Save DISD

Mr. Lynn Moak of Moak. Casey & Associates gave a detailed report to the DISD Board of Trustess at their January Board Briefing.  Moak Casey is the lobbying firm that DISD (and several other ISD's) hire to lobby for them in Austin.

To see the video record of the report: 

To see the powerpoint that goes with the introductory presentation: 

http://sire.dallasisd.org/sirepub/cache/0/rd4hcdvmbgfwuh550bxlgb2d/38992701162013084402977.PDF

The NY times did what could be considered an exposé article about Texas corporate tax abatements and who profits most by them.  Tax abatements are temporary or permanent tax reductions or eliminations for corporations that cities and states use to lure companies to relocate to their areas.  The system is designed to be a net gain for the cities and state because of the extra jobs and outside capital the company will bring to the area.

For a local opinion of the article, see Jim Schutze's response in the Dallas Observer.  Mr. Schutze claims that there is no tracking being done by the state to measure the net cost/profit of the abatements it gives out.  If that is the case, how are Texas taxpayers suppose to know if we are getting a deal or getting taken?  Being able to quantify investments is a basic financial necessity. 

Dallas ISD is a finalist for the Race to Top Contest.  At stake is $40M in grants.  After $80M in lost funding for 2011-2012, and another $30M for 2012-2013, winning the "Race" would be a welcome change of fortune.

To see photos from the visit, click here.  To read the Dallas ISD press release about the visit, click here.

Local newspaper Dallas Weekly posted an article about TEA Commissioner Michael Williams touring three Dallas schools at the request of Superintendent Mike Miles.  He visited Roosevelt High School, W.E. Griener Exploratory Arts Academy and Felix Botello Elementary.