CLUELESS IN JACKSONVILLE

As many of you are aware, I have been working towards holding the JISD Administration and Board of Trustees accountable for the decisions they make with our children’s educational dollars that come from the pockets of the taxpayers of this district.
In the past few years there have been many, many instances where citizens have asked me to ask the board for one thing then another. To date none of these requests have been addressed. I do not expect that to change anytime soon either. The biggest thing on most peoples mind is the condition of our campus’, and the quality of education.
It was not that long ago, that the board was challenged with making the choice to repair a roof at the Middle School, Build a New Classroom Wing at JHS, or Build a new Field house. That discussion took place over three years ago, and we still have a bad roof and not enough classrooms.
During the Budget workshop just this past Monday night, the Finance Director gave a presentation to the board of trustees that showed that by the 2008-2009 school years we would need to have more science/lab classrooms, and math and science teachers. Fast forward thirty minutes or so and the same board members heard the discussion on the future building plans at JHS. No classroom plans, however there were plans for a new gym. Only moments later they chose to accept a bid of $171,000 by WRL Contractors of Bullard and owned by the close personal friend (and elk hunting partner)of Mr. Bird, to build a new parking lot at JHS. Within the next thirty minutes, we heard as Mr. Bird acknowledged that he did not know what kind of Bond package they needed to put together or what the cost would be, but we needed to put one before the public by November.
Most people spend more time shopping for a car or truck, heck it took me longer to find my son the right dog. What kind of quality can we expect to get from such a rush order? Notice again, just as in the past bond package, NO QUOTES ON RENOVATIONS OR ADD-ONS! Moreover, who will the Contractor be? (surely not WRL)! Folks, your governor, senators, and congressmen and women have finally given property owners some relief from paying higher and higher property taxes. Now Mr. Bird and the Board of Trustees of JISD are asking you to give some of that relief back to them because they have failed to use past tax dollars wisely. I SAY NO!! Learn how to manage my property (JISD schools) and then come ask for more, if you need it! I am asking you to do the same, and say NO to any new taxes.