WEBVTT

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<v ->Meeting to order.</v>

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<v Woman>All right.</v>

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<v Man>Good morning.</v>

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<v ->If I could get some quiet in the audience here</v>

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as we begin to start our meeting.

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We have a lot going on today

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that we're pretty excited about.

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<v ->Oh hi!
<v ->Hi there.</v>

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<v ->Shall I hit it again?</v>

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<v Man>Yeah.</v>
(gavel banging)

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<v Man>Whoa, with authority.</v>
(Donna chuckles)

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<v ->Audience, I know there's a lot of excitement</v>

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and we're excited that you're here

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but we need to get started with our meeting.

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Pay close attention.

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Mr. Maynard, would you please start us off?

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<v ->Very good. Welcome to the State Board of Education</v>

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and to Austin, Texas, we have lots of folks here in the room

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from all around the state and just as by way

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of explanation, it is something just as a matter

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of practice that the State Board of Education

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always begins our meetings, at least four

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out of the five meetings, with a student performance,

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and that student performance represents

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the 5.2 million public school students across

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our great state and that represents many of our programs.

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It's a representative of what we are doing for students

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in terms of developing knowledge and skills.

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Many of these presentations come from

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the Fine Arts community but today we're gonna

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highlight Career & Technical Education.

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And Career and Technical Education, by the way,

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is an entity in education,

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is just on the cusp of being 100 years old.

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That was initiated by the federal Smith-Hughes Act

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that was signed into law February the 23rd of 1917,

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and that is really what spurred a lot of what we call

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vocational education back then.

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As a result of that, there was a movement

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that started actually in Virginia, it was called

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the Future Farmer Movement, and the folks

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that led that nationally and the folks that led that

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in Texas had a concern and the concern was

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is that the young people were just not receiving

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the knowledge and skills that they needed

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to be effective citizens and to be leaders

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and when you think about Article 7 of our Constitution

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that speaks to the general diffusion of knowledge

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being essential for the preservation of the liberties

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and rights of the people, it really speaks to citizenship.

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and so today, we're going to show you a component

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of current technical education, the student organization,

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and how they are teaching young people

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to study issues and to be discerning citizens.

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The name of the event in FFA is Agricultural Issues Forum

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and these young people here

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were the last year's state champions.

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There were about 180 teams that started that journey

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across the State of Texas, that in 57 district contests

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and 10 area contests and then 20 came to State

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and these guys came out on top, and they're going to do

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a presentation on an issue that they have researched.

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They're going to present both sides of the issue

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and then part of the, there's a prepared presentation

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and I've asked two members of the board

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to ask a couple of questions because

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there's a prepared presentation and then there's a part

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of it that is involved with impromptu speaking where

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they have to think on their feet and respond to a question.

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Those of you on the State Board, you all had to do that

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before a few times, and, so, this is the group

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from Canyon up in Mr. Rowley's district,

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and so he and I are kind of sponsoring this one together

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and the topic is Genetically Modified Organisms,

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and whether or not the food products

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ought to be labeled to that extent.

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And so I'm going to turn that over.

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We'd like to also recognize, I'll tell you,

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we'll recognize the teachers and the administrators

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at the end, right?

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All right, very good, Canyon FFA,

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we'll turn it over to you.

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<v Student>As a parent, I have an absolute right to know</v>

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what I put into my body and into the bodies

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of my children.

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<v ->Your right to know will cost billions to implement.</v>

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I have a right to feed my family without it costing

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an arm and a leg.

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<v Student>An arm and a leg is better than your life</v>

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and it will be your life if Monsanto has anything

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to say about it.

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<v ->I think Monsanto is a bit more informed on the topic</v>

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than protesters, who should know that non-GMOs

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are already labeled, this is clearly nothing more than

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a scare tactic on the uneducated consumer.

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<v Student>We need GMO labeling now.</v>

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<v ->Your right to know is nothing but wasted dough.</v>

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To label something that has been proven to be safe.

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<v ->This was the scene in cities all over the world</v>

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this summer as protesters took to the streets

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in the annual march against Monsanto.

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Included in these protests was Amarillo, Texas,

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just 15 miles from our hometown of Canyon.

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<v ->Although this year, there was a new presence,</v>

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a group called March Against Myths planned counter-protests

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all over the world and also in Amarillo.

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<v ->At times, the protesters were so angry,</v>

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they could barely speak.

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<v Student>For the most part, tempers were so high</v>

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that little discussion really took place at all.

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<v ->The funny thing is that March Against Monsanto</v>

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rarely discusses their dislike for the chemical

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and seed company, instead, most of their discussion

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is geared towards how genetically modified organisms

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should be taken off the market or at the very least labeled.

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<v ->Today, the members of the Canyon FFA will carry on</v>

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this discussion in the relatively peaceful confines

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of this room.

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<v ->But before we introduce our players today,</v>

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it is important to understand how such a global issue

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affects or local community.

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<v ->The 26-county region of the Texas High Plains</v>

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is the largest agricultural region in the State of Texas

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and one of the largest agricultural regions

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in the United States.

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GMO labeling will affect most of the livestock and crops

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that are grown in our region of the state.

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<v ->For example, these 26 counties produce 13.7%</v>

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of our state's cotton, 14.3% of our hay,

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16.7% our our sorghum, 29.7% of our wheat,

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51.5% of our corn, and 64.9% of our state silage.

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Many of these crops are used to help in livestock production

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where these 26 counties account

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for 81.8% of our state's fed beef population.

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This amounts to a $7.8 billion contribution

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to the Texas economy.

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<v ->Finally, the Texas High Plains accounts for 51,590 jobs</v>

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and $1.3 billion in payroll for our state

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and this is just in 26 counties.

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If we expand our horizons to include

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the entire Texas Panhandle, the numbers become

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even more staggering, as over 60% of our state's cotton

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and 95% of our state's fed beef would be included.

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<v ->To understand this impact on an even more local level,</v>

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let's take a look at our very own Randall County.

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We are located in geographic center of the Texas Panhandle.

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Due to our location, we are a hub

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for agribusiness and food processing.

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<v Student>Numerous food-processing plants exist within</v>

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Randall County and some of the largest agribusinesses

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in the world are here as well,

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like Consolidated Beef Producers,

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one of the largest marketers of fed beef

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in the United States.

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<v ->It is obvious that this is a local issue</v>

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but even within such an agricultural region,

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there are definite tensions surrounding GMO labeling

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so just imagine people that people who are removed

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from the farm (mumbles).

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<v ->Join us today as we visit our very own version</v>

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of March Against Monsanto and March Against Myths

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in Canyon, Texas.

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<v ->Representing the supporting GMO labeling,</v>

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we have have with us today, Dr. James Glick.

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Dr. Glick is a geneticist with Arrowhead Mills

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in Hereford, Texas, a short 30-minute drive from our

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and his hometown of Canyon.

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Arrowhead Mills is one of the largest organic bakeries

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in the nation, serving over half

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of organic consumers in the United States.

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<v ->Additionally, you will hear from Kennit Kemp.</v>

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Ms. Kemp is a concerned mother who feels

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she has an absolute right to know exactly

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what she is feeding her family.

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<v ->Representing those those who do not favor GMO labeling,</v>

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we will hear Randy Darnell.

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Mr. Darnell is one of the largest farmers

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in Randall and Potter County.

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His operations consist of corn, cotton,

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and many head of cattle.

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<v ->Our final representative today is Mrs. Rene Warren.</v>

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Mrs. Warren is an executive assistant

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and off-the-job safety coordinator

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with Monsanto in Dumas, Texas.

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Join us today and listen in on the debate to decide

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if GMO labeling is wasted dough or your right to know.

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<v ->First and foremost, the cost associated</v>

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with implementation will be drastic

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and will trickle down to the consumers.

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<v ->Second, there is a severe lack of understanding</v>

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of what GMOs are as well as the safety of these products.

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<v ->Finally, mandatory labeling nationwide</v>

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is a waste of dough.

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Efforts like the Food Labeling Act,

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authored by senators Pat Roberts and Debbie Stabenow,

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recently signed by President Obama,

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will cost consumers millions to implement

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and will be an unnecessary burden on processors

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and producers.

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<v ->Those of us on the pro side of GMO labeling</v>

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feel that we have an absolute right to know everything

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that is in our food.

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Senate Bill 764 does nothing to accomplish this

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and will require way too much effort

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to recognize foods we don't want to eat.

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<v Student>Everyone else is doing it.</v>

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64 countries around the world already have some form

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of mandatory labeling requirement.

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If they can afford it, so can we.

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<v Student>Finally, we oppose House Resolution 1599</v>

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and Senate Bill 764 and support mandatory labeling,

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which can easily be seen.

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Many states have already passed

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mandatory labeling legislation

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and we believe it should be passed nationwide.

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<v Student>Those of us who oppose labeling</v>

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contend that these 26 counties in the entire state

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could be drastically impacted by labeling.

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The cost will hit all consumers and producers

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right where it counts the most, their pocketbooks.

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<v ->The Texas corn producers estimates that over 95%</v>

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of corn planted in the state is genetically modified.

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Additionally, over 90% of Texas cotton

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and soybeans are modified.

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<v ->Also, of all the cattle fed in the Texas Panhandle,</v>

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98% of them are fed a diet which includes at least one GMO.

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<v ->Three separate studies conducted at Cornell University,</v>

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Washington State, and the University of California

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have concluded that consumers would spend an additional $500

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per year on food due to mandatory labeling.

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<v ->The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has said that families</v>

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have already experienced a 3.9% increase on food prices

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and the study done by Cornell has shown that families

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who choose organic products over

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genetically modified products

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will spend an additional $1,600 per year on food.

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<v ->We support genetic modification of food</v>

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because it is more cost effective for farmers and families.

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If this labeling bill were to pass, the cost for me

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and many other farmers across the nation

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to return to conventional production just might put us

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all out of business.

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<v ->$500 a year, that's less than $2 per day per family</v>

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and to ensure my family's safety, I'm all for it.

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As a parent, I feel that I have an absolute right to know

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what I'm consuming and what I'm feeding my children.

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<v ->Absolutely, you do have the right to know.</v>

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At Arrowhead Mills, all our products are certified organic.

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We serve over half the people in the United States

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and our customer sector is exploding.

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People are choosing certified organic foods

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because they know what they're consuming.

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<v ->Even though the organic market is expanding,</v>

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it is still extremely difficult in grocery stores

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to tell what is certified organic and what is not.

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In order for consumers to make clear food choices,

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the food labels need to be clear as well.

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In a recent study conducted at Oklahoma State University,

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they found that 82% of the public wanted GMOs labeled.

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<v ->All we ask is that everyone is treated the same.</v>

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If we want to serve certified organic food,

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we must go through the work to meet the certification

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and then we have to be labeled.

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Why should the people using today's technology

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not also be certified and labeled?

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<v ->I think there is a clear discrepancy here.</v>

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You choose to label your foods 'cause it makes it

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more marketable, genetically modified foods

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have been vilified so much that labeling

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then would falsely alarm the public.

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<v ->The second point against labeling is that there</v>

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is currently a tremendous gap between the truth

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about GMOs and the perception of the public.

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While the OSC study did find that 82% of respondents

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favored labeling all genetically modified foods,

00:13:47.578 --> 00:13:51.587
the same study also concluded that 80% of respondents

00:13:51.587 --> 00:13:55.714
favored labeling all foods containing DNA, really?

00:13:55.714 --> 00:13:58.720
<v ->Every bit of peer-reviewed scientific research</v>

00:13:58.720 --> 00:14:01.828
done over the past 20 years by hundreds

00:14:01.828 --> 00:14:04.314
of independent researchers has shown

00:14:04.314 --> 00:14:07.513
that GMOs are safe to consume.

00:14:07.513 --> 00:14:11.520
During that same time period, over one trillion meals

00:14:11.520 --> 00:14:13.865
containing GM crops have been eaten

00:14:13.865 --> 00:14:17.027
and not one single instance of a health problem

00:14:17.027 --> 00:14:18.978
has been linked to their consumption.

00:14:18.978 --> 00:14:21.700
<v ->I think a prime example of this disconnect can be found</v>

00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:25.714
in Bt corn, Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis,

00:14:25.714 --> 00:14:28.593
which is a naturally occurring soil bacteria.

00:14:28.593 --> 00:14:32.000
Essentially, a protein is taken from the donor bacteria

00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:35.449
and implanted in the protein sequence of the corn gene.

00:14:35.449 --> 00:14:38.248
<v ->That's right, Mr. Darnell, this means that the corn plant</v>

00:14:38.248 --> 00:14:42.206
is toxic to insects with alkaline digestive systems,

00:14:42.206 --> 00:14:45.445
whereas the acidic human digestive system

00:14:45.445 --> 00:14:47.112
is unaffected by Bt.

00:14:48.075 --> 00:14:51.389
As a matter of fact, Bacillus thuringiensis is approved

00:14:51.389 --> 00:14:55.535
to be sprayed on organic crops as an organic pesticide.

00:14:55.535 --> 00:14:58.696
<v ->So, if we're going to label a GMO containing a product</v>

00:14:58.696 --> 00:15:02.217
also used in the organic industry, shouldn't we also label

00:15:02.217 --> 00:15:05.294
its use in organics, see, this is the main point

00:15:05.294 --> 00:15:06.958
of misunderstanding here.

00:15:06.958 --> 00:15:10.278
Genetic modification is a process, not an ingredient,

00:15:10.278 --> 00:15:13.083
and it's time we step away from the fear-mongering.

00:15:13.083 --> 00:15:16.575
<v ->If that's the case, then why 64 countries around the world</v>

00:15:16.575 --> 00:15:19.345
already have some form of mandatory labeling requirement

00:15:19.345 --> 00:15:22.479
and some banning GMOs altogether?

00:15:22.479 --> 00:15:25.241
Our second point in support of labeling is that some

00:15:25.241 --> 00:15:28.420
of the most scientifically advanced countries in the world

00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:31.494
have started requiring labeling, most of them feel

00:15:31.494 --> 00:15:34.570
the long-term effects simply have not been studied enough.

00:15:34.570 --> 00:15:37.476
<v ->Excellent point, Dr. Glick, while GM crops</v>

00:15:37.476 --> 00:15:39.825
have been around for 20 years, new products

00:15:39.825 --> 00:15:42.835
are being developed every day and the body of work

00:15:42.835 --> 00:15:45.510
on these products are not as extensive.

00:15:45.510 --> 00:15:48.833
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup

00:15:48.833 --> 00:15:52.367
has now been classified as a type two carcinogen

00:15:52.367 --> 00:15:55.527
and I'm not ready to put these foods on my family's table.

00:15:55.527 --> 00:15:57.756
We must label now.

00:15:57.756 --> 00:16:00.413
<v ->Current studies being conducted have found Bt</v>

00:16:00.413 --> 00:16:03.601
in mothers' breast milk as well as maternal and fetal blood.

00:16:03.601 --> 00:16:06.522
Glyphosate has been linked to the promotion of growth

00:16:06.522 --> 00:16:10.377
of cancer cells in breast tissue as well as autism,

00:16:10.377 --> 00:16:13.377
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

00:16:14.838 --> 00:16:17.262
<v ->Yet, you would oppose labeling?</v>

00:16:17.262 --> 00:16:19.614
There are currently two states with mandatory labeling

00:16:19.614 --> 00:16:22.544
and currently 28 other states pending legislation

00:16:22.544 --> 00:16:25.339
to require all GM foods to be labeled.

00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:29.226
Additionally, the entire European Union requires labeling.

00:16:29.226 --> 00:16:32.472
<v ->And that is why we, along with most commodity groups,</v>

00:16:32.472 --> 00:16:35.793
were in favor of House Resolution 1599

00:16:35.793 --> 00:16:38.392
but that bill failed the Senate of this year.

00:16:38.392 --> 00:16:40.585
This bill would have stopped the patchwork

00:16:40.585 --> 00:16:44.393
of mandatory labeling and give producers the option.

00:16:44.393 --> 00:16:47.953
If a product has been deemed safe to the same level

00:16:47.953 --> 00:16:52.215
as GM food, there is no reason to label them.

00:16:52.215 --> 00:16:55.330
<v ->That's right, Rene, this legislation would also have given</v>

00:16:55.330 --> 00:16:58.739
the USDA and the FDA the ability to force foods,

00:16:58.739 --> 00:17:01.136
which may not be as safe to have been labeled

00:17:01.136 --> 00:17:04.499
but now we have Senate Bill 764, a bill delegating

00:17:04.499 --> 00:17:07.416
that all GMOs, as well as any products containing them

00:17:07.416 --> 00:17:10.363
be labeled as such so that the consumers know exactly

00:17:10.363 --> 00:17:11.984
what it is that they're buying.

00:17:11.984 --> 00:17:14.411
Hold onto your wallets, America.

00:17:14.411 --> 00:17:16.775
<v ->There is a reason that the organic industry called</v>

00:17:16.775 --> 00:17:19.692
House Resolution 1599 the DARK Act.

00:17:20.554 --> 00:17:23.304
And Senate Bill 764 is no better.

00:17:24.869 --> 00:17:26.493
It doesn't require a label.

00:17:26.493 --> 00:17:30.019
It requires a 800-number or a QR code that could be scanned

00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.524
by customers.

00:17:31.524 --> 00:17:34.081
<v ->Talk about keeping people in the dark.</v>

00:17:34.081 --> 00:17:37.569
And what if I don't have a smartphone to scan the QR code?

00:17:37.569 --> 00:17:39.636
Oh, and I'm sure I'll have time

00:17:39.636 --> 00:17:42.487
to call different 800 numbers as I walk peacefully

00:17:42.487 --> 00:17:44.193
down the aisle with my three children

00:17:44.193 --> 00:17:46.818
hanging off my arms.
(audience chuckles)

00:17:46.818 --> 00:17:49.981
We need recognizable labels on all GM products

00:17:49.981 --> 00:17:51.731
and we need them now.

00:17:53.191 --> 00:17:56.585
<v ->So, did you have a light-bulb moment?</v>

00:17:56.585 --> 00:17:58.407
<v ->Or are you still in the dark?</v>

00:17:58.407 --> 00:18:00.794
<v ->As we conclude, let's take one final look</v>

00:18:00.794 --> 00:18:03.307
at each side's major points.

00:18:03.307 --> 00:18:06.391
<v ->Those you support mandatory labeling do so</v>

00:18:06.391 --> 00:18:08.017
for three reasons.

00:18:08.017 --> 00:18:10.804
<v ->We have an absolute right to know what goes</v>

00:18:10.804 --> 00:18:13.847
into our bodies and into the bodies of our children.

00:18:13.847 --> 00:18:16.811
If producers are scared to label their products,

00:18:16.811 --> 00:18:18.735
there must be something wrong.

00:18:18.735 --> 00:18:22.026
<v ->64 countries around the world already enact labeling</v>

00:18:22.026 --> 00:18:25.423
and 28 states have some form of pending legislation.

00:18:25.423 --> 00:18:28.423
The overwhelming majority of the public wants their food

00:18:28.423 --> 00:18:30.661
labeled so they can make informed decisions

00:18:30.661 --> 00:18:32.362
about what they're consuming.

00:18:32.362 --> 00:18:35.853
<v ->Legislation like House Resolution 1599</v>

00:18:35.853 --> 00:18:39.951
and Senate Bill 764 will exacerbate the problems

00:18:39.951 --> 00:18:42.986
we already have, it'll keep the entire country

00:18:42.986 --> 00:18:45.250
in the dark for years to come.

00:18:45.250 --> 00:18:49.417
We need easily recognizable labels, and we need them now.

00:18:50.482 --> 00:18:52.919
<v ->Those who oppose mandatory labeling do so</v>

00:18:52.919 --> 00:18:54.457
for three reasons.

00:18:54.457 --> 00:18:57.295
<v ->Labeling GMOs, which are completely safe,</v>

00:18:57.295 --> 00:19:00.522
will cost consumers billions as farmers and processors

00:19:00.522 --> 00:19:03.048
try to comply with regulations.

00:19:03.048 --> 00:19:05.324
<v ->Labeling GMOs amounts to nothing more than</v>

00:19:05.324 --> 00:19:08.610
a red herring, so many false claims have been ingrained

00:19:08.610 --> 00:19:11.128
in the minds of the public that doing this would scare

00:19:11.128 --> 00:19:13.965
consumers away from genetically modified foods

00:19:13.965 --> 00:19:16.637
and keep a starving world from the technology

00:19:16.637 --> 00:19:19.276
desperately needed to feed its children.

00:19:19.276 --> 00:19:22.818
<v ->There is absolutely no reason bills like Senate 764</v>

00:19:22.818 --> 00:19:26.878
should pass, labeling is unnecessary and our pocketbooks

00:19:26.878 --> 00:19:29.151
will bear the brunt of this decision.

00:19:29.151 --> 00:19:31.542
<v ->There you have it, compelling cases have been made</v>

00:19:31.542 --> 00:19:35.316
both in favor and in opposition to GMO labeling.

00:19:35.316 --> 00:19:38.761
<v Student>So now it's up to you to decide, GMO labeling.</v>

00:19:38.761 --> 00:19:41.032
<v Students>Right to know or wasted dough?</v>

00:19:41.032 --> 00:19:41.865
Thank you.

00:19:41.865 --> 00:19:46.032
(audience member chuckles)
(audience applauds)

00:19:48.724 --> 00:19:50.646
<v Man>All right, team, I believe</v>

00:19:50.646 --> 00:19:52.985
that we just have a couple of questions for you.

00:19:52.985 --> 00:19:57.280
<v ->I do, with regard to the pro side of GMO labeling,</v>

00:19:57.280 --> 00:19:59.863
you all, so if 95% of beef

00:20:04.055 --> 00:20:06.094
is fed GMO feed,

00:20:06.094 --> 00:20:10.711
if some manufacturers, processors already label theirs

00:20:10.711 --> 00:20:13.211
as totally organic, why impose

00:20:14.092 --> 00:20:16.790
the additional cost of labeling?

00:20:16.790 --> 00:20:20.032
Can't we just assume that if it's advertised

00:20:20.032 --> 00:20:24.082
as being certified organic and that the rest

00:20:24.082 --> 00:20:26.665
is affected by GMO ingredients?

00:20:28.649 --> 00:20:31.649
<v ->Absolutely, we not asking for just</v>

00:20:32.999 --> 00:20:35.965
certified organic foods, we would like to know

00:20:35.965 --> 00:20:38.731
all the ingredients and the processes went into all

00:20:38.731 --> 00:20:40.957
of our foods so we would like to know

00:20:40.957 --> 00:20:45.041
what genetically modified process and ingredients

00:20:45.041 --> 00:20:47.878
are actually in our foods and do I feel like if we

00:20:47.878 --> 00:20:50.390
had a clear label that described everything

00:20:50.390 --> 00:20:51.890
that actually went into our food,

00:20:51.890 --> 00:20:54.976
I feel like we would make better and informed decisions

00:20:54.976 --> 00:20:56.599
about what we consume.

00:20:56.599 --> 00:20:58.752
<v ->As far as the con side goes, I think that's part</v>

00:20:58.752 --> 00:21:02.356
of their argument is that organic foods do insinuate

00:21:02.356 --> 00:21:04.625
that they're non-GMO, and we should just assume

00:21:04.625 --> 00:21:07.094
the rest of our food contains a GMO

00:21:07.094 --> 00:21:09.810
and that would essentially solve the labeling problem

00:21:09.810 --> 00:21:13.727
as it is and save everybody some money as well.

00:21:14.964 --> 00:21:17.157
<v ->I have another question, a follow-up question with regard</v>

00:21:17.157 --> 00:21:20.847
to the con side then, we've seen food labeling

00:21:20.847 --> 00:21:23.112
for a long time now.

00:21:23.112 --> 00:21:24.542
The yogurt I eat in the morning,

00:21:24.542 --> 00:21:26.493
I look to see how many calories are in there,

00:21:26.493 --> 00:21:28.797
how much fat, how much cholesterol, all of that.

00:21:28.797 --> 00:21:32.849
It didn't seem to cripple the industry or the processors

00:21:32.849 --> 00:21:35.606
to include that level of labeling.

00:21:35.606 --> 00:21:39.169
Why is it that if we add GMO labeling,

00:21:39.169 --> 00:21:41.078
that it's going to have this detrimental effect

00:21:41.078 --> 00:21:43.078
as you all are alleging?

00:21:44.361 --> 00:21:46.914
<v ->We've actually already seen this kind of thing happen</v>

00:21:46.914 --> 00:21:48.708
with the country-of-origin labels.

00:21:48.708 --> 00:21:52.687
Consumers don't look at the label and even if they see

00:21:52.687 --> 00:21:54.635
that label, they'll make the choices off

00:21:54.635 --> 00:21:57.008
of whatever's cheaper, and, so, we've seen

00:21:57.008 --> 00:21:59.690
with that specific type of labeling that consumers

00:21:59.690 --> 00:22:02.038
are just incurring this extra cost

00:22:02.038 --> 00:22:04.253
that they don't even really care about

00:22:04.253 --> 00:22:06.329
and so the same thing is just going to happen whenever

00:22:06.329 --> 00:22:08.961
we have genetically modified foods labeled

00:22:08.961 --> 00:22:11.509
because consumers want the cheapest price.

00:22:11.509 --> 00:22:15.239
They don't necessarily care about what label is on there.

00:22:15.239 --> 00:22:17.442
<v ->But additonally, to add to that, when it comes</v>

00:22:17.442 --> 00:22:21.172
to specifically a GMO label, because non-GMO

00:22:21.172 --> 00:22:25.339
is kind of a hip and trendy thing happening right now,

00:22:26.481 --> 00:22:29.000
everybody wants organic and non-GMO,

00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:31.443
there is a negative connotation surrounding

00:22:31.443 --> 00:22:34.566
the use of the phrase, "genetically modified organism,"

00:22:34.566 --> 00:22:37.521
so whether or not it's harmful the public

00:22:37.521 --> 00:22:39.844
isn't really something, as strange as it sounds,

00:22:39.844 --> 00:22:41.516
that passes through most people's minds,

00:22:41.516 --> 00:22:44.714
I imagine, when they see non-GMO or GMO.

00:22:44.714 --> 00:22:47.837
It's just a general fear of something that's unfamiliar.

00:22:47.837 --> 00:22:49.944
It's something that they do believe, whether or not

00:22:49.944 --> 00:22:51.944
it does, will harm them.

00:22:57.759 --> 00:23:01.426
<v ->Get my button to work here, two questions.</v>

00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:06.427
Apparently this seems to be on several levels,

00:23:06.427 --> 00:23:11.005
it seems to be a community issue, local, with your area,

00:23:11.005 --> 00:23:13.396
and then I keep hearing how different states

00:23:13.396 --> 00:23:15.425
are involved in it to various degrees

00:23:15.425 --> 00:23:18.271
and then the ugly federal government seems to jump in

00:23:18.271 --> 00:23:20.816
and then the EU kind of trumped it all.

00:23:20.816 --> 00:23:23.145
Where does the responsibility lie,

00:23:23.145 --> 00:23:25.145
and where should it lie?

00:23:27.567 --> 00:23:29.650
Federal, state, or local?

00:23:31.061 --> 00:23:33.082
<v Student>That's a good question and--</v>

00:23:33.082 --> 00:23:35.069
<v ->I'm known for that sometimes. (laughs)</v>

00:23:35.069 --> 00:23:38.578
(audience laughs)

00:23:38.578 --> 00:23:42.161
<v ->House Resolution 1599 was a good solution</v>

00:23:44.363 --> 00:23:46.501
because it was at the national level,

00:23:46.501 --> 00:23:49.059
so as far as trade between states,

00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:52.014
you wouldn't have to worry about keeping certain items

00:23:52.014 --> 00:23:54.335
labeled to just go to, say, two or three states

00:23:54.335 --> 00:23:56.073
that didn't require it.

00:23:56.073 --> 00:23:59.818
This bill would have solved that issue.

00:23:59.818 --> 00:24:03.451
There would have only been labels if they were indeed unsafe

00:24:03.451 --> 00:24:06.818
and that was just a nationwide decision which, by and large,

00:24:06.818 --> 00:24:10.985
would have been the best because then Texas could send food

00:24:12.490 --> 00:24:14.969
to Kansas and Kansas can send food to

00:24:14.969 --> 00:24:17.270
Texas and not have to worry about

00:24:17.270 --> 00:24:19.579
whether or not they need to keep their food labeled

00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:22.749
and whether it's labeled accurately.

00:24:22.749 --> 00:24:25.592
<v ->All right, as a follow-up to that for you.</v>

00:24:25.592 --> 00:24:29.153
You're suggesting that it should be a federal role.

00:24:29.153 --> 00:24:30.889
Under what constitutional provision

00:24:30.889 --> 00:24:32.987
does the federal government have the ability

00:24:32.987 --> 00:24:35.049
to even perform this task?

00:24:35.049 --> 00:24:36.513
<v Man>Interstate commerce.</v>

00:24:36.513 --> 00:24:40.239
(audience laughs)

00:24:40.239 --> 00:24:43.501
<v Man>Today is Constitution Day, by the way.</v>

00:24:43.501 --> 00:24:45.334
It just happens to be.

00:24:48.721 --> 00:24:51.071
(audience laughs)

00:24:51.071 --> 00:24:55.238
<v ->This is not Shark Tank.
(audience laughs)

00:24:58.166 --> 00:25:00.499
<v Man>Interstate commerce.</v>

00:25:09.042 --> 00:25:11.792
(speaks off mic)

00:25:54.867 --> 00:25:56.643
<v Man>Okay, let's get one more round of applause</v>

00:25:56.643 --> 00:25:58.132
for our FFA participants.

00:25:58.132 --> 00:26:00.074
(audience applauds)

00:26:00.074 --> 00:26:04.546
And if we could have their instructors and those that came

00:26:04.546 --> 00:26:07.431
with them to come into the middle of the circle,

00:26:07.431 --> 00:26:10.181
we'll make that presentation now.

00:26:44.818 --> 00:26:47.401
(woman laughs)

00:27:50.554 --> 00:27:53.554
(audience applauds)

00:28:08.913 --> 00:28:11.830
(audience murmurs)

00:28:14.464 --> 00:28:16.297
<v Student>Thank you.</v>

00:28:20.571 --> 00:28:22.238
<v Woman>Thank you.</v>

00:28:26.306 --> 00:28:29.223
(audience murmurs)

00:28:42.984 --> 00:28:45.540
<v Donna>I've called on Ms. Hardy now to do our invocation</v>

00:28:45.540 --> 00:28:46.505
and pledges.

00:28:46.505 --> 00:28:49.512
<v ->Thank you, one of the things that you already heard</v>

00:28:49.512 --> 00:28:52.794
Mr. Mercer say was this is Constitution Day.

00:28:52.794 --> 00:28:54.741
It isn't actually Constitution Day.

00:28:54.741 --> 00:28:58.908
Tomorrow is Constitution Day, but because it's on a Saturday,

00:29:00.036 --> 00:29:03.575
I want you to know that every school in the State of Texas

00:29:03.575 --> 00:29:05.520
and actually in the United States is supposed

00:29:05.520 --> 00:29:08.199
to be doing this but we only worry about Texas, right?

00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:11.367
Is celebrating Constitution Day because a few years ago,

00:29:11.367 --> 00:29:14.571
there was a federal law that says that you must recognize

00:29:14.571 --> 00:29:19.315
Constitution Day and so we know that the schools

00:29:19.315 --> 00:29:23.091
are doing what the federal law requires and so

00:29:23.091 --> 00:29:25.245
I'm hoping that all the ones in my district

00:29:25.245 --> 00:29:28.678
are doing it right now so I thought in regard to that,

00:29:28.678 --> 00:29:32.345
I would say the Preamble to the Constitution

00:29:33.191 --> 00:29:36.108
and remind us what an incredible document that is

00:29:36.108 --> 00:29:39.433
and in the process of doing that, I tried to pull it back

00:29:39.433 --> 00:29:42.224
from my memory, from memorizing it in the fifth grade

00:29:42.224 --> 00:29:44.880
and I was just going to say it by heart and I thought,

00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:48.451
"I can't say it to you by heart because if I did,

00:29:48.451 --> 00:29:51.007
"I would go (speaking gibberish)" because that's the way

00:29:51.007 --> 00:29:54.215
I learned to say it very fast and I want you to hear

00:29:54.215 --> 00:29:56.162
the essence of this document.

00:29:56.162 --> 00:29:58.310
Ms. Miller, did you have to memorize it in school too?

00:29:58.310 --> 00:30:00.454
Yeah, I wished they'd go back to doing that.

00:30:00.454 --> 00:30:01.951
I think it's a good idea.

00:30:01.951 --> 00:30:03.899
“We the People of the United States,

00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:06.017
"in order to form a more perfect Union,

00:30:06.017 --> 00:30:09.090
"to establish justice and domestic tranquility,

00:30:09.090 --> 00:30:11.236
"to provide for the common defense,

00:30:11.236 --> 00:30:13.150
"and to promote the general welfare,

00:30:13.150 --> 00:30:15.908
"and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves

00:30:15.908 --> 00:30:18.545
"and our posterity, do ordain and establish

00:30:18.545 --> 00:30:21.650
"this Constitution of the United States of America.”

00:30:21.650 --> 00:30:24.124
What beautiful words those are.

00:30:24.124 --> 00:30:26.767
Will you bow your heads and pray with me, please?

00:30:26.767 --> 00:30:30.882
Lord, help us to live lives that are worthy

00:30:30.882 --> 00:30:34.965
and pleasing to You in every way every day. Amen.

00:30:37.494 --> 00:30:40.827
Now let us stand for the pledge, please.

00:30:45.709 --> 00:30:47.121
I hope there's no one in the audience

00:30:47.121 --> 00:30:50.098
still seated (chuckles).

00:30:50.098 --> 00:30:53.581
<v All>I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States</v>

00:30:53.581 --> 00:30:57.754
of America, and to the republic for which it stands,

00:30:57.754 --> 00:31:01.243
one nation under God, indivisible,

00:31:01.243 --> 00:31:04.087
with liberty and justice for all.

00:31:04.087 --> 00:31:06.275
<v Geraldine>Now to the Texas Pledge.</v>

00:31:06.275 --> 00:31:08.507
<v All>I honor the Texas flag.</v>

00:31:08.507 --> 00:31:11.579
I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,

00:31:11.579 --> 00:31:14.996
one State under God, one and indivisible.

00:31:15.966 --> 00:31:17.966
<v Geraldine>Thank you.</v>

00:31:22.628 --> 00:31:25.878
<v ->Renee Jackson will now call the roll.</v>

00:31:27.205 --> 00:31:29.479
<v Renee>Mr. Allen.</v>
(man speaks off mic)

00:31:29.479 --> 00:31:30.936
<v Renee>Mrs. Bahorich.</v>

00:31:30.936 --> 00:31:32.040
<v ->Present.</v>

00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:34.138
<v Renee>Ms. Beltran.</v>

00:31:34.138 --> 00:31:36.132
<v ->Mr Bradley.
<v ->Present.</v>

00:31:36.132 --> 00:31:38.091
<v ->Mrs. Cargill.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:38.091 --> 00:31:39.794
<v ->Mr. Cortez.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:39.794 --> 00:31:41.821
<v ->Dr. Dominguez.
<v ->Present.</v>

00:31:41.821 --> 00:31:43.326
<v ->Ms. Hardy.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:43.326 --> 00:31:44.949
<v ->Mr. Maynard.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:44.949 --> 00:31:46.772
<v ->Mrs. Melton-Malone.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:46.772 --> 00:31:48.636
<v ->Mr. Mercer.
<v ->Present.</v>

00:31:48.636 --> 00:31:50.911
<v ->Mrs. Miller.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:50.911 --> 00:31:52.373
<v ->Ms. Perez.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:52.373 --> 00:31:53.912
<v ->Mr. Ratliff.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:53.912 --> 00:31:55.579
<v ->Mr. Rowley.
<v ->Here.</v>

00:31:59.708 --> 00:32:01.982
<v ->Members, I want to go ahead and do the approval</v>

00:32:01.982 --> 00:32:04.368
of the minutes, first item of business is that approval

00:32:04.368 --> 00:32:07.369
of the July 22nd, 2016 meeting.

00:32:07.369 --> 00:32:11.116
Are there any corrections to the minutes?

00:32:11.116 --> 00:32:14.366
Hearing none, the minutes are approved.

00:32:15.209 --> 00:32:17.292
We have public testimony.

00:32:21.512 --> 00:32:23.762
<v Woman>Vanessa Tijerina.</v>

00:32:34.906 --> 00:32:36.406
<v ->What's her name?</v>

00:32:41.289 --> 00:32:45.867
<v ->Hello, I'm Vanessa Tijerina, I come from deep south Texas,</v>

00:32:45.867 --> 00:32:49.858
the Rio Grande Valley, your District 2.

00:32:49.858 --> 00:32:53.340
I come before you as a parent, an advocate

00:32:53.340 --> 00:32:56.094
for parents, children and teachers,

00:32:56.094 --> 00:33:00.391
a nurse of nearly 20 years, a credentialed biologist

00:33:00.391 --> 00:33:04.049
and as a current U.S. congressional candidate.

00:33:04.049 --> 00:33:07.790
And the concerns that I'm about to bring up right now

00:33:07.790 --> 00:33:11.957
come from Congress putting TEA in a very dire position

00:33:13.271 --> 00:33:16.928
by defunding them, and I'm very sorry about that.

00:33:16.928 --> 00:33:19.854
I have struggled to advocate for my son for four years

00:33:19.854 --> 00:33:21.646
as I have been constantly obstructed

00:33:21.646 --> 00:33:24.447
and continuously bewildered when I would encounter

00:33:24.447 --> 00:33:27.821
school districts blatantly violating federal law,

00:33:27.821 --> 00:33:30.351
then came the Rosenthal Report.

00:33:30.351 --> 00:33:32.621
From the Houston Chronicle titled," Denied:

00:33:32.621 --> 00:33:34.361
How Texas Keeps Tens of Thousands

00:33:34.361 --> 00:33:37.278
"of Kids out of Special Education."

00:33:38.701 --> 00:33:40.503
It all became clear.

00:33:40.503 --> 00:33:43.180
I understood that my son, my younger children

00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:44.709
and the futures of Texas children

00:33:44.709 --> 00:33:48.206
would be negatively affected, all because of the lack

00:33:48.206 --> 00:33:49.956
of federal oversight over entities

00:33:49.956 --> 00:33:53.473
such as TEA that disperse federal funds.

00:33:53.473 --> 00:33:57.085
This is one reason I am currently running for U.S. Congress.

00:33:57.085 --> 00:33:59.562
It will be a shame if Texas has to be defended

00:33:59.562 --> 00:34:02.521
in a lawsuit simply because a group of folks came

00:34:02.521 --> 00:34:06.688
to some possibly unethical solutions to manage a budget.

00:34:07.985 --> 00:34:11.677
Abuse may come in many forms, including unjust practices.

00:34:11.677 --> 00:34:15.526
The definition of neglect in the legal sense

00:34:15.526 --> 00:34:19.340
is defined by an entity or an individual falling below

00:34:19.340 --> 00:34:21.297
their given standards.

00:34:21.297 --> 00:34:24.742
I believe TEA has fallen below standards,

00:34:24.742 --> 00:34:27.617
specifically federal standards that were put in place

00:34:27.617 --> 00:34:30.101
to prevent the very practices TEA has

00:34:30.101 --> 00:34:33.142
and is currently implementing, specifically

00:34:33.142 --> 00:34:35.613
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

00:34:35.613 --> 00:34:38.050
and the Individuals with Disabilities Act,

00:34:38.050 --> 00:34:41.989
both of which were put in place to ensure FAPE.

00:34:41.989 --> 00:34:44.906
With Texas denying a free and appropriate public education

00:34:44.906 --> 00:34:48.017
under IDEA, Texas has failed to prepare

00:34:48.017 --> 00:34:51.506
an entire generation of unidentified students

00:34:51.506 --> 00:34:55.000
to be able to further their post-secondary education,

00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:58.408
to prepare them for employment and independent living,

00:34:58.408 --> 00:35:00.409
all of which negatively impact

00:35:00.409 --> 00:35:03.284
the society of Texas as a whole.

00:35:03.284 --> 00:35:05.491
When children are denied special education,

00:35:05.491 --> 00:35:08.488
the following occur: many don't graduate,

00:35:08.488 --> 00:35:11.450
thus, they miss out on critical general education.

00:35:11.450 --> 00:35:13.757
If they go to college, they are unable to identify

00:35:13.757 --> 00:35:17.046
they need disability services, and thus they fail.

00:35:17.046 --> 00:35:19.431
Social Security benefits are denied.

00:35:19.431 --> 00:35:21.418
If a child is not placed in special education,

00:35:21.418 --> 00:35:25.406
the SSA deems that child "not having a need."

00:35:25.406 --> 00:35:28.624
As adults, they attempt to apply for benefits.

00:35:28.624 --> 00:35:31.383
One question they are asked, "Were you in special education

00:35:31.383 --> 00:35:36.013
"as a child," if not, more often than not, they are denied.

00:35:36.013 --> 00:35:39.572
STAR testing, when 250,000 unidentified

00:35:39.572 --> 00:35:41.910
special education students are taking a test

00:35:41.910 --> 00:35:44.349
based on information they were unable to process

00:35:44.349 --> 00:35:48.122
during the year, this leads to poor scores.

00:35:48.122 --> 00:35:50.800
School districts, teachers, and students

00:35:50.800 --> 00:35:53.072
are held to these scores.

00:35:53.072 --> 00:35:55.381
Forcing teachers to mainstream these students affects

00:35:55.381 --> 00:35:58.300
the ability of general education students to learn

00:35:58.300 --> 00:36:00.201
and for teachers to teach.

00:36:00.201 --> 00:36:02.916
Bullying. These children are at high risk for physical,

00:36:02.916 --> 00:36:07.889
mental, and at times, sexual abuse from peers and faculty.

00:36:07.889 --> 00:36:09.875
Many of these children have gone on to enter

00:36:09.875 --> 00:36:12.673
the school-to-prison pipeline because the manifestation

00:36:12.673 --> 00:36:15.702
of their behavior is not being identified and addressed.

00:36:15.702 --> 00:36:18.176
If their second language is English

00:36:18.176 --> 00:36:21.261
and they do not have citizenship, they grow into adults

00:36:21.261 --> 00:36:24.353
and risk deportation when violating a law.

00:36:24.353 --> 00:36:27.966
The efforts of advocates are in vain and futile.

00:36:27.966 --> 00:36:31.325
While this 8.5% practice remains in place,

00:36:31.325 --> 00:36:34.286
I am imploring you to suspend this entire practice

00:36:34.286 --> 00:36:38.096
as earliest as you possibly can during the time

00:36:38.096 --> 00:36:40.576
TEA looks into the matter.

00:36:40.576 --> 00:36:44.493
I also encourage all Texas school districts,

00:36:44.493 --> 00:36:49.325
in the South especially, where we're most affected,

00:36:49.325 --> 00:36:53.497
to push back against this unjust practice.

00:36:53.497 --> 00:36:56.986
I find it hard to believe that TEA and its Board

00:36:56.986 --> 00:36:59.672
will not come under fire if they attempt

00:36:59.672 --> 00:37:01.739
to force all protesting school districts

00:37:01.739 --> 00:37:04.943
into submitting corrective action plans,

00:37:04.943 --> 00:37:07.868
submit regular status reports, or commence a takeover

00:37:07.868 --> 00:37:10.753
of any or all districts, all moves that are tools

00:37:10.753 --> 00:37:15.263
of harassment and retaliation to force unethical compliance.

00:37:15.263 --> 00:37:17.795
I leave you with a reminder.

00:37:17.795 --> 00:37:20.454
The world is watching.

00:37:20.454 --> 00:37:24.201
America's watching, and Texas is watching

00:37:24.201 --> 00:37:27.835
so are all its voters and all its potential voters.

00:37:27.835 --> 00:37:28.668
Thank you.

00:37:32.227 --> 00:37:34.477
<v Donna>Yes, Mr. Maynard?</v>

00:37:35.397 --> 00:37:38.844
<v ->Madame Chair, and this is the reference</v>

00:37:38.844 --> 00:37:42.544
to the ceiling that's put on the number of students,

00:37:42.544 --> 00:37:44.282
the percentage of students that can be classified

00:37:44.282 --> 00:37:47.532
as special ed, is that by law or by rule?

00:37:47.532 --> 00:37:49.115
Is that the commissioner's ruling?

00:37:49.115 --> 00:37:50.704
If I could ask that.

00:37:50.704 --> 00:37:51.537
<v ->I was told--
<v ->I don't think</v>

00:37:51.537 --> 00:37:56.076
there's anyone here from the agency that can speak to that.

00:37:56.076 --> 00:37:59.462
We didn't really, I don't think anybody has.

00:37:59.462 --> 00:38:01.997
I want to make sure that the Members all got the notice.

00:38:01.997 --> 00:38:06.914
I think Ms. Ratcliff send a note to everyone regarding

00:38:06.914 --> 00:38:09.340
an update on that from the commissioner yesterday.

00:38:09.340 --> 00:38:11.615
Did everyone receive that?

00:38:11.615 --> 00:38:14.877
I want to make sure that Miss, I want to make sure

00:38:14.877 --> 00:38:15.986
I say it right.

00:38:15.986 --> 00:38:16.959
<v Vanessa>You can call me Vanessa.</v>

00:38:16.959 --> 00:38:20.559
<v ->(laughs) Vanessa, okay, that Vanessa gets a copy</v>

00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:25.518
of we all received, can we give her a copy of that?

00:38:25.518 --> 00:38:28.607
'Cause it had web links as well so I wanna make sure

00:38:28.607 --> 00:38:33.437
that you receive that, did anybody have a question for her?

00:38:33.437 --> 00:38:34.806
Thank you so much for--
<v ->Thank you.</v>

00:38:34.806 --> 00:38:36.662
<v ->Coming in and talking to us today.</v>

00:38:36.662 --> 00:38:38.495
<v Vanessa>Thank you.</v>

00:38:39.445 --> 00:38:41.862
And thank you for all you do.

00:38:44.504 --> 00:38:46.244
<v ->Now, Members, we're going to do the resolutions</v>

00:38:46.244 --> 00:38:49.546
and presentations, Heroes for Children.

00:38:49.546 --> 00:38:53.743
I believe Member Board Secretary Ruben Cortez Jr.

00:38:53.743 --> 00:38:55.660
is going to read those.

00:39:14.428 --> 00:39:15.678
<v ->Good morning.</v>

00:39:17.112 --> 00:39:19.258
I gotta remember that these people are going to sound off

00:39:19.258 --> 00:39:22.009
on this microphone here.

00:39:22.009 --> 00:39:24.189
I'd like to welcome all of you here

00:39:24.189 --> 00:39:27.966
as the State Board of Education recognizes

00:39:27.966 --> 00:39:31.185
outstanding volunteers who have given generously

00:39:31.185 --> 00:39:34.102
of their time to our Texas schools.

00:39:35.241 --> 00:39:37.983
Today, we are recognizing a group of people

00:39:37.983 --> 00:39:41.233
who have provided their time, resources

00:39:43.092 --> 00:39:47.126
to the benefit of Texas schoolchildren.

00:39:47.126 --> 00:39:51.442
As each hero is recognized, each recipient will receive

00:39:51.442 --> 00:39:55.192
a framed certificate, a copy of a resolution,

00:39:57.008 --> 00:40:00.537
which the Board will vote on momentarily

00:40:00.537 --> 00:40:03.712
and I believe we also have an attachment

00:40:03.712 --> 00:40:06.129
from Governor Abbott as well.

00:40:08.225 --> 00:40:10.830
At this time, I would like to introduce the heroes

00:40:10.830 --> 00:40:13.427
for districts one through seven.

00:40:13.427 --> 00:40:16.958
If you can please join us in the circle

00:40:16.958 --> 00:40:21.516
and Board members, if you can join your heroes.

00:40:21.516 --> 00:40:25.751
We don't want to fill up a circle, so we're going to do

00:40:25.751 --> 00:40:27.751
one through seven first.

00:41:14.597 --> 00:41:18.461
All right, it looks like everybody's in place.

00:41:18.461 --> 00:41:20.164
I would like to share with you some things

00:41:20.164 --> 00:41:22.530
about each of our unique volunteers,

00:41:22.530 --> 00:41:25.113
our 2016, I got a portable mic.

00:41:27.621 --> 00:41:30.800
I'm going to go up there right now.

00:41:30.800 --> 00:41:33.050
About each of our heroes for 2016.

00:41:33.050 --> 00:41:37.770
Our first hero from State Board of Education District 1

00:41:37.770 --> 00:41:41.937
is Yamile Gonzales, a volunteer in the Socorro ISD

00:41:43.299 --> 00:41:47.466
in El Paso, a volunteer at the Ernest Serna School

00:41:48.948 --> 00:41:53.183
since 2001, Ms. Gonzales is known to show

00:41:53.183 --> 00:41:57.129
outstanding leadership and provides numerous hours

00:41:57.129 --> 00:42:01.594
in making positive impact at the school and its community.

00:42:01.594 --> 00:42:05.779
She is described as someone who goes above and beyond

00:42:05.779 --> 00:42:09.488
the call of duty by encouraging a positive culture

00:42:09.488 --> 00:42:11.738
within her volunteer group.

00:42:12.584 --> 00:42:15.393
She has provided support in meeting

00:42:15.393 --> 00:42:19.672
the district's strategic directives, in being of service

00:42:19.672 --> 00:42:24.504
to the home, school, and community partnerships.

00:42:24.504 --> 00:42:27.473
Mrs. Gonzalez promotes college readiness

00:42:27.473 --> 00:42:30.564
and a safe learning environment for all students

00:42:30.564 --> 00:42:32.388
at the school, her positive attitude

00:42:32.388 --> 00:42:35.667
and encouragement with her volunteers has resulted

00:42:35.667 --> 00:42:39.834
in a 20% increase in parental involvement at the school.

00:42:42.072 --> 00:42:45.905
Out of her own pocket, she gives care packages

00:42:46.751 --> 00:42:49.029
to those students that are in need

00:42:49.029 --> 00:42:51.195
of personal products and school supplies.

00:42:51.195 --> 00:42:54.207
She is a second pair of eyes and ears

00:42:54.207 --> 00:42:56.657
for the counselors when students are in need

00:42:56.657 --> 00:43:01.010
of clothing and shoes, and each year she helps recognize,

00:43:01.010 --> 00:43:04.350
helps organize a canned food drive before the holidays

00:43:04.350 --> 00:43:07.329
so that students and families have enough food

00:43:07.329 --> 00:43:09.569
to make ends meet.

00:43:09.569 --> 00:43:12.698
Ernesto Serna School's volunteer program

00:43:12.698 --> 00:43:16.264
would not be as successful as it is today

00:43:16.264 --> 00:43:19.555
without her vision, without her strong leadership,

00:43:19.555 --> 00:43:23.575
and in addition to being recognized today for her efforts,

00:43:23.575 --> 00:43:26.251
she has also earned the Socorro ISD's

00:43:26.251 --> 00:43:29.416
Adult Volunteer of the Year.

00:43:29.416 --> 00:43:33.170
Congratulations and thank you, Mrs. Gonzalez,

00:43:33.170 --> 00:43:37.392
for all the time and effort you put in helping this school

00:43:37.392 --> 00:43:40.075
and the students in your community.

00:43:40.075 --> 00:43:43.075
(audience applauds)

00:43:48.680 --> 00:43:52.847
So today, I got a microphone, because I get to recognize

00:43:53.808 --> 00:43:57.259
my hero from District 2, so I'm going to walk

00:43:57.259 --> 00:44:00.137
and read at the same time.

00:44:00.137 --> 00:44:02.758
I usually have to pass my duties off to somebody else

00:44:02.758 --> 00:44:06.925
so thank you, Debbie and staff, for giving me a microphone.

00:44:09.003 --> 00:44:11.011
Obviously, it's a special day for our heroes

00:44:11.011 --> 00:44:13.621
and I always miss the opportunity of being down here

00:44:13.621 --> 00:44:16.964
with mine, so for nine years, Ms. Christianson

00:44:16.964 --> 00:44:20.907
has been a faithful volunteer at more than one campus

00:44:20.907 --> 00:44:22.260
in the district.

00:44:22.260 --> 00:44:25.425
She shows up, works hard, loves the students

00:44:25.425 --> 00:44:27.853
and staff and exemplifies the spirit

00:44:27.853 --> 00:44:29.986
of the dedicated volunteer.

00:44:29.986 --> 00:44:33.262
She is known throughout the district as a cheerleader

00:44:33.262 --> 00:44:36.345
for schools, for staff, and students.

00:44:38.110 --> 00:44:42.277
She is everywhere, games, concerts, clubs, club meetings,

00:44:43.689 --> 00:44:47.741
school lunches, ceremonies, classrooms, hallways,

00:44:47.741 --> 00:44:51.152
and is described as someone who always have a smile

00:44:51.152 --> 00:44:55.319
on her face and is a go-getter when it comes to doing things

00:44:56.896 --> 00:45:00.167
that will benefit the students in the district.

00:45:00.167 --> 00:45:03.116
She not only comes up with the ideas,

00:45:03.116 --> 00:45:05.533
but she make them happen, too.

00:45:06.505 --> 00:45:09.122
The kids are her first priority

00:45:09.122 --> 00:45:11.705
and everyone else is secondary.

00:45:13.015 --> 00:45:15.972
Among her many accomplishments, she runs

00:45:15.972 --> 00:45:20.968
the Brundrett Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club,

00:45:20.968 --> 00:45:24.585
which has put together several events around town

00:45:24.585 --> 00:45:28.393
and at the school, such as Math Night,

00:45:28.393 --> 00:45:30.821
sounds like a lot of fun, Shark Night,

00:45:30.821 --> 00:45:33.815
sounds like a lot more fun, Science Night,

00:45:33.815 --> 00:45:37.982
Dog Wash, Beach Cleanup, and Field Day, just to name a few.

00:45:40.387 --> 00:45:44.195
And at the Olson Elementary, where she volunteers,

00:45:44.195 --> 00:45:47.410
she has been a grandmother, a substitute teacher,

00:45:47.410 --> 00:45:51.209
PTO president and after-school activities sponsor.

00:45:51.209 --> 00:45:53.897
During her tenure, she has developed

00:45:53.897 --> 00:45:58.105
a read-a-thon fundraiser that not only raises money for PTO

00:45:58.105 --> 00:46:02.185
but also encourages the students to read.

00:46:02.185 --> 00:46:05.366
This year, she kick-started K Kids Club,

00:46:05.366 --> 00:46:08.929
the elementary chapter of Kiwanis International.

00:46:08.929 --> 00:46:12.429
Ms. Christianson, what would this district

00:46:13.712 --> 00:46:16.160
do if you ever slowed down?

00:46:16.160 --> 00:46:18.337
Thank you so much for your hard work

00:46:18.337 --> 00:46:20.808
for the Port Aransas Independent School District.

00:46:20.808 --> 00:46:23.808
(audience applauds)

00:46:30.753 --> 00:46:33.719
That was a very special treat for me.

00:46:33.719 --> 00:46:36.151
I usually have to pass the baton so thank you

00:46:36.151 --> 00:46:37.901
for the portable mic.

00:46:46.188 --> 00:46:49.034
In District 3, our State Board of Education hero

00:46:49.034 --> 00:46:51.784
is Keith Graham, a volunteer with

00:46:53.114 --> 00:46:57.548
several Bexar County area schools in the district.

00:46:57.548 --> 00:47:00.131
Mr. Graham could not join us today,

00:47:02.661 --> 00:47:04.895
founded the Community for Life Foundation

00:47:04.895 --> 00:47:07.876
in 2001 as a mechanism to give back

00:47:07.876 --> 00:47:10.640
to Bexar County schools and communities.

00:47:10.640 --> 00:47:14.297
The foundation has provided more than $450,000

00:47:14.297 --> 00:47:16.719
in scholarships to worthwhile students,

00:47:16.719 --> 00:47:20.128
along with helping others with new cars

00:47:20.128 --> 00:47:24.256
and providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

00:47:24.256 --> 00:47:26.942
In addition, the foundation is also known

00:47:26.942 --> 00:47:30.310
for its career and college readiness sessions

00:47:30.310 --> 00:47:32.356
that are free of charge to students

00:47:32.356 --> 00:47:34.670
of the greater San Antonio community.

00:47:34.670 --> 00:47:38.174
The foundation also has brought in speakers

00:47:38.174 --> 00:47:42.341
from Cafe College, ACT, and other college readiness entities

00:47:43.630 --> 00:47:46.755
to help students prepare and learn about the applications,

00:47:46.755 --> 00:47:50.483
matriculation, retention and graduation process.

00:47:50.483 --> 00:47:54.150
Ms. Perez, please extend our congratulations

00:47:55.190 --> 00:47:59.672
and thanks to Mr. Graham for his outstanding work.

00:47:59.672 --> 00:48:02.672
(audience applauds)

00:48:06.711 --> 00:48:10.544
Our hero for District 4, Alfred Youens, who is

00:48:12.176 --> 00:48:16.489
a volunteer in the Galena Park Independent School District.

00:48:16.489 --> 00:48:20.572
Joining us today to represent the late Mr. Youens

00:48:21.469 --> 00:48:25.636
is his wife Carol and their daughter Cheryl Sedwick.

00:48:30.358 --> 00:48:34.020
Prior to passing away in August, Mr. Youens spent

00:48:34.020 --> 00:48:38.187
the last 17 years volunteering as a reading mentor

00:48:39.396 --> 00:48:42.229
at the Galena Park School District

00:48:43.213 --> 00:48:45.993
for the district's first and second-graders.

00:48:45.993 --> 00:48:49.358
During special occasions, it was not unusual for students

00:48:49.358 --> 00:48:53.410
to see him wearing his wacky outfit for Dr. Seuss Week

00:48:53.410 --> 00:48:57.577
and wearing his red in support of Red Ribbon Week.

00:48:58.442 --> 00:49:01.444
Thankfully, with the help of Mr. Youens,

00:49:01.444 --> 00:49:05.050
North Shore Elementary successfully promoted

00:49:05.050 --> 00:49:09.492
many first- and second-graders to the next grade level.

00:49:09.492 --> 00:49:11.952
The students' self-confidence and self-esteem

00:49:11.952 --> 00:49:16.119
was positively impacted and strong-lasting friendships

00:49:17.582 --> 00:49:19.509
with students and staff and community

00:49:19.509 --> 00:49:21.727
were created along the way.

00:49:21.727 --> 00:49:24.585
His familiar face was often seen during

00:49:24.585 --> 00:49:27.631
the Christmas sing-along at North Shore Elementary.

00:49:27.631 --> 00:49:31.220
The Galena Park Independent School District area PTA

00:49:31.220 --> 00:49:35.055
Founders Day banquet, and at the annual,

00:49:35.055 --> 00:49:37.974
at the school's Annual Volunteer Luncheon.

00:49:37.974 --> 00:49:40.757
He was a well-known person within his own community,

00:49:40.757 --> 00:49:44.185
not only because of his work within the school system,

00:49:44.185 --> 00:49:47.352
but what he did outside of the school.

00:49:49.287 --> 00:49:53.361
He has also given his time to the Good News Club,

00:49:53.361 --> 00:49:58.093
an after-school Bible class, the Whole and Healthy

00:49:58.093 --> 00:50:02.524
Children's Initiative and served as a positive role model

00:50:02.524 --> 00:50:04.857
for students and volunteers.

00:50:06.136 --> 00:50:08.303
Mrs. Youens, Mrs. Sedwick,

00:50:10.802 --> 00:50:14.762
you have our condolences on your loss.

00:50:14.762 --> 00:50:16.848
Our prayers are with your family.

00:50:16.848 --> 00:50:21.246
Mr. Youens leaves behind a great legacy for children

00:50:21.246 --> 00:50:25.413
and staff at the North Shore and the Galena Park Independent

00:50:27.729 --> 00:50:30.894
School District communities, and he will be missed.

00:50:30.894 --> 00:50:31.727
Thank you.

00:50:31.727 --> 00:50:34.727
(audience applauds)

00:50:46.720 --> 00:50:50.876
One another event that the SBOE will recognize today.

00:50:50.876 --> 00:50:52.293
Oh wait a minute.

00:50:53.542 --> 00:50:57.125
My notes are out of order today, all right.

00:51:05.000 --> 00:51:06.355
District 6?

00:51:06.355 --> 00:51:08.571
(speaks off mic)

00:51:08.571 --> 00:51:11.154
0kay, they're not out of order.

00:51:12.121 --> 00:51:16.233
I'm sorry, one other event the SBOE will recognize today

00:51:16.233 --> 00:51:18.069
is the 20th anniversary of granting

00:51:18.069 --> 00:51:20.599
the first charter schools in Texas.

00:51:20.599 --> 00:51:25.250
So it is fitting that we now recognize Edward Olson,

00:51:25.250 --> 00:51:29.417
a volunteer in the John H. Woods Charter School District

00:51:30.906 --> 00:51:33.573
as our hero for SBOE District 5.

00:51:35.049 --> 00:51:39.122
Mr. Olson, a volunteer since 2012, is described

00:51:39.122 --> 00:51:42.823
as being an extraordinary influence in the lives of students

00:51:42.823 --> 00:51:47.498
at the Afton Oaks Residential Treatment Facility,

00:51:47.498 --> 00:51:51.316
a campus of a charter district, he has shared

00:51:51.316 --> 00:51:54.267
countless hours of mentoring and support

00:51:54.267 --> 00:51:58.234
with the at-risk youth at his school, who are challenged

00:51:58.234 --> 00:52:02.401
with a myriad of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social,

00:52:03.333 --> 00:52:05.342
and medical issues.

00:52:05.342 --> 00:52:08.009
All of the students he supports,

00:52:09.242 --> 00:52:13.409
wards of the state, who have had the parental rights

00:52:14.290 --> 00:52:16.614
of their biological parents terminated

00:52:16.614 --> 00:52:19.442
by the court system due to neglect, abuse,

00:52:19.442 --> 00:52:22.859
abandonment, or incapacity of the parents.

00:52:23.704 --> 00:52:27.681
The students have been moved from foster care placement

00:52:27.681 --> 00:52:30.982
to residential settings repeatedly throughout

00:52:30.982 --> 00:52:35.149
their young lives with very little consistency experience.

00:52:36.325 --> 00:52:40.176
Mr. Olson provides dependability through meeting

00:52:40.176 --> 00:52:43.973
with all of his students, completing their transition plans,

00:52:43.973 --> 00:52:47.496
collaborating with instructional personnel and participating

00:52:47.496 --> 00:52:51.694
in individualized education plan development

00:52:51.694 --> 00:52:54.699
that form a foundation so that the student

00:52:54.699 --> 00:52:57.213
can grow up educationally.

00:52:57.213 --> 00:53:01.900
The impact he has had on students is easily seen

00:53:01.900 --> 00:53:04.861
through their excitement when he is on campus

00:53:04.861 --> 00:53:09.028
as multiple students are heard asking him if he's there

00:53:10.062 --> 00:53:13.642
to visit them or to meet with them individually.

00:53:13.642 --> 00:53:16.969
Mr. Olson always brings his students birthday cards,

00:53:16.969 --> 00:53:19.840
acknowledgments of honor roll recognitions,

00:53:19.840 --> 00:53:22.162
and when possible, meeting with them

00:53:22.162 --> 00:53:24.412
before they are discharged.

00:53:24.412 --> 00:53:28.579
Mr. Olson, your selflessness, dedication, and commitment

00:53:29.505 --> 00:53:32.575
to serving the needs of the most vulnerable

00:53:32.575 --> 00:53:35.658
and the most fragile at-risk students

00:53:36.635 --> 00:53:39.304
is truly extraordinary.

00:53:39.304 --> 00:53:42.533
Thank you for caring so much for those

00:53:42.533 --> 00:53:45.492
who have had so much pain in their young lives.

00:53:45.492 --> 00:53:46.649
Congratulations.

00:53:46.649 --> 00:53:49.649
(audience applauds)

00:53:57.557 --> 00:54:00.807
Joe Yarbrough is a hero for District 6.

00:54:02.172 --> 00:54:04.958
Mr. Yarbrough has been a volunteer

00:54:04.958 --> 00:54:08.857
with the Spring Branch School District's FFA program

00:54:08.857 --> 00:54:13.431
for 27 years. His hands, voice, and financial resources

00:54:13.431 --> 00:54:15.858
have influenced the success program

00:54:15.858 --> 00:54:18.401
for many students who participated.

00:54:18.401 --> 00:54:21.322
Mr. Yarbrough owned and operated a business

00:54:21.322 --> 00:54:25.111
in Spring branch area for 26 years, and upon retirement,

00:54:25.111 --> 00:54:29.111
he began devoting his time to Spring Branch FFA.

00:54:29.111 --> 00:54:33.278
In 1989, he began his journey with a $400 donation

00:54:35.477 --> 00:54:39.689
to sponsor the FFA Golf Tournament and since,

00:54:39.689 --> 00:54:42.893
has been an icon with the program.

00:54:42.893 --> 00:54:46.042
He has served the Spring Branch Agricultural Sciences

00:54:46.042 --> 00:54:50.764
department, FFA chapter, and its FFA alumni chapter

00:54:50.764 --> 00:54:54.097
in many facets during the past 27 years.

00:54:54.984 --> 00:54:58.348
His dedicated service has included serving

00:54:58.348 --> 00:55:01.103
as Chairman of the department's Advisory Board,

00:55:01.103 --> 00:55:05.248
visiting with the school board on the program's behalf,

00:55:05.248 --> 00:55:07.960
recruiting financial supporters,

00:55:07.960 --> 00:55:12.403
organizing major construction projects, and most importantly,

00:55:12.403 --> 00:55:15.531
working directly with student members.

00:55:15.531 --> 00:55:19.322
Mr. Yarbrough has been instrumental in various facets

00:55:19.322 --> 00:55:23.837
of the acquisition, funding campaigns, and construction

00:55:23.837 --> 00:55:28.004
of the district's swine barn, small ruminant facility,

00:55:28.994 --> 00:55:33.802
exhibition barn, small animal exercise facility,

00:55:33.802 --> 00:55:36.869
and instructional laboratory space.

00:55:36.869 --> 00:55:39.878
Thank you, Mr. Yarbrough, for bringing such commitment

00:55:39.878 --> 00:55:44.170
and support to this worthwhile program for so many years

00:55:44.170 --> 00:55:46.261
and for so many students.

00:55:46.261 --> 00:55:47.200
Thank you, sir.

00:55:47.200 --> 00:55:50.200
(audience applauds)

00:55:54.863 --> 00:55:59.758
Lori Bell, our hero for State Board of Education District 7,

00:55:59.758 --> 00:56:02.758
is a volunteer in the Nederland ISD.

00:56:04.468 --> 00:56:08.501
At Langham Elementary, Mrs. Bell is known not just

00:56:08.501 --> 00:56:12.535
as a volunteer but as an icon to students and staff alike.

00:56:12.535 --> 00:56:15.868
She provides a warm and caring demeanor,

00:56:18.193 --> 00:56:21.721
encourages and support all from the heart

00:56:21.721 --> 00:56:24.859
and financial support for the many schools' programs

00:56:24.859 --> 00:56:29.070
and students, she is currently serving in her second term

00:56:29.070 --> 00:56:32.044
as the Langham Elementary PTA president

00:56:32.044 --> 00:56:36.691
and works tirelessly for the sake of the students.

00:56:36.691 --> 00:56:40.292
Mrs. Bell has been on the Executive Board

00:56:40.292 --> 00:56:44.204
of the Langham PTA for seven years while also serving

00:56:44.204 --> 00:56:48.138
on the Wilson Middle School's PTA executive board.

00:56:48.138 --> 00:56:52.305
In addition, she serves on Nederland's city council PTA

00:56:57.575 --> 00:57:01.299
and this past year, joined the Netherlands High School

00:57:01.299 --> 00:57:03.681
Career and Technology Advisory Board,

00:57:03.681 --> 00:57:05.858
and while she does not have a child

00:57:05.858 --> 00:57:09.075
currently in high school, she firmly believes

00:57:09.075 --> 00:57:12.078
that further development of the school's CTE program

00:57:12.078 --> 00:57:15.026
will strengthen school community.

00:57:15.026 --> 00:57:18.221
Mrs. Bell has also provided financial support

00:57:18.221 --> 00:57:21.309
to the children who cannot afford to buy clothing

00:57:21.309 --> 00:57:25.504
or purchase school supplies or books, that are key tools

00:57:25.504 --> 00:57:28.368
needed in the aid of educational process.

00:57:28.368 --> 00:57:31.572
Through these actions, along with her warm, caring demeanor,

00:57:31.572 --> 00:57:34.890
students actively approach her and engage in conversation,

00:57:34.890 --> 00:57:39.681
receiving friendly words of support and encouragement.

00:57:39.681 --> 00:57:43.199
Congratulations, Mrs. Bell, thank you for all you are doing

00:57:43.199 --> 00:57:46.197
for Nederland ISD students and its community.

00:57:46.197 --> 00:57:49.197
(audience applauds)

00:57:54.185 --> 00:57:57.769
Fellow Board members, audience, let's give

00:57:57.769 --> 00:57:59.823
our districts one through seven

00:57:59.823 --> 00:58:01.640
Heroes For Children one more applause.

00:58:01.640 --> 00:58:04.640
(audience applauds)

00:58:17.322 --> 00:58:19.822
Now if I could ask our Members

00:58:21.347 --> 00:58:24.930
to return back to their seats, and if I can,

00:58:28.741 --> 00:58:30.877
in order to continue with the recognition now,

00:58:30.877 --> 00:58:32.467
I'd like to ask the heroes

00:58:32.467 --> 00:58:35.077
from member districts eight through fifteen

00:58:35.077 --> 00:58:38.195
to please join us in the center of the circle,

00:58:38.195 --> 00:58:41.778
along with their member of the State Board,

00:58:45.606 --> 00:58:48.099
so that we can talk about some of the good works

00:58:48.099 --> 00:58:51.932
of our heroes from districts eight through 15.

00:58:57.212 --> 00:58:59.272
And as everybody's just gonna getting situated,

00:58:59.272 --> 00:59:03.054
I want to thank again Member Rowley and Member Maynard.

00:59:03.054 --> 00:59:07.566
That student performance this morning has just confused me

00:59:07.566 --> 00:59:09.978
on whether I should buy organic or not

00:59:09.978 --> 00:59:10.960
(audience laughs)

00:59:10.960 --> 00:59:13.176
but those students did an outstanding job

00:59:13.176 --> 00:59:15.700
and they did very, very well so thank you, gentlemen,

00:59:15.700 --> 00:59:19.193
for bringing an outstanding group of students to share with us

00:59:19.193 --> 00:59:20.276
this morning.

00:59:24.562 --> 00:59:27.888
We all know middle school can be tough,

00:59:27.888 --> 00:59:29.812
I know it was for me,

00:59:29.812 --> 00:59:33.979
in the life of a child, and that is where our hero

00:59:36.555 --> 00:59:40.722
for State Board of Education District 8, Damon Eagleton,

00:59:41.712 --> 00:59:43.045
spends his time.

00:59:45.492 --> 00:59:49.659
A lunchtime regular, every Monday, at the Crosby Middle School

00:59:50.635 --> 00:59:53.317
in the Crosby Independent School District,

00:59:53.317 --> 00:59:56.400
Mr. Eagleton acts as a mentor to many

00:59:57.302 --> 01:00:00.313
of the at-risk students in the district.

01:00:00.313 --> 01:00:02.478
He advocates for students, serves

01:00:02.478 --> 01:00:05.257
as an extraordinary role model

01:00:05.257 --> 01:00:07.627
and is not afraid to jump in

01:00:07.627 --> 01:00:10.513
and help with any issues that arise.

01:00:10.513 --> 01:00:14.680
For the past 10 years, Mr. Eagleton has been a chaperone,

01:00:17.021 --> 01:00:20.104
a tutor, a listener, and most of all,

01:00:21.574 --> 01:00:26.243
providing Crosby students with the positive influence

01:00:26.243 --> 01:00:27.493
in their lives.

01:00:28.331 --> 01:00:32.614
Most of all, the students love seeing him.

01:00:32.614 --> 01:00:36.120
Mr. Eagleton serves as an excellent male role model

01:00:36.120 --> 01:00:39.582
for the district's middle school students.

01:00:39.582 --> 01:00:43.776
He checks in weekly on many of the at-risk students,

01:00:43.776 --> 01:00:48.120
especially those that just need a little encouragement.

01:00:48.120 --> 01:00:52.287
He has been a friendly personality and the students

01:00:53.443 --> 01:00:56.747
have quickly built a great rapport with him.

01:00:56.747 --> 01:00:59.623
It is not unusual to see him sitting at the lunch table

01:00:59.623 --> 01:01:01.605
in conversation with students.

01:01:01.605 --> 01:01:06.168
Many of these students he has mentored and followed up with

01:01:06.168 --> 01:01:10.335
from the past in the (mumbles) intermediate school.

01:01:12.804 --> 01:01:15.932
They are so excited to see his familiar face

01:01:15.932 --> 01:01:18.200
in the first few weeks of school

01:01:18.200 --> 01:01:21.796
when the middle school year began.

01:01:21.796 --> 01:01:24.377
Thank you, Mr. Eagleton, for caring so much

01:01:24.377 --> 01:01:26.340
about these students and volunteering

01:01:26.340 --> 01:01:31.104
with such vulnerable transition time in their lives.

01:01:31.104 --> 01:01:34.104
(audience applauds)

01:01:41.140 --> 01:01:42.908
We need to have volunteers like you

01:01:42.908 --> 01:01:45.575
at every middle school in Texas.

01:01:47.668 --> 01:01:50.001
Welcome back, Texarkana ISD.

01:01:52.174 --> 01:01:56.341
I would just like to point out that in 2010, 2013, 2015,

01:01:58.228 --> 01:02:02.470
the SBOE he has honored Texarkana ISD volunteer

01:02:02.470 --> 01:02:04.553
as a hero for District 9.

01:02:06.778 --> 01:02:10.111
And now for the 2016, we again recognize

01:02:11.167 --> 01:02:14.500
Texarkana ISD volunteer, Mrs. Vicki Post.

01:02:16.237 --> 01:02:18.714
Mrs. Post is described as one of the most

01:02:18.714 --> 01:02:21.089
dedicated volunteers in the district,

01:02:21.089 --> 01:02:24.839
is often called "supermom," "super volunteer"

01:02:25.739 --> 01:02:27.622
by both students and staff.

01:02:27.622 --> 01:02:30.210
A volunteer for more than 10 years,

01:02:30.210 --> 01:02:33.900
she is also known as someone who steps up immediately

01:02:33.900 --> 01:02:36.502
and says, "I'll do it."

01:02:36.502 --> 01:02:39.212
Mrs. Post has been president

01:02:39.212 --> 01:02:43.305
of the Texas High School Volunteers in Public Schools Board

01:02:43.305 --> 01:02:45.439
for the past two years.

01:02:45.439 --> 01:02:47.340
She has been on the committees

01:02:47.340 --> 01:02:50.923
of the VIP's 5K Dash for Cash, a 5K Fun Run

01:02:52.985 --> 01:02:55.819
to provide scholarships for seniors.

01:02:55.819 --> 01:02:58.986
In two years, the VIP program gave out

01:03:00.442 --> 01:03:04.609
$30,000 in $1,000 scholarships to deserving seniors.

01:03:06.756 --> 01:03:09.432
She is also a mentor in the District Partners

01:03:09.432 --> 01:03:10.932
in Education Board,

01:03:13.563 --> 01:03:16.026
and she was the Prom Moms' co-chairperson

01:03:16.026 --> 01:03:18.545
for the 2016 senior prom.

01:03:18.545 --> 01:03:22.843
The Prom Moms are responsible for fundraising, organizing,

01:03:22.843 --> 01:03:25.756
decorating, and putting on the senior prom

01:03:25.756 --> 01:03:30.267
and project graduation for approximately 400 students.

01:03:30.267 --> 01:03:34.114
Despite all her children having now graduated

01:03:34.114 --> 01:03:38.316
from the district, Mrs. Post was not allowed to retire

01:03:38.316 --> 01:03:41.999
from volunteering (laughs)
(audience laughs)

01:03:41.999 --> 01:03:45.307
for the 2016-2018 school years.

01:03:45.307 --> 01:03:48.557
She will serve on as the campus quality

01:03:49.571 --> 01:03:53.556
improvement committee, a group of school personnel,

01:03:53.556 --> 01:03:56.349
parents, community members, and business members

01:03:56.349 --> 01:04:00.883
that provide input on how to make campus even better.

01:04:00.883 --> 01:04:04.100
She is also serving on the college coordinator

01:04:04.100 --> 01:04:07.374
for the Texas High School VIP Board.

01:04:07.374 --> 01:04:11.129
Mrs. Post, congratulations and job well done.

01:04:11.129 --> 01:04:14.704
We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors

01:04:14.704 --> 01:04:18.704
to help Texarkana ISD and to the representatives

01:04:21.300 --> 01:04:24.810
from your district. See you next year.

01:04:24.810 --> 01:04:27.810
(audience applauds)

01:04:32.041 --> 01:04:34.135
Is that your little secret, Mr. Ratliff?

01:04:34.135 --> 01:04:37.746
We've not all been invited to visit Texarkana.

01:04:37.746 --> 01:04:40.043
I think we need to take a little field trip.

01:04:40.043 --> 01:04:42.343
<v Man>It's not easy to get to.</v>

01:04:42.343 --> 01:04:46.260
<v ->Our hero for SBOE District 10 is Paul Mikula,</v>

01:04:49.541 --> 01:04:52.124
and volunteer at La Grange ISD.

01:04:53.834 --> 01:04:57.496
Mr. Mikula has contributed to the well-being

01:04:57.496 --> 01:05:01.200
of the district's children for more than 20 years.

01:05:01.200 --> 01:05:05.101
He has served as a mentor on the One-to-One Reading Program,

01:05:05.101 --> 01:05:07.856
actively works for and supports

01:05:07.856 --> 01:05:09.743
the District Education Foundation

01:05:09.743 --> 01:05:12.358
and solicits other volunteers and supporters

01:05:12.358 --> 01:05:14.769
throughout the community.

01:05:14.769 --> 01:05:18.891
The One-to-One program requires a commitment of one day

01:05:18.891 --> 01:05:23.840
a week for approximately seven months of the school.

01:05:23.840 --> 01:05:27.910
Mr. Mikula has not only given of his time

01:05:27.910 --> 01:05:31.353
to encourage a child to improve, he actively recruits

01:05:31.353 --> 01:05:34.396
other adults into the program.

01:05:34.396 --> 01:05:37.521
He also actively participates as a member

01:05:37.521 --> 01:05:38.830
of the Fundraising Committee

01:05:38.830 --> 01:05:43.231
for the La Grange Education Program Supports Foundation,

01:05:43.231 --> 01:05:45.161
started in 2014.

01:05:45.161 --> 01:05:47.643
He was one of the first community members

01:05:47.643 --> 01:05:51.140
to become involved, solicit participation,

01:05:51.140 --> 01:05:54.206
and encourage community contributions.

01:05:54.206 --> 01:05:56.873
The LEPS Foundation is described

01:05:58.247 --> 01:06:00.251
as off to a great start,

01:06:00.251 --> 01:06:03.584
in part due to Mr. Mikula's involvement.

01:06:05.496 --> 01:06:09.337
As a manager of the HEB grocery store in La Grange,

01:06:09.337 --> 01:06:12.385
he consistently encourages administrators, teachers,

01:06:12.385 --> 01:06:16.784
and parents to utilize the available resources from HEB,

01:06:16.784 --> 01:06:20.951
including community HEB grants, local store support,

01:06:22.531 --> 01:06:25.452
and direct employee project support.

01:06:25.452 --> 01:06:28.525
As a member of the Noon Lions Club,

01:06:28.525 --> 01:06:31.981
Mr. Mikula chairs the scholarship committee

01:06:31.981 --> 01:06:35.966
that gives numerous scholarships to La Grange students.

01:06:35.966 --> 01:06:40.032
Thank you, Mr. Mikula, for providing of your time

01:06:40.032 --> 01:06:42.377
and support to the children and community

01:06:42.377 --> 01:06:45.282
of the La Grange Independent School District.

01:06:45.282 --> 01:06:48.282
(audience applauds)

01:06:52.624 --> 01:06:56.041
Our hero for District 11, Thomas Bainter,

01:06:59.490 --> 01:07:03.323
a volunteer in the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD,

01:07:07.482 --> 01:07:11.565
a volunteer with the district, Mr. Bainter impact

01:07:12.611 --> 01:07:16.730
reaches every level from individual mentoring

01:07:16.730 --> 01:07:20.013
to organizing fundraisers, to working with city

01:07:20.013 --> 01:07:22.648
and community officials for the safety and well-being

01:07:22.648 --> 01:07:25.148
of the students in the community.

01:07:25.148 --> 01:07:29.315
Mr. Bainter is described as one of those rare individuals

01:07:30.721 --> 01:07:34.300
who goes about his business with little fanfare

01:07:34.300 --> 01:07:38.378
but he leaves such a huge impact on every individual

01:07:38.378 --> 01:07:41.545
and program with which he is involved.

01:07:42.702 --> 01:07:46.035
During his 10 years of volunteer service

01:07:48.205 --> 01:07:50.705
in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD,

01:07:52.780 --> 01:07:56.226
his many contributions have benefited

01:07:56.226 --> 01:07:59.668
the lives of thousands of students,

01:07:59.668 --> 01:08:01.585
teachers, and families.

01:08:02.425 --> 01:08:06.290
His impact reaches every level for individual mentoring

01:08:06.290 --> 01:08:09.964
of at-risk elementary students to his work with families

01:08:09.964 --> 01:08:13.082
during the annual parent-teacher organization

01:08:13.082 --> 01:08:16.540
food pantry drive, to organizing fundraisers

01:08:16.540 --> 01:08:19.649
that support schools and programs, to working

01:08:19.649 --> 01:08:24.049
with local city officials to bring out positive change.

01:08:24.049 --> 01:08:27.969
He invests his time, effort, and expertise,

01:08:27.969 --> 01:08:32.087
not because he seeks recognition but because he believes

01:08:32.087 --> 01:08:35.623
in the power of education and understands

01:08:35.623 --> 01:08:39.900
the powerful impact one caring individual can have

01:08:39.900 --> 01:08:42.617
on the life of a future child.

01:08:42.617 --> 01:08:46.936
Mr. Bainter, we are happy to provide you today

01:08:46.936 --> 01:08:48.919
with this recognition.

01:08:48.919 --> 01:08:51.219
Keep up the good work, sir, thank you for all

01:08:51.219 --> 01:08:54.835
you are doing for the students in your district.

01:08:54.835 --> 01:08:57.835
(audience applauds)

01:09:03.672 --> 01:09:07.089
The hero for Board District 12, Jack Lowe.

01:09:10.256 --> 01:09:13.616
Mr. Lowe could not join us today.

01:09:13.616 --> 01:09:17.142
I'd like to highlight some of his accomplishments,

01:09:17.142 --> 01:09:19.550
as a driving force with the Dallas Independent

01:09:19.550 --> 01:09:22.383
School District and the community.

01:09:23.439 --> 01:09:27.572
He serves as chair of the Board of Momentous Institute,

01:09:27.572 --> 01:09:31.657
a nationally recognized lab school in Oak Cliff impacting

01:09:31.657 --> 01:09:35.824
more than 6,000 students and family members each year.

01:09:36.881 --> 01:09:40.636
He also serves on the Board of the Texas Business

01:09:40.636 --> 01:09:45.068
and Education Coalition, where his work benefited students

01:09:45.068 --> 01:09:46.539
throughout Texas.

01:09:46.539 --> 01:09:49.691
In addition, he serves on the Advisory Council

01:09:49.691 --> 01:09:52.774
of the Community Foundation of Texas,

01:09:53.709 --> 01:09:57.327
the Quality Texas Foundation, and the Senior Citizens

01:09:57.327 --> 01:09:58.827
of Greater Dallas.

01:09:59.879 --> 01:10:04.122
Mrs. Miller, please convey our congratulations to Mr. Lowe

01:10:04.122 --> 01:10:08.462
for all he has done for Dallas ISD in the Dallas community.

01:10:08.462 --> 01:10:11.462
(audience applauds)

01:10:20.391 --> 01:10:25.007
Deborah Ferguson, a volunteer in the Fort Worth Independent

01:10:25.007 --> 01:10:29.090
School District is our hero for SBOE District 13.

01:10:31.566 --> 01:10:35.470
Mrs. Ferguson has provided outstanding leadership

01:10:35.470 --> 01:10:38.515
and extensive work in support of the district's schools,

01:10:38.515 --> 01:10:40.409
including chairing the board

01:10:40.409 --> 01:10:42.752
at the Young Women's Leadership Academy

01:10:42.752 --> 01:10:45.257
and providing her time as a speaker and mentor

01:10:45.257 --> 01:10:48.674
during career days and ceremonial events.

01:10:49.840 --> 01:10:54.007
As an award-winning anchor reporter at NBC-5 in Fort Worth,

01:10:55.741 --> 01:10:58.842
she is admired widely for her professional work

01:10:58.842 --> 01:11:02.086
and has won the respect and gratitude of the citizens

01:11:02.086 --> 01:11:06.895
of Dallas and Fort Worth for her work as a volunteer leader.

01:11:06.895 --> 01:11:09.557
She spends considerable time volunteering

01:11:09.557 --> 01:11:13.563
for community and charitable events with special emphasis

01:11:13.563 --> 01:11:17.633
on Public Education and Girls' Education.

01:11:17.633 --> 01:11:21.479
At the Fort Worth Independent School District,

01:11:21.479 --> 01:11:25.754
Mrs. Ferguson has provided support and leadership

01:11:25.754 --> 01:11:30.059
in many roles from chair of the newly formed

01:11:30.059 --> 01:11:32.622
Leadership STEM Academy for Girls

01:11:32.622 --> 01:11:35.617
to speaking to student groups during career day

01:11:35.617 --> 01:11:38.117
and hosting school ceremonies.

01:11:38.989 --> 01:11:40.364
Through her involvement with

01:11:40.364 --> 01:11:42.386
the Young Women's Leadership Academy,

01:11:42.386 --> 01:11:46.390
she has helped to advance the district's mission

01:11:46.390 --> 01:11:49.557
and the school's priorities as chair of the Advisory

01:11:49.557 --> 01:11:51.686
and Fundraising Committee.

01:11:51.686 --> 01:11:54.692
She has leveraged her skills and knowledge to bring members

01:11:54.692 --> 01:11:57.073
of different organizations together to support

01:11:57.073 --> 01:12:01.240
this initiative, Academy for Young Girls interested

01:12:02.194 --> 01:12:06.361
in the area of science, technology, engineering, and math.

01:12:07.892 --> 01:12:10.981
It is through her warm and inspiring leadership,

01:12:10.981 --> 01:12:15.091
that 32 young women were able to graduate

01:12:15.091 --> 01:12:19.095
and that this school has such a promising future.

01:12:19.095 --> 01:12:23.041
Thank you, Ms. Ferguson, for your inspiration, support,

01:12:23.041 --> 01:12:25.654
and hard work for these young ladies

01:12:25.654 --> 01:12:27.821
in the Fort Worth Independent School District.

01:12:27.821 --> 01:12:30.821
(audience applauds)

01:12:35.718 --> 01:12:39.635
Our hero for District 14, Robert or Bob Malone,

01:12:41.861 --> 01:12:44.290
Monroe, sorry, the entire community

01:12:44.290 --> 01:12:48.238
of Cottonwood Creek Elementary in Coppell ISD

01:12:48.238 --> 01:12:51.779
knows that Bob Monroe,

01:12:51.779 --> 01:12:53.862
a true hero for children,

01:12:55.527 --> 01:12:59.227
they get to see him in action on a daily basis

01:12:59.227 --> 01:13:02.358
in their school and in their communities.

01:13:02.358 --> 01:13:06.525
Mr. Monroe, or Mr. Bob, as he is affectionately known,

01:13:07.517 --> 01:13:10.670
spends countless hours each week helping the staff

01:13:10.670 --> 01:13:12.573
and the children at the school

01:13:12.573 --> 01:13:15.146
through his many volunteer efforts.

01:13:15.146 --> 01:13:18.695
Mr. Bob is the president of the Campus Dads Club

01:13:18.695 --> 01:13:20.628
known as The Posse.

01:13:20.628 --> 01:13:21.851
(audience chuckles)

01:13:21.851 --> 01:13:25.330
Yeah (laughs) and for the past three years,

01:13:25.330 --> 01:13:28.400
he has led a group of dedicated dads, grandfathers,

01:13:28.400 --> 01:13:31.317
uncles, and friends as they perform

01:13:33.062 --> 01:13:35.768
various needed tasks around the schools.

01:13:35.768 --> 01:13:40.226
Twice a month, they are greeters in front of our schools,

01:13:40.226 --> 01:13:42.522
for Walk-to-School Wednesdays.

01:13:42.522 --> 01:13:47.248
The Posse greets the children as they arrive on campus

01:13:47.248 --> 01:13:50.920
and they direct traffic to make sure that students are safe.

01:13:50.920 --> 01:13:54.854
Mr. Bob also leads The Posse in securing

01:13:54.854 --> 01:13:56.187
a $1,200 to gift

01:13:59.462 --> 01:14:01.232
of a new playground equipment

01:14:01.232 --> 01:14:04.149
and disc golf goals for the school.

01:14:05.063 --> 01:14:08.012
Several times during the year, The Posse surprises staff

01:14:08.012 --> 01:14:12.254
with small tokens of appreciation and sweet treats.

01:14:12.254 --> 01:14:15.486
And since its inception three years ago,

01:14:15.486 --> 01:14:19.684
Mr. Bob has manned the salad bar at the school cafeteria.

01:14:19.684 --> 01:14:20.799
(audience chuckles)

01:14:20.799 --> 01:14:25.318
He arrives (chuckles) three days a week at 10:30 sharp

01:14:25.318 --> 01:14:28.454
to help the children make their healthier food choices

01:14:28.454 --> 01:14:32.115
during their lunchtime (laughs).

01:14:32.115 --> 01:14:36.167
And last but not least, one of Mr. Bob's many talents

01:14:36.167 --> 01:14:38.511
is his ability to fix things.

01:14:38.511 --> 01:14:41.372
The teachers at Cottonwood Creek frequently stop him

01:14:41.372 --> 01:14:44.021
in the hallway to ask for help repairing

01:14:44.021 --> 01:14:45.542
things around the school.

01:14:45.542 --> 01:14:49.042
With his toolbox in hand, he never says no

01:14:50.539 --> 01:14:54.185
to helping teachers make the campus a better place

01:14:54.185 --> 01:14:56.018
for children to learn.

01:14:57.052 --> 01:14:59.161
We should start on you Bob the Builder, also.

01:14:59.161 --> 01:15:00.432
(audience laughs)

01:15:00.432 --> 01:15:02.609
Thank you, Mr. Bob, for everything that you do

01:15:02.609 --> 01:15:06.304
for Cottonwood Creek Elementary, and please keep on helping.

01:15:06.304 --> 01:15:09.304
(audience applauds)

01:15:15.956 --> 01:15:20.123
Alan Keister, our hero for SBOE District 15, is a volunteer

01:15:21.611 --> 01:15:25.053
in the Amarillo Independent School District.

01:15:25.053 --> 01:15:28.839
For a number of years, Dr. Alan Keister

01:15:28.839 --> 01:15:32.493
worked to bring free healthcare to the students

01:15:32.493 --> 01:15:36.106
in Amarillo neighborhoods, through free health clinics

01:15:36.106 --> 01:15:38.165
at local schools.

01:15:38.165 --> 01:15:42.118
Coordinating with school staff and medical professionals

01:15:42.118 --> 01:15:45.649
throughout the city, Dr. Keister would use

01:15:45.649 --> 01:15:49.763
the school church facility to provide health screenings

01:15:49.763 --> 01:15:53.874
and healthcare to neighborhoods on Saturday clinics.

01:15:53.874 --> 01:15:57.582
These clinics would rotate throughout several neighborhoods

01:15:57.582 --> 01:15:59.499
during the school year.

01:16:00.630 --> 01:16:04.138
Thanks to Dr. Keister's efforts, an actual

01:16:04.138 --> 01:16:08.305
brick-and-mortar clinic, Heal the City, was born in 2014.

01:16:09.886 --> 01:16:13.357
The free clinic provides medical assistance to children

01:16:13.357 --> 01:16:17.399
who need immunizations, medication, and medical care.

01:16:17.399 --> 01:16:21.349
In addition, the school and their families

01:16:21.349 --> 01:16:25.845
receive nutritional support, dentistry, social service help,

01:16:25.845 --> 01:16:28.017
and many other services.

01:16:28.017 --> 01:16:31.960
The clinic is located in the San Jacinto neighborhood

01:16:31.960 --> 01:16:36.289
in Amarillo, a very diverse low-income neighborhood

01:16:36.289 --> 01:16:40.456
near two elementary schools and one middle school.

01:16:43.107 --> 01:16:45.516
By providing much-needed medical care,

01:16:45.516 --> 01:16:48.942
the students who go to these schools are able to be treated

01:16:48.942 --> 01:16:52.805
for illnesses and can get back to school faster.

01:16:52.805 --> 01:16:55.638
The clinic also provides referrals for parents

01:16:55.638 --> 01:16:59.957
who need to see specialists, and Dr. Keister makes it a point

01:16:59.957 --> 01:17:03.315
to follow up and make sure that the child

01:17:03.315 --> 01:17:05.837
is getting proper care.

01:17:05.837 --> 01:17:08.813
Dr. Keister, your acts of caring and compassion

01:17:08.813 --> 01:17:12.509
to provide such basic care and help for those

01:17:12.509 --> 01:17:15.641
most in need is commendable and on behalf

01:17:15.641 --> 01:17:19.946
of the State Board of Education, thank you for doing so much

01:17:19.946 --> 01:17:22.339
for those children and their families.

01:17:22.339 --> 01:17:25.339
(audience applauds)

01:17:30.009 --> 01:17:33.810
Audience, please help me in congratulating our heroes from

01:17:33.810 --> 01:17:38.267
Districts 8 through 15.
(audience applauds)

01:17:38.267 --> 01:17:41.805
I'd like our heroes from Districts 1 to 7

01:17:41.805 --> 01:17:44.472
to also stand to be recognized.

01:17:44.472 --> 01:17:46.362
(clapping)

01:17:46.362 --> 01:17:50.529
Fellow Board members, now we've heard about our heroes

01:17:51.598 --> 01:17:53.509
and I just want to congratulate each of you.

01:17:53.509 --> 01:17:55.950
You guys have selected some outstanding folks,

01:17:55.950 --> 01:17:57.367
so, thank you all.

01:18:07.980 --> 01:18:11.460
If you've not had an opportunity to take a photograph

01:18:11.460 --> 01:18:12.877
with your Member,

01:18:15.995 --> 01:18:18.799
momentarily after we vote on the resolution,

01:18:18.799 --> 01:18:20.595
I think Madame Chair is going to give

01:18:20.595 --> 01:18:23.283
an opportunity for those that haven't.

01:18:23.283 --> 01:18:27.366
And we have, then I guess we just keep moving on.

01:18:29.975 --> 01:18:33.010
<v Donna>The question is on the adoption of the resolution.</v>

01:18:33.010 --> 01:18:35.023
All those in favor say, "Aye."

01:18:35.023 --> 01:18:35.887
<v Board Members>Aye.</v>

01:18:35.887 --> 01:18:38.371
<v Donna>The resolution is adopted.</v>

01:18:38.371 --> 01:18:41.779
Now, I believe Ms. Mosay will present

01:18:41.779 --> 01:18:44.631
our resolution marking the 20th anniversary

01:18:44.631 --> 01:18:47.548
of public charter schools in Texas.

01:18:53.827 --> 01:18:56.686
<v ->Thank you, Chair Bahorich.</v>

01:18:56.686 --> 01:19:00.038
On behalf of the State Board of Education,

01:19:00.038 --> 01:19:03.008
the Commissioner of Education, the Division

01:19:03.008 --> 01:19:07.696
of Charter School Administration, the Charter School Network

01:19:07.696 --> 01:19:10.115
comprised of representatives from

01:19:10.115 --> 01:19:12.936
Educational Service Center 11

01:19:12.936 --> 01:19:15.269
and the charter school TCSA,

01:19:17.145 --> 01:19:19.895
Texas Charter School Association.

01:19:21.848 --> 01:19:25.227
Thank you, I'm very pleased to recognize and celebrate

01:19:25.227 --> 01:19:28.234
the 20th anniversary of charter schools

01:19:28.234 --> 01:19:30.496
in the great State of Texas.

01:19:30.496 --> 01:19:32.742
Today, the State Board is recognizing

01:19:32.742 --> 01:19:34.755
the first-generation charter schools

01:19:34.755 --> 01:19:37.114
and the 20th anniversary of charter schools

01:19:37.114 --> 01:19:40.754
operating in our state with a formal resolution

01:19:40.754 --> 01:19:44.130
and plaques commemorating the anniversary.

01:19:44.130 --> 01:19:48.051
Before Mr. Bradley offers the resolution, I would like

01:19:48.051 --> 01:19:51.533
to share with you a brief historical perspective

01:19:51.533 --> 01:19:54.783
of charter schools these past 20 years.

01:20:09.283 --> 01:20:10.602
In just a moment.

01:20:10.602 --> 01:20:12.100
(audience laughs)

01:20:12.100 --> 01:20:16.267
<v Man>Once again (speaks off mic).</v>

01:20:24.440 --> 01:20:27.970
<v Narrator>For Texans seeking school choice options.</v>

01:20:27.970 --> 01:20:31.294
During the 74th legislative session, Senator Bill Ratliff

01:20:31.294 --> 01:20:35.020
authored SB1, Texas' first charter law allowing

01:20:35.020 --> 01:20:37.392
for the authorizing of three types

01:20:37.392 --> 01:20:39.459
or categories of charter schools,

01:20:39.459 --> 01:20:41.978
Subchapter B, or, Home-Rule Charter Schools,

01:20:41.978 --> 01:20:44.932
Subchapter C, or, District Charter Campuses,

01:20:44.932 --> 01:20:48.302
Subchapter D, or, Open-Enrollment Charter Schools.

01:20:48.302 --> 01:20:50.308
The initial cap on the number of charter schools

01:20:50.308 --> 01:20:54.060
in the state was 20, after passage of the legislation,

01:20:54.060 --> 01:20:56.957
the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency

01:20:56.957 --> 01:20:59.843
were given the responsibility of creating a system

01:20:59.843 --> 01:21:01.782
that would produce an alternative option

01:21:01.782 --> 01:21:04.925
to the traditional independent school districts.

01:21:04.925 --> 01:21:08.625
<v Narrator>That 1995 legislation led to the awarding</v>

01:21:08.625 --> 01:21:11.253
of the first open-enrollment charter schools

01:21:11.253 --> 01:21:14.586
by the State Board of Education in 1996.

01:21:15.497 --> 01:21:18.593
Of the 37 applicants that year,

01:21:18.593 --> 01:21:21.937
20 were awarded charter schools.

01:21:21.937 --> 01:21:25.225
It is no small endeavor to start a school district

01:21:25.225 --> 01:21:28.590
and that is exactly what a charter school superintendents

01:21:28.590 --> 01:21:31.345
and governing boards do when they tackle the task

01:21:31.345 --> 01:21:33.850
of operating a charter school.

01:21:33.850 --> 01:21:36.383
It is with great tenacity and a testament

01:21:36.383 --> 01:21:38.462
to their (mumbles) and perseverance

01:21:38.462 --> 01:21:40.430
that the initial charter schools

01:21:40.430 --> 01:21:42.847
are still in operation today.

01:21:43.753 --> 01:21:46.670
They are Aristoi Classical Academy,

01:21:47.591 --> 01:21:51.584
Dr. M. L. Garza-Gonzalez Charter School,

01:21:51.584 --> 01:21:53.417
George Gervin Academy,

01:21:54.648 --> 01:21:56.815
George I. Sanchez Charter,

01:21:58.278 --> 01:22:01.778
Pegasus School of Liberal Arts & Sciences,

01:22:02.615 --> 01:22:04.032
Por Vida Academy,

01:22:05.289 --> 01:22:08.122
Raul Yzaguirre School for Success,

01:22:09.253 --> 01:22:11.336
SER-Ninos Charter School,

01:22:12.292 --> 01:22:14.042
Texans Can Academies,

01:22:15.250 --> 01:22:18.333
University of Houston Charter School,

01:22:19.218 --> 01:22:20.635
Uplift Education,

01:22:21.595 --> 01:22:24.221
and Waco Charter School.

01:22:24.221 --> 01:22:26.324
<v Narrator>2001 brought significant charter school</v>

01:22:26.324 --> 01:22:29.988
legislation during the 76th Texas legislature

01:22:29.988 --> 01:22:32.121
when House Bill 6 was passed.

01:22:32.121 --> 01:22:34.371
Some of the highlights of that legislation include

01:22:34.371 --> 01:22:36.861
the authority of the State Board of Education

01:22:36.861 --> 01:22:40.461
to establish up to 215 open-enrollment charter schools,

01:22:40.461 --> 01:22:42.144
the establishment of a new type

01:22:42.144 --> 01:22:44.967
of open-enrollment charter school, Subchapter E,

01:22:44.967 --> 01:22:46.599
or, University Charter Schools,

01:22:46.599 --> 01:22:49.466
operated by public colleges or universities,

01:22:49.466 --> 01:22:52.041
the creation of lottery admission guidelines,

01:22:52.041 --> 01:22:54.460
and minimum standards for educators,

01:22:54.460 --> 01:22:57.411
the exclusion of individuals with criminal histories,

01:22:57.411 --> 01:23:00.337
and the expansion of revocation, probation,

01:23:00.337 --> 01:23:02.670
and non-renewal of charters.

01:23:04.185 --> 01:23:07.630
<v Narrator>That same year, the legislator also transferred</v>

01:23:07.630 --> 01:23:11.421
responsibility for charter amendments and charter renewals

01:23:11.421 --> 01:23:13.412
to the commissioner of education,

01:23:13.412 --> 01:23:15.714
which led the way for the creation

01:23:15.714 --> 01:23:18.693
of the Division of Charter School Administration

01:23:18.693 --> 01:23:21.191
at the Texas Education Agency.

01:23:21.191 --> 01:23:23.694
The Division of Charter School Administration

01:23:23.694 --> 01:23:26.720
provides leadership, guidance, and support

01:23:26.720 --> 01:23:31.612
to the state's open-enrollment charter school portfolio.

01:23:31.612 --> 01:23:35.575
Some of the greatest changes to Texas' charter school law

01:23:35.575 --> 01:23:39.742
occurred in 2013, during the 83rd legislative session.

01:23:42.310 --> 01:23:44.900
The passage of Senate Bill 2 authored by

01:23:44.900 --> 01:23:48.532
Senator Dan Patrick provided for an overhaul

01:23:48.532 --> 01:23:51.758
of the charter statute by amending various sections

01:23:51.758 --> 01:23:55.897
of Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code.

01:23:55.897 --> 01:23:59.817
That year, changes were made to the charter authorizer.

01:23:59.817 --> 01:24:02.520
The Commissioner of Education became the authorizer

01:24:02.520 --> 01:24:05.291
of open-enrollment charter schools of Texas

01:24:05.291 --> 01:24:07.162
and the State Board of Education

01:24:07.162 --> 01:24:09.495
was conveyed veto authority.

01:24:11.242 --> 01:24:13.725
<v Narrator>Senate Bill 2 also established</v>

01:24:13.725 --> 01:24:15.633
a graduated increase on the number

01:24:15.633 --> 01:24:19.041
of open-enrollment charter schools available for award.

01:24:19.041 --> 01:24:21.863
The numbers increased from the previously established cap

01:24:21.863 --> 01:24:25.280
of 215 to a high of 305 in the year 2019.

01:24:26.212 --> 01:24:29.656
Charter standards were also increased through SB2.

01:24:29.656 --> 01:24:32.115
The charter school performance framework was established

01:24:32.115 --> 01:24:34.897
providing an annual report on the academic, financial,

01:24:34.897 --> 01:24:39.214
and operational health of a charter in one reporting format.

01:24:39.214 --> 01:24:42.472
Additionally, educator and principal qualifications

01:24:42.472 --> 01:24:45.875
were raised to a Baccalaureate degree and nepotism laws

01:24:45.875 --> 01:24:47.292
were established.

01:24:48.631 --> 01:24:51.639
To date, no home rule charters have been established

01:24:51.639 --> 01:24:55.164
in the state, however, numerous Subchapter C

01:24:55.164 --> 01:24:59.019
or District-Established Charter Campuses are in existence.

01:24:59.019 --> 01:25:03.206
196 open-enrollment charter schools with over 622 campuses

01:25:03.206 --> 01:25:06.943
have been established and five university charter schools

01:25:06.943 --> 01:25:09.835
operate campuses in our state.

01:25:09.835 --> 01:25:12.870
<v Narrator>Over 228,000 students</v>

01:25:12.870 --> 01:25:17.260
or 4.4% of Texas school-age children have elected

01:25:17.260 --> 01:25:21.095
public school choice options this past year.

01:25:21.095 --> 01:25:25.410
As Texas' charter portfolio continues to strengthen,

01:25:25.410 --> 01:25:29.284
charter school operators strive to provide innovative,

01:25:29.284 --> 01:25:32.354
high-quality seats for our children.

01:25:32.354 --> 01:25:35.544
Since the start of the charter movement 20 years ago,

01:25:35.544 --> 01:25:39.835
much has been accomplished and much continues to evolve.

01:25:39.835 --> 01:25:42.186
It is exciting to think of the future

01:25:42.186 --> 01:25:44.505
of Texas's charter portfolio

01:25:44.505 --> 01:25:47.588
and the possibilities that lie ahead.

01:25:50.595 --> 01:25:53.595
(audience applauds)

01:25:59.014 --> 01:26:02.282
<v ->At this time, I would like to ask representatives</v>

01:26:02.282 --> 01:26:05.965
that we have invited from our Generation One charter schools

01:26:05.965 --> 01:26:10.132
to come forward and join their Board Members in the circle

01:26:10.982 --> 01:26:14.732
to receive your plaques and to be recognized.

01:27:16.093 --> 01:27:18.926
(group murmuring)

01:27:50.298 --> 01:27:53.733
Ms. Cargill, we have Representative Brenda Davidson

01:27:53.733 --> 01:27:56.372
from Aristoi, Mr. Cartez,

01:27:56.372 --> 01:28:00.539
Dr. M.L. Garza from Dr. M.L. Garza-Gonzalez Charter School,

01:28:01.749 --> 01:28:06.414
Ms. Perez, Mr. Villanueva from George Gervin Academy,

01:28:06.414 --> 01:28:11.175
Mr. Allen, Ms. Rodriguez from George I. Sanchez,

01:28:11.175 --> 01:28:15.468
Dr. Tamez from Raul Yzaguirre School For Success,

01:28:15.468 --> 01:28:19.326
and Patricia Paquin from University of Houston

01:28:19.326 --> 01:28:22.860
Charter School, Ms. Miller, Ms. Francis Mercer

01:28:22.860 --> 01:28:26.106
from Pegasus School of Liberal Arts & Sciences,

01:28:26.106 --> 01:28:29.910
Ms. Bahorich, Charmaine Constantine

01:28:29.910 --> 01:28:34.327
from SER-Ninos Charter School, Ms. Beltran representing

01:28:34.327 --> 01:28:37.900
Delilah Hassel from Texas Can Academy

01:28:37.900 --> 01:28:41.724
and Ann Stevenson from Uplift Education,

01:28:41.724 --> 01:28:45.891
Ms. Melton-Malone, John Keith from Waco Charter School.

01:28:46.904 --> 01:28:49.949
Our Generation One charter schools.

01:28:49.949 --> 01:28:52.949
(audience applauds)

01:28:58.817 --> 01:29:01.931
Mr. Bradley is going to read the resolution

01:29:01.931 --> 01:29:04.526
and following which we'll gather outside

01:29:04.526 --> 01:29:07.776
in the lobby for a photo opportunities.

01:29:15.403 --> 01:29:18.926
<v ->Whereas in 1995, the Texas Legislature</v>

01:29:18.926 --> 01:29:22.248
enacted an innovative approach to Texas Public Education

01:29:22.248 --> 01:29:25.833
by approving the creation of 20 public charter schools

01:29:25.833 --> 01:29:28.941
and whereas on February 16th, 1996,

01:29:28.941 --> 01:29:31.552
the State Board of Education approved the first six

01:29:31.552 --> 01:29:34.410
of the 20 open enrollments awarded that year

01:29:34.410 --> 01:29:37.966
and the remaining 14 were awarded in subsequent dates,

01:29:37.966 --> 01:29:40.155
whereas the mission of the State Board of Education

01:29:40.155 --> 01:29:42.733
and the Texas Education Agency and the creation

01:29:42.733 --> 01:29:45.136
of charter schools has been to cultivate

01:29:45.136 --> 01:29:47.671
innovative, high-quality learning opportunities

01:29:47.671 --> 01:29:50.745
and to empower the charter community through leadership,

01:29:50.745 --> 01:29:53.486
guidance, and support, and whereas the members

01:29:53.486 --> 01:29:55.863
of the State Board of Education worked hard over the years

01:29:55.863 --> 01:29:57.566
to strengthen the charter school vetting

01:29:57.566 --> 01:30:00.660
and application process to provide the best opportunities

01:30:00.660 --> 01:30:03.344
for Texas public school students,

01:30:03.344 --> 01:30:06.273
and whereas over the course of the last 20 years,

01:30:06.273 --> 01:30:08.211
the State Board and the Commissioner of Education

01:30:08.211 --> 01:30:12.230
have approved more than 315 charter school contracts,

01:30:12.230 --> 01:30:15.528
and whereas this bold endeavor is currently providing

01:30:15.528 --> 01:30:19.500
more than 228,000 Texas public school students

01:30:19.500 --> 01:30:23.667
with opportunities in alternative and innovative settings,

01:30:26.199 --> 01:30:28.221
whereas the Texas charter school movement

01:30:28.221 --> 01:30:30.721
has now grown substantially, and Texas has become a leader

01:30:30.721 --> 01:30:34.023
in the nation and now therefore, it be resolved

01:30:34.023 --> 01:30:35.809
that the Members of the State Board of Education

01:30:35.809 --> 01:30:39.022
do recognize the importance of Texas charter schools

01:30:39.022 --> 01:30:41.448
and congratulate the staff, students, and parents

01:30:41.448 --> 01:30:44.426
of these schools for their hard work and diligence

01:30:44.426 --> 01:30:47.433
and it be further resolved that a copy of this resolution

01:30:47.433 --> 01:30:48.794
be kept in the permanent records

01:30:48.794 --> 01:30:50.616
of the State Board of Education.

01:30:50.616 --> 01:30:54.783
Mr. Ratliff, I need your assistance up here, please.

01:30:59.425 --> 01:31:02.238
And upon adoption, I'd like to present this resolution

01:31:02.238 --> 01:31:05.429
so that he may return it to the proper recipient,

01:31:05.429 --> 01:31:08.596
his father, with our heartfelt thanks.

01:31:09.685 --> 01:31:12.685
(audience applauds)

01:31:15.591 --> 01:31:19.161
Madame Chair, I move for adoption.

01:31:19.161 --> 01:31:20.810
All in favor?

01:31:20.810 --> 01:31:21.744
<v Board Members>Aye.</v>

01:31:21.744 --> 01:31:23.327
<v David>Thank you all.</v>

01:31:23.327 --> 01:31:27.327
<v ->Very nice.
(audience applauds)

01:31:30.056 --> 01:31:32.704
(group murmuring)

01:31:32.704 --> 01:31:35.495
<v Donna>Members, we are going to take a 15-minute break</v>

01:31:35.495 --> 01:31:38.214
to take photos and just have a quick break.

01:31:38.214 --> 01:31:41.131
(group chattering)

01:51:25.455 --> 01:51:27.186
<v Man>Is it bribery if I pay you--</v>

01:51:27.186 --> 01:51:29.664
<v ->(chuckles) Members, I would to go ahead and call</v>

01:51:29.664 --> 01:51:31.831
the meeting back to order.

01:51:32.834 --> 01:51:36.267
The next item on our agenda is the approval

01:51:36.267 --> 01:51:39.444
of consent agenda, I would like you to turn the page

01:51:39.444 --> 01:51:43.611
romanette seven in your agenda book.

01:51:46.338 --> 01:51:48.676
And I'm going to read each of the items

01:51:48.676 --> 01:51:51.321
that list all the items on the consent agenda.

01:51:51.321 --> 01:51:54.973
Item number one, decision on percentage distribution

01:51:54.973 --> 01:51:57.497
of the permanent school fund.

01:51:57.497 --> 01:52:00.593
Item two, adoption of work a long-range plan

01:52:00.593 --> 01:52:02.646
for public education.

01:52:02.646 --> 01:52:05.329
Number three, per-capita apportionment rate

01:52:05.329 --> 01:52:08.490
for the 2015-2017 school year.

01:52:08.490 --> 01:52:12.344
Number four, ratification of the purchases and sales

01:52:12.344 --> 01:52:14.991
of the investment portfolio of the permanent school fund

01:52:14.991 --> 01:52:18.074
for the months of June and July 2016.

01:52:19.748 --> 01:52:24.211
Number five, determination as to whether transfers

01:52:24.211 --> 01:52:27.672
may be made from the permanent school fund

01:52:27.672 --> 01:52:29.596
to the available school fund.

01:52:29.596 --> 01:52:31.399
Number six, proposed amendments

01:52:31.399 --> 01:52:34.255
to the investment procedures manual.

01:52:34.255 --> 01:52:39.074
Number seven, authorization to issue a request for proposals

01:52:39.074 --> 01:52:42.345
for passive international equity management services

01:52:42.345 --> 01:52:44.451
for the permanent school fund.

01:52:44.451 --> 01:52:48.107
Number eight, decision on real estate investments.

01:52:48.107 --> 01:52:51.298
Number nine, overview of the permanent school fund

01:52:51.298 --> 01:52:52.881
real estate policy.

01:52:54.498 --> 01:52:56.415
<v Board Member>Parliamentary inquiry.</v>

01:52:56.415 --> 01:52:57.733
<v ->Yes.</v>

01:52:57.733 --> 01:53:00.541
<v Board Member>One of the items which was the setting</v>

01:53:00.541 --> 01:53:04.708
of spending rate for the following biennium was a 2/3 vote.

01:53:07.607 --> 01:53:09.170
Can it pass on a consent agenda

01:53:09.170 --> 01:53:10.820
or will it need a record vote?

01:53:10.820 --> 01:53:11.820
<v Man>Yes.</v>

01:53:13.453 --> 01:53:15.440
(speaks off mic)

01:53:15.440 --> 01:53:17.682
<v Donna>Can you speak, I'm going to let Kirk</v>

01:53:17.682 --> 01:53:18.849
speak to that.

01:53:22.638 --> 01:53:24.863
<v ->The Board's practice in adopting the consent agenda</v>

01:53:24.863 --> 01:53:28.395
is by unanimous consent, which means no one objects,

01:53:28.395 --> 01:53:32.841
which means that there's no one willing to exert a no vote

01:53:32.841 --> 01:53:36.187
on any of the items so that will cover a majority, 2/3,

01:53:36.187 --> 01:53:37.340
9/10--
<v ->Thank you.</v>

01:53:37.340 --> 01:53:40.479
<v ->Just about everything you need.</v>

01:53:40.479 --> 01:53:42.995
<v Donna>So without objection, if there,</v>

01:53:42.995 --> 01:53:44.669
I'm sorry, Ms. Miller.

01:53:44.669 --> 01:53:47.673
(Geraldine speaks off mic)

01:53:47.673 --> 01:53:48.799
thank you, Mrs. Miller.

01:53:48.799 --> 01:53:52.966
Mrs. Miller has recused herself on item number eight.

01:53:54.954 --> 01:53:59.388
If there's no objection, the consent agenda is adopted.

01:53:59.388 --> 01:54:02.221
Members, if you will turn in your,

01:54:03.454 --> 01:54:07.929
actually I'm going to turn this over to Mr. Ratliff.

01:54:07.929 --> 01:54:10.154
<v ->Yes, ma'am, Madame Chair, Members, you have two sets</v>

01:54:10.154 --> 01:54:13.088
of minutes for the Committee of the Full Board.

01:54:13.088 --> 01:54:15.284
At the top, one is dated September 13th

01:54:15.284 --> 01:54:18.020
and one is dated September 14th.

01:54:18.020 --> 01:54:20.526
There are no action items on September 13th.

01:54:20.526 --> 01:54:22.281
Apparently there's a controversial book

01:54:22.281 --> 01:54:25.442
that's coming our way that we dealt with on that day.

01:54:25.442 --> 01:54:28.815
On September the 14th, if you'll turn to page three

01:54:28.815 --> 01:54:30.148
in your minutes.

01:54:31.942 --> 01:54:36.267
At the top of the page, where it says motion and vote,

01:54:36.267 --> 01:54:38.419
Madame Chair, on behalf of the Committee of the Full Board,

01:54:38.419 --> 01:54:39.638
I move that the State Board of Education

01:54:39.638 --> 01:54:41.227
hold a public hearing on proposed amendments

01:54:41.227 --> 01:54:43.721
to 19 TAC Chapter 111 Texas Essential Knowledge

01:54:43.721 --> 01:54:46.021
and Skills for Mathematics at the November 2016

01:54:46.021 --> 01:54:49.162
SBOE meeting and consider the item for first reading

01:54:49.162 --> 01:54:52.726
filing authorization at the January-February 2017 meeting

01:54:52.726 --> 01:54:54.618
for the limited purpose of considering only amendments

01:54:54.618 --> 01:54:56.136
to knowledge and skills statement relating

01:54:56.136 --> 01:54:58.790
to process standards, and I believe

01:54:58.790 --> 01:55:00.748
we have a little discussion on this.

01:55:00.748 --> 01:55:05.075
<v ->Yes, Members, the Chair's going to rule this motion</v>

01:55:05.075 --> 01:55:08.350
out of order in its current form as it violates

01:55:08.350 --> 01:55:12.139
Rule 2.5A of the SBOE operating rules

01:55:12.139 --> 01:55:13.858
and I'm going to go ahead and call upon

01:55:13.858 --> 01:55:16.441
our Parliamentarian to explain.

01:55:20.978 --> 01:55:22.429
<v ->Madame Chair, I think it's well understood</v>

01:55:22.429 --> 01:55:25.500
that you've had a rule long in place

01:55:25.500 --> 01:55:28.781
over many terms on this Board that the Chair

01:55:28.781 --> 01:55:33.225
sets the agenda and so this rule, this motion

01:55:33.225 --> 01:55:37.047
would attempt to actually place items on the agenda,

01:55:37.047 --> 01:55:39.685
and it would be in violation of the rule.

01:55:39.685 --> 01:55:41.753
The way through the motion is written right now,

01:55:41.753 --> 01:55:43.786
it would violate that rule, so, I recommended

01:55:43.786 --> 01:55:46.369
the Chair state that the motion

01:55:47.617 --> 01:55:50.592
is out of order in its current form.

01:55:50.592 --> 01:55:52.554
<v Donna>The Chair recognizes Mr. Rowley.</v>

01:55:52.554 --> 01:55:55.987
<v ->Madame Chair, in light of the fact that,</v>

01:55:55.987 --> 01:55:58.082
well, obviously, the motion's out of order (chuckles)

01:55:58.082 --> 01:56:00.699
so it doesn't matter but as the maker of the motion,

01:56:00.699 --> 01:56:03.160
I have no problem with that, particularly in light

01:56:03.160 --> 01:56:05.777
of the fact that hopefully the Board Chair now

01:56:05.777 --> 01:56:08.406
has heard the general consensus of the Board

01:56:08.406 --> 01:56:11.624
in that regard and I would defer to the Board Chair

01:56:11.624 --> 01:56:14.544
with regard to whether or not those items are set

01:56:14.544 --> 01:56:16.957
as that motion considered.

01:56:16.957 --> 01:56:17.928
<v Donna>Mr. Maynard.</v>

01:56:17.928 --> 01:56:19.874
<v ->Point of information.
<v ->Yes, Mr. Maynard.</v>

01:56:19.874 --> 01:56:22.560
<v ->So I would just, as a point of information,</v>

01:56:22.560 --> 01:56:24.727
just ask the Chair what is

01:56:25.983 --> 01:56:28.754
the intent of the Chair moving forward,

01:56:28.754 --> 01:56:30.561
given the sentiment

01:56:30.561 --> 01:56:33.652
and the liberations of this Board?

01:56:33.652 --> 01:56:37.756
<v ->Absolutely, well, my plan is to set a public hearing</v>

01:56:37.756 --> 01:56:40.339
for November and the other plan

01:56:42.724 --> 01:56:45.447
with a follow up with an action item

01:56:45.447 --> 01:56:49.146
in January or April, depending on whether

01:56:49.146 --> 01:56:52.191
what the consens, or not consensus,

01:56:52.191 --> 01:56:55.305
but the general discussion goes in November

01:56:55.305 --> 01:56:57.143
if we feel that we're ready to place that on

01:56:57.143 --> 01:56:59.271
for an action item in January or April

01:56:59.271 --> 01:57:02.196
but it will be, you know, I just want you to know

01:57:02.196 --> 01:57:04.054
that I'm very sensitive to this issue

01:57:04.054 --> 01:57:06.096
and I want to make sure that we don't violate (chuckles)

01:57:06.096 --> 01:57:08.458
our rules in presetting the agenda

01:57:08.458 --> 01:57:11.649
and I'm only too willing to do so actually,

01:57:11.649 --> 01:57:13.724
I had proven good faith 'cause I actually put this on

01:57:13.724 --> 01:57:15.739
as an action item this agenda anyway,

01:57:15.739 --> 01:57:19.588
so I really appreciate the Board's understanding

01:57:19.588 --> 01:57:23.051
about us sticking to our rules there.

01:57:23.051 --> 01:57:26.959
Okay, moving on, thank you for discussion, Members.

01:57:26.959 --> 01:57:29.830
Item number four, Texas certificate

01:57:29.830 --> 01:57:31.737
of high school equivalency.

01:57:31.737 --> 01:57:34.125
That's in your, I believe, Mr. Ratliff,

01:57:34.125 --> 01:57:36.476
I'm going to hand if back over to you there.

01:57:36.476 --> 01:57:39.448
<v ->Members in those same things, further down on the page.</v>

01:57:39.448 --> 01:57:40.842
on behalf of the Committee of the Full Board,

01:57:40.842 --> 01:57:42.953
I recommend that the State Board of Education

01:57:42.953 --> 01:57:45.186
give the Chair authority to sign contracts,

01:57:45.186 --> 01:57:49.475
allow the current contract to end on October 7th, 2016,

01:57:49.475 --> 01:57:52.140
and enter into new contracts with new the vendors

01:57:52.140 --> 01:57:55.452
on October 8th, 2016 or when each vendor is ready to provide

01:57:55.452 --> 01:57:58.241
services and staff and the Board Chair are confident

01:57:58.241 --> 01:57:59.694
the vendor can execute the terms

01:57:59.694 --> 01:58:02.650
of the request for proposals.

01:58:02.650 --> 01:58:04.468
<v Donna>Yes, Ms. Perez.</v>

01:58:04.468 --> 01:58:06.167
<v Marisa>Thank you, Madame Chair, I'd just like to go</v>

01:58:06.167 --> 01:58:08.104
on the record as recusing myself from this decision.

01:58:08.104 --> 01:58:10.108
<v ->So noted, thank you, Ms. Perez.</v>

01:58:10.108 --> 01:58:12.481
Let's move to give the chair authority to sign contracts,

01:58:12.481 --> 01:58:15.988
allow the current contact to end on October 7th, 2016,

01:58:15.988 --> 01:58:17.957
and enter in new contracts with vendors

01:58:17.957 --> 01:58:21.771
on October 8th, 2016, or when each vendor is ready

01:58:21.771 --> 01:58:24.716
to provide services and staff and the Board Chair

01:58:24.716 --> 01:58:27.369
are confident the vendor can execute the terms

01:58:27.369 --> 01:58:29.132
of the request for proposals.

01:58:29.132 --> 01:58:30.739
Are you ready for question?

01:58:30.739 --> 01:58:32.358
All those in favor say, "Aye."

01:58:32.358 --> 01:58:33.215
<v Board Members>Aye.</v>

01:58:33.215 --> 01:58:34.873
<v ->All those opposed say, "No."</v>

01:58:34.873 --> 01:58:35.984
<v Board Members>No.</v>

01:58:35.984 --> 01:58:39.685
<v ->The ayes have it and motion carries.</v>

01:58:39.685 --> 01:58:42.845
<v ->Madame Chair, one more thing, on agenda item number five,</v>

01:58:42.845 --> 01:58:44.826
it's a discussion item, there was some discussion

01:58:44.826 --> 01:58:48.670
about the request for some fine arts courses qualifying

01:58:48.670 --> 01:58:50.485
for CTE credit.
<v ->Yes.</v>

01:58:50.485 --> 01:58:52.884
<v ->After getting feedback from both organizations,</v>

01:58:52.884 --> 01:58:55.050
they are satisfied with the list as is,

01:58:55.050 --> 01:58:58.246
so they would not, neither group would request

01:58:58.246 --> 01:58:59.765
any changes to that list.

01:58:59.765 --> 01:59:01.793
<v ->Oh, thank you for letting us know, Mr. Ratliff.</v>

01:59:01.793 --> 01:59:03.273
We appreciate that.

01:59:03.273 --> 01:59:07.440
Okay, I believe we have a Committee on Instruction.

01:59:09.891 --> 01:59:12.584
<v ->Thank you, Madame Chair, you have your minutes</v>

01:59:12.584 --> 01:59:16.170
in your packet that you got out of your box.

01:59:16.170 --> 01:59:19.000
We had a very short, sweet meeting yesterday

01:59:19.000 --> 01:59:22.250
so, item number one, under action items,

01:59:23.233 --> 01:59:25.084
on behalf of the Committee on Instruction,

01:59:25.084 --> 01:59:27.506
I move on the State Board of Education

01:59:27.506 --> 01:59:29.754
by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Members

01:59:29.754 --> 01:59:33.979
of the Board approve for second reading and final adoption

01:59:33.979 --> 01:59:37.229
proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74

01:59:38.547 --> 01:59:42.911
curriculum requirement Subchapter A, required curriculum,

01:59:42.911 --> 01:59:47.078
Subset 74.3 description of a required secondary curriculum

01:59:48.471 --> 01:59:51.681
with an effective date of 20 days after filing as adopted

01:59:51.681 --> 01:59:54.356
with the Texas Register.

01:59:54.356 --> 01:59:57.106
<v ->Are you ready for the question?</v>

01:59:58.097 --> 02:00:01.040
And this one, it just said in earlier effective date

02:00:01.040 --> 02:00:03.048
requires a vote of 2/3 of the members,

02:00:03.048 --> 02:00:05.640
which is 10 votes in the affirmative.

02:00:05.640 --> 02:00:08.640
All those in favor, raise your hand.

02:00:12.626 --> 02:00:15.991
I think that's everybody.

02:00:15.991 --> 02:00:17.303
15?
<v ->Yeah.</v>

02:00:17.303 --> 02:00:19.357
<v ->All those opposed, raise your hand.</v>

02:00:19.357 --> 02:00:21.739
There are 15 votes in the affirmative

02:00:21.739 --> 02:00:23.874
and the motion carries.

02:00:23.874 --> 02:00:28.206
On the back of your committee of instruction minutes,

02:00:28.206 --> 02:00:32.072
number two, on behalf of the Committee of Instruction,

02:00:32.072 --> 02:00:34.153
I move that the State Board of Education

02:00:34.153 --> 02:00:37.201
by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of the Board

02:00:37.201 --> 02:00:39.779
approve for second reading and final adoption

02:00:39.779 --> 02:00:43.446
the proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112

02:00:44.830 --> 02:00:47.788
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science

02:00:47.788 --> 02:00:51.940
Subchapter D, other science courses with an effective date

02:00:51.940 --> 02:00:56.107
of 20 days after filing as adopted with the Texas Register.

02:00:57.627 --> 02:00:59.569
<v ->She say that?
<v ->No, she didn't.</v>

02:00:59.569 --> 02:01:01.874
<v Kirk>Oh, the Third Amendment.</v>

02:01:01.874 --> 02:01:04.667
<v ->Mr, our Parliamentarian wanted to--</v>

02:01:04.667 --> 02:01:06.224
<v Sue>Yes, I'm sorry.</v>

02:01:06.224 --> 02:01:09.141
<v ->Okay, you want to just get the motion right.</v>

02:01:09.141 --> 02:01:12.558
<v ->Yes, let me go back through this again.</v>

02:01:14.210 --> 02:01:16.303
On behalf of the Committee on Instruction,

02:01:16.303 --> 02:01:18.898
I move that the State Board of Education

02:01:18.898 --> 02:01:21.451
by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of the Board

02:01:21.451 --> 02:01:23.545
approve for second reading and final adoption

02:01:23.545 --> 02:01:27.295
the proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112,

02:01:28.601 --> 02:01:30.935
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science

02:01:30.935 --> 02:01:34.792
Subchapter D, other science courses with an effective date

02:01:34.792 --> 02:01:38.959
of 20 days after filing as adopted with the Texas Register.

02:01:41.593 --> 02:01:44.261
I also recommend the State Board of Education approve

02:01:44.261 --> 02:01:46.725
for second reading and final adoption the proposed revisions

02:01:46.725 --> 02:01:50.797
to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge

02:01:50.797 --> 02:01:53.110
and Skills for Science, Subchapter D,

02:01:53.110 --> 02:01:56.032
other science courses, as amended.

02:01:56.032 --> 02:01:57.841
What happened, if you'll back up

02:01:57.841 --> 02:02:01.267
in the general requirements, they marked out

02:02:01.267 --> 02:02:05.196
Physics and Algebra II and recommended

02:02:05.196 --> 02:02:07.740
prerequisite mathematics courses listed

02:02:07.740 --> 02:02:10.157
in 74.12 B, 2B of this title.

02:02:15.843 --> 02:02:18.072
<v ->Are you ready for the question?</v>

02:02:18.072 --> 02:02:21.072
All those in favor, raise your hand.

02:02:26.301 --> 02:02:28.563
All those opposed, raise your hand.

02:02:28.563 --> 02:02:30.958
There are 15 votes in the affirmative

02:02:30.958 --> 02:02:34.248
and the motion carries, thank you.

02:02:34.248 --> 02:02:36.345
<v ->And our last one, number three, on behalf</v>

02:02:36.345 --> 02:02:38.238
of the Committee on Instruction, I move that

02:02:38.238 --> 02:02:40.095
the State Board of Education suspend

02:02:40.095 --> 02:02:42.886
the Board Operating Procedures in accordance

02:02:42.886 --> 02:02:47.053
with subsection 5.2A to allow consideration at first reading

02:02:48.673 --> 02:02:53.550
and filing authorization and approve for first reading

02:02:53.550 --> 02:02:56.389
and filing authorization the proposed amendment

02:02:56.389 --> 02:03:00.556
to 19 TAC Chapter 89, Adaptations for Special Populations

02:03:03.836 --> 02:03:07.858
Subchapter C, Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency

02:03:07.858 --> 02:03:10.441
89.42 official testing centers.

02:03:12.819 --> 02:03:15.400
<v ->It's moved, members, to suspend Board Operating Procedures</v>

02:03:15.400 --> 02:03:18.102
in accordance with 5.2A to allow consideration

02:03:18.102 --> 02:03:20.515
at first reading and filing adoption

02:03:20.515 --> 02:03:23.682
the proposed amendments to Chapter 89.

02:03:24.916 --> 02:03:26.515
All those in favor of suspending

02:03:26.515 --> 02:03:30.432
the Board Operating Procedures, raise your hand.

02:03:34.505 --> 02:03:37.322
Okay, those opposed, raise your hand.

02:03:37.322 --> 02:03:40.322
Affirmative, the motion carries.

02:03:41.187 --> 02:03:44.442
Okay, the question now before you is on the motion

02:03:44.442 --> 02:03:46.614
to approve for first reading and filing authorization

02:03:46.614 --> 02:03:50.320
proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 89, Adaptations

02:03:50.320 --> 02:03:53.963
for Special Populations, Supchapter C, Texas Certificate

02:03:53.963 --> 02:03:58.240
of School Equivalency 89.42 official testing centers.

02:03:58.240 --> 02:04:00.424
Are you ready for the question?

02:04:00.424 --> 02:04:01.993
All those in favor say, "Aye."

02:04:01.993 --> 02:04:02.826
<v Board Members>Aye.</v>

02:04:02.826 --> 02:04:04.774
<v ->All those opposed say, "No."</v>

02:04:04.774 --> 02:04:06.982
<v ->Ayes have it and the motion carries.</v>

02:04:06.982 --> 02:04:09.193
Members, we had no items on the commission

02:04:09.193 --> 02:04:12.586
or we ended up sending them to the consent agenda

02:04:12.586 --> 02:04:15.213
Committee on School Finance Permanent School Fund

02:04:15.213 --> 02:04:16.438
and so now we are ready

02:04:16.438 --> 02:04:18.594
for the Committee on School Initiatives.

02:04:18.594 --> 02:04:21.462
<v ->Madame Chair, we can turn to the minutes</v>

02:04:21.462 --> 02:04:24.650
of the Committee on School Initiatives, page one.

02:04:24.650 --> 02:04:27.134
I'm happy to announce, by the way, our committee meeting

02:04:27.134 --> 02:04:29.185
was not the first one completed.

02:04:29.185 --> 02:04:32.893
We actually lasted, our meeting lasted longer

02:04:32.893 --> 02:04:34.815
than one other committee meeting,

02:04:34.815 --> 02:04:37.901
so we're very pleased, very proud of that.

02:04:37.901 --> 02:04:40.517
But in any event, action item one

02:04:40.517 --> 02:04:42.997
is our committee recommends that

02:04:42.997 --> 02:04:44.833
the State Board of Education take no action

02:04:44.833 --> 02:04:49.362
on the proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 227, Provisions

02:04:49.362 --> 02:04:52.311
for Educator Preparation Candidates,

02:04:52.311 --> 02:04:56.478
Subchapter A, Admission to Educator Preparation Programs.

02:05:01.425 --> 02:05:04.479
<v ->Is there a motion reject?</v>

02:05:04.479 --> 02:05:06.819
Hearing none, no action is taken on proposed amendments

02:05:06.819 --> 02:05:10.127
to 19 TAC Chapter 227, Provisions

02:05:10.127 --> 02:05:12.533
for Educator Preparation Candidates, Subchapter A,

02:05:12.533 --> 02:05:16.116
Admission to Educator Preparation Programs.

02:05:17.753 --> 02:05:20.910
<v ->With no further action--
<v ->Yeah, that's it?</v>

02:05:20.910 --> 02:05:21.743
Okay.

02:05:24.422 --> 02:05:28.422
Wonderful, I'm so proud of us, this was amazing.

02:05:29.418 --> 02:05:32.869
I do want to note, I like to always do some announcements

02:05:32.869 --> 02:05:37.103
about our members and the neat things going on

02:05:37.103 --> 02:05:38.880
in our lives 'cause we're just like.

02:05:38.880 --> 02:05:41.708
We like to know about each other.

02:05:41.708 --> 02:05:45.101
I want to congratulate Tincy Miller, who's been selected

02:05:45.101 --> 02:05:48.328
to receive the Texas Association of Business

02:05:48.328 --> 02:05:52.568
Dallas Chapter's Distinguished Business Leader Award

02:05:52.568 --> 02:05:56.735
The annual award--
(audience applauds)

02:05:57.890 --> 02:06:00.897
That annual award will be presented at the lunch

02:06:00.897 --> 02:06:04.064
on October 13th at the Park City Club.

02:06:06.139 --> 02:06:08.352
Congratulations, that's wonderful

02:06:08.352 --> 02:06:11.267
and I also would like, this was a very momentous week

02:06:11.267 --> 02:06:14.010
for another of our members, Tom Maynard,

02:06:14.010 --> 02:06:18.683
who announced his retirement as the head of FFA

02:06:18.683 --> 02:06:20.122
this week on Monday.

02:06:20.122 --> 02:06:23.211
Tom, I'd like for you to just say a few words about that

02:06:23.211 --> 02:06:25.277
'cause you've been there for many years

02:06:25.277 --> 02:06:26.647
and have served so well.

02:06:26.647 --> 02:06:29.614
I'd just like for you to tell the Board members.

02:06:29.614 --> 02:06:32.193
<v Tom>I think the operative word is "few."</v>

02:06:32.193 --> 02:06:34.307
(audience laughs)

02:06:34.307 --> 02:06:35.640
<v ->Those are my--</v>

02:06:36.527 --> 02:06:37.841
<v ->Second.
<v ->Second.</v>

02:06:37.841 --> 02:06:40.049
(Donna laughs)

02:06:40.049 --> 02:06:41.495
<v ->I think that there's somewhere in Proverbs</v>

02:06:41.495 --> 02:06:44.461
that says, Where words are many, Sin is not absent,'

02:06:44.461 --> 02:06:45.912
or something along those lines.

02:06:45.912 --> 02:06:47.224
(Donna laughs)

02:06:47.224 --> 02:06:51.164
I've been involved in agricultural education

02:06:51.164 --> 02:06:52.747
for about 30 years,

02:06:54.719 --> 02:06:57.826
including the time that I've spent

02:06:57.826 --> 02:07:01.494
in the classroom, and the time that I've headed

02:07:01.494 --> 02:07:03.872
the state FFA Organization, I think there just comes

02:07:03.872 --> 02:07:07.345
a time when, to step away from those things

02:07:07.345 --> 02:07:11.354
and one of the things that I will tell you that that work

02:07:11.354 --> 02:07:15.091
is extremely, extremely consuming sort of thing,

02:07:15.091 --> 02:07:17.591
and so this was a conversation

02:07:18.774 --> 02:07:21.107
that my wife and I, and we thought about it

02:07:21.107 --> 02:07:24.388
and prayed about it for about a year and a half or so,

02:07:24.388 --> 02:07:27.257
in terms of being able to commit more time.

02:07:27.257 --> 02:07:29.963
We have some business opportunities and the opportunity

02:07:29.963 --> 02:07:32.688
to devote more time to public service,

02:07:32.688 --> 02:07:35.062
including the work that they we're doing here

02:07:35.062 --> 02:07:38.415
on the State Board of Education, so

02:07:38.415 --> 02:07:40.130
it's been a great ride and we've done

02:07:40.130 --> 02:07:43.248
a lot of really cool things and during the time

02:07:43.248 --> 02:07:45.979
that I've been in Austin

02:07:45.979 --> 02:07:50.376
and working for FFA, we have actually doubled

02:07:50.376 --> 02:07:51.929
the State membership.

02:07:51.929 --> 02:07:55.655
No other state association at least

02:07:55.655 --> 02:07:57.788
outside of the early years in the 1930's,

02:07:57.788 --> 02:08:00.485
but in the last 50 years or so,

02:08:00.485 --> 02:08:02.985
no one's ever done that and so

02:08:05.623 --> 02:08:08.429
as far as establish some financial stability

02:08:08.429 --> 02:08:10.363
and expanding programs and things like that,

02:08:10.363 --> 02:08:12.586
it's been a great opportunity

02:08:12.586 --> 02:08:15.632
and something that takes me back

02:08:15.632 --> 02:08:19.923
to when I was a freshman and joined that organization

02:08:19.923 --> 02:08:22.622
and you know, way as a student at Boy's Ranch,

02:08:22.622 --> 02:08:24.122
and, so, but, anyway,

02:08:26.138 --> 02:08:28.305
it's now time to step away

02:08:30.300 --> 02:08:32.674
from that and move onto some new opportunities

02:08:32.674 --> 02:08:35.841
and probably, which includes bothering

02:08:36.690 --> 02:08:38.105
y'all a whole lot more.

02:08:38.105 --> 02:08:40.429
(audience laughs)

02:08:40.429 --> 02:08:43.772
<v ->(laughs) Well, we welcome the additional freeing up</v>

02:08:43.772 --> 02:08:45.629
of your time to work with this Board

02:08:45.629 --> 02:08:47.309
and we're all very proud of you

02:08:47.309 --> 02:08:49.209
and we just want to say, "Congratulations."

02:08:49.209 --> 02:08:52.656
(audience applauds)

02:08:52.656 --> 02:08:55.275
(woman speaks off mic)

02:08:55.275 --> 02:08:58.287
That's very cool that we had that presentation today.

02:08:58.287 --> 02:09:00.832
That was just awesome, I loved it.

02:09:00.832 --> 02:09:02.249
Yes, Mr. Bradley.

02:09:04.901 --> 02:09:06.889
<v ->I can't believe we're getting out this early,</v>

02:09:06.889 --> 02:09:09.696
but I do want to take a little personal privilege.

02:09:09.696 --> 02:09:12.085
I was going to introduce this earlier in discussions

02:09:12.085 --> 02:09:13.890
but we ran out of time.

02:09:13.890 --> 02:09:17.203
50 years ago, my mother pulled me out of public schools,

02:09:17.203 --> 02:09:21.404
because they had removed phonics from instruction

02:09:21.404 --> 02:09:25.039
and sent me on, fortunately, we were able to enroll

02:09:25.039 --> 02:09:27.753
in a Catholic school, but my mother did buy a book,

02:09:27.753 --> 02:09:30.253
and this has copyright of 1957,

02:09:31.217 --> 02:09:32.859
and I've always remembered it.

02:09:32.859 --> 02:09:34.380
And I asked her about it the other day

02:09:34.380 --> 02:09:36.979
and you know how mothers never get rid of anything,

02:09:36.979 --> 02:09:39.045
because she use this with her grandkids

02:09:39.045 --> 02:09:41.977
and it's the Spalding book,

02:09:41.977 --> 02:09:44.781
the Writing Road to Reading,

02:09:44.781 --> 02:09:47.088
and it talks about back in 1957,

02:09:47.088 --> 02:09:50.621
about the Unified Phonics approach

02:09:50.621 --> 02:09:53.350
and I'm gonna copy the introduction and I'm gonna send

02:09:53.350 --> 02:09:57.012
it to all the board members but very briefly,

02:09:57.012 --> 02:09:59.648
let me give you, "The core of the method is a technique

02:09:59.648 --> 02:10:02.368
"by which the child learns how to write down the sounds

02:10:02.368 --> 02:10:05.633
"used in spoken English as they are combined into words.

02:10:05.633 --> 02:10:08.558
"Thus conversely, he can pronounce any printed word.

02:10:08.558 --> 02:10:11.314
"Meaning is thoroughly taught hand-in-hand with the writing

02:10:11.314 --> 02:10:14.452
"and by using the new words in original sentences.

02:10:14.452 --> 02:10:16.927
"It begins with correct pronunciation of words

02:10:16.927 --> 02:10:19.224
"and the writing of their component sounds in accordance

02:10:19.224 --> 02:10:21.707
"with the rules of English spelling."

02:10:21.707 --> 02:10:24.992
Well, early homeschooling, my mother had this book

02:10:24.992 --> 02:10:26.800
and would sit down with the four boys

02:10:26.800 --> 02:10:28.644
and we were all reading before we ever got

02:10:28.644 --> 02:10:32.811
to the first grade, but these are the homemade flashcards

02:10:33.712 --> 02:10:35.222
that are now brown with age--
(audience laughs)

02:10:35.222 --> 02:10:36.617
<v Donna>Oh my goodness.</v>

02:10:36.617 --> 02:10:38.716
<v ->That my mother used, rote memorization,</v>

02:10:38.716 --> 02:10:41.136
I know it's hard work and I remember these

02:10:41.136 --> 02:10:42.784
and I'm gonna give you three

02:10:42.784 --> 02:10:44.725
and we're gonna have a little test.

02:10:44.725 --> 02:10:47.563
On the front of this is the letter O.

02:10:47.563 --> 02:10:51.730
Who can give me the three phonetic sounds that O has?

02:10:54.240 --> 02:10:55.328
(audience murmurs)

02:10:55.328 --> 02:10:56.809
<v ->Ah.
<v ->Ah.</v>

02:10:56.809 --> 02:10:57.821
<v Donna>Oh, oo.</v>

02:10:57.821 --> 02:10:58.988
<v ->Oh, oo.</v>

02:10:58.988 --> 02:10:59.821
<v Donna>Yeah.</v>

02:10:59.821 --> 02:11:02.654
<v ->As in odd, open, or do.</v>

02:11:02.654 --> 02:11:04.618
Had the little notes on the back.

02:11:04.618 --> 02:11:05.701
<v Woman>Ah!</v>

02:11:06.564 --> 02:11:08.951
<v ->The letter I.
(audience laughs)

02:11:08.951 --> 02:11:12.255
<v ->The letter I, how many sounds are there for the later I?</v>

02:11:12.255 --> 02:11:13.894
(audience murmurs)
<v Woman>Papyrus.</v>

02:11:13.894 --> 02:11:14.727
<v ->It, I,</v>

02:11:16.177 --> 02:11:18.882
as in Indian or silent.

02:11:18.882 --> 02:11:20.855
And this was always my favorite and I'm proud of it.

02:11:20.855 --> 02:11:24.355
Can anybody give me six sounds of O-U-G-H?

02:11:27.488 --> 02:11:29.626
(audience murmurs)

02:11:29.626 --> 02:11:31.805
<v ->Ow.
<v ->Ow like cow.</v>

02:11:31.805 --> 02:11:33.737
<v ->Uh.
<v ->Uh, yeah.</v>

02:11:33.737 --> 02:11:35.487
<v ->Oh, oo, of, uh, ow.</v>

02:11:38.608 --> 02:11:40.507
All right, a little remedial.

02:11:40.507 --> 02:11:42.187
We're gonna have to work with y'all.

02:11:42.187 --> 02:11:43.736
(Donna laughs)
Thank you very much.

02:11:43.736 --> 02:11:44.569
<v Donna>Thank you--</v>

02:11:44.569 --> 02:11:46.669
<v ->Sometimes the old methods still work.</v>

02:11:46.669 --> 02:11:48.072
<v ->That's right.</v>

02:11:48.072 --> 02:11:51.567
Members, I just want a moment before I actual call

02:11:51.567 --> 02:11:55.067
an adjournment, oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Rowley.

02:11:56.478 --> 02:11:58.749
Okay, do you want me to?

02:11:58.749 --> 02:12:01.963
Okay, I just to recap this week for us.

02:12:01.963 --> 02:12:05.007
This has been the most momentous week that I've had

02:12:05.007 --> 02:12:07.195
as your Board Chair, and I want to recap for you

02:12:07.195 --> 02:12:10.332
because it was such a blur of activity--

02:12:10.332 --> 02:12:11.810
(audience chuckles)

02:12:11.810 --> 02:12:14.072
All week, that I don't know if you recognize

02:12:14.072 --> 02:12:16.993
the momentous nature of all the things that we did this week

02:12:16.993 --> 02:12:18.395
and I felt it was really important

02:12:18.395 --> 02:12:20.955
to recap the week for you, okay?

02:12:20.955 --> 02:12:25.443
The first thing we did on Monday was have over 200 people

02:12:25.443 --> 02:12:29.766
personally and who knows how many were listening in online

02:12:29.766 --> 02:12:33.179
to our Educating the Children of Poverty Conference,

02:12:33.179 --> 02:12:35.618
where we partnered with the Commissioner of Education

02:12:35.618 --> 02:12:39.201
to talk about, what I believe, is the most important issue

02:12:39.201 --> 02:12:41.569
facing our public schools today in Texas,

02:12:41.569 --> 02:12:44.657
and it was such a successful day,

02:12:44.657 --> 02:12:47.921
and I really appreciate your participation.

02:12:47.921 --> 02:12:52.800
We, then, on Tuesday, work session, trying to resolve

02:12:52.800 --> 02:12:55.580
lingering concerns from parents and some educators

02:12:55.580 --> 02:12:57.423
about our math standards,

02:12:57.423 --> 02:13:00.062
We welcomed our Mexican-American scholars, friends,

02:13:00.062 --> 02:13:02.846
and neighbors as they came out a hundred-plus strong

02:13:02.846 --> 02:13:06.013
to make their voices heard on Tuesday.

02:13:06.879 --> 02:13:11.031
We're finally ready to begin the long-range (laughs) plan

02:13:11.031 --> 02:13:13.161
for public education process

02:13:13.161 --> 02:13:17.071
that we've talked about for maybe two years,

02:13:17.071 --> 02:13:19.594
inviting Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,

02:13:19.594 --> 02:13:22.147
Texas Workforce Commission, Education Commissioner

02:13:22.147 --> 02:13:24.417
to partner with us in this process

02:13:24.417 --> 02:13:25.834
and we look forward to the work

02:13:25.834 --> 02:13:28.494
as Member Rowley leads us in this process.

02:13:28.494 --> 02:13:30.611
We're continuing to work on refining our English

02:13:30.611 --> 02:13:34.751
and Spanish Language Arts and Readings standards draft

02:13:34.751 --> 02:13:37.882
with all due diligence by combining our pointed experts

02:13:37.882 --> 02:13:42.878
with higher education help to get to the first reading

02:13:42.878 --> 02:13:45.701
hopefully by January, with the college

02:13:45.701 --> 02:13:48.070
and career readiness standards necessary for our students

02:13:48.070 --> 02:13:52.237
to successfully prepare for education after high school.

02:13:53.635 --> 02:13:56.073
We got excited in the Committee on School Initiatives

02:13:56.073 --> 02:13:58.335
yesterday on a new initiative

02:13:58.335 --> 02:14:00.048
for the education commissioner.

02:14:00.048 --> 02:14:03.320
Mike Morath actually spoke to us about his partnership

02:14:03.320 --> 02:14:06.412
with us, working with us on the Board on how

02:14:06.412 --> 02:14:08.928
to improve our School Board Trustees training

02:14:08.928 --> 02:14:13.176
across Texas, so that they may better serve

02:14:13.176 --> 02:14:16.751
those in their, students in their district.

02:14:16.751 --> 02:14:19.400
We approved an increase in support

02:14:19.400 --> 02:14:24.204
for instructional materials from $196 to about $218.

02:14:24.204 --> 02:14:25.747
I don't know the exact figure.

02:14:25.747 --> 02:14:28.758
They're still kind of working that out,

02:14:28.758 --> 02:14:31.508
$218 per student or $2.466 billion

02:14:33.458 --> 02:14:35.459
for the biennium

02:14:35.459 --> 02:14:37.292
approved this week by the Board.

02:14:37.292 --> 02:14:39.900
We celebrated our FFA students heading

02:14:39.900 --> 02:14:42.472
to national competition today.

02:14:42.472 --> 02:14:45.038
Our Heroes for Children from all over Texas

02:14:45.038 --> 02:14:48.054
as well as 20 years of public charter schools

02:14:48.054 --> 02:14:50.024
in the State of Texas.

02:14:50.024 --> 02:14:52.300
This has been most momentous week

02:14:52.300 --> 02:14:54.133
that I've had as your Board Chair,

02:14:54.133 --> 02:14:57.929
and I just want to thank you for your professionalism,

02:14:57.929 --> 02:15:02.241
respect for each other and all of our visitors

02:15:02.241 --> 02:15:05.181
and, most of all, for always keeping that focus

02:15:05.181 --> 02:15:08.825
on how we can better serve the 5.3 million students

02:15:08.825 --> 02:15:13.065
across Texas, and I could not be more proud

02:15:13.065 --> 02:15:15.482
of each and every one of you.

02:15:16.943 --> 02:15:19.329
I'm sorry. (laughs)

02:15:19.329 --> 02:15:22.304
And I'm honored to be your Chair.

02:15:22.304 --> 02:15:26.471
<v Woman>We're proud of you.</v>
(audience applauds)

02:15:29.188 --> 02:15:33.362
<v ->Mr. Cortez (chuckles).
<v ->Madame Chair.</v>

02:15:33.362 --> 02:15:35.012
I do want to thank you.

02:15:35.012 --> 02:15:37.111
Obviously, a lot of what happened

02:15:37.111 --> 02:15:38.810
on Tuesday was made possible

02:15:38.810 --> 02:15:42.011
because materials are online, right?

02:15:42.011 --> 02:15:44.678
So, people now have that access.

02:15:46.137 --> 02:15:48.704
And, so, I want to thank you for that, but beyond that,

02:15:48.704 --> 02:15:52.894
I want to thank you, because you've created

02:15:52.894 --> 02:15:54.894
this dialogue with Texas,

02:15:56.198 --> 02:15:59.707
and I already spend a lot of time in my districts

02:15:59.707 --> 02:16:01.945
but as a result of some of these forums

02:16:01.945 --> 02:16:05.640
that you've spearheaded, I'm spending more

02:16:05.640 --> 02:16:08.566
and having more in-depth and more meaningful conversations,

02:16:08.566 --> 02:16:12.733
from our technology session that we did at the Capitol

02:16:14.086 --> 02:16:18.608
to our round tables with you traveling around the state.

02:16:18.608 --> 02:16:20.949
I heard the horror stories of some of the hotels

02:16:20.949 --> 02:16:23.060
you stayed in--
(audience laughs)

02:16:23.060 --> 02:16:26.595
(chuckles) Just to make it into our districts

02:16:26.595 --> 02:16:30.177
and having these conversations about next generations

02:16:30.177 --> 02:16:31.856
of assessments and accountability and having

02:16:31.856 --> 02:16:35.856
these round tables and to what we did this week,

02:16:37.496 --> 02:16:42.103
talking about educating our most vulnerable population,

02:16:42.103 --> 02:16:44.686
those students in high poverty.

02:16:45.566 --> 02:16:48.166
I can't wait to see what's next

02:16:48.166 --> 02:16:52.083
but I'd like to see what, how we can figure out

02:16:53.342 --> 02:16:56.108
what the next steps for what we've already done

02:16:56.108 --> 02:16:58.358
and to see how we can have,

02:17:01.820 --> 02:17:04.020
I know that Monday's conversation,

02:17:04.020 --> 02:17:05.856
there wasn't enough people in the room

02:17:05.856 --> 02:17:08.417
for the message that was delivered by those experts

02:17:08.417 --> 02:17:11.314
and those practitioners, so how do we generate

02:17:11.314 --> 02:17:13.518
a statewide conversation around that

02:17:13.518 --> 02:17:16.044
because obviously, we heard from those experts

02:17:16.044 --> 02:17:18.776
that there is a need, there was a lot of passion

02:17:18.776 --> 02:17:23.633
and some unpassionate, at least one uncompassionate person

02:17:23.633 --> 02:17:26.466
but (chuckles) by and large,
(audience chuckles)

02:17:26.466 --> 02:17:28.691
everybody in-took that information

02:17:28.691 --> 02:17:30.566
and so I just want to commend you

02:17:30.566 --> 02:17:34.060
for that and thank you for spending your birthday week

02:17:34.060 --> 02:17:36.813
with us.
(audience laughs)

02:17:36.813 --> 02:17:39.749
<v Donna>(chuckles) Yes, Mr. Ratliff.</v>

02:17:39.749 --> 02:17:41.701
<v ->One thing that was a discussion item this week</v>

02:17:41.701 --> 02:17:44.124
that I wanted to ask for some clarification

02:17:44.124 --> 02:17:46.858
and I don't know if we've really thought through it.

02:17:46.858 --> 02:17:50.822
I think there was unanimous support for the ELAR experts

02:17:50.822 --> 02:17:53.052
to work with the Higher Ed Coordinating Board

02:17:53.052 --> 02:17:56.207
on the career and college readiness standards, et cetera.

02:17:56.207 --> 02:17:59.640
I've got a question as far as our process.

02:17:59.640 --> 02:18:02.725
When they go do that, I would assume,

02:18:02.725 --> 02:18:04.529
and this is why I wanna check, 'cause we know what happens

02:18:04.529 --> 02:18:07.892
when I assume, I would assume the report

02:18:07.892 --> 02:18:10.174
will come back to us through the experts,

02:18:10.174 --> 02:18:11.513
because they're the ones that come back

02:18:11.513 --> 02:18:12.974
as the final step in the process.

02:18:12.974 --> 02:18:16.089
Anybody's welcome to come testify, but when our experts

02:18:16.089 --> 02:18:18.978
and the Higher Ed Coordinating Board folks meet,

02:18:18.978 --> 02:18:21.043
will that culminate in some sort of a recommendation

02:18:21.043 --> 02:18:24.025
or report back from our experts as kind of the last step

02:18:24.025 --> 02:18:27.661
in our process, is that what you anticipate?

02:18:27.661 --> 02:18:29.881
<v ->Yeah, what I meant to say</v>

02:18:29.881 --> 02:18:32.893
is they'll work together on whatever those recommendations

02:18:32.893 --> 02:18:35.293
will be, and, then, we'll get those

02:18:35.293 --> 02:18:37.815
is what I'm hoping is going to happen.

02:18:37.815 --> 02:18:40.129
I know our staff is going to be, you know,

02:18:40.129 --> 02:18:41.546
putting that together.

02:18:41.546 --> 02:18:45.633
They did such a great job of running the last meeting

02:18:45.633 --> 02:18:49.173
with our five experts and, you know, we would continue

02:18:49.173 --> 02:18:52.600
with that work with the combined group.

02:18:52.600 --> 02:18:53.933
(man speaks off mic)

02:18:53.933 --> 02:18:57.757
Right, but they'll be altogether, anyway.

02:18:57.757 --> 02:18:59.413
<v ->But in terms of our process,</v>

02:18:59.413 --> 02:19:01.423
the experts will meet with them,

02:19:01.423 --> 02:19:03.215
hear their issues and then culminate that back

02:19:03.215 --> 02:19:05.866
into another recommendation or a subsequent change

02:19:05.866 --> 02:19:07.462
in recommendation or whatever they do,

02:19:07.462 --> 02:19:09.739
but it comes back through the experts that we appointed.

02:19:09.739 --> 02:19:12.350
<v ->Right, I think they'll be working together on that,</v>

02:19:12.350 --> 02:19:15.571
on whatever the recommendations, I'm not sure.

02:19:15.571 --> 02:19:17.906
I don't have any idea what they're (chuckles)

02:19:17.906 --> 02:19:21.624
what they're gonna do, but we'll definitely have it go back through

02:19:21.624 --> 02:19:22.874
with our group.

02:19:24.311 --> 02:19:26.874
<v ->In that regard, I just had a concern</v>

02:19:26.874 --> 02:19:29.707
that if you had an expert reviewer

02:19:31.961 --> 02:19:34.488
from the Higher Education Coordinating Board,

02:19:34.488 --> 02:19:38.321
and they wanted this and the expert team said,

02:19:39.163 --> 02:19:41.474
"No, we don't really want that,"

02:19:41.474 --> 02:19:45.516
how is that, I want to know that the final say

02:19:45.516 --> 02:19:46.766
is our experts.

02:19:48.360 --> 02:19:49.502
<v ->Madame Chair?
<v ->Yes?</v>

02:19:49.502 --> 02:19:50.744
<v Woman>You all are not posted</v>

02:19:50.744 --> 02:19:51.888
to have this discussion today.

02:19:51.888 --> 02:19:55.305
<v ->Ah, so we probably can't get into that.</v>

02:19:56.320 --> 02:19:59.713
I mean, at the end of the day, the Board is going to make

02:19:59.713 --> 02:20:01.424
the decision on where we end up with.

02:20:01.424 --> 02:20:04.285
I'm sure, maybe there's a majority view

02:20:04.285 --> 02:20:06.631
or are a minority view, but we'll probably

02:20:06.631 --> 02:20:08.834
get the benefit of both.

02:20:08.834 --> 02:20:11.771
<v Thomas>I wanted to thank Mr. Bradley for recognizing</v>

02:20:11.771 --> 02:20:12.730
Dad's contribution--
<v ->Absolutely.</v>

02:20:12.730 --> 02:20:16.312
<v ->To Senate Bill 1 and 95, and for those of you</v>

02:20:16.312 --> 02:20:18.404
that don't know or anybody that watches,

02:20:18.404 --> 02:20:20.468
he and I love to go at each other

02:20:20.468 --> 02:20:21.895
while we're in the circle.

02:20:21.895 --> 02:20:23.800
We fight for the things that we believe are important,

02:20:23.800 --> 02:20:26.413
but most people don't know that more often than not,

02:20:26.413 --> 02:20:28.156
we have dinner together when we're in town

02:20:28.156 --> 02:20:30.920
for meetings and people are confused by that

02:20:30.920 --> 02:20:33.515
and so the analogy I use is the old Looney Tunes cartoon

02:20:33.515 --> 02:20:35.523
of the sheepdog and the coyote

02:20:35.523 --> 02:20:37.520
and then they clock in, and they go after each other

02:20:37.520 --> 02:20:38.687
and then they clock out, and they and they go

02:20:38.687 --> 02:20:40.059
have coffee together.
(audience chuckles)

02:20:40.059 --> 02:20:42.020
And I don't know which one's the wolf or the sheepdog,

02:20:42.020 --> 02:20:43.975
I'll let y'all make that up

02:20:43.975 --> 02:20:46.696
but and for those of you that don't know,

02:20:46.696 --> 02:20:49.686
that bill that Dad wrote back then,

02:20:49.686 --> 02:20:52.226
I came home at Thanksgiving, and he was sitting in his chair

02:20:52.226 --> 02:20:54.837
with his laptop and the Education Code

02:20:54.837 --> 02:20:56.550
and I asked him, I said, "What are you doing?"

02:20:56.550 --> 02:20:58.827
He said, "I'm reading the Education Code."

02:20:58.827 --> 02:21:00.167
I said, "The whole thing?"

02:21:00.167 --> 02:21:02.396
He said, "Yeah, I read it once just to kind of get

02:21:02.396 --> 02:21:05.356
"a feel for the document, now going back through it

02:21:05.356 --> 02:21:06.286
"with my--
(audience laughs)

02:21:06.286 --> 02:21:07.951
"And had a highlighter and he was underlining

02:21:07.951 --> 02:21:11.242
and striking out, and he rewrote the entire code

02:21:11.242 --> 02:21:14.820
and reorganized it, as only an engineer could.

02:21:14.820 --> 02:21:17.475
And, as I was told just a little while ago,

02:21:17.475 --> 02:21:19.957
it was and still is the longest legislation

02:21:19.957 --> 02:21:21.748
ever passed by the Texas Legislature

02:21:21.748 --> 02:21:23.563
at 1,200 pages.

02:21:23.563 --> 02:21:24.625
<v Woman>Wow.</v>

02:21:24.625 --> 02:21:26.801
<v ->And at the time, he eliminated a third</v>

02:21:26.801 --> 02:21:29.980
of the Education Code, because he believed in local control

02:21:29.980 --> 02:21:32.347
and he went to the whole code with the attitude

02:21:32.347 --> 02:21:35.683
of what should they do, not how should they do it.

02:21:35.683 --> 02:21:37.777
And unfortunately, since that time,

02:21:37.777 --> 02:21:39.613
they've not only replaced those pages

02:21:39.613 --> 02:21:42.329
but they've added another 20 or 30% on top of it

02:21:42.329 --> 02:21:46.060
but it was a Herculean task and for those who don't know,

02:21:46.060 --> 02:21:47.846
it also had a voucher bill in it

02:21:47.846 --> 02:21:50.209
when it passed the Senate 21 years ago

02:21:50.209 --> 02:21:52.905
that was promptly stripped out by the House (chuckles)

02:21:52.905 --> 02:21:54.771
but it was it was a lot of work,

02:21:54.771 --> 02:21:56.391
and I appreciate your gesture

02:21:56.391 --> 02:21:58.290
about Dad's work on that.

02:21:58.290 --> 02:21:59.715
<v ->And you're very welcome.</v>

02:21:59.715 --> 02:22:02.778
<v ->Members, thank you so much for your kind attention.</v>

02:22:02.778 --> 02:22:04.861
The meeting is adjourned.