WEBVTT 00:00:07.258 --> 00:00:08.685 To be in for a treat 00:00:08.685 --> 00:00:11.531 with the Brownsville ISD Ballroom Dance Company. 00:00:11.531 --> 00:00:15.031 So I will turn this over to Member Cortez. 00:00:26.846 --> 00:00:27.679 Well good morning. 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:28.687 I know we still have a lot of our heroes 00:00:28.687 --> 00:00:32.180 that still need to take some photographs with their members. 00:00:32.180 --> 00:00:35.336 And we assure you we'll make time for each 00:00:35.336 --> 00:00:39.503 of you members to get a photograph with your heroes. 00:00:41.290 --> 00:00:45.457 But now we can get everybody back to their places. 00:00:48.438 --> 00:00:50.081 We're gonna introduce this group. 00:00:50.081 --> 00:00:54.399 We have with us the Ballroom Dance Company 00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:56.428 from the Brownsville School District. 00:00:56.428 --> 00:01:00.595 In 2007 Dr. Rebecca Rendon Administrator for Fine Arts 00:01:01.669 --> 00:01:03.860 for the Brownsville Independent School District 00:01:03.860 --> 00:01:07.193 began the Red Hot Ballroom Dance Program 00:01:09.603 --> 00:01:11.424 to bring dance to fifth grade students 00:01:11.424 --> 00:01:13.341 at elementary campuses. 00:01:14.378 --> 00:01:16.895 She had no idea the impact that this 00:01:16.895 --> 00:01:20.932 program was gonna have on students, teachers, 00:01:20.932 --> 00:01:23.975 parents, and the community. 00:01:23.975 --> 00:01:26.677 They began with 300 fifth grade students 00:01:26.677 --> 00:01:28.408 in 10 elementary campuses. 00:01:28.408 --> 00:01:32.790 The district currently has 37 elementary campuses. 00:01:32.790 --> 00:01:35.105 The students were trained throughout the year 00:01:35.105 --> 00:01:39.358 by the Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Technique. 00:01:39.358 --> 00:01:42.568 They learned five styles of dance: 00:01:42.568 --> 00:01:46.651 waltz, tango, merengue, salsa, and the jitterbug. 00:01:48.498 --> 00:01:50.611 At the end of the year the students compete 00:01:50.611 --> 00:01:54.974 in their Red Hot Ballroom Dance Finals Competitions. 00:01:54.974 --> 00:01:58.443 In 2008, the program expanded to include middle 00:01:58.443 --> 00:01:59.754 and high school students. 00:01:59.754 --> 00:02:03.230 22 campuses participated for a total 00:02:03.230 --> 00:02:05.397 of 660 students competing. 00:02:06.582 --> 00:02:10.415 This past May of 2017 BISD celebrated 10 years 00:02:12.329 --> 00:02:15.015 of Red Hot Ballroom where the students 00:02:15.015 --> 00:02:17.848 currently learn 15 styles of dance 00:02:19.163 --> 00:02:21.891 and now have 33 campuses performing 00:02:21.891 --> 00:02:24.808 with an overwhelming total of just 00:02:24.808 --> 00:02:27.215 under 1,000 students competing. 00:02:27.215 --> 00:02:29.222 The district has more than 50 teachers 00:02:29.222 --> 00:02:31.099 who attend trainings and implement programs 00:02:31.099 --> 00:02:32.913 at their respective campuses. 00:02:32.913 --> 00:02:35.468 Teachers are provided at least 8 trainings 00:02:35.468 --> 00:02:37.385 throughout the year to better understand 00:02:37.385 --> 00:02:39.936 the Fred Astaire Ballroom Curriculum. 00:02:39.936 --> 00:02:41.941 Due to the growth of the program, 00:02:41.941 --> 00:02:44.499 the district now offers ballroom classes 00:02:44.499 --> 00:02:46.619 in their curriculum that middle 00:02:46.619 --> 00:02:48.638 and high school students may take 00:02:48.638 --> 00:02:51.638 and receive Fine Arts and PE credit. 00:02:52.706 --> 00:02:54.970 In September of 2012 the Ballroom students were invited 00:02:54.970 --> 00:02:58.053 to perform at the Texorama State Ballroom 00:02:58.053 --> 00:03:00.547 Dance Competition in Galveston. 00:03:00.547 --> 00:03:03.250 In September of 2013 they were invited to compete 00:03:03.250 --> 00:03:06.767 at the Texorama State Dance Competition 00:03:06.767 --> 00:03:10.511 in Galveston and took first place as a team. 00:03:10.511 --> 00:03:13.417 In April of 2017 they were asked 00:03:13.417 --> 00:03:15.961 to perform at the Cross Country National 00:03:15.961 --> 00:03:18.318 Dance Championships in Houston. 00:03:18.318 --> 00:03:21.496 The best of the best ballroom couples from the nation 00:03:21.496 --> 00:03:23.913 competing at this competition 00:03:25.552 --> 00:03:28.467 and the BISD Ballroom students were the only group 00:03:28.467 --> 00:03:32.031 to receive a standing ovation for their performance. 00:03:32.031 --> 00:03:34.130 They have been asked again to perform 00:03:34.130 --> 00:03:37.775 at this competition in April of 2018. 00:03:37.775 --> 00:03:42.224 This year the district began BISD Ballroom Company 00:03:42.224 --> 00:03:43.703 that is made up of high school students 00:03:43.703 --> 00:03:46.590 from four different high schools. 00:03:46.590 --> 00:03:50.326 Those students went through an intense audition process 00:03:50.326 --> 00:03:54.665 and eight couples were selected to represent the district 00:03:54.665 --> 00:03:57.412 throughout the year at district, community, state, 00:03:57.412 --> 00:03:59.871 and national events. 00:03:59.871 --> 00:04:02.654 With us today, we have our Superintendent of Schools, 00:04:02.654 --> 00:04:05.828 Dr. Esperanza Zendejas. Melody Eriksen, 00:04:05.828 --> 00:04:09.225 our Choral Music Lead Teacher. Juan Martinez, 00:04:09.225 --> 00:04:13.392 our Ballroom Trainer. David Martinez, our Ballroom Trainer. 00:04:17.046 --> 00:04:19.202 Juan and David are sophomores at college 00:04:19.202 --> 00:04:22.217 and are products of this ballroom dance program. 00:04:22.217 --> 00:04:24.488 They currently assist in the program conducting 00:04:24.488 --> 00:04:27.596 and training teachers and students. 00:04:27.596 --> 00:04:30.967 Today we have the honor of watching three couples 00:04:30.967 --> 00:04:33.801 from the dance company perform. 00:04:33.801 --> 00:04:38.569 The students performing today are Ricardo Santoyo, 00:04:38.569 --> 00:04:42.487 senior from Veterans Memorial Early College High School. 00:04:42.487 --> 00:04:46.426 Ricardo is also a May 2017 Red Hot Ballroom 00:04:46.426 --> 00:04:48.676 High School Grand Champion. 00:04:49.847 --> 00:04:53.076 Jacquelyn Mirales, freshman from Veterans 00:04:53.076 --> 00:04:56.552 Early Memorial College High School. 00:04:56.552 --> 00:05:00.719 Jesus Cortez, junior from Rivera Early College High School. 00:05:02.622 --> 00:05:04.962 Vanessa Shelf, from Veterans Memorial 00:05:04.962 --> 00:05:06.787 Early College High School. 00:05:06.787 --> 00:05:09.807 Javier Gonzales, freshman from Rivera 00:05:09.807 --> 00:05:12.658 Early College High School. 00:05:12.658 --> 00:05:15.405 And Giselle Santos, junior from Rivera 00:05:15.405 --> 00:05:17.293 Early College High School. 00:05:17.293 --> 00:05:20.270 The students will perform a medley of songs 00:05:20.270 --> 00:05:23.353 which include the foxtrot, the rumba, 00:05:25.311 --> 00:05:27.311 the mambo, and the jive. 00:05:28.255 --> 00:05:31.870 So please help me welcome today's performers 00:05:31.870 --> 00:05:35.641 from the BISD Red Hot Ballroom Dance Competition. 00:05:35.641 --> 00:05:38.058 (applauding) 00:05:44.448 --> 00:05:48.615 ("You Make Me Feel So Young" by Michael Buble) 00:05:54.410 --> 00:05:57.459 ♪ You make me feel so young ♪ 00:05:57.459 --> 00:06:01.358 ♪ You make me feel as spring has sprung ♪ 00:06:01.358 --> 00:06:04.901 ♪ And every time I see you grin ♪ 00:06:04.901 --> 00:06:08.740 ♪ I'm such a happy individual ♪ 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:12.068 ♪ The moment that you speak ♪ 00:06:12.068 --> 00:06:15.954 ♪ I wanna go play hide and seek ♪ 00:06:15.954 --> 00:06:19.551 ♪ I wanna go and bounce the moon ♪ 00:06:19.551 --> 00:06:22.710 ♪ Just like a toy balloon ♪ 00:06:22.710 --> 00:06:26.877 ♪ Because you and I are just like a couple of tots ♪ 00:06:30.935 --> 00:06:34.602 ♪ Runnin' across the meadow ♪ 00:06:39.457 --> 00:06:42.115 ♪ You make me young ♪ 00:06:42.115 --> 00:06:45.171 ♪ You make me feel there are songs to be sung ♪ 00:06:45.171 --> 00:06:47.114 ♪ Bells to be rung ♪ 00:06:47.114 --> 00:06:51.521 ♪ And a wonderful fling to be flung ♪ 00:06:51.521 --> 00:06:55.188 ("Perfidia" by John Altman) 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:58.583 (upbeat mambo music) 00:08:54.948 --> 00:08:58.198 ("Jump Jive An' Wail") 00:10:02.948 --> 00:10:05.365 (applauding) 00:10:26.510 --> 00:10:28.801 So don't you all feel like taking dancing lessons now? 00:10:28.801 --> 00:10:31.051 (laughing) 00:10:32.245 --> 00:10:33.716 I'm having a hot flash right now. 00:10:33.716 --> 00:10:35.925 (laughing) 00:10:35.925 --> 00:10:38.342 These students are amazing. 00:10:39.302 --> 00:10:40.958 I need you guys back in the circle, though. 00:10:40.958 --> 00:10:45.836 We're gonna take a photo, if we can get our Superintendent 00:10:45.836 --> 00:10:49.242 down here. Madame Chair, if you can join us. 00:10:49.242 --> 00:10:52.536 We've got a special recognition 00:10:52.536 --> 00:10:55.990 that we'd like to give to the Brownsville School District 00:10:55.990 --> 00:11:00.058 and to our Superintendent and all those 00:11:00.058 --> 00:11:02.109 that are here with the dance program. 00:11:02.109 --> 00:11:05.601 Parents, if you're here, I know there's some of you here. 00:11:05.601 --> 00:11:07.915 We'd love to have you. 00:11:07.915 --> 00:11:10.675 Dr. Zendejas, correct me if I'm wrong 00:11:10.675 --> 00:11:13.258 but did they not at some point, 00:11:14.305 --> 00:11:18.236 maybe last school year, did you do a performance also? 00:11:18.236 --> 00:11:19.263 Did you get trained by some 00:11:19.263 --> 00:11:21.472 of these Red Hot Ballroom dancers? 00:11:21.472 --> 00:11:22.371 (laughing) 00:11:22.371 --> 00:11:25.546 And you did a performance at one of these activities? 00:11:25.546 --> 00:11:26.516 New York, New York. 00:11:26.516 --> 00:11:28.201 Yes, I knew it. 00:11:28.201 --> 00:11:30.701 See, so any of us can do this. 00:11:32.413 --> 00:11:33.539 I'm telling you. 00:11:33.539 --> 00:11:35.340 I wish I could twirl my wife around the way 00:11:35.340 --> 00:11:36.723 some of these kids just did. 00:11:36.723 --> 00:11:37.973 That's amazing. 00:12:11.990 --> 00:12:14.407 (applauding) 00:12:22.635 --> 00:12:24.718 Thank you guys very much. 00:12:31.525 --> 00:12:32.508 Mr. Mercer, I believe you're up 00:12:32.508 --> 00:12:34.091 for our invocation. 00:12:41.499 --> 00:12:43.330 Now, good. 00:12:43.330 --> 00:12:45.152 I'm gonna tell you a quick inspirational story 00:12:45.152 --> 00:12:46.282 before our prayer. 00:12:46.282 --> 00:12:48.111 And of course it's Texas so it'll be a football story. 00:12:48.111 --> 00:12:51.048 But it's talked about Rockport High School. 00:12:51.048 --> 00:12:54.785 Y'all know Rockport saw the eye of the hurricane. 00:12:54.785 --> 00:12:57.252 It was the ground zero. 00:12:57.252 --> 00:12:59.984 And many reports came out but the reports 00:12:59.984 --> 00:13:02.232 I'm gonna put together now, it's a football story 00:13:02.232 --> 00:13:03.875 about the coach was actually going 00:13:03.875 --> 00:13:06.188 over the field, the school. 00:13:06.188 --> 00:13:08.012 As you know, Rockport is closed for the year 00:13:08.012 --> 00:13:09.838 and God bless the Commissioner and staff. 00:13:09.838 --> 00:13:12.016 I know you're trying to arrange your kids in that peninsula 00:13:12.016 --> 00:13:13.955 to go to other schools around Rockport. 00:13:13.955 --> 00:13:17.938 But he was surveying that the school being washed out, 00:13:17.938 --> 00:13:20.884 the football field, the goalposts in football was like 00:13:20.884 --> 00:13:24.207 a pretzel it was so twisted around. 00:13:24.207 --> 00:13:25.466 Anyhow, while he's being interviewed some 00:13:25.466 --> 00:13:27.577 of the kids came by saying Coach, 00:13:27.577 --> 00:13:29.756 they don't know what to do, there's no school. 00:13:29.756 --> 00:13:32.011 And many y'all know some of the schools started this Monday. 00:13:32.011 --> 00:13:34.431 Some schools in Texas still have not started. 00:13:34.431 --> 00:13:36.214 But they wanted something to do so they went 00:13:36.214 --> 00:13:39.298 to some of the kids' homes and they walked through mud 00:13:39.298 --> 00:13:41.218 and the water and they found some of their clothes 00:13:41.218 --> 00:13:42.853 and they're still in the chest of drawers were full 00:13:42.853 --> 00:13:44.569 of three days of muddy water. 00:13:44.569 --> 00:13:46.105 And literally, some of those football players, 00:13:46.105 --> 00:13:48.446 all they had was the clothes on their backs. 00:13:48.446 --> 00:13:51.306 But they said something, "Coach, 00:13:51.306 --> 00:13:54.202 "can we still practice football?" 00:13:54.202 --> 00:13:58.207 Something that would be normal for them. 00:13:58.207 --> 00:14:00.715 But the UIL, the University Interscholastic League 00:14:00.715 --> 00:14:02.549 says you can practice two or three hours a day. 00:14:02.549 --> 00:14:03.638 I'm gonna tell you secret. 00:14:03.638 --> 00:14:06.541 They are practicing eight, 10, 12 hours a day. 00:14:06.541 --> 00:14:09.307 But their practice, wait a minute, a little bit different. 00:14:09.307 --> 00:14:14.134 Instead of carrying footballs they were carrying chainsaws. 00:14:14.134 --> 00:14:15.524 And they couldn't go to the weight room 00:14:15.524 --> 00:14:16.937 because it was all watered out. 00:14:16.937 --> 00:14:19.265 They were cutting down tree limbs and branches 00:14:19.265 --> 00:14:21.337 and they were lifting branches and tree and debris 00:14:21.337 --> 00:14:23.744 and they were going house to house to their neighbors 00:14:23.744 --> 00:14:26.031 in Rockport saying "how can we help?" 00:14:26.031 --> 00:14:27.789 The news camera, they came in at one day, 00:14:27.789 --> 00:14:29.597 they had split up in so many groups in one day, 00:14:29.597 --> 00:14:34.372 they went to 60 neighbors and cleaned up the house. 00:14:34.372 --> 00:14:36.993 What a great story of kids who decided to rise up 00:14:36.993 --> 00:14:38.595 and help rebuild Rockport. 00:14:38.595 --> 00:14:41.568 So last week, they said, "Coach, we have a game on Friday." 00:14:41.568 --> 00:14:42.722 Well, that's not gonna happen. 00:14:42.722 --> 00:14:45.293 "Coach, could we still play that game? 00:14:45.293 --> 00:14:49.174 "Just so that somebody could stand for Rockport." 00:14:49.174 --> 00:14:51.361 And I'm gonna tell you I've been tempted so many times 00:14:51.361 --> 00:14:52.970 to go online and look at the score of that game 00:14:52.970 --> 00:14:54.506 but I didn't go online because, 00:14:54.506 --> 00:14:57.314 I hope you agree with me, it doesn't matter the score. 00:14:57.314 --> 00:14:59.866 Would you agree those young men are winners? 00:14:59.866 --> 00:15:00.772 No matter what. 00:15:00.772 --> 00:15:04.065 The final news report I saw was when the cameras came by 00:15:04.065 --> 00:15:05.966 and they were telling the same story I just told you 00:15:05.966 --> 00:15:07.773 and they said, "you must feel you're part 00:15:07.773 --> 00:15:09.214 "of the greatest team ever." 00:15:09.214 --> 00:15:10.047 He says, "what?" 00:15:10.047 --> 00:15:12.348 "You must feel you're part of the greatest team ever." 00:15:12.348 --> 00:15:14.718 And the young boys said, 16 year olds, 00:15:14.718 --> 00:15:19.320 said "No. We're way passed team. We're a family. 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:21.346 "We're the Rockport Family." 00:15:21.346 --> 00:15:23.195 Let's pray together. 00:15:23.195 --> 00:15:25.104 Father God, your word tells us there'll be times 00:15:25.104 --> 00:15:27.709 when there's water, wind, and rain, and flooding 00:15:27.709 --> 00:15:29.005 but it also tells us by faith 00:15:29.005 --> 00:15:31.662 that the water will one day recede. 00:15:31.662 --> 00:15:34.839 And it's a time then to rise up and to rebuild. 00:15:34.839 --> 00:15:37.497 We pray for all the families who are hurt 00:15:37.497 --> 00:15:39.324 throughout Texas and Louisiana and our neighbors 00:15:39.324 --> 00:15:40.680 and friends in Florida. 00:15:40.680 --> 00:15:42.504 I pray for everyone there. 00:15:42.504 --> 00:15:44.434 It seems like along the Gulf Coast 00:15:44.434 --> 00:15:46.740 like everyone lost something but so many 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:49.073 lost everything, everything. 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:52.413 I lift up again Commissioner Morath 00:15:52.413 --> 00:15:54.758 and the Education Agency 'cause they're so many schools 00:15:54.758 --> 00:15:57.117 we're working to with right now, how can we bless them 00:15:57.117 --> 00:15:59.164 and take care of those schools and their educators 00:15:59.164 --> 00:16:00.956 and their students? 00:16:00.956 --> 00:16:03.064 How can we take care of them? 00:16:03.064 --> 00:16:04.888 Father God, I just thank you for the human spirit 00:16:04.888 --> 00:16:07.146 because there's thousands and thousands of stories 00:16:07.146 --> 00:16:09.784 of first responders but particularly volunteers 00:16:09.784 --> 00:16:13.462 who came and who will receive no reimbursement whatsoever 00:16:13.462 --> 00:16:17.027 but decided they too wanted to rise up and rebuild. 00:16:17.027 --> 00:16:19.983 People who came and with people they didn't know. 00:16:19.983 --> 00:16:22.470 They stood together. 00:16:22.470 --> 00:16:24.363 They held hands together with strangers, oftentimes. 00:16:24.363 --> 00:16:27.680 They prayed together with strangers. 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:32.053 We even saw them singing songs together with strangers. 00:16:32.053 --> 00:16:33.009 Because all of us decided it was time 00:16:33.009 --> 00:16:35.676 to rise up and rebuild, rebuild. 00:16:37.851 --> 00:16:40.590 And Father God, that's my prayer today. 00:16:40.590 --> 00:16:43.126 Help us in Texas and our neighbors Louisiana 00:16:43.126 --> 00:16:44.781 and throughout the Gulf Coast and Florida, 00:16:44.781 --> 00:16:47.449 help us all to rise up and rebuild. 00:16:47.449 --> 00:16:50.250 And we pray for your strength, your wisdom, 00:16:50.250 --> 00:16:52.876 your courage, and Father God, for your guidance. 00:16:52.876 --> 00:16:54.984 And if you agree with me just say amen. 00:16:54.984 --> 00:16:56.099 Amen. 00:16:56.099 --> 00:16:59.990 Let's please stand for our two pledges. 00:16:59.990 --> 00:17:02.994 Pledge to the flag of the United States of America. 00:17:02.994 --> 00:17:05.071 I pledge allegiance to the Flag 00:17:05.071 --> 00:17:07.429 of the United States of America, 00:17:07.429 --> 00:17:10.141 and to the Republic for which it stands, 00:17:10.141 --> 00:17:13.566 one Nation under God, indivisible, 00:17:13.566 --> 00:17:16.667 with liberty and justice for all. 00:17:16.667 --> 00:17:18.681 And now the pledge to the flag 00:17:18.681 --> 00:17:20.528 of the great state of Texas. 00:17:20.528 --> 00:17:22.680 Honor the Texas flag. 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:25.438 I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, 00:17:25.438 --> 00:17:28.855 one state under God, one and indivisible. 00:17:29.850 --> 00:17:32.767 Thank you, Madame Chair. 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:44.386 It's time for the roll call 00:17:44.386 --> 00:17:46.099 and I believe, Debbie, are you doing that? 00:17:46.099 --> 00:17:47.143 I am. 00:17:47.143 --> 00:17:47.976 Mr. Allen? 00:17:49.086 --> 00:17:50.197 Present. 00:17:50.197 --> 00:17:51.657 Miss Bahorich? 00:17:51.657 --> 00:17:52.491 Here. 00:17:52.491 --> 00:17:53.661 Miss Beltran? 00:17:53.661 --> 00:17:54.642 Present. 00:17:54.642 --> 00:17:55.791 Miss Cargill? 00:17:55.791 --> 00:17:56.875 Here. 00:17:56.875 --> 00:17:57.849 Mr. Cortez? 00:17:57.849 --> 00:17:58.951 Here. 00:17:58.951 --> 00:17:59.998 Dr. Ellis? 00:17:59.998 --> 00:18:00.934 Here. 00:18:00.934 --> 00:18:02.245 Miss Hardy? 00:18:02.245 --> 00:18:03.245 Present. 00:18:03.245 --> 00:18:04.545 Mr. Maynard? 00:18:04.545 --> 00:18:05.464 Here. 00:18:05.464 --> 00:18:07.045 Miss Melton-Malone? 00:18:07.045 --> 00:18:07.945 Here. 00:18:07.945 --> 00:18:09.061 Mr. Mercer? 00:18:09.061 --> 00:18:09.894 Here. 00:18:09.894 --> 00:18:10.843 Miss Miller? 00:18:10.843 --> 00:18:11.722 Here. 00:18:11.722 --> 00:18:13.342 Miss Perez? 00:18:13.342 --> 00:18:14.510 Present. 00:18:14.510 --> 00:18:16.011 Miss Perez-Diaz? 00:18:16.011 --> 00:18:17.080 Here. 00:18:17.080 --> 00:18:18.165 And Mr. Rowley? 00:18:18.165 --> 00:18:19.498 Here. 00:18:22.261 --> 00:18:24.391 Approval of the minutes. 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 I believe we want to cue up the video right now. 00:18:59.205 --> 00:19:02.288 Let's see how good our technology is. 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:11.992 I've always been interested in geography 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 Well, we wish you well this time. 00:21:07.055 --> 00:21:08.130 Thank you. 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 Taklamakan. 00:25:22.562 --> 00:25:27.144 Taklamakan Desert from the Tibetan Plateau; 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 I'd like to thank the State Board of Education 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 Okay. 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 Members, the question is on the adoption 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 Aye. 00:26:42.949 --> 00:26:44.240 Resolution is adopted. 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 Good morning. 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 The questions on the adoption 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 Aye. 00:51:13.807 --> 00:51:14.640 Thank you heroes. 00:51:14.640 --> 00:51:16.407 Resolutions adopted, thank you. 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 Bev Kilmer. 00:52:40.460 --> 00:52:42.708 And I will tell you that sometimes 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 So it won't be you turning me off, right? 00:52:49.917 --> 00:52:50.848 Yes, that's right. 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 Okay, thank you for allowing me to be here. 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 Yes, Mr. Allen. 00:56:30.941 --> 00:56:31.774 How you doing? 00:56:31.774 --> 00:56:32.770 Thank you for coming. 00:56:32.770 --> 00:56:34.420 Thank you, I appreciate it. 00:56:34.420 --> 00:56:36.658 And I will have a chance to review the packet 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 Okay, I understand, as in Florida this board, has had a lot 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 I wanted to assure that within the area 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 And I do appreciate that. 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 Yes, ma'am. 01:01:06.262 --> 01:01:07.229 Yes sir. 01:01:07.229 --> 01:01:08.535 Yes, Mr. Cortez. 01:01:08.535 --> 01:01:09.782 Are you finished Mr. Allen? 01:01:09.782 --> 01:01:10.735 Yes, I'm finished. 01:01:10.735 --> 01:01:12.429 Mr. Cortez. 01:01:12.429 --> 01:01:14.386 Obviously we want to listen to anybody 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 Can I respond to that? 01:02:16.793 --> 01:02:18.293 You could, sure. 01:02:19.713 --> 01:02:23.880 I've read a lot of news articles and a lot of comments 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 Dr. Ellis. 01:04:49.847 --> 01:04:50.958 Madame Chair, I would just like 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 Okay, any other comments? 01:05:13.793 --> 01:05:14.999 Thank you so much. 01:05:14.999 --> 01:05:16.499 Thank you. 01:05:21.037 --> 01:05:22.190 The next item on the agenda 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 (mumbles). 01:06:38.322 --> 01:06:42.386 Yes, I appreciate that and Miss Miller, we will note that. 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 Members, if you'll refer to the Committee 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 It's moved the State Board of Education approve the 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 Aye. 01:08:15.168 --> 01:08:16.752 All those oppose say no. 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 Madame Chair, I think the only other item is 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 Are you ready for the question? 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 Aye. 01:09:45.873 --> 01:09:47.291 All those oppose say no. 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 Madame Chair, I believe that's all. 01:09:53.828 --> 01:09:55.322 That's all for the Committee of the Full Board. 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 Thank you, Madame Chair. 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 It's moved that the State Board of Education 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 Aye. 01:11:21.500 --> 01:11:22.594 All those oppose say no. 01:11:22.594 --> 01:11:25.570 Ayes have it and the sections are repealed. 01:11:25.570 --> 01:11:28.758 Madame Chair, our second and final motion is 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 Are you ready for the question? 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 If we're suspending the board operating rules 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 I've been told that y'all were doing 01:12:23.901 --> 01:12:25.930 this by majority vote. 01:12:25.930 --> 01:12:28.093 Okay, it's okay with me. 01:12:28.093 --> 01:12:29.829 Our Parliamentarian says it's majority vote. 01:12:29.829 --> 01:12:31.687 That there were no objections. 01:12:31.687 --> 01:12:35.770 And that there were no objections to those two. 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 Aye. 01:12:45.211 --> 01:12:46.223 All those oppose say no. 01:12:46.223 --> 01:12:49.277 Ayes have it, the sections are repealed. 01:12:49.277 --> 01:12:50.343 That does it 01:12:50.343 --> 01:12:52.810 for the Committee of Instruction, Madame Chair. 01:12:52.810 --> 01:12:53.720 Thank you so much. 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 And a pinch hit for Chairman Bradley who is returning 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 With an effective date. 01:13:43.070 --> 01:13:45.306 I believe it's an effective date 20 days. 01:13:45.306 --> 01:13:46.318 Effective date of 20 days 01:13:46.318 --> 01:13:47.453 after filing as adopted with the Texas Register. 01:13:47.453 --> 01:13:49.734 Yes, 20 days, yes thank you. 01:13:49.734 --> 01:13:50.735 Terrific. 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 What page in the agenda is it? 01:14:04.303 --> 01:14:05.636 On the agenda? 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 I believe that is. 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 Absolutely and I would remind members 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 Madame Chair, I invite staff to make sure 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 Somewhere in there. 01:16:49.894 --> 01:16:51.068 I think since I've been on the board 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 I think we need to be a little bit better at 01:17:12.729 --> 01:17:13.565 We definitely need to 01:17:13.565 --> 01:17:15.155 communicate it over and over Having our hands on 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 Mr. Maynard, open up our number one 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 Madame Chair, and just a note. 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 The update. 01:17:39.086 --> 01:17:41.529 And flesh out that study. 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 Absolutely. 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 That that was not a full committee in support. 01:18:06.471 --> 01:18:07.569 There was a three to two vote. 01:18:07.569 --> 01:18:11.064 Yeah, but it's not on our agenda. 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 This is the report on the Committee of School Initiatives 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 Again, this is a majority vote item. 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 Aye. 01:19:02.902 --> 01:19:04.330 Those oppose say no. 01:19:04.330 --> 01:19:07.830 Ayes have it and the criteria are adopted. 01:19:09.141 --> 01:19:11.623 Okay, we're on page three of the minutes 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 Again, this is a majority vote item. 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 Aye. 01:19:52.269 --> 01:19:53.160 Those oppose say no. 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 Then the last one is found on page three of the minutes 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 Majority vote again as required to adopt this item. 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 Aye. 01:20:44.855 --> 01:20:46.133 Those oppose say no. 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 Madame Chair, would you like me to give 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 No, I think we can talk about that. 01:21:02.273 --> 01:21:04.927 Yeah, why don't you give like a-- 01:21:04.927 --> 01:21:05.760 It's super brief. 01:21:05.760 --> 01:21:07.713 Make sure people know about the website 01:21:07.713 --> 01:21:09.074 and that sort of thing. 01:21:09.074 --> 01:21:13.241 So the Steering Committee did meet earlier this week. 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 On or east? 01:21:48.526 --> 01:21:49.559 East. 01:21:49.559 --> 01:21:50.680 Along or east? 01:21:50.680 --> 01:21:54.628 They live along the I35 corridor or east of it. 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 We will get, yeah, they've sent it out. 01:22:45.540 --> 01:22:47.790 It's on Research Boulevard. 01:22:48.903 --> 01:22:50.611 It's on Mueller at the airport. 01:22:50.611 --> 01:22:53.000 Oh, is that where it is? 01:22:53.000 --> 01:22:54.519 But we aren't supposed to be there. 01:22:54.519 --> 01:22:55.477 No, no. 01:22:55.477 --> 01:22:56.310 It's a public meeting. 01:22:56.310 --> 01:22:58.527 Yeah, that's why we're doing it with the board meetings. 01:22:58.527 --> 01:23:00.341 No, no, you can always come. 01:23:00.341 --> 01:23:01.322 It's a public meeting. 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 No, you want folks to be in the audience, it's fine. 01:23:06.165 --> 01:23:09.495 Okay, I thought we were doing it in private. 01:23:09.495 --> 01:23:12.240 No, it's public. 01:23:12.240 --> 01:23:13.933 Anyway, thank you. 01:23:13.933 --> 01:23:14.835 Yeah, absolutely. 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 I am happy to announce that I have a beautiful, 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 He is a gorgeous child, absolutely gorgeous. 01:24:07.234 --> 01:24:09.810 Not a surprise but absolutely gorgeous child. 01:24:09.810 --> 01:24:11.438 As his uncle (mumbles). 01:24:11.438 --> 01:24:12.271 (laughing) 01:24:12.271 --> 01:24:13.903 That's right, that's right. 01:24:13.903 --> 01:24:15.224 Having a party all night. 01:24:15.224 --> 01:24:16.057 That's right. 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 After 47 years in education 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 How was that Miss Hardy? 01:24:32.746 --> 01:24:34.546 I retired. It didn't bother me at all. 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 Yes, Mr. Carson. 01:24:43.849 --> 01:24:44.961 I just wanna, I've forgotten Jennifer, 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 Thank you. 01:24:50.938 --> 01:24:53.355 (applauding) 01:24:56.158 --> 01:24:58.327 And as we said and we celebrated last night 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 I meant to ask this question earlier, 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 Not yet. 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 I do have announcement that my wife 01:27:10.659 --> 01:27:13.166 and I got a raise recently. 01:27:13.166 --> 01:27:14.104 What was that? 01:27:14.104 --> 01:27:17.653 Yeah, so my daughter finished her Master's program 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 Good for her. 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 It is a big day and she is a teacher 01:27:28.578 --> 01:27:30.948 at Levelland ISD in Mr. Rowley's district. 01:27:30.948 --> 01:27:32.444 Good thing. 01:27:32.444 --> 01:27:33.525 (laughing) 01:27:33.525 --> 01:27:34.789 Thank you very much. 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 How can you consolidate yourself with one city? 01:27:53.079 --> 01:27:54.494 (laughing) 01:27:54.494 --> 01:27:57.638 One big school district. 01:27:57.638 --> 01:27:59.100 Oh goodness. 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 So as everybody knows, and I think that the two people 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 Thank you so much, appreciate that recognition. 01:30:36.891 --> 01:30:37.808 Miss Hardy. 01:30:38.720 --> 01:30:43.716 I would just like to say I absolutely adored the dance 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 How old is he? 01:31:44.695 --> 01:31:48.450 Well, he's a ninth grader, ninth grader in high school. 01:31:48.450 --> 01:31:50.751 That is unbelievable. 01:31:50.751 --> 01:31:54.063 He has written, I'm so sorry I forgot 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 Very impressive. 01:32:07.682 --> 01:32:10.386 I'll get it out on the librarian websites 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 I sent you some pictures. 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 Donna, I have to say it's probably the lightest 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 It was pretty light. 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.