WEBVTT

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<v Boharich>To be in for a treat</v>

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with the Brownsville ISD Ballroom Dance Company.

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So I will turn this over to Member Cortez.

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<v ->Well good morning.</v>

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I know we still have a lot of our heroes

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that still need to take some photographs with their members.

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And we assure you we'll make time for each

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of you members to get a photograph with your heroes.

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But now we can get everybody back to their places.

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We're gonna introduce this group.

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We have with us the Ballroom Dance Company

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from the Brownsville School District.

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In 2007 Dr. Rebecca Rendon Administrator for Fine Arts

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for the Brownsville Independent School District

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began the Red Hot Ballroom Dance Program

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to bring dance to fifth grade students

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at elementary campuses.

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She had no idea the impact that this

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program was gonna have on students, teachers,

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parents, and the community.

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They began with 300 fifth grade students

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in 10 elementary campuses.

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The district currently has 37 elementary campuses.

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The students were trained throughout the year

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by the Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Technique.

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They learned five styles of dance:

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waltz, tango, merengue, salsa, and the jitterbug.

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At the end of the year the students compete

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in their Red Hot Ballroom Dance Finals Competitions.

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In 2008, the program expanded to include middle

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and high school students.

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22 campuses participated for a total

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of 660 students competing.

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This past May of 2017 BISD celebrated 10 years

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of Red Hot Ballroom where the students

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currently learn 15 styles of dance

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and now have 33 campuses performing

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with an overwhelming total of just

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under 1,000 students competing.

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The district has more than 50 teachers

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who attend trainings and implement programs

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at their respective campuses.

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Teachers are provided at least 8 trainings

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throughout the year to better understand

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the Fred Astaire Ballroom Curriculum.

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Due to the growth of the program,

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the district now offers ballroom classes

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in their curriculum that middle

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and high school students may take

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and receive Fine Arts and PE credit.

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In September of 2012 the Ballroom students were invited

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to perform at the Texorama State Ballroom

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Dance Competition in Galveston.

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In September of 2013 they were invited to compete

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at the Texorama State Dance Competition

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in Galveston and took first place as a team.

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In April of 2017 they were asked

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to perform at the Cross Country National

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Dance Championships in Houston.

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The best of the best ballroom couples from the nation

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competing at this competition

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and the BISD Ballroom students were the only group

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to receive a standing ovation for their performance.

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They have been asked again to perform

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at this competition in April of 2018.

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This year the district began BISD Ballroom Company

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that is made up of high school students

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from four different high schools.

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Those students went through an intense audition process

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and eight couples were selected to represent the district

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throughout the year at district, community, state,

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and national events.

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With us today, we have our Superintendent of Schools,

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Dr. Esperanza Zendejas. Melody Eriksen,

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our Choral Music Lead Teacher. Juan Martinez,

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our Ballroom Trainer. David Martinez, our Ballroom Trainer.

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Juan and David are sophomores at college

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and are products of this ballroom dance program.

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They currently assist in the program conducting

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and training teachers and students.

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Today we have the honor of watching three couples

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from the dance company perform.

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The students performing today are Ricardo Santoyo,

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senior from Veterans Memorial Early College High School.

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Ricardo is also a May 2017 Red Hot Ballroom

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High School Grand Champion.

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Jacquelyn Mirales, freshman from Veterans

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Early Memorial College High School.

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Jesus Cortez, junior from Rivera Early College High School.

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Vanessa Shelf, from Veterans Memorial

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Early College High School.

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Javier Gonzales, freshman from Rivera

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Early College High School.

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And Giselle Santos, junior from Rivera

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Early College High School.

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The students will perform a medley of songs

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which include the foxtrot, the rumba,

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the mambo, and the jive.

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So please help me welcome today's performers

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from the BISD Red Hot Ballroom Dance Competition.

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(applauding)

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("You Make Me Feel So Young" by Michael Buble)

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♪ You make me feel so young ♪

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♪ You make me feel as spring has sprung ♪

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♪ And every time I see you grin ♪

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♪ I'm such a happy individual ♪

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♪ The moment that you speak ♪

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♪ I wanna go play hide and seek ♪

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♪ I wanna go and bounce the moon ♪

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♪ Just like a toy balloon ♪

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♪ Because you and I are just like a couple of tots ♪

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♪ Runnin' across the meadow ♪

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♪ You make me young ♪

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♪ You make me feel there are songs to be sung ♪

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♪ Bells to be rung ♪

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♪ And a wonderful fling to be flung ♪

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("Perfidia" by John Altman)

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(upbeat mambo music)

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("Jump Jive An' Wail")

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(applauding)

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<v ->So don't you all feel like taking dancing lessons now?</v>

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(laughing)

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<v Man>I'm having a hot flash right now.</v>

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(laughing)

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<v ->These students are amazing.</v>

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I need you guys back in the circle, though.

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We're gonna take a photo, if we can get our Superintendent

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down here. Madame Chair, if you can join us.

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We've got a special recognition

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that we'd like to give to the Brownsville School District

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and to our Superintendent and all those

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that are here with the dance program.

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Parents, if you're here, I know there's some of you here.

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We'd love to have you.

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Dr. Zendejas, correct me if I'm wrong

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but did they not at some point,

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maybe last school year, did you do a performance also?

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Did you get trained by some

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of these Red Hot Ballroom dancers?

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(laughing)

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And you did a performance at one of these activities?

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<v ->New York, New York.</v>

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<v ->Yes, I knew it.</v>

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See, so any of us can do this.

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I'm telling you.

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I wish I could twirl my wife around the way

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some of these kids just did.

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That's amazing.

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(applauding)

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Thank you guys very much.

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<v Chair>Mr. Mercer, I believe you're up</v>

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for our invocation.

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<v ->Now, good.</v>

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I'm gonna tell you a quick inspirational story

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before our prayer.

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And of course it's Texas so it'll be a football story.

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But it's talked about Rockport High School.

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Y'all know Rockport saw the eye of the hurricane.

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It was the ground zero.

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And many reports came out but the reports

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I'm gonna put together now, it's a football story

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about the coach was actually going

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over the field, the school.

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As you know, Rockport is closed for the year

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and God bless the Commissioner and staff.

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I know you're trying to arrange your kids in that peninsula

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to go to other schools around Rockport.

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But he was surveying that the school being washed out,

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the football field, the goalposts in football was like

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a pretzel it was so twisted around.

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Anyhow, while he's being interviewed some

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of the kids came by saying Coach,

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they don't know what to do, there's no school.

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And many y'all know some of the schools started this Monday.

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Some schools in Texas still have not started.

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But they wanted something to do so they went

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to some of the kids' homes and they walked through mud

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and the water and they found some of their clothes

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and they're still in the chest of drawers were full

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of three days of muddy water.

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And literally, some of those football players,

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all they had was the clothes on their backs.

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But they said something, "Coach,

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"can we still practice football?"

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Something that would be normal for them.

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But the UIL, the University Interscholastic League

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says you can practice two or three hours a day.

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I'm gonna tell you secret.

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They are practicing eight, 10, 12 hours a day.

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But their practice, wait a minute, a little bit different.

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Instead of carrying footballs they were carrying chainsaws.

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And they couldn't go to the weight room

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because it was all watered out.

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They were cutting down tree limbs and branches

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and they were lifting branches and tree and debris

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and they were going house to house to their neighbors

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in Rockport saying "how can we help?"

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The news camera, they came in at one day,

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they had split up in so many groups in one day,

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they went to 60 neighbors and cleaned up the house.

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What a great story of kids who decided to rise up

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and help rebuild Rockport.

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So last week, they said, "Coach, we have a game on Friday."

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Well, that's not gonna happen.

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"Coach, could we still play that game?

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"Just so that somebody could stand for Rockport."

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And I'm gonna tell you I've been tempted so many times

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to go online and look at the score of that game

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but I didn't go online because,

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I hope you agree with me, it doesn't matter the score.

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Would you agree those young men are winners?

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No matter what.

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The final news report I saw was when the cameras came by

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and they were telling the same story I just told you

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and they said, "you must feel you're part

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"of the greatest team ever."

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He says, "what?"

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"You must feel you're part of the greatest team ever."

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And the young boys said, 16 year olds,

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said "No. We're way passed team. We're a family.

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"We're the Rockport Family."

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Let's pray together.

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Father God, your word tells us there'll be times

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when there's water, wind, and rain, and flooding

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but it also tells us by faith

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that the water will one day recede.

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And it's a time then to rise up and to rebuild.

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We pray for all the families who are hurt

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throughout Texas and Louisiana and our neighbors

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and friends in Florida.

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I pray for everyone there.

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It seems like along the Gulf Coast

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like everyone lost something but so many

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lost everything, everything.

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I lift up again Commissioner Morath

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and the Education Agency 'cause they're so many schools

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we're working to with right now, how can we bless them

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and take care of those schools and their educators

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and their students?

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How can we take care of them?

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Father God, I just thank you for the human spirit

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because there's thousands and thousands of stories

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of first responders but particularly volunteers

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who came and who will receive no reimbursement whatsoever

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but decided they too wanted to rise up and rebuild.

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People who came and with people they didn't know.

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They stood together.

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They held hands together with strangers, oftentimes.

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They prayed together with strangers.

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We even saw them singing songs together with strangers.

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Because all of us decided it was time

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to rise up and rebuild, rebuild.

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And Father God, that's my prayer today.

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Help us in Texas and our neighbors Louisiana

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and throughout the Gulf Coast and Florida,

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help us all to rise up and rebuild.

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And we pray for your strength, your wisdom,

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your courage, and Father God, for your guidance.

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And if you agree with me just say amen.

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<v All>Amen.</v>

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<v ->Let's please stand for our two pledges.</v>

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Pledge to the flag of the United States of America.

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<v All>I pledge allegiance to the Flag</v>

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of the United States of America,

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and to the Republic for which it stands,

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one Nation under God, indivisible,

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with liberty and justice for all.

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<v ->And now the pledge to the flag</v>

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of the great state of Texas.

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<v All>Honor the Texas flag.</v>

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I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,

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one state under God, one and indivisible.

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<v Mercer>Thank you, Madame Chair.</v>

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<v ->It's time for the roll call</v>

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and I believe, Debbie, are you doing that?

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<v Debbie>I am.</v>

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Mr. Allen?

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<v Allen>Present.</v>

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<v Debbie>Miss Bahorich?</v>

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<v Chair>Here.</v>

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<v Debbie>Miss Beltran?</v>

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<v Beltran>Present.</v>

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<v Debbie>Miss Cargill?</v>

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<v Cargill>Here.</v>

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<v Debbie>Mr. Cortez?</v>

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<v Cortez>Here.</v>

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<v Debbie>Dr. Ellis?</v>

00:17:59.998 --> 00:18:00.934
<v Ellis>Here.</v>

00:18:00.934 --> 00:18:02.245
<v Debbie>Miss Hardy?</v>

00:18:02.245 --> 00:18:03.245
<v Hardy>Present.</v>

00:18:03.245 --> 00:18:04.545
<v Debbie>Mr. Maynard?</v>

00:18:04.545 --> 00:18:05.464
<v Maynard>Here.</v>

00:18:05.464 --> 00:18:07.045
<v Debbie>Miss Melton-Malone?</v>

00:18:07.045 --> 00:18:07.945
<v Melton-Malone>Here.</v>

00:18:07.945 --> 00:18:09.061
<v Debbie>Mr. Mercer?</v>

00:18:09.061 --> 00:18:09.894
<v Mercer>Here.</v>

00:18:09.894 --> 00:18:10.843
<v Debbie>Miss Miller?</v>

00:18:10.843 --> 00:18:11.722
<v Miller>Here.</v>

00:18:11.722 --> 00:18:13.342
<v Debbie>Miss Perez?</v>

00:18:13.342 --> 00:18:14.510
<v Perez>Present.</v>

00:18:14.510 --> 00:18:16.011
<v Debbie>Miss Perez-Diaz?</v>

00:18:16.011 --> 00:18:17.080
<v Perez-Diaz>Here.</v>

00:18:17.080 --> 00:18:18.165
<v Debbie>And Mr. Rowley?</v>

00:18:18.165 --> 00:18:19.498
<v Rowley>Here.</v>

00:18:22.261 --> 00:18:24.391
<v ->Approval of the minutes.</v>

00:18:24.391 --> 00:18:25.797
It's the first item on the agenda

00:18:25.797 --> 00:18:28.205
from the June 23rd meeting.

00:18:28.205 --> 00:18:32.367
Are there any corrections to the minutes?

00:18:32.367 --> 00:18:35.039
Hearing none, the minutes are approved.

00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:36.801
Now we'll do resolutions

00:18:36.801 --> 00:18:39.884
and I believe Miss Hardy, you are up.

00:18:54.502 --> 00:18:59.205
<v ->I believe we want to cue up the video right now.</v>

00:18:59.205 --> 00:19:02.288
Let's see how good our technology is.

00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:11.992
<v ->I've always been interested in geography</v>

00:19:11.992 --> 00:19:14.736
from a very young age and I found out

00:19:14.736 --> 00:19:17.310
about the Geography Bee in second grade

00:19:17.310 --> 00:19:19.856
when one of my teachers was talking about it.

00:19:19.856 --> 00:19:22.019
And in fourth grade I started participating

00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:25.178
and I made it state in my first year and got second place.

00:19:25.178 --> 00:19:28.211
So that kept motivating me to keep trying

00:19:28.211 --> 00:19:30.316
and eventually win.

00:19:30.316 --> 00:19:32.278
Well usually they give you a question,

00:19:32.278 --> 00:19:36.427
it has some sort of clue in it that leads you

00:19:36.427 --> 00:19:39.348
to an answer and then you can answer.

00:19:39.348 --> 00:19:40.757
You have 15 seconds to answer.

00:19:40.757 --> 00:19:44.429
A basic question would be which state is composed

00:19:44.429 --> 00:19:47.475
of eight islands, Hawaii or Wyoming?

00:19:47.475 --> 00:19:51.017
And you get 15 seconds to answer that.

00:19:51.017 --> 00:19:54.081
Each round has a specific topic usually

00:19:54.081 --> 00:19:57.616
and they tell you what the topic will be.

00:19:57.616 --> 00:20:00.829
Like it could be name a country or name a state.

00:20:00.829 --> 00:20:02.081
There's a classroom round

00:20:02.081 --> 00:20:04.328
and after that is the school round.

00:20:04.328 --> 00:20:06.439
And after that each of the school champions

00:20:06.439 --> 00:20:09.805
take a written qualification test and the top 100 scores

00:20:09.805 --> 00:20:12.773
in the state advance to the state round.

00:20:12.773 --> 00:20:14.943
I already went to DC a few years before that

00:20:14.943 --> 00:20:17.416
so I didn't really see much of the sites when I went there

00:20:17.416 --> 00:20:19.260
but the competition is held

00:20:19.260 --> 00:20:21.178
in National Geographic's headquarters.

00:20:21.178 --> 00:20:24.246
Two people, both competitors answer the same question

00:20:24.246 --> 00:20:28.418
and whoever gets more of them right wins.

00:20:28.418 --> 00:20:31.802
I think I'm stronger on World Geography then US Geography

00:20:31.802 --> 00:20:36.102
because learning about the world seems more appealing

00:20:36.102 --> 00:20:38.988
than learning about the place I'm already in.

00:20:38.988 --> 00:20:41.182
Well pretty much you basically study the entire world

00:20:41.182 --> 00:20:44.599
and National Geographic can ask questions

00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:49.701
from all over the world and any possible topic will work.

00:20:49.701 --> 00:20:52.604
The question I missed last year was a pretty basic question

00:20:52.604 --> 00:20:55.781
but I only had six seconds to answer it.

00:20:55.781 --> 00:20:57.943
What is the official language of Sierra Leone?

00:20:57.943 --> 00:21:01.125
I said French but it was English.

00:21:01.125 --> 00:21:05.208
<v Interviewer>Well, we wish you well this time.</v>

00:21:07.055 --> 00:21:08.130
<v ->Thank you.</v>

00:21:08.130 --> 00:21:10.702
I was hoping that they were gonna show the actual

00:21:10.702 --> 00:21:14.310
winning moment of the National Geography Bee.

00:21:14.310 --> 00:21:19.207
I wanted to welcome Pranay who is the national winner

00:21:19.207 --> 00:21:21.236
for the National Geographic Geography Bee.

00:21:21.236 --> 00:21:23.653
(applauding)

00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:36.354
I am so excited about Pranay for being here.

00:21:36.354 --> 00:21:38.596
I forgot to give him his plaque here.

00:21:38.596 --> 00:21:41.499
This is from the Governor's Office recognizing you

00:21:41.499 --> 00:21:43.781
as the winner for the National Geography Bee

00:21:43.781 --> 00:21:45.502
and representing Texas.

00:21:45.502 --> 00:21:48.546
This is the fourth time in nine years

00:21:48.546 --> 00:21:51.769
that Texas has won the National Geography Bee

00:21:51.769 --> 00:21:55.606
which is a testament to Texas Public Schools.

00:21:55.606 --> 00:21:58.422
I will tell you that they put this energy into it.

00:21:58.422 --> 00:22:01.976
But Pranay is a prime example of the young people

00:22:01.976 --> 00:22:05.234
that will do something like geography or spelling.

00:22:05.234 --> 00:22:07.536
They get into it pretty early.

00:22:07.536 --> 00:22:10.544
He was 10 years old when I met him, much shorter.

00:22:10.544 --> 00:22:11.951
(laughing)

00:22:11.951 --> 00:22:15.160
Smaller, but he was persistent.

00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:17.700
He came back and he kept working at it

00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:19.961
and working at it and worked all the way down.

00:22:19.961 --> 00:22:23.372
When he did the geography bee this spring

00:22:23.372 --> 00:22:25.501
where he became the state champion,

00:22:25.501 --> 00:22:28.412
the questions that they were asking,

00:22:28.412 --> 00:22:30.857
we actually, and I'm reading the questions,

00:22:30.857 --> 00:22:32.405
and these are hard questions.

00:22:32.405 --> 00:22:33.678
He's rolling his eyes thinking

00:22:33.678 --> 00:22:35.155
she can't quite pronounce that.

00:22:35.155 --> 00:22:36.279
(laughing)

00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:38.598
But anyway, I'm reading the questions and we ran out

00:22:38.598 --> 00:22:43.490
of questions because the competition was so stiff.

00:22:43.490 --> 00:22:46.268
Washington DC says what is it about Texas?

00:22:46.268 --> 00:22:48.939
This is not the first time we've run out of questions.

00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:52.092
Because other states run out of questions real early.

00:22:52.092 --> 00:22:55.114
But the competition is so stiff in Texas

00:22:55.114 --> 00:22:57.781
that they keep going on and on and on.

00:22:57.781 --> 00:23:01.288
I will have to tell you Miss Cargill reminded me of a story.

00:23:01.288 --> 00:23:03.325
I do the local bees quite often.

00:23:03.325 --> 00:23:06.939
And this literally happened this last year.

00:23:06.939 --> 00:23:08.895
I was standing at a podium like this.

00:23:08.895 --> 00:23:11.056
I had two kids left in the final question

00:23:11.056 --> 00:23:13.437
and I accidentally kicked my purse,

00:23:13.437 --> 00:23:15.680
asked the question and kicked my purse,

00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:17.389
and Siri answered the question.

00:23:17.389 --> 00:23:18.222
(laughing)

00:23:18.222 --> 00:23:20.245
Because my phone was in my purse.

00:23:20.245 --> 00:23:21.914
The audience went wild.

00:23:21.914 --> 00:23:23.354
They said, "who was that?"

00:23:23.354 --> 00:23:27.035
I said, "Siri thinks she's gotta get into everything,

00:23:27.035 --> 00:23:28.579
"and she wants to be in the bee."

00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.582
(laughing)

00:23:29.582 --> 00:23:31.172
But anyways, Pranay's here with his parents.

00:23:31.172 --> 00:23:32.351
Would his parents please stand up.

00:23:32.351 --> 00:23:33.769
Nothing happens--

00:23:33.769 --> 00:23:36.186
(applauding)

00:23:38.744 --> 00:23:41.365
His sister's been with him from the very beginning, too.

00:23:41.365 --> 00:23:42.835
You stand up, too.

00:23:42.835 --> 00:23:43.668
(laughs)

00:23:43.668 --> 00:23:45.043
(applauding)

00:23:45.043 --> 00:23:47.985
I can tell you nothing happens to these youngsters

00:23:47.985 --> 00:23:51.038
until they have parents like this.

00:23:51.038 --> 00:23:53.436
Because these are parents who support, love,

00:23:53.436 --> 00:23:57.183
support, love and cry a little bit when they get excited.

00:23:57.183 --> 00:23:59.323
But they have been a wonderful supporters

00:23:59.323 --> 00:24:01.775
and they also support us as teachers.

00:24:01.775 --> 00:24:03.311
They're the kind of people that we need

00:24:03.311 --> 00:24:05.296
for helping us be better teachers, too.

00:24:05.296 --> 00:24:06.992
So thank you, thank you for everything.

00:24:06.992 --> 00:24:11.291
Pranay, I have a resolution here I want to read to you.

00:24:11.291 --> 00:24:14.147
This is official from the State Board of Education.

00:24:14.147 --> 00:24:15.830
Whereas, in understanding of the world

00:24:15.830 --> 00:24:18.404
around us has been important and necessary knowledge

00:24:18.404 --> 00:24:20.321
for an educated citizenry;

00:24:20.321 --> 00:24:22.997
and whereas, the study of land and culture have

00:24:22.997 --> 00:24:24.733
long been important to Texans

00:24:24.733 --> 00:24:27.495
because of their own vast storied history;

00:24:27.495 --> 00:24:30.466
and whereas, a young Texan has demonstrated

00:24:30.466 --> 00:24:32.242
superior knowledge in the geography

00:24:32.242 --> 00:24:36.217
by winning the 2017 National Geographic Bee;

00:24:36.217 --> 00:24:39.236
whereas, Pranay Varada became fascinated

00:24:39.236 --> 00:24:41.833
with maps when just three years old;

00:24:41.833 --> 00:24:44.812
whereas, after diligent and dedicated study

00:24:44.812 --> 00:24:48.597
Pranay Varada began to compete in geography bees;

00:24:48.597 --> 00:24:52.174
whereas, 2.6 million students nationwide competed

00:24:52.174 --> 00:24:54.680
in the 2017 geography bee;

00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:58.001
whereas, the event came down to a tense verbal duel

00:24:58.001 --> 00:25:00.729
between Pranay, an eighth grade student

00:25:00.729 --> 00:25:03.971
from Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District,

00:25:03.971 --> 00:25:05.615
and a Wisconsin student;

00:25:05.615 --> 00:25:08.486
whereas, the contest moved into a sudden-death playoff

00:25:08.486 --> 00:25:11.503
with Pranay winning the first tie-breaker question

00:25:11.503 --> 00:25:14.379
by correctly identifying the Kunlun Mountains

00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:17.796
as the 12,000 feet range that separates--

00:25:20.684 --> 00:25:21.532
(laughing)

00:25:21.532 --> 00:25:22.562
<v ->Taklamakan.</v>

00:25:22.562 --> 00:25:27.144
<v ->Taklamakan Desert from the Tibetan Plateau;</v>

00:25:27.144 --> 00:25:29.960
whereas, this victory earned Pranay the satisfaction

00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:34.608
of a job well done and as well as a $50,000 scholarship,

00:25:34.608 --> 00:25:38.068
a trip to the Galapagos Islands, and a lifetime membership

00:25:38.068 --> 00:25:40.545
in the National Geographic Society.

00:25:40.545 --> 00:25:43.038
Now, therefore be it resolved

00:25:43.038 --> 00:25:45.675
that the State Board of Education congratulate Pranay

00:25:45.675 --> 00:25:48.108
in his studious habits, his worldly knowledge,

00:25:48.108 --> 00:25:50.329
his persistence in his national championship;

00:25:50.329 --> 00:25:52.486
and be it further resolved that a copy

00:25:52.486 --> 00:25:54.704
of this resolution be included in the permanent records

00:25:54.704 --> 00:25:56.415
of the State Board of Education,

00:25:56.415 --> 00:25:59.499
witnessed our signatures on the 15th day

00:25:59.499 --> 00:26:02.026
of September in Austin, Texas.

00:26:02.026 --> 00:26:05.114
Donna Bahorich, Chair and Ruben Cortez, Secretary.

00:26:05.114 --> 00:26:06.382
Thank you.

00:26:06.382 --> 00:26:07.716
(applauding)

00:26:07.716 --> 00:26:09.883
You want to say something?

00:26:12.276 --> 00:26:14.380
You can speak right into that.

00:26:14.380 --> 00:26:16.843
<v ->I'd like to thank the State Board of Education</v>

00:26:16.843 --> 00:26:19.653
and the organization of the Texas State Geographic Bee

00:26:19.653 --> 00:26:22.570
for making this possible because obviously

00:26:22.570 --> 00:26:24.280
I wouldn't have been able to get to nationals

00:26:24.280 --> 00:26:26.254
if it was not for the organization of the state bee.

00:26:26.254 --> 00:26:28.607
So that you to all of those people.

00:26:28.607 --> 00:26:29.440
<v ->Okay.</v>

00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.273
(applauding)

00:26:30.273 --> 00:26:31.106
We appreciate that.

00:26:31.106 --> 00:26:31.939
Thank you.

00:26:37.511 --> 00:26:39.426
<v ->Members, the question is on the adoption</v>

00:26:39.426 --> 00:26:40.410
of the resolution.

00:26:40.410 --> 00:26:42.116
All those in favor, say aye.

00:26:42.116 --> 00:26:42.949
<v Members>Aye.</v>

00:26:42.949 --> 00:26:44.240
<v ->Resolution is adopted.</v>

00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:47.467
And we have our Heroes For Children up next

00:26:47.467 --> 00:26:49.550
and I believe Mr. Cortez.

00:26:58.334 --> 00:26:59.167
<v ->Good morning.</v>

00:26:59.167 --> 00:27:00.542
I would like to welcome you all here

00:27:00.542 --> 00:27:02.016
to the State Board of Education

00:27:02.016 --> 00:27:05.277
to recognize the outstanding volunteers

00:27:05.277 --> 00:27:08.691
that have given generously of their time

00:27:08.691 --> 00:27:11.338
to Texas public schools.

00:27:11.338 --> 00:27:15.261
In fact, these 15 are so generous that we

00:27:15.261 --> 00:27:17.721
conservatively estimate that they have collectively given

00:27:17.721 --> 00:27:20.971
at least 127 years of voluntary service

00:27:22.133 --> 00:27:24.133
to Texas public schools.

00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:27.786
Also as each hero is recognized,

00:27:29.049 --> 00:27:31.901
each recipient will receive a framed certificate copy

00:27:31.901 --> 00:27:36.091
of a resolution which the board will vote on momentarily.

00:27:36.091 --> 00:27:38.270
They will also receive a certificate of appreciation

00:27:38.270 --> 00:27:41.680
from the Governor's Office and the Governor himself.

00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:43.609
At this time, if I can have the heroes

00:27:43.609 --> 00:27:47.692
for Districts One through Seven join their member

00:27:48.982 --> 00:27:52.315
in the circle and I'll begin to tell you

00:27:53.239 --> 00:27:55.489
about each of those heroes.

00:28:34.677 --> 00:28:38.510
Our first hero from District 1 is Olga Charles

00:28:40.126 --> 00:28:44.397
from Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District.

00:28:44.397 --> 00:28:47.036
Whether it is serving as a life coach,

00:28:47.036 --> 00:28:48.862
helping in the classroom,

00:28:48.862 --> 00:28:50.979
organizing the annual Christmas parade,

00:28:50.979 --> 00:28:54.895
or helping students do research in the library,

00:28:54.895 --> 00:28:58.382
Miss Charles is at school every day

00:28:58.382 --> 00:29:02.382
voluntarily helping the students of Uvalde CISD.

00:29:04.023 --> 00:29:07.523
She's a major patron of the local library.

00:29:08.547 --> 00:29:12.664
Even when working at her job as the Newspapers

00:29:12.664 --> 00:29:17.568
in Education coordinator for the Uvalde Leader-News,

00:29:17.568 --> 00:29:20.268
Miss Charles is helping teachers and students

00:29:20.268 --> 00:29:25.231
as she shows them how to use the newspaper in their lessons.

00:29:25.231 --> 00:29:29.173
The Uvalde Superintendent calls her a ball of energy

00:29:29.173 --> 00:29:32.006
who can always be counted to help.

00:29:33.282 --> 00:29:35.377
Thank you Miss Charles for putting your energy

00:29:35.377 --> 00:29:37.961
towards helping Uvalde kids.

00:29:37.961 --> 00:29:41.500
We know for a fact that there are students in college

00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:45.250
who would not be there if it weren't for you.

00:29:46.263 --> 00:29:48.680
(applauding)

00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:55.965
In District 2, my district, Maria Vega

00:29:55.965 --> 00:30:00.507
from the La Joya Independent School District is my hero.

00:30:00.507 --> 00:30:03.941
Miss Vega is known as Momma Vega

00:30:03.941 --> 00:30:07.685
at the Leo J. Leo Elementary School

00:30:07.685 --> 00:30:11.880
where the staff joke that she spends more time

00:30:11.880 --> 00:30:14.215
on campus than they do.

00:30:14.215 --> 00:30:15.862
(laughing)

00:30:15.862 --> 00:30:17.873
She says that she simply loves helping children

00:30:17.873 --> 00:30:19.414
and teachers.

00:30:19.414 --> 00:30:22.664
Mrs. Vega helps teachers prepare materials for their lessons

00:30:22.664 --> 00:30:25.001
and especially enjoys decorating the school

00:30:25.001 --> 00:30:26.307
for the holidays.

00:30:26.307 --> 00:30:30.707
As someone who obtained a limited education herself,

00:30:30.707 --> 00:30:33.786
Miss Vega has made it a point to make sure

00:30:33.786 --> 00:30:37.953
that her seven children and now children at Leo J. Leo

00:30:40.544 --> 00:30:44.060
Elementary understand the importance of an education.

00:30:44.060 --> 00:30:47.004
One person at this school says of Miss Vega,

00:30:47.004 --> 00:30:52.001
"Her purpose in life is the gift of giving and sharing."

00:30:52.001 --> 00:30:54.588
She says she will continue her volunteer work

00:30:54.588 --> 00:30:57.215
as long as she is able.

00:30:57.215 --> 00:31:01.382
Thank you, Momma Vega, for your commitment to children.

00:31:02.816 --> 00:31:05.233
(applauding)

00:31:08.587 --> 00:31:13.412
Our hero for District 3 is Ian Hemmings from San Antonio's

00:31:13.412 --> 00:31:16.223
Northside Independent School District.

00:31:16.223 --> 00:31:20.128
Mr. Hemmings says people have exhibited kindness

00:31:20.128 --> 00:31:22.378
to him throughout his life.

00:31:23.989 --> 00:31:28.146
He is dedicated to passing that kindness on.

00:31:28.146 --> 00:31:31.968
Each morning he bikes to Northside Carnahan

00:31:31.968 --> 00:31:34.105
Elementary School to meet with a group

00:31:34.105 --> 00:31:36.936
of students before school starts.

00:31:36.936 --> 00:31:40.603
He helped the school pilot the award winning

00:31:41.529 --> 00:31:44.036
Alamo-area Children's Organized

00:31:44.036 --> 00:31:47.581
To Replant Natives Project, ACORN,

00:31:47.581 --> 00:31:51.272
which now has expanded to 24 schools.

00:31:51.272 --> 00:31:55.439
Mr. Hemmings is also a founding member of WATCH D.O.G.S.,

00:31:57.666 --> 00:31:59.882
a dad's group that promotes safety

00:31:59.882 --> 00:32:02.610
and character development.

00:32:02.610 --> 00:32:06.117
As an immigrant with visual impairment,

00:32:06.117 --> 00:32:09.910
Mr. Hemmings has become a role model for children

00:32:09.910 --> 00:32:12.653
who are receiving special education

00:32:12.653 --> 00:32:15.437
or who are new to the United States.

00:32:15.437 --> 00:32:17.990
Thank you, Mr. Hemmings, your smile

00:32:17.990 --> 00:32:22.157
and positive attitude bring sunshine into students' lives.

00:32:23.521 --> 00:32:25.938
(applauding)

00:32:29.636 --> 00:32:33.068
The hero for District 4 is Carol Ann Youens

00:32:33.068 --> 00:32:36.818
from Galena Park Independent School District.

00:32:37.995 --> 00:32:40.382
If the last name sounds familiar,

00:32:40.382 --> 00:32:44.132
it's because Miss Youens is the second member

00:32:45.098 --> 00:32:49.521
of her family to earn the Heroes For Children Award.

00:32:49.521 --> 00:32:53.688
Her late husband, Alfred, received this award last year.

00:32:55.636 --> 00:32:58.669
Eight years ago, this devoted couple decided

00:32:58.669 --> 00:33:01.860
to pay it forward and began volunteering

00:33:01.860 --> 00:33:05.769
in Galena Park independent School District.

00:33:05.769 --> 00:33:09.936
For the past 14 years, Mrs. Youens has focused her work

00:33:10.792 --> 00:33:13.918
on assisting first and second grade students

00:33:13.918 --> 00:33:16.787
with basic reading skills.

00:33:16.787 --> 00:33:20.353
She's also known to show up at Northshore Elementary

00:33:20.353 --> 00:33:23.655
in a wacky outfit for Dr. Seuss week

00:33:23.655 --> 00:33:26.322
or wear red for Red Ribbon Week.

00:33:28.524 --> 00:33:30.023
Besides her work at the schools,

00:33:30.023 --> 00:33:33.981
Miss Youens assists patients at the local nursing home,

00:33:33.981 --> 00:33:35.812
sacks groceries at the food bank,

00:33:35.812 --> 00:33:38.792
and volunteers at the YMCA.

00:33:38.792 --> 00:33:43.405
It's no wonder another volunteer recently called her

00:33:43.405 --> 00:33:45.822
the mother of all volunteers.

00:33:46.704 --> 00:33:47.600
(laughing)

00:33:47.600 --> 00:33:49.956
Thank you for caring about your community.

00:33:49.956 --> 00:33:51.407
Congratulations.

00:33:51.407 --> 00:33:53.824
(applauding)

00:33:56.931 --> 00:34:00.931
Our District 5 hero is Chelsea Elliott nominated

00:34:02.446 --> 00:34:04.279
by the Wayside School.

00:34:05.739 --> 00:34:09.906
In 2013, Miss Elliott founded the Half Helen Foundation,

00:34:10.830 --> 00:34:13.581
a non-profit organization that works to improve

00:34:13.581 --> 00:34:15.433
children's vision and hearing

00:34:15.433 --> 00:34:19.866
through innovative screening, research, and advocacy.

00:34:19.866 --> 00:34:24.259
Named after Helen Keller who said, "I am half blind,

00:34:24.259 --> 00:34:27.259
"I am half deaf, and I am half Helen."

00:34:28.628 --> 00:34:32.686
Mrs. Elliott's foundation, in the 2016-17 school year

00:34:32.686 --> 00:34:35.457
alone, provided photo screening to more

00:34:35.457 --> 00:34:38.592
than 15,000 students in the Austin

00:34:38.592 --> 00:34:42.509
and San Antonio Title I schools free of charge.

00:34:43.461 --> 00:34:45.797
Children who failed the photo screening

00:34:45.797 --> 00:34:49.441
or eye chart test were offered free eye exams

00:34:49.441 --> 00:34:53.046
and corrective wear through partnerships.

00:34:53.046 --> 00:34:55.873
As a Charter School graduate herself,

00:34:55.873 --> 00:34:57.992
Miss Elliott began offering the screenings

00:34:57.992 --> 00:35:01.628
in Austin Charter schools and continues to expand her work.

00:35:01.628 --> 00:35:05.768
This year she hopes to reach 30,000 students.

00:35:05.768 --> 00:35:08.099
Thank you for protecting the gift of sight

00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:09.966
for so many children.

00:35:09.966 --> 00:35:12.383
(applauding)

00:35:16.667 --> 00:35:19.750
Our District 6 hero is Cyndi Matteson

00:35:21.203 --> 00:35:24.903
from Cyprus-Fairbanks Independent School District.

00:35:24.903 --> 00:35:28.879
Miss Matteson has won the Cyprus-Fairbanks ISD

00:35:28.879 --> 00:35:33.505
Global Volunteer Award two of the past three years

00:35:33.505 --> 00:35:37.022
because she is such an active volunteer.

00:35:37.022 --> 00:35:39.437
She mentors six students each week,

00:35:39.437 --> 00:35:42.937
provides special staff lunches and treats,

00:35:44.097 --> 00:35:46.208
helps with freshman orientation,

00:35:46.208 --> 00:35:48.681
reads to students, assists with vision

00:35:48.681 --> 00:35:51.009
and hearing screenings, and chaperones

00:35:51.009 --> 00:35:53.768
for extracurricular events,

00:35:53.768 --> 00:35:57.070
just to name a few of her activities.

00:35:57.070 --> 00:36:00.540
She is now a member of the district's VIP Executive Board

00:36:00.540 --> 00:36:02.796
and helps to coordinate volunteer activities

00:36:02.796 --> 00:36:04.796
at more than 80 schools.

00:36:10.704 --> 00:36:12.947
She says being a volunteer is the most

00:36:12.947 --> 00:36:15.272
rewarding job she's ever had.

00:36:15.272 --> 00:36:18.562
Cy-Fair administrators say Miss Matteson's

00:36:18.562 --> 00:36:22.562
most frequent question is "where can I help next?"

00:36:24.093 --> 00:36:25.521
Thank you for your dedication.

00:36:25.521 --> 00:36:27.458
Congratulations.

00:36:27.458 --> 00:36:29.875
(applauding)

00:36:35.269 --> 00:36:38.968
Frederick Jefferson, our District 7 hero,

00:36:38.968 --> 00:36:43.127
is such a great volunteer that two districts,

00:36:43.127 --> 00:36:46.294
Alvin and Pearland ISD, nominated him.

00:36:47.882 --> 00:36:52.224
Unfortunately, he is not able to be with us today.

00:36:52.224 --> 00:36:55.686
He's dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

00:36:55.686 --> 00:36:58.389
in the area and is helping family members

00:36:58.389 --> 00:37:02.535
who were hit by Hurricane Irma in Florida.

00:37:02.535 --> 00:37:06.717
But we want you to know that Mr. Jefferson created

00:37:06.717 --> 00:37:11.490
the Man II Man support group that provides a venue

00:37:11.490 --> 00:37:13.762
for fathers of special needs children

00:37:13.762 --> 00:37:16.773
to celebrate and examine the ups and downs

00:37:16.773 --> 00:37:19.273
of parenting special children.

00:37:20.435 --> 00:37:22.319
He knows that living with someone

00:37:22.319 --> 00:37:24.992
of special needs impacts the whole family.

00:37:24.992 --> 00:37:29.482
He always focuses on the message that parents

00:37:29.482 --> 00:37:32.063
and schools needs to form a partnership

00:37:32.063 --> 00:37:34.716
to provide the best outcome for these children.

00:37:34.716 --> 00:37:38.008
Because he works in a growing district of Alvin

00:37:38.008 --> 00:37:42.008
and Pearland he brought together a diverse group

00:37:44.615 --> 00:37:48.484
to compile a resource guide that lists local services

00:37:48.484 --> 00:37:50.857
such as pediatricians, therapists,

00:37:50.857 --> 00:37:53.857
which are very helpful to newcomers.

00:37:56.404 --> 00:37:59.396
So while he's not here we would want to congratulate him

00:37:59.396 --> 00:38:02.052
and let him know that he and his family

00:38:02.052 --> 00:38:04.124
and all those that were impacted by Harvey

00:38:04.124 --> 00:38:06.520
and Irma are in our thoughts and our prayers.

00:38:06.520 --> 00:38:07.392
Congratulations.

00:38:07.392 --> 00:38:09.809
(applauding)

00:38:12.354 --> 00:38:15.304
So fellow members, audience please join me

00:38:15.304 --> 00:38:17.232
in congratulating our heroes

00:38:17.232 --> 00:38:19.179
from Districts One through Seven.

00:38:19.179 --> 00:38:21.596
(applauding)

00:38:24.439 --> 00:38:26.439
Thank you all very much.

00:38:29.631 --> 00:38:32.925
I'd like to ask these heroes if they can take their seats.

00:38:32.925 --> 00:38:35.751
And just know that if you haven't taken a picture

00:38:35.751 --> 00:38:39.815
with your hero, members, I'm sure Madame Chair will make

00:38:39.815 --> 00:38:43.363
a couple of minutes just after we're done.

00:38:43.363 --> 00:38:48.032
But if I can get our heroes from Districts Eight to 15

00:38:48.032 --> 00:38:49.287
to move in to the circle.

00:38:49.287 --> 00:38:53.370
Members, if you can join your hero in the circle.

00:39:45.006 --> 00:39:46.037
All right.

00:39:46.037 --> 00:39:49.954
District 8 hero is Stacie Jahn from Conroe ISD.

00:39:51.778 --> 00:39:54.846
Mrs. Jahn is an active leader in the Conroe ISD

00:39:54.846 --> 00:39:57.292
Parent Teacher Organization.

00:39:57.292 --> 00:40:00.549
Having served on the PTO Board for six years,

00:40:00.549 --> 00:40:02.948
she has worked to improve both the education

00:40:02.948 --> 00:40:05.619
and environment at local schools.

00:40:05.619 --> 00:40:08.273
She spearheaded efforts to raise funds

00:40:08.273 --> 00:40:09.697
to purchase two large canopies

00:40:09.697 --> 00:40:11.800
and provide shade on playgrounds,

00:40:11.800 --> 00:40:14.277
something that students and teachers appreciate

00:40:14.277 --> 00:40:17.683
because of the blazing heat in Texas.

00:40:17.683 --> 00:40:21.661
Mrs. Jahn also successfully lobbied to include funding

00:40:21.661 --> 00:40:25.411
for a new gym at Stephen F. Austin Elementary

00:40:26.675 --> 00:40:29.864
in the district's 2016 bond package.

00:40:29.864 --> 00:40:32.870
Additionally, she led efforts to fund teacher training

00:40:32.870 --> 00:40:36.453
and new equipment such as a die-cut machine

00:40:37.364 --> 00:40:39.531
and filtered water cooler.

00:40:40.823 --> 00:40:43.749
Whether it is finding grant opportunities,

00:40:43.749 --> 00:40:47.883
raising fund for equipment, or running PTO meetings,

00:40:47.883 --> 00:40:52.050
Mrs. Jahn is a volunteer Conroe ISD knows it can count on.

00:40:55.452 --> 00:40:57.907
Thank you very much for your service.

00:40:57.907 --> 00:41:00.324
(applauding)

00:41:03.054 --> 00:41:07.703
Our District 9 hero is Amanda Rogers from Elkhart ISD.

00:41:07.703 --> 00:41:10.040
Mrs. Rogers has volunteered

00:41:10.040 --> 00:41:12.957
at Elkhart Elementary for 21 years.

00:41:14.758 --> 00:41:18.560
Although a brain tumor left her disabled

00:41:18.560 --> 00:41:23.422
when she was still a toddler, it hasn't defeated her.

00:41:23.422 --> 00:41:25.456
After she graduated from high school,

00:41:25.456 --> 00:41:26.872
a loving aunt suggested

00:41:26.872 --> 00:41:29.525
that she start volunteering at school.

00:41:29.525 --> 00:41:32.302
Though her dedicated service,

00:41:32.302 --> 00:41:35.595
Mrs. Rogers has become a role model for children.

00:41:35.595 --> 00:41:40.256
Teachers say that she instinctively picks out students

00:41:40.256 --> 00:41:43.484
who most need assistance and support.

00:41:43.484 --> 00:41:45.899
She reads with struggling readers,

00:41:45.899 --> 00:41:50.453
helps organize homework, monitors hallways and restrooms,

00:41:50.453 --> 00:41:53.969
and always asks staff how she can help.

00:41:53.969 --> 00:41:56.719
She believes that seeing her cope

00:41:57.833 --> 00:42:00.636
with her disability helps students learn

00:42:00.636 --> 00:42:04.567
to be accepting of students who are different in some ways.

00:42:04.567 --> 00:42:07.588
Although Miss Rogers' health has helped thousands

00:42:07.588 --> 00:42:11.505
of students, she says the students have touched

00:42:12.520 --> 00:42:17.261
and inspired her through their courage and loving trust.

00:42:17.261 --> 00:42:20.844
Elkhart has a true gem in you, Miss Rogers.

00:42:21.985 --> 00:42:23.330
Thank you for very much.

00:42:23.330 --> 00:42:25.747
(applauding)

00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:31.551
Mike Senchack from the Round Rock

00:42:31.551 --> 00:42:35.508
Independent School District is District 10's hero.

00:42:35.508 --> 00:42:39.675
Mr. Senchack is another hero who has devoted decades

00:42:40.928 --> 00:42:43.081
of service to his school district.

00:42:43.081 --> 00:42:46.414
During his 23 years of voluntary service

00:42:47.350 --> 00:42:49.415
in the Round Rock Independent School District

00:42:49.415 --> 00:42:52.128
he has worked with teachers and directors

00:42:52.128 --> 00:42:56.223
from five high schools and 10 middle schools.

00:42:56.223 --> 00:42:58.883
He has provided audio-visual recordings,

00:42:58.883 --> 00:43:01.735
editing, and post-production services

00:43:01.735 --> 00:43:04.675
for dance, choir, orchestra, theater,

00:43:04.675 --> 00:43:06.705
Future Farmers of America,

00:43:06.705 --> 00:43:10.713
and other organizations as well as booster clubs.

00:43:10.713 --> 00:43:14.880
On average, Mr. Senchack videotapes 35 performances a year.

00:43:17.830 --> 00:43:21.913
His videos are so treasured that they have become

00:43:23.691 --> 00:43:28.126
the subject of a disagreement in a divorce case.

00:43:28.126 --> 00:43:30.376
(laughing)

00:43:31.253 --> 00:43:33.757
The husband wants possession of all videotapes

00:43:33.757 --> 00:43:37.924
of spring dance show that he and his ex-wife were both in.

00:43:40.129 --> 00:43:43.684
The distraught spouse came to Mr. Senchack

00:43:43.684 --> 00:43:45.893
and asked if he could make her a copy

00:43:45.893 --> 00:43:47.893
of this year's old show.

00:43:50.948 --> 00:43:55.762
He dug in his archives and found it and made her a copy.

00:43:55.762 --> 00:43:59.929
His videos have even been shown at funeral services

00:44:00.800 --> 00:44:03.852
for students who died too soon.

00:44:03.852 --> 00:44:07.878
Thank you for preserving these treasured memories

00:44:07.878 --> 00:44:09.786
for the Round Rock families.

00:44:09.786 --> 00:44:11.340
Congratulations.

00:44:11.340 --> 00:44:13.757
(applauding)

00:44:16.432 --> 00:44:20.599
Thomas J. French of Burleson ISD is a hero for District 11.

00:44:21.628 --> 00:44:24.600
Mr. French has also been called a

00:44:24.600 --> 00:44:27.164
quintessential servant leader.

00:44:27.164 --> 00:44:30.203
He coached youth sport teams football,

00:44:30.203 --> 00:44:34.036
basketball, baseball, and soccer for 20 years.

00:44:35.239 --> 00:44:39.098
Now his activities include volunteering more than 500 hours

00:44:39.098 --> 00:44:42.515
to mentor robotics teams in Burleson ISD.

00:44:43.851 --> 00:44:48.018
He also worked in concessions stand, transports gears,

00:44:48.973 --> 00:44:53.593
helps students with computer programs, and referees games.

00:44:53.593 --> 00:44:55.364
Mr. French supports the district's

00:44:55.364 --> 00:44:57.249
Parent Teacher Organization

00:44:57.249 --> 00:45:01.151
and financially supports the Burleson Opportunity Fund,

00:45:01.151 --> 00:45:05.060
a scholarship fund that helps any district student

00:45:05.060 --> 00:45:08.180
who wants to attend college to do so.

00:45:08.180 --> 00:45:11.763
Mr. French is a kind of dedicated volunteer

00:45:14.121 --> 00:45:16.221
every district needs.

00:45:16.221 --> 00:45:18.603
Thank you so much for giving of your time

00:45:18.603 --> 00:45:21.661
and your talent for over two decades.

00:45:21.661 --> 00:45:24.078
(applauding)

00:45:27.767 --> 00:45:30.936
Our District 12 hero is Teresa Cook

00:45:30.936 --> 00:45:33.150
of the Harmony Public Schools.

00:45:33.150 --> 00:45:35.983
Mrs. Cook is an outspoken advocate

00:45:37.370 --> 00:45:39.686
for the Harmony Public Schools

00:45:39.686 --> 00:45:41.849
and the Harmony School of Innovation

00:45:41.849 --> 00:45:44.343
in Garland in particular.

00:45:44.343 --> 00:45:47.593
She volunteers in many areas of school.

00:45:49.165 --> 00:45:52.641
Mrs. Cook is a parliamentarian at the PTO

00:45:52.641 --> 00:45:56.224
and she chaperones students on field trips.

00:45:57.445 --> 00:46:01.870
She has attended many charter rallies in Austin.

00:46:01.870 --> 00:46:05.100
This spring Mrs. Cook repeatedly talked with legislators

00:46:05.100 --> 00:46:08.682
about the needs for facilities funding for charter schools.

00:46:08.682 --> 00:46:11.524
She has also spent many hours meeting

00:46:11.524 --> 00:46:14.391
with area mayors, police chiefs, fire chiefs

00:46:14.391 --> 00:46:16.706
to tell them about Harmony.

00:46:16.706 --> 00:46:20.094
Thank you for your active support in your school.

00:46:20.094 --> 00:46:21.306
Congratulations.

00:46:21.306 --> 00:46:23.723
(applauding)

00:46:25.818 --> 00:46:29.546
Mary Pencis from Fort Worth Independent

00:46:29.546 --> 00:46:32.599
School District is our hero for District 13.

00:46:32.599 --> 00:46:37.023
Some people may think that kindergartners are not ready

00:46:37.023 --> 00:46:39.856
for the opera but not Mrs. Pencis.

00:46:41.677 --> 00:46:44.610
Through a partnership between Fort Worth ISD,

00:46:44.610 --> 00:46:48.423
the Fort Worth Opera, and The Red Oak Foundation

00:46:48.423 --> 00:46:52.590
Mrs. Pencis heads up a group of more than 50 volunteers

00:46:54.167 --> 00:46:58.000
who visit 12 Title I schools to bring timeless

00:47:00.127 --> 00:47:03.710
classic tales told through children's opera

00:47:05.221 --> 00:47:07.162
to young children.

00:47:07.162 --> 00:47:10.249
The students read the opera, attend a performance,

00:47:10.249 --> 00:47:14.364
and are given a bilingual book to take home.

00:47:14.364 --> 00:47:17.986
The partnership teaches children opera-related vocabulary,

00:47:17.986 --> 00:47:20.132
the history of opera, and promotes reading

00:47:20.132 --> 00:47:22.553
as well as problem solving.

00:47:22.553 --> 00:47:26.386
Miss Pencis is a volunteer who now reads books

00:47:27.418 --> 00:47:30.001
to about 10,800 kindergartners.

00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:34.294
Thank you for bringing literature and culture

00:47:34.294 --> 00:47:36.333
to these young Texans.

00:47:36.333 --> 00:47:37.580
Congratulations.

00:47:37.580 --> 00:47:39.997
(applauding)

00:47:43.247 --> 00:47:47.616
Charles Lyons, Copperas Cove ISD, is the hero

00:47:47.616 --> 00:47:48.949
for District 14.

00:47:50.926 --> 00:47:53.509
Mr. Lyons is a retired soldier.

00:47:54.604 --> 00:47:58.444
He has put his leadership skills to use

00:47:58.444 --> 00:48:00.611
for the Copperas Cove ISD.

00:48:02.256 --> 00:48:06.292
He is an advisor to the Copperas Cove Excel Club

00:48:06.292 --> 00:48:10.146
which completed more than 700 hours of service

00:48:10.146 --> 00:48:12.763
on 31 community projects.

00:48:12.763 --> 00:48:15.761
The Excel Club students volunteer

00:48:15.761 --> 00:48:18.321
at nearly every community event.

00:48:18.321 --> 00:48:21.830
They ring bells for the Salvation Army.

00:48:21.830 --> 00:48:26.617
They pick up trash to help with highway beautification.

00:48:26.617 --> 00:48:28.353
They assist with the city's Halloween

00:48:28.353 --> 00:48:32.505
and Christmas festivals, just to name a few of the events.

00:48:32.505 --> 00:48:35.922
Mr. Lyons also rescued a faltering effort

00:48:37.414 --> 00:48:41.581
to fund Project Graduation, an alcohol and drug free

00:48:42.702 --> 00:48:44.907
overnight celebration.

00:48:44.907 --> 00:48:49.074
Once Mr. Lyons took on the project as co-coordinator,

00:48:50.914 --> 00:48:53.914
$9,000 was raised to fund the event.

00:48:55.006 --> 00:48:58.533
Also the Merchandise and Concessions Manager,

00:48:58.533 --> 00:49:01.329
he has helped raise over $20,000

00:49:01.329 --> 00:49:03.290
for the district's athletic program.

00:49:03.290 --> 00:49:05.805
Thank you, Mr. Lyons, for putting students

00:49:05.805 --> 00:49:08.722
at the center of your retirement plan.

00:49:08.722 --> 00:49:09.919
Congratulations.

00:49:09.919 --> 00:49:12.336
(applauding)

00:49:16.026 --> 00:49:18.597
Evelyn Lyles from the Amarillo Independent

00:49:18.597 --> 00:49:22.619
School District is our hero for District 15.

00:49:22.619 --> 00:49:25.158
Many people may not realize it,

00:49:25.158 --> 00:49:27.951
but Amarillo is home to a large

00:49:27.951 --> 00:49:31.729
and extremely diverse immigrant population.

00:49:31.729 --> 00:49:35.017
For immigrants who settle in Amarillo,

00:49:35.017 --> 00:49:38.316
the US Refugee and Resettlement Program,

00:49:38.316 --> 00:49:41.233
Miss Lyles a retired teacher is one

00:49:42.214 --> 00:49:44.066
of the first people they meet.

00:49:44.066 --> 00:49:47.276
She volunteers at a number of Amarillo ISD campuses

00:49:47.276 --> 00:49:50.801
where she helps the refugees make medical appointments,

00:49:50.801 --> 00:49:55.404
relays messages, facilitates English as a second language

00:49:55.404 --> 00:49:57.488
and citizenship classes,

00:49:57.488 --> 00:50:00.488
and encourages parental involvement.

00:50:01.624 --> 00:50:05.745
She's been called a godsend for some of these families

00:50:05.745 --> 00:50:10.204
who are starting their lives over in the Texas Panhandle.

00:50:10.204 --> 00:50:13.424
It's no wonder that Amarillo ISD named her

00:50:13.424 --> 00:50:15.257
Volunteer of the Year.

00:50:16.155 --> 00:50:19.818
Thank you, Miss Lyles, for being a friendly face

00:50:19.818 --> 00:50:23.862
who offers a helping hand to those new Texans.

00:50:23.862 --> 00:50:24.957
Congratulations.

00:50:24.957 --> 00:50:27.374
(applauding)

00:50:29.191 --> 00:50:31.440
Now if you can all help me congratulate once again

00:50:31.440 --> 00:50:33.729
our heroes from Districts eight through 15.

00:50:33.729 --> 00:50:35.839
(applauding)

00:50:35.839 --> 00:50:37.719
And another round of applause for our heroes

00:50:37.719 --> 00:50:39.759
from Districts one through seven.

00:50:39.759 --> 00:50:41.759
Thank you all very much.

00:50:43.050 --> 00:50:46.217
127 years estimated of public service.

00:50:47.661 --> 00:50:49.911
That is absolutely amazing.

00:50:52.305 --> 00:50:54.427
Fellow board members, it has been our honor

00:50:54.427 --> 00:50:58.608
to present this award to school volunteers since 1994.

00:50:58.608 --> 00:51:01.774
It's always an inspirational event for us.

00:51:01.774 --> 00:51:04.704
Now you've heard some of these year's heroes,

00:51:04.704 --> 00:51:08.843
I'd like to move to adopt the resolution.

00:51:08.843 --> 00:51:09.676
<v Chair>The questions on the adoption</v>

00:51:09.676 --> 00:51:10.585
of the resolution.

00:51:10.585 --> 00:51:12.310
All those in favor say aye.

00:51:12.310 --> 00:51:13.807
<v Members>Aye.</v>

00:51:13.807 --> 00:51:14.640
<v Cortez>Thank you heroes.</v>

00:51:14.640 --> 00:51:16.407
<v ->Resolutions adopted, thank you.</v>

00:51:16.407 --> 00:51:19.574
Okay, we are taking a 10 minute break.

00:51:41.524 --> 00:51:44.747
Members, we're gonna go ahead and continue.

00:51:44.747 --> 00:51:47.914
And first up is we have one testifier.

00:51:49.120 --> 00:51:53.287
All testifiers speak for no more than three minutes.

00:51:55.002 --> 00:51:57.788
You will hear a first initial bell

00:51:57.788 --> 00:52:00.958
and that means you've got one minute left.

00:52:00.958 --> 00:52:02.575
And then when you hear the second bell

00:52:02.575 --> 00:52:05.992
if you'll just finish your final thought.

00:52:08.376 --> 00:52:10.126
<v Woman>Bev Kilmer.</v>

00:52:40.460 --> 00:52:42.708
<v Chair>And I will tell you that sometimes</v>

00:52:42.708 --> 00:52:44.555
that thing will cut off on its own

00:52:44.555 --> 00:52:46.875
and you'll need to hit to make sure it goes green again.

00:52:46.875 --> 00:52:48.051
Or we won't hear you.

00:52:48.051 --> 00:52:49.917
<v Bev>So it won't be you turning me off, right?</v>

00:52:49.917 --> 00:52:50.848
<v Chair>Yes, that's right.</v>

00:52:50.848 --> 00:52:51.927
It's not us turning you off.

00:52:51.927 --> 00:52:55.113
So if you will go ahead and start her time now

00:52:55.113 --> 00:52:57.314
that would be great.

00:52:57.314 --> 00:52:59.424
<v ->Okay, thank you for allowing me to be here.</v>

00:52:59.424 --> 00:53:01.511
I'm from Tennessee, so it's really hard

00:53:01.511 --> 00:53:02.894
for me to talk fast.

00:53:02.894 --> 00:53:06.788
But since I've got three minutes I'm gonna do my best.

00:53:06.788 --> 00:53:10.310
I'm Bev Kilmer, and I am President

00:53:10.310 --> 00:53:14.477
of Freedom Speaks Coalition, Former State Legislator,

00:53:15.335 --> 00:53:19.502
serving as Chair of three education committees in Florida.

00:53:20.646 --> 00:53:23.702
So I'm very concerned about the issues

00:53:23.702 --> 00:53:27.085
all across the country relating to education.

00:53:27.085 --> 00:53:28.923
Today, I'm going to be talking

00:53:28.923 --> 00:53:32.256
about the Gulen Islamic Charter Schools.

00:53:34.340 --> 00:53:38.507
Also in Texas you know them as the Harmony School.

00:53:40.445 --> 00:53:41.712
I'm not gonna be talking about

00:53:41.712 --> 00:53:44.254
what most people talk about to you.

00:53:44.254 --> 00:53:48.651
I am more concerned about the Gulen Movement.

00:53:48.651 --> 00:53:51.160
And I know there's so much speculation

00:53:51.160 --> 00:53:54.554
as to whether or not Mr. Fethullah Gulen

00:53:54.554 --> 00:53:57.566
actually is involved with the schools.

00:53:57.566 --> 00:54:02.190
My job here today is to let you know without a doubt,

00:54:02.190 --> 00:54:05.528
he is involved, it is traced back.

00:54:05.528 --> 00:54:08.978
And I'm going to give you some documentation.

00:54:08.978 --> 00:54:12.275
If you have my packet it will be in there.

00:54:12.275 --> 00:54:16.862
But I'm gonna read a little bit of this to you.

00:54:16.862 --> 00:54:20.226
If you have questions afterwards, we'll address those.

00:54:20.226 --> 00:54:23.393
This is the documents from the lawsuit

00:54:29.112 --> 00:54:31.530
where he was trying to get his green card

00:54:31.530 --> 00:54:35.421
to come to America permanently or to stay here.

00:54:35.421 --> 00:54:39.504
And it's listed by categories and issues of proof

00:54:41.345 --> 00:54:44.785
that he should be allowed to receive the green card.

00:54:44.785 --> 00:54:47.224
74 is while in the United States

00:54:47.224 --> 00:54:49.756
Mr. Gulen founded the Institute

00:54:49.756 --> 00:54:53.010
of Interfaith Dialogue in Houston, Texas.

00:54:53.010 --> 00:54:56.325
And by the way, Houston, Texas is ground zero

00:54:56.325 --> 00:54:58.242
for the Gulen Movement.

00:54:59.618 --> 00:55:01.611
Okay, I'm gonna go real fast now.

00:55:01.611 --> 00:55:03.881
While in the United States Mr. Gulen served

00:55:03.881 --> 00:55:06.631
as honorary President of Niagara.

00:55:08.659 --> 00:55:13.078
While in Turkey, Mr. Gulen founded the Gulen Movement.

00:55:13.078 --> 00:55:16.526
Also Mr. Gulen is the founder of the Gulen Movement.

00:55:16.526 --> 00:55:18.959
That's number 48, and the principles

00:55:18.959 --> 00:55:20.998
of the Gulen Movement are the foundation

00:55:20.998 --> 00:55:22.920
for hundreds of schools established

00:55:22.920 --> 00:55:25.939
in North America, Europe, and Asia.

00:55:25.939 --> 00:55:29.352
Now I'm gonna show you this picture.

00:55:29.352 --> 00:55:32.347
And you may recognize these two boys.

00:55:32.347 --> 00:55:34.764
These are the Boston bombers.

00:55:37.653 --> 00:55:40.570
And one of them is a Gulen student.

00:55:42.525 --> 00:55:46.692
Also here you will see the basketball player Enes Kanter.

00:55:51.206 --> 00:55:53.882
He stated that "my mother and father, siblings,

00:55:53.882 --> 00:55:58.049
"and all of my relatives can be sacrificed on Gulen's way.

00:55:59.499 --> 00:56:01.785
"I can give my head and all of my way.

00:56:01.785 --> 00:56:04.852
"May God take from my life and give every second of it

00:56:04.852 --> 00:56:08.530
"to my brave preacher, Fethullah Gulen."

00:56:08.530 --> 00:56:11.295
The purpose of that is to let you know

00:56:11.295 --> 00:56:16.056
how strong an impact this movement has on our children.

00:56:16.056 --> 00:56:18.140
There's a lot of illegal activities

00:56:18.140 --> 00:56:20.246
and in your packet you have those.

00:56:20.246 --> 00:56:22.766
I will be glad to address any of them.

00:56:22.766 --> 00:56:24.150
And I know my time is up.

00:56:24.150 --> 00:56:27.900
So I rely on any questions that you may have.

00:56:29.203 --> 00:56:30.941
<v Chair>Yes, Mr. Allen.</v>

00:56:30.941 --> 00:56:31.774
<v Allen>How you doing?</v>

00:56:31.774 --> 00:56:32.770
Thank you for coming.

00:56:32.770 --> 00:56:34.420
<v ->Thank you, I appreciate it.</v>

00:56:34.420 --> 00:56:36.658
<v ->And I will have a chance to review the packet</v>

00:56:36.658 --> 00:56:39.777
but I really want to ask about your expectation

00:56:39.777 --> 00:56:41.233
of this body.

00:56:41.233 --> 00:56:44.594
As we are listening to the presentation

00:56:44.594 --> 00:56:47.294
there has to be an expectation.

00:56:47.294 --> 00:56:49.777
And so in order to meet that expectation,

00:56:49.777 --> 00:56:51.625
I'd like for you to state what that is.

00:56:51.625 --> 00:56:55.792
<v ->Okay, I understand, as in Florida this board, has had a lot</v>

00:56:57.649 --> 00:57:00.955
of the responsibilities taken away from you.

00:57:00.955 --> 00:57:03.157
A lot of your authority has been moved

00:57:03.157 --> 00:57:05.341
to the legislative body or the State

00:57:05.341 --> 00:57:08.918
Department of Education or Agency.

00:57:08.918 --> 00:57:12.934
However, it's very important that people start

00:57:12.934 --> 00:57:17.341
to understand the significance of this movement.

00:57:17.341 --> 00:57:19.508
It's gotta come to a head.

00:57:21.583 --> 00:57:25.750
And my job is to make sure that I get the word out

00:57:27.993 --> 00:57:32.160
to all of the people that have any say-so whatsoever.

00:57:33.056 --> 00:57:35.556
What you as a board can do is,

00:57:36.753 --> 00:57:40.599
and I don't mean this, don't be offended I'll say,

00:57:40.599 --> 00:57:42.587
don't be offended when I say this.

00:57:42.587 --> 00:57:46.068
But you can no longer turn the other cheek

00:57:46.068 --> 00:57:49.928
and ignore when the infractions take place,

00:57:49.928 --> 00:57:53.000
when you know that they're skimming money,

00:57:53.000 --> 00:57:55.094
when you know that grades are all

00:57:55.094 --> 00:57:57.587
of a sudden a lot better than they should be,

00:57:57.587 --> 00:57:59.920
or other things that are taking place.

00:57:59.920 --> 00:58:02.882
Now I'm not here to talk about the virtues

00:58:02.882 --> 00:58:06.347
of them providing a good education.

00:58:06.347 --> 00:58:09.930
I'm here to say that billions, not millions,

00:58:09.930 --> 00:58:14.201
billions of dollars from taxpayers are going

00:58:14.201 --> 00:58:18.368
to fund the Gulen Movement which is anything but good.

00:58:19.719 --> 00:58:22.468
This is a bad man with bad intentions

00:58:22.468 --> 00:58:24.942
and it has got to...

00:58:24.942 --> 00:58:26.168
Let's face it.

00:58:26.168 --> 00:58:28.905
I'll be straight up with all of you.

00:58:28.905 --> 00:58:31.738
I didn't come here to mince words.

00:58:33.235 --> 00:58:36.235
We have such a drive or we feel like

00:58:37.867 --> 00:58:40.551
we have to be politically correct

00:58:40.551 --> 00:58:44.847
and a lot of legislators, elected officials,

00:58:44.847 --> 00:58:49.014
everyone is afraid to be viewed as racist or Islamaphobic.

00:58:52.423 --> 00:58:54.803
This has nothing to do with that.

00:58:54.803 --> 00:58:57.523
As far as I'm concerned and my organization,

00:58:57.523 --> 00:59:01.273
it is all about stopping something really bad

00:59:02.387 --> 00:59:06.453
from happening and our children being the conduit

00:59:06.453 --> 00:59:08.556
that they're using.

00:59:08.556 --> 00:59:11.105
<v ->I wanted to assure that within the area</v>

00:59:11.105 --> 00:59:13.621
of our evaluation whether the schools are being successful

00:59:13.621 --> 00:59:16.639
or whether there is some thing that can be enacted

00:59:16.639 --> 00:59:19.358
by this body, we will not turn a deaf ear to doing

00:59:19.358 --> 00:59:21.979
what our responsibility tells us to do.

00:59:21.979 --> 00:59:26.229
The outgrowth of it whether it's Islamic phobia

00:59:26.229 --> 00:59:28.916
what not we may not be the body to give you

00:59:28.916 --> 00:59:31.358
any confident heart for those kinds of things.

00:59:31.358 --> 00:59:34.360
But I want you to know that we have heard you today.

00:59:34.360 --> 00:59:35.985
We've heard others who have mentioned

00:59:35.985 --> 00:59:37.849
that we should take a closer look at those things

00:59:37.849 --> 00:59:39.592
and we are doing those things.

00:59:39.592 --> 00:59:44.386
We don't go politically correct is not the term.

00:59:44.386 --> 00:59:46.580
We always just try to do the right thing.

00:59:46.580 --> 00:59:48.670
And if we're doing that we will do everything

00:59:48.670 --> 00:59:50.347
within our power to make sure our children's

00:59:50.347 --> 00:59:54.320
children don't have some undue influences in our schools.

00:59:54.320 --> 00:59:56.384
So I want you to feel comfortable in saying

00:59:56.384 --> 00:59:57.849
you did talk to the right people in terms

00:59:57.849 --> 01:00:00.887
of who we can talk outside of this body

01:00:00.887 --> 01:00:04.741
and have conversations with but duly noted,

01:00:04.741 --> 01:00:06.884
we did hear exactly what you had to say.

01:00:06.884 --> 01:00:08.760
<v ->And I do appreciate that.</v>

01:00:08.760 --> 01:00:12.235
And the purpose of that comment is because

01:00:12.235 --> 01:00:16.402
there have been investigations upon investigations

01:00:17.305 --> 01:00:20.305
and they somehow never get completed,

01:00:22.201 --> 01:00:25.284
and I'm talking about the FBI and all

01:00:26.966 --> 01:00:30.633
of the other agencies outside of yours even.

01:00:31.698 --> 01:00:35.085
And so it's really important that this time

01:00:35.085 --> 01:00:39.170
it makes its way through all the processes

01:00:39.170 --> 01:00:42.420
and I have a lot of faith in it getting

01:00:43.496 --> 01:00:48.317
to the right people and that's why I came to you guys first.

01:00:48.317 --> 01:00:50.451
This is ground zero.

01:00:50.451 --> 01:00:53.212
We all know it because of the numbers of schools.

01:00:53.212 --> 01:00:56.095
We know it because the number of feeder companies

01:00:56.095 --> 01:00:58.178
that they have sprung up.

01:00:59.087 --> 01:01:02.670
And this is where it's got to begin ending,

01:01:03.696 --> 01:01:05.352
if that makes sense.

01:01:05.352 --> 01:01:06.262
<v Allen>Yes, ma'am.</v>

01:01:06.262 --> 01:01:07.229
<v ->Yes sir.</v>

01:01:07.229 --> 01:01:08.535
<v Chair>Yes, Mr. Cortez.</v>

01:01:08.535 --> 01:01:09.782
Are you finished Mr. Allen?

01:01:09.782 --> 01:01:10.735
<v Allen>Yes, I'm finished.</v>

01:01:10.735 --> 01:01:12.429
<v Chair>Mr. Cortez.</v>

01:01:12.429 --> 01:01:14.386
<v ->Obviously we want to listen to anybody</v>

01:01:14.386 --> 01:01:16.201
that comes up to give public testimony

01:01:16.201 --> 01:01:18.861
but I will tell you it's my understanding

01:01:18.861 --> 01:01:22.712
that this agency, not this body, but this agency has already

01:01:22.712 --> 01:01:26.629
done an exhaustive investigation, if you would,

01:01:28.322 --> 01:01:30.739
and has found no wrong doing.

01:01:31.600 --> 01:01:34.968
And I'll just add, just moments ago,

01:01:34.968 --> 01:01:38.552
we just recognized a young woman volunteer

01:01:38.552 --> 01:01:42.629
who, you know, as recognized as one of our heroes

01:01:42.629 --> 01:01:44.672
in the State of Texas.

01:01:44.672 --> 01:01:48.228
And so I understand that this organization's

01:01:48.228 --> 01:01:52.395
even a finalist in the Broad Urban Prize for Education,

01:01:54.409 --> 01:01:59.391
just considered the Nobel Prize of Public Education.

01:01:59.391 --> 01:02:03.558
While we hear your concerns, all we can do is go based

01:02:05.408 --> 01:02:08.682
on what this agency does and informs us.

01:02:08.682 --> 01:02:12.167
And it's my understanding that they've done that

01:02:12.167 --> 01:02:15.709
and they have found no wrong doing.

01:02:15.709 --> 01:02:16.793
<v Bev>Can I respond to that?</v>

01:02:16.793 --> 01:02:18.293
<v ->You could, sure.</v>

01:02:19.713 --> 01:02:23.880
<v ->I've read a lot of news articles and a lot of comments</v>

01:02:25.491 --> 01:02:30.213
from the agency, and I know it's separate from this board.

01:02:30.213 --> 01:02:34.068
And they have said they have very strong concerns

01:02:34.068 --> 01:02:36.525
about misappropriation of funds.

01:02:36.525 --> 01:02:40.837
I think one of the investigations that was valid

01:02:40.837 --> 01:02:45.004
in the Harmony Schools was I think it was $168,000

01:02:46.181 --> 01:02:48.993
that had been misappropriated.

01:02:48.993 --> 01:02:53.160
There's also many cases where they have contracted

01:02:58.682 --> 01:03:02.849
with companies that they own and paid up to $400,000 more

01:03:06.286 --> 01:03:10.453
than the next bid which was lower but they chose theirs.

01:03:11.700 --> 01:03:15.867
And in one investigation out of 35 major contracts,

01:03:17.516 --> 01:03:22.025
only three were given to non-Turkish companies.

01:03:22.025 --> 01:03:24.404
And that's not proper, that's not right.

01:03:24.404 --> 01:03:28.321
And there's no way that that can be overlooked.

01:03:30.225 --> 01:03:33.513
So we've got to start addressing a lot of things

01:03:33.513 --> 01:03:37.430
and you commented about all of their accolades.

01:03:38.999 --> 01:03:42.694
And you're right, you hear it all over the place.

01:03:42.694 --> 01:03:46.861
But most of it is their multi-million dollar PR programs.

01:03:49.215 --> 01:03:53.927
And I think most of you know that they hire Karen Hughes

01:03:53.927 --> 01:03:57.399
who is used to be with George Bush

01:03:57.399 --> 01:04:00.606
and a lot of other really high up people.

01:04:00.606 --> 01:04:04.613
So she's a very strong public relations person.

01:04:04.613 --> 01:04:06.420
She's been with them for many years.

01:04:06.420 --> 01:04:09.737
Her job is to do exactly what you said,

01:04:09.737 --> 01:04:12.255
convince you and everyone else

01:04:12.255 --> 01:04:16.271
that these schools are the best anywhere.

01:04:16.271 --> 01:04:20.317
They get awards but a lot of those awards are given

01:04:20.317 --> 01:04:23.067
by organizations related to them.

01:04:25.465 --> 01:04:28.548
And I just think we have got to start

01:04:29.638 --> 01:04:33.857
addressing the elephant that's in the room.

01:04:33.857 --> 01:04:36.048
And that's something we need to think about.

01:04:36.048 --> 01:04:38.044
I would like you to tell me if you know

01:04:38.044 --> 01:04:42.079
of any other organization that pays one person

01:04:42.079 --> 01:04:45.496
half a million dollars to do PR for them.

01:04:47.273 --> 01:04:48.940
<v Chair>Dr. Ellis.</v>

01:04:49.847 --> 01:04:50.958
<v Ellis>Madame Chair, I would just like</v>

01:04:50.958 --> 01:04:53.730
to caution the board, and we very much are appreciative

01:04:53.730 --> 01:04:55.520
of speakers, this is a time for speakers.

01:04:55.520 --> 01:04:57.520
But I want to be cautious of the Open Meetings Act

01:04:57.520 --> 01:05:00.108
that allows us only to give factual information

01:05:00.108 --> 01:05:02.989
such as what deadlines are, et cetera, and policy reference

01:05:02.989 --> 01:05:05.227
and not engage in a discussion for an agenda item

01:05:05.227 --> 01:05:06.977
we're not posted for.

01:05:11.401 --> 01:05:13.793
<v Chair>Okay, any other comments?</v>

01:05:13.793 --> 01:05:14.999
Thank you so much.

01:05:14.999 --> 01:05:16.499
<v Bev>Thank you.</v>

01:05:21.037 --> 01:05:22.190
<v ->The next item on the agenda</v>

01:05:22.190 --> 01:05:23.739
is the approval of Consent Agenda.

01:05:23.739 --> 01:05:26.572
If you'll turn to your agenda book

01:05:28.525 --> 01:05:32.692
to romanette seven is what I'm trying to say. (laughs)

01:05:35.385 --> 01:05:38.024
In your agenda books which lists the consent items.

01:05:38.024 --> 01:05:40.024
I'm gonna read each one.

01:05:40.883 --> 01:05:42.899
Starting with item number one,

01:05:42.899 --> 01:05:47.066
Per Capita Apportionment Rate For the 2017-2018 School Year.

01:05:48.131 --> 01:05:50.318
Number two, Ratification of the Purchases

01:05:50.318 --> 01:05:52.408
and Sales of the Investment Portfolio

01:05:52.408 --> 01:05:53.708
of the Permanent School Fund

01:05:53.708 --> 01:05:57.464
for the months of May, June, and July 2017.

01:05:57.464 --> 01:06:00.671
Number three, Determination as to Whether Transfers

01:06:00.671 --> 01:06:02.935
May be Made from the Permanent School Fund

01:06:02.935 --> 01:06:04.787
to the Available School Fund.

01:06:04.787 --> 01:06:08.559
Number four, Decision on Real Estate Investments.

01:06:08.559 --> 01:06:12.198
Number five, Implementation of SB 1480 Related

01:06:12.198 --> 01:06:15.087
to the Bond Guarantee Program and Charter Schools.

01:06:15.087 --> 01:06:18.417
Number six, Presentation of Commodities Asset Class

01:06:18.417 --> 01:06:20.466
for the Permanent School Fund.

01:06:20.466 --> 01:06:22.476
Number seven, Recommendation for Appointments

01:06:22.476 --> 01:06:24.689
to the Fort Sam Houston Independent

01:06:24.689 --> 01:06:26.603
School District Board of Trustees.

01:06:26.603 --> 01:06:28.692
Number eighth, Recommendation for Appointment

01:06:28.692 --> 01:06:30.871
to the Randolph Field Independent

01:06:30.871 --> 01:06:33.946
School District Board of Trustees.

01:06:33.946 --> 01:06:35.295
Yes, Miss Miller.

01:06:35.295 --> 01:06:38.322
<v Miller>(mumbles).</v>

01:06:38.322 --> 01:06:42.386
<v ->Yes, I appreciate that and Miss Miller, we will note that.</v>

01:06:42.386 --> 01:06:46.553
That you've been recused from item number four, correct?

01:06:49.283 --> 01:06:50.930
So there've been no items added

01:06:50.930 --> 01:06:52.822
to the Consent Agenda as well.

01:06:52.822 --> 01:06:54.796
In approving the Consent Agenda, we'll be approving

01:06:54.796 --> 01:06:57.394
all the items that were mentioned.

01:06:57.394 --> 01:06:59.889
Are the numbers clear as to what we're approving

01:06:59.889 --> 01:07:02.027
on the Consent Agenda?

01:07:02.027 --> 01:07:06.064
If there's no objection, the Consent Agenda is approved.

01:07:06.064 --> 01:07:10.231
Hearing none, we've got the Consent Agenda approved.

01:07:12.653 --> 01:07:16.507
Okay, I believe Committee of Full Board is with us

01:07:16.507 --> 01:07:18.253
and Mr. Rowley has the next item.

01:07:18.253 --> 01:07:20.322
<v ->Members, if you'll refer to the Committee</v>

01:07:20.322 --> 01:07:24.239
of the Full Board minutes that was in your box.

01:07:26.761 --> 01:07:31.192
We're gonna begin on page two of that document,

01:07:31.192 --> 01:07:32.609

action item five.

01:07:35.901 --> 01:07:38.885
Approval of Clarification Questions and Answers

01:07:38.885 --> 01:07:42.552
for Proclamation 2019 Questions and Answers.

01:07:43.869 --> 01:07:45.956
It's recommended that the State Board of Education

01:07:45.956 --> 01:07:50.333
approve the two Proclamation 2019 Questions and Answers,

01:07:50.333 --> 01:07:52.436
questions and corresponding answers

01:07:52.436 --> 01:07:56.817
as presented in Attachment two of the agenda.

01:07:56.817 --> 01:07:59.080
<v ->It's moved the State Board of Education approve the</v>

01:07:59.080 --> 01:08:01.852
two Proclamations 2019 Questions and Answers,

01:08:01.852 --> 01:08:04.327
questions and corresponding answers

01:08:04.327 --> 01:08:06.910
as presented in Attachment two.

01:08:07.838 --> 01:08:10.058
Are you ready for the question?

01:08:10.058 --> 01:08:12.617
This is a majority vote item.

01:08:12.617 --> 01:08:14.302
All those in favor say aye.

01:08:14.302 --> 01:08:15.168
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:08:15.168 --> 01:08:16.752
<v ->All those oppose say no.</v>

01:08:16.752 --> 01:08:20.132
Ayes have it and the two Proclamations 2019

01:08:20.132 --> 01:08:23.650
Questions and Answers, questions and corresponding answers,

01:08:23.650 --> 01:08:26.646
as presented in Attachment two are adopted.

01:08:26.646 --> 01:08:29.171
<v ->Madame Chair, I think the only other item is</v>

01:08:29.171 --> 01:08:33.338
on page four of the Committee of the Full Board minutes.

01:08:37.738 --> 01:08:39.628
And that's at the bottom of that page

01:08:39.628 --> 01:08:42.211
and carrying over to page five.

01:08:44.589 --> 01:08:48.929
And it was recommended that the State Board of Education

01:08:48.929 --> 01:08:51.904
request that the Commissioner prepare a study

01:08:51.904 --> 01:08:55.974
of current health education research and states standards

01:08:55.974 --> 01:08:58.288
and including National Best Practices

01:08:58.288 --> 01:09:01.159
that would be used as a guide for the State Board

01:09:01.159 --> 01:09:03.784
of Education to begin a review and revision

01:09:03.784 --> 01:09:06.201
of the Health Education TEKS.

01:09:07.094 --> 01:09:08.645
The Commissioner's recommendations

01:09:08.645 --> 01:09:10.507
would include the following:

01:09:10.507 --> 01:09:12.994
a framework for what the strands should be

01:09:12.994 --> 01:09:15.386
for Kindergarten through Grade 12,

01:09:15.386 --> 01:09:19.328
distinctions regarding grade levels and or grade bands

01:09:19.328 --> 01:09:23.057
at which health concepts are most appropriately taught,

01:09:23.057 --> 01:09:26.503
and a summary of all statutory requirements related

01:09:26.503 --> 01:09:29.800
to health education and suggestions regarding the most

01:09:29.800 --> 01:09:31.492
appropriate way to integrate

01:09:31.492 --> 01:09:34.659
those requirements into the framework.

01:09:37.266 --> 01:09:40.355
<v ->Are you ready for the question?</v>

01:09:40.355 --> 01:09:43.534
And this again is another majority vote item.

01:09:43.534 --> 01:09:44.984
All those in favor say aye.

01:09:44.984 --> 01:09:45.873
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:09:45.873 --> 01:09:47.291
<v ->All those oppose say no.</v>

01:09:47.291 --> 01:09:48.338
Ayes have it.

01:09:48.338 --> 01:09:52.020
And the Commissioner will be requested to prepare the study.

01:09:52.020 --> 01:09:53.828
<v Rowley>Madame Chair, I believe that's all.</v>

01:09:53.828 --> 01:09:55.322
<v ->That's all for the Committee of the Full Board.</v>

01:09:55.322 --> 01:09:56.824
Committee on Instruction.

01:09:56.824 --> 01:09:58.407
Miss Melton-Malone.

01:09:59.472 --> 01:10:01.015
<v ->Thank you, Madame Chair.</v>

01:10:01.015 --> 01:10:02.044
Pardon me.

01:10:02.044 --> 01:10:05.653
Our first motion is on the bottom of page one.

01:10:05.653 --> 01:10:07.485
On behalf of the Committee of Instruction,

01:10:07.485 --> 01:10:09.678
I move that the State Board of Education suspend

01:10:09.678 --> 01:10:12.162
the board operating procedures in accordance

01:10:12.162 --> 01:10:16.245
with 5.2A to allow consideration at first reading

01:10:17.323 --> 01:10:20.505
and filing authorization and to approve for first reading

01:10:20.505 --> 01:10:24.601
and filing authorization, proposed repeal of 19 TAC,

01:10:24.601 --> 01:10:28.130
Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge And Skills

01:10:28.130 --> 01:10:32.297
for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses 112.71,

01:10:34.589 --> 01:10:38.143
Principles of Technology, one Physics credit,

01:10:38.143 --> 01:10:41.810
and 112.72, Other Courses for Which Students

01:10:42.645 --> 01:10:44.895
May Receive Science Credit.

01:10:46.061 --> 01:10:47.719
<v ->It's moved that the State Board of Education</v>

01:10:47.719 --> 01:10:50.076
suspend the board operating procedures in accordance

01:10:50.076 --> 01:10:53.433
with 5.2A to allow consideration at first reading

01:10:53.433 --> 01:10:55.591
and filing authorization and to approve for first reading

01:10:55.591 --> 01:10:58.836
and filing authorization, the proposed repeal of 19 TAC,

01:10:58.836 --> 01:11:01.499
Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge And Skills

01:11:01.499 --> 01:11:05.306
for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses 112.71,

01:11:05.306 --> 01:11:08.638
Principles of Technology, one Physics credit,

01:11:08.638 --> 01:11:12.047
and 112.72, Other Courses for Which Students

01:11:12.047 --> 01:11:14.615
May Receive Science Credit.

01:11:14.615 --> 01:11:16.790
Are you ready for the question?

01:11:16.790 --> 01:11:18.665
Again, a majority vote is needed.

01:11:18.665 --> 01:11:20.611
All votes in favor say aye.

01:11:20.611 --> 01:11:21.500
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:11:21.500 --> 01:11:22.594
<v ->All those oppose say no.</v>

01:11:22.594 --> 01:11:25.570
Ayes have it and the sections are repealed.

01:11:25.570 --> 01:11:28.758
<v ->Madame Chair, our second and final motion is</v>

01:11:28.758 --> 01:11:31.692
on page two of your packet.

01:11:31.692 --> 01:11:33.454
On behalf of the Committee on Instruction

01:11:33.454 --> 01:11:35.805
I move that the State Board of Education suspend

01:11:35.805 --> 01:11:38.829
the board operating procedures in accordance

01:11:38.829 --> 01:11:43.178
with 5.2A to allow consideration at first reading

01:11:43.178 --> 01:11:46.574
and filing authorization and to approve for first reading

01:11:46.574 --> 01:11:49.463
and filing authorization, the proposed amendment

01:11:49.463 --> 01:11:54.361
to 19 TAC Chapter 130 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

01:11:54.361 --> 01:11:56.672
for Career and Technical Education,

01:11:56.672 --> 01:12:00.768
Subchapter C, Arts, Audio, Video, Technology,

01:12:00.768 --> 01:12:05.431
and Communications 130.121, Extended Practicum

01:12:05.431 --> 01:12:09.598
in Fashion Design, two to three credits adopted 2015.

01:12:11.701 --> 01:12:12.990
<v Chair>Are you ready for the question?</v>

01:12:12.990 --> 01:12:15.712
Again, this is a majority. Yes, I'm sorry, Mr. Rowley?

01:12:15.712 --> 01:12:17.744
<v ->If we're suspending the board operating rules</v>

01:12:17.744 --> 01:12:20.529
on those two items is that a majority vote

01:12:20.529 --> 01:12:22.368
or a two-thirds vote?

01:12:22.368 --> 01:12:23.901
<v Woman>I've been told that y'all were doing</v>

01:12:23.901 --> 01:12:25.930
this by majority vote.

01:12:25.930 --> 01:12:28.093
<v ->Okay, it's okay with me.</v>

01:12:28.093 --> 01:12:29.829
<v Chair>Our Parliamentarian says it's majority vote.</v>

01:12:29.829 --> 01:12:31.687
<v Woman>That there were no objections.</v>

01:12:31.687 --> 01:12:35.770
<v ->And that there were no objections to those two.</v>

01:12:37.209 --> 01:12:40.150
Okay, are you ready for the question on this item?

01:12:40.150 --> 01:12:43.110
Again, this is majority vote to adopt this item.

01:12:43.110 --> 01:12:44.297
All those in favor say aye.

01:12:44.297 --> 01:12:45.211
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:12:45.211 --> 01:12:46.223
<v ->All those oppose say no.</v>

01:12:46.223 --> 01:12:49.277
Ayes have it, the sections are repealed.

01:12:49.277 --> 01:12:50.343
<v Melton-Malone>That does it</v>

01:12:50.343 --> 01:12:52.810
for the Committee of Instruction, Madame Chair.

01:12:52.810 --> 01:12:53.720
<v ->Thank you so much.</v>

01:12:53.720 --> 01:12:55.734
I believe the Committee on School Finance

01:12:55.734 --> 01:12:57.435
Permanent School Fund is next.

01:12:57.435 --> 01:13:00.784
And I believe Mr. Maynard has that responsibility.

01:13:00.784 --> 01:13:05.068
<v ->And a pinch hit for Chairman Bradley who is returning</v>

01:13:05.068 --> 01:13:08.235
to continue clean up work in Beaumont.

01:13:10.442 --> 01:13:14.768
We do have an action item that requires a two-thirds

01:13:14.768 --> 01:13:16.935
vote for it to be enacted.

01:13:18.263 --> 01:13:21.096
So pursuant to the committee vote,

01:13:22.374 --> 01:13:25.273
I move that the State Board of Education approve

01:13:25.273 --> 01:13:28.903
for second reading and final adoption the proposed amendment

01:13:28.903 --> 01:13:32.654
to 19 TAC Chapter 105, Foundation School Program,

01:13:32.654 --> 01:13:35.431
Subchapter A, Definitions, Rules for the Definition

01:13:35.431 --> 01:13:38.014
of Tax Levy and Tax Collection.

01:13:40.437 --> 01:13:43.070
<v Chair>With an effective date.</v>

01:13:43.070 --> 01:13:45.306
<v ->I believe it's an effective date 20 days.</v>

01:13:45.306 --> 01:13:46.318
<v Chair>Effective date of 20 days</v>

01:13:46.318 --> 01:13:47.453
after filing as adopted with the Texas Register.

01:13:47.453 --> 01:13:49.734
<v ->Yes, 20 days, yes thank you.</v>

01:13:49.734 --> 01:13:50.735
<v ->Terrific.</v>

01:13:50.735 --> 01:13:53.048
Are you ready for the question?

01:13:53.048 --> 01:13:56.677
This one is a two-thirds vote being required.

01:13:56.677 --> 01:13:59.008
Would you like to at least hear the question again?

01:13:59.008 --> 01:14:01.169
Is everybody clear?

01:14:01.169 --> 01:14:04.303
<v Miller>What page in the agenda is it?</v>

01:14:04.303 --> 01:14:05.636
<v ->On the agenda?</v>

01:14:11.188 --> 01:14:12.021
3-1, okay.

01:14:17.971 --> 01:14:20.138
Are you okay, Mrs. Miller?

01:14:21.060 --> 01:14:22.683
You know where we are?

01:14:22.683 --> 01:14:26.183
All those in favor please raise your hand.

01:14:33.478 --> 01:14:34.707
You may lower your hands.

01:14:34.707 --> 01:14:37.874
Those opposed please raise your hands.

01:14:39.438 --> 01:14:41.227
Okay, there being two-thirds in the affirmative,

01:14:41.227 --> 01:14:42.826
the motion is adopted and the amendments

01:14:42.826 --> 01:14:46.228
to the Foundation School Program are adopted.

01:14:46.228 --> 01:14:47.434
And I believe that's it.

01:14:47.434 --> 01:14:48.524
<v ->I believe that is.</v>

01:14:48.524 --> 01:14:52.107
Just a notation and I think it's the desire

01:14:53.583 --> 01:14:56.448
of our committee is that being that

01:14:56.448 --> 01:14:58.446
management of the Permanent School Fund is the only

01:14:58.446 --> 01:15:00.616
real constitutional duty the State Board has

01:15:00.616 --> 01:15:03.781
and so it's always important that the board members

01:15:03.781 --> 01:15:05.624
as they go out and meet with the public

01:15:05.624 --> 01:15:07.221
to be able to articulate certain things.

01:15:07.221 --> 01:15:10.622
Just a couple of notes is that the piece

01:15:10.622 --> 01:15:11.927
of the Permanent School Fund

01:15:11.927 --> 01:15:14.848
that we are managing is now more than 32 billion.

01:15:14.848 --> 01:15:17.927
So that puts our total somewhere

01:15:17.927 --> 01:15:21.882
in the neighborhood of about 40 to 41 billion in total.

01:15:21.882 --> 01:15:23.140
So when you go out and you talk

01:15:23.140 --> 01:15:25.264
about the Permanent School Fund, you can kind of

01:15:25.264 --> 01:15:27.637
talk in those terms.

01:15:27.637 --> 01:15:31.627
One of the real estate transactions that was approved

01:15:31.627 --> 01:15:34.668
on the Consent Agenda was actually a 75 million deal,

01:15:34.668 --> 01:15:38.835
and it is commercial properties in Asia and Australia.

01:15:39.739 --> 01:15:41.823
And the reason that's important is that

01:15:41.823 --> 01:15:44.323
10 years ago really the extent

01:15:45.478 --> 01:15:47.351
of the Permanent School Fund was equities

01:15:47.351 --> 01:15:49.518
and bonds, no real estate.

01:15:51.085 --> 01:15:53.458
But I think it just speaks to the continuing

01:15:53.458 --> 01:15:56.208
diversification of the portfolio.

01:15:57.599 --> 01:15:58.880
<v ->Absolutely and I would remind members</v>

01:15:58.880 --> 01:16:03.299
that our Permanent School Fund is the largest educational

01:16:03.299 --> 01:16:05.382
endowment in the country.

01:16:07.120 --> 01:16:09.120
So we passed up Harvard.

01:16:10.994 --> 01:16:13.002
<v ->Madame Chair, I invite staff to make sure</v>

01:16:13.002 --> 01:16:15.321
we all have what Mr. Maynard said,

01:16:15.321 --> 01:16:16.889
we all have those bullet points because,

01:16:16.889 --> 01:16:18.598
and I've complained before,

01:16:18.598 --> 01:16:23.239
but the Land Office has 20%, 8 billion, we have 32 billion.

01:16:23.239 --> 01:16:25.063
So when they talk about Permanent School Fund,

01:16:25.063 --> 01:16:26.724
we are the Permanent School Fund.

01:16:26.724 --> 01:16:28.880
We are all fiduciaries of 15.

01:16:28.880 --> 01:16:31.549
We have a five person committee.

01:16:31.549 --> 01:16:32.949
I've commented before, the Land Office,

01:16:32.949 --> 01:16:33.834
I don't believe, has ever attended one

01:16:33.834 --> 01:16:37.702
of our meetings before, but the number one largest endowment,

01:16:37.702 --> 01:16:40.164
larger than Harvard, the largest educational endowment

01:16:40.164 --> 01:16:43.081
in the nation, up at 40 billion now

01:16:44.656 --> 01:16:48.171
and I think our payout, Tom, is it 2.1 billion?

01:16:48.171 --> 01:16:49.061
Is that right?

01:16:49.061 --> 01:16:49.894
<v ->Somewhere in there.</v>

01:16:49.894 --> 01:16:51.068
<v ->I think since I've been on the board</v>

01:16:51.068 --> 01:16:53.091
we're up probably around 10 or 12 billion

01:16:53.091 --> 01:16:54.683
in the last 12 years.

01:16:54.683 --> 01:16:56.790
That's money that is not taxpayer money.

01:16:56.790 --> 01:16:58.831
That's money that we give.

01:16:58.831 --> 01:16:59.989
It's just an incredible thing.

01:16:59.989 --> 01:17:03.244
If staff could help us all have those bullet points.

01:17:03.244 --> 01:17:05.755
Huge things, huge things what we're doing right here.

01:17:05.755 --> 01:17:08.646
I know across the street they're not aware of that.

01:17:08.646 --> 01:17:09.759
What's done here.

01:17:09.759 --> 01:17:12.729
<v Chair>I think we need to be a little bit better at</v>

01:17:12.729 --> 01:17:13.565
<v ->We definitely need to</v>

01:17:13.565 --> 01:17:15.155
communicate it over and over
<v ->Having our hands on</v>

01:17:15.155 --> 01:17:16.849
those statistics and making sure people know.

01:17:16.849 --> 01:17:17.682
I agree.

01:17:17.682 --> 01:17:18.692
<v Mercer>Mr. Maynard, open up our number one</v>

01:17:18.692 --> 01:17:19.908
constitutional authority is that.

01:17:19.908 --> 01:17:21.235
Thank you, Madame Chair.

01:17:21.235 --> 01:17:23.390
<v Maynard>Madame Chair, and just a note.</v>

01:17:23.390 --> 01:17:26.467
There was a discussion item related to governance,

01:17:26.467 --> 01:17:29.747
and we are gonna go ahead and the committee is gonna

01:17:29.747 --> 01:17:32.500
pursue that further, further study.

01:17:32.500 --> 01:17:35.064
I don't know where that is gonna go.

01:17:35.064 --> 01:17:37.053
But there had been some concerns about that

01:17:37.053 --> 01:17:39.086
and so that we're go ahead
<v ->The update.</v>

01:17:39.086 --> 01:17:41.529
<v ->And flesh out that study.</v>

01:17:41.529 --> 01:17:44.779
And at the end of the day that, at least,

01:17:45.976 --> 01:17:49.034
wherever the board decides to go with that

01:17:49.034 --> 01:17:52.230
but we will do that with our eyes very wide open

01:17:52.230 --> 01:17:54.757
and then understand the full breadth of that issue.

01:17:54.757 --> 01:17:55.590
<v ->Absolutely.</v>

01:17:55.590 --> 01:17:59.221
All right, let's move on 'cause I don't really want

01:17:59.221 --> 01:18:01.711
to post 'cause this is not on the agenda.

01:18:01.711 --> 01:18:03.294
Yes, what was that?

01:18:04.422 --> 01:18:06.471
<v Woman>That that was not a full committee in support.</v>

01:18:06.471 --> 01:18:07.569
There was a three to two vote.

01:18:07.569 --> 01:18:11.064
<v ->Yeah, but it's not on our agenda.</v>

01:18:11.064 --> 01:18:12.525
So I don't want to get off into topics

01:18:12.525 --> 01:18:14.088
that aren't on our agenda.

01:18:14.088 --> 01:18:15.671
Okay, Miss Cargill.

01:18:18.129 --> 01:18:20.419
<v ->This is the report on the Committee of School Initiatives</v>

01:18:20.419 --> 01:18:24.064
and I'm on page two of your minutes.

01:18:24.064 --> 01:18:28.231
In the board book, it's roman numeral 4-79.

01:18:30.245 --> 01:18:32.387
It was moved by the committee to recommend

01:18:32.387 --> 01:18:34.410
that the State Board of Education approve

01:18:34.410 --> 01:18:36.841
for first reading and filing authorization

01:18:36.841 --> 01:18:40.989
the proposed amendment to 19 TAC, Chapter 157,

01:18:40.989 --> 01:18:43.794
Hearings and Appeals, Subchapter D,

01:18:43.794 --> 01:18:47.627
Independent Hearing Examiners, Section 157.41,

01:18:48.537 --> 01:18:52.704
Certification Criteria for Independent Hearing Examiners.

01:18:53.960 --> 01:18:56.612
<v Chair>Again, this is a majority vote item.</v>

01:18:56.612 --> 01:18:57.955
Would any like to hear the question again

01:18:57.955 --> 01:19:00.505
or all we all clear on that item?

01:19:00.505 --> 01:19:02.035
All those in favor say aye.

01:19:02.035 --> 01:19:02.902
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:19:02.902 --> 01:19:04.330
<v ->Those oppose say no.</v>

01:19:04.330 --> 01:19:07.830
Ayes have it and the criteria are adopted.

01:19:09.141 --> 01:19:11.623
<v ->Okay, we're on page three of the minutes</v>

01:19:11.623 --> 01:19:15.790
and it's board agenda page roman numeral 4-87.

01:19:19.358 --> 01:19:22.608
In accordance with TEC, Section 21.042,

01:19:24.101 --> 01:19:27.977
I move that the State Board of Education take no action

01:19:27.977 --> 01:19:32.091
on the proposed amendment to 19 TAC, Chapter 230,

01:19:32.091 --> 01:19:35.219
Professional Educator Preparation and Certification,

01:19:35.219 --> 01:19:38.585
Subchapter B, General Certification Requirements,

01:19:38.585 --> 01:19:41.668
Section 230.11, General Requirements.

01:19:44.043 --> 01:19:45.987
<v Chair>Again, this is a majority vote item.</v>

01:19:45.987 --> 01:19:47.758
Would you like to hear the question again

01:19:47.758 --> 01:19:49.548
or is everyone clear?

01:19:49.548 --> 01:19:51.336
All those in favor say aye.

01:19:51.336 --> 01:19:52.269
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:19:52.269 --> 01:19:53.160
<v ->Those oppose say no.</v>

01:19:53.160 --> 01:19:56.418
The ayes have it and State Board for Educator

01:19:56.418 --> 01:19:58.192
Certification Standards will go into effect

01:19:58.192 --> 01:20:01.404
as proposed because we took no action.

01:20:01.404 --> 01:20:05.571
<v ->Then the last one is found on page three of the minutes</v>

01:20:07.250 --> 01:20:11.854
as well and agenda page roman numeral 4-95.

01:20:11.854 --> 01:20:15.104
In accordance with TEC, Section 21.042,

01:20:16.065 --> 01:20:19.194
I move that the State Board of Education take no action

01:20:19.194 --> 01:20:23.401
on the proposed amendment to 19 TAC, Chapter 232,

01:20:23.401 --> 01:20:26.984
General Certification Provisions, Subchapter A,

01:20:26.984 --> 01:20:30.040
Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional

01:20:30.040 --> 01:20:33.325
Education Requirement, Section 232.9,

01:20:33.325 --> 01:20:36.075
Inactive Status and Late Renewal.

01:20:37.319 --> 01:20:39.760
<v ->Majority vote again as required to adopt this item.</v>

01:20:39.760 --> 01:20:41.196
Would you like to hear the question again

01:20:41.196 --> 01:20:42.654
or are you clear?

01:20:42.654 --> 01:20:43.970
All those in favor say aye.

01:20:43.970 --> 01:20:44.855
<v Members>Aye.</v>

01:20:44.855 --> 01:20:46.133
<v ->Those oppose say no.</v>

01:20:46.133 --> 01:20:48.187
Ayes have it and the State Board of Educators

01:20:48.187 --> 01:20:50.226
Certification Standards will go into effect

01:20:50.226 --> 01:20:54.043
as proposed because we took no action.

01:20:54.043 --> 01:20:55.732
<v ->Madame Chair, would you like me to give</v>

01:20:55.732 --> 01:20:58.688
just a real brief update on the long-range plan?

01:20:58.688 --> 01:21:02.273
<v Chair>No, I think we can talk about that.</v>

01:21:02.273 --> 01:21:04.927
Yeah, why don't you give like a--

01:21:04.927 --> 01:21:05.760
<v ->It's super brief.</v>

01:21:05.760 --> 01:21:07.713
<v Chair>Make sure people know about the website</v>

01:21:07.713 --> 01:21:09.074
and that sort of thing.

01:21:09.074 --> 01:21:13.241
<v ->So the Steering Committee did meet earlier this week.</v>

01:21:14.460 --> 01:21:16.529
It was a great meeting.

01:21:16.529 --> 01:21:20.158
There are, I think, 18 of us and we were all there

01:21:20.158 --> 01:21:21.646
which is awesome.

01:21:21.646 --> 01:21:24.478
We started by discussing the format and style

01:21:24.478 --> 01:21:26.663
of other long-range plans and then we heard

01:21:26.663 --> 01:21:30.196
from the state demographer, and Debbie does everyone

01:21:30.196 --> 01:21:32.839
have a copy of the slideshow?

01:21:32.839 --> 01:21:35.701
So you have the slideshow that was copied for you

01:21:35.701 --> 01:21:37.951
from the state demographer.

01:21:38.879 --> 01:21:42.912
Just a little fun fact, 86% of the total population

01:21:42.912 --> 01:21:45.162
of Texas lives east of I35.

01:21:47.463 --> 01:21:48.526
<v Chair>On or east?</v>

01:21:48.526 --> 01:21:49.559
<v ->East.</v>

01:21:49.559 --> 01:21:50.680
<v Chair>Along or east?</v>

01:21:50.680 --> 01:21:54.628
<v ->They live along the I35 corridor or east of it.</v>

01:21:54.628 --> 01:21:56.128
So along and east.

01:21:59.282 --> 01:22:02.449
Anyway, by the way we had really great

01:22:03.594 --> 01:22:06.224
facilitators from AIR.

01:22:06.224 --> 01:22:10.245
They were engaging and really kept us on track.

01:22:10.245 --> 01:22:13.425
And they will continue to work with the Long-Range Plan

01:22:13.425 --> 01:22:14.883
Steering Committee which is great.

01:22:14.883 --> 01:22:18.849
Then we focused on identifying other topics.

01:22:18.849 --> 01:22:21.340
And we're trying to narrow it down to four

01:22:21.340 --> 01:22:23.030
which is very difficult as you know

01:22:23.030 --> 01:22:25.526
because there's so many issues in education.

01:22:25.526 --> 01:22:29.276
But once we get the four top items determined,

01:22:30.123 --> 01:22:32.129
then we're going to take a deeper dive

01:22:32.129 --> 01:22:35.902
and so that will be on November 6 and it will be

01:22:35.902 --> 01:22:39.578
at the, I don't know where it is, the AIR Office.

01:22:39.578 --> 01:22:41.517
If you're interested in coming,

01:22:41.517 --> 01:22:43.754
that's right before the next board meeting.

01:22:43.754 --> 01:22:45.540
<v ->We will get, yeah, they've sent it out.</v>

01:22:45.540 --> 01:22:47.790
It's on Research Boulevard.

01:22:48.903 --> 01:22:50.611
<v Woman>It's on Mueller at the airport.</v>

01:22:50.611 --> 01:22:53.000
<v ->Oh, is that where it is?</v>

01:22:53.000 --> 01:22:54.519
<v Woman>But we aren't supposed to be there.</v>

01:22:54.519 --> 01:22:55.477
<v ->No, no.</v>

01:22:55.477 --> 01:22:56.310
<v Cargill>It's a public meeting.</v>

01:22:56.310 --> 01:22:58.527
<v ->Yeah, that's why we're doing it with the board meetings.</v>

01:22:58.527 --> 01:23:00.341
No, no, you can always come.

01:23:00.341 --> 01:23:01.322
<v Cargill>It's a public meeting.</v>

01:23:01.322 --> 01:23:02.726
We have quite a few members of the public.

01:23:02.726 --> 01:23:06.165
<v ->No, you want folks to be in the audience, it's fine.</v>

01:23:06.165 --> 01:23:09.495
<v Woman>Okay, I thought we were doing it in private.</v>

01:23:09.495 --> 01:23:12.240
<v Cargill>No, it's public.</v>

01:23:12.240 --> 01:23:13.933
Anyway, thank you.

01:23:13.933 --> 01:23:14.835
<v ->Yeah, absolutely.</v>

01:23:14.835 --> 01:23:16.355
Thank you so much.

01:23:16.355 --> 01:23:20.522
Members, I just wanted to make sure as is our custom

01:23:22.567 --> 01:23:25.424
to go around and catch up on each other's personal lives.

01:23:25.424 --> 01:23:27.926
Let's stay away from any agenda items.

01:23:27.926 --> 01:23:30.248
But if we want to kind of check in

01:23:30.248 --> 01:23:34.333
about celebrations and awards and I don't know, births,

01:23:34.333 --> 01:23:38.500
or whatever we got going on here. (laughs)

01:23:39.729 --> 01:23:43.840
I think we have something from Miss Perez-Diaz.

01:23:43.840 --> 01:23:45.233
(laughing)

01:23:45.233 --> 01:23:46.593
Just as a hint?

01:23:46.593 --> 01:23:48.844
<v ->I am happy to announce that I have a beautiful,</v>

01:23:48.844 --> 01:23:52.473
healthy, thank God, nine week old baby boy.

01:23:52.473 --> 01:23:54.183
And some of you all got to meet him.

01:23:54.183 --> 01:23:58.350
He's wonderful and my daughter's in love like we are.

01:23:59.436 --> 01:24:01.264
Thank you, and thank you for all the prayers,

01:24:01.264 --> 01:24:03.392
blessings, and congratulations.

01:24:03.392 --> 01:24:07.234
<v ->He is a gorgeous child, absolutely gorgeous.</v>

01:24:07.234 --> 01:24:09.810
Not a surprise but absolutely gorgeous child.

01:24:09.810 --> 01:24:11.438
<v Man>As his uncle (mumbles).</v>

01:24:11.438 --> 01:24:12.271
(laughing)

01:24:12.271 --> 01:24:13.903
<v ->That's right, that's right.</v>

01:24:13.903 --> 01:24:15.224
<v Woman>Having a party all night.</v>

01:24:15.224 --> 01:24:16.057
<v ->That's right.</v>

01:24:16.057 --> 01:24:19.856
Any other personal awards or things we need to know about

01:24:19.856 --> 01:24:22.088
or personal fun things that are happening.

01:24:22.088 --> 01:24:23.421
Yes, Miss Hardy?

01:24:26.029 --> 01:24:27.614
<v ->After 47 years in education</v>

01:24:27.614 --> 01:24:30.480
I didn't start school in September of this year

01:24:30.480 --> 01:24:31.913
or August of this year.

01:24:31.913 --> 01:24:32.746
<v Chair>How was that Miss Hardy?</v>

01:24:32.746 --> 01:24:34.546
<v ->I retired. It didn't bother me at all.</v>

01:24:34.546 --> 01:24:37.518
(laughing)

01:24:37.518 --> 01:24:40.132
I don't know, everyone said oh it's gonna be, nah.

01:24:40.132 --> 01:24:42.599
(laughs) Just move on.

01:24:42.599 --> 01:24:43.849
<v ->Yes, Mr. Carson.</v>

01:24:43.849 --> 01:24:44.961
<v ->I just wanna, I've forgotten Jennifer,</v>

01:24:44.961 --> 01:24:46.948
this is your last time with us, is that true?

01:24:46.948 --> 01:24:49.616
So I wanted to thank you for all you've done for us, too.

01:24:49.616 --> 01:24:50.938
<v Woman>Thank you.</v>

01:24:50.938 --> 01:24:53.355
(applauding)

01:24:56.158 --> 01:24:58.327
<v ->And as we said and we celebrated last night</v>

01:24:58.327 --> 01:25:01.660
with our dinner for Renee, our long time

01:25:03.555 --> 01:25:06.995
and very patient person working with us

01:25:06.995 --> 01:25:09.923
for many, many years in State Board Support Office,

01:25:09.923 --> 01:25:13.423
retired August 31st, and then Kirk Overbey,

01:25:14.447 --> 01:25:17.084
our long time Parliamentarian, did the same thing.

01:25:17.084 --> 01:25:18.798
So we got to celebrate both of them last night.

01:25:18.798 --> 01:25:20.337
That was a real joy for all of us.

01:25:20.337 --> 01:25:22.475
I think we thoroughly enjoyed hugging them

01:25:22.475 --> 01:25:26.389
and thanking them very much for their many years of service.

01:25:26.389 --> 01:25:27.310
We appreciate them so much

01:25:27.310 --> 01:25:29.460
and send our love out to them today.

01:25:29.460 --> 01:25:31.266
Yes, Miss Perez-Diaz.

01:25:31.266 --> 01:25:34.284
<v ->I meant to ask this question earlier,</v>

01:25:34.284 --> 01:25:35.403
So I hope I'm not out of turn.

01:25:35.403 --> 01:25:37.456
But I just wanted to know have we already

01:25:37.456 --> 01:25:40.539
gotten assignments for the presenters

01:25:41.836 --> 01:25:44.433
for the event that we're gonna be hosting

01:25:44.433 --> 01:25:45.477
in January during TASA/TASB?

01:25:45.477 --> 01:25:46.585
<v ->Not yet.</v>

01:25:46.585 --> 01:25:47.519
Thank you for bringing that up.

01:25:47.519 --> 01:25:49.102
Actually, I forgot.

01:25:50.176 --> 01:25:51.404
Just to update.

01:25:51.404 --> 01:25:55.499
We are gonna have the Teacher Roundtable,

01:25:55.499 --> 01:25:57.188
that's our next roundtable.

01:25:57.188 --> 01:25:59.687
The idea is to have that on January 31st.

01:25:59.687 --> 01:26:02.433
Thank you for reminding me to update everybody.

01:26:02.433 --> 01:26:04.654
January 31st which is gonna be unusual

01:26:04.654 --> 01:26:08.646
'cause we usually have it on Monday to kick off the week.

01:26:08.646 --> 01:26:10.191
But this time we're gonna do it,

01:26:10.191 --> 01:26:13.445
because of the Midwinter Conference,

01:26:13.445 --> 01:26:17.352
TASA has generously invited us to come over

01:26:17.352 --> 01:26:20.079
and be a part of that on January 31st.

01:26:20.079 --> 01:26:22.253
So as they're ending their conference,

01:26:22.253 --> 01:26:24.119
we think it will increase our attendance

01:26:24.119 --> 01:26:25.548
at the round table where we're going

01:26:25.548 --> 01:26:27.715
to focus on teacher areas.

01:26:29.441 --> 01:26:31.878
So we're just now finishing up.

01:26:31.878 --> 01:26:35.064
I wish we were further along on that than we have been,

01:26:35.064 --> 01:26:39.022
but I've been meeting all week with the head of SBEC

01:26:39.022 --> 01:26:42.084
because we're doing this in joint with them

01:26:42.084 --> 01:26:44.710
as well as talking with (mumbles)

01:26:44.710 --> 01:26:46.308
as we've been trading phone calls back and forth

01:26:46.308 --> 01:26:48.549
as well for the Higher Ed Coordinating Board.

01:26:48.549 --> 01:26:51.184
Working with the staffs and trying to get that,

01:26:51.184 --> 01:26:53.277
should get that to you pretty soon

01:26:53.277 --> 01:26:55.610
as to the proposed proposal.

01:26:56.544 --> 01:26:59.599
But it'll be January 31st and that'll be the day.

01:26:59.599 --> 01:27:01.313
So it'll be the Wednesday instead of the Monday

01:27:01.313 --> 01:27:03.146
like we usually do it.

01:27:05.884 --> 01:27:07.456
Yes, Mr. Maynard.

01:27:07.456 --> 01:27:08.509
Did you have an announcement of some sort?

01:27:08.509 --> 01:27:10.659
<v Maynard>I do have announcement that my wife</v>

01:27:10.659 --> 01:27:13.166
and I got a raise recently.

01:27:13.166 --> 01:27:14.104
<v ->What was that?</v>

01:27:14.104 --> 01:27:17.653
<v ->Yeah, so my daughter finished her Master's program</v>

01:27:17.653 --> 01:27:21.549
at Tarleton State, and she's on somebody else's payroll.

01:27:21.549 --> 01:27:22.589
<v Chair>Good for her.</v>

01:27:22.589 --> 01:27:23.422
(laughing)

01:27:23.422 --> 01:27:24.526
That's always a big day.

01:27:24.526 --> 01:27:27.693
<v ->It is a big day and she is a teacher</v>

01:27:28.578 --> 01:27:30.948
at Levelland ISD in Mr. Rowley's district.

01:27:30.948 --> 01:27:32.444
<v Rowley>Good thing.</v>

01:27:32.444 --> 01:27:33.525
(laughing)

01:27:33.525 --> 01:27:34.789
<v ->Thank you very much.</v>

01:27:34.789 --> 01:27:37.321
Well, that'll help your declining population, Mr. Rowley.

01:27:37.321 --> 01:27:39.571
(laughing)

01:27:41.171 --> 01:27:45.338
Just a little sword point. (laughs)

01:27:46.835 --> 01:27:49.350
I'm sorry, Mr. Rowley.

01:27:49.350 --> 01:27:50.581
I couldn't resist that one.

01:27:50.581 --> 01:27:53.079
<v Woman>How can you consolidate yourself with one city?</v>

01:27:53.079 --> 01:27:54.494
(laughing)

01:27:54.494 --> 01:27:57.638
<v Man>One big school district.</v>

01:27:57.638 --> 01:27:59.100
<v Chair>Oh goodness.</v>

01:27:59.100 --> 01:28:01.776
That was in reference to our demographer

01:28:01.776 --> 01:28:05.046
who talked about where the populations are growing

01:28:05.046 --> 01:28:07.046
and not growing so much.

01:28:09.042 --> 01:28:10.060
For those listening in.

01:28:10.060 --> 01:28:11.393
Yes, Miss Perez.

01:28:12.575 --> 01:28:16.666
<v ->So as everybody knows, and I think that the two people</v>

01:28:16.666 --> 01:28:20.416
in this room who would tell you how very much

01:28:21.633 --> 01:28:25.077
the enumerable number of email that I send asking

01:28:25.077 --> 01:28:28.752
for information to be written in Spanish.

01:28:28.752 --> 01:28:30.953
Our Associate Commissioner, Monica,

01:28:30.953 --> 01:28:35.120
and Ms. Ramos will tell you they get an extensive amount

01:28:35.988 --> 01:28:37.704
of information or emails from me

01:28:37.704 --> 01:28:40.283
because I'm constantly asking for things in Spanish

01:28:40.283 --> 01:28:42.023
that now Monica just announces them

01:28:42.023 --> 01:28:44.340
at the beginning when she's speaking.

01:28:44.340 --> 01:28:47.447
That yes, and she puts her hand up, yes they're in Spanish

01:28:47.447 --> 01:28:50.615
so I don't ask questions any more.

01:28:50.615 --> 01:28:52.529
So I would like to take this opportunity

01:28:52.529 --> 01:28:55.779
to thank and to acknowledge the efforts

01:28:57.783 --> 01:29:00.470
and the hard work of the agency for,

01:29:00.470 --> 01:29:01.680
and here's the announcement,

01:29:01.680 --> 01:29:05.403
they put together a Spanish language support team.

01:29:05.403 --> 01:29:07.655
So in addition to the stuff that this

01:29:07.655 --> 01:29:09.572
board has accomplished,

01:29:10.739 --> 01:29:13.873
they also have a team, under the direction

01:29:13.873 --> 01:29:16.420
of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Penny Schwinn,

01:29:16.420 --> 01:29:21.024
who will be helping with materials and websites.

01:29:21.024 --> 01:29:24.158
And we all know that one of the most vital factors

01:29:24.158 --> 01:29:26.696
in our students' success is parent participation.

01:29:26.696 --> 01:29:29.418
And when our parents understand because they have

01:29:29.418 --> 01:29:31.117
information written in their language,

01:29:31.117 --> 01:29:34.303
then they can fully participate.

01:29:34.303 --> 01:29:36.060
In Spanish, there's a saying,

01:29:36.060 --> 01:29:38.785
(speaks in Spanish)

01:29:38.785 --> 01:29:40.454
and that means "a person who is bilingual

01:29:40.454 --> 01:29:43.026
"is worth twice as much."

01:29:43.026 --> 01:29:45.285
(laughing)

01:29:45.285 --> 01:29:47.460
Our students are in a world that gets smaller

01:29:47.460 --> 01:29:50.139
every day thanks to technology.

01:29:50.139 --> 01:29:54.382
And our students, it is vital to them to be able

01:29:54.382 --> 01:29:57.174
to participate in the global economy.

01:29:57.174 --> 01:30:01.212
Language proficiency in more than one language is a huge

01:30:01.212 --> 01:30:03.609
step in giving our students the tools

01:30:03.609 --> 01:30:06.093
for success in the future and I appreciate the forward

01:30:06.093 --> 01:30:09.215
thinking of this body and of the agency.

01:30:09.215 --> 01:30:11.784
The irony that this comes on the first day

01:30:11.784 --> 01:30:16.766
of Latino Heritage Month is not lost on any of us.

01:30:16.766 --> 01:30:20.516
(speaks in Spanish)

01:30:33.879 --> 01:30:36.891
<v Chair>Thank you so much, appreciate that recognition.</v>

01:30:36.891 --> 01:30:37.808
Miss Hardy.

01:30:38.720 --> 01:30:43.716
<v ->I would just like to say I absolutely adored the dance</v>

01:30:43.716 --> 01:30:45.741
group that was here today.

01:30:45.741 --> 01:30:46.734
They were just precious.

01:30:46.734 --> 01:30:48.933
But I wanted to point out to you guys

01:30:48.933 --> 01:30:53.215
there is a movie called The Red Hot Ballroom,

01:30:53.215 --> 01:30:56.413
and you can get it on Netflix

01:30:56.413 --> 01:30:59.520
or anything like that, it is one of the most moving

01:30:59.520 --> 01:31:01.280
movies you can ever see.

01:31:01.280 --> 01:31:03.900
It takes place with real students

01:31:03.900 --> 01:31:07.283
when they did the Red Hot Ballroom in New York City

01:31:07.283 --> 01:31:09.680
and how they got this whole thing started.

01:31:09.680 --> 01:31:11.977
And it is an inspiration because you could

01:31:11.977 --> 01:31:15.539
actually get this going in your own ISDs.

01:31:15.539 --> 01:31:18.456
Fort Worth ISD has the dance teams.

01:31:19.534 --> 01:31:21.651
They start 'em in the fifth grade

01:31:21.651 --> 01:31:24.657
and it's a real, real neat program.

01:31:24.657 --> 01:31:26.160
So just to tell you about that.

01:31:26.160 --> 01:31:28.763
And the other thing is I have failed to tell you

01:31:28.763 --> 01:31:31.162
that Pranay, the young man that won

01:31:31.162 --> 01:31:33.356
the National Geography Bee, is already published

01:31:33.356 --> 01:31:37.523
two books on how to teach kids to win the geography bee.

01:31:39.945 --> 01:31:43.454
And you can go on Amazon and I meant to show you--

01:31:43.454 --> 01:31:44.695
<v Chair>How old is he?</v>

01:31:44.695 --> 01:31:48.450
<v ->Well, he's a ninth grader, ninth grader in high school.</v>

01:31:48.450 --> 01:31:50.751
<v Chair>That is unbelievable.</v>

01:31:50.751 --> 01:31:54.063
<v ->He has written, I'm so sorry I forgot</v>

01:31:54.063 --> 01:31:55.541
to show the group these books.

01:31:55.541 --> 01:31:57.246
They're fantastic.

01:31:57.246 --> 01:31:59.685
But he said why does someone have to,

01:31:59.685 --> 01:32:02.067
he said he had to find all this stuff himself

01:32:02.067 --> 01:32:04.326
so he's pulled this together to help kids

01:32:04.326 --> 01:32:06.774
so they can also develop the love of geography.

01:32:06.774 --> 01:32:07.682
<v Chair>Very impressive.</v>

01:32:07.682 --> 01:32:10.386
<v ->I'll get it out on the librarian websites</v>

01:32:10.386 --> 01:32:12.086
so that people can start ordering

01:32:12.086 --> 01:32:14.660
that for their local school libraries and so forth.

01:32:14.660 --> 01:32:16.576
But I just wanted to point that out to you.

01:32:16.576 --> 01:32:17.749
<v ->I sent you some pictures.</v>

01:32:17.749 --> 01:32:21.113
You need to put that on there that refer to these books.

01:32:21.113 --> 01:32:23.664
So any other personal updates?

01:32:23.664 --> 01:32:25.351
Members, enjoyed the meeting.

01:32:25.351 --> 01:32:26.917
This was one of our lightest loads

01:32:26.917 --> 01:32:28.638
or at least this is the lightest load

01:32:28.638 --> 01:32:30.349
we've carried since I've been chair.

01:32:30.349 --> 01:32:31.292
That's for sure.

01:32:31.292 --> 01:32:32.711
And I appreciate all your work this week

01:32:32.711 --> 01:32:36.166
and look forward to getting together in November.

01:32:36.166 --> 01:32:37.687
<v ->Donna, I have to say it's probably the lightest</v>

01:32:37.687 --> 01:32:39.850
load we've ever had.

01:32:39.850 --> 01:32:40.856
(laughing)

01:32:40.856 --> 01:32:42.344
<v ->It was pretty light.</v>

01:32:42.344 --> 01:32:46.964
Good way to introduce our new Parliamentarian.

01:32:46.964 --> 01:32:48.714
Meeting is adjourned.