Coffee with KISD Super

2/27/2019

Blogged by Liz Ramos

10 am this morning KISD Superintendent Bera and Communities in Schools offered coffee and pan dulce to parents and discussed what is happening at the district level and at schools. There was no true agenda for this meeting other than to converse with parents in the KISD district. Next month Bera will host another meeting that will include lunch. In April they will possibly host a dinner. Bera pointed out that she would like to continue having these meetings with the public at the school campuses with parents and possibly some block meetings out in the public.

School campus meetings will give parents the opportunity to inform the new Superintendent of issues they have or ideas for KISD and/or the school campus. I have personally met with Bera about campus concerns and was told that those are campus issues and to take it up with the campus. I have an idea (opinion) that the elementary schools should host a Meet and Greet for Prek-2nd graders and their parents prior to the first day of school. Many parents have been upset that they are no longer held. For a youngster, not knowing anything such as the teacher, the room, or generally anything can be overwhelming. I would like to see these campuses open up to the idea that this is important and try to incorporate this for next school year. Some students also come from out of town by way of NAS or parent job transfer and are new to the community. What is a better way to be more inviting? I have spoken with the school principal on this matter and was told that this is a district decision. So, in essence, I got the back and forth treatment. Today she informed everyone that she would like to know what could make the schools better and she will work directly with the schools to accomplish those goals.

Bera explained her main goal is to work on the school grade and bring that up. Attendance was one of her main concerns. Middle school attendance should be at 96% and it is currently 89%. Elementary school attendance should be at 98% and it is currently at 90%. High School attendance is currently at 90%. Bera communicated with the area principals and asked why such a low attendance rate. The response from school level was, “Some of the kids, the parents, will call us and say, ‘can you come and get my kid out of bed? He doesn’t want to come to school.” Bera wonders why they have no drive to go to school. Whether it be the instruction, something that is not happening in school or something that is happening in school such as bullying. Bera stated, “What are we doing to stop the bullying?” The high school has a Saturday school program for those who miss projects or assignments they will be made to go into school on the weekend and sit with a JROTC instructor to get it done. Maybe this will deter absences in high school? What will be done at the other campuses?

Parents brought up concerns with absences and communication. Many parents call the school and never receive a phone call back. Side note: Not everyone can get off work to physically go down to the campus with minor or moderate concerns. Bera stated that she would bring up this issue and inform all campuses and principals that there would soon be a 24hr call back rule. I personally have emailed staff members and they go off into deep space never to hear back from them. Maybe she can apply this to emails as well? Guess we will find out. Another concern from a parent was the school now requires students to get a tardy slip if they are late to school in the morning. A lot of parents and students are huddled in a small room all trying to get the tardy slip making students even more late. This apparently is not done at all schools and there is no consistency in the rules.

Monday there will be a board meeting to discuss recommending the high school start earlier next school year. The reason is that the attendance and tardiness have not changed from the previous year with an earlier time. So show up to voice your support or discontent for this possible change. Meeting is scheduled March 4th, 6pm. Now would be a good time to call or email other board members, that is, if your email doesn’t go off into Deep Space Nine. Here is the link to contact info: https://www.kingsvilleisd.com/apps/pages/index.jsp…

Bera stated that after listening to the teachers the number one complaint is not enough Professional Development. She is looking into ways to provide that for the teachers. Bera has been given the authorization to hire teachers on the spot instead of waiting for the next board meeting to allow staff at a campus asap, if needed. That is awesome!

Communication seems to be an issue for many parents in KISD. Parents feel their concerns are blown off, not important enough, and debate changing districts on that fact, not on the F rating for the school. Along with communication there is a need for parents to be able to easily obtain information they want to know. I expressed getting the webpage updated and running and utilize social media for getting the word out. Kingsville Record will have one paper a week circulation and this is not enough to inform the public. She states that is important and she is working on it, but the main focus is the school rating. I don’t blame her but there should be an outlet for all the positive and negative events occurring at KISD and the schools.

At last, Bera welcomes parents and teachers to her office at any time. She has an open door policy and is willing to answer calls of concerns if the campus is not willing to listen. Again, there will be more meetings, hopefully at different times so other parents can be available for these meet and greets. Bera invites parents to bring friends and inform other parents about these meetings. She would love to hear from all you Kooky Kingsvillians. If you have any questions regarding this meeting feel free to email kookykingsville@yahoo.com or call KISD at (361)592-3387.

Excuse the grammar, I am in a hurry.