The Italy School Board of Trustees approved a resolution Monday evening joining 300-plus schools across Texas concerning the school finance system and potential litigation to protect the taxpayer and schoolchildren of the state.

Barry Bassett, superintendent, told board members that he recommended this joint venture with Equity Center.

Wayne Pierce, executive director of Equity Center, said in a letter to the district, “Actions taken during the regular and special sessions of the 82nd Legislature put public education in an untenable financial position. And, there are clear indicators that this is not a short-term problem, necessary only to deal with a temporary budget shortfall, but what members of the leadership have termed ‘the new normal.’”

The letter continued, “We believe these legislative actions regarding the funding of Texas public schools are just cause for those committed to an efficient and adequate funding system for children in Texas schools, fair treatment for Texas taxpayers, and a return to local control of public schools to take necessary action to stop the erosion of these principles.”

Bassett explained that under current funding, a property rich school district, such as Highland Park, can raise $5,600 with 56 cents in school taxes. A district the size of Italy must charge taxpayers $1.06 to raise the same amount of money.

Mark Stiles, school board member and former Texas legislator, said the school funding mechanism is unconstitutional

Before voting, Jon Mathers questioned whether this lawsuit could cause a backlash from the state.

Bassett said the district lost $1 million from last year’s budget. He asked what more could the state do to the district.

In other business, Richard Harvel, fifth grade science and social studies teacher had several students demonstrate their leaning techniques with iPads. He said each student in his class has an iPad and has applications that allow them to take tests, do homework and research projects online. He said they have access to kid-safe internet to gather information for various projects. He is able to track the children’s progress on various programs, thus allowing him to explain something in more detail, if necessary.

The fith graders helping Harvel were Lana Beets, Abby Gage, Cassidy Gage, Isaac Garcia and Karley Nelson.
He said his room stays clean because students do not use paper or pencils. He said students are responding positively and learning with this approach. 

The board also reviewed a recent safety audit at both campuses conducted by a Region X inspector.

Recommendations at the Stafford Elementary are:

• Consider fencing the large electrical box in the back courtyard as well as all gas mains.
• Cap and fence the loose gas line in the courtyard area.
• Consider utilizing a master key system so principal does not have to sort through numerous keys to find the proper one. This could be a problem in an emergency.
• Install a sign indicating this is an alcohol, tobacco and weapons free school zone as required by Title I.
• Consider keeping classrooms locked at all times possible.
• Be sure all storage rooms are locked.
• Be sure all teachers have a lockable space in classroom for their valuables.
• Be sure flammables are kept at least three feet from hot water heaters and electrical panels.
• Require every student occupied space have fire exit maps posted near the door.
• Have fire extinguisher in computer lab serviced.
• Train school secretary in CPR and first aide since she is the nurse’s aid backup.
• Consider contracting with or hiring on a limited basis an LVN or an RN to advise nurse’s aide.
• Distribute list of CPR trained staff to all faculty.
• Consider purchase of a computerized background check system for visitors to the campus.
• Consider installation of a buzz in entry system. If the system is installed with a camera, no additional construction would be required.
• Consider installation of a peephole in the cafeteria delivery door so staff can view before allowing delivery people into the building.
• Consider removal of monkey bars on playground and wooden equipment from playground.

Recommendations on the high school campus are:

• Create a detail plan for and conduct emergency drills for fire, bad weather and lockdown situations.
• Be sure all rooms have a fire exit map posted near the door.
• Create new crisis management plan.
• Consider fencing of campus to keep out potential intruders.
• Consider creating a bus drop off lane separate form parent and student traffic and making the driveways one way. Also, consider creating designated parking for visitors.
• Install drug, alcohol and tobacco free school zone signs.
• Consider fencing air conditioning units, exterior electrical panels and gas mains.
• Remove microwaves from classrooms due to potential fire hazard.
• Consider creating conference rooms near office area so teachers-parent conferences are not conducted in teacher’s classroom in isolation.
• Consider planning so female coaches do not have to go to the bus barn alone late at night.
• Get flammables away from hot water heaters and electrical panels in storerooms.
• Get dryer in old gym repaired so vent is operating properly.
• Create list of CPR trained staff to distribute to faculty.
• Consider rearranging registrar’s office so visitors who are signing in cannot view confidential student information while standing at her window.
• Consider computer system that does criminal background check on all visitors to the campus.
• Number all exterior and interior doors so they can be identified in an emergency.
• Develop a plan so principal can have one master key that fits all doors on the campus.
• Be sure all classroom teachers have a lockable place to store their valuables.
• Install signs on all exterior doors asking visitors to report to the principal’s office.

Speed Hamby, maintenance director, said they have completed some projects and others are in progress. Board members asked Hamby to prioritize the audit with a timeline and reports each month until recommendations are completed.

The board also discussed the possible purchase of two-plus acres near the agriculture barn located on FM 667. They took no action.

Tanya Snook presented an ESL overview noting there were 60 students in the program last year.

District-wide enrollment is currently 567 with refined average daily attendance at 534.91 or 97.72 percent.

During the administrative reports, three students and a band booster member addressed the board regarding the t-shirts high school band members are wearing this year.

The students, Drenda Burk, Nick Cooper and Brett Kirton all expressed their support for Jesus Perez, band director. They all pointed out how he brought a struggling band program to sweepstakes winning status in a relatively short period.

Susan Jacinto, a band parent and teacher at the elementary school, expressed her support for Perez and the band program as well.

Basset said he did not have a problem with the t-shirt because he understood the meanings behind each symbol on the shirt. He said he asked staff around the district who also understood the symbolism of the shirts.

He said the last thing he wants to do is offend the public but said he wants the public to “weigh in” on this subject.

This year’s theme is “red” and the shirt has the letters r-e-d on the front. The R has a planet on it, a symbol for a song called Mars. This planet is also known as the red planet. The star on the E represents various Spanish countries. The song, Malaguena, is about bullfighting. The third song, Moscow 1941, is represented with a hammer and sickle.

During her presentation, Jacinto said, Moscow 1941 identifies with a moment in history during the World War II, in which the Red Army successfully defended Moscow against the German invasion. In October 1941, German troops were only 15 miles outside of Moscow, an unfavorable situation for the Soviet Union. Two million people had evacuated Moscow, but Joseph Stalin stayed to rally morale. In November, the Germans launched a new attack on Moscow. The Soviet Army held their ground and brought the Germans to a halt. Stalin insisted on a counterattack; and although his commanders had doubts, they launched their own offensive on December 4. The Germans, caught off guard and demoralized by the recent defeat, were pushed back and began retreating. By January, they had been pushed back nearly 200 miles.

Jacinto said the sickle and hammer were symbols representing Russia, not communism.

Jacinto stressed that neither side is “wrong” in this instance but said this could be a “teachable moment.” She said students should learn history from those who were there.

She said the music came from an approved UIL list of songs and that the band director picks music that is challenging for the band. The band begins practicing in July preparing for the upcoming school year.

Burk said Perez did not purposely and would not purposely offend anyone. She said Perez has worked wonders with the band and has the full support of the band.

Nick Cooper said he and his family discussed the symbols, and although he has family currently in the military, said they were not offended because they understood the meaning behind the symbols.

Kirton said Perez would never maliciously do anything to hurt this school district or this country. He said Perez took a struggling band program to a sweepstakes-winning band.

He, too, stressed that the sickle and hammer are simply symbols representing Russia, not endorsing communism. The hammer and sickle on the Russian flag represented the unity between industrial and agricultural workers. He said the t-shirt is like a costume in a play for UIL competition.

Kirton said he thought our veterans fought for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of expression. He then asked why a few citizens were “dictating” what the band could and could not wear,

He concluded, “I see both sides of the issue but I also know that we, the students, are caught in the middle of this issue. We support Mr. Perez and stand behind him because we know there was no ill intent intended.”

Bassett asked for comments from trustees.

Paul Cockerham said he is a veteran from the cold war period and said he does not take offense to the sickle and hammer because he understands that everything is about symbolism. He added that this might be a good time to teach tolerance.

Mathers said it is important for everyone to know that the board understands exactly what Perez has done for the band program. He said nobody on the board believes that Perez did anything wrong and expressed his appreciation for the courage it took the four to speak out.

Larry Eubanks said Perez has been a bright spot for the band program.

Stiles said he has a child in the band program and she did not know what the symbols meant. He congratulated the band students on their intestinal fortitude to speak at the meeting.

Cheryl Owen said that people of her generation were the ones offended because they grew up during the cold war. She said they were afraid of what Russia might do. She said they did drills in preparation of an attack where students got into the coat closet.

She added, however, that Perez is one of the best things that has happened to the school district. She agreed with Jacinto in that this can be a “teaching moment” for students.

Owen said the district cannot move forward with dissention in the community. “This school cannot go forward until we are united.”

Curtis Riddle said he never played in the band; he was an athlete. He said he is a competitor. He said he watched the band play last Friday night and thought it was the best they had ever done. He told the band students gathered at the meeting that he watches the band at halftime rather than visiting as he used to do. He told the band members that he appreciates everything they do for the community.

He said this whole issue has been blown out of proportion but urged the band to “play their socks off” during competition and come back a winner no matter what shirt they are wearing. 

Stiles said that the United States has never been in direct conflict with Russia. He also added that the school district did not purchase the t-shirts, but noted the t-shirts were purchased from a UIL-supplied catalog.

He said Perez cannot help but be offended by the complaints. He said Perez is a man who wants all the attention on the students, not on himself.

The board took no action on the item. Bassett said he would come to a decision and would make a decision soon.

In other business, the board approved an interlocal cooperation contact with Ellis County and approved a resolution sanctioning 4-H as an extracurricular activity. They scheduled policy review meetings Oct. 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They also approved August board minutes and financial reports.

Comment from Kelley Wilsford, 9/20/11 – 6:11pm

It seems that the band members and school think that this attack is on Mr. Perez but its not. Its the red t- shirts with the communist symbols on them. I my self have helped Mr. Perez on fund raisers in the past. But I can not except and will not except the red t- shirt as part of a teaching tool, are the proper dress for our wonderful band. Google “communist symbolism” and read it, please!
~ Kelley Wilsford  a fan of the Italy Golden Regiment band

Comment from GG Cooley, 9/20/11 – 12:11pm

There are hungry people in the county of Ellis, children are being abused in the county of Ellis and someone wants to nitpick BAND SHIRTS.  But just like a barrel of apples, it just take one sour one to ruin the pile.

I personally do not like the red shirts as I would like to see the band wear Italy’s color, however, after hearing all this bull, I now fully support wearing the red shirts.  Come on folks, we have such talented young people in the band, let us support them, not discourage them by being so critical.
Go Italy Band!!!

Comment from John Droll, 9/23/11 – 3:34pm

In a Michigan cemetery are the remains of American soldiers killed in battle with the Russian Army. Young men of the Michigan 339th Infantry lay forever under the statue of a polar bear. The majority of the 244 soldiers killed are still in the Russian soil, less than 100 remains were found to be returned to America.

The unit was securing tons and tons of weapons and ammo at the Archangel seaport, weapons that the Russians wanted.  The Michigan men fought several battles in the area, won every battle they fought, and in 1919 the unit came home, minus those 244 souls.  No medals, but Michigan celebrated their return.

92 years ago, 244 soldiers whose immediate relatives have passed on, it’s easy for history to forget their valor.  But as a 20 year veteran, and one of the many founding sponsors of the U.S. Army Museum, it’s just a bit painful to read someone’s comment that “the U.S. has never been in direct conflict with Russia”.  But then I’ve heard a U.S. Senator make the same comment.

Why are they under the statue of a Polar Bear?  As they sailed to Russia they saw those bears on the ice floes.  The name stuck.

Freedom has a price.  Did you make your contribution today?