Schools
Denison's White promoted to athletic director

Last Updated: 3:14 PM 12/02/08 - Denison High School’s Head Football Coach, Cody White, will be promoted to Athletic Director/Head Football Coach effective at the close of this school year, according to Dr. Henry Scott, Superintendent of Denison schools. (Full Story)
Sherman school board meets to discuss budget cuts

Last Updated: 12:24 AM 12/02/08 - SHERMAN, TX ― The Sherman Independent School District is running on a $1.8 million deficit. Now school board members are set to decide what cuts they could be making. Monday night's board meeting concluded with several options to be considered. (Full Story)
Eye on Education: The College Squeeze

Last Updated: 10:53 AM 11/25/08 - In our Eye on Education report, we look at a growing problem for American families as the economy continues to struggle. This morning we look at how college students and parents are coping with escalating education costs. (Full Story)
Anna school bus crash under investigation

Last Updated: 6:34 PM 11/24/08 - ANNA, TX ― Authorities say they have ruled out one of the possible causes of last week's school bus crash in Anna that sent more than a dozen children to area hospitals and left parents and authorities wondering if it could have been avoided. Rita Kotey spoke with Anna police. (Full Story)
Texas high school students to get credit hours for playing sports

Last Updated: 6:30 PM 11/21/08 - SHERMAN, TX ― This time next year, some student-athletes may be able to get credit to use toward graduation for playing sports. Rita Kotey talked with some school officials to find out what that means for all students, not just student-athletes. (Full Story)
Eye on Education: Poverty awareness

Last Updated: 10:10 AM 11/18/08 - CALERA, OK ― Almost half of the world over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day, and this situation is what some Calera High School students will live with for a week. We take a closer look in our Eye on Education report. (Full Story)
Calera kids trade beds for boxes to raise poverty awareness

Last Updated: 10:44 PM 11/17/08 - CALERA, OK ― Almost half of the world over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day, and this situation is what some Calera High School students will live with for a week. After school Monday, sixteen Calera students set up their cardboard boxes, which they will call home for the next five days. (Full Story)
SISD prepares for cuts

Last Updated: 8:17 AM 11/19/08 - SHERMAN, TX - Rollback elections were held in a number of school districts across the state, and one school district is trying to see where it can cut back after its rollback proposal failed. Sherman ISD administrators say they'll have to make about $3 million in cuts to the 2009 budget. (Full Story)
Plainview Schools’ scores among best in state

Last Updated: 5:29 PM 11/12/08 - ARDMORE, OK ― The Plainview School District has scored among the top in the state for education. (Full Story)
Some Kingston residents upset over property tax raise for school bond

Last Updated: 6:33 PM 11/06/08 - KINGSTON, OK ― Some residents in Marshall County were stunned when they received their property tax statements this past week. Some saw jumps of almost 20%. Daniel Armbruster has more. (Full Story)
More Headlines
Sherman residents react to rollback election’s failure Save Email Print
Posted: 4:57 PM Oct 6, 2008
Last Updated: 6:33 PM Oct 6, 2008
Reporter: Stephanie Brletic
Email Address: stephanie.brletic@kxii.com

A | A | A

SHERMAN, Tex. -- A major blow was dealt to several school districts around Grayson County, including the Sherman ISD, as at least three rollback elections failed over the weekend. Sherman residents spoke out about the failed measure on Monday.

Parents at Neblett Elementary School in Sherman we spoke to had mixed reactions. Some are happy, saying they are unable to pay more, while others say without the rollback money, they are worried their children's education could suffer.

Allen Spivey has children and grandchildren in Sherman schools. While he knows the district needs the money, he says he just cannot afford a tax increase. Spivey says he will soon be moving to Oklahoma, where as a disabled veteran he will not have to pay property taxes.

"Taxes are good for people if they're at a rate people can afford, but if they're up high, a disabled veteran can't make them," Spivey said.

Because state funding for schools was frozen at year 2006 levels, the Sherman Independent School District was asking for an additional thirteen-cents-per-$100 of property value to make up the difference between what they will get and what they will need.

Like Spivey, Dr. Steve Johnson was against the increase. Johnson says the burden of funding the schools should not land on the shoulders of all taxpayers, but that the money should instead come from other people in the community.

"I think we should all step up as individual concerned taxpayers, those of us who can afford to do it, and should do that, because we respect our teachers, we respect the job that they do. We want them to stay here educating our children."

Johnson says he never opposed education. He simply opposes making taxpayers foot the bill.

Parent Martha Turner says the schools need funding, even if it means paying more.

"The money is going everywhere but at the kids. They need a good education, but we can't give it to them because there's not enough funding. There’s no books, the books are outdated and everything, so I really think it would've been good if it had have passed," said Turner.

In a statement to KXII-TV, school board member John Hendricks says the board will now begin working on balancing next year's budget, saying the ratification's failure will have an impact on children's education and extracurricular activities, but members will work to make that impact as small as possible.

To see rollback election results held in other Texoma towns, click here.

More Stories
Denison's White promoted to athletic director

Sherman school board meets to discuss budget cuts

Eye on Education: The College Squeeze

Anna school bus crash under investigation

Texas high school students to get credit hours for playing sports

Eye on Education: Poverty awareness

Calera kids trade beds for boxes to raise poverty awareness

SISD prepares for cuts

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Richie Location: Sherman on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM
To Anonyomous SISD teacher. If the school board allows the administration to lay off teachers instead of useless non-teaching personnel, then it is up to the voters to replace the school board. I suspect the threats you mentioned are just that. Threats. That is the SISD way. And, as has been stated earlier.....it is NOT a "mere ten dollars a month". That was the big lie of this whole election, and the voters saw through it. The SISD wastes so much money "that even a caveman can see it". Time to put the money where it belongs, in the classroom. Why do we need "pre-k" anyway? My generation started at Kindergarden. Pre-k is nothing more than taxpayer subsidized child care, and also undermines the parents responsibility to teach children basic tenets of life before they enter Kindergarden.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sherman on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:20 PM
I am a teacher for SISD. Because the citizens of this town did not support the tax rollback, you will see major changes in your children's schools. I have been told that music, art, and pre-k will all be cut. The high school will eliminate all sports and band during school hours and make them all extra curricular. That means that you will have to pay all of those expenses for your child to participate!! So I hope it was worth voting no to. You have no idea how bad it's going to get. For a mere $10 dollars a month you could have made a difference in our schools. Now you will see mass firings of teachers in all grade levels. Was it really worth it? I'm sure the same people who voted no will be the same people protesting these major changes.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Sherman Watcher, and like minded individuals, take heed. There is an old saying, and I am sure you have heard it before, "if you aren't part of the solution then you are part of the problem." SW, that was nice that you came from a monied background and were able to make use of the private school system for at least two generations. (Have you seen that many are coming under fire for poor performance lately, as well?) Are you saying that just because you are a member of the priveleged few, you owe nothing to the future generations? Seriously??? Do you ever make use of any public facilities at all? (Roads, highways, parks...etc.) Schools, mostly public schools, are the places the leaders of tomorrow will be formed. Ideas grow there. Dreams become realities. (Incidentally, I doubt your story about the honors intern.) Youth become adults. You are saying that all of this isn't worth a couple of hundred extra bucks. Shame on you.

Posted by: Sherman Watcher Location: Sheman on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:40 AM
We just got stuck with a 70 Million Dollar 'improvement' bill, raising taxes AGAIN is a joke. Our schools are failing, our kids are not getting education, they're simply learning to take the tests required by the state. I had an 'intern' from SHS in our office who was a senior and she couldn't spell, couldn't file, couldn't type, and wasn't that good at communications. She graduated with honors last year... that is sad. Get rid of the illegal aliens and immediately the financial problems are gone. To disagree with one poster, it is NOT my obligation to teach your children. That is your responsibility. I have NEVER used public schools and I wouldn't. I was educated in private schools as were my children. You didn't help ME pay for my kids, why should I help you?

Posted by: Disgruntled taxpayer Location: Sherman on Oct 8, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Supporter, I know where the semi came from, but SISD pays for the tractor that pulls it and the diesel in the tractor. Both are expensive and not necessary. Harry said it well. With times like they are right now, look at everything. There is a huge difference between "wants" and "needs". With the economy like it is, "needs" must be addressed, "wants" have to wait. I don't agree that school taxes should be paid only by those with children, that's an insane suggestion. However, as with raising children, the school board needs to learn to say "no" when the money is not there.

Posted by: Big Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
The band trailor was bought by the band boosters with out asking anyone from SISD and then they stuck it to the district which has to then lease a truck from Dallas to pull it with. All that Advertising money probably goes right back into the booster club. I doubt the school gets any of it, they just get told when to move that big sucker. The president of the school boards kid was in band when that happend. The new tennis courts this year, board member's kid plays tennis. See a pattern? The real beef should be with the school board, they set policy and tell the super how to run the district. If your a teacher and voted against the roll back shame on you. You don't have to agree with how things are run, but you just lost youself a raise you won't get back.. Administrations change about every 5 years all you had to do was be patient. There is going to be lots of changes coming to SISD. Some of them needed. All these people who voted no will now be the ones first in line to gripe.

Posted by: For Education Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Put your money where your mouth is Richie...let's see your hidden video. Let's see what you've got big boy!

Posted by: Supporter Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Stacy....can you tell me what building they spent 2 or 3 million dollars renovating, then tore it down the next year? If you are talking about Washington school...get your facts straight. The new multi purpose building that was built a few years ago was NOT torn town, it was left standing and is still used in the new building. Know what you are talking about before you appear so stupid. As for all of you other whiners who are talking about the semi used to haul the band equipment...if you haven't looked closely there are ads on the side of the trailer that help pay for that. Open your eyes people. All of you idiots who voted NO didn't bother to educate yourselves on what this is about. I bet you would be griping at your job if you didn't get a raise. This is about keeping quality teachers and quality education in Sherman. Wake up people. You made us all look stupid.

Posted by: Richie Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:26 PM
So, ol' Rich is ignorant, eh? Maybe when my hidden camera footage is released to the public, you'll find out who is "ignorant".

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM, I take my hat off to you. (something I rarely do for anyone.)

Posted by: Mary Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM I agree with you...well said.

Posted by: ME Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Stacy it's clear you don't know where the semi for the band equipment came from so find something else to gripe about or educate yourself before you post things.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM
For all you people without children who are crying about paying for ISD education are selfish idiots. HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR EDUCATION WAS PAID FOR? What hypocrites! Would your family have been able to put you through 12 years of school (not including college) without the help of other taxpayers? I don't care who you are, but I doubt it. It is the responsibility of ALL American citizens to help educate our future children. Yes, some kids turn out bad, but others will become presidents, pilots, social workers, artists, olympians, or maybe even a doctor who will save YOUR life. Grow up and accept your responsibilities! I don't like high taxes any more than anyone else, but like everything else - it is taking more and more money to make things work. You expect a raise every once in a while don't you? As for the ISD administration, they get paid well because they made a decision to get in a profession (whether they are worth it or not) that provides high salaries. GROW UP!

Posted by: OD Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Melanie, We did not vote against education for the children. We voted No to show our displeasure of how funds are being used. 130.00$ a year today turns into 500.00$ a year 5 years from now. They need to run the school system like families run there house hold. If you don't have the money, you do without.

Posted by: stacy Location: sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Did they really need a $200,000 semi to haul the band equipment? In my day we used school busses. And what about the 2 or 3 million they used to renovate a school, then turned around and tore it down the next year? They are hiring interpreters to teach the illegals who shouldn't be allowed to even enroll in the first place. That would save quite a bit. Anyone w/ children should be stuck w/ the bill, not people w/o children. You people wanted them, you support them. They may be the future, but the people raising them aren't doing a very good job, so that's too scary a thought to even consider.

Posted by: Harry Location: Grayson on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:07 AM
There are two things that come to mind when considering where cutbacks "could" occur. The first thing that needs to be looked at is the high cost associated with extracurricular activities that involve using school buses and cars. I know, the kids deserve all the extra curricular activities they can get, but, we are living in unusual times and we must live within fiscally responsible budgets. Cut the number of trips by both students and faculty and you would save a ton of money. The second thing to consider is trimming the size of the faculty. Not so much the number of teachers but the extra paid teachers aids and extraneous administrators. Again, when times are good all organizations tend to get bloated and spend too much on comforts instead of basics. Times have been good and as long as officials can raise taxes and get their wish list, they will. At some point we need to be responsible and cut the fat. Now is the time. We are not against education, just fat. It's time to diet!

Posted by: Melanie Location: Denison on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I can't believe that anyone would vote against education. For someone who owns a home with property value of $100,000 they would see a tax increase of $130. Come on!! The children are our future decision makers...

Posted by: just stating facts on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:14 AM
They could sure stand to lose a few custodians who spend much more energy looking busy than getting anything cleaned up. And they got a lot of people in offices, not classrooms, who don't seem to have anything to do so they use their work time to cause problems for teachers.

Posted by: Supporter Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Richie...you are showing your ignorance.

Posted by: tracy Location: sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I agree with Dr. Johnson. I don't have children. Why should I be stuck w/ outrageous property taxes to send other people's kids to school? That should be a separate tax for people w/ children and leave us smart people alone.

Posted by: Disgruntled taxpayer Location: Sherman on Oct 7, 2008 at 06:14 AM
SISD could also save money by cutting the unbelievable number of extra curricular activities. Are all of those REALLY necessary? Field trips, scrimmages, staff development at far off places (when the same training is available from Region 10), all cost money that could be spent directly on the students. Do meetings really need to held at Austin College, requiring everyone to drive their taxpayer provided cars over there? And what is with that monstrosity of a trailer that I have seen at football games? Doesn't it take a tractor trailer rig to move it? Is that truly necessary? The school board, and the superintendent, can do a much better job of stewarding the taxpayer money. Learn to say "NO" if it not truly necessary for students. And, to the school board, the next time you consider giving a bonus, give to to those who deserve it...the teachers.

Posted by: Ted Powers Location: Bells, Tx. on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:44 AM
If the people want good education lets do just that. Get rid of the sports and concentrate on education, reading, writing and arithmetic. If we do this we can cut school taxes. If you really want a good education home school.

Posted by: taxpayer Location: sherman on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I disagree with Richie. There is alot of NECESSARY non-teaching staff in SISD. They perform alot of duties that allow teachers to teach in their classrooms while they perform the non-teaching duties which allow that to happen. SISD doesn't need to get rid of any staff. They can make budget cuts elsewhere - like getting rid of the take-home vehicles in the maintenance dept., the $55,000 Yukon can be traded in for a more reasonably priced vehicle (like the $27,000 7-passenger Suzuki)that gets better gas mileage, spend a little less in the athletic depts. (the stadium is fine as it is), and dump the unbelievable and costly CScope curriculum, among other expenses that get wasted around the district. No one should lose their job when plenty of cuts could be made elsewhere. If a position is lost and they don't want to fill it, that's fine. But don't cut people's jobs when there are other things that can happen to make ends meet without devastating someone's family.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:31 PM
richie get your facts straight and stop whining you won

Posted by: mike Location: sherman on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:46 PM
they need to make people with the Kids pay for day care,most of them are not learning anything anyway. also people living in apartments and rent house's pay no school tax.when people reach 60 years of age should have to pay school taxes

Posted by: Richie Location: Sherman on Oct 6, 2008 at 05:38 PM
If the SISD is really short of money, they can save a bundle by reducing the copious numbers of non-teaching staff. They could get rid of 3 dozen non-teaching staff, district-wide, and nobody would even notice, except for the ones that kept their jobs who might actually have to do a days' work for a change.

Education