mat

[quote name="PN-G bandkid" post="1013906" timestamp="1306278725"] [quote author=smitty link=topic=84302.msg1013890#msg1013890 date=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] Touche

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 name="smitty" post="1013702" timestamp="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 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.   [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 name="smitty" post="1013502" timestamp="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 name="smitty" post="1013494" timestamp="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 name="smitty" post="1012764" timestamp="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 name="sportsfreak2008" post="1012697" timestamp="1305858291"] [quote author=Riding Solo link=topic=84400.msg1012677#msg1012677 date=1305855745] [quote author=queenb77630 link=topic=84400.msg1012604#msg1012604 date=1305841296] well I guess my son won't be playing next year because I think Landry is a smart butt.  Anyone who calls the kids "f(*&ing punks" and doesn't care that he says it in front of a parent deserves and gets no respect from me! [/quote] Shea is a outstanding young man and will do well. Great move by Coach T. The kids will love him, I do. As for you queen, if in fact that did happen which I doubt your son probably deserved it pretty much like you. [/quote] Word on the street is this was not a Coach T move but rather Mr. Colbert.....hmmm....who's in charge here. ;)  Good luck WOS Baseball [/quote] Gotta be careful how much stock you put into the word on the street.

There's always plenty of turnover in most districts. WOS is just more publicized this year.

[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.  [b]So my question, as before, why were not the repairs kept up with??  No new taxes.  No new bonds until all questions are answered. [/b]  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 author=mat link=topic=84302.msg1011288#msg1011288 date=1305494288] [/quote] 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. [/quote] [/quote] As usual you answered the question with a question. You have not responded how to address the poor facility conditions. Your hardnosed approach of saying “we don’t need those students” is also saying you need the state funding for those students. Your view makes no financial sense except to your pocket.

A lot of rumors were out there but I really didn't expect it.

Lets back up a bit. I agree NISD could use new facilities but it would be very difficult sell a bond that size in today’s economy, job market, etc and I couldn’t blame the tax payers for not being ready at this time for a large bond. But the bond that was most recently considered is needed just to maintain. A very minimal bond in comparison but some (Smitty) still opposed it. The way I understand it they may try in November and if they do I hope it passes.

[quote name="smitty" post="1011261" timestamp="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 name="smitty" post="1011214" timestamp="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.

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. 

Thinks continue to look up in WOC

[quote name="WOSgrad" post="1011136" timestamp="1305423933"] [quote author=mat link=topic=84256.msg1010782#msg1010782 date=1305397608] Great job! Threepete! And WOC voters go to the poles today. Hopefully they'll passthe bond election that will provide them a track to practice on! Amazing achievement [/quote] The bond issue did pass. [/quote] And congrats TD. Things are looking up

Great job! Threepete! And WOC voters go to the poles today. Hopefully they'll passthe bond election that will provide them a track to practice on! Amazing achievement

You two are neck and neck for the stupiderest award.  ;D

[quote name="trece balas" post="1009627" timestamp="1305251602"] could be... i won't argue that.  i just think at this point the abundance of evidence makes it pretty clear that OBL was killed last week (especially now that reports and interviews with conservative congressmen and senators who've seen the pictures are coming out).  plus i like to give smitty a chance to test out his latest theories. [/quote] Be patient; he's still researching

If he's off another year it could be over. The clock is ticking

[quote name="EAGLE07" post="1009199" timestamp="1305212156"] [quote author=Ruckdad link=topic=84128.msg1009158#msg1009158 date=1305209095] Giving up implies that there was something to look forward to.  At the beginning of the season I was expecting 90+ losses.  It's hard to give up on something that you already knew was going to be bad. [/quote] Exactly...Vegas over/under win total is 71 1/2.... 71-91 works for me.  ;) [/quote] So... are going to place your bet?  ;)

My hopes weren't that high to begin with so I don't have to give up on them

GSP is great and I'm huge fan but he is not aggressive enough for an exciting fight. Shields stand up was OK but he rally didn't have much to offer. I'll acknowledge GSPs eye problem but I'm still kinda tired of hearing him apologize for a disappointing fight

Yes it was. Aldo Hominick fight was a really good fight. I was dissapointed with GSP and Shields