The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V33
This Website Is Full. Starting With The December 25, 2000 Newsletter,
All Future Editions Will Be Posted In The Llano Ledger 2, Found By
Clicking http://maxpages.com/llanoledger2.
***Publisher's Note: The cowardly failure of the community to
financially support this publication is stunningly pitiful and selfish.
Worse yet, the sickening defense and excuse of cowardice by some is
appalling. If readers care so little for this community and each other,
why should I? T.C.***
************March 27, 2000***************
Indeed, there is never a dull moment in Llano County. Never.
Thursday, March 23, I arrived at LISD Superintendent Jack Patton's
office at precisely 1:30 as arranged. Readers will recall the
Superintendent had agreed to personally conduct a tour of LISD
facilities in his letter of Mar. 10. Upon arriving, Mr. Patton asserted
High School Principal Dennis Hill would in fact emcee the festivities.
I asked the Superintendent if he would be subsequently available to
answer questions immediately after the tour. He testily replied no,
further stating I was only there to do a walk-through, and not for any
personal questioning. Excuse me?
I call the attention of readers to my letter of Feb. 29 as well as
his response of Mar. 10, both found on Reader Letters Vol 3. Patton
clearly knew a personal interview was part of the deal. Had he objected
to questioning, he should have stated so in his correspondence. I would
never have agreed to a tour under such circumstances. I quietly asked
the Superintendent if he was in fact refusing to answer my questions.
Patton became visibly angry, agitated, combative, and barely in
control. ... Certainly, no spitting image of professionalism.
He immediately tried turning the tables by strongly asserting he
had indeed a few questions of his own for me. Readers should clearly
understand I NEVER allow the person interviewed to take control and
attain the upper hand. Never. He asked if I was trying to tear down the
school system, and if I wanted to be sued. I quietly replied I was not
there to answer his questions. I was there to question him. Readers
should be aware I always maintain a low-key approach to all interviews,
regardless of how the other party reacts. Verbal combat is seldom
productive during intense incisive questioning and is reserved for this
website alone. Having clearly lost his composure, however, Patton's
effectiveness quickly disintegrated.
The first of 53 questions was asked. Although he settled down and
began to respond, his answers were vague, evasive, incomplete, hurried,
combative, and interrupted by two phone calls. At the beginning of
questioning and although aware I had 53 questions, he informed me I had
6 minutes to finish. Mr. Hill was also present, and unlike Patton and
to his credit, willingly and completely answered questions presented to
him. Upon "completion" of the "interview", I chose to answer the
Superintendent's two initial questions regarding "tearing down the
schools" and "being sued". As I clearly asserted it is not the purpose
of _The Ledger to tear down any institution. Rather, it is the function
of this publication to expose corruption, abuse, and incompetence
wherever it's found in County government.
I also subsequently chose to answer Patton's second question
regarding being sued. As I had told the Sheriff months before, go ahead
and sue me. I have nothing to take, and most importantly a lawsuit
would provide quick and easy access to LISD and other County documents
through the legal process of discovery. Both the Sheriff and
Superintendent have strongly asserted I'd "love to see all this in
court". Yes, gentlemen. I certainly would. Absolutely. It's the
quickest and easiest way to expose the corruption, abuse, and
incompetence of our officials. Our "leaders", however, know quite well
it's extremely difficult for anyone in a governmental position to
prevail in a slander or libel suit. Our officials also know ONLY the
truth has been presented here. There is NO penalty for publishing fact
and although quite pointed, IS protected speech under the First
Amendment.
As I also told the Superintendent, I understand his chagrin being
repeatedly and figuratively slapped around on this website. How else
could I get his attention, however, since he was ignoring all inquiries
including formal requests under the Texas Open Records Act? Patton is
well aware I would prefer handling all information requests informally
by e-mail. He has chosen, however, to egregiously stonewall, further
strengthening my resolve to force the issue.
During our brief meeting, he promised to provide further information
not immediately available at the time of the "interview". If he
doesn't, a formal request will be made under the Texas Open Records
Act. Why not spare us both the effort and grief, Jack? Just answer the
questions. After all, as public information officer, you're obligated
under the law to do so. One way or the other, you certainly will.
Since Mr. Hill was scheduled to substitute as a bus driver last
Thursday, the tour turned into the bum's rush. Readers should
understand the Superintendent had over three weeks to prepare. Readers
are also reminded he had personally extended the invitation in earlier
correspondence. Clearly, the fiasco Thursday is a public relations
nightmare for the School District. Why extend an invitation you were
not prepared to fully honor? HELLO? Most pointedly, the Superintendent
foolishly squandered a golden opportunity to clear the air and
substantively make his case.
Although the tour was indeed rushed, I was impressed with how well
the facilities are maintained. The grammar school, junior high, and
high school were clean and free of graffiti or any other obvious signs
of vandalism. Although I saw relatively few students, all were
extremely well behaved, and there was no indication of hooliganism. All
three principals stressed their "law and order" approach is
responsible. While candidly admitting to problems, clearly they don't
have the level of difficulties experienced by urban schools. With tour
time so severely limited, I didn't have the opportunity to sit down
with each to closely question them. All three, however, appear to be
caring and dedicated to their students. ... Of course, many visitors
are given the tour, and all three have to have had extensive experience
in public relations.
Although the campus is spread out and peppered with portable
buildings, the supposed "overcrowding" problem is not immediately
obvious. Sadly, neither the Superintendent nor the principals had the
time or inclination to make their case. Clearly, a missed opportunity
since their remarks would have been fully reported.
The classrooms in all three facilities are well-equipped and quite
comfortable. Plush, in fact compared to others I've seen in the
Northeast. Luxuriant would be an accurate description, and certainly no
overstatement. I've toured private schools far less accommodating.
School officials have apparently forgotten quality education has little
to do with physical facilities, but EVERYTHING to do with the quality
of teachers, administrators, and most importantly, caring and loving
parents. Clearly, County taxpayers have been egregiously looted to pay
for this unnecessary pork.
The schools have numerous computers connected to the Net. Quite
impressive. Surprisingly, all three principals spent considerable time
extolling and showcasing their athletic facilities. Sadly, I toured no
science labs or vocational classrooms. Think Intel, Microsoft, or other
employers care about gyms and locker rooms? Having spoken to four
administrators, I wonder if they truly understand the needs of the
business community.
Duplication of athletic and bandroom facilities at both the junior and
senior high schools seems egregiously wasteful. After all, compared to
urban schools, LISD is indeed small, -- only 1655 students at the
grammar, junior, and senior high schools combined. I'm still awaiting
an e-mail from Mr. Hill regarding the population breakdown at each
school. There is plenty of room for expansion at both campus facilities
and the construction of a new high school at a cost of well over $15
million (including expense of financing) is outrageously wasteful. The
taxpayers have been shamelessly suckered.
I was a substitute teacher for three years while attending graduate
school, and another two and a half years while pursuing other academic
interests. The five and a half consecutive years of experience at the
secondary level occurred in the 70's in numerous school systems in the
Northeast. I can assure readers good teachers can produce well-educated
students even under squalid facility conditions, PROVIDED there is
strong parental support. While schools SHOULD indeed be comfortable and
well-equipped, plush over-accommodating facilities are a hindrance and
wasteful distraction to education. They produce spoiled brats rather
than educated productive citizens. Our self-serving "educators" seem to
have forgotten this.
Security here is clearly more relaxed than in urban schools. There are
no metal detectors and the doors remain unlocked. Anyone can enter at
will. Mr. Hill strongly asserts, however, an intruder without a visitor
badge would be immediately challenged by school employees. Through the
use of intercoms and radios carried by administrators, unbadged or
unaccompanied visitors are immediately challenged and dealt with. I can
only wonder how long this will be sufficient. ... If in fact it is
right now...
Readers will recall Chuck Fields is responsible for the two
recognized school district highway billboards in the County. Fields is
the architect for both new schools. The Superintendent strongly asserts
there are no other signs either here in this County or elsewhere, --
nor have there been during his administration. Mr. Patton does not know
how much the architect has been paid for professional services to date.
Better find out and forward the information, Jack. Otherwise, expect an
open records request. I asked Patton why Fields was providing the
advertising, -- out of the goodness of his heart? The Superintendent
testily replied "You could say that". Has there been any quid pro quo?
Good question. Care to finally set the record straight, Jack?
Furthermore, the Superintendent asserts LISD has not used taxpayer
dollars to promote or encourage population growth. Patton also claims
leftover bond funds are not being used to finance new projects. Paving
work recently done is reportedly part of earlier projects according to
the Superintendent. Patton could NOT, however, confirm final figures
for the following projects: tennis court lighting, $26,600; tennis
court windscreen, $3,985.00; resurfacing and patching of tennis courts,
$11,295. In addition, he could produce no figure for the cost of
lighting the baseball field. Better find out and forward the
information, Jack. Otherwise, expect an open records request.
According to Patton, LISD vendors are required to be bonded by law.
Readers will recall taxpayers were looted twice for the $32,000 press
box due to an unbonded contractor who subsequently went bankrupt. The
Superintendent claims no knowledge. ... Really? Better find out, Jack,
-- and quickly pass it on. Otherwise, expect an open records request.
According to the Superintendent, he and other administrators don't
have time to teach classes. ... Really? -- Too busy tied up with the
mindless bureaucracy? Pierced-ear policies originate with the Board and
are part of the "law and order" philosophy in place. The mindless iron
fist of the tyrant, however ugly, is extremely effective in terms of
maintaining order. Sadly, it also kills creativity, self-expression,
and independent thinking. ... Wouldn't want a body politic capable of
thinking for itself, would we? It might threaten the status quo. Right,
Jack? In fairness, however, school officials are forced to walk a fine
line between personal rights and good order. Certainly a difficult
tightrope with no safety net.
Why aren't distant athletic events scheduled only on weekends so
students aren't dismissed early? Patton passed the buck blaming other
school districts. Yet, he strongly asserts education comes first. ...
Really? He confirmed grammar and junior high students are indeed
released early on days of distant high school games due to bus
scheduling problems. ... Education comes first. Right, Jack? Patton is
rightfully proud of the 90 GPA of the football team, however.
How did the direct transfer of funds to two property poor school
districts result in a $150,000 savings to LISD taxpayers? The
Superintendent's answer was incomprehensible. I asked him to forward
documentation. Better do so, Jack. Otherwise, expect an open records
request. The current high school will be used as a junior high after
completion of the new facility. The grammar school will expand into the
current junior high. Currently, both the grammar and junior high
schools are on the same campus, with the high school being separate.
I finally received a candid explanation as to why long-term Patton
crony Sid Schmidt was appointed Maintenance Manager bypassing other
long-time LISD employees. ... Incompetence of staff resulting in the
electrocution of a former employee. While the tragic incident is common
knowledge, the surrounding circumstances were not. According to Patton,
Schmidt has had prior management experience at Hereford. He could not
say, however, whether former Business Manager Cynthia Bauer had
uninterrupted responsibility for the bonds prior to her retirement.
Better find out, Jack. Expect further open records requests if you're
not forthcoming with information. Currently, Patton and Business
Manager Carol Voit are both responsible for the bond funds, according
to the Superintendent.
Why does LISD pay Llano County $66,000 yearly to collect school
taxes? Patton had no clear answer. Essentially, he implied it's just
the way it's done. Why??? The Superintendent was indeed paid for his
break-in period prior to the retirement of former Superintendent
Lawrence Lane. Interestingly, Patton claims to have ordered an
independent audit of all school finances. He could not provide the name
of the auditor with certainty, however. Better find out Jack, and
provide access to the results. Otherwise, there'll be a formal open
records request.
Last year, High School Principal Dennis Hill admitted
"responsibility" for an $11,630.85 past debt due to Taylor Publishing
Company regarding yearbooks. Mr. Hill confirmed he did not personally
repay the debt, and the taxpayers were indeed looted. The story turns
out to be more complicated than meets the eye, however. The ultimate
responsibility for this fiasco belongs to a retired female employee who
he declined to identify. ... Didn't want to cause her any discomfort.
Mr. Hill, whatever happened to "personal" responsibility? Doesn't it
apply to ALL? -- Including retired employees? Why are you protecting
her? What kind of message is being sent to your students? Isn't there a
hypocritical double standard at work here? Hill was repeatedly strongly
urged to submit a letter to the editor setting the record straight.
Better urge him to do so, Jack. Otherwise, expect an open records
request.
The Superintendent refused comment as to whether he thought it
proper for LISD to offer students extra credit for school projects
supporting the bonds, to allow children to run the slide projector at
the bond forums, or to encourage students to write letters to the
editor supporting the bond issue. Patton passed the buck asserting it
was before his time. ... Really? You're the public information officer
for the District, sir. Whatever happened to "personal responsibility"
and forthrightness, Mr. Patton? Sadly, is this the example you set for
your students?
The Superintendent confirmed the $19 million bond package will
indeed wind up costing the taxpayers some $37 million after financing.
The 1998 Llano County population estimate was 12,500. Isn't this
grossly excessive debt for such a small community? The current bond
package alone will cost taxpayers nearly $3,000 for each man, woman,
and child living in this County. This egregiously wasteful package
passed only on the second try due to poor voter turnout. Wonder why you
were shamelessly looted? Look in the mirror.
In Patton's view, donated land was not used for the Packsaddle
School due to the inability of LISD to secure utility rights of way
from LCRA. If true, why the hell didn't the School District sue? An
additional $378,000 was squandered to buy other land. Packsaddle
construction is well behind schedule, and the Superintendent refused
comment as to whether the District plans to sue. Readers will recall
there were plans to buy an additional 50 acres of land at $1,600/acre
to supplement the 48-acre industrial park used for the new high school.
Patton claimed no knowledge, but confirmed the current site is indeed
100 acres. Apparently, the deal went through. Better find out Jack, and
pass on the details. Otherwise, expect an open records request.
Both Hill and Patton were at the 1999 graduation and confirmed
there was unnecessary whooping and hollering. According to the
Superintendent, currently 8 teachers are planning to take advantage of
the new retirement program allowing early retirement at 75% of annual
salary over a five-year period. This program is in addition to other
retirement benefits. I asked Patton the following two questions: In
regard to your early retirement program, how do you maintain the
experience level of your teachers by getting rid of your most
experienced ones? Secondly, you want to "limit a mass exodus of veteran
teachers nearing retirement age", but won't this program bring about
the exact result you're trying to avoid?
Patton admitted it does so in the short-term. Reportedly, it is in
the best interests of the long-term, however, since teacher
certification requirements are about to be drastically stiffened by the
State. According to the Superintendent, this will result in a mass
exodus of teachers to private sector jobs where higher salaries can be
secured. ... Interesting take, isn't it? Furthermore, Patton did not
clearly indicate how the new retirement program will save the taxpayers
thousands of dollars yearly with so few participants. After the
five-year period is up, however, they'll consider repeating the
process. Why? The Superintendent had no clear answer.
Mr. Patton confirmed Texas law prohibits granting military
preference as a consideration in school employment. According to LISD
attorneys, however, it is lawful to consider military service in
providing benefits, since yearly military experience is NOT counted on
a one-to-one basis with teaching experience. ... Interesting to see if
it's challenged in court, no?
Patton confirmed the waiving of the $1500 transfer or "tuition" fee
to transfer students. He further asserts by waiving the fee, the $3800
aggregate charge does not have to be paid to the federal and state
governments. The taxpayers are apparently then looted to pay for the
education of transfer students. Again, Patton was not clear. Send me
some clarification Jack, and I'll be glad to publish it.
The Superintendent claims only School Board member Bill Kirkman has
been appointed a director to the Llano County Central Appraisal
District. I asked if he thought this a bit figuratively "incestuous"
and really in the best interest of the taxpayers. Patton candidly
replied Kirkman is looking out for LISD interests. ... What about the
taxpayers, Jack?
(Due to space consideration, this edition is continued on Newsletter Text V31)
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:22pm EDT