appears as though the caliber of people leading and teaching in our
schools has dropped precipitously these past several years. Anyone can teach. Anyone can run a
school. Contrary to popular opinion, taking a 5-week seminar, liking kids, being the friend or
relative of a trustee, or being a minister or the spouse of a minister, does NOT automatically
qualify you for a career in education, especially at the administrative level.
Education doesn't require sainthood or martyrdom, but it would be nice if minimal standards were
encouraged. People seem to think that HISD will get better automatically when Grier leaves in
March. I don't think so. You'll still have to deal with his nine enablers, his army of six-figure
administrators eager to keep their salaries, and contractors determined to find another golden
goose. Much work lies ahead if we are to avoid the mistakes of the past/present..

finally students speaking up!
Quote · Sep 23 2015 10:34 PM
Students this is YOUR district. You have to take the LEAD! Your teachers can only do so much.
King Grier MUST be stopped. The reason they do these books is because they DON'T trust you
and think THEY know best. Get together and STOP this madness.

Wait, What?
Quote · Sep 24 2015 7:51 AM
We got off yesterday for Yom Kippur. With Grier's big talk about Arabic being such a common
language for HISD students and the need for an Arabic Immersion school, shouldn't we be off
today for Eid al-Adha, too? Just saying, that a little consistency in his message might be a good
thing.

Our Profession
Quote · Sep 24 2015 8:32 AM
Contrary to your opinion, there are many extremely well qualified teachers in the classrooms.
Grier is the first step to taking back our district and hopefully rebuilding it around the education of
young people instead of the "friends and family" employment pipeline. The intimidation,
harassment, antagonism, and just plain fear of retaliation is what has caused so many veteran
teachers to just "fly under the radar" for the last several years. The next steps to repairing this
district will require a school board to restore our standards and culture with or without all the
outsiders that have been brought in. Rumors have it that many are already bailing out and let
them go. This computer and textbook situation is just a classic example of trying to do something
with no input from the classroom or the students. The rebuild- totally predictable after the Apollo
disaster. HISD did not take low-bids and they know that. That is the chatter among the
construction companies and it is not a rumor. My nephew works for one that is rebuilding a high
school and he knows they were not the low bid. So just another pending disaster in the making. I
believe that if the teachers are allowed to do what they are prepared for without the constant
hassle and created paperwork from the district level or inept principals, this district can be turned
around. However, at this point, it will take the community, school board and the schools all
working together.

Arabic & Islam
Quote · Sep 24 2015 12:21 PM
Just as a clarification... not all Arabs are Muslim and thus observing the holidays. The largest
Muslim population actually is in Indonesia- not the Arabic speaking world.

@ Our Profession
Quote · Sep 24 2015 8:07 PM
I think we're on the same page.
I never said that there weren't extremely well-qualified teachers in HISD. I was merely pointing
out that the Grier Years have been marked by an exodus of good teachers, a "temp agency"
approach to filling these positions, far too many questionable appointments at the administrative
level, and a general degradation of the profession as well as the district's reputation. I stand by
that assertion.
The fact that so many teachers chose to, as you say, "fly under the radar" for fear of retaliation, is
completely understandable - but it also may have been a contributing factor in Grier being
allowed to hang around even longer to do even more damage. I'm glad you also mentioned the
Apollo Program. My school was devastated by that program even though it was obvious from the
very start that it was a woefully misguided attempt to be Grier's signature program - a testament
to his brilliance as superintendent. Epic fail. But at least it made Roland Fryer some nice coin and
allowed Grier's hitmen(women) to get rid of hundreds of very competent teachers.
While I agree that getting rid of Grier is a good starting point, let's not stop there. Our trustees are
as big a part of the problem as Grier and they're still here. They're largely responsible for the
construction mess (even though accepting the lowest bid is not always the best decision, the
possibility that no low bids were even considered is suspicious). If you follow the money trail and
see which contractors have personal/professional relationships with trustees or high-ranking
administrators, you should be able to identify any guilty parties. Even if completely innocent of
any financial misdeeds, our trustees were asleep at the wheel as somebody in HISD allowed
contractors to split up bids in order to avoid the board's oversight (trustees are required to vote on
construction contracts over $500,000). What's worse, graft or incompetence?
I spent three decades in HISD. I have nothing but respect for the accomplished, professional,
qualified teachers, administrators, and support staff I met along the way. What I despise,
however, are the hired guns who have been picking the HISD carcass clean while providing
nothing of value to students or staff. That being said, I am optimistic that HISD can recover. Good
luck.

Barkley
Quote · Sep 24 2015 9:23 PM
@ from the students - well done! Please be sure to share with ALL the board members...it's
apparent they have been fleeced for a long time now with all these new, half-baked programs that
are beta tested at the campus level, much to the dismay and stress of the students, teachers and
administrators. HMW is long out of touch, their hands are never dirty, there is no accountability.
The kids, teachers and administrators have long been the guinea pigs. Your words are helping to
stop the madness.
@ Our Profession - amen. It's a mess that will soon come to light and we can begin the repair
work. I hope we don't continue to bleed the good folks, but cull the bad.

Milby Parents
Quote · Sep 24 2015 11:43 PM
Please post pictures of the progress of the "new" Milby High School. Rumor has it, the school will
be completed in 4 years. What!

Power Down
Quote · Sep 26 2015 6:57 AM
Subbing in a "Power Up" school:
-Teacher leaves students with a HUB assignment
-Students try and try but can't get on to the HUB
-I bring in other teachers to try to figure out what's wrong
-They spend their class time, trying to help my students, while leaving their own students alone in
their classrooms
-They finally give up and tell me that the IT person is not on campus
-There's nothing we can do
-There are no textbooks
-The students spend the rest of the class looking at their cell phones, trying to get a few answers
or see if there's some way they can do the assignment (a few things, yes---most things, no)
-After that, we all just sit and stare at each other or they get back on their phones to text/look at
other stuff
Power up? Power Down.

WHY
Quote · Sep 26 2015 6:58 AM
Why is Williams allowed to go through this? We had a brawl in the cafeteria because only one
person was on duty. There were kids under the tables choking each other and gouging each
others eyes. The custodian was screaming for help someone finally came. After that fight was
broken up several more occurred in the courtyard. Courtney Busby is allowing the good kids to
get bullied. She does nothing about it. We are tired of the behavior of these kids. Why do we have
to see students running around without clothes on trying to fight? They are allowed to do
whatever. Then, she is so unorganized and last minute. Everything is last minute around here.
She is forever talking about who she knows. No one is impressed. Obviously, she doesn't know
anyone in the leadership department, curriculum and instruction dept, or discipline management
dept. She has time to confront people on mess, but doesn't have time to prepare a schedule for
cafeteria duty or testing. Why are we taking the BOY ,SNAP 1, and ISTATION BOY all in the
same two days. Stop with this last minute stuff and please stop being messy. People hate to see
her coming because it is about some mess. The problem is she has to feel important so creating
all this mess keeps her at the center. She is worse than the students. There are people on
campus with titles that do not provide any services at all but making Busby feel secure. That
would be Ms. Gatson. This is a total waste of space. Her main job duty is to provide Busby with
high self esteem. You are doing great Busby. She gets paid 61,000 to do this. Hate even having
to go here.

Insider HISD
Quote · Sep 26 2015 10:10 AM
It is not only middle and high schools that are without text books ! Look at Ashford Elementary
under the leadership of V.Sikes. They have an under-enrolled new third grade and at least one
class without textbooks. Under-enrolled because many neighborhood families have pulled out
due to her incompetence. The school has low numbers for the first time in many years and the
reason is staring the community in the face. The school still has an Assistant Principal in spite of
the low enrollment so I guess that someone is trying to save this little school as his guidance
seems to be saving the place. Maybe there is progress as I only saw two teachers crying this
week.

Dear Insider
Quote · Sep 26 2015 7:21 PM
The principals didn't have any role in this no-textbook edict. That command was straight from
Grier and then carried out through his knights in his army of failure. Pick something else to blame
on a principal, but Grier et.al. are the sole source for the predicted academic decline that will
appear within a year.

Another Insider Ashford Elementary
Quote · Sep 26 2015 9:15 PM
Ashford Elementary is on a slow burn headed to hell led by the principal who locks herself in her
office all day, V. Sikes. She is so out of touch with her school and staff that it is almost funny to
watch. She has manged to drive away a large percentage of her school's population and
continues to have unhappy teachers who are ready to leave the campus. She talks about our lack
of funds and budget but allows her buddy (the school science teacher and dual language
coordinator) to have subs every Friday. I do not know a teacher at Ashford that trust her. I am
willing to bet if a petition was started to remove her from Ashford, every teacher (except her
buddy) would sign if they thought it would work. She is a cancer that treats teachers and students
like dirt. I personally know 5 teachers on Ashford's campus that are actively seeking other
positions. 3 of those teachers are new to the campus. This is only the 6th week of school. That is
so sad. I really pray that someone is watching what is happening at Ashford. For the sake of
those students who can't leave and go to another school.

Grier's legacy
Quote · Sep 27 2015 8:11 AM
Has anyone talked to the business owners here in Houston? All I hear is how they can't find good
workers and they ask "What is WRONG with HISD?"
That's Grier's true legacy. He has taught the students to discount and disrespect all adults and
authority figures that why should they ever be good employees? He's taught them to blame adults
and take no responsibility. They just stare at their phones and text all day long during classes,
why should they be any different at a job?
Thank goodness, there's some of our students who realize that this is so wrong and that adults
actually have wisdom and knowledge to share, but they are few and far between. Definitely not
the majority, but that's because children and teens need guidance and Grier has made sure that
there is such a high turnover that is almost impossible.
And he'll walk away with a big severance package and a golden parachute after leaving the
Houston community in shambles. There's no justice and he'll never be held accountable. Anyone
want to guess how long it might take to clean up the mess he's leaving behind? My conservative
estimate? At least a decade.

How did it go?
Quote · Sep 27 2015 9:56 AM
WHat was the outcome of the debate yesterday?

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Sep 27 2015 10:21 AM
Yes, there has been less posting lately. houstonisdwatch is involved in an extensive email
campaign to HISD employees voicing support for its slate of candidates: Koffey Smith, District II
Larry McKinizie, District IV; Ramiro Fonseca, District III; Juliet Stipeche, District VIII.
Your comments on this board are very important. You are keeping houstonians informed about
what really is going on in the nation's largest school district, minus the spin. Please keep it up.
And thank you.

Thanks Houstonisdwatch
Quote · Sep 27 2015 10:52 AM
Thank you for supporting candidates that are about kids. Unlike our union who endorse Rhonda
Skillen Jones. She is a part of the cancer that exists within HISD. How many times has she
ignored the needs of students to support her friends? From what I hear, he friends are running
schools into the ground. Let us do whatever it takes to get our schools back. Getting this garbage
out is the right start. They have stolen and showboated enough. I just hope the communities have
the sense to know that their kids are suffering and they need to step up. I have never seen a
group of people so greedy and uninformed. They absolutely waste time going to college because
it really didn't help them at all. They followed Grier to hell and now it is time for them to stay there
without the district. We can rise up from this debacle.

Severance Package for Grier
Quote · Sep 27 2015 11:07 AM
I don't believe there will be a huge golden parachute. The way I see it, he will only be paid for the
remainder of his contract year and perhaps get an ASPIRE award in 2017 for the 2015-2016
school year. Can someone help confirm this thought?

WHY DOES ISN"T HE FIRED?
Quote · Sep 27 2015 1:53 PM
Texas law says governmental bodies, such as school boards, must approve each job (contract,
purchase order) that exceeds $500,000. Dr. Grier allowed and/ or directed Houston ISD staff to:
• overpay contractors
• violate (broke) state law by exceeding construction contract limits without required school board
approval
• skirt a $500,000 contracting cap multiple times by improperly submitting separate work orders
tied to the same project.
• failed to catch inaccurate and inappropriate charges and at times asked the school board to sign
off on work after it had been done.
The HISD trustees appear to be soft on high level cheater/criminals like Grier: but, swiftly fired
those teachers at Jefferson and Atherton elementary schools when it couldn't be proven that they
help students cheat on their standardized exams.
Are the HISD trustees going to seek help from the Houston District Attorney Office to help
investigate obvious violations of state law? It was Grier who solicited help from District Attorney
Devon Anderson for the Jefferson and Atherton teachers. The Houston Chronicle previously
reported that the District Attorney’s Office "Our public integrity division will be looking at any case
they bring to us and will assist in any way we can," said Jeff McShan, spokesman for the District
Attorney's Office.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/DA-agrees-to-assist-HISD-in-cheating5830650.php
Dr. Grier is a criminal. By definition a criminal is someone who breaks the law. If you're a
murderer, thief, or tax cheat, you're a criminal. The district can’t restore its credibility by allowing
this dishonorable Superintendent to continue to hold the title as such. Yes, he is leaving in March;
but, why retain someone that clearly violated State Law and surely his contract allows him to be
terminated for fraud and financial mismanagement.
Trustee Skillman-Jones you are charged with sending this superintendent and his cronies on their
way and request help from the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute them if necessary. This is
what you are charged to do as the President of HISD Trustees. Your clock is ticking and your
HISD trustee career could be over in November, 2015 long before Grier leaves on March 1, 2016.


@Adam Stephens..
Quote · Sep 27 2015 9:52 PM
Once again the lies continue on a TRULY outstanding educator. There are already priliminary
talks with the board about Adam Stephens.... those in the know...know that he would make an
OUTSTANDING choice as OUR next superintendent. Let's follow the lead of San Diego and
appoint a TRUE leader..

FED-UP-----Some Basic Questions
Quote · Sep 28 2015 3:28 PM
Here are some questions that I have:
1. Why is Grier not being investigated for criminal acts? (unless he is and we just don't know it)
2. Why is HFT supporting RSJ? (she is clearly part of the problem)
3. Why are inept principals allowed to destroy schools? (There have been numerous complaints
about Ashford, Stevenson and Williams principals.)
4. Why is the HISD Board going to spend money to find a new superintendent? (Isn't there
someone in our district or neighboring districts that can step up and take the place of Grier. The
superintendent of Alief would be a great choice. He's pro- teacher and is against too much
standardized testing.) Never mind, I just answered my own question. LOL

TAG---Discipline Referrals
Quote · Sep 28 2015 3:59 PM
Discipline referrals are on a decline in HISD because Grier and his minions have told principals
not to report most of them. The in-school suspension at Stevenson Middle School is called ATS.
Since the beginning of the school year, there have been practically no students in it. Students are
sent to the grade level assistant principal for valid discipline reasons. However, they are sent
back to class with just a warning to behave. Numerous repeat offenders get the same warning
over and over again. Obviously, this is not working. Why is this happening? First, we have a kiss
ass principal. Ruth Ruiz blindly follows the Grier policy. Second, the only assistant principal that
has any experience is mentoring the 3 new kids on the block. Over the years, instead of
supporting her teachers, she would take the student's side and return them to class. The 7th
grade has had the worst discipline for years. Ironically, she was kept over the 2 qualified assistant
principals. The third reason is that the 3 new grade level assistant principals have no clue. They
have no experience and are pegged as weak by the students and teachers. So far, the school
year is not going well. I'm sure by the end of the year, we will have another mass exodus from the
Stevenson campus.

A new board
Quote · Sep 28 2015 5:12 PM
He we go again. The @Adam Stephens post no doubt comes from a buddy or closer.
As for Larry McKenzie, he is a Union member. The Union endorsed RSJ, is she a Union
member? Why not endorse Larry. I would think the Union would be delighted one of its own is
running. We need to get out of this self serving lock on the school board. An activist, a union
member, one of our own on the board, sounds good to me.
Oh and let's NOT take anyone from Grier's administration and place them at the helm. Read
Diane Ravitch's blog.

master50
Quote · Sep 28 2015 7:27 PM
The district better be careful with this illegal Snap Shot testing. Students are starting to shut down
with all this testing. We are in 6th week and it feels like the STAAR testing season in the Spring.
Teacher mad as hell about the poorly written Snap Shots.

@ severance package for Grier
Quote · Sep 28 2015 9:31 PM
If Grier leaves in March as planned, he wouldn't qualify for an ASPIRE award for 2015-2016
because of days missed. Unless of course the rules are different for him than they are for the rest
of HISD staff.

Debate Coverage
Quote · Sep 28 2015 10:08 PM
I didn't make it to Saturday's debate (I had to work), and I was wondering how it went. I didn't see
anything in the Chronicle (big surprise), but I was hoping there'd be some thorough coverage
here. Anybody have any info?

Laughable
Quote · Sep 29 2015 4:45 AM
To @Adam Stephens
Tell me you're kidding, or that you were drunk when you suggested that Adam Stephens should
be our next superintendent. That is a ridiculous, if not asinine, idea. Or did you post such
nonsense to amuse yourself because you know full well that Stephens is as prepared as Donald
Duck to lead this district but you wanted to get a rise out of the readers of this blog. Whatever the
case may be, get over yourself and stop wasting space with absurd suggestions.

Maybe
Quote · Sep 29 2015 5:31 AM
We will probably get the assistance that we need at Williams now. A student is now in the hospital
from alcohol poisoning from drinking alcohol and lean on campus. The student needed CPR at
the hospital. We hear that tubes are sticking out of him. More fights occurred after this. The
principal was no where to be found as usual. When we come to her about the behavior of these
kids we have been told that this is every teachers complaint or she just laughs. Now, I think she
will listen , some action might be taken, or she turns this matter into her being a victim.

Another unhappy Ashford person
Quote · Sep 29 2015 10:35 AM
Principal Sikes at Ashford lacks the vision and passion to lead a public school. When I hear her
talk about anything that has to do with school it is clear she has not given it any thought or
consideration. She treats the position of principal like a day job. Teachers do not turn to her for
guidance for a reason. She locks herself in her office and when she does come out, it is to walk
around aimlessly and do a whole bunch of nothing. There are a lot of unethical things happening
here. Favoritism torward certain staff, principal not doing anything and she is gone everyday by
3:45 when her staff is here working until 5:00 most days. Show me a great principal that can get
out of their building everyday by 3:45pm. She is a cancer and I sure hope the Chiefs and SSOs
responsible are aware. Teachers are ready to get out of Ashford if Sikes is going to stay.

Harrogate
Quote · Sep 29 2015 6:49 PM
Tom Monaghan for Superintendent. One of the absolute best educators in the country, let alone
the city, county or state. He is awesomely awesome. How in the world Terry Grier let him get
away is beyond me. Oh that's right, it's because he is an awesomely awesome educator. Did I
mention that he is awesome??

Master50
Quote · Sep 29 2015 8:11 PM
No one really wants T. Monaghan as the Supt. The word is that HISD had to settle a Law Suit
because of his very poor treatment of a staff member. HISD should stay away from this person.

Me and Mrs. Jones
Quote · Sep 29 2015 8:15 PM
Just what exactly did Jolanda Jones mean when she warned people not to "mess with" the
Greater Houston Partnership? The more I think about this, the angrier I become. Does this mean,
as so many suspected, that the superintendent and board are merely puppets for the big
business interests in this city? Great. What about all of the "it's for the kids" pleading prior to the
bond vote? I guess as long as the "right" people (contractors/architects/consultants) get paid, it
really doesn't matter whether work gets finished or promises are kept, does it? Do the big boys in
the GHP really feel that entitled to 1.9 billion of taxpayers' money?
Was it arrogance, fearlessness, or stupidity that compelled Mrs. Jones to make this statement in
the first place? I mean, my God, this woman is yet to be elected and it sounds like she's already
lobbying for special interests over students and teachers. The last thing this district needs is
another former city council member to sell them out. The last thing Houston's African-American
community needs is another trustee ready to sell them out to the highest bidder
(Marshall/Harris/Adams/Skillern-Jones). I am so grateful that I do not live within HISD's
boundaries. Still, I mourn for the children and teachers of this district.

Really?
Quote · Sep 30 2015 3:57 AM
Are we going to continue to hear how great all these wanna be folks are who are vying for the
superintendent's job? Another case of crony friends/family trying to get their names out. "Best
educators in the country", really? I suggest consulting with Diane Ravitch before we end up with
another disaster.

Witness
Quote · Sep 30 2015 7:02 AM
@ Me and Mrs. Jones, amen. The last thing the HISD board needs is another self-aggrandizing
egotist who puts her own sense of self (and self-interests) before the well-being of students,
teachers and families. Was Ms. Jones' GHP remark meant as a threat to her possible
constituency? If so, she has no business sitting on the HISD board. Please, district voters, do not
support her, for everyone's sake as well as your own.

Ashford Parent West side
Quote · Sep 30 2015 12:16 PM
I believe Principal Sikes seems like a very nice person but she is not meant to be a school
principal. At least not at Ashford. You can tell by paying close attention that her heart is not into it
at all. That worries me for my kids. Ok now teachers aren't happy and their were parents that
have not been happy with her for several years. Those parents have pretty much left for greener
pasture. Again, she is a nice person, but a school leader she is not!!! I believe there is more a
capable person out there that can lead Ashford. Maybe one already exist at Ashford. We can
discuss him once we can get Sikes removed.

vote the right candidates in
Quote · Sep 30 2015 5:27 PM
Any chance HFT would like to rethink their endorsements? How in the world did HFT decide to
back these self serving people? If I were a member I would have pulled out when these
endorsements were made public, any self respecting teacher should do that. Watch has it right.
Vote the bloated egos out and bring in those with a real concern to get HISD back on track. This
district has sunk to new lows with this administration. Clean it up and clean it out. I go along with
all Watch's choices.

Harrogate
Quote · Sep 30 2015 7:01 PM
In no way did I suggest Monaghan wanted to be superintendent. I am not his friend or family
member, just a former colleague who knows a great educator when I see one. Especially since
I've seen so many crappy ones. Come to think of it, how about Jocelyn Mouton. An absolute
superstar!!!!!! Dr. Karen Garza??? Are you out there? Scott Van Beck?

buff53
Quote · Sep 30 2015 11:59 PM
Scott Van Beck for Superintendent? Are we going down the same road again? Van Beck is just
another Grier. He never had a thought that he did not get out of the latest best seller. When after
a year or two went by and it did not work on his current school staff, he found another "new" idea.
And his choice of Principals; How about Lindo/Anderson. Those who lost there jobs because of
her are too many to count. Van Beck. Get serious!

Friendly Advice
Quote · Oct 1 2015 1:01 AM
I'd like to make an observation and then offer a recommendation.
Observation:
Many comments posted here are unnecessarily personal and mean-spirited. Their frequency is
increasing. Gossip about someone's marital status or alleged drinking problems only undermines
whatever credibility your comment might have had. Like it or not, it also reflects poorly on you.
Same goes for comments about hygiene, physical appearance, or intellect.
Recommendation:
Keep your comments professional. You can be critical without being nasty or cruel.
For those of you who might be wondering, I am not a friend or family member of Grier's or any of
the other administrators mentioned here frequently. I am not Grier. I am not Ruiz, or Sikes, or
Stephens, or Monaghan, or Busby. Hell, I'm not even sure if I'm spelling these names correctly. In
fact, aside from Grier, I don't even know what these people look like. I am a (retired) teacher who
spent three decades with HISD before being removed during the Apollo years. I, and hundreds
like me, have as much reason as anyone in the district to have ill feelings toward the Grier
administration. But what would writing nasty comments about Grier get me? Closure? Catharsis?
Peace of mind? Not really.
Don't let these people steal your joy. Focus on the good, not the bad. If necessary, leave.
Whatever you do, don't let others determine your happiness.

Charlie Houston
Quote · Oct 1 2015 8:48 AM
Please investigate Dr. Ann McCoy for District 4 trustee. She is by far the best candidate running!!!

Green pepperoni?
Quote · Oct 1 2015 8:58 AM
On my rounds as a sub: Students told me that they don't eat the breakfast that rolls around
through campus, because they read the labels and see that most of the food has expired (smart
kids!)
Then they don't eat lunch. They showed me an example of a slice of pizza with pepperoni that
had than sickening greenish tinge that meant it has gone bad. They also said there's mold in the
pizza crust.
So, they don't eat breakfast or lunch and told me that their parents work a couple of jobs---no
chance for the parents to make a lunch. One of the students wrote, "I'm hungry" on the board.
Can anyone investigate this? we are "serving" substandard food in order to fight "hunger" in the
schools---but at least these students are smart enough to know that hunger is better than food
poisoning.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 1 2015 8:50 PM
@ Friendly Advice - Well said and point taken.
Ok community mindset - which HISD leaders ARE capable of righting the ship and moving us
forward?

@Green Pepperoni
Quote · Oct 2 2015 12:47 AM
No surprise about the food quality in HISD------Add the following:
1. Years ago there was frequently mold in the apple juice.
2. A student lost part of his tooth after biting down on a breakfast kolache. There was a bone
fragment in it!!!!!!
3. The green beans have a grayish color to them.
4. They served something one day that looked as if the student had thrown up on the plate. Till
this day, I can't identify what the student had been eating. By the way, it was not vomit. It was the
food itself.
5. Most students throw part of their breakfast or lunch away. The other half don't even attempt to
eat it. They pass on eating breakfast and lunch.
HISD should be ashamed of the disgusting quality of food that is served at our schools. They eat
better in prison.

Voter
Quote · Oct 2 2015 6:29 AM
Judd-What do you know about Ann McCoy? Seems to be hard to find much on this candidate,
although what I have heard is great. I wish the watch would rally around people that bring a sense
of calm, instead of those that are no different than Grier and bully folks (like Monroe).

Say what?
Quote · Oct 2 2015 6:53 AM
Is there going to be an interim superintendent named or what? Apparently Houlihan has been
making his rounds to campuses, sayin all is doom and gloom. I guess he is angling to be next? If
he is not interim officially, then he needs to stop acting like it.

Lost Eagle
Quote · Oct 2 2015 8:29 AM
Ashford was a nightmare before that principal came. Bunch of nasty gossiping back biting
teachers there and the former principal and her right hand person encouraged it. You could not
trust anyone at that place. Karma is a bummer. Glad to see it.

Information please
Quote · Oct 2 2015 8:37 AM
I am curious too. What did the trustees decide to do at yesterday's meeting, regarding an interim?
I heard they selected a search firm. Grier is apparently in and out.

Dr. Ann McCoy for District IV trustee
Quote · Oct 2 2015 4:07 PM
The sleeper candidate in the District IV HISD School Board Trustee race is Dr. Ann McCoy. It is
essential for our community to elect an education expert like Dr. McCoy to replace Paula Harris in
District IV where there are 15 schools on TEA's “Improvement Required” list. She has over twenty
years of education research experience and demonstrates a strong command of educational
policy, best practices for instruction, and knowledge of how to establish a healthy educational
environment for the well-being of children.
At Gerry Monroe's excellently facilitated debate on Saturday, September 26, 2015, Larry
McKenzie demonstrated his knowledge about EVAAS, a measure HISD uses to assess teacher
effectiveness, from a teacher's perspective. However, McCoy described the subtle connection
between EVAAS and the dramatic disappearance of music, art, librarians, nurses, and highquality teachers in District IV. Dr. McCoy received the loudest applause of the day when she
conveyed the integral responsibility of the school board in hiring an effective superintendent,
developing and approving policy that prioritize doing no harm to children, and holding the current
superintendent accountable for the irresponsible $211 million shortfall of the 2012 bond.
Dr. Ann McCoy has been advocating for our children by writing op-eds against school closures,
proposing modifications of existing school closure policies to ensure that communities have a
voice in keeping neighborhood schools open, and consistently speaking on behalf of the District
IV community at HISD board meetings. Most recently, she alerted the school board members
about their responsibility to communicate the 2012 bond shortfall to the public and to request an
external audit. The district at large, and especially District IV, is in dire need of someone like Dr.
Ann McCoy to advocate for the highest quality education for all of our children. Please vote for
Ann McCoy for District IV HISD School Board Trustee. Find out more information
at http://annmccoy.nationbuilder.com/.

Oh no!
Quote · Oct 2 2015 4:26 PM
Heard they are announcing Holihan as interim on Monday. Is this true???????

can ypu imagine?
Quote · Oct 2 2015 6:26 PM
Wonder if Grier and Arne Duncan will open a consulting firm together?

Insider
Quote · Oct 2 2015 8:27 PM
Sadly, from what I can gather, it is true about Houlihan. Folks need to rally around what is
happening with the superintendent selection, and nothing more. The trustees think since there is
no pushback about Drew, that this is okay. Monroe, THIS is where we need you. Gerry, get on
this asap!!!!

Judd, help!
Quote · Oct 2 2015 9:45 PM
Houlihan as Interim? No way. Judd, can you please look into this? Keep hearing this everywhere
I turn. Not one person I have talked to thinks this is good for the district. Can name ten others that
folks would rather have (sorry, Adam Stevens NOT one of them).

Solidarity Reality
Quote · Oct 2 2015 10:15 PM
I get that is easy to Bash HFT. But do you realize that HFT is a union? So if going to bash and
are a member of HFT why aren't you at the union meetings or trying to be on the leadership of
HFT? HFT is governed by the members. It is not a private company. It is governed by employees
of HISD. Not administration. So when you bash it your technically bashing teachers and Para
professional. Has anyone who blames HFT attended a union meeting, held a union mtg on
campus or simply worked any political campaign hosted by the union movement? Easy to bash
something if you don't get involved. What has any organization done? But the reality is HFT are
employees of HISD that is is why it's a union. Want to change it, simple answer be involved in the
union.

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 2 2015 10:28 PM
Monroe what do you do when you actually have to spend money to defend someone? Can you
do it? Easy to bark like a dog, whole other story to actually put the money and the talent on the
table to defend a employee.

Jarpolet
Quote · Oct 2 2015 10:45 PM
No way they'd name Houlihan. Nice guy, continually way over his head. Six positions he's had in
the District yet has landed nothing of substance or improved anything he's touched. Curriculum is
still a mess. The snapshots still filled with mistakes or lacking rigor (a bunch of schools have
already said "see ya" after the first round). Schools are not powered up. Textbooks are on back
order or inaccessible online. Several proverbial gun-to-the-head District must-do initiatives have
suddenly been dropped or costs kicked to the campuses (after buy-in from the teachers and
kids). There are still teacher shortages; TADS is a mess with open administrative derision.
Uncle Terry left the place a mess.

Not So Fast
Quote · Oct 3 2015 12:23 AM
The Board appoints the Interim Superintendent. That will require some type of official Board
meeting. I see no meeting notices posted for Monday, October 5th.

@Can You Imagine?
Quote · Oct 3 2015 12:28 AM
Read your comments; spat out my iced tea laughing. Honest to God, when I heard about Duncan
leaving, I told my wife that he and Grier should open a business together - maybe a hot dog
stand. Enjoy your weekend.

No Pushback Coming
Quote · Oct 3 2015 1:06 AM
Past performance indicates future behavior. If the board wants Houlihan as interim
superintendent, then Houlihan will be interim superintendent. There will be no pushback or
rallying around this cause because there has been NO pushback or rallying around causes for
five long years. Do you think the board is worried about pushback? Aside from commenting on
these blogs, most people do little else to add to the cause (I said "most", not "all").
When I think about it, Houlihan makes perfect sense. He's the logical choice for trustees wishing
to maintain the status quo. From what I've read here, isn't he a "Terry Grier Lite"? By appointing
someone like Grier, won't the board be able to continue down the path they've been on? Maybe
they think they can "control" Houlihan. Maybe Houlihan thinks he can be like "Uncle Terry" and
line his pockets while neglecting students and teachers. The possibilities are endless - and they
make me shudder.
Hope I'm wrong, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, that happens in HISD surprises me.

Arne Duncan
Quote · Oct 3 2015 2:19 AM
Did you read the link concerning Arne Duncan's comments about "white suburban moms"?
Apparently, anyone who opposes Common Core is anti-rigor, anti-education, and anti-high
standards. I guess Mr. Duncan doesn't realize that the Department of Education hasn't exactly
distinguished itself these last few decades and parents have good reason to question their
proposals. Republicans and Democrats share the blame. How disappointing that this narrowminded man has helped shape the nation's education standards and policies these last seven
years.
People like Arne Duncan are the reason people move to the suburbs. Don't believe me? Visit
Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
As a human being with a sincere desire for racial harmony, I find Mr. Duncan's comments terribly
disappointing. I've been teaching since the 80's and, even now, I notice that many of my students
have very little interaction with people of other races. I know this may sound corny, but for that
and other reasons, I've always tried to present myself as a person who cared about other people,
hoping that my students would see that, just because we weren't the same color didn't mean we
couldn't care about each other. I never looked at my students as my Black students. They are my
students. I was never their white teacher. I am their teacher. And I am proud of that.
Then along comes Arne Duncan, who, in the midst of this nation's recent racially-divisive events,
seeks to score political points by insulting white suburban moms. Hey, Arne, I've got news for
you. I know a lot of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian suburban moms, too. Many left urban
districts because people like you made those urban districts unacceptable, unsafe, and
unproductive. I've gotten into disagreements with friends (many African-American) for referring to
my students as "ghetto dwellers" or "hood rats". Can you imagine the fallout if this nation's
education leader, instead of saying "white suburban moms", said "Black urban moms"?
This country chooses to separate itself between Black and White, Rich and Poor, Democrat and
Republican. Thanks to Mr. Duncan, we have yet another battleground, Urban vs. Suburban.
Hurry up, Mr. Duncan, you still have time to alienate the rural sector as well. Be careful, though,
those farmers have pitchforks.
At the very least, Mr. Duncan, just be quiet and stay out of the way for the remainder of your term.
There's no shame in not solving this nation's education woes, but there is for making these
problems worse. Every time you open your mouth you make our jobs more difficult.

Tuition not okay
Quote · Oct 3 2015 3:05 AM
Are the Young Boys and Young Girls schools charging some type of tuition? I know they have
pricey uniforms, but hearing that there are other fees being charged to offset budget shortfall.

A concern parent Austin HS
Quote · Oct 3 2015 6:50 AM
It's a shame how Austin HS has gone really down with this new Principal. I've been to the school
a few times and tried to talk to the Registrar and the secretary is the middle man, back and forth
with my question, it is not her job to answer the questions I need about my child. What does the
purpose of the registrar if I can't talk to her. Last year when the students were wearing dress
code, the school seemed organized, now it seems like anyone can just walk in and no
supervision. Dressed code should be enforced..

help us judd!
Quote · Oct 3 2015 7:09 AM
Not houlihan!

Snapshots
Quote · Oct 3 2015 9:17 AM
To Jarpolet
Houlihan isn't responsible for those pathetic Snapshots. Let's put the blame where it belongs. Try
Anne Wolfe and Lance Menster. Those two inexperienced, butt-kissing curriculum people have
taken the Curriculum Dept down the tubes and the district's teachers right along with them. Don't
believe me? Ask anyone who works for them. Ask any teacher in HISD. Our instructional time is
being eaten up because of the inferior work of these two amateurs.

Duncan - a tool
Quote · Oct 3 2015 11:39 AM
This tool is called visionary only by those who dream about getting students excited about testtaking. He would love to see public schools replaced with charter schools and career teachers
replaced with college graduates indoctrinated by Teach for America. It really is sad that tools like
Arne Duncan are able to get into powerful positions and steadily undermine public education.

GHP: Corporate Citizen or Corporate Vulture?
Quote · Oct 4 2015 12:38 AM
I don't wish hardship on anyone, but I find it difficult to work up sympathy for the GHP during
these difficult times in the oil and gas industry. When did maintaining the profits of private
enterprises become the purpose of school bonds? There's nothing wrong with making profits,
even very large profits, but you are not entitled to be wealthy at the expense of others just
because you're used to it. Many years ago, when Houston was making a nice recovery from the
80's downturn, the private sector's attitude toward public educators requesting better pay was,
"You knew teachers were poorly paid when you entered the profession. Deal with it." Fair
enough. I wonder how those same people would feel today if a teacher were to say to them, "You
knew you were subject to the whims of the oil and gas market when you entered the profession.
Deal with it."
As I said before, I don't wish hardship on anyone. I have family and friends in the oil and gas
industry. As you probably know, oil companies and their related service industries have been
cutting employees for months now. Fewer people working means fewer dollars spent on food,
clothing, real estate, transportation, etc... That doesn't even begin to take into account the
emotional toll on families and individuals. Still, I can't get out of my mind the thought that the loss
of human capital and the lack of regard for students in HISD were inconsequential to the
leadership of GHP as long as they were getting paid. Is the GHP a good corporate citizen or
merely another corporate vulture whose interest in public education extends only as far as they
can dip their greedy hands into the district's pockets?

@ Solidarity.. about HFT
Quote · Oct 4 2015 12:41 AM
Many of us gave them $600 a year for many years. What did we get for our membership fees?
Now you tell us we need to go to their meetings and "Stand with Wendy" political rallies to get
effective leadership. I wish I would have know that a decade ago, I would have saved myself
$6000.

Teach for America
Quote · Oct 4 2015 12:59 AM
TFA is a bastion of young white neoliberals who think they are going to become Michelle Pfeiffer
or Hillary Swank, using their white-guilt compassion for the downtrodden to inspire the poor black
and brown kids. They think they will make the students look beyond the failed schools, broken
families, crime ridden neighborhoods and the soft bigotry of low expectations and get them to
stand on their chairs and recite Shakespeare while breaking out in song in the middle of class...
credits roll... The End.
Unfortunately reality has a way destroying even the most idealistic expectations. These young
TFAs find themselves unable to change the world so,within two years they change careers. In
their wake however they have displaced long committed career educators who year after year
come back and do the best job they can, all without the self-aggrandizing that the TFA young
turks have.

If We Really Had A Real Vote
Quote · Oct 4 2015 1:25 AM
I would vote to put Monroe in charge of HFT. You see I haven't forgotten about Zeph's paid
excursion to Costa Rica with Larry Marshall and Boris Miles to explore our healthcare option.

The Urban
Quote · Oct 4 2015 3:57 AM
@Solidarity
It never gets that far. I must say we are that good. Most of these teachers are stuck in the union.
We put th pressure on union attorneys and get the results our clients desire. But money ain't my
problem. Let me ask a question Mr District official . Why is it so hard for Hisd to do right? And why
is the Urban asked anything. Next week I'm about to pull an Alu. We are gonna shock the world.
Monroe
The Urban

Jelousy
Quote · Oct 4 2015 6:23 AM
That is what I see here against Adam stephens.. those in power are doing everything possible to
have him as the next superitendent. Stop hating on a GREAT educator!

It's going to be......
Quote · Oct 4 2015 7:29 AM
Drew. Period. Date may be wrong, but announcement coming.

@TFA
Quote · Oct 4 2015 7:38 AM
Amen. Amen. Sadly. We'll said.

Lion Pride
Quote · Oct 4 2015 10:16 AM
What is going on with the new Yates? Keep hearing they are trying to pull the okey doke-and not
getting a new building, shutting down S.O.C.?

Concentrate on schools!! Ashford
Quote · Oct 4 2015 10:53 AM
With all this talk about what's happening with the superintendent position we can't lose focus on
what's taking place at schools. Ashford is a mess!!!!! The principal doesn't know what is going on
with her school. She doesn't know her students and her students don't know her. She is always
leaving earlier. (Been doing that since she has been there). She treats people that are not her
friends like crap. She makes choices that are only fair for some and not all. Anyone can see that
the assistant principal does all the real work on the campus. When I asked who I should talk to
about my child, I am always told to talk to him if you want something done about it. When I ask
why, I am told because the principal doesn't know and doesn't care. That compelled me to pay
attention and also ask my child about how she felt about the principal, they thought the assistant
principal was the principal and didn't know who the principal was when I said her name. WOW!!!!
My child has been there for two years. I have seen all these post lately about her, so that has
convinced that other people aren't happy either. I just want what's best for my kids and if that is
somewhere else I will have to withdraw my kids like everyone else.

other options
Quote · Oct 4 2015 11:34 AM
You have options besides HFT. For a lot less money you can join ATPE where they focus only on
candidates who support public education. You get connected with an educational lawyer right
away if you need one. Go to their homepage, do your homework. If ATPE is not for you, there are
other organizations where dues are much less and you have your legal coverage.

Incompetent Principals
Quote · Oct 4 2015 6:12 PM
I understand the Ashford parents concern for lack of leadership by the principal. I am a parent
and have been noticing how the schools in my area are going down. C. Martinez, Garcia
Elementary, and Berry Elementary have all gone down. The teachers have flown to other schools
because they have been mistreated by the principals at that school. Altha Oliver and Aaron
Dominguez have taken those schools down and mistreated the teachers. Our kids do not have an
option, they have to stay. Just like the principal at Ashford, the principal at Berry arrived late and
left early and nothing was done. She use to be principal at am early childhood center and Rudy
Trevino brought her to Berry because he taught she could do the job. The first year the school did
well, she made half of the staff leave. Now Berry, like Garcia, is an IMprovement required school.
Aaron Dominguez is gone, Altha Oliver is still there and nothing has been done. Teachers lose
their jobs and principals destroy schools and are still sitting in their places. Trevino left and now is
back as SSO again, earning his six figure salary. Our kids are the one suffering and nothing is
being done. I read they plan to put Houlihan as interim, I guess the board has not learned a
lesson and does not care for the HISD students.

Master50
Quote · Oct 4 2015 7:28 PM
ATPE has administration members. They have not saved or helped any teacher that I know of.
You go cheep you will be terminated. I know because HFT saved my career and family from this
idiot of a Super. TG. Besides, I do not think I read any news stories about ATPE opposing TG.

Jarpolet
Quote · Oct 4 2015 8:30 PM
@ Snapshots
I understand what you are saying about Wolfe and Menster, but Drew's current position is Chief
Academic Officer. Anything academic related falls under his tent.

other options
Quote · Oct 5 2015 4:22 AM
Master50 -the vast majority of teachers who lost their jobs were union members. Many identified
themselves as such on this board. ATPE is not a union but has excellent legal representation. It is
not about "on the cheap". If you did your homework you would find the other educational
organizations are competitive in dues with them. What exactly does one get for $600 that they
cannot get for hundreds less at another organization? Secondly ATPE has saved numerous jobs
in this district and I would venture to say the organizations have done the same for less. if you
decide to shell out those big bucks good luck to you. Oh and ATPE has many new members
which once belonged to the Union.

Questions from Charlie
Quote · Oct 5 2015 1:45 PM
Why does HISD NEED to appoint an interim superintendent?
What did HISD do while the superintendent was out on sick leave? Why can’t the same be done
until his contract is over? Isn’t he being paid until March 1st? What is he doing to earn his salary?

master50
Quote · Oct 5 2015 6:42 PM
@ other options. You do not understand. I had adminstrators accusing me of a FElONY. They
tried to use the Conference of Record against me to document these false alligations. If it had not
been for the HFT I could have lost my freedom, career, and family because of of these false
witnesses. 600 hundred dollars is nothing for great service. Besides, HFT can only help if HISD
violates their own policy or state law. The way to change policy or laws would be vote the law
makers in the state capital out of office. Get ready soon because the TEA is going to take HISD
and soon. Good Luck with ATPE.

Acres Home
Quote · Oct 5 2015 8:54 PM
What is happening with the schools in Acres Home? I see concerns about the principal at
Williams. I know Highland Heights has a new principal, and the Wesley principal is struggling. At
least Osborne continues to do well. Maybe because the same principal has been there for 10
years. Why can't HISD see that our schools need stability? The previous principals stayed. They
had teachers who stayed because they cared. Now it's a revolving door. How do we hire
principals who will stay? Those principals knew the kids and the community. There was a
coalition that used to monitor the schools and hold the principals accountable. Where are they
now?

FED-UP----Parent Support
Quote · Oct 6 2015 7:20 AM
I noticed that there have been more parent posts lately. I am so glad that they are finally paying
attention to the many schools that are suffering under poor principal leadership, poor district
leadership and an uncaring board. Parents---keep voicing your frustration. ( also support the
teachers )

@master50
Quote · Oct 6 2015 10:18 AM
Are you serious? Pre-paid legal can help you if HISD violates their policy or state law. Hell, a
jailhouse lawyer can help you under those circumstances. HFT and ATPE have been steamrolled
on the national and local level. HFT has been SILENT for the last six years. The only fight they
put up was against the state disallowing school districts to collect union dues because they knew
it would mean their demise. And again, I still haven't forgotten about Zeph's excursion to Costa
Rica with Larry Marshall and Boris Miles to examine our healthcare option. How did he get the job
anyway?

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 6 2015 3:17 PM
Remember to take the steps and protect your rights as a HISD employee.
DUTY FREE LUNCH: Every teacher is entitled to 30 minutes duty free every day. The once a
week exception for unforeseen emergencies is just that (like if ten people call in with the flu). Duty
free means that it begins when they leave the students and ends when they pick them up
(elementary and middle school). It does not include the time they walk the students to lunch, or
hand out lunch cards. So you must allow teachers to start walking them down earlier if that is your
system.
PLANNING TIME is 450 minutes every ten days, in NO LESS THAN 45 MINUTE INCREMENTS.
Planning time CANNOT be used for PLCs or "meeting to plan". It is each teacher's self-directed
45 minutes. Any other meetings or duty need to be done outside this minimal time for the teacher.
The Texas legislature did not enact this law so that principals could hold training or demand
meetings. It was so that teachers would have time on their own without other duties to grade
papers, contact parents if needed, and plan. ALSO, this must be during "the instructional day"
which means it does not start or end for any teacher when students are not in instruction. If
teacher duty time is 7:30, but students do not enter class until 7:40, then planning time cannot be
calculated from 7:30.
TEACHER WORK DAY: HISD has a policy that the teacher work day is 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Any time beyond that is extra duty requiring pay, except for faculty meetings. Some principals and
their staff have a good "give and take" relationship. But if you dock pay when someone needs to
leave 30 minutes early to go to a doctor appointment, don't expect them to stay and work 30
minutes for free the next week! Teachers cannot be required to stay beyond the work day to get
students on buses, or to do morning duty on a rotation.
TEACHER SIGN IN/OUT TIME AND DUTY cannot be the same time. Teachers cannot be two
places at once, and duty time is when they have to sign in, not ten minutes before so they can get
to class or a duty post. HISD has consistently held that teacher and student schedules must allow
for at least five minutes between teacher sign in and out, and student arrival/departure or
directive to be on a duty post (More on a large campus).
FACULTY MEETINGS: Faculty meetings may be once a week, but most principals do not need
them that frequently once the start of the year is over. HISD has consistently held that they
should be no longer than one hour, and a faculty meeting is just that - a meeting of the entire
faculty. It is NOT after school professional development (which must be paid); it is not department
meetings or PLCs. A rose by any other name...calling training a "faculty meeting" does not make
it one.
TEACHER PREP DAY is on the HISD Board adopted calendar which makes it policy. It cannot
be used for meetings or for a parent day. Most principals give their staff time in their rooms during
these two weeks, but that does not mean that the time can taken back on teacher prep day. And
parents should not be invited to visit teachers on a day when they are dressed to clean and set
up their class, and when they do not have time to speak to them. Teachers cannot be expected to
come on Saturday to set up their rooms.
SATURDAY IS NOT A WORK DAY and teachers cannot be required to attend Saturday training
or tutorials, or be threatened with a lower evaluation if they decline to do so. They can be offered
the opportunity to do these things, and of course for extra duty pay, but they cannot be
intimidated into doing so.

@Adam Stephens..@Solidarity
Quote · Oct 6 2015 5:20 PM
He basically broke EVERY one of those rules when he was principal at Saint George AND he
was promoted.. do you think King Grier EVEN cares about any of that stuff? NO!

Stop the Madness
Quote · Oct 6 2015 9:21 PM
What a waste of time. Busby called a faculty meeting to say she was sick for a week. Ok, we
must have been slipping on giving her attention.

Special ED@Solidarity HISD
Quote · Oct 6 2015 11:29 PM
What does one do about a Principal that insists that all ARD Meetings be held during planning
time??? Teachers do not speak up because retaliation does frequently occur. Once you are in
this particular Principal's bad books that's it- she will make sure you pay! She gets away with it
time after time.Does anyone monitor these practices?

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 6 2015 11:59 PM
ATPE is made up of network of lawyers. ATPE doesn't attend any consultation meeting or file
grievances on basic employee rights. I can bet anyone who supports ATPE to contact them this
week and see if they get a meeting set up at the ATPE office or the campus. Majority of ATPE is
made up of administrative people. Example at Oates Elm there is a administrator who is ATPE
and recruits for ATPE but violates policy and tells her staff to not get "The Union" involved.
Amazing how calling a service "cheap" sales to peaple. Why would anyone pay for cheap help? If
your lively hood is important to you and your family, then paying Cheap is a bad idea. But paying
union dues for the only Union in HISD and recognized by HISD as the only union and actually
getting real protection is Simple common sense. Keep this in mind, can't blame HFT if their
members were up for termination almost 80% of teachers are members of HFT. So at sum point
yeah HFT members could be up for termination. Congress the other group has one staff member.
So pay his salary if you want!! HFT is a union good or bad as anyone wants to think of unions.
But not helping it's members in common business sense doesn't make sense. The only goal is
the membership. Again HFT is governed by employees of HISD they make the decision and staff
works for the members. But hey if you like cheap and whatever that comes with go ahead sign up
with anyone. It is a right to work state. It would seem bashing the largest local union in Texas
probably helps the folks not so worried about employee rights.

@solidarity
Quote · Oct 7 2015 11:17 AM
" It would seem bashing the largest local union in Texas probably helps the folks not so worried
about employee rights."
*****
You would think it would inspire that local union to fight for something else other than its own
survival. Did I also mention that I haven't forgotten about Zeph's excursion to Costa Rica with
Larry Marshall and Boris Miles?

DaTruth
Quote · Oct 7 2015 12:57 PM
If you think that being a member of ATPE is a plus, then I do pray that what happened to me does
not happen to you.
How long you think that a $10,000 (ATPE) cap is going to last in four years of legal battles. After
being cleared by a hearing officer at HISD, I was subjected to another full hearing by
SBEC/SBOE. I had the choice to settle for one year of pay and get out. I chose not to. I believe
they (SBEC/SBOE) were coerced by HISD to strip my certification. It took four years and several
trips to Austin to fight this case. Total legal cost totaling well over $50.000. All paid by HFT.
During this time of legal wrangling, I never lost one day of pay.
ATPE states that they provide:
Up to $10,000 per claim win or lose for employment rights defense coverage*, which can pay the
costs of defense against specific claims—including dismissal and certification claims.
When is the last time you stepped into an attorney’s office? I can assure you that 10K won’t cut it.
Note the *.
Like my Mom always told me, “you get what you pay for.” I’m about paying for the best when it
comes to my career. I want someone that will represent me to the fullest and not stop when the
bill approaches 10K. Think about it.

@Tag
Quote · Oct 7 2015 5:52 PM
Have you noticed children are fighting and skipping and their not putting the write-up in the
system???? This is a catastrophe!!! I see history repeating itself... The morale is VERY LOW, and
the new teachers are hanging on by a thread.... Someone please help Stevenson Middle
School!!!!!

Highly effective teacher
Quote · Oct 7 2015 6:02 PM
I never post to the comments here but I feel like I have to now. I am a high effective teacher
(according to HISD) and I have no problem with the changes to the tads rubric. Maybe it's
because I have a good principal (who is a new principal). The teachers on my campus who are
effective don't care about the changes and what comes down from the district because at the end
of the day we are going to do all we can to do wHat is right for our students. The teachers on my
campus who are not okay with changes are the ones who are insulated by the Union (why do we
call it a union when they have no collective bargaining power anyways?) and they are not good
teachers by and large. We all know who they are. They sit behind their desks instead of teaching,
they refuse to take responsibility for low performing kids, and they are often the ones who scream
at kids instead of actually working with them. It seems like the ones who bark the loudest are the
most ineffective trying to save their jobs. I'm not saying there are not serious issues in our district.
But I knew when I signed on with the biggest district in Texas that there would be bureaucracy
and BS, because that is the sad state of public education in our state. But the kids who can't
escape and go to a charter school deserve someone who is going to fight for them. And
Those of us who believe that work to make it happen.

Give it a rest
Quote · Oct 7 2015 6:18 PM
Good Luck to anyone who thinks DA UNION is the best. Union members sitting at board
meetings not saying a word. Union teachers by the hundreds, if not thousands loosing their jobs
and nothing said. You can say anything here. Now, Da Union backing a do nothing board
member and career politician who has no connection to the district. The Union is great all right.

DaTruth
Quote · Oct 7 2015 7:04 PM
By the way, why would you want to be a member of a union that represents administrators? How
can ATPE effectively represent me and likely the administrator that is calling me up on discipline?
Who would you guess is going to get the best defense. That is clearly a conflict of interest.

Ashford Parent
Quote · Oct 7 2015 9:13 PM
Any news on Ashford? I was talking to my child's teacher and we talked about sad everyone is
and how all the teachers are planning on leaving. Some are trying to get away as soon as
December. All the teacher kept saying was how horrible the principal is. This concerns me. I have
never spoken with her or met her but I have met the Assistant Principal and he was very
knowledgeable and helpful. My kids love him. They didn't know who the principal was. This is
very telling and concerns me. I am considering pulling my child. An unhappy teacher is not good
for kids.

Coming together
Quote · Oct 7 2015 9:33 PM
We all know that Busby is a mess and she is messy. Things are coming to the light now. She
makes references to fair skinned people all the time in a derogatory way playing it off as joking.
We are all disappointed because the comments made are moving around campus. We all know
she has a complex issue but this is now ridiculous. Now we see what happened. We see.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 7 2015 9:39 PM
What a well written, passionate message from Mr. Trevino to the Board! I hope Austin HS
treasures his passion and obvious ability.
But he is all too correct. TADS is beyond FUBAR....the technology is clearly not ready (yet...after
3 years...), there are a thousand excuses and do-overs by HMW, our principal and admin team
look like hapless (embarrassed) fools trying to defend or even define it. There are no answers
coming from Downtown, no leadership to be shown anywhere you look (literally as
well....apparently all the top levels are in California at a conference. But there's no money for
textbooks. How does one justify that?).
But that is only one of many HISD systems that are completely broken down. No accountability by
anyone once you get off a campus. None.
Word out of Austin is that the Feds are clearly unhappy with the state of public education in the
state of Texas. As in bottom of the barrel; details to come. Is anyone in Texas accountable for
public education besides teachers and principals? Can DC come take over TEA like TEA does
with failing districts?
This District continues to be the most incredibly arcane train wreck. This is Terry Grier's legacy.

@"highly effective" teacher
Quote · Oct 7 2015 11:32 PM
In summary - the good teachers don't need a union. The union is for lazy and mean teachers who
won't take responsibility for low test scores. The teachers who are not in the union work hard. The
teachers who are "insulated" by the union can't handle change. Teachers who "bark" the loudest
are just trying to "save their jobs" and don't really care about students. Got it. Nice frame job.
1. Are you really a highly effective teacher? If so, maybe you could be even more effective if you
were not so concerned about what everyone else is doing. It is amazing that someone who
teaches six classes a day while "effectively" meeting the needs of their students could have the
kind of time necessary to gather enough information, and of course DATA from enough of the
sorry ass and lazy ass union members to form a valid conclusion about the degree of
"effectiveness" of all these "barking" union members. You really are something else. They should
create another realm of rubric to measure you.
2. Awesome for the district that you you are willing to quietly submit to unfair evaluations because
you care about kids, unlike those lazy, nasty, mean to the kids, union members. You are a real
catch for sure.
3. Maybe you "don't have a problem" with tads because the numbers are good for you now. Good
luck in the future because there are many examples of teachers who got great numbers followed
by low numbers the next year.
4. Toot your own horn much? We get it. You care. You do your job. You are "highly effective".
Says you. Em. ok. right. sure.

master50
Quote · Oct 8 2015 8:15 AM
When will HISD close out the teacher evaluations from 2014-2015 school year? This has to be a
violation of state law. I believe most districts close out in May of any school year. Maybe, when
TG leaves, this monster system will end. We need to be able to teach HISD!!!!!!!!

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 8 2015 10:50 AM
Ultimately if you have a bad administrator always document what they are doing to you. If they
are breaking policies at some point the first step is to present it to HISD. If that organization sits
on consultation (and only 2 groups sit on consultation) then hopefully HISD executives will
address the concerns. Now if that that doesn't fix the problems at some point a employee has the
right to file a grievance. A grievance has 3 levels. If done correctly the grievance will go on the
principals record. The more a principal gets grieved the more that can impact that principal. If a
grievance goes to a level 2 and above, that starts to cost the district money and at some point
those violations will stop. However if you don't have someone who knows how to work the
grievance process and you allow any soap box voice from the street to stand up for you rights
you will get burnt. HISD Legal is trained and well prepared to handle this. But trained grievance
reps are the best bet to handle it. But the only way to stand to a bully as a public employees is t
use the rights you have and file a grievance. Just make sure the grievance is done correctly.

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 8 2015 11:16 AM
For all the parents, employees, loud community voices who want to come from out of the
shadows and be part of the change. I was just made aware that there is a Town Hall Meeting this
Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 11am - 12:30pm. At the Magnolia Multi Service Center 7037
Capital St. Houston Texas 77026. This seems like something parents and employees of HISD
should participate in. There will be candidates running for election and everyone involved in HISD
can ask questions.

Interesting Parallels
Quote · Oct 8 2015 2:27 PM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-barbara-byrd-bennett-chicago-publicschools-charged-met-20151008-story.html
Snippit from article in the Chicago Tribune
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett plans to plead guilty to charges she
steered no-bid contracts worth more than $23 million to an education consulting firm where she
once worked in return for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks, other perks and a
promise of a job, federal prosecutors revealed Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon made the disclsoure at an afternoon news conference at which he
said Byrd-Bennett has been cooperating with investigators.
The 23-count indictment alleged that almost immediately after Mayor Rahm Emanuel installed her
as public schools chief in 2012, Byrd-Bennett began scheming with Gary Solomon and Thomas
Vranas, co-owners of SUPES Academy, to secure the contracts to train principals and school
administrators.
_____
This seems similar to what happens with HISD except, of course, nobody gets charged or held
accountable in any way.

TAG @Tag
Quote · Oct 9 2015 12:02 AM
Of course I have noticed the decline in discipline. I've been writing about it for a very long time.
The morale has been low ever since Ruiz became principal. We all know that she's the reason
that Stevenson has gone down hill. That coupled with the fact that her assistant principals are all
inadequate makes the situation worse. The only remaining A.P. from last year is Ortiz. Her
academy had the worst discipline in the school. Now, she is mentoring the three new assistant
principals. They're following her advice. Do you wonder why the school is falling apart? Ruiz is
following Grier's directives about not reporting all discipline issues. HISD would rather have a
school be in chaos then report all referrals. That's the stupidity of people like Grier and Ruiz. They
sweep things under the carpet. Of course, this will backfire one day. They will continue to play the
game until something tragic happens. ( hopefully nothing bad will happen )Then they will blame
the teachers. Here's what all of us need to do:
1. Continue to send students to the A.P.'s with a referral form.
2. Send a follow-up e-mail asking for the discipline action that was taken.
3. If you do not receive a response, continue to send e-mails until you get a response.
4. If you don't like the action taken by the A.P., then send an e-mail telling the A.P. why you
disagree with the action. Be specific. Ask the A.P. why they made that decision.
5. If you are a member of a union, forward all pertinent e-mails to their representatives.
6. Send a copy of your correspondence to Ruiz. ( that way she can't claim that she didn't know of
your concerns )
7. Send a copy to the middle school office outlining your concerns. ( again---they can't claim that
they didn't know )
Teachers need to stop being afraid and stand up for their rights. Document everything.

stop the hate
Quote · Oct 9 2015 12:09 AM
Once again. The amount of BS that each of you are throwing towards a great educator is beyond
belief. Adam Stephens is a WONDERFUL husband, father, educator and a TRUE shining star
within this district. Leave him alone... this DISTRICT is lucky to have him. The students in district
are lucky to have such a wonderful and caring adult come to work each AND every day. YES, we
expect him to move up quickly. He DESERVES it. He singlehandedly is keeping at least 3
different initiatives going despite COMPLETE incompetence on the part of his
peers/subordinates. There is little wonder why this district can not keep great educators.

@Interesting Parallels
Quote · Oct 9 2015 3:04 AM
I've been saying for years that if Grier were Hispanic or African American, federal and state
jurisdictions would be fighting over whose prosecution should go first.

Why bother?
Quote · Oct 9 2015 6:30 AM
@stop the hate
Wonderful husband? Thanks for the comments Mrs. Stephens.

TGIF Rabbit Hole
Quote · Oct 9 2015 9:30 AM
If I've said it once, I've said it ONE MILLION times. Texas is a right to work state. We don't HAVE
unions. We have organizations purporting to be unions, but they don't have the power OR
influence actual unions have. If you've lived in states with unions, you fully understand the
difference. JUST STOP IT!
To the person who has implored us to "stop the hate" of Adam Stevens, *blank stare*


Adam Stephens....NO
Quote · Oct 9 2015 12:00 PM
When Adam was a principal I did not mind sitting with him at various meetings. Some of his input
was relevant and made sense. The one thing I will tell you is that he is NOT superintendent
material for HISD at this time. If he really wants to be a superintendent, he needs to start in a
much smaller district. HISD is not the place for a rookie superintendent. I too wish that all the
extremely positive posts would stop. It is more than obvious they are being written either by him,
family or friends. Then again, someone could be posting these messages hoping for negative
comments to be posted.

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 9 2015 12:41 PM
@TGIF
Even the states that would be Union don't have the type of "Union" anymore. That is why they
have Union workers from right to work states train them modern day union. A union will always be
the body of the employees who come together and stand together. You don't need a contract for
that. Study the history and reality before saying there is no union. If a union has a local it is a
union. City, County, State and HISD all have large local unions.

@stop the hate
Quote · Oct 9 2015 1:19 PM
It 'a not hate for Adam Stephens, it is total and absolute disgust. I was at Apollo Lee with him. I
witnessed his unbelievable arrogance, cruelty, and his indifference at destroying teachers careers
. Maybe YOU saw another side of him but I saw the other. He and Ghandi and alley Clark and
Brittany are all going to face the music at some point in time. There are too many of us that will at
last be able to tell the story of the henchmen and women who blindly followed Davila without
caring for the rest of the hard working teachers. These posts about Stephens come from LOTS of
different educators. And we will continue with our voices on each and every one of the cruel, cruel
administrators that were at Lee. Tell me, where are Grier and Davila now? Are they going to
come rescue you from the masses?

A Real Union
Quote · Oct 9 2015 6:10 PM
TGIF- Yes, that is correct. Keep abreast of what Unions do up north as compared to Texas. Right
to work and Union are separate and not equal. There is no real Union here. I would imagine there
would have been picketing or strikes years ago if we had a true Union. In fact, within the so called
Union in Texas are there even any activists?

Barkley
Quote · Oct 9 2015 9:24 PM
@ Stop The Hate
"He singlehandedly is keeping at least 3 different initiatives going despite COMPLETE
incompetence on the part of his peers/subordinates."
That's what scares me, because nothing is working coming out of downtown. Nada. That's the
problem with initiatives these past few years - they're sent out half-baked and the kids and
teachers suffer from the constant glitches. A half-baked initiative is worse than no initiative.

half baked initiatives
Quote · Oct 10 2015 8:10 AM
If not so tragic it would be humorous. These "initiatives".
- promises of fantastic results ✓
- promise of a user friendly process ✓
- coolest acronyms ✓
- most essential features "coming soon" ✓
- only vaguely understood by trainers ✓
- time thief ✓
- must be implemented by all classroom teachers before 3:00pm on such and such date with
reminder that this is part of domain ______ of teacher appraisal system ✓
- this date gets pushed back because something or other crashes ✓
- mass email sent that stops short of an apology for time stolen, expresses complete confidence
in HISD teachers, doubles down on the promise of added value offered by initiative ✓
- millions paid to some vendor ✓
- placed in the file named ponies_unicorns_&shiny_things ✓

@Solidarity
Quote · Oct 10 2015 7:59 PM
One term: Collective bargaining agreements. The process in which working people, through their
unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment,
including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and
family and more.
Is this happening here? NOPE! Wanna know why? CAUSE WE DON'T have "true" unions. I can
name several out of state districts that do, but we're not one of them.

Adam Stephens.
Quote · Oct 10 2015 8:11 PM
To "Stop the Hate"---- I have nothing against Adam Stephens, but I absolutely must correct your
statement that he is "singlehandedly" keeping three initiatives going. Nope. Absolutely false. If
you want to defend him, go ahead and do so, but refrain from making such absurd and
uninformed statements. Let him stand on the merits of his own work, instead of trying to give him
credit for other people's sweat and toil.
Let me add too, that he does NOT work with "incompetent" subordinates. What an offensive,
ignorant comment. Where are you getting this stuff? Again, if you feel the need to defend Adam
Stephens, so be it, but don't drag other people through the mud in the process.

@TGIF
Quote · Oct 10 2015 10:58 PM
If HFT has no power because Texas is a right to work state then why should anyone continue to
give them $600 a year?

Humility, please
Quote · Oct 11 2015 2:20 AM
It's been amusing watching all of the vipers in HISD jockeying for position since Grier's
resignation announcement. The person(s) writing on behalf of Adam Stephens has been
especially pathetic in his/her attempts to portray Mr. Stephens as the sole beacon of truth and
light in a tempest of corruption. Face it, as a district, HISD has been an abject failure these last
several years. Stephens is part of that failure. Schools that have achieved success have done so
in spite of, not because of, Grier and his leadership team. These so-called leaders possess not
one shred of integrity. I find it interesting that the person advocating for Stephens is quick to throw
the entire district under the bus while giving him sole credit for guiding three initiatives (successful
or otherwise). Methinks there's an anxious spouse worried about protecting her husband's sixfigure income and improving his future earning potential as opposed to improving our schools.
But, hey, that's just me.
Let's talk about our board of trustees. You've heard of zero tolerance policies? Our board has
operated on a zero integrity policy for quite a while now (Larry Marshall is the poster child). Those
not up for re-election are safe - for now. Will they continue being puppets for the GHP? Time will
tell. Rodriguez and Skillern-Jones both received endorsements from the Chronicle. That tells you
all you want to know about the Chronicle. The Houston Press expressed dismay at the
Chronicle's endorsement of Rodriguez - because he's a homophobe, not because he's been a
lousy trustee for his district. Apparently the print media in this city are in the pocket of the GHP as
well. Then there's Stipeche. The Chronicle and this website seem to favor her, but I'm not sure
why. She's been a somewhat vocal ctitic of Grier's these past few months, but, from my vantage
point, she was on the Grier bandwagon when he began destroying the district one school at a
time. Would someone please explain to me why Stipeche shouldn't be lumped in with SkillernJones and Rodriguez and targeted for removal? I'm willing to listen. I'm also curious about Paula
Harris. Is she leaving because she's soon to be charged like her mentor, Larry Marshall, or is she
leaving because she's done as much as she can for her contractor friends?
If nothing else, thirty years in the classroom taught me humility. The farther removed from the
classroom, the less humility. I taught in a poor school where many of my students didn't know
where their next meal was coming from. Many were responsible for younger siblings even though
they, themselves, were still young kids (middle schoolers). Many had only one parent (if that), and
many were forced to grow up way too fast. Their reality is what kept me, and many of my coworkers, grounded as well as dedicated to a purpose greater than our own self-enrichment. This
is not meant to sound self-serving - because it's not. I truly believe most classroom teachers
know what I'm talking about. I am saying that when education leaders stray too far from the
children they allegedly serve, they lose their sense of purpose. Some, sadly, also lose their soul.
We need a little more soul and a lot less self.

Disgusted
Quote · Oct 11 2015 7:40 AM
@Adam Stephens
Thank you for correcting the comments posted by "Stop the Hate". Adam Stephens was
promoted this summer and is now leading a remarkable Dept. They are teaching him his job, so
to say that he works with inferior subordinates is insulting beyond belief. I'm with you. Tout Adam
Stephens' successes all you want but don't sacrifice other people's reputations to catapult him
into the limelight.

master50 Master59
Quote · Oct 11 2015 7:40 AM
@tgif
Because HFT has lawyers and info you do not have. Take your 600 dollors and retire.

With You in Solidarity
Quote · Oct 11 2015 12:00 PM
Two dictionary definitions of a labor union. Neither lists bargaining or striking as a requirement. If
anyone wants those rights for public employee unions in Texas they need only to elect members
of the legislature who will vote to change the law.
From Dictionary.com: labor union, noun:
an organization of wage earners or salaried employees for mutual aid and protection and for
dealing collectively with employers; trade union.
From Merriam-Webster: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its
members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions

Barkley
Quote · Oct 11 2015 3:37 PM
@ Humility, please
Very well said. The Board needs to find a 'healer', someone to move the District forward while
repairing the vast damage Grier & company have done. Like Rhee and Miles, Grier was the
absolute wrong choice at the wrong time for this District, but unlike them his damage went
unchecked for six long years as the revolving door of friends and family vacuumed up positions of
leadership and power, only to tear the fabric of this District nearly beyond repair.
We're hurting...badly...and we need to steady the ship and start the long, arduous task of
rebuilding.

Master50
Quote · Oct 11 2015 5:03 PM
Unions-- yes this a right to work state. However, this only means that workers do not have to join
a Union. There are lots of Unions in the State of Texas. Teachers, policemen, and firemen can
not by law go on strike. Teachers will not go on strike because it would hurt students. If teacher
make up their mind not to along with these HISD policies, we could stop all the nonsense. Yet,
most teachers are SHEEP.

@TGIF
Quote · Oct 11 2015 8:31 PM
Because the Larry Marshall and Boris Miles enterprise has been shut down and Zeph has to pay
his own way to Costa Rica.

@ Master50
Quote · Oct 12 2015 12:09 AM
@Master50 said...
"Because HFT has lawyers and info you do not have. Take your 600 dollors and retire."
I have taken my $600. I did so several years ago. I am not sure what "info" they have...
apparently they are the only ones who seem to have it.
You seem quite angry that people challenge the idea that they should pay HFT $600 a year. I do
agree with you however. Every teacher in HISD should immediately take their $600 a year.

legal protection
Quote · Oct 12 2015 4:20 AM
You can see Union members here promoting themselves. "Take your $600 and retire"
unbelievable. Just know there are several other organizations with legal protection for much less
and regardless of what Union members say, they have good legal protection. Just do your
homework.

Good Legal Protection
Quote · Oct 12 2015 11:16 AM
HFT provides representation throughout and protects your right to due process. ATPE will
reimburse you if you choose to legally challenge a wrongful termination. There are limits to this
total reimbursement and in some situations you only get reimbursed if you win.
My experience has been that in general, teachers want, and in fact need representation
throughout the process. HFT provides this. HFT representatives will work to protect your job while
you are actually still on the job. Just something to think about for those who truly want to think.
Some may choose to roll the dice and go with nothing, or pay a lower amount for something,
thinking that something is better than nothing.
The poster above who made the comment "do your homework" is right on. DO YOUR
HOMEWORK. Don't pay your dues to any organization without closely reviewing the limits and
stipulations associated with membership.
Good luck getting ATPE to send somebody out to sit with you and advise you during a
Conference for the Record.
It would be awesome if HFT was stronger. However, they work within the current laws of Texas
which severely limit workers' rights. If paying HFT dues means you can't buy cereal for your kids,
then obviously you need to go with some other organization. If, on the other hand, paying HFT
dues means one less weekend get away or fewer pedicures, it's a good trade off. The key thing is
to think carefully and by all means, do your homework. Don't make such an important decision
based on what is written by those who aim to convince the convinced. Right?

FED-UP---Union Continues To Disappoint Members
Quote · Oct 12 2015 11:46 AM
HFT should be working for the teachers. They don't seem to be at this time. They seem more
aligned with Grier and the HISD Board. They are losing their credibility as time goes by. They still
have not explained why they are supporting RSJ in the coming election. I think their members
need to know the answer to that question.

FED-UP--- Supt. Choice
Quote · Oct 12 2015 11:50 AM
I don't know whether Adam Stephens would be a good or bad choice to replace Grier. However, if
he is this controversial, he probably should not be appointed supt. As Barkley stated----we need a
healer. I agree.

make the right choice
Quote · Oct 12 2015 5:44 PM
Regardless of the so called great legal protection, HFT lost numerous teachers and staff. That's
great protection. I personally know several teachers who now belong to "the other" organization
because they felt HFT did nothing for them. it is known the former leader of HFT and Grier were
buddies. I do not see nor have I heard anyone from "the other" organizations aligning themselves
with him. Promote HFT all you want, but I agree do your homework and make sure you are
legally covered. As for supporting those do nothing board members, if that doesn't tell you where
they stand, what does?

Get Serious
Quote · Oct 12 2015 5:48 PM
"It would be awesome if HFT was stronger. However, they work within the current laws of Texas
which severely limit workers' rights."
*********
The only fight this Union has put up in the past six years was to preserve the pay structure that
allows them to exist. They went all out for that fight. There is no law at all that stops Zeph from
being visible and vocal. He has been AWOL as was Gayle. You'd have a better chance spotting
and hearing from Waldo than HFT. Another poster asked why was HFT supporting RSJ. I submit
for the same reason Zeph went to Costa Rica with Larry Marshall and Boris Miles. HFT is part of
the game and part of the problem. HFT needs to be purged from top to bottom. I would wager a
healthy sum the majority of teachers on our campus doesn't know who their union
representatives are. Instead of tooting your horn. You should be apologizing!

Unethical - Not Illegal
Quote · Oct 12 2015 9:44 PM
Where do I begin?
After reading Ericka Mellon's report on HISD's bond woes, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at
the complete incompetence of the people overseeing HISD's bond program. Her expose (if you
want to call it that) included the usual suspects (friends of the superintendent, oblivious board
members, greedy contractors) and shed a light (albeit a VERY late one) on some of the unethical
(if not illegal) practices people choose to dismiss as "the cost of doing business" in HISD.
As usual, Stipeche and Eastman come across as ditzy sorority sisters who arrive a little late to
the party. This bond foolishness has been going on since 2012, yet Stipeche and Eastman (from
now on, I'm going to refer to them as Stipman) decide now is the time to scrutinize HISD's
business practices - AFTER they've frittered away who knows how many millions of dollars. Their
faux concern is insulting. Equally insulting is Mr. Huewitt's blanket dismissal of every questionable
expenditure, including "media specialists". Hell, HISD already employs an army of spokespersons
and media consultants. Do they really need even more, especially since the bond passed over
three years ago? At what point does it become overkill?
Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without a North Carolina connection. Did Grier really
need to go all the way to North Carolina to find a contractor? More ammunition for those who
claim that Grier has used HISD as a hiring agency for his friends and family. At this point, does it
even matter? As expected, the contractor from North Carolina claimed there was nothing
underhanded going on, that this is the way business is conducted in the real world. He may be
right about that.
On a more random note, I found the justification for food expenses quite interesting. Apparently, a
significant amount of money was spent on food services, but, once again, it was dismissed as no
big deal. Here's the analogy that popped into my mind when I read this portion of the article: if
you hired a private contractor to, say, renovate your kitchen, would you be expected to provide
meals for the contractor and his crew for the duration of the project? I didn't think so. Perhaps I'm
oversimplifying (I know I am), but this stuff has got to stop.
For seven years, Houston taxpayers have provided our trustees and superintendent with a
gigantic piece of cheese. In return, taxpayers were promised new facilities, updated technology,
and a better school district. For seven years, our trustees and superintendent have shared this
cheese with their friends and family members. Now that the cheese is nearly gone and proof of
progress is being demanded, people like Huewitt, Stipeche, and Eastman (oops, I mean Stipman)
are scrambling to explain how we paid for a brand new Porsche and got a refurbished taxi with
300,000 miles on it.
HISD's new motto : Unethical but not Illegal
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HFT Member Houston, TX
Quote · Oct 12 2015 11:40 PM
I am a proud member of HFT and proud to stand in solidarity with teachers who resist the
corporate reformers within HISD.
We are winning more and more battles - and it is evident since all these ANONYMOUS
commentators are actually friends of Grier and the corporate reformers from HISD's central office
who are trying to divide us.
Don't fall for their spin and ANONYMOUS advice. These corporate friends of Grier are on this
website sowing seeds of fear and doubt because the end is coming. They know it, we know it and now you know it.
Stay strong and keep resisting and fighting for a better HISD.

@ Unethical - Not Illegal
Quote · Oct 13 2015 5:48 AM
Yep. If there was a "like" button I would have pushed it. I'm sure Ericka Mellon and the Comical
crew did not want to write this article but most likely did not want to be scooped by Fox 26. This
info was bound to come out. Gerry Monroe has been asking since last fall: "Where's the bond
money?!" ---and rightly so!
With this much frivolous waste going on with the bond $---how can Grier and HISD Heads say the
shortage was due to inflation. The $$$$ has been running out of the faucet at taxpayers and
student expense--- sad part is that it is still running.
This is business as usual in HISD and will continue to be until the "house" is cleared of Grier,
HISD heads, and current board. If the voters do not rid the current board members in the Nov.
election, these issues will remain the same or worse.

SMH at Williams
Quote · Oct 13 2015 6:33 AM
This is really sad.

HFT
Quote · Oct 13 2015 7:56 AM
You do realize you too are anonymous right? Also, I'm not the one who went to Costa Rica with
Larry Marshall and Boris Miles. That would be Zeph Capo, president of the Houston Federation of
Teachers. Let the record also reflect that I am also a member. A very displeased member.

Peoria Parent
Quote · Oct 13 2015 9:46 AM
I'm happy to see that Grier is leaving. Sorry you're stuck with Grenita Lathan. Yes, she escaped
Peoria before being run out with torches and pitchforks. Good thing is, her Sugar Daddy is now
out of money for good and can no longer hire her again.

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 13 2015 11:05 AM
Remember the UNION i.e. the only Union in HISD, HFT is made up of employees and governed
by employees. Policies and decisions are decided by employees. This is not a private company
and really why would the HFT leaders sale out the members. If you want to put it in terms of a
business that is like restaurant giving away free food or hell for you drunks a bar with unlimited on
the house. If HFT does not do what is right for it's members they loose resources and then the
National union moves in on grants and all the basic functions of the local union legal support
disappear. I could only imagine the people who post anit HFT anti union post spend all night long
watching Fox news and praising Donald Trump because he speak insanely to people. You cannot
put one member before the other members. If members have concerns and they want to fight file a grievance, speak at a board meeting and guarantee you that a HFT staff will be there to
support and push the process. In regards to Grier look back in time people. HFT use to send
massive negative statements about Grier. Relationships is based on the service aspect. Can't
always curse out the enemy. Does that really work for all the members or just the few who seem
to have complex issues about not getting enough attention. Grow up people and educate
yourself. If you blast negative stuff about the largest Union in Houston. Then you are helping the
part of society who wants to rid the voice of the working people. I bet some of you anti HFT
people aren't one of the 1%. So again your reason idiots like Cruz or Walker and even Trump run
for office.

ONE MORE TIME
Quote · Oct 13 2015 12:16 PM
Grier is a crook/criminal. How can this man continue to manage this school district with all of his
unethical behaviors. He skirts the law by hiring his buddies from North Carolina and pays him $1
dollar under the allowed limit for Board Approval of the contract. How many more contracts has
he entered into like this. This would be a great request for information. He is arrogant enough to
enter into a contract for $49,999 when the limit is $50,000. That is truly sicking.
Again, I see his behavior to be no different than the superintendent in Chicago that has been
pleaded guilty to bribery and pay for play. Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara ByrdBennett pleaded guilty to corruption charges in an alleged kickback scheme.. Former Chicago
Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett pleaded guilty to corruption charges in an alleged
kickback scheme. Byrd-Bennett steered $23 million in bribes and kickbacks from her former
employer, SUPES Academy. She pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday..
Grier, his foot soldiers Joe Hill, Leo Bobadilla, Grenita Lathan , Andrew Houlihan,Ester
Omogbehin ,Karla Loria, Felicia McKinnon, Revonda Johnson and Don Hare all who worked for
him in Greensboro and/or.San Diego. and some of the board members have been living large by
flying around the country on the backs of poor property owners who bought into this hype of new
schools, construction jobs for residents of Houston.
March is too long to put up with this snake oil dealer. Tomorrow would would be a great day for
the Board to accelerate his resignation.. If he stay to March, the Board Trustee should vote to
eliminate his spending authority because he can't be trusted.
Again, where is the FBI and the Texas Rangers. Where is the vote of no confidence from the
HISD Board of Trustees. We need to vote out all the Trustees who are keeping this person in
place.

Peoria Parent
Quote · Oct 13 2015 12:22 PM
A contractor from North Carolina claimed that nothing underhanded was going on?? REALLY??
Grenita Lathan turned our school district in Peoria into a "little North Carolina" by hiring countless
of people there!! And boy did they badmouth our entire city!!
I've read this entire thread, and almost everything here happened in Peoria under Grenita Lathan.
Now I see who she learned it from!!
If Grier brought in people from North Carolina, GET RID OF THEM!

Zeph and RSJ Slams
Quote · Oct 13 2015 3:10 PM
1. Zeph says he went on this trip to Costa Rico because there was a proposal for the provision of
health services for HISD employees through hospitals there. Is there evidence that due to this
trip, Zeph and HFT reduced their support for teacher rights or in any way advocated for a
reduction in health benefits? The optics are bad. Just like this social gathering where Zeph and
Grier were in attendance. As much as we would like to get 100% of our agenda accomplished,
there are always compromises that are made. This is the essence of what is known as "politics". I
do not see what I would call "praise" of Grier from Zeph or HFT. His statement was along the
lines of - Grier supported increasing dual language classes and that was a positive for the district.
I was not there. I only read what was reported by the media. What I read couldn't be seen as a
slam against Grier or as a full-throated praise of his tenure in HISD. He merely pointed out that
increasing the number of dual language classes was good for the district. I agree with that
statement and I am no where close to being a Grier fan. I would have preferred that Zeph had
something else to add to that like "Grier's tenure in HISD was not a net gain for the district. His
policies are anti-teacher, anti-community, and anti-student". Zeph chose to be more positive and
on balance, pragmatic.
2. RSJ - I read the answers she gave to the questionnaire HFT sent out. Based on her answers, I
can see why HFT would support her candidacy. I don't agree with everything she has done just
like I don't agree with 100% of the things other elected officials have done, despite the fact that I
may have voted for them.
3. I suspect that many (not all) of these anti-HFT comments posted here could be coming from
those who oppose unions. I suspect that some (not all) comments are coming from people who
saw co-workers lose their jobs despite being HFT members. Or maybe they themselves were
unfairly treated by HISD and saw representation from HFT as inadequate. That is terrible and
choosing to discontinue HFT membership may be right for them.
4. HFT is for sure not as strong as it needs to be. This does not change reality. Reality is that if
you as a classroom teacher are being targeted for removal, ATPE and the Congress will not send
out a representative to sit with you and advise you as you go through the process. HFT may, in
some cases be overmatched. But it can be terrifying to go through that situation and misery
alone. It is exhausting to try to continue doing your job while at the same time, FIGHTING for your
job.
5. If you are reading this trying to decide whether or not you need to join HFT, do your homework,
think, and make an informed decision based on what is best for your livelihood.

@Tag
Quote · Oct 13 2015 8:16 PM
I wonder if our principal will let the students watch the game AGAIN THIS WEEK, since the
Astros lost...... Also, teachers are afraid because she snatch certificates from the teachers who
quit last year because of her illiterate policies...... Fire Ruiz!!!!

Nicole-Parent Houston
Quote · Oct 13 2015 8:18 PM
Until parents choose to invest in their kids future and voicing out instead of murmuring among
themselves and not putting it into action,nothing will change about Valerie sikes and the
atmosphere at Ashford Elementary.
It's obvious she's a failure and those are part of the characteristics to with it.Yes,she has
succeeded in chasing away a lot of parents,teachers and stakeholders at the school but it doesn't
have to continue.
When people desire change,they put their best foot forward and sacrifice what needs be.
I just don't see how such an intelligent choice can be made as her choice for Principal.She is so
unprofessional,unruly,unlearned and is totally disconnected from the school.I wasn't interested in
seeing a principal in a mini skirt,short dress but one who is in control,not one harassing parents
by monitoring them and have someone follow them all around the school because she,the
principal doesn't know what she's doing.She always has a busboy in the office with her because
she has no answer to many questions you ask her.What a shame!.What a waste!.Grier is flushed
out now,i hope the same goes for her.And as for the parents of students at the school who are
not satisfied,action speaks louder than words.Your kids education is your future and trust
me,most admonisttators like Sikes don't care.

Ashford Teacher
Quote · Oct 13 2015 8:45 PM
Well, we had all the upper management from HMW at our school today. I sure hope they were
there to see how horrible our principal really is. I really pray this is a sign of someone finally
paying attention to how bad things have really gotten at our school. We need a change quickly.
She does not care about our students or staff. She literally sucks the energy out of the room. She
needs to go. Please HMW do something right!!!!

former westside Houston
Quote · Oct 13 2015 11:26 PM
Zeph and the last ten years of the HFT are a joke. In the 90's I loved the HFT and worked
tirelessly to advocate membership and increase membership. Zeph was an arrogant troubled
man in the 90's and constantly tried to validate himself by citing the 2-3 years he"taught" at
Westbury. Gayle and this fool killed what could have been a useful instrument for school reform
and a protector of employment rights. It is done. RIP.

@TAG
Quote · Oct 13 2015 11:46 PM
During the Astros game was the admin team told to do walkthroughs?

move on
Quote · Oct 14 2015 4:06 AM
Anyone who believes dissatisfied Union members are friends of Grier or the 1%, get over it. The
Union is not the savior of HISD employees. There are actually members or former members who
found their so called assistance useless. Your endorsements say enough. Move on people, we
have more important issues facing us.

TAG---Comment to@ TAG
Quote · Oct 14 2015 10:20 AM
You are correct about Ruiz being vindictive towards teachers. She learned that from her mentor (
Longoria ) at Ortiz. I'm sure that Ruthie is upset that she wasn't able to stick it to even more
teachers. As for her administration team------they don't have a clue as to what they are looking
for. I'm sure that whenever they do walkthroughs, they are doing it because of Ruiz. When they
give you a negative comment, do the following:
1. Ask them to give you a better way of doing whatever they find fault with.
2. Ask them ( in writing ) to come and model what they want. If they refuse, document that you
requested guidance and were not given it. Send an e-mail to the A.P., principal, SSO, middle
school office, union and to each board member if they do not model the lesson for you.
They have no right to give you a poor review and then refuse to help you when you request it.
Stick it to them before they stick it to you.

Self-imposed Misery
Quote · Oct 14 2015 1:27 PM
HFT is failing for the same reason so many HISD teachers now find themselves in miserable
work environments: when Grier began his war on teachers (good teachers) several years ago,
neither fellow teachers nor the union did much in the way of supporting or defending them.
People noticed. That is why many teachers criticize HFT. That is also why many teachers left
HFT. As for the "leftover" teachers who remain in HISD, you are now dealing with an oppressive
environment of your own making. The powers that be realize that, aside from anonymously
voicing your outrage on social media, most of you will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the
demoralizing, unproductive, and punitive nature of the initiatives imposed on you by district
leaders.
Congratulations! You've kept your jobs (but lost your peace of mind).

@ Self-imposed Misery
Quote · Oct 14 2015 5:40 PM
It is so true that many HISD are working in a miserable environment. Most of the misery is a
direct effect of the policies imposed by Grier and those like him. Blaming the teachers who are
struggling to endure while meeting the needs of their students is not a rational nor productive
response. When Grier and The New Teacher Project began, existing HISD teachers were
included in the process of creating a new evaluation system. Many hours were spent sitting in
uncomfortable chairs writing suggestions on little Post It notes, completing questionnaires,
surveys, etc. About 90% of the suggestions made at the school house level were totally ignored.
Effective resistance continues and takes many forms. Leaving the district is one type of
resistance. Communicating anonymously or otherwise is another. A good number of the teachers
being accused of doing "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING", suit up, show up, and carry out their
professional duties with focused effort and positive effect. And this too should be considered a
form of resistance because it prevents Grier and his ilk from carrying out their real agenda. Don't
blame teachers. Grier wins when he convinces you that teachers deserve blame.

Self-imposed Misery
Quote · Oct 14 2015 8:33 PM
I respectfully disagree. I know that what I wrote doesn't sit well with some people, but this is what
I believe.
Never implied that teachers don't work hard. Do believe if teachers presented a united front (there
are over 11,000 of us), most of this foolishness we've witnessed over the last few years might
have been avoided. What about the hundreds of teachers who also "suited up, showed up, and
carried out their professional duties" who were dismissed without an afterthought?
If you choose to believe I'm blaming teachers, that's your prerogative. I sincerely believe that
teachers bear some responsibility for what's transpired in this district. There is strength in
numbers, but, individually, teachers chose to remain silent. Grier hasn't convinced me of
anything, but he has won. He's going to walk out of HISD with a suitcase full of money and his
reputation firmly intact. Reading comments here, I can see that the district and individual schools
are deeply divided. HISD will have a long road to recovery.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 14 2015 8:49 PM
@ Self Imposed Misery
While you make many valid points, every indication from widespread associates tell me there
have been many small pockets of active resistance throughout the District during the Reign of
Error - principals quietly weighing many more measures than EVAAS in teacher assessment,
teachers following the company plan on lessons and snapshots as necessary but then savoring
the time to make learning actually relevant to their specific students.
Just as there are many good teachers who have thankfully remained steadfast in their insistence
of dodging the constant barrage of half-baked initiatives and flavor of the moment ideas in the
best interests of their kids, HISD still has many quality principals, SSOs and upper administration.
The greatest task facing the Board these days is to stop the hemorrhaging of talent, flush the
flotsam of poor past District decisions and plot the course of recovery. Serious overtures must be
made to the teacher education programs throughout the state who actively avoid sending their
graduates to HISD because of the environment of failure to support, gotcha mentality, EVAAS
EVAAS EVAAS.
I see HISD is bragging (once again) that taxes will remain the same, and that HISD has the
lowest in the area. That's not a point of pride. What are successful schools spending their money
on? How can that be funded around the District? What programs and initiatives are not working?
Why are they continuing to be funded?
An example would be textbooks and the electronic replacements. How many more times does the
District need to hear from schools and parents that kids need materials in their hands? A study
just came out regarding online materials and their limited access away from the schoolhouse as
well as the infrastructure to support them on campus. It's not nearly as effective as the vendors
advertise.
Any other thoughts out there about our near and distant steps for recovery in our beloved
District?

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 14 2015 10:37 PM
Where is the proof that "so many teachers left HFT"? Is there data to show that statement to be
true? I don't think HFT is any harm of loosing members. I truly believe their recruiting is just as
high as every year. Only Jelous humans speak so negative of something they don't know
anything about.

@Board members
Quote · Oct 14 2015 10:48 PM
Thank you for the increase in my stipend. Thank you for the additional 40 PD hours required to be
eligible for the stipend.Thank you HISD for advising teachers of the limited courses available just
days before we need to attend. Thank you principal for denying me the ability to attend the Job
Alike conference. Thank you principal for not letting us ALL attend PD's. Thank you board for
granting principals the ability to deny my stipend since its at their discretion. Thank you HISD for
increasing the number of online courses I have take each year. Thank you HFT for speaking up
for your members. Thank you HISD.....for screwing teachers again. Just when you think it can't
get any worse....HISD does it again!

No Protection
Quote · Oct 15 2015 5:57 AM
Are they really going to let this play out like this at Williams? Students are allowed to hit, scream,
and berate us all day long. We report this to Ms. Busby and all she does is make the comment of
that it is every teacher's complaint and laughs it off. It has become increasingly stressful because
now there are so many teachers taking off because she has allowed the campus to get way out of
control. Now, a student slaps a teacher and the teacher defends himself now she wants to act
against the teacher. We come to work to teach. It is a liability working here. We are all discussing
that you can loose everything working here because she sides with the students. It seems as if
she enjoys them acting like this. She just doesn't care. I hope someone has the courage to do
something about this. I don't care who you know. At some point, the situation must be reevaluated and changes need to be made.

GRIER WINS! GRIER WINS! GRIER WINS!!
Quote · Oct 15 2015 7:19 AM
Following the 2015 -2016 academic year, HISD will officially cease to exist. Inner city schools will
be reconstituted as 27 charter high schools run in conjunction with the Texas Juvenile Injustice
Department, 46 elementary schools operating from 6:30am thru 7:30pm six days a week. Parents
will be required to commit fully and in perpetuity to upholding the Almighty Charter Creed and any
evidence of straying from charter goals will result in permanent expulsion. No middle schools will
exist. Children previously eligible for middle schools will be required to complete a 2 year work independent study program and a 18 month boot camp program. Classes and programs
previously considered associated with fine arts, music, or athletics will immediately be replaced
with test prep programs. All teachers who were employed by HISD will be invited to retrain and
re-apply for employment with Almighty Charter Inc. Only elite caliber teachers will be considered
for hire. The typical skills and attributes these hopefuls should posses would include chant-leader, magic-maker, script-reader, and ability to visualize themselves as a savior of the
poorer, lesser classes.
GRIER WINS! GRIER WINS! GRIER WINS!

@Solidarity
Quote · Oct 15 2015 8:26 AM
One time is an accident. Four times is a trend. If you going to defend the union and represent
their online interest. Please learn the difference between loose and lose.

Hey, Solidarity
Quote · Oct 15 2015 7:33 PM
"Only Jelous humans speak so negative of something they don't know anything about."
So do jealous ones.

Just Sick of It
Quote · Oct 15 2015 9:11 PM
Just read your link to the Daily Beast's article about Barbara Byrd-Bennett, the convicted CEO of
the Chicago Public School System. First question, could the Chronicle hire Michael Dailey, the
reporter who covered the story for the Daily Beast? Second question, how does such vulgar
greed and corruption go unchecked and unnoticed for so long? It's the same story over and over:
wealthy businessmen decide to save "urban" education by bribing all-too-eager, high-profile
education officials to help them "reform" failing school districts. Teachers are removed, students
are neglected, no real discernible progress is demonstrated. Reformers leave. The money is
gone. It took 'em long enough, but opportunists and entrepreneurs have finally figured out that
schools are gold mines. Why else do hedge fund managers (John Arnold), real estate developers
(Eli Broad), and political families (the Bush brothers) take a sudden and keen interest in corporate
school reform? That's where the money is.
You know what corporate education has given us? The belief that management (off-campus
administrators)deserves to enrich itself at the expense of its employees (teachers) and customers
(students). Some charter schools get away with paying multi-degreed, accomplished, certified
teachers $10.00 an hour while the school's
principal (someone with an on-line MBA and zero education experience) pays himself a six-figure
salary for making teachers' lives miserable. Yes, the corporate culture has been a blessing to
public education.
Greed is slowly decaying America. Greed is killing our public education system. The Detroit
Public School System has been miserably corrupt for decades. Education leaders in Atlanta are
going to jail. So is Byrd-Bennett in Chicago. God willing, Marshall, Harris, and a few others right
here in HISD will end up in prison as well. These are just the cases we know about. Can you
imagine how much graft and corruption go unaddressed and unreported? I know that greed will
always be a part of the human condition, but, my goodness, people, can we at least make an
effort to keep it in check?


Sikes Sucks!!!! Ashford Elementary
Quote · Oct 15 2015 9:33 PM
I am so sad!! The teachers at Ashford are so sad. When principal Sikes walks around the building
or anywhere that is not her office, people just get sad. She sucks all the energy from the school.
She is an Energy Vampire!!! She is not good for kids, parents, or teachers. I have watched the
most stupid things occur on Ashford's campus this year. I have seen our principal make decisions
that make you wonder is she stupid or just really out to get someone. She continues to make
herself unavailable to the staff by locking herself in the office until it's time for her to go home. Our
faculty meeting yesterday wrecked with insensitivity and fake emotion. Teachers looked at her
like she was a blank wall. All teachers Want from her is to leave and never come back. Yesterday
we had to take everything off our walls in our classroom so that the class can be painted, which
we were told about at 2:00 and V. Sikes had the nerve to come and do classroom observations
the next day. Most teachers put several days of work preparing our classrooms for teaching and
apparently aesthetics is more important than instruction. Teachers have had it!! We are at the
point where we need a change fast. The kids deserve better and so do we. Sikes if you are
reading this. It's all in the title. You suck!! Go home!!!

Explanation Anyone? Does it matter?
Quote · Oct 15 2015 10:34 PM
Can someone explain what Grier Wins is talking about? What is the meaning of this?

Is It Worth It?
Quote · Oct 15 2015 11:15 PM
"I've got tuition to pay and casinos to visit." - Barbara Byrd-Bennett, convicted former CEO of
Chicago Public Schools
This woman casually and effortlessly ruined lives and careers while making the morning walk to
school even more dangerous for thousands of Chicago schoolchildren, yet her major concerns
were personal financial issues and entertainment. Not buying her "sincere" apology. She's a cold,
calculating, heartless b----. Another high-profile public school administrator who pays lip-service
to students and then betrays them in monumental fashion. A role model for corporate reformers
everywhere. Give them enough money and they'll sell out their own families. Is Byrd-Bennett
required to pay back the 2.3 million, re-open the 50 schools she closed, and re-hire the teachers
she let go? Didn't think so. In true Law and Order fashion, she rolled on her benefactors to get a
lighter sentence. No honor among thieves. May they all rot in hell.
Unbelievably, this woman was found worthy to run THREE large urban school districts. Once
again, the biggest obstacle to the progress of Black children is a Black "leader" making promises
they have no intention of keeping. We deserve better; why can't we get it?

FED-UP----Repeat
Quote · Oct 16 2015 3:06 AM
I was flipping through channels and came across a rerun of the Sept. HISD Board meeting. In all
my life I've never seen such obnoxious and obtuse individuals as the HISD trustees. They are
absolutely disgusting with their dismissive attitudes. What nerve cutting off microphones when
they don't like what a speaker is saying about them or that jackass Grier. Why don't they cut off
Anna Eastman when she starts talking about her kids and home life? No one cares Anna. The
others are no better. Every time Greg Myers smiles, he looks like a rat that just stole some
cheese. With the exception of Juliet Stipeche, it would be great if they all went to jail. If they
weren't affecting so many lives, it might be funny when they can't figure out what the "motion "
was and who made it. They are idiots. I cannot believe that these people believe that they are
making the correct decisions. At every board meeting they are subjected to verbal attacks
concerning their character. Can they be that unconscious that they don't realize how much
teachers, parents and community leaders are against their poor choices?
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FED-UP---@Grier Wins
Quote · Oct 16 2015 3:08 AM
Can you please explain what you are talking about? Many of us are confused about your post.
Thanks.

FED-UP----@Solidarity
Quote · Oct 16 2015 11:58 AM
Seriously, you don't believe that a large number of teachers have been fired? Where have you
been for the last 6 years? Grier started his tenure by stating that he was going to fire 409
teachers. The union told teachers to show up to protest.There were so many teachers in
attendance at that meeting that they had to open rooms for the overflow. The Union was very
vocal and did a good job at that meeting. Too bad HFT hasn't done much since then. By the way,
the only way you would know what the membership numbers are, is if you worked for HFT. I
believe that you are an HFT employee. It's tough to be in solidarity with a union that has sold their
membership out. I am no longer a member. However, if I were, I'd be asking for an audit of
Zeph's election. If you want to continue to support a union that is in the back pocket of Grier and
the HISD Board, that's your choice. As far as I'm concerned, you are throwing your money away.

Community Standards
Quote · Oct 16 2015 12:32 PM
Question: Any idea why HSPVA is doing "Rocky Horror Picture Show" musical? Isn't that Rrated? What do the school board candidates have to say about this? The school board?
Whatever happened to community standards?

FED-UP----Horror Shows
Quote · Oct 16 2015 5:33 PM
Have you met the board? They have no standards and no regard for the communities they serve.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not appropriate.( unless they have made drastic changes to it )
However, if you really want a horror show,attend an HISD Board meeting. Now, that's
SCARY!!!!!!!!

Grier Wins
Quote · Oct 16 2015 7:46 PM
It was an attempt to be humorous while making the point that despite a previous posted comment
stating that Grier "has won", he really hasn't. He wanted to destroy the district and we are still
standing and there are lots of good things happening. Not because of him but in spite of him. If he
had really won and accomplished his true goals the situation I described satirically wouldn't be far
from reality.
My point is - Grier hasn't won.
And obviously my attempt at humor missed the mark. Sorry for that.
Carry on. I'm going to slink away back under my rock and stay quiet.

School Bully/School Leader
Quote · Oct 16 2015 7:47 PM
Apparently, all of these anti-bullying campaigns are having little effect on the behavior of our
young people - and our school leaders. Just read the articles about the billion dollar lawsuit in the
LAUSD and the discrimination case in Texas. You've got administrators in the LAUSD conducting
witch hunts and administrators in Marion County ignoring the mistreatment of students. Why are
we surprised when children emulate this bullying behavior?
Don't feel left out, readers. HISD has plenty of bullying experts as well. Many are campus
administrators. If it makes you feel any better, HISD is not the only area school district suffering
from this affliction. A good friend of mine substitutes in the FBISD on a fairly regular basis. Some
of the schools are "led" by administrators who use bullying and intimidation as their two primary
motivation techniques. Teachers at these campuses are demoralized and handicapped by
ineffective leadership. Missouri City Middle School is one such campus. Like so many of the less
successful HISD campuses, this school is led by vain, narcissistic, semi-literate administrators
who believe that their titles are equal in prestige to that of a Fortune 500 CEO. Regardless of the
school district, it is no coincidence that schools with this type of leadership consistently land
among the lowest-performing in their respective districts. We've got the proof all around us.

Solidarity
Quote · Oct 17 2015 12:01 AM
OK last time... it is impossible for a union to sale out it's members. That statement is as bad as
my grammar or spelling... A union is made up by it's members. Reminder, HFT is governed by
the teachers and support staff that work in HISD. So in this blogs theory the employees sold
themselves out???? WOW!!! That is crazy!!

the truth is out
Quote · Oct 17 2015 6:38 AM
An award was given at the HISD board meeting to a reporter and heads of a tv news station
board by WA for a report on students being bullied. I saw that report and my heart went out to
those children. After the students were interviewed it would have served the community well to
hear from teachers and staff who are bullied daily in their buildings with the consent of some of
these same board members. How many complaints have board members, the Union and
organizations received over the years about this issue? Why not show how employees are
treated in HISD? The truth was out when universities told future teachers to stay away from this
district because of such harsh treatment. Why doesn't WA do a story on that aspect of HISD and
what exactly has she done to stop that bullying? How can anyone work under such
circumstances?

Proud to be a Teacher @Sikes Sucks HISD
Quote · Oct 17 2015 2:36 PM
Yes, she is a bully who is out to follow her own agenda which seems to be decorating the school
and banking a few pennies. I have witnessed her desperate attempt to run seasoned and well
liked teachers out of the building by using nasty bullying techniques. We hope that she has
learned something about education by now but her priorities look the same. She has turned on
most of her 'friends' and she is only supported by one or two at the most. She has been a big
disappointment who is so full of herself that she doesn't care to improve. She is a game player
with her higher ups and thinks her tactics really affect the teachers. Teachers smile and nod but
know the game and play it too. You just need to walk around to see the lack of enthusiasm or ask
to see how many would jump at the chance to have someone new.Take a look at the turnover
since she arrived and you will be amazed. Take a look at the students and PTO families that have
run for the door and you may cry.

@Solidarity
Quote · Oct 17 2015 2:46 PM
You're trying too hard. Semantics. Why don't you just accept the fact that not everyone feels the
way you do concerning HFT.

@Solidarity...The Sequel
Quote · Oct 18 2015 1:13 PM
The more you try to defend HFT the more you prove why HFT is insignificant.
If having a union means getting the same results as if we did not have one why should anyone
continue to spend $50 a month for the service?

Bankrolling Rhonda
Quote · Oct 18 2015 7:36 PM
Why is School Board President Rhonda Skillern Jones' campaign accepting a $500 political
donation from the law firm of Andrews Kurth who is HISD's bond counsel? Why is School Board
President Rhonda Skillern-Jones accepting a $1000 from Kevin G. Gardner Jr. who is a principal
owner of Rice & Gardner Consultants which is HISD's project management company overseeing
HAVC installation at several Rebuild Schools, a multi million dollar contract? Isn't there a HISD
$500 limit on political contributions from HISD vendors? The RSJ campaign received another
$1500 from law firm Haynes & Boone PAC and $1000 from Lina Sabouni, an architect. These
four contributors account for 70% of the RSJ's September campaign contributions. All of this tells
you that special interest groups are rallying around RSJ but not the average citizen in District 2.
Where are the $10 - $25 contributions?

H
Quote · Oct 19 2015 7:37 AM
From the "HISD Board of Trustees Campaign Information" document for 2013:
"SUMMARY
Contributions or loans of $500 or less are not impacted by this policy. Acceptance of campaign
contributions or loans above $500 from a current or potential HISD vendor/”Entity”, or
representatives of such entities, will render the candidate, should he or she be elected, ineligible
to vote or participate in board discussion on contracts involving that entity or associated entity
for a period of one year. All contributions/loans from such entities/representatives during a
rolling one year period are added together toward the $500 contribution limit.
In addition, candidates/incumbents must comply with the District’s Code of Silence, which
prohibits any communication and any campaign contributions/loans associated with an
entity/representative seeking an award from the District.
Board Services, working with the HISD Ethics and Compliance Officer, can assist
candidates/incumbents in identifying whether to accept or return a contribution for these
situations."

Beginning to Evaporate Before Our Eyes
Quote · Oct 19 2015 2:56 PM
It started last month with Grier and it looks as if it is continuing with Bobadilla! Slowly but surely
the NC Mafia is beginning to evaporate. This man thought everyone was below him. He would
never return phone calls or emails to principals. Who is next? Hopefully, Karla Loria is looking.

Lucy
Quote · Oct 19 2015 4:38 PM
Why are teachers at Madison being harrased about failing grades cycle 1. If students refuse to
cooperate because their are no consequences, why not harass the parents instead of the
teachers?

Left Behind
Quote · Oct 19 2015 8:00 PM
Again, I challenge this blog to post everyday a picture of Manual Rodriguez with the caption Only 24 votes! Never Again! His silence on dispersing the Milby community and the students is
unacceptable. To discard this community is disrespectful to this hard working poor community. He
did not stand up for the Spanish speaking parents. He is too old to effectively fight for his
community. We need to support change! Ramiro Fonseca. He needs grass root support because
he is challenging an incumbent financed by the corporate lawyers and architects who benefitted
from the bond election. Ask yourself, would the Lamar or Bellaire school board trustees accept
discarding and displacing their students for a new building? It's hell to be poor without a voice. Be
courageous and post this caption everyday until the end of the election. Manual Rodriguez was
part of the five who hired and supported the meanest superintendent in the history of
HoustonISD.
By the way, I cancelled my HASA and ASA memberships because after paying them for twenty
five years, they have never defended or done anything for me. They are all useless and self
serving. They did not stop the Grier administration from stopping the high turn over of minority
principals in high minority campuses. Is it any wonder why McSwain, Monoghan, and McDonough
are still around as principals?

Left behind
Quote · Oct 19 2015 8:07 PM
I agree with @solidarity. All the unions and administrator organizations that send us endless emails to join them and go to their receptions which in fact is always paid by Clearborn and Craig.
Because these retirement guys want our business, quid pro quo. Honestly, they are all useless.
They were all afraid of the "Greir Machine!" The only guy to bring this administration to its knees
with the Union. My vote and respect goes to the Union. This group has cajones to take on Goliath
unlike all the other show boating organizations. If they come after me or you, get an outside
lawyer, you will be better defended.

@Lucy
Quote · Oct 19 2015 8:47 PM
Too many athletes failing cycle 1.

Retirement Must Be Liberating
Quote · Oct 19 2015 11:31 PM
Terry Grier informed the world via twitter that Gayle Fallon took him to lunch. Isn't that just the
most precious thing ever? Retirement must be liberating.

FED-UP-----The Grier Connection
Quote · Oct 20 2015 5:29 PM
I'm so glad that Grier and Fallon are still friends. (NOT) HFT has sold out its members. First, it
was Gayle and now it's Zeph. The Union members have been shafted by Grier, HFT and the
HISD Board. They all share the blame for the deplorable conditions to which teachers are
subjected. If HFT was a union in some other parts of the country, Gayle would have been forced
to resign once her friendship with Grier was revealed. Zeph would be facing a recall. I still would
like to see transparency about the election. I don't remember seeing the actual result of the vote. I
stopped being a member, so maybe union members received the results. However, I am asking
HFT to publish the results on this site. I would like to know how many members voted and how
many people were running for the HFT presidency. I would appreciate an answer to those
questions. If I'm wrong, then I apologize. If I'm correct, people need to know.
By the way, is HFT planning a retirement party for Grier? Or will it be just Gayle and Zeph?

FED-UP----@Lucy
Quote · Oct 20 2015 5:43 PM
HISD does not like to see a large number of failures because it makes the district look like a
failure. Consequently, teachers are threatened by principals ( who are bullied by their superiors )
It is illegal to force a teacher to change a grade. Remember the recent scandal? If a principal
asks you to change a failing grade, ask the person to put it in writing. I guarantee that they will not
be bothering you again. Unless they are stupid, (a lot are dumb ) they will refuse to commit their
request in writing. They are basically cowards. Once you stand up to them, they back down. It
works better if you can get others involved also. By the way, grades lower than 50 may be given.
Principals make teachers think that 50 is the cut off. It's not. I urge teachers not to give in to the
bullying by HISD administrators. If you are a member of HFT, report it to them. Maybe Zeph can
bring it up to Grier next time they are having lunch or attending a social gathering together. I'm
sure that will be soon, since the leadership of HFT and Grier are so friendly with each other.

Remove Certain Rights from Grier
Quote · Oct 20 2015 9:54 PM
It is very odd that a superintendent would leave mid-year. I realize that Grier is doing everything
possible to milk the system. The Board needs to take some immediate actions to remove certain
privileges afforded the superintendent otherwise he will make some (more) decisions that we all
may regret.
1. Remove all hiring recommendations unless the position and candidate is Board approved.
Without this we are liable to end up with Paula Harris as the person filling Bobadilla's position.
2. Restrict him from reorganization recommendations at all levels.
3. Remove all budget approval authority.
4. Closely monitor his sick/vacation days to be sure they are properly documented in PeopleSoft.
Remember, these days are worth $$$ to him when he leaves.
I'm there are more but this would be a good start.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 20 2015 10:34 PM
@ Left Behind - Is it any wonder why McSwain, Monoghan, and McDonough are still around as
principals?
Because they've run/are running successful schools? Not sure what your point is. Anglo
principals can't run HISD schools?

Exodus
Quote · Oct 20 2015 11:17 PM
And the exodus continues. First Grier and now Bobadilla. Don't forget that Harris chose not to run
for re-election. Do they know something the rest of us don't know? Apparently Grier/Bobadilla are
both smart enough to get the heck out of Dodge before people come after them with torches and
pitchforks. Maybe Harris is leaving town as well - perhaps Italy? The company line is that the
bond shortfall is a byproduct of inflation, the real estate boom, and dropping oil prices. If so, why
did the board refuse to release the results of the bond audit? So much for the ethics and
transparency this board has been bragging about for years.
Grier and friends took about as much as they could and now they are leaving. Scary thing is we
still have a clown show for a school board and a fair share of equally ruthless/incompetent
opportunists ready to step up and continue where Grier left off. Don't be surprised when an
apathetic, ill-informed (thanks to our MIA local media)voting public re-elects Rodriguez, SkillernJones, and Stipeche. I'm still waiting for someone to try to convince me that Stipeche deserves
another term. To me, she's the kid who helped start the fire, then, when it was apparent she was
going to get in trouble, grabbed a fire extinguisher and started spraying it on the rubble to look
like a hero. She was a willing accomplice for years and now she wants to distance herself from
this travesty. Sorry, I'm not buying it.
Don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but the Future HISD looks a lot like the Present HISD. Hope
I'm wrong. One final question: What the heck is that school district in Florida thinking?

RH
Quote · Oct 21 2015 6:06 AM
This site has truly opened my eyes up.

Blaming Teachers and HFT Jejune
Quote · Oct 21 2015 1:36 PM
This persistent "blame teachers, blame HFT, blame HFT leadership" meme is tiresome. Grier is
and was horrible as a superintendent. The tactics he used as a superintendent allow for valid
suspicions about his character. It seems reasonable to conclude that not only is he terrible as a
superintendent, he is rotten to the core of his being. HISD has suffered greatly under his
leadership. Blaming teachers and HFT members for Grier's failure in process and effect is either
seriously misguided or malicious or both.
HFT members pay their union dues. HFT goes to bat for members who have grievances. When
HFT goes to consultation with administration over issues like - teachers being told they must
show up on Saturdays for workshops or when teachers are told they must perform various types
of duties during lunch or other coercive practices that affect ALL teachers, just say thank-you.
Because all teachers benefit from actions taken to stop these coercive practices. All teachers
benefit, not just those teachers who are paying union dues. Instead of demonizing and blaming
HFT and HISD teachers, just say thanks. Just say thanks. Preemptively, as a long time union
member, I will close with You're Welcome.
Signed,
Not a Free Rider

Good riddance
Quote · Oct 21 2015 1:36 PM
I am sure the School Board in Broward County is not aware of the reputation of Leo Bobadilla as
a "do nothing" yes man for Terry Grier. They worked tirelessly to revamp their reputation after
several of their school board members went to jail and former Superintendent Notter resigned. He
allegedly resigned his position due to family reasons (sounds just like Leo); however, he didn’t ’t
use the bad knees or you can’t be Superintendent forever” line. Notter’s departure came on the
heels of a scathing Grand Jury report which criticized the district for wasteful spending,
mismanagement and corruption. As a result of the FBI investigation, several Broward County
school board members are currently spending time in federal prison for illegal real estate dealings
http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/inside-the-arrest-of-broward-school-boards-beverlygallagher-6333285.
I am sure the Broward County School Board and the current Broward Superintendent Runcie will
have their eyes all over Bobadilla and he won’t be given the opportunity to mismanage 1/5 of a
billion dollars ($200 million). I hope he make it to Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 if the feds don’t
indict him first.
Another one bites the dust

Setting the record straight about Dr. Ann McCoy Reality
Quote · Oct 21 2015 4:04 PM
It seems that this website is now resorting to using desperate tactics to promote Mr. McKenzie’s
campaign. Dr. Ann McCoy is an independent thinker whose motivation for running for school
board is built on her commitment to help the children of District IV and of all HISD. Why not
scrutinize her long history of supporting education before assuming that she can be bought by a
donation from an organization? Maybe the Greater Houston Partnership recognizes what so
many people and organizations across the political spectrum already know about Dr. Ann
McCoy’s integrity, intelligence, and vision. Is casting stones at an outstanding school board
candidate just a last minute effort to help keep the sinking campaign of Mr. McKenzie afloat?

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Oct 21 2015 4:54 PM
This website has never endorsed or supported Ann McCoy. She should have refused the GHP
money. Period.
Desperate? No. Pointing out information the Houston Chronicle will not tell you.

Construction Audit Report Published
Quote · Oct 21 2015 5:01 PM
Channel 13 has published the audit report and Ted Olberg seems to be all over it. This may be
the final straw for the Board. Hopefully, the Board President is preparing a Board Meeting posting
so they can discuss the findings of the audit in closed session and make some personnel
decisions. Immediately, the Board should suspend Grier, with pay, and consult with the Board
attorney about termination. In addition, an interim superintendent should be named by this time
next week, that has a credible reputation. While Bobadillo is on his way to Broward County at
some point, he should also be relieved of his duties and recommended for termination or at the
least, his resignation accepted. The Broward County School Board and local media should also
be informed of these events. The Board there may want to rescind their offer to Bobadilla which in
essence would put him out on the street. While no one may ultimately go to jail over this audit, it
shows the Houston community that HISD can't be trusted. It will be many years before this city
can pass another School Bond referendum. Griers legacy will keep on giving in such a negative
way.

Left Behind
Quote · Oct 21 2015 7:22 PM
Barkley, I am glad I got your attention. Think harder. Those principals do not make successful
schools: they INHERITED successful schools. Let's see them be the great turnaround leaders at
a high minority school. Let's see how long Monagham lasts at Westbury. Remember, the good
Lord allow those left behind for a good reason. They will give testimony like the Holocaust
survivors of the last six years in HISD. They are spared because they did not get thrown out,
pushed out, or run away. The hung in when it got super tough. They will be recognized soon for
their couragous fortitude.

master50
Quote · Oct 21 2015 8:06 PM
@blaming teachers HFT jejune
Well said. HFT has stopped alot of teacher abuse behind closed doors. Non-members have no
idea how they have been helped indirectly by HFT. Thanks for the comment, A Veteran HFT
Teacher

PECAS
Quote · Oct 21 2015 8:43 PM
Does anyone know what happened with the PECAS committee. Hisd never really updated
information. Was it a waste of time?

@Blaming Teachers and HFT
Quote · Oct 21 2015 8:57 PM
Guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I am sincerely pleased that you think highly of HFT.
However, that does not diminish the fact that there are many people in HISD who feel the union
has let them down. Your preemptive "You're welcome" is seriously off-putting and displays an
arrogance you haven't earned.

@Left Behind
Quote · Oct 21 2015 11:53 PM
Perhaps you should follow your own advice and "think harder". Why are high-minority schools so
much more difficult to lead? Do you have any solutions for the problems in high-minority schools?
Why do you seem eager for Monaghan to fail at Westbury? Why do you seem to have such
resentment toward principals who "inherited" good schools?
While a definite dark period in HISD, Grier's tenure does not equate to a Holocaust. Neither was it
some sort of "reverse rapture" as you seem to imply. Courageous fortitude? I saw a whole bunch
of people shut their mouths, keep their heads down, and hope and pray they weren't next. I have
nothing but respect for teachers, and I have no problem with people choosing self-preservation,
but let's not equate it with some sort of heroic resistance and make it more than it was.
And, just for the record, I was one of those teachers in a high-minority school. Despite being very
successful, I was swept out like trash during the Apollo years. I didn't like it. I still don't. I did move
on. Yes, it's unfair that teachers and administrators in struggling schools like mine become
scapegoats for any- and everything, but what good does it do resenting people who are employed
in the "good" schools?
HISD isn't about solving problems. It's about finding someone to blame when things don't go well
- it creates an illusion of problem-solving and leadership but achieves nothing meaningful. HISD
won't hold students and parents accountable. They can and do blame teachers. If nothing else,
Grier's Apollo Program proved that it wasn't just the teachers' fault.
Finding someone to blame is easy. Solving problems is hard. Resenting others because (you
think) they have it "better" than you is petty and pointless and doesn't change your situation one
bit.

@Setting the record
Quote · Oct 22 2015 3:42 AM
Then you obviously have no idea the damage the GHP has done to this district. If you're going to
be Ann's spokesperson you should. In my opinion anyone being supported by GHP should note
be voted for. I plan to block walk District IV to educate our parents about these corporate thieves
and their puppets.

Best quote from abc13
Quote · Oct 22 2015 6:10 AM
"Grier's administration wrote that the audit relied on "flawed methodology, including insufficient
data review, limited and biased research, and a profound lack of understanding of the Houston
economic climate."
In some small way the tables have turned on Grier and his minions. He disagrees with his own
"internal audit". LOL! Heads should roll on this. I agree that Grier should be suspended at this
point. Bobadillo's resignation accepted immediately.
Educators and research have been saying that EVAAS scores do not equate to effective or noneffective teachers. Educators have been saying that EVAAS is based on flawed methodology with
proof of data--- all to fall on deaf ears.
Houston voters---- wake up and vote the incumbents out of office. It is time to clean house and
the opportunity is now. The timing does not get any better than this!

Witness
Quote · Oct 22 2015 9:45 AM
It's easy to write to HISD Board Services urging them to suspend Grier pending further
investigation and resolution of the audit report issues: boardservices@houstonisd.org I just did,
and I urge all who are outraged to do the same.
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Da Truth
Quote · Oct 22 2015 10:04 AM
All teachers benefit from HFT wins. Those who pay dues and those who don't. So the people that
go to the URBAN are obviously those who choose not to be a member of HFT, which is why they
go to the URBAN. So you can't blame HFT for not defending a non-member. However, I have
never seen the URBAN in consultation. where many issues are resolved.
There may be people who think HFT let them down. Where are they? Let's look at why they feel
that way. I am sure just as many feel that HFT has done an effective job for them.
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Sceptic Tech
Quote · Oct 22 2015 10:29 AM
If you really want to look at overspending on contracts, look at the IT department, too. In little over
a year, it has paid over $10 million to just one vendor, SAP, for example. The department is
notorious for paying vendors much more than they would get anywhere else and purchasing
expensive software that is subsequently abandoned. They should have an advisory board
comprised of technology experts, such as those on the Houston Technology Center advisory
board, to review contracts and provide financial guidance on vendor rates. With Grier forcing his
personal favorites into the department as managers despite their lack of experience, it's no
wonder spending is out of control.
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RE: Best quote from abc13
Quote · Oct 22 2015 11:04 AM
In regards to abc13 qoute " flawed methodology, including insufficient data review, limited and
biased research" when you are a thief and there is corruption, you don't want to have good data.
Thieves and corruption thrives among chaos, disorganization and fear. Grier created a culture of
fear where people where afraid to speak up and to speak the truth knowing that if they did their
job and there livelihood was in jeopardy.
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History just repeats itself in HISD
Quote · Oct 22 2015 12:05 PM
HISD Board members should have paid more attention to Issa Dadoush who resigned in May
2012. His resignation letter was a clear signal that Leo Bobadilla was NOT the person to lead
HISD bond.
A few quotes from the Chronicle article from May 2012:
"Dadoush wrote. “Our limitations on communicating directly with all stakeholders, including
Trustees and other cabinet members, have made it impossible to move this Department to the
next level of performance efficiency. The ‘muzzle’ that was ordered on me and other department
heads has made it impossible to do our jobs effectively.”
Bobadilla emailed Dadoush and other department leaders on April 14 telling them not to directly
respond to requests from board members. Instead, Bobadilla said, he would respond or farm out
questions that trustees make through the formal request process. Bobadilla, who used to work
with Grier in North Carolina, said in his email that the process needed to be followed so that
trustees, Grier or other officials are all kept in the loop.
HISD spokesman Jason Spencer said Bobadilla was trying “to ensure that the information we
release to the public and to members of the Board of Education is accurate and consistent. These
same protocols apply to all other HISD departments.”
Dadoush also wrote in his resignation letter that the business department wasted time on trivial
matters."
Here is the link to the entire May 2012 Chronicle article and Dadoush harsh resignation letter.
http://blog.chron.com/k12zone/2012/05/hisd-general-manager-of-facilities-resigns/
We know Grier and HISD minions purposely piece-meal contracts to under 500K to avoid Board
approval. Besides the everyday BS and the "colossal" waste of time--- Dadoush got out HISD
before this wreck of a Bond was in full spin. Good for him!
It should be a cold day in hell before Houston voters pass another bond for HISD.
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Wouldn't you like to know
Quote · Oct 22 2015 2:08 PM
The principal at Hilliard Elementary wants the teachers to work tutorials after school, but guess
what???? She isn't paying them; somebody report her please!!!

"THEY"
Quote · Oct 22 2015 2:38 PM
Personally, I thought the most interesting comment from the Ted Oberg/Channel 13 story came
from trustee Juliet Stipeche. When addressing the district's apparent wasteful and irresponsible
use of bond money, JS said, "They (meaning Grier and Bobadilla) should be held accountable."
"THEY"?
Did she really say, "THEY"?
Granted, Grier and Bobadilla should probably be in prison, but our dear Mrs. Stipeche doesn't get
off that easily, at least not in my book. Wasn't she a board member advocating for the bond way
back in 2012? Hasn't she been a trustee since then? Wasn't she one of the trustees who failed to
notice game-playing in the bid approval process (contracts over $500,000 require board approval.
This requirement was circumvented when million dollar projects were broken into smaller parcels
of $499,000 or less)?
Sorry, but Mrs. Stipeche and every other trustee have been extremely poor stewards of Houston
taxpayers' money. They have been played for fools while contractors have been behaving like the
proverbial kid in a candy store. And Mrs. Stipeche will probably be re-elected. Get a mirror, Juliet.
That finger you're pointing should be pointing at you. Now that small fragments of this
administration's corrupt and incompetent nature are starting to reveal themselves, the true nature
of our district's "leaders" is manifesting itself. How completely devoid of character and integrity
they all are. May they cannibalize themselves.
One final point: I see the HISD spokeswoman had "no comment" for Mr. Oberg's report. If they
can't spin it, they won't address it.
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King Grier
Quote · Oct 22 2015 5:31 PM
Suspend Grier Now!

wondering
Quote · Oct 22 2015 5:51 PM
How many schools in the district had to return funds due to the poor judgment of their
demographer? I wonder why principals could not predict their enrollment or did they give any
input at all? Seems funny to me so much money is being returned. Can we find out the number of
schools who had to return funds?
Thank-you.

Still Defending HFT
Quote · Oct 22 2015 6:33 PM
Despite the desire of some commenters to post uncontested slams against teachers, HFT
members, and HFT, this proud HFT supporter will continue to remind readers that these slams
are for the most part, baseless.
Can HFT save every teacher's job? No. What HFT will do is protect the right to due process
among its members. Sometimes teachers may be fired even when the right to due process is
protected. Sometimes teachers are fired even though HFT representatives and HFT lawyers work
to save jobs.
Can HFT turn HISD into utopia? No. This district has many, many problems. However, we are
best able to improve working conditions when we work together and stop blaming one another.
Progress is important. Perfection unachievable. Stop blaming teachers and HFT members.
Can HFT improve? Can HFT strengthen its weaknesses? Should it? Yes. Yes. and Yes. HFT is
far from perfect. That said, the HFT staff members I have interacted with have been responsive
and knowledgeable about state laws pertaining to education and HISD board policy.
If a full-throated defense of teachers, unions, and HFT is "off-putting", so be it.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 22 2015 9:02 PM
@ "They"
Sorry, but I can't buy your viewpoint that the Board members had a chance at getting the truth out
of the Grier administration. That's his method of operation - control the info. That's how he
neutered the only major newspaper in Houston (hiring Spencer, a Chronicle editor) as the upper
administration steamrolled anyone in their way. Just look at today's reaction - their own internal
auditor (who reports only to the Board) cited major discrepancies in the official HISD inflation
excuse, yet they had the balls to chastise the auditor for overstepping his bounds.
If you think Stipeche or Lunceford or Eastman challenging Grier is a recent turn of events, you're
wrong - it's been plenty evident for the past several years, including sharp comments and even
yelling matches to anyone who challenges his edicts. He's done it to principals, HMW employees
and upper administration. Why else the revolving door cabinet?
Grier needs to be suspended until this issue is fully resolved - what a great cap to an otherwise
mediocre career of destruction.

@Still Defending HFT
Quote · Oct 22 2015 10:15 PM
While you may characterize comments critical of HFT and teachers as "uncontested slams",
many others call them valid opinions based on personal experience. These comments weren't
slams; they were honest observations, and they certainly weren't uncontested. I respect the fact
that you feel strongly about the union. Please respect the fact that many do not share those
feelings.
I will give you this: we can all do better.

@Barkley
Quote · Oct 22 2015 10:36 PM
Over the years, I have found your comments to be very fair and open-minded. I appreciate and
respect that a great deal. That being said, I guess I just expect more from our board members.
Stipeche, Eastman, and Lunceford all had front row seats to this travesty. Were they willing
accomplices (probably not) or were they duped? If they were duped, then what does that say
about their competence as trustees? If they weren't duped, then how did the craziness of the last
six years ensue? Sharp comments and yelling matches aren't enough. Students, parents,
teachers, and taxpayers all deserve better. Grier serves at the board's discretion, not vice-versa.

Witness
Quote · Oct 23 2015 10:32 AM
Regarding Grier and his policies, Stipeche, Eastman and Lunceford have been in the board
minority for years. Too many of the others never questioned Grier's policies and procedures,
never voted against them. Only now, with attrition of two board members (Marshall and Harris)
and, finally, prospects for replacing other incumbents, is there a chance for a board majority to
veto bad policy. Unfortunately for HISD (except the Grier and board cronies who have already
taken our money and run away), it's too late to stop the Grier catastrophe. The next board will
have to spend much time, energy and political capital just undoing six years of damage.
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

Hell Elementary Ashford
Quote · Oct 23 2015 8:09 PM
I feel so beat up and just want to cry. I hate coming to work. My coworkers are sad. I am sad.
Nothing goes right at our school. Everyone hates being there. Our principal is an idiot and screws
everything up. The more she tries the worst she screws up. I have gone back and forth about if I
was going to quit and apply somewhere else later. I love my students and my coworkers but I
can't stand going to work. I cry on the way to work most days and feel guilty about not being the
best for my students. I feel like our principal doesn't care about anything that happens on our
campus that doesn't effect her. She is the worst kind of leader and this is not what I went to
college for. I am really considering quitting. I may not make to Dec. good night. Thanks for
reading.

FED-UP----@Hell Elementary
Quote · Oct 23 2015 11:14 PM
Your school truly sounds like hell. No one should have to be that unhappy at work. I think that you
and other members of your campus, should contact the media. Fox has run stories about HISD in
the past. Channel 13 just covered the recent audit. Maybe this is the right time to contact them.
Personally, if you are crying on your way to work, it may be time to quit. Your health is far more
important than HISD.
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TAG----@Hell Elementary
Quote · Oct 23 2015 11:20 PM
I understand totally how an incompetent and heartless principal can ruin a school. I feel sorry
about your situation. Don't blame yourself. You are not failing your students. Your principal is the
culprit. Your school deserves better and so does mine. Hopefully, a positive change will happen
for both schools.

Hang In There!
Quote · Oct 24 2015 12:51 AM
@Hell Elementary
Your post broke my heart. It reminded me of some of the young TFA corps members I mentored
over the course of many years at Attucks Middle School. The fact that you care enough to cry
means that this is important to you - and that's a good thing. While I have no easy answers,
please allow me to share some experiences and suggestions with you:
One year, my TFA mentee came to me on a Monday morning and told me that, while driving
home from school that previous Friday, she was so depressed and unhappy that she was hoping
to be in a car accident so she would have an excuse not to come to work the following week. To
be honest, that statement scared the hell out of me.
We sat down and talked. The first thing I suggested was that, if she really felt that way about
teaching, maybe it was time to find another career, or, at least another school. Once she assured
me that she wasn't having a nervous breakdown, we came up with a plan on how to make her
situation more bearable. The first thing we decided was that she should focus on things she had
control over, meaning her classroom management and her lessons. The second thing we decided
was that she would focus on recognizing/rewarding academic achievement and good behavior
rather than punitive measures for unacceptable behavior. The third thing we decided was that she
would collaborate with successful fellow teachers who had strong academic and disciplinary
skills. There were two key elements that made this teacher's transformation possible: we were
fortunate to have a staff of veteran teachers willing to share their expertise AND this young lady
was determined to be a successful teacher. It was never easy, and there were plenty more tears
along the way, but this young lady transformed herself into an exceptional educator.
I guess the key point here is to try to focus on the positive. Study successful teachers. Pick their
brains. Model their behaviors. Stay away from negative co-workers. Stay out of the teachers'
lounge. Make friends with the secretary (she's usually the most important person in the school).
Smile. Kill 'em with kindness.
One final note. Things will get better. If your principal is as bad as so many teachers seem to
believe, HISD is probably preparing an office for her at HMW.
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Opt Out Parent
Quote · Oct 24 2015 5:06 PM
HISD's testing policy as it stands would violate the Department of Education's guidelines of no
more than 2% of instructional time used for testing.
Wall Street Journal Article - DOE to Limit Testing to 2% of Instructional Time
http://www.wsj.com/articles/obama-calls-for-capping-class-time-devoted-to-standardized-tests1445705954
The HISD Snapshots alone take 5% of instruction, being one class period per month or 1/20th of
the classes in high school. Once we start adding in mandatory PSAT that my daughter had to
take as a sophomore and all the BOY and STARR tests, plus Final Exams, HISD will be pushing
the 10% threshold of instructional time spent testing.
No wonder we "opt out," much to the chagrin of our principal, as my child had commended
STAARs all through middle school. The pressure is just too much and it is unnecessarily taking
the joy out of learning.
Testing has become a perversion of its original intent and it is stressing out the kids, their parents,
and their campuses.
Shame on HISD.
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Master50
Quote · Oct 25 2015 10:22 AM
I think HISD should stop Snap Shot testing. President Obama and the DOE are changing policy
on testing and punishing teachers over faulty standardized tests. Did you look at your students
faces when they took these Snap Shots this week? I saw anger and depression. What did you
see this week?
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Snapshots
Quote · Oct 25 2015 6:32 PM
To Master50 and Opt Out Parent
You can thank Lance Menster and Ann Wolfe for the deplorable snapshots. Their departments
create these sloppy assessments. Nothing to be proud of.
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questioning why?
Quote · Oct 25 2015 7:05 PM
Why would any board member be against an external audit, unless they know something the rest
of us do not.
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also upset ashford
Quote · Oct 25 2015 7:38 PM
@ HANG IN THERE and HELL ELEMENTARY
I feel you are sincere but that you do not understand just how negative the situation is. There are
about two veteran teachers here and they are both going at the end of the year. This lady has
managed to disgust just about every decent human being on this campus from the custodial staff
to the teachers with the most years. It is incredible how people do manage to fake it when they
see her. I am sure it is a waste of time. It is what it is! I will be leaving too.

Campus Administrator
Quote · Oct 26 2015 7:18 AM
@ Snapshots. I agree. And what makes matters worse is that these two know-it-alls are
unresponsive when you call their departments. Try getting one of them on the phone to answer a
Snapshot question. It won't happen. They consider themselves too far up the food chain to take a
phone call from a campus. I work in a middle school and have called more than once. Couldn't
get through to Ms. Wolfe, the person I wanted to speak to, not her curriculum people. My
colleagues on elementary campuses say that Menster isn't any better. Am I crazy for thinking that
when you produce error-ridden Snapshots and misaligned curriculum, it's your job to field
questions from campuses? Someone needs to educate Wolfe and Menster about PR. They aren't
making any friends out here.

Really?
Quote · Oct 26 2015 9:46 AM
I thought the snapshots were supposed to be optional this year...

Optional--Not
Quote · Oct 26 2015 4:33 PM
They aren't optional at my school. Maybe that's the BS the school offices are feeding Grier and
the Board.
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Student Numbing and Snapshot Cray Cray
Quote · Oct 26 2015 5:39 PM
If you must administer a test and following distribution you have to explain that #15 has no correct
answer, #23 has two correct answers and #25 the map legend says blah blah blah, many
students shut down, tune out, or rightfully question the purpose of bothering to even make an
effort.
The students just get numb to the entire assessment process. It would seem probable that some
of this numbness would then spill over on to some of the higher stakes testing that happens later
in the school year. Meanwhile, teachers' jobs are on the line. Students don't get the academic
experiences that set them up for success. Parents search for alternatives. All by design.

Been There
Quote · Oct 26 2015 5:53 PM
To Campus Administrator
I also thought it was curious that I couldn't get Ms. Wolf on the phone. When I called back to
speak to her, she wasn't available again. I've since heard that she doesn't take phone calls.
Helping campuses understand poorly written snapshot questions is pretty important, don't you
think? I've also heard she's very inexperienced so maybe she doesn't understand that helping
campuses is part of her job. I suggest a mentor to show her the ropes. She might not mean to
offend.

@really
Quote · Oct 26 2015 8:13 PM
Snapshots are at the principals discretion. Not all campuses are doing them.

FED-UP----@also upset
Quote · Oct 27 2015 6:23 AM
Maybe it's time to get more support from the parents. If anyone is close enough to a vocal parent,
maybe they can convince them to speak out at the next PTO meeting. They can also ask the
SSO to come to the next parent meeting. It may not work. However, it sounds like your campus
needs help. Try it.
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Snapshot nightmare
Quote · Oct 27 2015 6:58 AM
Master 50, I did look at my students expression and I did see anger and depression. But I also
looked at my administrators expressions and saw happiness and self confidence. Why? Because
if the scores aren't good, they have a weapon to hammer teachers with. Aren't these supposed to
be formative assessments? Aren't these supposed to be used to reteach?
Why should teachers be beaten up over snapshot results? Help me understand please.

FED-UP---Snapshots/Benchmarks/ETC.
Quote · Oct 27 2015 3:17 PM
All this testing proves absolutely nothing. Here are some responses that my students said about a
recent test. I even had them repeat it to the principal.
1. I don't care. It doesn't really count.
2. I just put any answer.
3. I was too tired. I guessed
4. I didn't read it. It's too long.
5. When I take the real test I'll try.
6. It's boring.
7. Again? Didn't we just take one?
8. Big deal. They'll pass me anyway. They always do.
9. So I'll go to summer school. It's boring at home and my friends are going anyway.
I kid you not. The principal said nothing and left. Our jobs are on the line. How about some
student accountability? RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wondering
Quote · Oct 27 2015 4:42 PM
Why is the photo of Arny Viramontes attached to the story about Issa Dadoush?

Brutus
Quote · Oct 27 2015 5:34 PM
At least one of the flawed subject area snapshots given this year is literally the same flawed
snapshot from the year before. What, exactly, did this department do with a year to fix this mess?

HISD Parent
Quote · Oct 27 2015 5:50 PM
Been There, Why do you think an inexperienced person has been given such a high-level
position? If Ms. Wolf is inexperienced, she doesn't have the background to make decisions
affecting the academic well-being of Houston's children. Why does HISD hire people like this? It
sounds as though the district is not attracting educators who have spent years in schools learning
the ropes. I refuse to believe that experience doesn't matter.
As a parent, I am upset to know my children's teachers are having part of their classroom
instruction controlled by a greenhorn. In terms of providing a mentor, that's a kind suggestion, but
it's further proof that she is ill-equipped for the job.

master50
Quote · Oct 27 2015 6:29 PM
Snap Shots are used to attack teachers. However, the DLA will be used against teachers. Your
evaluation is tied to the DLA this year. All this illegal activity with testing will stop in January. I will
tell all of you a little secret, all of these exams are recycled snapshots that are years old; use the
old exams to prep your students. This is why teachers are required to teach from the old STAAR
release exams to just survive STAAR exam season. If teachers add up the time on test prep and
testing, we spend at least 9 weeks of the school year on this nonsense.
Bottom line: tests are used to drive great and creative teachers
out of teaching. I WILL NOT GO HISD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Barkley
Quote · Oct 27 2015 9:07 PM
@ Fed Up
I've thought about your comments for the last few days, and I'm very sorry you feel the way you
do and have to work someplace you feel is not cohesive to your beliefs and desires.
Breathe. Then breathe again. Your kids need you to at least finish out the year, because frankly
they don't need any further disruption in what sounds to be a disruptive environment. Keep this
one, simple perspective in mind - you are a teacher, and perhaps there is no greater superhero
than that. Your kids file/run in to school every day needing an adult to make sense of this world
and their classroom and school experience. There are things you can control and things you
can't. You need to best compartmentalize those things you can't, and cultivate the things you can.
Even if it's one or two students a day, they go home and tell their parents everything that
happened at school - mostly about the exciting things, sometimes about the unfortunate.
Continue to make their day exciting, show your enthusiasm about what and how you teach, and
let them know tomorrow will be better.
You dry their tears, you anchor their world, you add a sense of normalcy to sometimes hectic or
dismal outside influences. You laugh at their silly jokes, and you help set the boundaries of how
they should behave in any given circumstance. They love you for it, whether they show that love
and appreciation or not. They love that you may make mistakes and are human after all. And 5,
10 or 20 years down the road, they remember you. And maybe even you spark a kid to want to
be like you and become a devoted teacher.
Breathe. And when open transfer period comes around, look for a campus that believes in the
same things you do. There's a lot of them out there, believe me - even in HISD.

Jolanda's good judgement
Quote · Oct 27 2015 9:16 PM
I find it hard to believe that I am just hearing that school board member candidate Jolanda Jones
is filming a new tv reality show scheduled to air when the new board is sworn in January.
The Variety Magazine reported on June 2 "The other series revolves around a group of give
African American female lawyers in Houston, Texas who have coined themselves as the “Sisters
in Law.” The show explores the women’s shared struggles for success, as they practice civil and
criminal law."
We all know that Jolanda is flamboyant and first to claim the title of protector of the victimized
citing her childhood experience of hunger and suicide. I empathized with poverty kids, but with
this new revelation I sense that I am being played. Is her school board campaign really about
HISD's needs or about a filming crew promoting her Hollywood celebrity? I admired her when she
leveled with the public about sending her child to a charter school many years ago, but why keep
"Sisters in Law" hush? It has been noted at the debates that she is weak on education
understanding as evident by her reading HFT talking points from her cell phone. We knows
Jolanda likes center stage. But now this? I just deeply question her good judgment about
pursuing Hollywood celebrity while running for school board.

Witness
Quote · Oct 27 2015 10:30 PM
Jolanda Jones is another grandstanding narcissist. I pray that her district voters do not send her
to the HISD board. She is not qualified. She would be a distraction at best, destruction at worst.
The last damn thing wee need is even one more self-serving seat-warmer whose primary interest
is looking out for #1.

wondering why
Quote · Oct 28 2015 3:58 AM
@Jolanda's good judgement- Thank-you for posting this information. I find it appalling if this is
true. As it has been said, we are not looking for celebrity on the school board, we want board
members who truly have the heart of our students, teachers and community as their priority. Is
there anyone who can respond and or validate this info. Wondering why she was endorsed if this
is true and why this information was not released previously.

Inexperience is part of the problem
Quote · Oct 28 2015 6:29 AM
@Brutus
You have asked a good question, I think the HISD parent has provided the answer. When HISD
allows inexperienced people to lead important departments, we all suffer, i.e., snapshot questions
with two correct answers, incorrect answers, or no correct answer at all. How can the data from
these unreliable assessments be taken seriously?

*ss Backwards
Quote · Oct 28 2015 8:40 AM
To the Campus Administrator,
If a person on Wolfe's level needs a mentor, she shouldn't have been hired to begin with. Just
hire the mentor for God's sake. This is absurd!

To •ssBackwards
Quote · Oct 28 2015 10:38 AM
From what some people in the Curriculum Dept say, she is difficult to work for-aloof and
humorless. They aren't experiencing much job satisfaction in her dept.

21. 9 Million Dollars for What?
Quote · Oct 28 2015 12:26 PM
The Houston Chronicle reported that 11.6 million dollars were spent on copies, cell phone
stipends, staff salaries and food. The true cost of this mismanagement for those items allow is not
$11.6 million dollars but 21.9 millions dollars by the time the bonds are paid off. (Assuming a 4.3
interest rate for 15 years.) Property tax owners in Houston will be on the hook for 21.9 million
dollars for items that should have been part of the district's annual budget.
Grier has nothing invested in Houston. If I made a 21 million dollar mismanagement decision. I
would have fired long ago. For some reason, the Trustees don't have the heart or guts to fire him
and not his pension or anything else under the auspices of his gross negligence and
mismanagement of public (school) funds. He is not entitled to another dollars of HISD and Harris
County property owners money.
Let make sure a well rounded Superintendent is chosen

It's not about learning. It's about testing.
Quote · Oct 28 2015 7:24 PM
I find the snapshot debate on this website so interesting. You will be hard-pressed to find a
teacher in this district who feels her students have grown academically because of these
assessments. Yet, the snapshots are in place again this year and on numerous campuses,
teachers are being forced to administer them. On one campus, you won't believe this!, kids are
practicing for the snapshot. You heard me, practicing for the snapshot. Is that not your definition
of insanity?
All I can say is, good job Grier, Houlihan, Menster, and Wolf. I challenge you to look at last year's
scores. If your snapshots were so effective, why didn't our STARR scores improve? Students
took snapshots all year long and we still lagged behind the state. Think about that and then stop
wasting teachers and students time.

The Leftovers or Left Behind
Quote · Oct 28 2015 8:15 PM
Only 24 Votes! Never Again! Barkley, your personal insults do not do any good. At least, I am
working behind the scene in HISD. I hope once Grier and his out of state folks leave, You and
others should not come in like the victorious returing conquering army. Those left behind who grin
and bear it for six years need to the front runners for any new positions. They deserve a purple
star and to be considered first in line. So you and they others who left need to go to the back of
the line.

Hurt Nowhere
Quote · Oct 28 2015 8:15 PM
Now what like many disgruntled teachers over the years i left for a better place. However, I
quickly found out that without the former principal's reference you are dead in the water. I
interviewed was invited to many HISD teacher events and I am still here sitting being
unemployed. The financial drain is taking its toll on me and my family. I had over 11 years in the
classroom and not one serious offer. What do I do now?

@Adam Stephens
Quote · Oct 29 2015 6:18 AM
Why do these type of people get to fire anyone they want with NO reprocusions? I guess
homophobic, incompetence, and narcissism gets you a long way in this district. @hurt- we feel
your pain..we will continue to pray for you... hopefully you did not have to work for an Adam
"perfect boy" Stephens like we did.

Incompetence
Quote · Oct 29 2015 7:38 AM
@It's not about learning...
Amen! You said it perfectly. But Houlihan, Menster, and Wolf the newcomer, are immune to
criticism. They don't care what teachers think, it is widely known that the Snapshots are poorly
constructed but despite that reality, they are still being given and teachers are still being criticized
because of the results. I think that must explain the Snapshot practice another person
commented on.
When will the three musketeers, Houlihan, Menster, and Wolf, be evaluated for poor work, the
way teachers are evaluated for poor performance? Why are they held to a different standard?

More Waste of HISD Monies
Quote · Oct 29 2015 11:20 AM
The Transportation Department scrapped a transportation software program before it was
implemented. After spending over $500,000 on a software system, training and staff time in both
the Information Technology and Transportation Departments Nathan Graf and Reverend Chester
Glaude dropped the program.. Glaude told our staff that the program was too complicated. They
even tried to blame us for its failure. I think the name of the program is called Edulog.. I have
been told that this program is currently being used by other local school districts in Aldine and in
schools districts like Broward County, Atlanta, Nashville and New York City.
Who gives them the authority to just throw away taxpayers dollars.? Somebody needs to look into
this.

Ex Teacher Houston
Quote · Oct 29 2015 4:56 PM
Reading through all the comments about Ashford teachers makes my heart hurt. I was a teacher
there when Sikes first came and I left as soon as I could. I have so many horror stories from my
year there. Sometimes people do not believe me when I speak about what happened. I can only
tell the teachers who are suffering to stay clear of Sikes, show up do your job and leave. Sikes is
a poison that is sucking the life out of the teachers there. You can make an old building look
pretty but if people aren't happy the school will still look old and sad. The ONLY saving grace that
Ashford has is the AP. He is the only ray of sunshine at that school for the teachers left. I will
have a celebration the day Sikes is gone!

FED-UP----@Barkley
Quote · Oct 29 2015 6:31 PM
Thanks for your concern. However, I never said that I was planning to leave in the middle of the
year or planning to leave teaching. Not sure how you got that from my post. I assure you that I am
not concerned about any of these tests. My scores are good. I don't have anything to worry
about. I was just posting the student comments because they don't take it seriously, yet HISD
does.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 29 2015 8:52 PM
@ The Leftovers or Left Behind
Help me understand what "personal insults" comments I've made. Seriously. I've only tried to
point out people's obvious limitations and machinations.

For Dr. Ann McCoy
Quote · Oct 30 2015 5:09 PM
You obviously do not know Dr. Ann McCoy if you think she can be bought. She is a strong
advocate for community schools, teachers, and students. She deeply understands "the plight of
teachers" and is a vocal spokesperson against school closures.

Barkley
Quote · Oct 30 2015 8:58 PM
@ Fed Up - My apologies...my comments were supposed to be directed at Hell Elementary.

FED-UP---@Barkley
Quote · Oct 31 2015 6:23 AM
Thanks. No problem.

another ex teacher Houston
Quote · Oct 31 2015 8:16 PM
@ ex teacher-please be sure to post the details of the party. I know at least half a dozen ex
employees who will come.

@ another ex teacher Texas
Quote · Nov 1 2015 9:32 PM
There are current employees who would come and celebrate.

For What It's Worth
Quote · Nov 2 2015 1:30 PM
Regarding Spring Valley High in South Carolina:
I found the actions of the police officer to be highly objectionable, but I am not quite ready or
willing to give the student a free pass. Apparently, she defied both her teacher and the building
principal before the police officer was called in. While I believe the officer handled the situation
poorly, I wonder how many teachers and students were relieved/pleased/satisfied that this
student was removed from class. I also wonder how many readers know that students at that
same school conducted a peaceful walk-out in SUPPORT of that police officer after they learned
he had been relieved of his duties. The walk-out lasted about ten minutes, was orderly, and
included about 100 students (Black and White). The principal thanked the students for their
brevity and civility and requested that they return to class. They did. Alas, this addendum to the
Spring Valley saga did not receive the same media attention as the altercation between a Black
student and a white cop.
No racial tension + no violence = no story. How sad.

@ ex teacher: Former Ashford Parent Greener pasture
Quote · Nov 2 2015 1:49 PM
There are former parents who would celebrate her departure as well. She is poison.

must play clean in District 4
Quote · Nov 3 2015 1:51 AM
In the final days of a hard fought campaign for HISD District 4, households in Third Ward and
Sunnyside have been receiving robo and live calls from unknown individuals who leave a bogus
call back number. Is someone showing good judgment? You be the judge. Should elections be
decided by debating the issues or by spreading misinformation? School board races are non
partisan.. If Dr. McCoy is so Republican, why was she endorsed by the Harris County Young
Democrats? Fight hard with facts, but don't make up stuff in order to manipulate. It is wrong to
victimize the citizens of Third Ward and Sunnyside again with misinformation They deserve
honesty and all candidates are obligated to make this happen.
"Hello neighbors! Ann McCoy, a Republican, needs your help to take back HISD. Republicans
across the city are supporting Ann McCoy because she believes in what we believe in. Ann is
running against Democrat Jolanda Jones, and if Republicans don't vote, Democrats will win. Join
Dr. Steven Hotze and other Republican leaders in supporting the best choice for Republicans."
The recording is available.

Another Accident Waiting to Happen
Quote · Nov 3 2015 5:36 AM
Our childen's saftey is in his hand.. . . .
TEA records show Houston Independent School District, the state's largest, applied for the seat
belt grant in November 2010. But the district's transportation chief, Nathan Graf, said officials did
not complete the application process because they did not believe HISD was eligible under the
grant criteria. Graf said that HISD, though in Harris County, did not have bus routes on highspeed two-lane roads.
http://www.caller.com/news/state/330262521.xhtml

@ For What It's Worth
Quote · Nov 3 2015 12:58 PM
@For What It's Worth
[Quote from For What It’s Worth] – “I found the actions of the police officer to be highly
objectionable, but I am not quite ready or willing to give the student a free pass.”
-The way the student is disciplined for disobeying class rules and school policy is not the issue.
Without question, being slammed to the floor for being uncooperative does not fit within the realm
of school discipline. This was a violent assault against a child. Discussions regarding how schools
deal with non-compliance with phone policies could be interesting but not relevant to this incident.
The child was a victim of a violent assault carried out by an adult who is supposed to be
responsible for ensuring school safety. Commentary centered around how the student is
disciplined is merely one manifestation of the all too popular – blame the victim. This is similar to
yer ol “but she was dressed in provocative clothing so it isn’t really rape”.
-[“Apparently, she defied both her teacher and the building principal before the police officer was
called in.”]
-So what. Sometimes teenagers are defiant. As adults, as professionals, we must constantly
model appropriate behaviors. Very possibly, the most important learning loss that occurred that
day in that classroom was not curriculum or content related. Students in the class could have
learned that physical force and violence are not an option when faced with defiance. Students
could have learned that all students and all people deserve respect, even when they behave
wrongly. Students could have learned that this teacher had a variety of methods of deescalating a
situation, even if that meant “not winning” the moment.
-[While I believe the officer handled the situation poorly, I wonder how many teachers and
students were relieved/pleased/satisfied that this student was removed from class.]
-Even if 100% of the faculty and 100% of the student body were “relieved, pleased, satisfied” it
wouldn’t come close to beginning to excuse this officer’s behavior or how the teacher and
principal handled the entire situation. I wonder why neither the teacher nor principal acted to stop
the attack.
-[I also wonder how many readers know that students at that same school conducted a peaceful
walk-out in SUPPORT of that police officer after they learned he had been relieved of his duties.
The walk-out lasted about ten minutes, was orderly, and included about 100 students (Black and
White). The principal thanked the students for their brevity and civility and requested that they
return to class. They did. Alas, this addendum to the Spring Valley saga did not receive the same
media attention as the altercation between a Black student and a white cop. No racial tension +
no violence = no story. How sad.]
-It is good that students acted in a peaceful way to protest something they perceived as unjust.
Civil disobedience against injustice should be encouraged. Perhaps the students who chose to
protest will continue to reflect on the benefits of living in a just society, a society in which one is
safe from violent attacks at the hands of law enforcement for merely being uncooperative. Maybe
the students who engaged in this peaceful protest will continue to evolve in their thinking, moving
beyond allegiance or loyalty and toward fairness, equity, and humane treatment for all - even the
misbehavers or law breakers.

Westside resident Ashford Elementary
Quote · Nov 3 2015 3:51 PM
I believe I counted over 10 comments about how poor the principal is at Ashford Elementary. This
is really a concern for me. I have heard through the neighborhood other residents' complaints of
her lack of williness to help keep traffic managiable and just the utter disregard she has for
listening to people's concerns. I am wondering why she os still aloud to lead a school. I can see
teachers are not happy and I have heard parents and other residents are not happy. The way to
fix the issue seems simple to me. Can her!!! Where I come from, not getting the job done calls for
a change in personal to someone who will get it done!!!!

For What It's Worth
Quote · Nov 3 2015 10:16 PM
Reply to @For What It's Worth:
I respect your passion, but you either purposely or mistakenly misconstrued my points. Either that
or your anger with my post led you to make inferences that are totally off-target. Let me clarify
some things. Number one, I agree that the officer's actions were unacceptable, but, at what point
does the student accept responsibility for the behavior that led to this ugly incident? I read your
post several times before responding. You made no mention of the student's role in this event.
Number two, when does expecting a student to follow the directions of a teacher, principal, and
police officer constitute blaming the victim? I'll grant you that the young lady should not have
been thrown to the floor, but I also recognize that the real victims here are students who can't
learn because of her behavior. You've been watching way too many episodes of "Law and Order:
SVU" if you want to use that "blame the victim" crap. Finally, equating my comment with a tacit
approval of rape is not only intellectually dishonest, it's plain ignorant. You're reading things that
aren't there.
I've been teaching for a long time (over 30 years) in a very difficult middle school with a tough
student body. I've been a very successful teacher for several reasons, including my ability to
diffuse potentially-volatile situations without resorting to violent confrontations. The teacher,
principal, and police officer could have done much better. Agreed. But why do you insist on
absolving this young lady of all responsibility for her behavior? You make the statement: "I
wonder why neither the teacher nor the principal took action to stop the attack." Think about it. It
speaks volumes, as does the students' protest in support of the officer. I've had students like the
young lady in this video. Like many teachers, I make a sincere effort to help all of my students as
much as I can. Sadly, and for many reasons, our efforts are not always successful. When a
student becomes an obstacle to the education of the rest of the students, what does one do? You
offered plenty of criticisms but no solution(s), so let me ask you now, "What would you have done
if you were this young lady's teacher?" The teachers at my school have one policy: Constructive
criticism is welcome, but please provide solutions with your critiques. What is your solution?
My greatest concern as a teacher is that, if we allow our young people to go through twelve or
thirteen years of school without teaching them that there are consequences for unacceptable
behavior, then we are setting them up for failure. If we allow our young people to go through
twelve or thirteen years of school without teaching them to respect the rights of others, including
their fellow classmates, then we are setting them up for failure. Whether you become the boss or
a worker bee, your success in life often depends on your ability to respect and work well with
others - even if you don't like them.
So, while I don't condone the officer's handling of this situation, I am convinced we are doing
young people a great disservice by fearing to teach them consequences for their actions and
respect for others. I sincerely believe that if you feel this young lady bears no responsibility for
this event, then you are doing her a greater harm than this police officer did.

@ reply to for what it's worth
Quote · Nov 4 2015 7:30 AM
You asked why I made no mention of the student's role. The student's role was the victim. Period.
As I stated in my first reply, to entangle the officer's attack on this student with any discussion of
this student's behavior is to blame the victim. As a thought experiment - what if this student had
been reciting The Lord's Prayer in a normal talking voice while the teacher was trying to instruct
the class? Disruptive? Yes. How to deal with the disruption? There would be many options. But if
I chose to slam the student to the floor, we wouldn't be saying well yes, the teacher should have
never slammed the student to the floor BUT.... the STUDENT....
Or at least those with an ability to focus on the real issue would not. Because the real issue isn't
the disruption of the learning environment. The issue is that I attacked and violently assaulted the
child. When it comes to violently attacking a child, there is no BUT the student did this or that.
Every word that follows "but the student" shifts the focus away from the violent perpetrator of an
attack. The issues in this case are not related. 1. Student disobedience 2. Attack against a child.
To suggest that #1 CAUSED #2 is to blame the victim.
What would I do or better yet, what do I do? Well first of all, I can assure you that I never have
100% compliance with classroom rules. First thing is to establish classroom order. I use the word
order because it implies that "in this classroom we have a way of doing things. Establishing
"order" requires active participation from all present - teacher and students. The "order" is based
on respect. Respect for learning, respect for one another and respect for visitors. When a student
breaks out a phone, I might say something along the lines of "Cindy, I am appreciative of your
desire to double check the definition I just provided." or "Joseph, I see you have your phone
handy. Will you set your timer for 4 minutes? We will write our exit tickets and have a couple of
minutes to debrief. Thanks Joseph. All set?" or I would walk near Lucy's desk, lean in, and quietly
say -"Lucy, I would really appreciate it if you would put your phone in a safe place. I am going to
ask for your interpretation of this section of the reading -pointing to the part I want Lucy to
interpret in about 45 seconds. Thanks." If Lucy didn't put the phone away or if any of these
students did not put their phones away, I would not focus the attention of the entire class on their
refusal. My actions depend on what is happening within the lesson. If it is a good time for a pair
share, you could say - partner with a person that has your same model of phone, one of you set
your timer for 45 seconds. Read the second paragraph silently and reflect on its meaning. When
the timer sounds each of you share your thoughts. You have 15 seconds to find someone with
your same model phone. Go. Will all student have a phone or find a match. No. That isn't the
purpose and there are easy work arounds. The point is, I think, that you engage your students,
treat them with respect, don't set up the "I must win this battle this minute at any cost". When
students do not put phones away after these interventions, I usually move on with the lesson and
find a way to quietly follow up to find out why they are not cooperating and deliver consequences
when appropriate. I have kept a student after class and asked them to use their phone to get their
parent. "Hi Ms. Jones. This is ____________ here at ___________. I asked Danny to ring you up
and I apologize if this is a bad time. I was hoping that you and Danny could have a discussion this
evening about appropriate phone use. Thanks. And as always, I appreciate your support." I am a
bit NOT old school but I am old. Sometimes I do crazy shit that does not work. Sometimes I get
discouraged and frustrated and angry. I find it helpful to share that with my students. "I am feeling
discouraged by the lack of focus today. I am feeling anger because we are not showing respect.
Let's get our mojo back." Sometimes I am ready to do cartwheels when the bell rings for
dismissal. Sometimes I get frustrated with all the walk-in interruptions. I have told my
students....the next person who walks into this room and hands me something, let's ALL STAND
UP, BREAK OUT OUR PHONES and act like we are talking.
If you have other ideas, feel free to add to the list of things to do with non-compliance. Again,
what the student in this case did or did not do isn't relative to the discussion of what this officer
did. To link the two is to blame the victim.

For What It's Worth
Quote · Nov 4 2015 12:02 PM
I respect your obvious skill as a teacher. I disagree with your interpretation of victim blaming. If
unacceptable behavior goes unaddressed (and I don't mean getting thrown on the floor), then we
are setting our students up for failure. That's all I'm trying to say.

@HISD PARENT
Quote · Nov 4 2015 12:34 PM
They don't hire experienced people when they apply for "leadership" positions. I know of several
people who have many years of experience and can not get into the administrator pool. They
won't even interview you if you have too much experience in their eyes. Age discrimination is
what it is.

Ashford Parent
Quote · Nov 4 2015 12:44 PM
I see all these comments about principal Sikes. I will say she is not good at all. She does not care
about the students and only care about herself. It is evident in her work with parents and kids.
She is the reason we left Ashford and we would return if she left Ashford.

Response to above post
Quote · Nov 4 2015 1:26 PM
" Cindy, I am appreciative of your desire to double check the definition I just provided."
" Let's partner with a person that has your model."
" I never have 100% compliance."
ARE YOU FOR REAL? Would you really stop your lesson and have the students partner up to
discuss their phones? Here's a solution: Tell the child----put the phone away. By the way, I
always have 100% compliance because I'm not a weakling. It sounds as though the students are
running your class. Good luck with that.

@ For What It's Worth
Quote · Nov 4 2015 2:04 PM
Agreed - unacceptable behavior must be addressed. In conversations I have had with others
about this incident, people continue to want to link the kid's behavior to the officer's assault with
the caveat that they disapprove of his actions. It seems to be a "yes he was wrong, but the kid
was defiant". This troubles me because this particular officer"s "trigger" was non-compliance with
his demand. This student, being an uncooperative and disobedient child, pushed his buttons in
such a way that she was victimized. My enduring effort is directed toward getting people to think
of her first as a victim. If an abusive father beat his kid down because they made a big mess in
the living room, we wouldn't say, well the father was wrong, but the kid did make a mess and
didn't clean it up.
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I appreciate the dialogue with you on this
subject.
On this we are in agreement - kids need correction and guidance. Ignoring their lack of respect
teaches them that civility isn't worthy of their effort and convinces them that they are the center of
the universe.
Have a nice day.

Gerry Monroe@The Urban
Quote · Nov 4 2015 2:35 PM
I sat and watch yesterday a city that didnt want change. A city that believes in liars. A city that
embraces scandals. The HISD School board elections were a sham. Yes you have the right to
vote for who you want but dont complain when they screw up. Skillern jones in a runoff????
Please that was open and shut. We get rid of Stipech yet send Rodriguez to a run off. Wow!!!!
What the hell am I fighting for. So I'll just do what I do best. Give HISD hell until 2019. The I'll run
for School board. And my slogan is simple
"If You Want Me To Keep My Foot In HISD's AZZ You Have To Give Me Your Vote"!!!!
See you in 2019.

No longer empathetic
Quote · Nov 4 2015 2:53 PM
When the very people who complain about the corruption and cronyism that goes on throughout
the district vote to re- elect dishonest people like "sleepy" Rodriguez and Rhonda Jones you
deserve what you get and what you're going to get. The voters had the opportunity to clean up
the Board a little and they chose otherwise. RSJ helps her friends I.e. The Busby's and creates
environments where the "Peter Principle" runs rampant. Rodriguez is no better than Larry
Marshall, he just hasn't gotten caught yet. These people have helped ruin a once good district
because they have their own agendas that have nothing to do with the best interests of the
students or the teachers. Stipe he, albeit was weak with her constituency, at least seemed to be
trying to do the right thing and she is out. I can no longer feel bad for the uninformed parents who
vote for these people and expect change. Insanity, at least the definition according to Einstein
rules!

Help Desk
Quote · Nov 4 2015 3:59 PM
I received an e-mail from you at 9:08 and 9:18 this morning. Then I received a message from one
of the secretaries to respond to your note. Are you aware I teach? I had an English department
meeting at 8:00, two classes before lunch, and I am currently at lunch in the library because I am
tutoring over 50 students. I will then go back to my room and teach another class until school is
out. All I can tell you is that I did both the IDP and the TADS and both disappeared. Thankfully,
my AP had already seen the TADS and agreed with them. Furthermore, I spent a huge amount of
time doing my IPD.(and the TADS) It matters to me. I want to have goals for my future. Boom!
They were erased. I don’t know what everyone thinks but I hear there are many others having
problems. How do you expect me to take another three hours of my time because HISD does not
have the capabilities to assure teachers this won’t happen? It also happened two years ago to
me. This is unacceptable to think about wasting teacher’s time anymore with these problems. We
are too busy trying to do our jobs. If, after three years you are still having this problem, you would
think that someone might figure out that you need to make a change. It is ironic because two
years ago, I directly contacted Mr. Grier and we had someone over at our school within the half
hour. I am not going to take any more time with this.
Sincerely,

@ Response to Above Post
Quote · Nov 4 2015 5:26 PM
No I would not have students pair share about their phone. But asking students to find a partner
who has their same color t-shirt or same model phone or same phone prefix...all are, in my mind
acceptable ways to get students to partner with different people as opposed to their buddy best
friend.
I think you misunderstand the purpose of pairing up. Think. Pair. Share - is a strategy frequently
used with great success. It gets students engaged with the content and talking to one another
about the content instead of me belting out 50 minutes of teacher centered instruction while the
students are 100% compliant and "sit and get". Having students pair up or get into groups is not
"stopping the lesson" but instead, planned parts of the lesson. As for your desire to think of me as
a weakling - oh well. If you have that view, that is certainly your right. It is wonderful that you have
100% compliance and I hope that method works for you and your students. I am more interested
in authentic engagement and less concerned with 100% compliance. Some teachers can create
an environment that is characterized by compliance and that gives them much comfort. My own
view is that there is a huge difference between compliance and authentic engagement. More
learning occurs when students are engaged. I do so hope that my students are "running my
class" if that means that they are self-directed, and of course achieving the learning goal of the
day. You have a nice evening.

HISD Veteran
Quote · Nov 4 2015 6:09 PM
@ Desk Help
Thank Lenny Schad for this ongoing debacle. He's in charge of all technology-related issues. But
he's another untouchable, like Menster. Both of these men know whose butt to kiss. Why do you
think they earn such exorbitant salaries with NO EVIDENCE that they've implemented successful
programs? Reading scores stink and PowerUp too often powers down. It's all a farce and
teachers and students are suffering because of their incompetence. People say Rodney Watson
wants Menster in Spring. Go! Please go. Maybe we'll have real reading progress if a trained
literacy person replaces him. And Schad is supposedly trying to get a job elsewhere. He wants
out because Grier is leaving. We can only hope these two frauds exit soon.

Good Luck!
Quote · Nov 4 2015 7:52 PM
@Gerry Monroe and "No Longer Empathetic" :
The same thoughts occurred to me. Apparently, this is a city that doesn't want change, a city that
is okay with the corruption, waste, and incompetence of the district's leadership. So be it. Even
though the local media have been most generous in their (lack of) coverage of this
administration's transgressions, enough information has reached the public to at least let them
know that something is rotten in HISD. Still, whether due to ignorance, apathy, or satisfaction,
they voted for more of the same.
Houston, you have exactly the school district you deserve. Deal with it.
Mr. Monroe, thanks for making a difference.

Voting
Quote · Nov 4 2015 9:18 PM
I won't be voting for anyone whose slogan has anything to do with putting a foot in someone's
hindparts. We are civilized people. I'm for less violence and more cohesiveness. Violence and
crazy talk only creates more of the same. When will we learn?

Barkley
Quote · Nov 4 2015 9:38 PM
How sad the one board member up for reelection who had any interest in protecting the integrity
of the District and the best educational journey for kids and teachers was voted off. The one
trustee who asked questions and didn't stand down from from Chief Bully or his minions is gone.
Truly tragic for the District. Thank you Ms. Stipeche for caring and for your endless hours on
behalf of the students and teachers of HISD, fighting the good fight.
I hold dim hope that Davila is at least more aware of the severe issues facing HISD, challenges
certainly more troubling since her last bite of the apple. Challenges purely self-inflicted through 6
years of abuse, misdirection, and lack of management accountability. Challenges that if any
teacher or principal had created, they would have been terminated long ago.
HISD is a sick, sick patient. So many systems are broken. Teachers, principals and campuses
are spinning around, chasing their tails in multiples exercises of futility.

concerned
Quote · Nov 5 2015 4:23 AM
"Community based campaign' as in what happened to all the Stipeche signs in the community?
We know they were removed, defaced and placed sporadically throughout the community by
others. I wonder who could have done such a malicious deed? We all know why Davila left HISD
previously and will we be in for more of the same? How voters could overlook what she did and
allow her a seat back on the board says how ill informed they are. I now wonder who on the
board will be our watchdog? Watch and Urban, I hope you all continue your good work.

New and Frustrated
Quote · Nov 5 2015 7:38 AM
To Help Desk
Thank you for your comment. I am new in HISD this year so at first I thought my difficulties were
my own fault. When I spoke to my administrator, however, he reassured me that my troubles are
typical and that this is an ongoing problem in HISD. Your post reassured me further. I'm not sure
why a district of this size, with so many technology people, is unable to work out the kinks, but
you got it right. I have wasted hours on TADS, time better spent preparing lessons. All of this is
so disappointing and frustrating. By the way, my AP told me not to call HMW, because those
people are unresponsive. I don't get that either. Aren't they there to help?

fix the problem
Quote · Nov 5 2015 5:32 PM
Technology??? Is that what you call it? Computers shutting down, computers freezing, computers
so slow we just shut down. It is ridiculous! 2015 and our technology is working as if it were 1990.
How frustrating and ridiculous. And how much are these guys making?

Curious...
Quote · Nov 5 2015 6:54 PM
The folks not in run offs....who are they backing? Skillern Jones or the other guy? Rodriguez or
Lea? Wondering....


Who cares?
Quote · Nov 5 2015 8:31 PM
I know that pair-share is a strategy. I've used it with great success. My comment was because
you said that if a student had a phone, you would do a pair-share rather than take the phone. It
sounded as if you only did the pair-share because the student took out their phone. You never
indicated that it was originally part of the lesson. It probably wasn't. Anyway, you are entitled to
run your class as you see fit.

@ Who Cares
Quote · Nov 5 2015 10:01 PM
I rarely feel the need to take a student's phone. Redirecting the off task behaviors instead of
stopping class to confiscate a phone is almost always my first move.
As for your comment "It probably wasn't", the strategies I offered in the earlier post were in
response to one commenter's question about what to do when a student refuses to put their
phone away. The think pair share can work in a variety of situations and can be used effectively
during planned and unplanned moments. Your comment suggested that if a student had a phone,
I would have them pair up and talk about their phones. Ridiculous. However, think pair share and
partnering with someone who has a particular type of phone would give me a chance to speak to
the student, reminding them about appropriate phone use and class expectations in that regard in
a respectful, non-confrontational way.
Big thanks for granting other teachers the right to "run class the way they see fit". That means so
much.

You Just Got Fooled Again
Quote · Nov 5 2015 11:12 PM
Meet the new board - same as the old board.
Whatever happened to public servants who served the public rather than themselves and their
friends? Grier employs half of San Diego and North Carolina and the district is in the worst shape
it's ever been. Marshall was a
straight-up gangster. Paula Harris wasn't far behind. Davila appears to have similar aspirations.
We have career politicians bouncing between city hall and HISD (first Adams and now it looks like
J. Jones - a person who wouldn't send her own kid to HISD schools). Students treated like test
subjects. Millions/Billions of dollars wasted.
Grier and the board have been a seven-year blight on Houston, and the city, instead of coming
together to stop this nonsense, now finds itself bitterly-divided over HERO. As some of my
students would say, "Y'all are some crazy m----- f------ !"

Shaking My Head
Quote · Nov 6 2015 5:36 AM
For anyone to even consider RSJ to lead this board again must not have an understanding of
what she has allowed for the duration of her tenure. She has supported this turmoil that has been
created. The constituents of our area are just plain uninformed and she knows this. She gives a
few robo calls and now all of a sudden she is great. Some people just cannot be helped. Stop
holding these community meetings complaining about the state of the schools. You had an
opportunity to show that you were invested in your kids and still the majority of you still support
someone that is not capable of doing anything but promoting her friends and family. Everyone
knows that she interfered with the principal selection at the middle school and that situation is a
complete joke. When I visit that school, when allowed, it is a major headache. Williams is running
itself. Then, the elementary school is a mess. When I reported my concerns to RSJ at the
community meeting, she just gave me this dumb, dense look as if, how dare you talk about my
friends like that. Not one concern about the welfare nor safety of the students. The Busby's have
contributed heavy to her campaign and promoted RSJ every Sunday in church. Some people
enjoy being used and abused.

Dual Language across the district
Quote · Nov 6 2015 6:15 AM
The superintendent told principals all schools will be dual language. Wouldn't that eliminate
choice? People are feeling pressured to make the change over. When will the new supt get here?
SOme are saying the "board" already knows who they want. Still hearing Houlihaun?

@fix the problem
Quote · Nov 6 2015 8:53 AM
You probably do not have a qualified technology person on your campus. Few campuses do.

HISD parent
Quote · Nov 6 2015 10:14 AM
You ain't kidding, You Just Got Fooled Again. But the fools are the voters who keep on putting -and keeping -- known crooks and self-promoters into office. What the hell is wrong with these
citizens? How ignorant and/or lazy can they be, to keep supporting these clowns? Why can't they
wake up and see that they themselves are being taken for fools? Ugh.

Who Cares?
Quote · Nov 6 2015 10:54 AM
Two comments:
1. I was trying to be nice when I said you have the right to conduct your class as you see fit. I
didn't appreciate your sarcastic response.
2. You work for the district. Every time you don't take the phone away, you are in violation of
district policy.

Annonymous Houston, Tx
Quote · Nov 6 2015 12:00 PM
It seems that among the clerical staff at Clifton, a set up is brewing. I for a fact know that the
secretary does not enter her own time. Let's question the back up person to payroll. It seems that
we are quick to post and question but not look at the inside job. People please grow up. If you do
not want to be under the principal or secretary please remove yourself and find employment else
where. I mean that's IF you got skills and knowledge then there would be no problem in acquiring
another position but yet I forget those who have to call out people in this manner probably don't
have what it takes to find employment elsewhere. Then they wonder why they were not chosen to
be secretary. Hmmm...

Insider 1A
Quote · Nov 6 2015 12:38 PM
Great editorial on candidates! Still surprised Stipeche lost. They were shocked at HMW. Shocked
on all of it

@True Insider
Quote · Nov 6 2015 4:02 PM
People in the know- have been saying it's going to between Adam Stephens and Drew
Houlihan...school board members are meeting with them individually.

fix the problem
Quote · Nov 6 2015 5:46 PM
@ @fix the problem- it's the district. I have spoken to too many others with the same issues. We
have high priced folks, with low level knowledge running too many departments. These issues are
directly related to the district.

@Who Cares
Quote · Nov 6 2015 6:11 PM
Got it.
1. Sorry for the sarcasm. I should have responded to your granting of permission to conduct class
as I see fit with a joyful thank you.
2. I believe phone policies are set by each campus - with the exception of testing, locker rooms,
bathrooms etc. I won't bother with researching the district's policy on this issue. Frequently, I have
administrators visiting my classes. Their feedback regarding student engagement, redirecting off
task behaviors, and classroom management have been very positive. I have never received any
feedback indicating there was a problem with the way I respond to a student who was texting
under a desk or something like that.
3. I get the sense that your motivation is not coming from any desire to share ideas about how to
deal with students who have a phone visible during class. You have a method that produces
"100% compliance". Best wishes to you and this will be my final comment to you about this issue
. Moving on.

No way!
Quote · Nov 6 2015 7:02 PM
No way can it be Adam Stevens. Talk about mass exodus. And a joke!!!!

And....
Quote · Nov 6 2015 7:55 PM
OMG! Can we look at Sam Sarabia over those other two? Dallas Dance? Karen Garza? Joe
Espinoza? ROdney Watson? Any of these would be a superior choice to Adam Stephens or Drew
Houlihan. Talk about laughing stock around town if someone thought it was a good idea to even
consider Stephens. Im thinking real insider is a part time comedian.

Some unsolicited campaign advice
Quote · Nov 6 2015 8:54 PM
I vote consider voting for mr Monroe If he were to start communicating in a more civil and
professional manner. The cussing, vernacular, causing a scene just to be make people hesitant
and I worruy unable to hear the very powerful and well-intentioned message he brings. School
board members should model professional communication styles for our youngster. Would you
hire a young man or young lady if the spoke like that?

FED-UP---@True Insider
Quote · Nov 6 2015 9:15 PM
Thanks for the heads up. If they choose Drew, will it be as if Grier never left? Too bad about
Stipeche. She's the best one of all of them. HISD is never going to be the way it was before this
board took control. The hiring of Grier has been an insult to educators, students and the
community. Heaven help us!!!!!!!!!!!

Reality Check
Quote · Nov 7 2015 12:50 AM
Teachers, save yourselves. I see no help coming for the foreseeable future.
- We have an apathetic, uninformed voting public that appears to be oblivious to the damage
inflicted by Hurricane Grier.
- We have a public that, for whatever reasons, is openly hostile to educators in general. Read the
comments posted to the few education articles that appear in the Chronicle. A lot of people think
most teachers are pedophiles (since the majority of the Chronicle's "education" stories are about
every pedophile teacher from here to Alaska). If they're not pedophiles, then they're subversives
indoctrinating our young people with the government's liberal agenda. Or, and this is my personal
favorite, local posters blame the powerful teacher's unions for HISD's woes. Too many people
simply have no clue and, even worse, have no desire to get a clue.
- Even with Grier leaving in March, his fingerprints will be all over this district for a long time. All
those incompetent followers who rode his coattails to high-paying administrative positions will still
be here, and they won't give up their nice salaries and cushy jobs without a fight. In the
meantime, they'll still be running this district. Don't expect an end to snapshots, benchmarks.
etc...
- Then there's our board of trustees. Too busy making under-the-table deals to listen to the
concerns of citizens and district employees. I would demand that the superintendent and trustees
be REQUIRED to leave their cell phones in a locked box during all board meetings. Too many
times do you see these people checking their cell phones when they should be listening to the
people they allegedly serve.
I would love to see teachers pull an "Atlas Shrugged" moment and simply disappear from the
district and let all the "leaders" try to fill in for them. Alas, I know this will never happen; people
have families to support and bills to pay. So, as much as I'd like to say something optimistic, the
reality is it looks like more of the same in HISD, regardless of a new superintendent and new
trustees.

You must be kidding
Quote · Nov 7 2015 9:25 AM
To And,
Did you suggest Dallas Dance and Sam Sarabia? You obviously have not worked closely with
these two men They share a common and destructive trait, they smile in your face and throw you
under the bus behind your back. I have personally experienced this betrayal at the hands of
Sarabia, and my fellow administrators in middle school complained about this same treatment at
the hands of Dance. They were relieved when he left. Sarabia and Dance are political animals
who focus on their own advancement, if they need to sacrifice someone else to get ahead, they
will and they have. This is absolute fact, not fiction, not an assumption.
You might as well have advanced Lance Menster's name, he's cut from the same cloth, he is just
as treacherous and insincere as Dance and Sarabia but he's buddy buddy with board members,
and has made great advancements in position and salary as a result.

The Urban@Some unsolicited campaign advice
Quote · Nov 7 2015 10:13 AM
Let me say this. School board members should not be unethical yet they are. School board
members should work for the community yet they don't. School board members should stand up
for their schools yet they don't. All of them talk in a highly educated manner. Yet all they do is lie.
So Because I exhibit some passion and I need to change. Well guess what I'll tone it done and
give it a shot. But I will stay in their faces as much as possible. Remember I'm just a parent
fighting a giant. And, the progress I've made cant be denied. Sometimes change is good. But, I'll
take your advice
Mr. Monroe

@Reality Check
Quote · Nov 7 2015 10:39 AM
One of the reasons we have these issues- is that teachers just don't leave. Yes, TFAers, are a
problem, but one of the things they get right, is they don't deal with too much, they simply leave.
Yes, they leave kids and stuff.... but sometimes, when I'm crying between class periods, and my
principal comes in and yells at me...I get it...I would leave too.. I'm just stuck...

name game
Quote · Nov 7 2015 2:48 PM
We will not let Juliet Stipeche disappear. Her defeat is a mere hiccup, not even a bump. We all
know how low down dirty her opponent's campaign was. I cannot fathom Davila, (or whatever her
real name is) facing people in this community. She had the name game going for her I hope the
media is ready to look out for how contracts go in HISD.

Uncomfortable
Quote · Nov 7 2015 4:41 PM
You know, instead of mocking old, white Christians who took the time to vote, perhaps you should
be chastising all of those open-minded young people who were probably too busy taking selfies
or getting tattoos to make it to the polls. See how ridiculous sweeping generalizations sound?
Can we please be fair? And honest? I moved here in the early 80's to begin my teaching career
with HISD. From what I've seen over the span of 30-plus years, Houston has been a haven for
the gay community. Montrose. The annual Gay Pride Parade. A three-term gay mayor. A
tremendous number of gay administrators and teachers. Fortune 500 companies and smaller
businesses throughout the city with influential gay employees. Now, because the mayor didn't get
her way on her pet project, Houstonians are homophobic, pro-discrimination, hypocritical, hyperreligious nut jobs? C'mon man. You know that's not true.
This is just my opinion, but I like to think it's a fair one based on personal experience. For what it's
worth, and I know I'm going to get ridiculed for saying this, I have a ton of gay friends, mostly
teachers and administrators in HISD. As long as my friends (gay or straight) act as decent human
beings, I couldn't care less who their partners are. I mean that sincerely, not in some sort of
patronizing way. I'm pro-Gay Marriage. I'm pro-Gay Adoption. But, and this is a BIG BUT, I
believe the mayor was a victim of her own arrogance and slick politicking.
To begin with, to say that ALL people who voted against HERO are pro-discrimination (whether
racial, religious, military) is completely disingenuous. Mistreating someone because of their race,
religion, or military status is NOT the same as people being uncomfortable with transgendered
citizens in the same restrooms as their children. Why can't the pro-HERO folks see that the many
people (a whole lot of people) who are uncomfortable with the idea of their young children
encountering transgendered people in restrooms, are UNCOMFORTABLE, not bigots. If we can
accept transgendered people as part of society (which most of this city has), why can't we also
accept the fact that many people, for whatever reasons, are still uncomfortable with
transgendered people sharing a restroom with their young children?
Mayor Parker employed a tried-and-true political maneuver by attaching this controversial clause
to an otherwise noble proposition. It was condescending. It was arrogant. It was slick. And it blew
up in her face. When it did, she resorted to name-calling and denigrating those she believes to be
her opposition. Shameless. Classless. Ungracious.
I don't consider myself liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. Depends on the issue.
When I do vote (I don't live in Houston, so I didn't get to vote on this proposition), I try to pick the
best candidate or the "fair" side. That's it. When "my" candidate or issue doesn't win, I don't insult
the winners. Everybody's open-minded and fair until their side loses; then we see their true
colors. It's not pretty.

JM
Quote · Nov 7 2015 9:30 PM
@You must be kidding
You're right about Menster. About two years ago there was a photo on his Facebook page of him
hanging out with Anna Eastman. We all thought that was strange at the time but hey, he knew
what he was doing. He's running the show now.

Supt. Search
Quote · Nov 8 2015 12:04 AM
Still hearing it's a done deal. And NO---not Houlihan. An insider, but a good one. Will be fair and
all about kids. So for all those wondering---that eliminates Stephens too---his name shouldn't
even be part of this conversation.

THE BOARD WILL CHANGE
Quote · Nov 8 2015 12:04 AM
Don't be despaired about the election. I am convinced that the FBI will be making some changes
to the Board, present and past Trustees along with some key administrators real soon. .

agree with Uncomfortable
Quote · Nov 8 2015 5:30 AM
@Uncomfortable- beautifully written. I agree with you. Pertaining to HISD - as in so many
elections those who win are bashed, but nothing is said about the lack of participation for those
who lose. How many teachers in HISD live within boundaries which allows them to vote for board
members? How many of them actually voted? Why call out those who made it to the polls
regardless of how they voted. They voted -period. Where were all the other dissatisfied teachers?
Did they make it to the polls? Did they offer to help any candidates? No, for the most part they are
too wrapped up with themselves. Seems like educators never learn, right? Unfortunately, for
those who do participate they will be suffering with more of the same shenanigans since anyone
who could have made a difference was not voted onto the board.

@ Uncomfortable
Quote · Nov 8 2015 7:04 AM
Houston's progress on equal rights has been noticeable. My experience as a member of the
LGBT community here in Houston has been marked by too many to list instances of
discrimination. I have not been beaten on the street. Yet. But I have friends who have. Right in
the "gay haven", Montrose. My guess is that you are right in your assessment of discomfort with
transgendered people in restrooms. The primary motivation of those who opposed HERO was to
take that discomfort, feed it, and turn it into unfounded hysteria. Transgendered people are not
pedophiles or perverts or sexual predators. Going to the bathroom shared by a transgendered
person does not produce a greater risk to a child than sharing a bathroom with anyone else.
However, attacks against transgendered people in the men's restroom may stop short of being
"common" but it certainly happens enough to be considered a real threat. This battle for equal
rights is far from over. Fear and ignorance are dangerous enemies. "The arc of the moral
universe is long but it bends toward justice".

@Uncomfortable
Quote · Nov 8 2015 10:47 AM
That is a well written and reasoned opinion. Personally I stopped caring what people think think
about my motives a very long time ago. It consumes too much time they don't deserve. I truly
respect your stance however because it is exactly how I feel.

How about.....
Quote · Nov 8 2015 11:00 AM
What about Ken Huewitt for superintendent? It's really not a bad idea!!!

@Supt. Search Houston
Quote · Nov 8 2015 11:24 AM
Only 2 people fit that bill. Dan Gohl who went to Broward and Julie Stipeche. I doubt Dan's
coming back.

A great idea
Quote · Nov 8 2015 4:17 PM
Juliet Stipeche for Superintendent would be an idea in an ideal world. Who better to sit at the
helm of HISD. Her knowledge of the workings in this district, her connection to people, her love of
students, her fairness, her empathy, need I go on? What a novel idea. Anyone else will be a let
down.

Disbelief!!
Quote · Nov 8 2015 6:38 PM
Did anyone catch the Chronicle's "thumbs up/thumbs down" in the editorial section yesterday?
They wrote that 3 names/persons are being " floated" for the superintendency in the LA Unified
School District: Henry Cisneros, Julio Castro and...wait for it...TERRY GRIER!!!! And to top it off,
they gave a big "thumbs up" on that preposterous notion. That's why Grier is fighting so hard to
disprove he and his folks mismanaged the bond. He's written an editorial, and he had his lying
$&@! sitting on Khambrel Marshall's show today spewing that foolishness about inflation. I
cannot believe that snake oil salesman is being considered for anything but federal prison. I hope
we get word to anyone in LA to read this site.

Not gonna happen
Quote · Nov 8 2015 8:33 PM
Adam Stephens has never been considered for the superintendency. How that rumor got started
is beyond me. He is woefully lacking in experience. The Board is dumb, but not that dumb. Not
once was Stephens' candidacy taken seriously anywhere but on this blog.

Barkley
Quote · Nov 8 2015 10:14 PM
@ Uncomfortable - very well written - Houston continues to progress in many ways; unfortunately
the true purpose of HERO got hijacked by many, and that is unfortunate.
@ A great idea: It's been done before...Rod Paige was a Board member when tapped to lead
HISD.

Who Cares?
Quote · Nov 9 2015 11:25 AM
You are so sarcastic. However, I agree with you on one thing. I'm tired of posting about you. It's
my last post also. However, it's one phone policy for the district. I'm sure your class is wonderfully
chaotic with all the freedom that you allow. Good for you.

A great idea
Quote · Nov 9 2015 5:21 PM
@Barkley- I remember when Page became Superintendent. I believe he focused on that
northbound train for some reason.
There would be no better choice than to put Ms. Stipeche were she should be.
AS far as the names mentioned for LA, that is a joke, isn't it? Henry Cisneros, corrupt politician.
I saw Grier on KM show. The entire blame was placed on the board. He stated the board was
informed several times about the inflation and they ignored it. KM should have had board
members on to defend themselves. Grier got away with it.

Adam Stephens or Andrew Houlihan
Quote · Nov 9 2015 10:18 PM
I don't understand. Why is there so much hate? Why CAN'T they be the next superitendent? San
Diego just made a principal superitendent and I believe both are higher up than principals.

Terry, Eli, and LA
Quote · Nov 10 2015 12:31 AM
Terry in LA? Consider this. Grier is a proven Eli Broad man. He followed the Broad agenda when
he came to Houston. When he arrived in 2009 he launched Roland Fryer's Apollo experiment in
full force, no pilot program. Understand that Eli Board provided the initial $6 million of seed
money to establish Roland's Edlab at Harvard University to provide the scholarly support for his
desire to privatize America's public school system. HISD was the experiment lab. If Harvard says
so based on HISD data, then it must be true. Next Grier rammed through the TNTP/Michelle
Rhee model teacher evaluation system (TADS) which gave a 50% weight to Student
Performance as substantiated by the junk science EVAAS metrics. Again, no pilot program, just
full speed ahead. We heard "our kids can't wait." from our trustees like Eastman, Meyers, Harris,
Rodriguez, and Moore, Only Stipeche said wait a minute. After TADS, came Power Up with its
"flip classroom" slogan. Again, full speed, no piloting. When Apollo flopped as "unsustainable"
after $60 million, Grier embraced "Leverage Leadership" emerging from Roland's EdLab new
experiment in a Grier directive November 23, 2013 to Lance Menster, another full speed ahead
experiment. The board approved a $1 million contract for EdLabs to monitor and analyze the
District's "snap shots" data" via EdPl;an which was a "non negotiable" in a memo to Dr. Grier
dated April 30, 2014 from Meghan Howard Noveck, who taught high school math at North Star
Academy, a charter school, in Newark, NY for two years before becoming the Chief Academic
Officer at EdLabs. Her young colleague was Paul Bambrick-Santoyo who wrote the book
"Leverage Leadership" based upon his experience managing at a set of K - 12 charter schools
enrolling 3000 students total. (Email obtained by Houstonisdwatch.) And along the way as we
know Grier picked up Eli's award as the best urban school in the country. Grier has been a dutiful
soldier of Eli Board. Realize Eli and his privateer friends are shifting gears. The Board Award has
been suspended. Apollo and Leverage Leadership have been discredited. EVAAS is in federal
court. The former LA supt. Deasy was dismissed for shenanigans involving contracts for $1 billion
of laptops like our Power Up. Grier has his problems with the 2012 bond. Leo left town in a hurry.
But Eli Board has a new vision and a problem. He plans to annex 1/2 of the LA school kids by
building 240 new schools, a billion dollars investment. But he needs a proven loyal soldier who
has a track record of implementing a set of policies which will destabilize the teacher corps and
undermine community schools with the air of a reformer who is doing it for the children. Our kids
can't wait. What have we seen in HISD? Half of HISD's teachers have left and 58 of our 283
schools are on TEA''s Improvement Required list. Scores are flat and the state cut scores are
elevating. Will HISD be broken up by the State's annexation of under performing schools in
District 2. 4 and 9? FYI YES Academy is opening a big school on 610 at Mykawa which is part of
the Jones HS neighborhood. More privatization in Houston poor areas. Eli can't wait. He needs a
destabllizer in LA's public school sector to coordinate with his 240 schools student land grab. Eli
knows how to make money. Do not be surprised. Grier is well qualified.

My vote for District Sup
Quote · Nov 10 2015 11:17 AM
Can we get Dr. Watson back from Spring? Out of all the leaders that HISD had in the past, he
would have my vote for the position. He was a caring, well-respected leader who truly cared
about the students and treat the staff like people and not scum at the bottom of the pool. Bring Dr.
Watson Back!

HISD parent
Quote · Nov 10 2015 11:18 AM
The Elevate K-12 business appears to have been withdrawn from this week's Board meeting
agenda.
E. SCHOOL OFFICES
E-1. Authority To Negotiate And Execute An Agreement With Elevate K–12 [WITHDRAWN]

Barkley
Quote · Nov 10 2015 8:58 PM
@ Adam Stephens or Andrew Houlihan: "San Diego just made a principal superitendent and I
believe both are higher up than principals." When you say higher up, you mean what? That they
had connections/relatives to launch their 'success'? Does that truly matter that a principal was
tapped to run SDUSD? Can you name one or two successes in HISD either Stephens or
Houlihan have been involved in except job-hopping every 1-2 years into cushy jobs? Because I
can't...and we've all watched both their careers rocket with little or no substance or proven record.
@ Terry, Eli and LA: Very accurate reflection. Grier has been Eli's lap dog for a long time and he
found his perfect petri dish here in Houston, a city starved for 'reform'. Except it's all collapsing
now, and Grier is walking through the ashes. This District is hurting, with any shape or form of
support infrastructure for teachers, schools and the community completely disassembled. So
Grier has done was he was brought in to do....but not for the people that hired him.

Discipline in HISD
Quote · Nov 11 2015 6:15 AM
There was a news story about the inappropriate class behavior at Energy High School and while
the teacher and principal responded quickly---but Central Office is dragging its feet? That says it
all about the problem with HISD---all the behavior problems, the lack of respect for teachers---it
all comes from the top. And there probably won't stop unless the board gets a clue. Whenever I
meet student teachers, I tell them, "Look in Cy-Fair, Katy, any other school districts, but not
HISD--so you'll have a chance at a long career." Meanwhile, Grier will walk away from this
disaster he created, complete with his own career intact with plenty of money---unlike the HISD
teachers that he's leaving behind.

Fantasy Football
Quote · Nov 11 2015 11:36 AM
Let me begin by saying this: I think Terry Grier has been a terrible superintendent.
Still, for as much as I disapprove of his superintendency, to act as though HISD didn't have
discipline issues prior to Grier's tenure is a little bit dishonest. Cullen MS, on the other hand, is a
different story. What did they suspect would happen when they took displaced Ryan MS students
and dropped them on the campus of their rival? Yeah, Apollo sure "saved" the Ryan kids, didn't
it?
As for the Gifted and Talented issue, Grier has had nearly seven years to address this disparity.
The self-proclaimed "Champion of Minority Students" has been too distracted sucking up to Eli
Broad, Roland Fryer, and dozens of other special interests to be bothered with actually
accomplishing something on behalf of students.
Smoke and mirrors. A whole lot of hot air. Failed initiatives. Meaningless statistics, intended to
present his tenure in as positive a light as possible, that only prove his incompetence. I blame the
board as much as I blame Grier, Stipeche included. Self-important windbags who spend more
time justifying their poor decisions than they do anything else.
I was one of many teachers swept out during Apollo. Since we've left, test scores have
plummeted at our schools. Rather than accept a position elsewhere in the district, I left. I've
volunteered with some high-profile charities and I've worked in private industry since then. Hell, I
make more money playing fantasy football than I did in HISD. Still, I'm afraid I will always feel
anger and resentment at what was ALLOWED to transpire in HISD. Teachers have been treated
miserably by this board and superintendent. Grier will leave with a truckload of money, trustees
will leave with their business contacts, and teachers will be left with a gargantuan mess to clean
up. It won't be pretty and it sure as hell won't be fair. Just reading comments here, you can get a
taste of the impending power struggle once Grier departs. Once again, HISD will be distracted by
selfish grown-ups instead of focusing on students.

What are the rules in HISD?
Quote · Nov 11 2015 3:34 PM
A BBQ company food truck gets banned from Herrod ES for having the word "Buttz" in their
name? And then the news story about the words from the Energy HS students writing much
worse? And the Rocky Horror Picture Show musical at HSPVA too? Exactly who makes up the
rules, and do they change day to day? Just wondering.

Ashford Mess!! Let the show begin!!!!
Quote · Nov 11 2015 5:13 PM
Well the big boss Sarabia was here today for a short visit and our principal was putting on a
show. I have never seen someone be so fake in all my life. I sure hope with our daily visits from
the SSO and now the head man dropping by they will get rid of the cancer that is Sikes. At this
point it is broken and the more she tries the more foolish she looks. Please Please Please can
her but and get someone in here who gives a damn about these kids and teachers!!!

Mirror
Quote · Nov 11 2015 11:48 PM
To Fantasy Football I laugh at the great disparity Grier's buddy from Vanderbilt found. So it's wrong that engaged
families (regardless of ethnicity) who value education guide their students to strong academic and
creative programs? Has anyone from Grier on down ever spent any time in a GT environment?
There's been a war on educated families since the man got here. He's intimidated by them and
must destroy them.
The bigger racial disparity that should greatly worry the Board, the new Superintendent, and all
the taxpayers is that according to the 2010 Census, Houston is a little over 50% anglo yet HISD is
less than 10% anglo. Why is HISD not serving those students? Why are those families fleeing
HISD? Are their voices not heard? Are they tired of the Race To The Bottom? If vouchers ever
come in to play, HISD is even more doomed than they are now - imagine if families no longer
interested in HISD could take their tax money with them. Let the Feds pick up the slack.

Sarabia will outlive Grier
Quote · Nov 12 2015 7:12 AM
To Ashford Mess
You mean Sarabia actually showed up on a campus? How rare! He's out of reach most of the
time. I can assure you of one truth all of his principals embrace regarding his behavior because
they live with it daily. The man is a snake, he will smile and glad-hand you, but once out of your
presence, he digs the knife in deep. I'm not saying anything original here. This is common
knowledge. Even Grier tried to dump him according to the good people at HMW (yes, there are
some good people there). Sarabia is here to stay, however, because he's Hispanic and Grier
could not dislodge a highly-placed Hispanic without incurring the wrath of Manny Rodriguez and
other vocal Hispanics in HISD. Sarabia knows this, that's why he has openly and boldly criticized
Grier in conversations with some principals and school administrators. I am one. I was present at
one such Sarabia anti-Grier session. One last comment. Sarabia and Menster are close friends.
Is anyone surprised about that?

Political slant okay
Quote · Nov 12 2015 7:38 AM
What's wrong with this blog putting forth some information---be it republican or democrat--around
politics? Have more respect for that than the gossip and innuendo that occasionally appears
(although I give props to the editor for monitoring that).

Brutus
Quote · Nov 12 2015 2:00 PM
I find it interesting that houstonisdwatch would publish a comment defending against critcism of
overtly partisan features on its main page, but choose not to publish the actual comment
containing said critcism.

West Houston Community Member Southbriar
Quote · Nov 12 2015 2:08 PM
@ The Decision Makers re: Ongoing Mess
If an investigation into the morals and practices of the current Principal is truly occurring, why not
contact a handful of the teachers that left or retired to gain a full perspective? Most are invested
as community members but are no longer even slightly intimidated by her unpredictable outbursts
and efforts of retaliation. As a community member myself, I am impressed by the professionalism
that continues to be maintained by some of these individuals who put their hearts into the school
for many years yet had to walk away. I can't help but wonder how much longer a community can
tolerate the strain of watching a school that was a jewel be destroyed.

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST ASHFORD ELEMENTARY
Quote · Nov 12 2015 6:16 PM
https://www.change.org/p/hisd-we-are-asking-for-valerie-sikes-to-remove-as-ashford-elementaryprincipal?recruiter=418523054&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink. Please click
on the link to sign this petition. We want something to be done about Ashford Elementary
Principal Valerie Sikes being remove.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION BELOW..SIKES NEED TO BE REMOVE
ASHFORD ELEMENTARY
Quote · Nov 12 2015 8:32 PM
https://www.change.org/p/hisd-we-are-asking-for-valerie-sikes-to-remove-as-ashford-elementaryprincipal?recruiter=418523054&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Too Damn Depressing
Quote · Nov 12 2015 9:21 PM
I'm going to have to stop visiting this website because the news is just too damn depressing. The
link to the Portland story on Cathy Mincberg was the final straw for me. We all know Larry
Marshall is a gangster. Good reason to suspect Paula Harris as well. Other board members seem
to be "owned" by various business interests (John Arnold, the GHP, Fort Bend Mechanical,
etc...). Then there's Grier, Fryer, Apollo, and EdLabs. If that's not enough, you have questions
about the bond, including issues with bid processes and questionable expenditures. Rod Paige,
the poster boy for NCLB, has prospered after perpetrating that fraud on the entire country. Not to
be outdone, the other party created "Race to the Top", another poorly-conceived initiative
developed by politicians (not educators), most of whom have never attended a public school.
And now we have the duplicitous Mincberg being ASKED to return to HISD to select the next
superintendent. Don't be surprised if she selects herself. And don't be surprised if the board
approves.
The Atlanta cheating scandal, Byrd-Bennett in Chicago, the billion dollar lawsuit by teachers in
the LAUSD. One disaster after the next. The common thread: teachers and students being asked
to jump through hoops by politicians and "reformers" who have only their own selfish interests in
mind. The end result, prosperity for the aforementioned politicians and reformers and further
despair for students and teachers. When will it stop? When will we learn?

Grier buddy is candidate for Superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools
Quote · Nov 12 2015 9:43 PM
Charles Foust: Assistant superintendent of Houston Independent School District for the past three
years. Has also been a principal in Houston and Greensboro, North Carolina. Native of
Gibsonville, N.C. Education: North Carolina A & T State University; University of North CarolinaChapel Hill; University of Houston.
http://board.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/faust_3.pdf

Laughable
Quote · Nov 12 2015 10:13 PM
The Urban has become a joke! Board shut Monroe down tonight. The majority of what is posted
is nothing more than him blowing smoke.. How long has the FBI been mentioned and yet no one
has seen them yet? Where those lawyers from Atlanta? Judd---you are smarter than this. Don't
be taken by his BS. And how does he have a kid at Yates when he doesn't even live in the
district!

HMW
Quote · Nov 12 2015 10:26 PM
When will Mark Smith learn????? You cant pull the wool over the Board's eyes if you don't have
the principal's support. Really---Mark Samuel was your spokesperson. What a joke!

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Nov 13 2015 12:47 AM
Laughable?
Tell me, when was the last time you dealt with the FBI? When have you gone into the FBI offices
to file a report? I think readers have the right to know. I have filed reports. I have participated in
follow-up investigations.
The FBI requires a preponderance of evidence before taking action. Do you think information
about forced grade changes has been willingly released by HISD? Do you think the external audit
drama has played out for nearly a month because the trustees are eager to see the results?
Some who have already confided district secrets have felt threatened for their physical safety.
Perhaps this fear was just paranoia. Or perhaps they understand how the big-money forces in
HISD operate.
The board shuts down anyone who persistently calls into question their judgment and
competence. It doesn't take courage to shut down community members and turn off mikes.
I understand your concern and you obviously are a regular reader. I have met teachers who have
turned to the URBAN for assistance. These individuals were told by HFT to take the settlement
and run. Apparently, getting HFT to really go to battle for you involves both luck and having a
case that just about anyone with sense could win.
But this website is pro-union which makes it pro-HFT. So disclosing every example of every
teacher who feels as though they have not been adequately represented would serve no
purpose.
Mr. Monroe's children are not going to be discussed here. If you want to know how Mr. Monroe
has kids in the district, please begin your inquiry. You will discover how and why to satisfy your
curiosity.
As a rule, no children are discussed on this website. I have been asked to post information about
school board members' children, especially naming schools where they are enrolled. Just won't
happen here. I think we would all agree we are here to protect children and work for them.
Neither Mr. Monroe nor your editor are earning any money for taking on the battles we fight. And,
somehow, working with the community Mr. Monroe and the URBAN helped to force two
incumbent trustees into run-offs. And despite annoying many people, turning off people, and
turning others on, houstonisdwatch is still here, free of charge, and as independent as ever.
Regarding the election, no, our preferred candidates didn't win. That story has been discussed in
detail here.
Like you, we are just citizens trying to fight a corrupt monolith of power that undermines
individuals who challenge it.
Mr. Monroe is not blowing smoke. And let's refrain from criticizing individuals who take the time to
attend board meetings and sign up to speak. They're actually trying to do something.
It's always wise to keep an open mind and look skeptically when the facts warrant it. There are
times when rushing to judgment to dismiss a person because something he predicted would
happen doesn't happen is foolhardy. Part of the battle plan is to arouse attention. If you know
anything about elections in this country, you are aware of the general lethargy and failure to vote
which predominates non-presidential year elections. Mr. Monroe is trying to both enlighten and
inflame. There is much about how HISD is run that is worthy of an incinerator. It's just not
necessarily comforting to watch.
Mr. Monroe can discuss the fate of the Atlanta lawyers. Possible obstacles to consider? Texas
certification and finances. The lawyer who originally pledged service may have backed out
because the effort was to have been voluntary.
Thank you for reading the site and making comments.

community member
Quote · Nov 13 2015 4:23 AM
Last evening while Ms.Stipeche was making a presentation to the proud staff and students of Furr
HS for their incredible work and the national award they won, Paula Harris decided it was time to
speak to the man in the middle. The 2 were going back and forth in conversation. How very rude.
So typical of Harris and for the man in the middle, you should have told her to quiet down but
instead you indulged her. Rude on all counts.
As for those who come up with negative comments about this site, I will say this, if not for
houstonisdwatch most of the corruption we the public are aware of in the district would not be
public knowledge today. The media does little to keep the community informed when it comes to
HISD. The amount of work Editor , Monroe and other activists have put into keeping seemingly
private information and making it public has been one of the greatest contributions to this
community when it comes to education. So few of us would be aware of what is truly happening.
Yes, much of what is written is negative, but that goes directly to the district and the big egos
running it. I for one am very appreciative for Watch and cannot say enough that you have allowed
everyone to see first hand the working conditions and the inner workings of HISD. Thank-you.

Thanks Judd
Quote · Nov 13 2015 6:40 AM
Thanks Judd.
You are making a difference. I sometimes disagree with your take on some issues but the
discourse here allows for debate. That puts more light on various serious issues and that makes
a difference. Thanks for what you are doing.

Support
Quote · Nov 13 2015 7:09 AM
Keep on keeping on Judd! We can agree to disagree on the Urban.

Pat Johnson Houston
Quote · Nov 13 2015 8:24 AM
From the Washington Post: The Astonishing Amount of Data Being Collected about your
Children
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/11/12/the-astonishing-amount-ofdata-being-collected-about-your-children/

EX- HISD Teacher not in HISD
Quote · Nov 13 2015 9:08 AM
I am one of those HISD veteran teachers that got run off with the help of HFT, Gayle Fallon and
attorney Chris Ttritico. HFT did nothing to stop HISD and instead was in collusion with HISD. I did
get two year's salary in cash and a great opportunity to leave HISD and never look back. They
didn't force me into retirement but did allow me to leave and see that I am a great teacher afterall, in another school district. I would never work for HISD again or join a teacher's union,
especially HFT.

Monroe@The UUAA
Quote · Nov 13 2015 12:53 PM
First of all I DONT LIVE IN THE DISTRICT. I don't have to. They are magnet, Maritime, and
Model students. The oldest is Drum Major and has a full scholarship to souther University. The
youngest has just started a student congress at Yates and ranked Number 2 in his class.
Secondly the attorney from ATL ran for city council. And he has to be licensed in Texas. And I
can't control anyone wanting to help our children. Lastly whoever this HISD official is making
these post know this you know for a fact that everything I've brought to light is the truth. And THE
FBI IS THE TRUTH. The investigation is the truth.
Now ask this why are you not complaining about the crooks in the district? Do you have a
problem paying higher taxes for things that are not being done. That's not Monroe that's the
district. I know for a fact that I'm not to be tested. Just know this that YOU THINK IM A JOKE
AND IF YOU UNDERSTAND BOARD POLICY EVERYONE IN THE ROOM WAS SHUT DOWN.
I actually got a standing ovation for the time I spoke. And my wife had an accident so I had to
leave. I don't get ran out of anywhere. I affect change. And I'll continue to affect change. If they
can get it right I can go away. So thank you for making yourself look stupid. Cause the one man
that fights non stop is the man you want to down. My world is not a barrel. But you are looking
more like a crab.

CHK
Quote · Nov 13 2015 3:27 PM
What happend to the Outdoor Education Center
At Ashfotd?

Huh?
Quote · Nov 13 2015 6:26 PM
@Ex HISD Teacher - So the union got you two years of salary and a clean work record so you
were eligible to be hired by another district. This is a bad thing? The horror!

Barkley
Quote · Nov 13 2015 10:25 PM
1. Thanks Judd for providing this outlet regardless of our squabbles and disagreements. It's not
only a release but an opportunity for outsiders to see the real HISD beyond the fluff coming out of
4400.
2. Never discuss the kids of the players (staff, Board, Monroe, etc). It's uncouth.
3. Judd, it there a way you reverse format the comments so the most recent appear at the top
and the July 24th ones are at the bottom?

Who Cares?
Quote · Nov 13 2015 11:26 PM
Mr. Monroe cares. Thank you Mr. Monroe for all that you have done. The HISD Board doesn't
want to hear the truth. They should shut off their own microphones. I am so sick of hearing those
pathetic excuses for trustees talk endlessly. They are more than annoying. They are annoying
losers.

@laughable
Quote · Nov 14 2015 2:14 PM
If you take a second to think about it. Gerry Monroe does what you don't have the nerve or guts
to do. And he does it while ascribing his name to it. He doesn't cast anonymous stones on an
anonymous blog. I've worked 22 years in the area represented by Paula the thief Harris. I thank
God nightly for people of character like Gerry Monroe who does his fighting PUBLICLY. I know for
a fact we would still be dealing with Paula for many years to come were it not for Gerry and
URBAN. Laugh if you must but do it while staring at a mirror. I'm sure you won't find funny what
you see.

What's your rating?
Quote · Nov 14 2015 9:48 PM
When do teacher appraisal ratings come out? I thought the deadline was November 6th.

Lucy
Quote · Nov 14 2015 10:21 PM
Has anyone recieved their apprasial rating from last year? What are the TEA deadline
notifications?

Teacher Ashford
Quote · Nov 15 2015 3:08 PM
As a current teacher I fear that the petition on this site will not reach most of the people that would
readily sign it. Parents are generally not aware of the site and many other community members
are not either. I hope that the comments will be taken into account. Needless to say, people
currently teaching in HISD and Ashford in particular will not be able to sign it due to fear of
retaliation. In case there is any doubt, of course there will be payback for crossing V Sikes, ask
anyone who has worked with her. Good Luck people, I hope that your truth will prevail.

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Nov 16 2015 12:11 AM
FYI; houstonisdwatch emailed notification of the petition to remove Sykes to 4,927 HISD
employees and community members.

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Nov 16 2015 12:16 AM
Barkley:
I have asked the help desk at the site provider to reverse order of comments. Soon I'll archive &
post comments in MS Word and begin a new string of comments.
Thanks.

Just my thoughts
Quote · Nov 16 2015 6:33 AM
Sending out a petition to 5000 folks----Judd, I honestly think that is going too far. I do not know
Ashford or the Principal. I do not fully know the situation. Maybe you have some concrete facts or
detailed, indisputable proof, but I do know that it could be a few disgruntled people calling
themselves a variety of names (even calling themselves parents) on this site. Not everyone is
honest or truly here for healthy debate. Your move kind of surprised me. Has the teacher involved
the union?

houstonisdwatch
Quote · Nov 16 2015 9:11 AM
Those of us who share the value that teachers should be free to teach and must be treated with
respect by administrators haven't done a good enough job getting the message out there. Maybe
HFT believes it is not their responsibility to educate the public. Perhaps that attitude accounts for
the hostility to unions in general and impotency of these groups in Houston?
I can tell you from firsthand experience Zeph Capo is not nearly as effective as Gayle Fallon was
in hammering away at HISD. Why did HFT union members elect a sitting HCC trustee to be their
president?
So HFT's response in this situation so far is a moot point. It may evolve.
The ignition to expose wrong-doing is lit by a few discordant voices who speak out, yet still fear
for their jobs.
If Ms. Sykes is truly innocent and wonderful, the follow-up will bear it out. For far too long Grier's
hand-picked principals have had a free ride.
And do you know how long it took the URBAN to expose and remove Jason Catchings? At the
very least several months.
Ms. Sykes is free to email me or come on the site and comment. We haven't heard from her. And
she is one of the 5000 folks who got the email.
Thank you for reading and commenting.

Ashford Ashford
Quote · Nov 16 2015 7:07 PM
Ashford has a rogue principal that MUST BE REMOVED. Keep the pressure up Judd. There are
MANY who want to see Sikes gone and Christopher Walker take his RIGHTFUL PLACE as
principal. He does the work of the school anyway. Thank you Judd for bringing this all to light
concerning Ashford.
