mat

[quote name="Hupernikomen" post="1000610" timestamp="1303354037"] [quote author=JohnnyT60 link=topic=82980.msg1000482#msg1000482 date=1303335658] [quote author=Hupernikomen link=topic=82980.msg999853#msg999853 date=1303262052] [quote author=JohnnyT60 link=topic=82980.msg999436#msg999436 date=1303225662] Reducing coaching positions has a minimal impact on the budget. Assuming you eliminate 4 positions, that would only reduce your budget by $14,000. At what cost, many of these children look to their coaches for guidance and leadership because they don't get it at home. I see a lot of panick going on, this is a temp economic downfall. Sure the belt needs to be tightend where it can, but no decisions, I repeat, no decisions should be made that have long term effects on campus. The rainy day fund will pick up some this year and administrators will have time to make adjustments going forward. Coaching seems to be the easy target, but really with little impact on the budget. [/quote] [b]4 positions equals more like 200k[/b].  Districts who cut these positions will not be keeping the employee for other purposes.  I am sure that there are many, many coaches who would gladly give up athletics and just stay on in their other roles for the district.  This will not be the case. Somethings to ponder.. In 07-08 Texas was 41st in per pupil spending among the States.  In that same year we were 48th in taxation (sales, income, excess etc.) The year before in 06 Texas came up with a new funding system that reduced everyone's property tax across the state by 1/3rd.  (Federal court cases made them come up with new funding system) --this was to be replaced by a business tax.  (it brings in BILLIONS LESS than what was promised) --they forced your county appraisal district to appraise "fairly" at that same time.  How has that worked out for you?  I now have a lower tax rate and a home that has grown in value @ 50% in the last 5 years.  Do the math and you can see that "tax break" has evaporated. On to the business tax.  [url=[Hidden Content] letter to Perry tells you all need to know.[/url]  (Notice the 2006 date on this one folks, this was our previous Comptroller telling Perry at the fallacy of their plan.) The bottom line is Texas has always expected schools to do more with less and now they are demanding even more with even less and blaming the need for less on anyone they can point a finger at:  over-abundance of administrators, over-abundance or specialists, over-abundance of coaches, and over-abundance of every other position in the district. Why not fund education at a level that the constitution demands?   Of course we have some fluff that can be trimmed.  Every organization does.  Trust me it is being trimmed. Shouldn't we be demanding that the State provide those billions they promised whenever they rewrote the public funding laws?   [/quote] Not if they continue to teach. You are only removing the coaching stipend. All I have read is how cutting coaches will trim the budget. What I have tried to stress is that most, especially the young ones teach also. I don't believe anyone is supporting of cutting teachers. Coaches seem to be the easy targets. yet will result in very little of a budget reduction. [/quote] I agree that no one is supporting the cuts.  Where coaches are going to be squeezed is the situations where they aren't in the classroom or more than are needed are in the gym to man PE classes.  There definitely will be fewer coaches on staffs because many districts have multiple coaches per PE class.  Right or wrong this will be part of the outcome of this budget crunch.  Any perspective coach should heed this warning and make yourself valuable by being able to teach in a regular classroom.  PE jobs are going to be few and far between in the years ahead. [/quote] As long as PE is required coaches are needed in the gym, not multiple coaches at a time, but coaches are needed. Another way to look at things; a coach that teaches fills the classroom spot. Then you also get a sport coach for a little stipend. Double value

[quote name="One4All" post="1000590" timestamp="1303351540"] Community got what they wanted .........I hope they ready!!!!!! [/quote] they ready

Keep it up "I don't play well with Jaguars" You' catch up with Scooter soon.  :D

[quote name="td" post="1000438" timestamp="1303331446"] All of the negative things about the Super and or the process should have never been said. Not to mention the things that weren't said but implied and most of you know exactly what I mean. [/quote] yep

[quote name="td" post="1000420" timestamp="1303330395"] Maybe we will all give the Super a chance to do the job he was hired to do. [/quote] Agreed

[quote name="leonard sly" post="1000328" timestamp="1303320081"] If/when it'll be state ruled, county wide, each school will keep it's identity IMO. Might be triggered by financial problems....just like Stark and WO, again just my opinion. [/quote] Probably so

I completely disagree. Few are divided over those two choices even though most have a preference. Unless you have some inside knowledge its not safe to assume this is splitting the WOS coaching staff. And why would Toby apply for select AD positions with other programs and not show interest in WOS? This type of thing happens all the time in athletics and education; multiple applicants for the same position within a district.

[quote name="oldollie" post="999597" timestamp="1303241285"] LCM was 7-3 last season and have been greatly improved since the arrival of Coach Crouch and his staff. So lets use the term " even more improved" instead of "will start improving":D [/quote] That^^^^

So you really are worried about the WOS thread catching yours  ;)

[quote name="Scooter!" post="999398" timestamp="1303221701"] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=82860.msg999394#msg999394 date=1303221220] I was wrong, Young is at PAM. [/quote]He aint going anywhere. Not with the team Memorial will have, they have a GREAT chance to win the region next season. [/quote] WOS has a shot at winning region every year

[quote name="smitty" post="999344" timestamp="1303217177"] You are missing the big picture.  A school COULD drop all extra curricular activities.  Remember, football is just a game.  Kids are there for an education.  Schools are at the mercy of the tax payers.  That's why we MUST elect school board members.  So, fair and advantages mean absolutely nothing!!   PS - If it still bothers you, let's have the State require that schools can only have 7 HS football coaches.  Now, every pne has the same!!     ;) [quote author=mat link=topic=82980.msg999244#msg999244 date=1303172212] [quote author=smitty link=topic=82980.msg999153#msg999153 date=1303158505] Good!  So have the board tell the district you will only have 6-7 coaches on the HS level and 2 each for 8th and 9th grade.  They can be whatever teachers they are... [quote author=speechless link=topic=82980.msg999124#msg999124 date=1303154123] Did you know that most coaches are History teachers which is a core subject? [/quote] [/quote] Maybe a good idea in theory but when your team has six coaches and you're going against teams that has had ten coaches all season you will be at a disadvantage. And then when your team falls short people will want to replace the AD, OC, DC etc. The same folks at say there's to much emphasis on athletics. [/quote] [/quote] Once again, there's theory and reality. Much of school funding is based on ADA (average daily attendance) With so many school offering open enrollment these days to attract ADA, drop your extra curricular activities and student will move to districts that offers extra curricular activities. If a single district choses to eliminate extra curricular activities they will lose students and money.

[quote name="smitty" post="999153" timestamp="1303158505"] Good!  So have the board tell the district you will only have 6-7 coaches on the HS level and 2 each for 8th and 9th grade.  They can be whatever teachers they are... [quote author=speechless link=topic=82980.msg999124#msg999124 date=1303154123] Did you know that most coaches are History teachers which is a core subject? [/quote] [/quote] Maybe a good idea in theory but when your team has six coaches and you're going against teams that has had ten coaches all season you will be at a disadvantage. And then when your team falls short people will want to replace the AD, OC, DC etc. The same folks at say there's to much emphasis on athletics.

[quote name="basketball25" post="998791" timestamp="1303075302"] Gsp toughest fight ever, shields has 15 straight wins and makes it 16!!!!!, coUtorE, Aldo,brilz,Henderson. [/quote] Thats a bold upset prediction. I don't think so

Champ[b] Georges St-Pierre[/b] vs. Jake Shields      may go the distance though  UFC Welterweight Championship Champ [b]Jose Aldo [/b] vs. Mark Hominick UFC Featherweight Championship Randy Couture vs. [b]Lyoto Machida[/b]  Not really sure [b]Jason Brilz [/b] vs. Vladimir Matyushenko [b]Ben Henderson[/b] vs. Mark Bocek

[quote name="WOSgrad" post="998767" timestamp="1303071423"] [quote author=mat link=topic=83252.msg998755#msg998755 date=1303067729] At the end of the process which statement from the new superintendent would sound like a superintendant to lead WOC into the future? Not to mention the most credible statement supporting the new AD. [i]“After carefully reviewing both district applicants and considering the public opinion I recommend Cornell Thompson for the AD position for WOC” “After careful review of all of the qualified candidates from the state of Texas I recommend Cornell Thompson for the AD position for WOC”[/i] One thing is for certain, after he weathers this storm he should have smooth sailing (providing he makes the right choice) because there will be nowhere near the interest or scrutiny in future topics; such as layoffs, budget, principal selections, test scores, etc, you know, the less important topics. I’m not a Colbert supporter but I will be patient and give him a legitimate chance to lead the way before calling for his head. [/quote] Neither, this would be the wording of that statement: [i]President Amy and ladies and gentlemen of the school board, the job of athletic director of the WO-C CISD and and football coach at West Orange-Stark High School was a very sought after position. In opening the application process to the public, we received the applications of ___ individuals who possessed the desire and confidence to help guide our children in their education here in the WO-C CISD.  I authorized the release of this list of applicant so that the parents and taxpayers of this district could see for themselves the high quality of the individuals who wished so much to join their community that they have engaged in this application process.  This was an important decision and in doing so carefully considered the qualifications of the applicants. I also sought input from the residents of the WO-C CISD, alumni of West Orange-Stark High School and the coaching fraternity.  After doing so, I am confident that we have best individual to guide our athletic program into the future.  Ladies and gentlemen of the school board, I recommend Cornel Thompson to be the next athletic director for the West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District and the next head football coach at West Orange-Stark High School.[/i] [/quote] Well I certainly agree with your example of a hiring statement too but I can’t help but consider that a newly hired leader with no knowledge or history with the district will have to go through a process that he can be confident in. I’ll try to continue to keep an optimistic view until proven different. And as far as transparency is concerned, I think it is too soon to say he has not delivered. It appears people are uncomfortable because the transparency has not met their expected timeline.

At the end of the process which statement from the new superintendent would sound like a superintendant to lead WOC into the future? Not to mention the most credible statement supporting the new AD. [i]“After carefully reviewing both district applicants and considering the public opinion I recommend Cornell Thompson for the AD position for WOC” “After careful review of all of the qualified candidates from the state of Texas I recommend Cornell Thompson for the AD position for WOC”[/i] One thing is for certain, after he weathers this storm he should have smooth sailing (providing he makes the right choice) because there will be nowhere near the interest or scrutiny in future topics; such as layoffs, budget, principal selections, test scores, etc, you know, the less important topics. I’m not a Colbert supporter but I will be patient and give him a legitimate chance to lead the way before calling for his head.

Who's your picks MAIN CARD Champ Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields UFC Welterweight Championship Champ Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick UFC Featherweight Championship Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida Jason Brilz vs. Vladimir Matyushenko Ben Henderson vs. Mark Bocek

Its hard to avoid the wind these days

[quote name="smitty" post="998661" timestamp="1303036794"] So, let's deal with reality.  In the free enterprise, private industry -- you know, what we call capitalism, people get laid off all the time.  INCLUDING older people with 20-25 years of good experience.  So, why should a school district -- that should be highly efficient with taxpayer's dollars -- be any different??!!   This is called the real world! [quote author=True Blue link=topic=82980.msg998400#msg998400 date=1302972533] OK let me get this stright, You wont to force out the teaches that have been there for 20 to 25 yrs?? This means that a person that has spent their whole life doing one job will now have to go back out in the open job market, with only teaching experance, and find a new job??? Now remember these people are only 45 to 50 years old???  Thats what you wont??? You must be very young or just a fool. [/quote] [/quote] You can’t legally target specifically older, longer tenured, teachers for layoffs.

[quote name="Scooter!" post="998375" timestamp="1302969184"] I 100% agree with this statement--------->"Withholding names may be how they do things in Tennessee, where WO-C ISD Superintendent James Colbert came from. [b]But Colbert should remember that he's in Texas now[/b]." [/quote] I think that is a tacky statement by the no surprise Enterprise. Colbert is from Texas and has worked many years in Texas education. The Enterprise is known for bashing and bullying so who cares what they think. If the Leader (a local paper) has something to say, I’ll pay attention.

Some things to think about For many districts during poor economic times, offering an incentive for retirement is a very good option. It gives older employees incentive pay to retire when they were considering retirement in the next few years anyway. Not only do you reduce top end salaries, it prevents the district from having to make as many layoffs of lowered salaried teachers and allows those with other options to leave by choice rather than force those with no options. In the end you have reduced your salary budget. Many 30+ year teachers chose full retirement and pursue other employment anyway. Experience on the campus and in the classroom in invaluable but don’t underestimate the power and leadership of teachers with 5, 10, 15 and more years of experience.

[quote name="td" post="997646" timestamp="1302877147"] [quote author=Gasilla link=topic=82860.msg997493#msg997493 date=1302821219] [quote author=Slam14 link=topic=82860.msg997483#msg997483 date=1302819664] [quote author=td link=topic=82860.msg997326#msg997326 date=1302799897] [quote author=WOSgrad link=topic=82860.msg997278#msg997278 date=1302794035] And td, it shouldn't be left to rumor.  Those taxpayers and patrons of Mustangs games, who pay Colbert's salary and will pay the salary of the new coach, have a perfect right to know who this committee is considering as the athletic director of this school district.  The rumors are flying because this committee has made NOTHING known.  Tho public has been given nothing to judge and see whether this committee has chosen the best candidate. I'll say this about Erick Guillory, I think he is a snake that is in on this, but at least he been willing to interact with the public on the matter. However, the committee as a whole has failed to act with the "transparency" that was promised by Mr. Colbert.  Until that changes, they themselves are fostering the belief that this is not on the up and up.   [/quote] There is a lot in your statement that I absolutely agree with. I think it would be nice to know who the candidates are also. It's times like this that I feel compelled to hold my tongue just because I'm running for the school board. However, that's not my style. Never has been, never will be. You having a RIGHT to know is absurd. Our only rights are found under the FOI act and no one is begrudging us that. That's like telling a cop he can't give you a ticket because you pay his salary. The public votes on the board, the board hires the Super, he recommends the AD then the board has to approve that decision. What you are wanting to do is micro-manage and that's never a good idea. Don't take what I'm saying as being on a different page as most of yall on here. I just think sometimes we think we are owed more than what we really are. We hire people to do a job. Let's let them do that job. If something is not on the up and up then there is a committee to stop it and if that doesn't happen then there is yet another line of defense and that is the school board that can also stop it. I understand the lack of confidence in the school board but if this thing goes in a different direction than we are all thinking, then there will be not only the Super, but the committee and the school board to hold accountable. [/quote] Place this post in bold letters and delete all the rest in this thread.   [/quote] Well T, you and I usually agree on most things. Even now, I agree with everything you say. I don't feel like it's my "right" to know. However, when Colbert tells the media about this being a "transparent" process, then it turns out to be anything but that. It's going to give people cause for concern. [/quote] Let me play devils advocate. What if there is a candidate that has asked that his name not be revealed? Maybe this is the reason that the names aren't being released. I'm not saying that's the reason I'm asking you to think outside of the bo and not crucify the Super when there may be another reason. Personally I don't know. What I don't want to hapen is that in the end. Coach T does get this job and then you have put out a bunch of negative statements that are not built around facts and then you have to live with that. No apolgy will be acceptable at that point. I'm just asking that we give the process a chance. You can choose to believe the rumors and the whispers if you want to. At the end of the day all we can do is give our opinion to the board members and the committee members. Spewing negativity on a message board doesn't Add anything to this process and only does damage to our district. My only goal is to stop the negativity. [/quote] Sounds like a very good approach for future board member.

Man, this is one fast moving thread. While I agree with all of you on who should get the job I also agree with TD and WOC on their process. I really don’t have a dog in the hunt but I too want what’s best for WOS. Everyone has been waiting for a new superintendent to take control and bring WOC out of it’s troubled past. He is brand new to the district and has to make maybe one of toughest decisions of his career and you all expect him make it based solely on the popular want of the community? A real leader will put together whatever process he needs to evaluate candidates so he can make a decision he is 100% confident in. Of course he keeps an open ear to all that everyone has to say but in the end he has to KNOW who is best for the job, not just take someone’s opinion. By the same token he should not let any critics (if there area any) sway his decision. In the end I’m sure we will all be happy with the results. If not, I’ll figure out how to take my foot out of my mouth. BTW – can you imagine the quality of applicants that have probably shown interest in the WOS AD job?

[quote name="WOSgrad" post="997090" timestamp="1302743531"] In fact, after spending a few minutes on the phone with Mr. Guillory of the committee, I am even less assured that at any point during this process and I am even more convinced now that ever that Cornel Thompson is destined to screwed in this process. Shortly after griff posted the texting number for Mr. Guillory.  I sent a text saying that Cornel Thompson is the only man the committee should consider for the job. I should have gotten the first clue when the response texted back to was "Y?" and that he wanted me to call him.  In a call which ended with me hanging up on Mr. Guillory made it obvious to me that Coach Thompson is not only not the committee's top choice, but he is quickly being shuffled to the back of the pack by this committee.  First, he denied that other coaches who he had contacted had told him that Cornel Thompson was the guy for the job.  He then said that other coaches whose applications were more qualified than Coach Thompson for the position and then in the same breath told me that Mr. Colbert has ordered that the names of the applicants (We'll see about that as a FOI request has been made with the school district and we are awaiting their reply).  Finally, contrary to what Colbert told the Orange Leader, Coach Thompson is not even guaranteed a spot as finalist for the position.  He claims that Colbert was "misquoted" by Van Wade and that the Leader is to print a retraction on that (as one of the admins here is the editor of the Leader, I'll leave that for him to respond to, if he wishes).  He claims that he has canvassed the community for choices and none of the names that he mentioned was Cornel Thomspson.  As I told him, if he can't make a case for Cornel Thompson as head coach/athletic director, he isn't trying.  And in reality, I don't believe they are. So, those that are hoping that the district do the right thing and promote Coach Thompson and that this process is just a way of complying with state law, you may want to rethink. [/quote] If I'm not mistaken I'm pretty sure I heard Colbert state during his interview on KOGT that the two in-house applicants were assured to be finalist in the final four finalist list.

Finally getting to see my first Astros game this year. They're up 5-0 in the 2nd. I don't know what all the complaining is about; they look great. ;D ::)