Jim Cummings wrote an article in the August 23, 2007 edition of the Lake Travis View trying to excuse away the LTISD’s second consecutive rating as only “academically acceptable.” In “LTISD’s self-measurement goes beyond state ratings“* Jim tries to tell us that the state ratings are not an accurate reflection of how things really are.
Let’s take a detailed look at just some of his declarations and ask him some questions:
Jim, much like his predecessor, Susan Tolles, has a preoccupation with the word “integrity.” Jim uses this word THREE times in his dissertation. I hate to tell him that the incantation of the word “integrity” does not conjure “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty”
Somehow I don’t think that “integrity” was used in that full page advertisement that the LTISD Board paid to have published in November 2006. Perhaps you can help out by just proving some of the exaggerated claims and correcting several misrepresentations made by the Board?
Jim, since you know that the district is “integrity” deficient, why do you think we will believe your spin on the LTISD’s performance? Once again, can you show where this data comes from or prove your claims? Otherwise …
I really like Jim’s statement:
“I ask: what organization measures their overall level of success by how well the lowest one half of one percent did?”*
Jim, do you mean to tell us that the LTISD, cannot ensure that such a small percentage of issues are not corrected? Not even “one half of one percent?”
Do you need to pay Rocky even more money to fix this?
You could start by concentrating on educating students rather than quibbling with the LCRA over an increase of about $13,000 per year as you did in the last Board workshop. We already know about how much Mayo “hates” taxes and utilities, but it is Jim’s job to rein him in.
By the way, what is your beef with the LCRA?
If you are looking to keep costs from spiraling out of control, you should look to how much you have approved to spend in the LTISD’s reckless legal battles including that incident with eminent domain that even you addressed in the Lake Travis View on March 15, 2007.
Jim adds:
“Clearly there are many ways to talk about success, but what will give us a measurement tool to help guide the District over the years? To answer that, we have established as one of our seven long term goals ‘developing relationships … with other districts across the country to clearly define excellence beyond the definitions mandated in state law.’”
Jim, again I ask, isn’t the district’s time best spent doing the job that we pay them to do: EDUCATING CHILDREN, not going around using our tax dollars trying to invent metrics which suit you?
Just look at your “Core Commitments” from the LTISD’s own web site:
The Board of Trustees adopted seven Core Commitments:
1. Provide world-class curriculum and educational opportunities for all students.
2. Utilize open communication and collaboration with and among staff, parents, business and community members to ensure unity and ownership in the vision and goals of the District.
3. Establish an educational environment defined by high expectations that promote responsibility and accountability of students, staff and parents, and one that nurtures and motivates students to pursue their full potential in academic performance and citizenship.
4. Integrate a technologically advanced educational environment and support system that promotes student learning and overall efficiency and effectiveness of District operations.
5. Recruit, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty and staff.
6. Provide a safe and secure educational setting for students and staff.
7. Vigorously pursue enhancement of the district’s capacity to provide conditions for quality teaching and learning within the parameters of fiscal capacity and responsibility.
Jim, where does the “Creation of metrics to enhance our already tarnished reputation” fit?
Jim, why doesn’t the LTISD “Provide world-class curriculum and educational opportunities for all students.” even to the “lowest one half of one percent?” Jim, if the LTISD did, they would not be “academically acceptable,” again!
Note that the “Core Commitments” neglects to mention any accountability to the tax payers who bank roll your trivial pursuits and reckless legal ventures.
Why doesn’t the LTISD “promote responsibility” to the tax payers?
So, Jim: Just click your heels together and say “integrity, integrity, integrity” as you waive your magic gavel around ….
* “LTISD’s self-measurement goes beyond state ratings”, Jim Cummings, Lake Travis View, August 23, 2007, Volume 22, Number 34
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