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Plano ISD’s parent meeting with Hunt Elementary families, take two

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Plano school officials apparently want to avoid another chaotic meeting with parents yelling at them upset after the arrest of a second teacher accused of sexual misconduct with an elementary student.

Those parents concerned about incidents at Hunt Elementary School can sign up to attend one of six conference times for a second round of meetings to be held on Nov. 12. However, most will be during the school day with the earliest beginning at 7:15 a.m. and the last at 5 p.m.

School district spokeswoman Lesley Range-Stanton noted that while the meetings are during the day, some parents may have the day off because of the Veteran’s Day holiday. She said that families could contact Superintendent Richard Matkin to set up a meeting individually if desired.

“It’s a way for us to deliver information in a more intimate, one-on-one situation so we can talk and have a conversation,” Range-Stanton said.

Officials expect about 30 to 40 per conference group. This round of parent meetings is not open to the public or media.

Last month, a meeting to discuss issues at Hunt, which is located in Murphy, quickly deteriorated after parents became angry that there would be no two-way conversation with school officials to discuss concerns. Matkin abruptly stopped that meeting after parents repeatedly demanded that he tell them what the school district was doing to protect children.

That night parents were asked to write their questions on note cards, and Plano ISD officials later posted answers to those questions on the school’s web site after first vetting them through attorneys and police. Matkin later issued an apology to parents when he sent out information on what safety measures were being taken at the school.

Last month physical education teacher Todd Allen Reich was arrested at Hunt accused of touching a student on her breasts and making her touch his private areas over his pants. Last year, former kindergarten teacher Joseph Garbarini was found guilty of sexual misconduct for playing out sexual fantasies with two students that involved the girls and diapers.

How the economics of students’ impacts Plano schools

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Last night, school trustees and the city council discussed priorities and challenges facing  Plano schools. Among those key challenges are how to help the increasing number of poor students in the district.

Just 10 years ago, only about one in 10 students were considered economically disadvantaged. Now, about one in four children are considered as such by school officials.

At a recent school board workshop on legislative priorities, Superintendent Richard Matkin noted that more state funding should be tied to students considered economically disadvantaged because they cost so much more to educate as they have various challenges to overcome. He pointed to research that shows one of the top predictors of how students will perform is their economic situation. And state data seems to indicate he’s right.

Below is a look at passing rates of each Plano campus. The top chart is from the 2011 TAKS results, and the bottom one is from the 2002 TAAS results. Both charts show that campuses with higher percentages of economically disadvantaged students tended to have lower passing rates on state tests. The top chart shows how much the district has changed in economic diversity.

 

Plano city council tells trustees its hope for schools

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Plano city leaders want schools that stand out. They want the three new high school academies being developed to be models for other districts to follow.

Council members pitched in their ideas of what should be Plano ISD’s focus during a joint city-school district meeting Tuesday night. The school district is in the process of creating a new long-term strategic plan and is seeking input from various parts of the community.

Topping the list of aspirations was maintaining a school system known for stellar academics.

Councilman Ben Harris said that could include working toward having all schools rated “exemplary.”

Trustee Missy Bender countered, “What do you think that means?”

Harris replied, “I have no idea.”

The group talked about how “Realtor ratings” impact the community’s perception of schools despite the labels really detailing what is happening in the schools. The state had a four-tiered academic accountability rating system that beings with unacceptable and tops out at exemplary.

Those wanting to volunteer on a district focus group for strategic planning can apply here.

In 2011, Plano had 25 schools rated exemplary, 22 recognized and 18 academically acceptable. The rating system was suspended this year as the state phases in new tests and accountability system.

Mayor Phil Dyer said he wanted the district to be known as the place for high achieving students. Councilman Lou Dunlap added, “In other words, if there were vouchers, they would spend them here.”

Other goals city officials discussed for the schools were developing better partnerships between the two entities, seeking out and maintaining the best teachers, increased community engagement and up-to-date technology.

Trustees, who tried to limit their comments in order to listen to the council members’ feedback, did discuss how changing demographics make it increasingly challenging to serve both the highest achieving students on the advanced track and those most in need of help.

And as the district tries to cope with funding cuts from the Legislature, trustees added they need help from the city and public in pushing for more funding through public and private dollars. Trustee David Stolle said district officials realize that a tax vote to increase revenue is unlikely to pass now.

“We both will have some problems if we have to cut some core services, and that’s the next step for us if things don’t change in Austin,” he told the council members.

Those wanting to serve on a strategic planning focus group can apply here.

Plano school officials post answers to parent questions

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A week after a tense meeting that left families frustrated and mad at Plano school officials, district leaders posted a response to parent questions today.

Plano school officials met at Hunt Elementary last Tuesday with parents hoping they would hear details on how their children are being protected after a second teacher from the school was arrested on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a student. Instead, parents were asked to submit questions in writing so that the district could vet them through law enforcement and attorneys first. An ongoing investigation is looking into allegations against physical education teacher Todd Reich, and parents of three girls have sued the district over other incidents.

Today district officials posted the questions and answers, attached below. Repeatedly, parents wanted to know why something wasn’t done sooner regarding Reich. Court documents allege that he had been warned by a former principal to stay away from a girl and not be alone with her. However, in its response below, district officials note that district staff was unaware of the current allegations prior to his arrest on Oct. 16.

Officials say they are unaware of any other victims. They also note that police have said they are against the district having nurses trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners because having school staff collecting what could be evidence could compromise criminal investigations.

A followup meeting with parents is likely to happen in November, according to the posting.

 Plano ISD responds to parent questions

McKinney High School rocks a lip dub video

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Okay, I’m a sucker for a great lip dub video, and this one is just so much fun. McKinney High School, which is under going construction for a new addition, rocks out to Starship’s “We Built this City.”

And give the school some bonus points for working in the swim team, not an easy task to do during a constantly moving, single-shot take. Make sure you watch it all the way through to the drum line. Enjoy, my friends.

McKinney Lip Dub 2012 from Manestream News on Vimeo.

Plano names Brian Crawford as its new fire chief

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Brian Crawford

Plano has named Brian Crawford of Shreveport, La., as its new fire chief, city officials announced today.

Crawford, who is the assistant chief administrative officer of Shreveport, was selected after an extensive process that identified 48 qualified candidates from 21 states. City manager Bruce Glasscock said Crawford was “an exceptional leader who had impressed everyone he came into contact with during what was an incredibly rigorous selection process.”

Crawford has worked for 28 years in Shreveport, where he started as a firefighter and worked his way up to fire chief, where he was responsible for 22 fire stations and more than 600 personnel. As assistant chief administrative officer, Crawford oversees a $500 million operating budget. He also has extensive emergency management experience with his involvement in hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike. Crawford was also commander of the USAR Louisiana Task Force 1 operations in Tuscaloosa, Ala., following the F4 tornado in 2011.

He has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in organizational psychology. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program and the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

Plano’s commitment to excellence and the leadership and membership of the fire department drew him to the job, Crawford said in a news release. “In fire service circles Plano is considered an exceptionally well developed, disciplined, and professional department and its reputation and that of its former and current leaders precede it,” he stated.

Crawford will start in Plano on Dec. 3.

 

Plano superintendent issues apology, outlines efforts to step up security at Hunt Elementary

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Three days after an explosive meeting that did little to ease parents’ concerns about student safety at Hunt Elementary school, Plano Superintendent Richard Matkin issued a letter to parents today outlining some of those efforts.

Last week, a physical education teacher from the school was arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct with a student. A former kindergarten teacher from the school was found guilty last year of sexually abusing two students.

Plano school officials held a meeting at the school Tuesday, but that meeting quickly deteriorated after parents realized they couldn’t ask questions and receive any answers that night. Officials had wanted them to submit questions in writing that will be answered at a later date after being vetted by law enforcement and attorneys.

Today Matkin sent a letter to Hunt families updating them on immediate steps being taken at the school.

“It was with the best of intentions that the district hosted the parent meeting on October 23 to connect the Hunt Elementary School parents and families with additional resources and information,” he wrote. “I realize that many walked away from the meeting feeling unheard, and I want to convey my apologies for this sentiment.”

The letter goes on to outline specific efforts to be taken at the school, which is located in Murphy. Those efforts include:

-more than doubling the number of security cameras in the gym and common areas (up to 88 from 40).

-modifying all solid doors on offices and classrooms to contain windows.

-adding counseling staff.

-adding a full-time assistant principal.

-removing all paper and window coverings from doors and interior windows. However, security protocol will be followed when necessary in the event of a campus lockdown or storm event.

-training will be provided to Hunt personnel.

Coming this weekend to Downtown Plano: Pumpkin races and fire truck pulls

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North Texas residents willing to brave the cold this weekend can trek to Plano for the 2012 Downtown Plano FEASTIVAL.

The third annual event will feature live music, food from local restaurants, a fire truck pull and pumpkin races.

What are pumpkin races, you ask? Well, residents are encouraged to bring their own decorated pumpkins with wheels attached to the bottom. Those pumpkins will then roll down 15th Street. Prizes will be awarded. Register here for $5.

Admission to the festival is free. Dress warm, the temperature isn’t expected to rise about 60 degrees on Saturday.

The schedule is below, courtesy of the Historic Downtown Plano Association.

Follow Matthew Watkins on Twitter at @mwatkinsdmn

Plano planning a series of City Council town halls

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Got something to say to city of Plano leadership? You may soon get your chance.

Plano officials are working on putting together a series of telephone town halls over the next year to gather feedback and answer questions from citizens. The first one is tentatively planned for Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

On that day, about 35,000 people in the city would receive calls from an automated service asking if they want to participate. City Council members and staff will be sitting at City Hall ready to answer questions for those that do. If the event works, the city may host two more over the next year.

Each town hall would focus on three different subjects — for instance, one in recent months may have been about West Nile virus, public parks and transportation issues. A city staff member would begin the meeting by giving a presentation on each subject and then turn the floor open to questions. The city hopes that about 3,000 people would participate — far more than the amount that shows up for regular council meetings.

“We are hoping this will provide you another venue to connect with the community,” City Manager Bruce Glasscock.

Hosting the first town hall would cost about $6,700, city staff said. The next two would be $4,300 each. Details about how to join the meeting are not yet available.

Follow Matthew Watkins on Twitter at @mwatkinsdmn

McKinney man arrested in Plano puppy thefts

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Police this week arrested a McKinney man accused of stealing seven puppies from a Plano pet store.

The puppy theft is alleged to have occurred in the early morning of Oct. 8 at the Petland store on Coit Road. Twenty minutes later, two more puppies were stolen from a Petland in Frisco.

Ramirez

Surveillance video, which was released by police at the time of the crime, showed two men inside the Plano store. One man carried a suitcase and a laundry basket. They can be seen prying pet cages open, putting the puppies in the basket and then hurriedly leaving the store.

Twenty-seven-year-old Darrell Wayne Ramirez was arrested in connection with the case on Monday. He was charged with burglary of a building and is still being held in the Collin County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bond, police said.

It is not immediately clear whether police have any other suspects in the case, or if Ramirez is also suspected in the Frisco burglary.

None of the puppies have been recovered. Police are asking that anyone who bought a puppy after Oct. 8 to take it to a local veterinarian and have it scanned for a microchip. Anyone with additional information on the crime is asked to call police 972-941-2148.