PN-G bamatex

[quote name="BHFAN" post="1018436" timestamp="1308064956"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84732.msg1018374#msg1018374 date=1308024613] [quote author=HillGuy link=topic=84732.msg1017048#msg1017048 date=1307482018] [quote author=Scalp'em link=topic=84732.msg1017019#msg1017019 date=1307472845] [quote author=BHFAN link=topic=84732.msg1016708#msg1016708 date=1307365256] [quote author=PNGFan link=topic=84732.msg1016205#msg1016205 date=1307137865] Blue and white squares or blue and white checkers with some stripes?? [/quote] The two most important things about the turf. 1.) It will not be Purple 2.) There will not be a gay Indian hoping around on it [/quote] 3. It will not make your team any faster ;D 4. The dads at BH can't run through the blow up wishing they were still in high school playing football. 5. It won't help the coach bashing that goes on every year at BH and finally #6, It won't make the the Hill is for real. :D [/quote] Doesn't need to...The Hill is already for Real  ;)  Where have you been?  ;D [/quote] Across the field watching the Hill lose four times in three years. ;D [/quote] Oh i bet you weren't sitting ;D All of those games were good ones [/quote] Of course I wasn't. I was in the band. ;D

[quote name="HillGuy" post="1017048" timestamp="1307482018"] [quote author=Scalp'em link=topic=84732.msg1017019#msg1017019 date=1307472845] [quote author=BHFAN link=topic=84732.msg1016708#msg1016708 date=1307365256] [quote author=PNGFan link=topic=84732.msg1016205#msg1016205 date=1307137865] Blue and white squares or blue and white checkers with some stripes?? [/quote] The two most important things about the turf. 1.) It will not be Purple 2.) There will not be a gay Indian hoping around on it [/quote] 3. It will not make your team any faster ;D 4. The dads at BH can't run through the blow up wishing they were still in high school playing football. 5. It won't help the coach bashing that goes on every year at BH and finally #6, It won't make the the Hill is for real. :D [/quote] Doesn't need to...The Hill is already for Real  ;)  Where have you been?  ;D [/quote] Across the field watching the Hill lose four times in three years. ;D

[quote name="PoppaBearstarr" post="1018219" timestamp="1307981645"] I hope smitty never moves to HJ... :D [/quote] I hope he moves to Beaumont. At least it'd be fun to watch. ;D

Lumpy is one of the best. I think his football career will surpass Kilgore with a little luck and some injury-free football.

We should do a caption contest-style competition where we suggest new usernames for him and then vote on them. ;D

[quote name="GOP - Anti Intellectual, Science, and Women Since Forever" post="1017400" timestamp="1307639962"] Hey guys, seen there's a few special offers for some tractors right now. Figured I'd alert my fellow Texans in preparation for the new harvesting season [Hidden Content] ;D [/quote] Thanks for the notification, but I've already got one. :D

[quote name="sandman86" post="1016965" timestamp="1307456960"] Im not saying the two students are liars bandkid. Im just telling you what the real qualifications are, as someone who help set those regulations and carried them out, and not some passer by that spread a rumor they heard from another student. It happens all the time in school, its called gossip. Some kids don't even know they're spreading rumors, but think its the honest truth. Also, not that it matters, but I graduated 4th in my class and went on to graduate college on the dean's list which would throw me in there as an honor student, and yet, I have lied on occasion. Not perfect, no one is, just something that happens when 1500 students talk while passing by each other. But I say let it drop, maybe they thought thats what got people in and maybe that year a lot got in and it was assumed thats why, who knows?[/quote] Right.... [quote] On another note, smitty, just because someone has an opinion other than yours doesn't mean they are drinking the "kool aid" or whatever. Passing a bond is not the end of the world. Typically, most bonds only add very little monthly to the taxes and are a great [u]Investment[/u] in our schools future. You can't build a $30 million school by cutting a budget that is slightly higher than that. Our district has made cuts in all areas this year and last, with a promise of more to come. We have lost coaching positions, charter buses, teachers who retired and were not filling positions, budgets all around. So its getting to the point where there is not much else to cut. So find another solution and quit saying cut an athletic budget that combined between all schools would only hire a couple teachers, not build a school. [/quote] If anyone's drinking anything, it's smitty. ;D

[quote name="sandman86" post="1016930" timestamp="1307415548"] True, and yet they did. Go figure. [/quote] Let me get this straight. You're openly stating that two former Nederland honors students lied? Or have I misunderstood something?

[quote name="sandman86" post="1016920" timestamp="1307413425"] Oh and if I trusted everything students said the number of dogs eating homework cases would become an epidemic, along with bathroom breaks and there would never be any need for discipline in school because simply, "they didn't do it." [/quote] You, being a teacher, probably best understand that honors students normally (although certainly not always) do not tell lies. At least, they don't often lie at PN-G. ;) And when you have more than one student saying it, it's hard to believe that there's absolutely no truth to it.

[quote name="The-NHS" post="1016898" timestamp="1307409099"] This thread makes me want to [img][Hidden Content]] Smitty's small minded/acceptance of mediocrity [img][Hidden Content]] PNGbandkid's 964 attempts at hijacking the thread into a png celebration [img][Hidden Content]] [/quote] Not a celebration, just a comparison. ;) :D In all seriousness, there are some things Nederland does right. I like their dedication to middle school extracurricular activities, and I've always felt that PN-GISD has ground to gain in that area. I've never said that Nederland is overall a bad school (Lord knows there are far worse out there) or even that it's mediocre. My only point is that there are areas where Nederland has fallen behind and unless NISD starts taking steps to catch up, Nederland is going to feel the consequences in the future. Contrary to what smitty and others here might believe, old schools, bad budgets and lax policies aren't going to provide excellence. [quote author=sandman86 link=topic=84302.msg1016912#msg1016912 date=1307412800] Awesome post The-NHS! I don't know how a thread about bond supporters turns into the bashing of Nederland ISD students and teachers. As a current teacher at NHS, I can tell you that this year Nederland HS tied or surpassed PNG in every category for the TAKs. Having worked at other school districts I can tell you there is nothing wrong with the educational standards at NHS. One thing students typically struggle in is the block scheduling we are on. When you go from having class for 1 1/2 hour every other day to 50 minutes each day it is different. I had two students from Lumberton come over and nearly flunk the first six weeks due to the change in scheduling, but they recovered and did just fine. I hope you realize not every student is a genius and students lie. I listen to my students complain one day about the amount of work and then a week later tell someone they do nothing in my class. So relying on students for educational analysis is crazy. Also, bandkid, the GPA requirement is correct, but the student must have approval from the faculty before they can be considered and even then not all get in. It is a combination of grades, attendance, participation in extracurriculars and moral character and leadership. I personally filled out 10 forms for students and all met those requirements in my book and only 3 got in, so maybe the policy has changed since you last heard. Nederland's teachers participate in numerous activities at the school and saying otherwise means you are misinformed and ignorant to what is really happening. Finding a teacher not involved in any organization, extracurricular activity, academic event, or AVID would be a very difficult thing to do. I wish I had a list of the academic achievements our kids had this year, but I don't and there are too many to remember. [b]I just remember it took our Super almost 20 minutes to read them all.[/b] We do need new facilities, but cutting extracurriculars won't pay for that no matter how many times you go outside that box smitty it just wont work. We didn't fire any teachers this year when districts all around were letting people go. Our district has done the best it can with what it has and the only chance for growth is passing a new bond, which may not happen right away, but it will. Sorry to go on so long, but I just couldn't sit back and watch people who don't know bash our schools, students, and my co-workers. Hope everyone has a great summer and good luck to schools everywhere and the hundreds of teachers who are now unemployed. [/quote] [i]Just[/i] twenty minutes? ;) The former NHS member I referred to graduated about three years ago, but I assumed his information still applies because the Nederland NHS member who graduated last week standing next to him nodded, seemingly confirming it.

[quote name="phunter308" post="1016843" timestamp="1307397537"] One thing to think about is that we are getting transfers from P.A. and not all of them have a strong educational foundation. This is not a excuse just a fact. PN-G is a school that these kids will not go to because they are looked down on but hey we will take them and all and try our best to make them better men and women. Do not get me wrong Pn-G and Nederland are very close on the Academic landscape according to state records, it is just harder for us because we have less money to start with. I think it is wrong PN-G has to give away so much money but even with that they start with more then we do period by alot say a million. One thing I can say for Nederland is atheletically especially this past year I do believe we beat them in every Uil  atheletic event except boys golf. So maybe it is true if we focused the business end which is academics we would be even more dominate so come on Dogs lets get it done in the class room. LOL On a side note my son has a 3.43 GPA on a standard 4.0 scale no Honors or Ap as of this yr and he is 191 out of 397 in his class so they must have one group of smart sophmores. LOL . [/quote] Not according to the budgets. After the state gives and takes, Nederland has $40 Million to work with, whereas PN-G has $33.5 Million. This is why we were $4 Million in the hole this year. PN-G beat Nederland in girls' soccer, softball, boys' and girls' golf, and volleyball this year. PN-G not taking Port Arthur kids? Our district's borders extend into Port Arthur. We may not have as much of Port Arthur as Nederland, but we still have a portion. GPAs can't really be considered a good standard of comparison between districts because of the apparent differences in the quality of teaching. If you really want to compare education between districts, you have to take a look at their average PSAT, SAT, ACT, and TAKS scores. I don't know what the exact numbers are for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, but PN-G had two National Merit Commended Students in the Class of 2011, and eligibility for that is dependent on PSAT scores. These were two of the six total in Region 5 and we were the only school in that region with more than one. Also, PN-G's TAKS ratings fell just short of "Exemplary" for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years. Nederland was "Academically Acceptable" for 2008-2009. The number of dual credit classes offered can also be taken into account, and PN-G has more than any other high school in Southeast Texas. Also, UIL Academics success can be looked at. I'll let 11 consecutive years of district championships and eight 2011 state qualifiers (two of which placed) speak for themselves.

[quote name="dawgnut" post="1016670" timestamp="1307326618"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1016434#msg1016434 date=1307230685] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1016425#msg1016425 date=1307225483] Maybe, like ol' Smitty has been saying, too much emphasis has been put on non-priority things!  I remember a couple of years ago we gave the HC a 17,000 dollar raise because he threaten to go to LaMarque.  We didn't really have the money but it was given anyway.  Foolish decision!  Would they have done the same for a teacher that threatens to leave?  I think not!   So, if KDOSullivan is right, the people with blinders on, like NHS and Penny -- you'll become a dollar one day! -- will understand that what they believe is causing NISD to become just mediocre academically!   [quote author=KDOSullivan link=topic=84302.msg1016315#msg1016315 date=1307194088] [quote author=James Mosley link=topic=84302.msg1016084#msg1016084 date=1307094689] Penny is dead on right with everything. Sad to say but I tell young men we hire who are moving into our area with family to raise their kids somewhere besides Nederland. Currently Nederland does not understand how to prepare for the future. Very sad. [/quote] This is just from the few kids we see transfer to my "former" rural district. About 5 years ago now, we had a small influx of kids transfer from Nederland to the district. The district I was in was 2A, in a rural setting. It has an "open" enrollment, and there is no out of district tuition charged. The kids generally lived with a relative or even drove to the school. Most would say " We had to get out of there." I was surprised at how far behind the kids were academically. I don't know what is going on there, but a kid who transferred from Nederland with A's and B's, would make B's and C's in our district. The kids would even make comments at how "hard" we were. I don't know what is going on there, I had always thought of Nederland ISD as good district, but in the last 5 years, I have changed my mind. It makes me wonder????? [/quote] [/quote] No, the extracurricular budget doesn't have anything to do with it. Nederland is hurting academically because, frankly, Nederland's policies allow it. For instance, exemption policies at Nederland allow students to exempt a mid-term or final with as low as a 70 average and I believe all Nederland students, underclassmen included, are allowed to exempt all classes all of the time as long as that requirement is met. PN-G, on the other hand, only allows underclassmen to exempt three classes per semester without repeating an exemption in a class for the second semester (with special circumstances applying to math and science classes based on TAKS scores) and only allows students to exempt classes in which their averages are at 80 or above. Another difference between NISD and other districts is the condition of facilities. Students tend to focus better and give more effort in clean, well-kept environments. As has been said a dozen or so times in this thread alone, Nederland's schools are in bad shape. That has an effect on student morale and focus. Examples of this concept can be found by comparing NISD with districts that have kept their facilities in good shape over the years and even within NISD itself; Nederland's academics have fallen behind while NISD's band and theatre groups have excelled in their new facilities. Another factor in academic success is extracurricular participation. Studies have shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities have better grades, better conduct, and a higher level of focus than students who do not. Although NISD does have some award-winning extracurricular programs, such as the band and Westernaires, NISD's extracurricular groups are not as big or as numerous as those of many other schools of similar size. I would argue (and bear in mind that this is an outside perspective) that about half of NHS students participate in at least one extracurricular activity - a portion which could be much larger if the right steps were taken. Standards and curriculum difficulty also come into play. [color=red]I know that Nederland's chapter of the National Honors Society grants automatic membership to anyone with a 3.75 GPA or higher[/color]. Other schools typically add in an application process of some sort that requires a demonstration of leadership, community service, and success in areas outside of academics; special considerations are also normally given to students in honors classes. Curriculum comes into play in that it appears (again, outside perspective) that NISD has settled for the minimum state requirements. The student that transferred into PN-G that I mentioned earlier talked about how he had never seen many of the things in our reviews and even said at one point that he had written more in our English classes in the two months he was here than he had the whole previous year at Nederland; considering what we had done in those classes up to that point, I feel certain that Nederland is settling for the state minimum providing that he was a good example of Nederland's average honors student. Typically, schools establish a district curriculum that exceeds the state requirements, and they also normally provide extra curriculum resources (NISD may or may not provide them, I'm not sure). Another factor is teacher participation. NHS teachers, for one reason or another, do not seem to sponsor as much outside of the classroom as they could. I remember a conversation with a now retired PN-G teacher in which I asked why Nederland didn't bring as many students to academic competitions as other local schools and his reply was that there just weren't enough Nederland teachers willing to sponsor the different academic events. That shocked me. I was amazed at the fact that Nederland couldn't get enough teachers to volunteer as most of the other schools in our district. I mean no offense to any Nederland faculty members because there are several good, dedicated teachers in NISD, but that, in my opinion, is deplorable. When the teachers won't participate, the problem isn't funding. A simple modification to the teacher contracts could fix that. And for the record, Nederland's revenues may not be as high as PN-G's, but we're a Chapter 41 district. After the state takes our money away each year, we actually have less to work with than NISD. [/quote] You need to check your facts on this one Band Kid, my daughter had a higher GPA than that and she couldn't get in :o [/quote] They've already been checked with a former Nederland NHS member.

[quote name="KDOSullivan" post="1016523" timestamp="1307274851"] [i]Another factor is teacher participation. NHS teachers, for one reason or another, do not seem to sponsor as much outside of the classroom as they could. I remember a conversation with a now retired PN-G teacher in which I asked why Nederland didn't bring as many students to academic competitions as other local schools and his reply was that there just weren't enough Nederland teachers willing to sponsor the different academic events. That shocked me. I was amazed at the fact that Nederland couldn't get enough teachers to volunteer as most of the other schools in our district. I mean no offense to any Nederland faculty members because there are several good, dedicated teachers in NISD, but that, in my opinion, is deplorable. When the teachers won't participate, the problem isn't funding. A simple modification to the teacher contracts could fix that.[/i] That one sort of shocks me. Maybe it is because I was at a small school, but I and most other teachers were involved in extracurricular activities.  I know this year, knowing I was retiring, I gave up somethings, but I was still a senior sponsor, helped organize graduation,  helped and planned with the homecoming parade, helped, planned the Christmas Formal, and then coached 3 UIL academic teams. One of the things I will miss about teaching will be the kids outside of class. Those in UIL Academics, those kids who worked to help set up dances and parades, and those are not just the "nerds." Maybe it is a small school, but we had athletes, band kids, those in FFA all work because they wanted a good dance or parade. The modification of the contract might be difficult. If these events are held on weekends, it is sort of hard to force them to do so. Teachers are only paid for 187 days. Part of your problem might be you are not hiring the right people? I know some of the younger people that my former district has hired are reluctant to do anything extra. Part of concern about retiring was " who is going to pick up some of the extra jobs I did for the district?" [/quote] I know at PN-G, teachers are required to work at least one event, but they all still do more. There are very few teachers who don't sponsor some sort of extracurricular activity, and they're typically the older ones who are "winding down" as you were in your last year. With that said, many sponsor multiple activities and work multiple events - they [i]want[/i] to get involved. It's rare that you find a teacher that isn't willing to sponsor the students as long as they're willing to compete. Apparently, it's just not that way at Nederland. And you're right. That may be more of a personnel problem than a contract problem. It still seems like the NHS administration could do something about it, though.

[quote name="smitty" post="1016425" timestamp="1307225483"] Maybe, like ol' Smitty has been saying, too much emphasis has been put on non-priority things!  I remember a couple of years ago we gave the HC a 17,000 dollar raise because he threaten to go to LaMarque.  We didn't really have the money but it was given anyway.  Foolish decision!  Would they have done the same for a teacher that threatens to leave?  I think not!   So, if KDOSullivan is right, the people with blinders on, like NHS and Penny -- you'll become a dollar one day! -- will understand that what they believe is causing NISD to become just mediocre academically!   [quote author=KDOSullivan link=topic=84302.msg1016315#msg1016315 date=1307194088] [quote author=James Mosley link=topic=84302.msg1016084#msg1016084 date=1307094689] Penny is dead on right with everything. Sad to say but I tell young men we hire who are moving into our area with family to raise their kids somewhere besides Nederland. Currently Nederland does not understand how to prepare for the future. Very sad. [/quote] This is just from the few kids we see transfer to my "former" rural district. About 5 years ago now, we had a small influx of kids transfer from Nederland to the district. The district I was in was 2A, in a rural setting. It has an "open" enrollment, and there is no out of district tuition charged. The kids generally lived with a relative or even drove to the school. Most would say " We had to get out of there." I was surprised at how far behind the kids were academically. I don't know what is going on there, but a kid who transferred from Nederland with A's and B's, would make B's and C's in our district. The kids would even make comments at how "hard" we were. I don't know what is going on there, I had always thought of Nederland ISD as good district, but in the last 5 years, I have changed my mind. It makes me wonder????? [/quote] [/quote] No, the extracurricular budget doesn't have anything to do with it. Nederland is hurting academically because, frankly, Nederland's policies allow it. For instance, exemption policies at Nederland allow students to exempt a mid-term or final with as low as a 70 average and I believe all Nederland students, underclassmen included, are allowed to exempt all classes all of the time as long as that requirement is met. PN-G, on the other hand, only allows underclassmen to exempt three classes per semester without repeating an exemption in a class for the second semester (with special circumstances applying to math and science classes based on TAKS scores) and only allows students to exempt classes in which their averages are at 80 or above. Another difference between NISD and other districts is the condition of facilities. Students tend to focus better and give more effort in clean, well-kept environments. As has been said a dozen or so times in this thread alone, Nederland's schools are in bad shape. That has an effect on student morale and focus. Examples of this concept can be found by comparing NISD with districts that have kept their facilities in good shape over the years and even within NISD itself; Nederland's academics have fallen behind while NISD's band and theatre groups have excelled in their new facilities. Another factor in academic success is extracurricular participation. Studies have shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities have better grades, better conduct, and a higher level of focus than students who do not. Although NISD does have some award-winning extracurricular programs, such as the band and Westernaires, NISD's extracurricular groups are not as big or as numerous as those of many other schools of similar size. I would argue (and bear in mind that this is an outside perspective) that about half of NHS students participate in at least one extracurricular activity - a portion which could be much larger if the right steps were taken. Standards and curriculum difficulty also come into play. I know that Nederland's chapter of the National Honors Society grants automatic membership to anyone with a 3.75 GPA or higher. Other schools typically add in an application process of some sort that requires a demonstration of leadership, community service, and success in areas outside of academics; special considerations are also normally given to students in honors classes. Curriculum comes into play in that it appears (again, outside perspective) that NISD has settled for the minimum state requirements. The student that transferred into PN-G that I mentioned earlier talked about how he had never seen many of the things in our reviews and even said at one point that he had written more in our English classes in the two months he was here than he had the whole previous year at Nederland; considering what we had done in those classes up to that point, I feel certain that Nederland is settling for the state minimum providing that he was a good example of Nederland's average honors student. Typically, schools establish a district curriculum that exceeds the state requirements, and they also normally provide extra curriculum resources (NISD may or may not provide them, I'm not sure). Another factor is teacher participation. NHS teachers, for one reason or another, do not seem to sponsor as much outside of the classroom as they could. I remember a conversation with a now retired PN-G teacher in which I asked why Nederland didn't bring as many students to academic competitions as other local schools and his reply was that there just weren't enough Nederland teachers willing to sponsor the different academic events. That shocked me. I was amazed at the fact that Nederland couldn't get enough teachers to volunteer as most of the other schools in our district. I mean no offense to any Nederland faculty members because there are several good, dedicated teachers in NISD, but that, in my opinion, is deplorable. When the teachers won't participate, the problem isn't funding. A simple modification to the teacher contracts could fix that. And for the record, Nederland's revenues may not be as high as PN-G's, but we're a Chapter 41 district. After the state takes our money away each year, we actually have less to work with than NISD.

If Ozen goes down to 3A with the same amount of students it has now, LC-M, Lumberton, and Livingston are all going down with it (they're all the same size or smaller) and District 20-4A is in a lot of trouble.

[quote name="dawgnut" post="1016407" timestamp="1307220004"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1016336#msg1016336 date=1307205173] [quote author=KDOSullivan link=topic=84302.msg1016315#msg1016315 date=1307194088] [quote author=James Mosley link=topic=84302.msg1016084#msg1016084 date=1307094689] Penny is dead on right with everything. Sad to say but I tell young men we hire who are moving into our area with family to raise their kids somewhere besides Nederland. Currently Nederland does not understand how to prepare for the future. Very sad. [/quote] This is just from the few kids we see transfer to my "former" rural district. About 5 years ago now, we had a small influx of kids transfer from Nederland to the district. The district I was in was 2A, in a rural setting. It has an "open" enrollment, and there is no out of district tuition charged. The kids generally lived with a relative or even drove to the school. Most would say " We had to get out of there." I was surprised at how far behind the kids were academically. I don't know what is going on there, but a kid who transferred from Nederland with A's and B's, would make B's and C's in our district. The kids would even make comments at how "hard" we were. I don't know what is going on there, I had always thought of Nederland ISD as good district, but in the last 5 years, I have changed my mind. It makes me wonder????? [/quote] Ditto. A student transferred from Nederland to PN-G this year. Within three weeks, he dropped his two AP classes and he was gone a month later. The whole time, he talked about how much harder it was here and he always needed help to understand the work, even on the reviews. The sad part is that he's not the only student to come to PN-G and end up in that situation, and they're not just from Nederland. [/quote] That's why on awards night for seniors every year we have so many major university's giving out 4 year rides, I'm sure it's because they want to dumb down their enrollment ;D    [/quote] They just feel sorry for Nederland students. They know they want out of Nederland and are just trying to help. ;) :D

[quote name="Scalp'em" post="1016161" timestamp="1307125483"] DC Duane Kroeker took a job at 2A Ingram just outside of Kerrville. I don't know of any other changes, but it's possible. I know Kyle Segura is going to Port Neches MS to have more time to spend with family. Other then that I don't know. I didn't pay attention it was a baseball thread. Haven't heard anything on the baseball side of things. [/quote] I think they moved Coach Schexnaider up from PNMS to replace Coach Segura, and Coach Cox is going to be the new DC. Other than that, I haven't heard anything.

[quote name="KDOSullivan" post="1016315" timestamp="1307194088"] [quote author=James Mosley link=topic=84302.msg1016084#msg1016084 date=1307094689] Penny is dead on right with everything. Sad to say but I tell young men we hire who are moving into our area with family to raise their kids somewhere besides Nederland. Currently Nederland does not understand how to prepare for the future. Very sad. [/quote] This is just from the few kids we see transfer to my "former" rural district. About 5 years ago now, we had a small influx of kids transfer from Nederland to the district. The district I was in was 2A, in a rural setting. It has an "open" enrollment, and there is no out of district tuition charged. The kids generally lived with a relative or even drove to the school. Most would say " We had to get out of there." I was surprised at how far behind the kids were academically. I don't know what is going on there, but a kid who transferred from Nederland with A's and B's, would make B's and C's in our district. The kids would even make comments at how "hard" we were. I don't know what is going on there, I had always thought of Nederland ISD as good district, but in the last 5 years, I have changed my mind. It makes me wonder????? [/quote] Ditto. A student transferred from Nederland to PN-G this year. Within three weeks, he dropped his two AP classes and he was gone a month later. The whole time, he talked about how much harder it was here and he always needed help to understand the work, even on the reviews. The sad part is that he's not the only student to come to PN-G and end up in that situation, and they're not just from Nederland.

I know that it probably looks a little different from the Central side, but that game was a miracle. Dre Dunbar's play solidified his reputation as a miracle worker and that 10-0 record could not have come at a better time for PN-G. We felt like PN-G was declining after the previous year. The 2009 season left the whole school feeling like we could do anyting - like there was still hope for what we had always been taught was PN-G - and the outstanding, incredibly productive school year that followed reflected the rejuvinating football season. That game is the reason the fight song's first three words are "always be faithful." The most heartbreaking losses I've seen would probably be the 2010 MCM game and our two most recent playoff losses. We started to mount a comeback in all three games and fell just short. The Brenham game really hurt, especially after what we had been through that week. I remember someone saying on here that whichever team won that game would go to state, and he was right. I just wish it had been us.

The only people who are jealous of BH are the basketball players at football-oriented schools. :D And the only reason that anyone else might be jealous is that they get to play (and lose to :D) PN-G a bunch. ;D

[quote name="smitty" post="1013890" timestamp="1306272959"] I don't recall making a big deal out of PN-G's bond.  [/quote] Getting forgetful in your old age, smitty? ;) [quote author=smitty link=topic=81160.msg976161#msg976161 date=1299147536] Like I've said before, Superintendents, Principals and HC/AD make WAY too much money.  So, yes, there are areas that could be cut first.  I hear some bright person wants to spend 4.75 million on a gymatorium at CO Wilson.  The problem that has crept in, is that there is no regard for the taxpayers dollars.  Does one honestly think PNG needed that fancy football stadium??!!  This has happened all across the state. It doesn't educate one child or make you play better football.  But it does keep the taxpayers scratching their heads! [/quote] [quote author=smitty link=topic=82303.msg988993#msg988993 date=1301243558] I hope you make a ton of money to pay your share of the various taxing entities that are in debt up to their ears because of the SPENDING you say is not bad.  But if you don't mind spending that much on taxes, then I applaud you.  But trust me, I'll be there fighting to let you keep more of your money. Whether you like it or not!  Trust me again, your PN-G stadium would have been one thing I would have fought hard against!  ;) [/quote] [quote author=smitty link=topic=81160.msg978900#msg978900 date=1299495532] OK, 10.3 Million dollars.  That money for that stadium did not educate one child.  School districts are gonna suffer now because of foolish spending.  The old stadium could have been renovated.  But those making the decisions thought they needed a fine fancy stadium.  Taxpayers will be paying for this for a long time.  Again -- that money did NOT educate one child!!!!  You may have to lay off teachers now because you have not got the money.  But you have a nice stadium.  Priorities, people!  Priorities!! PS - PN-G bandkid -- How much does your head football coach, Principal, and Superintendent make??  Let's look at some more priorities!! [/quote] [quote author=smitty link=topic=81160.msg979167#msg979167 date=1299533518] Gentlemen, you pay for the bond by raising taxes on the people of Port Neches.  Which in turn taks the ability to continue to raise taxes if needed to hire/keep teachers.  Bond issues are just a round-a-bout way of tax increases.  Someone gonna pay!!  And bandkid, you said the bond was before the economy problem.  Teaching point:  If school districts had there priorities correct, then no one could look back and say what you said!!  Education first... [/quote] [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content]

[quote name="smitty" post="1013715" timestamp="1306239421"] So, you see what I'm talking about?  We are in financial difficulties and all we can come up with is cuts in "personal cost?"  How bad does it have to get before cuts are made in extra-curricular activities and not at the expense in what really matters -- teachers?  As long as money is poured into the non-essentials, then no to any tax increases!  There is money there.  Just re-direct it!!  If you don't, bond issues will fail every time!! [/quote] 80% of the average school district's budget is wrapped up in salaries and personnel costs. Of course that's where any district would start. Most other districts have looked at RIFs and the few that haven't only dodged the bullet because of retirements. [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013745#msg1013745 date=1306245609] I was mainly talking about bonds in Nederland.  I'll let other taxpayers fight their own battles,,,    ;) PS -- And you say keep the track team and cut teachers!  Again -- priorities!! [/quote] Not to take the focus off of the thread topic, but if that's the case, why have you made such a big deal out of PN-G's bond in the past?

[quote name="The-NHS" post="1013697" timestamp="1306212719"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013689#msg1013689 date=1306208198] [quote author=The-NHS link=topic=84302.msg1013659#msg1013659 date=1306198689] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013655#msg1013655 date=1306197032] [quote author=The-NHS link=topic=84302.msg1013645#msg1013645 date=1306190526] First, PNGbandkid, I don't care that you're trumpet is larger than mine. So please stop pointing that out with every post you make. We realize our facilities are behind hence the reason for this thread. Go toot on your piccolo somewhere else if that's all you have to offer. Normally I like and respect your opinions especially in the locker room section. Second, Smitty, I know you're constantly attacked and you have a right to your opinion but your opinion rarely makes sense. Would 1.7 million dollars make needed fixes? ABSOLUTELY YES. Would 1.7 million dollars fix the problem? ABSOLUTELY NOT EVEN FRIGGIN CLOSE. Smitty, the point everyone is making that is pro bond is that we really really really need to make necessary investments in new facilities. I don't need turf on the football field (I prefer well kept and cut grass anyway) to make me happy. I don't need flashy this or flashy that. But our district desperately needs new buildings for elementary, middle, and high school levels and if you think patching a roof fixes it then you are entirely wrong. [/quote] :D Just take it as the rivalry bleeding through. I used to go round after round with some of the Nederland posters on here in multiple threads (guess I finally beat 'em ;D). It's just an old volley of well-intended jabs. In all seriousness, smitty and I have carried on this debate a dozen or so times. We've had the ideological argument, we've had the practical argument, and we've had everything inbetween. If you'd like me to post a link to one of the old threads in which I state my case more objectively, I can do so. :) Oh, and scalp 'em. ;D That one's just for you. :D [/quote] lol we shall see who is scalpen who very soon. [/quote] Just for the record, gerunds end in "ing" over here in Port Neches. ;D ;) [/quote] Ahh yes... The message board grammar police returns. When there is nothing left to be said in return its always fun to breakdown people's sentences on setx.com. [/quote] You're the one who made the ellipsis comment. ;) :D

[quote name="The-NHS" post="1013659" timestamp="1306198689"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013655#msg1013655 date=1306197032] [quote author=The-NHS link=topic=84302.msg1013645#msg1013645 date=1306190526] First, PNGbandkid, I don't care that you're trumpet is larger than mine. So please stop pointing that out with every post you make. We realize our facilities are behind hence the reason for this thread. Go toot on your piccolo somewhere else if that's all you have to offer. Normally I like and respect your opinions especially in the locker room section. Second, Smitty, I know you're constantly attacked and you have a right to your opinion but your opinion rarely makes sense. Would 1.7 million dollars make needed fixes? ABSOLUTELY YES. Would 1.7 million dollars fix the problem? ABSOLUTELY NOT EVEN FRIGGIN CLOSE. Smitty, the point everyone is making that is pro bond is that we really really really need to make necessary investments in new facilities. I don't need turf on the football field (I prefer well kept and cut grass anyway) to make me happy. I don't need flashy this or flashy that. But our district desperately needs new buildings for elementary, middle, and high school levels and if you think patching a roof fixes it then you are entirely wrong. [/quote] :D Just take it as the rivalry bleeding through. I used to go round after round with some of the Nederland posters on here in multiple threads (guess I finally beat 'em ;D). It's just an old volley of well-intended jabs. In all seriousness, smitty and I have carried on this debate a dozen or so times. We've had the ideological argument, we've had the practical argument, and we've had everything inbetween. If you'd like me to post a link to one of the old threads in which I state my case more objectively, I can do so. :) Oh, and scalp 'em. ;D That one's just for you. :D [/quote] lol we shall see who is scalpen who very soon. [/quote] Just for the record, gerunds end in "ing" over here in Port Neches. ;D ;)

[quote name="smitty" post="1013630" timestamp="1306185512"] But like I said, you can only drain the taxpayers so much.  We aren't like the Feds; we can't print money!  [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013627#msg1013627 date=1306184623] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013521#msg1013521 date=1306159314] Again -- In times of trouble you have to make changes.  This includes the way you think, or been programed to think about things.  Nederland does not have industry to continue business as usual.  This is what has got us in this situation.  Ignoring reality and trying to keep up with the Jones' cannot continue.  One cannot also say that education is #1 but...  It either is or it's not.  [/quote] I don't think anyone's doubting that changes have to be made, and I'm not even sure that anyone's against cutting from athletics here and there because, after all, all school districts are scaling things back right now. I think everyone from Nederland is saying that your schools need to be replaced and that there needs to be a bond that will do that which, I believe, was part of the original topic of this thread. And for the record, Nederland's behind the Jones family... WAY behind. They're going to have to catch up to the Waltons, the Bradys and the Simpsons before they ever think about the Jones. [/quote] [/quote] I never insinuated that you were. The bottom line is that school districts are like businesses in that they compete with each other for new customers, AKA new families. Every district around Nederland has been taking the necessary steps to keep customers coming in. NISD has not. Your tax rate is already incredibly low. It's not unreasonable to pass another bond and raise the tax rate a fraction of a percent in exchange for better facilities and the rewards thereof.