Wylie Today

The WISD School Board of Trustees will hold two public forums to seek input regarding the proposed high school attendance zones. The first of these meetings is tonight, June 23rd at 7 pm and will be held at Wylie High School. Next Monday, June 30th, the forum will be at Wylie East High School at 7 pm.

Residents of WISD are encouraged to attended and voice their opinion on proposed future attendance zones for high school students. Below is the map that was approved during the second reading. Click the image for a super-duper large ultra-readable version.

The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted approval for the recommended Wylie and Wylie East High School’s attendance zones. Trustee Baron Cook wanted to make certain that everyone knew this was a first reading and they are looking forward to parent input in the upcoming, currently unscheduled forums.

The easiest way to explain the attendance zones is to mention campuses. The attendance zones are based on elementary school campus. Elementary campus students that would attend Wylie East are Akin, Birmingham, Cox, Hartman and a portion of Smith students. Dodd, Groves, Tibbals and Smith and Whitt students would attend Wylie High School.

At the middle school level, two-thirds of McMillan students would go to Wylie High School while the other third would attend Wylie East. This proposed configuration has 60% of the students at Wylie High and 40% at Wylie East.

Trustee Baron Cook spoke about the potential for unhappy people in the Birmingham Farms area. These students live relatively close to Wylie High School, but will have to attend school across town. WISD Superintendent Dr. John Fuller mentioned that no matter where they draw the line, someone would be unhappy. He then drew a red line on the map from Birmingham to Wylie East to demonstrate how short a distance it is traveling down Brown Street.

Trustee Sue Nicklas made a motion to approve the recommended attendance zones and with the help of the 4th grade Trustee shadows tonight, the motion passed 7-0.

*a correction was made in this article as I had a couple elementary schools mixed up. Thanks to Susan and Erin for pointing out my error.

Dr. John Fuller presented two scenarios to the Board of Trustees at the March School Board meeting in regards to the attendance zones for the new high school configuration. One map is by street and the other is by campus.

Click image above for larger and more readable image. This image is if they made the attendance zones by street. The blue line in the middle starts at 78 and runs down Sanden to Park. Of course, there is a gap in Sanden Road between Brown and 544.

The above image is if the attendance zones were done by campus. The only change is the small portion of the neighborhood by the curvy blue line after Park is moved from WEHS to WHS.

The only real problem I have with both of these proposed attendance zones is that there are students who live in the no bus zone for Wylie High School who will have to attend Wylie East across town. I feel that if someone lives within the 2 mile no bus zone and walking distance to the closest campus, they shouldn’t have to be bussed or transported to the other side of town to go to school.

I hope the Board of Trustees recognizes this dilemma and asks for some adjustments at the April 21st School Board meeting.

Dr. John Fuller is asking the Board of Trustees to consider a change in the start and end times for schools beginning in the 2008/2009 school year. According to an email sent by Dr. Fuller, these new times are being proposed:

School                           Start Time        Ending Time

High Schools                     7:30 a.m.              2:45 p.m.

Elementary Schools        8:15 a.m.              3:15 p.m.

Intermediate Schools     8:45 a.m.              3:45 p.m.

Junior High Schools        8:45 a.m.              3:45 p.m.

The reason for the discussion stems from the high school administration requesting a change in school day hours. Dr. Fuller also cites that the transportation department will be able to operate more efficiently.

Some concerns stated by parents about these changes involve start times for high school students in band and zero hour classes as some believe they have to be there early enough as it is during the fall. The current fall band schedule lists practice time as 6:55 - 8am.

Also of concern is the burden placed on working parents, especially single parents, who will have to make adjustments to get their K-8th graders to school and get to work on time. A higher percentage of high school students can get themselves to school while the majority of elementary, intermediate and junior high school students can’t. Flipping the times works against all logic according to some parents.

Dr. Fuller hopes to get this change approved at the April 21st School Board meeting.

Jim Griffin is a WISD School Board Trustee Candidate for the May elections. He took some time out to answer a few questions for the readers of Wylie Today.

How can Wylie ISD be improved?

We have what I believe is a great district and have great teachers and staff.  It can be an even greater district if the following were implemented:

1.    Better and more open line of communication - This is most likely the greatest concern that I have heard in the community regarding WISD.  It is critical that the stakeholders of our district (parents, students, teachers and community) not feel that their voice is ignored or lost in the shuffle.  Now that the district student enrollment is over 11,000, it is imperative that the district be mindful of parental and community concerns as they arise and not let situations turn into serious issues like has occurred with the dress code modifications.

2.    Provide teachers with better pay and incentives - Our teachers in WISD work hard for our kids but are paid less than teachers in neighboring districts.  What is amazing though is many choose to stay with the district despite receiving lower pay as compared to other districts.  I want to see WISD continue to recruit and retain quality teachers while providing a salary and incentives on par with neighboring districts.

3.    Recognize and understand the importance of diversity within the district - This is an aspect that will continue to have a major impact in the district and is an area where the district must be proactive rather than reactive.  I strongly believe that WISD needs to ensure that no student, parent or staff feels uncomfortable or unwelcome in our schools.

What is your experience with the WISD?

I have volunteered for the Wrestling team at Wylie High for the past three years, have been a member of the Wylie Athletic Booster Club, am a season ticket holder (Football) and briefly substitute taught with the district in 2005-06.  I have attended many school board meetings and attended all 3 high school forums.  I also was a volunteer back in 1986-88 when I previously lived in Wylie.

What makes you an ideal candidate and potential WISD Trustee?

I believe that my degrees in Secondary Education and Urban/Regional Planning uniquely suit me to become an ideal WISD trustee   My background would be a valuable asset as the district works towards build out.  I also believe that I am knowledgeable about the district and community and can handle making decisions that can be difficult, challenging and crucial to the success of WISD.

I am deeply concerned that we as a school community provide our kids with the best opportunities for academic success and the skills necessary to have productive lives as adults.  If given the opportunity to be a WISD Trustee, I will work diligently to see that the district provides the best education possible for our students.

Mr. James and his family moved to Wylie from Irving, TX in 1978. He began his career flying fighter planes from aircraft carriers in Vietnam while serving for the United States Navy. During the next 32 years after that, he flew commercial airliners for American Airlines. He retired in 1998.

In 1999, Mr. James was elected to his first term as WISD Trustee and has been a member ever since. As he prepares his re-election campaign, Mr. James managed to fit some time in between researching items for the school system and restoring early 1900 oscillating fans to answer a few questions for the people of Wylie.

What qualities make you a valuable asset to the Board of Trustees?
Nine years of experience.

How many hours of training do you have as it pertains to your Trustee position?
At last count it was 274 hours of Trustee training.

How do you feel the Board of Trustees has handled and responded to the explosive district growth over the last 8 years?
I think the Board in conjunction with the Superintendent has done a great job.  We have kept up with the growth in a timely manner and built new schools accordingly.

What challenges will the WISD face over the next 3 years?
The current challenge and the challenge over the next few years will be multiple high schools.  Also, with the downturn in the economy and the slowing of growth we will have to make sure that we stay on the growth plan but not over build.

Why are you the right guy to lead the district through these challenges? 
I will not lead the district through the next few years but rather I will be one part of a “Team of Eight.”  I still believe that my experience will be very valuable as we go forward.

What accomplishments would you like to see and deliver for the district over the next 3 years?
Major pay increases for teachers and employees and see the district reach exemplary status.

In what ways can the teachers and employees of the district realize increased pay without tax increases or program cuts?
We are still looking to the state for new legislation that will increase the district income.  We hope to receive more help from them as we have in the past with pay increases.  All employees are deserving of a fair and equitable income.

How can we continue to attract and keep high quality educators to help our schools regain exemplary status?
One is the teaching environment in Wylie and the other is pay and benefits.  Each year the district holds a Job Fair in the spring.  All Trustees participate by greeting and visiting with the prospective employees.  We pass out water and snacks and help with questions.

You voted for the multiple high school system and you voted to start the transition this upcoming school year. How does your experience help during the quick transition?
By understanding how things work.  The learning curve is shallow where as for a new Trustee the curve would be very steep.

What type of career programs would you like to see at Wylie East?
Mostly to mirror WHS.  As we continue to grow in 5A we will probably add some new programs in the future.

Mr. James has stated that he is readily available to talk to anyone personally about their questions or concerns. His email and phone number are listed on the WISD website. If you would like to donate to his re-election campaign, please contact him to make arrangements.

The WISD School Board of Trustees voted 3-2 on Tuesday in favor of planning for the current 2007-2008 8th grade class to be the first graduating class of Wylie East High School. Ralph James made the motion and Baron Cook seconded. Sam Satterwhite voted for the motion while Susan Shuler and Stacie Gooch voted against. Trustees Sue Nicklas and Ronni Fetzer were not present.

Before voting occurred, Mr. James questioned if more information has become available since the workshop meeting about the financial impact of making the switch for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Dr. John Fuller replied that outside of building and furniture expenses, the costs would be incremental. Mr. James then asked about the impact of a proposed bond failing to pass. Dr. Fuller answered that there would be a difference in campuses. After joining in on the cost discussion, Mr. Cook stated, “I believe the public is looking for us to take the lead on this. They are ready to get going.”

All current 800-plus Freshman class will attend Wylie High School in the 2008-2009 school year. Dr. Fuller said there was not enough time to plan for the current freshman class. After applying for an ROTC unit, it could take 1 to 3 years to get approval and get the program implemented at WEHS.

The WISD Board of Trustees met for a special session on Monday night, February 11th to discuss the transition to a multiple high school system. The primary focus at the session was to determine what year the first graduating class of Wylie East High School would enroll as freshman. Dr. Fuller presented a worksheet to the board members with scenarios for graduating classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Several board members thought it would be best to start the transition as soon as possible, though Trustee Ralph James, not necessarily opposed to a quick transition, questioned if the district would be prepared for the financial impact of a transition beginning with the 2008/2009 school year. Dr. Fuller informed the board that a Bond would need to be issued unless the need involved expansion of just a few classes at Wylie East, in which case the district could draw from the existing fund balance.

Trustee Baron Cook questioned the cost impact of expanding Wylie East to accommodate 2000 students. Dr. Fuller replied that the cost is uncertain at this time due to questions surrounding specific classroom types needed based on the specialty and career programs offered, but to finish out the shell of Wylie East to hold 2000 students a bond would certainly need to be issued. Trustee Sam Satterwhite and Board President Susan Shuler both mentioned the need to reach equitable levels in terms of specialty and career programs offered at both campuses. However, Mr. Satterwhite was eager to start the transition as soon as possible while Mrs. Shuler was more reserved, citing the need to ensure the people, programs and teachers could be put in place in time. She stated, “I want to have the programs in place. I don’t want to half-way do this. We need to already have in mind what we are doing. That is my reservation with starting with the current 8th grade class.”

They recapped their visit with Frisco ISD administration to remind themselves that they should aim for equity not equality. Meaning that the specialized and career programs at each school should not be duplicates, but should be of equal value.

Trustee Ronni Fetzer mentioned her surprise at the amount of freshman students and parents that wanted to stay at Wylie East next year. She felt this was a sign that the community is ready and anxious to know the plan and execute the change. Trustee Stacie Gooch felt that some parents and students of current freshman were in a state of confusion, wondering what school they would attend in the 2008/2009 school year. While they acknowledged the confusion, the board mentioned that they always stated this year’s freshman would all attend Wylie High School next school year. There is no option for current freshman to graduate as Raiders.

In a brief moment of comedy during this discussion, Trustee Sue Nicklas reminded everyone, “Freshman are nothing. You all remember what it was like to be a Freshman.” Stacie Gooch quickly replied, “I was a Pirate!”

The Trustees also briefly discussed the boundary lines for each school. While nothing has been decided, they did essentially rule out 78 as the dividing line for the schools. An option that was discussed was using Westgate as the dividing line for schools, but there was also concern that students would be going to a school that was further away from their home than the other. Athletic Director Mark Ball was on hand and stated his belief that parents would try to position themselves to attend one school over the other with a longer delay. Citing athletic reasons, he also stated it would be better to begin the transition with the current 8th grade class or the current 6th grade class. Dr. Fuller mentioned that all varsity athletic students would be allowed to transfer to Wylie High School in Wylie East’s inaugural year. He said, “They are all still representing Wylie High School as it pertains to sports.”

At the end of the lively discussion, it was clear that the Trustees still had a lot of decisions and information to uncover as they proceed with the plan for transition. It was also clear that the citizens of Wylie can expect a WISD bond election in November 2008 or May 2009 to make the transition a reality.

The WISD Board of Trustees will hold a special session tonight, February 11th, 2008. Item B on the agenda states the following:

B. Workshop to Discuss Transition for Future High Schools, proposed 2008-09 Calendar and After School Programs

No action will be taken at tonight’s meeting, but great insight should be provided on the direction of the future configuration of Wylie’s High Schools. The public is welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at the WISD Education Service Center, located at 951 S. Ballard.

After at least a year of discussion, special meetings and public forums, the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees on Monday voted 5-2 in favor of a multiple 9th-12th grade high school configuration. 91% of the public that contributed input during the public forums desired this configuration.

Stacie Gooch, Susan Shuler, Ronni Fetzer, Baron Cook and Ralph James voted for the multiple 9-12 high school configuration while Sam Satterwhite and Sue Nicklas dissented.

Now that the decision has been made in regards to the configuration, Trustees must quickly decide the best way to implement the transition. WISD Superintendent Dr. John Fuller stated that he will provide suggestions and more information regarding boundary lines and transition times once he has had time to discuss these issues with key personnel.

The next scheduled WISD Board Meeting is January 21, 2008.