smitty

Education is number one priority.  It appears that you don't believe this.    ???  PS -- Smite back at you!      ;) [quote name="Penny" post="1014490" timestamp="1306468826"] Look, now we know where Smitty's coming from.  He's on a SPORTS website prodding all us idiots to get rid of extracirriculars... "sports"... football, so we can build our schools.  That's what he's said.  That's what he is.  Nederland needs to tell our kids to quit competing, sit in algebra, and watch everyone else be all they can be, learning to compete in sports with their education.  Our kids don't get to do that, it's the responsible thing to do.  That's his solution for you Nederlanders.  Suck it up, you can't have the best, you can't even have good.  You can't give your kids what they deserve.  They can't have a complete education.  Smitty has spoken. [/quote]

You might want to look it up?  You might learn something!  LOL!!!! ;) [quote name="dawgnut" post="1015241" timestamp="1306786228"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1015143#msg1015143 date=1306754563] Shut down EDC?  Yes!!  Another waste of money.  Can you defend it with positive facts?  I'm willing to listen! What I'm gaining from you is that you LIKE to waste money.  And any discussion of what's REALLY important is foreign to you.  But stick around!  The teaching never stops!!  Whether or not one chooses to listen!!     ;) [quote author=Penny link=topic=84302.msg1014491#msg1014491 date=1306469097] OOOOPS, forgot to Smite you Smitty, my bad.  Okay, took care of that.  And, I so thank you for living in our little community.  Smitty, should we SHUT DOWN THE NEDERLAND EDC also? Just wonderin [/quote] [/quote] Teaching???? [/quote]

Economic Development Corporation.  It's with the city.  It's used to increase business for Nederland.  Looks good on paper.  And could be.  But it takes in a lot of money but not much of it goes out. [quote name="mat" post="1015146" timestamp="1306760211"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1015143#msg1015143 date=1306754563] Shut down EDC?  Yes!!  Another waste of money.  Can you defend it with positive facts?  I'm willing to listen! What I'm gaining from you is that you LIKE to waste money.  And any discussion of what's REALLY important is foreign to you.  But stick around!  The teaching never stops!!  Whether or not one chooses to listen!!     ;) [quote author=Penny link=topic=84302.msg1014491#msg1014491 date=1306469097] OOOOPS, forgot to Smite you Smitty, my bad.  Okay, took care of that.  And, I so thank you for living in our little community.  Smitty, should we SHUT DOWN THE NEDERLAND EDC also? Just wonderin [/quote] [/quote] What is EDC? [/quote]

Shut down EDC?  Yes!!  Another waste of money.  Can you defend it with positive facts?  I'm willing to listen! What I'm gaining from you is that you LIKE to waste money.  And any discussion of what's REALLY important is foreign to you.  But stick around!  The teaching never stops!!  Whether or not one chooses to listen!!    ;) [quote name="Penny" post="1014491" timestamp="1306469097"] OOOOPS, forgot to Smite you Smitty, my bad.  Okay, took care of that.  And, I so thank you for living in our little community.  Smitty, should we SHUT DOWN THE NEDERLAND EDC also? Just wonderin [/quote]

Only AFTER the cuts I think is important is implemented.  In EVERY situation, you CUT first then raise taxes.  But, again, you have to convince the majority of taxpayers. [quote name="mat" post="1014209" timestamp="1306411982"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1014201#msg1014201 date=1306406682] I get it.  Unless someone has got to this person, maybe we'll have a "reasonable" bond issue.  But this remains to be seen.  Haven't had one yet!  Put it to a vote!! [quote author=dawgnut link=topic=84302.msg1014199#msg1014199 date=1306406283] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013994#msg1013994 date=1306328335] If you are confident, let's bring it to a vote!     ;) [quote author=dawgnut link=topic=84302.msg1013928#msg1013928 date=1306286141] smitty, how come your old "Don't Care" committee spokes person is now chairing the new bond committee? [/quote] [/quote] You missed the point smitty, you don't find it a little ironic when the person that was the mouth of the anti-bond group that hired an outside consultant to help destroy the last bond is now chairing the new bond committe? He still doesn't totaly get it, but he is learning. You can put all the money you want in maintenance of a 1956 Chevy and you still have a 1956 Chevy. You want to win races, you have to get a new car! But as always, you will not get the point because you don't want to get it, you are anti everything. [/quote] [/quote] A successful approach to planning a bond and it's passing is to recruit credible opponents of the bond to sit on the committee. By doing so the opponent becomes (as you like to put it on other threads) enlightened and the district also becomes more aware of the oppositions concerns. It’s a positive move. So, are you saying you would consider a reasonable bond? [/quote]

I get it.  Unless someone has got to this person, maybe we'll have a "reasonable" bond issue.  But this remains to be seen.  Haven't had one yet!  Put it to a vote!! [quote name="dawgnut" post="1014199" timestamp="1306406283"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013994#msg1013994 date=1306328335] If you are confident, let's bring it to a vote!     ;) [quote author=dawgnut link=topic=84302.msg1013928#msg1013928 date=1306286141] smitty, how come your old "Don't Care" committee spokes person is now chairing the new bond committee? [/quote] [/quote] You missed the point smitty, you don't find it a little ironic when the person that was the mouth of the anti-bond group that hired an outside consultant to help destroy the last bond is now chairing the new bond committe? He still doesn't totaly get it, but he is learning. You can put all the money you want in maintenance of a 1956 Chevy and you still have a 1956 Chevy. You want to win races, you have to get a new car! But as always, you will not get the point because you don't want to get it, you are anti everything. [/quote]

The tax base -- That's exactly what I'm been saying here.  We do not have industry to help out.  So, we are at the mercy of small business and homeowners,  You have to deal with this.  You can only tax so people so much. [quote name="phunter308" post="1014192" timestamp="1306393296"] Ah Smitty last I checked coaches are teachers too. Ned will get a bond past and yes you will pay higher taxes. If you don't like move out no one asked you to stay. You want my honest opinion the first thing that needs to go is pre-k or as  I call it daycare the taxpayers pay for. It is not even required by Texas Dept of Education. Is that going to solve the building from falling down around us NO. Read my earlier post on this topic and you will see a plan that will cost upfront but will save the DIstrict roughly 10 million in 10 years. 10 mil will hire alot more then 1.7 mil. Oh and Smitty never compare Ned to PN-G their tax base is twice ours just by the refinierys alone. If I am close like 26 mil to our 12 mil. [/quote]

If you are confident, let's bring it to a vote!    ;) [quote name="dawgnut" post="1013928" timestamp="1306286141"] smitty, how come your old "Don't Care" committee spokes person is now chairing the new bond committee? [/quote]

LOL!!!!      ::) [quote name="dawgnut" post="1013939" timestamp="1306289543"] The reason smitty wants to cut sports is because he doesn't like the DC and if it takes getting rid of all sports to get him then he is for it! [/quote]

I don't recall making a big deal out of PN-G's bond.  [quote name="PN-G bandkid" post="1013884" timestamp="1306271575"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013715#msg1013715 date=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]

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 name="mat" post="1013721" timestamp="1306240937"] Bonds are passed all the time including at least two local bonds in the most recent election. (None failed)  They may continue to fail in NISD because of narrow minded stingy opposition. WOC just passed a bond that will among other things allow them to construct a new athletic track. The existing track for their three time State champion track team is not safe enough to even practice on. According to your view, they should not pass a bond or rebuild the track and cut the track team. Once again and again and again, in the current economic climate I’m not suggesting a high end bond for all new schools. But a smaller bond to address facility necessities is not unreasonable. [/quote]

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 name="mat" post="1013711" timestamp="1306238520"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013702#msg1013702 date=1306232471] [b]But, when it's time to cut, where do you cut first??[/b] [quote author=td link=topic=84302.msg1013633#msg1013633 date=1306186372] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012382#msg1012382 date=1305772864] There is not a narrow definition of education.  You know 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 author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1012372#msg1012372 date=1305771953] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012310#msg1012310 date=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] [/quote] Many a life lessons have been learned from playing those games. [/quote] [/quote] NISD has already begun the cuts by trimming personnel costs. You can review the current verses proposed budget for details. Draining the tax payers? I agree with Bandkid. A low to moderate tax increase is not draining. [/quote]

But, when it's time to cut, where do you cut first?? [quote name="td" post="1013633" timestamp="1306186372"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012382#msg1012382 date=1305772864] There is not a narrow definition of education.  You know 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 author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1012372#msg1012372 date=1305771953] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012310#msg1012310 date=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] [/quote] Many a life lessons have been learned from playing those games. [/quote]

But like I said, you can only drain the taxpayers so much.  We aren't like the Feds; we can't print money!  [quote name="PN-G bandkid" post="1013627" timestamp="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]

I believe that first bond issue, that was soundly defeated by the taxpayers -- was pretty much wanting to keep up with the Jones'.  As long as there is 1.7 mill sitting there on non-educational items, how can you raise taxes?? Like i said before, Nederland does not really have an industry base that pays taxes.  So, the home owners have to pay the brunt of it.  So, that is something that has to be dealt with.  So, I'm fair: Let's bring up another bond issue for all the spending you want and let's see if it passes! [quote name="mat" post="1013552" timestamp="1306166706"] [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.   [b]One cannot also say that education is #1 but...[/b]  It either is or it's not.   [/quote] No one has ever said education is #1 or it not. Everyone agrees with that. Just another case of you putting words in someone’s mouth. This is what I see your view as. (Correct me if I’m wrong because I don’t want to put words in your mouth.) Priority #1 – Education only Priority #2 – Now new taxes under any circumstance. (I may have 1 & 2 out of order for you.) Priority #3 – There is no priority 3 FYI – judging by the condition of NISD facilities there is no “keeping up with the Jones” [/quote]

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 name="mat" post="1013508" timestamp="1306156543"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013502#msg1013502 date=1306154689] Tunnel vision is wanting to hang on to something at the expense of what's REALLY important -- EDUCATION!! So, who cares about the kids.  Someone who says we need to concentrate on EDUCATION or someone who try's to hang on the status qua  and watch your district go down the tubes?  So, you are against using 1.7 mill for more and better teachers and building repairs??  And YOU are for what's good for the kids??    ??? Nothing you've offered will educate one child.  Everything I've said has!!      ;) [quote author=mat link=topic=84302.msg1013498#msg1013498 date=1306152997] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013494#msg1013494 date=1306151841] Let's just take this 1.7 mill figure.  How many teachers could we hire with that money?  How much repairs could we do with that money?  In times of trouble, [b]sometimes you have to think outside the box!![/b]  Saying business as usual will not cut it anymore!! [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013168#msg1013168 date=1305995572] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012764#msg1012764 date=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] [/quote] Think outside the box? I and others have explained the financial implications of eliminating extra curricular programs. Your tunnel vision keeps you is very small impractical box. Critics constantly criticizing with no real knowledge; no wonder NISD is in the shape their in. ::) PS – I think it’s safe to say you have no children in the district. [/quote] [/quote] There is no question that education is the #1 priority but it is tunnel vision to think nothing else is of importance. [/quote]

Tunnel vision is wanting to hang on to something at the expense of what's REALLY important -- EDUCATION!! So, who cares about the kids.  Someone who says we need to concentrate on EDUCATION or someone who try's to hang on the status qua  and watch your district go down the tubes?  So, you are against using 1.7 mill for more and better teachers and building repairs??  And YOU are for what's good for the kids??    ??? Nothing you've offered will educate one child.  Everything I've said has!!      ;) [quote name="mat" post="1013498" timestamp="1306152997"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013494#msg1013494 date=1306151841] Let's just take this 1.7 mill figure.  How many teachers could we hire with that money?  How much repairs could we do with that money?  In times of trouble, [b]sometimes you have to think outside the box!![/b]  Saying business as usual will not cut it anymore!! [quote author=PN-G bandkid link=topic=84302.msg1013168#msg1013168 date=1305995572] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012764#msg1012764 date=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] [/quote] Think outside the box? I and others have explained the financial implications of eliminating extra curricular programs. Your tunnel vision keeps you is very small impractical box. Critics constantly criticizing with no real knowledge; no wonder NISD is in the shape their in. ::) PS – I think it’s safe to say you have no children in the district. [/quote]

Let's just take this 1.7 mill figure.  How many teachers could we hire with that money?  How much repairs could we do with that money?  In times of trouble, sometimes you have to think outside the box!!  Saying business as usual will not cut it anymore!! [quote name="PN-G bandkid" post="1013168" timestamp="1305995572"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012764#msg1012764 date=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]

I am a member of the "I CARE" committee ;).  I hope you are also!!    [quote name="Razor" post="1012892" timestamp="1305917470"] He would fit right in with the CARE committee then.... [/quote]

So, it's best to offer solutions before you get all the facts??????    ???  No wonder we are in the mess we are in!!    ::) [quote name="mat" post="1012796" timestamp="1305898380"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012764#msg1012764 date=1305882315] Does anyone here have the total budget for extra-curricular activities for Nederland ISD? [/quote] You continue to ask questions but provide no answers or solutions [/quote]

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?? link=topic=84302.msg1012600#msg1012600 date=1305840397] [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]

Does anyone here have the total budget for extra-curricular activities for Nederland ISD?

There is not a narrow definition of education.  You know 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 name="PN-G bandkid" post="1012372" timestamp="1305771953"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1012310#msg1012310 date=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]

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 name="mat" post="1011288" timestamp="1305494288"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1011261#msg1011261 date=1305482986] Let me first ask you one question.  And I don't have this answer.  But could find out if you don't: How much is the total money paid out for extra-curricular activities?  [quote author=mat link=topic=84302.msg1011257#msg1011257 date=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. FYI – the only thing saving NISD is that PNG has not allowed open enrollment. [/quote] [/quote] Nice way to avoid answering a question. Since you require me to answer your question before you answer mine, here goes. I don’t know NISD details but I do know the cost for some comparable districts can be 1.4 million per year. I’ll go ahead and respond to your next reply before you bring it up. If you think you could gain 1.4 million dollars per year by cutting extra curricular activities then you are mistaken. Cut them out and many of those parents will take their kids to another district thus loosing enrollment thus loosing state funds. Extra curricular is necessary to maintain enrollment numbers. Your turn. [/quote]

LOL!!!!    ;D    ;D [quote name="Big Ford" post="1011277" timestamp="1305490921"] smitty: Of course we do!!   Don't you know that always makes you a better football team    LOL!!!!    ::) Quote from: bobbymcgee on Today at 12:09:08 PM Nederland needs a new big football stadium with field turf, a two-story press box and a fieldhouse with a natatorium in it Give us our only district loss this year and make the playoffs again and I'll make a phone call to let you'll play at "Da Butch" instead of PN-G again, lol. [/quote]