Have you not noticed something that is far from unusual in the headlines? Does it not seem bothersome that from Dec. 15 through 20 we have seen the following headlines: “Mercedes to interview for superintendent candidate.” “San Benito H.S. principal suspended.” “La Joya ISD asks for TEA intervention.” “Mercedes ISD nixes naming Rivera as permanent superintendent.” “Weslaco ISD board to talk superintendent resignation.” “McAllen ISD complaint includes board president, supervisor.” “Mercedes ISD interim super resigns.” “Mercedes ISD to discuss possible middle school personnel investigation.” “Palmview teacher arrested for coercing minors, child porn.” “Armed Mercedes student arrested Monday.”
When you read these headlines and add them to: La Joya ISD being constantly dragged through the mud due to illicit deals and political maneuvering by its board and administration; Mission ISD not being able to write a contract to complete the safe repairs of Tom Landry Stadium; Sharyland ISD’s year-after-year request for and taxpayer denial of additional bond issues for “repairs” that should have been completed under yearly budgets rather than new playing fields scoreboards; plus the two other ISDs currently under TEA scrutiny. Don’t you wonder about the state of HidalgoCounty’s ISDs?
If you think the above have no effect on the quality and consistency of the children’s education, or for that matter their safety, you are in denial. When the administrations and superintendents are busy covering their high-paid tushes and the boards are engaged in playing their political and financial games, what time do they have for the children? If you think this doesn’t exist uncovered in other ISDs, yup, denial again.
How many of you know there are 17 public ISDs in HidalgoCounty? These ISDs cover approximately 215 campuses, academies and schools with 17 boards, 17 superintendents and 215 principals. These ISDs, boards and superintendents have anywhere from 1 to 44 schools and principals to oversee. I hope you don’t believe there is any chance of consistency in the quality of education the children receive or the dollars spent per child with this disparity in responsibility levels.
The Texas Constitution states, “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” Although it doesn’t require equality, or quality, it does require efficiency.
Let’s change it. It will take a while and require many difficult decisions. Let’s make education a countywide responsibility reporting through four school precincts to the county commissioners. Commonality of quality and safety, certainly more efficient, and a much larger and equal funding base. That should allow the hiring of the best possible administrators, teachers and staff. Remember, the purpose is to safely educate the students, not to create political dynasties, provide jobs for family and friends nor provide daycare for children.
Ned Sheats lives in Mission.
