PN-G bamatex

[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.

[quote name="The-NHS" post="1013645" timestamp="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 name="smitty" post="1013521" timestamp="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 name="smitty" post="1012764" timestamp="1305882315"] Does anyone here have the total budget for extra-curricular activities for Nederland ISD? [/quote] I don't know what it is now, but I know at one time NISD spent about $1.7 Million annually on athletics. Although this is a Nederland thread, I'd like to point out that in the same year PN-GISD spent half that since you love to pick on us as well. We also make more money from football ticket sales than Nederland... and just about everyone else. [Hidden Content] Here's a link to the NISD budget for this school year. Have fun. [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012766#msg1012766 date=1305883799] It appears, though, I'm not the only one.   Sometimes you have to think outside the box.     ;) Stick with me, young-un:  I was saying you know what's important (education) and it's NOT a game (football, baseball) that's really important.  Games are good but it's still a game!  Get it now?? [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1012600#msg1012600 date=1305840397] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012382#msg1012382 date=1305772864] There is not a narrow definition of education.  You no what's important and I know what's important.  And it's NOT a game!!  It's good if you can but it's still a GAME!!!!! [/quote] Yeah, I do know what's important. Values are important - every bit as important as actual knowledge. You can't teach a student the importance of teamwork by only giving him reading, writing, and arithmetic. Alright, you've lost me. It's not a game, but it's still a game? Whatever. Good luck, Ned. Have fun trying to replace those dilapidated, crumbling buildings with smitty out there. Meanwhile, I'll be wrapping up my secondary education over here on the Reservation, where we have a solid foundation, an intact roof, and central air and heat. Scalp 'em! ;D [/quote] [/quote] So you know for a fact that these two incumbents were removed from the board for their stances on the bond? I think that bond would have passed had the economy not crashed. In fact, it sounds to me like most in Nederland regret not passing it, but that's just an outsider perspective. And even as a band member, I know that those games teach a lot more than just how to score points when you've got the right coaches.

[quote name="smitty" post="1012382" timestamp="1305772864"] There is not a narrow definition of education.  You no what's important and I know what's important.  And it's NOT a game!!  It's good if you can but it's still a GAME!!!!! [/quote] Yeah, I do know what's important. Values are important - every bit as important as actual knowledge. You can't teach a student the importance of teamwork by only giving him reading, writing, and arithmetic. Alright, you've lost me. It's not a game, but it's still a game? Whatever. Good luck, Ned. Have fun trying to replace those dilapidated, crumbling buildings with smitty out there. Meanwhile, I'll be wrapping up my secondary education over here on the Reservation, where we have a solid foundation, an intact roof, and central air and heat. Scalp 'em! ;D

[quote name="smitty" post="1012310" timestamp="1305758319"] I have pretty well answered these questions in the past.  Here goes again:  You keep repairing when something happens.  So my question, as before, why were not the repairs kept up with??  No new taxes.  No new bonds until all questions are answered.  And all effort is put into getting the BEST EDUCATION while efficiently taking care of the tax payers dollars.  And if that means cutting extra-curricular activities, then so be it.  Threats of people moving to other school districts does not phase me.  If there are those that are just there to do extra-curricular activities, then we don't need them!!  I say give me your child, you'll have a safe LEARNING environment. We'll see to it that your child will get the best education around.  Plus we won't rape you as a tax payer!! [/quote] That depends on your definition of education; obviously, yours is very narrow. Academia, of course, is the primary focus of any school district. However, that is not all there is to education. Extracurricular activities do something that pure academics cannot. While academic knowledge is incredibly useful, what cannot be taught in the traditional classroom setting in any serious manner are values. Core values and skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic, leadership, social behaviors, and other things of that sort simply cannot be imparted to a generation through a pen, paper, and textbook. Those are things that come to students through activities and groups such as the band, drill team, various sports teams, FCCLA, FFA, and National Honors Society. In order to round out and complete an education, those things must be involved. All the knowledge in the world will not help a group of students if they don't know how to act, work together, or accomplish a goal.

[quote name="I dont play well with Jaguars" post="1012046" timestamp="1305669036"] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1012035#msg1012035 date=1305666670] [quote author=Roughrider link=topic=84302.msg1011768#msg1011768 date=1305640659] [quote author=fbplayer999 link=topic=84302.msg1011730#msg1011730 date=1305636478] Yes Nederland should feel so good about themselves for not passing a bond, it was such the right thing to do. That why these schools are wrong so wrong and these students will suffer from there bond being passed, WOW 2 passed since 2006, PNG (good god why would you want your kids in a brand new JR, and elementary schoos, BISD, Port Arthur way to nice of a High School, etc too many to count.   Smitty is so right let never build anything nice in NEderland, no to extra curricualar activities, school 7 days a week for 10 hours a day.  Lets have the lowest tax rate in Jefferson county O wait we already do. [/quote] After reading that quote, it seems to me Nederland needs to build a state of the art English/Grammar lab. [/quote] Been saying that for years. ;D [quote author=A Bear's Bear link=topic=84302.msg1011819#msg1011819 date=1305644020] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1011315#msg1011315 date=1305504075] [How many times has Nederland won the district championship in UIL Academics over the last eleven years? [/quote] Just want to point out that LCM took 2nd in UIL last year (barely lost to PNG) and took 3rd this year (losing by one 5th place to Nederland), despite missing all of band (see: half of their UIL team) because of the triennial field trip to Colorado...just saying...  :) [/quote] At the 2010 meet, our score was 431 to LC-M's 268. That's a 163 point difference. Our score was 1.61 times yours. With that said, LC-M's band being in Colorado did hurt their UIL team this year. However, it wasn't like LC-M was barely losing to us in the sweepstakes races at the practice meets. The only practice meets we didn't win this year were Nederland (Pearland Dawson showed up) and A&M Consolidated (lost by one freaking place to Whitehouse, which is the North Texas version of Friendswood). We won the 4A/5A category at all of the others by considerable margins. Also, we beat second place Nederland this year 493-233. [b]Back on topic... Nederland's schools suck.[/b] ;D [/quote]uh oh....here we go  ;D [/quote] ;)

[quote name="Roughrider" post="1011768" timestamp="1305640659"] [quote author=fbplayer999 link=topic=84302.msg1011730#msg1011730 date=1305636478] Yes Nederland should feel so good about themselves for not passing a bond, it was such the right thing to do. That why these schools are wrong so wrong and these students will suffer from there bond being passed, WOW 2 passed since 2006, PNG (good god why would you want your kids in a brand new JR, and elementary schoos, BISD, Port Arthur way to nice of a High School, etc too many to count.   Smitty is so right let never build anything nice in NEderland, no to extra curricualar activities, school 7 days a week for 10 hours a day.  Lets have the lowest tax rate in Jefferson county O wait we already do. [/quote] After reading that quote, it seems to me Nederland needs to build a state of the art English/Grammar lab. [/quote] Been saying that for years. ;D [quote author=A Bear's Bear link=topic=84302.msg1011819#msg1011819 date=1305644020] [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1011315#msg1011315 date=1305504075] [How many times has Nederland won the district championship in UIL Academics over the last eleven years? [/quote] Just want to point out that LCM took 2nd in UIL last year (barely lost to PNG) and took 3rd this year (losing by one 5th place to Nederland), despite missing all of band (see: half of their UIL team) because of the triennial field trip to Colorado...just saying...  :) [/quote] At the 2010 meet, our score was 431 to LC-M's 268. That's a 163 point difference. Our score was 1.61 times yours. With that said, LC-M's band being in Colorado did hurt their UIL team this year. However, it wasn't like LC-M was barely losing to us in the sweepstakes races at the practice meets. The only practice meets we didn't win this year were Nederland (Pearland Dawson showed up) and A&M Consolidated (lost by one freaking place to Whitehouse, which is the North Texas version of Friendswood). We won the 4A/5A category at all of the others by considerable margins. Also, we beat second place Nederland this year 493-233. Back on topic... Nederland's schools suck. ;D

[quote name="rykerx144" post="1011616" timestamp="1305583608"] [quote author=BHFAN link=topic=84073.msg1011577#msg1011577 date=1305577450] [quote author=octfeb link=topic=84073.msg1011565#msg1011565 date=1305574218] Hmm seems Barbers Hill Ants instead of Barbers Hill Eagles would be more appropriate. The Mascot could be the QUEEN Ant, being they like dressing up in tutu's and such.. Just saying  :-\  ;) [/quote] Says the school with PURPLE as thier school colors ;D [/quote] Says the school that gets dominated by two schools with PURPLE as their colors!!  :P :P [/quote] Says the only school I think has ever been beaten four times in three years by a school with PURPLE as its main color. ;D

That's very true. This is probably the wrong time to try and replace the facilities, and the fist bond probably failed because of poor timing. However, the fact remains. Nederland's facilities are in deplorable condition with the exception of the PAC.

[quote name="bobbymcgee" post="1011295" timestamp="1305497273"] Has that money really benefitted PNG? Look at the school rankings. PN-G [Hidden Content] Nederland: [Hidden Content] Nederland is a higher ranked school than PNG [/quote] Bud, I could find you a hundred different sites that say the exact opposite. Keep in mind that as recently as 2005 PN-G took fifth in Class 4A in the race for the UIL Lone Star Cup. Also keep in mind that Nederland was only ranked "Academically Acceptable" for either '08-'09 or '09-'10 (don't remember which) whereas PN-G has fallen just short of "Exemplary" for the last two years, and that PN-G had blue-ribbon status for several consecutive years leading up to Hurricane Rita. How many times has Nederland won the district championship in UIL Academics over the last eleven years? [quote author=Penny link=topic=84302.msg1011302#msg1011302 date=1305499672] Mat, I'll take it a step further.  You cut all extra-cirruculars and the mass exodus starts as you suggest and I would 110% agree.  Then take the youngster Bandkid's crazy thought that investing in your school is an investment in your overall community, ie your businesses, property you own... etc.  Once the mass exodus starts, how is that good in any way for a single person living in Nederland.  Some can't see the big picture, but that is exactly the slope we're on.  Heck, it may even be too late.  The bond had a VERY small portion of anything for extra-cirriculars.  I'm sure those that put it together and every coach at NISD would gladly have taken every penny out to see the bond to build new schools pass.  This isn't about an agenda or unwise spending, a bond to build new schools in Nederland is an investment in our community.  If you're not willing to invest in it, then be ready to go down with the ship.  We won't be able to save and cut our way to prosperity. [/quote] Exactly. I honestly hope Nederland makes the right decision and starts playing catch-up. I've been in many schools in this area for various events and competitions and NHS is by far in the worst condition of any of them when you don't take the PAC into account (which, for the record, is very nice). I have family friends who teach in Nederland that believe it's in the same position Port Arthur was in back in the '80s. I also know that several Nederland schools don't have central air and heat and use window units for air-conditioning. How many other SETX school districts have to do that? I think some of Vidor's schools do, but that's about it as far as I know. smitty, you keep saying that these facilities won't educate one child. Have you stopped to consider what nice new facilities would do for Nederland's pride? Stepping into the completed Indian Stadium for the first time was a big moment for the Indian Nation. It's a fond memory for myself and all in PN-G who were there. Winning the first game in that stadium is something I will never forget and having six home games follow it was an incredible experience; I know for a fact that having a new stadium, a new coaching staff, and a new school in the works motivated many of the PN-G football players that brought home our first undefeated regular season since 1977, and I also know that it fired up countless other PN-G students that brought home what many have called the most electric year for PN-G extracurricular activities since 1999. Then, starting with my senior year, PN-G students walk into what might as well be a brand new building filled with all sorts of fascinating new technology. Is the building perfect? Not by any means, but it's not like any of us want to go back to the old building and PN-G students generally take pride in the new facilities. Now imagine what something like that could do for Nederland. Take a drive down Merriman and look at the new middle school and the new parts of the Reservation (and that shiny new totem pole built in our new, state-of-the-art vocational facilities ;D) and imagine kids using brand new facilities wearing that God-awful black and gold (;)). Look at the progress PAISD and its students have made since the start of new construction in Port Arthur. I've seen first-hand what it's like for faculty, staff and students when they're forced to use out-dated facilities that, in many cases, are falling in on themselves and are covered in mold that gets kids sick. Those conditions often cause students to lose pride in their schools and even feel forgotten by their school district and their communities. I reiterate, if Nederland doesn't start investing in its future, its young families will leave and it simply won't have a future. Lastly, since this is a Nederland thread, scalp 'em. ;D

[quote name="mat" post="1011257" timestamp="1305481506"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1011214#msg1011214 date=1305466402] Since you are concerned, you might want to educate yourself on all candidates.  Then we'll talk.  ;) Throughout these discussions here, I have always stayed focused on the students.  That's why I'm against passing bonds that build 10 million dollar stadiums and gym-atoriums.  And any other extra expenditures that do not educate one student.     PS - Being responsible for/with taxpayer dollars has now become an "extreme" view?  Learn your history also!!    ::) PSS - Also, the queen of these bond issues also got defeated in her attempt to gain a school board seat.  Excellent! Now we can concentrate on education instead of keeping up with the Jones'!!!! [quote author=mat link=topic=84302.msg1011206#msg1011206 date=1305465076] Your sole focus on the tax payer’s dollars does not benefit the students or the education system. I don’t know the history of the incumbents or the elected but while I’m all for fiscal responsibility, your extreme view is not good for NISD.   [/quote] [/quote] As I already stated, I don’t know the candidates history but I do know much more about certain topics than you realize. The last NISD consideration of a bond was to address some needed necessities and the price was very small in comparison to the first try and other districts bonds. There was no new stadium or other nonessential needs. You have twisted my “extreme” comment. I stated extreme in reference to your always anti-bond campaigns. You seam to be in it for the students and “education” as long as it doesn’t cost you a dime more. Answer this oh wise one.  ;)   The state will cut district funding, the facilities are in poor condition, district department budgets are getting cut, employees are getting laid off and every bordering district has better facilities than NISD. How do they pay for needed improvements? Not keeping up with the Jones. [b]FYI – the only thing saving NISD is that PNG has not allowed open enrollment.[/b] [/quote] Don't put too much stock in that. I can think of several cases of Nederland kids pulling strings to try and get here in the last two or three years. smitty, try and broaden your definition of education a little. Also, look up the word "investment" and then research returns on investments. PN-G and other area districts are taking the steps necessary to remain successful in the future. If NISD doesn't, Nederland won't have a future.

The only prediction that I'll offer is that me and about 10,000 other fans are going to be rooting for the Indians at the Reservation this year. Mid-County Madness is too unpredictable to try and take a stab at this far out. When you take these three cities, these two schools, and this many people and cram them all into one stadium for that one particular game, anything can happen. Scalp 'em.

Are they going to get rid of the stands for the visiting band? That thing SUCKED.