BURTON SCHOOL BOARD EXTENDS SUPERINTENDENTS CONTRACT

  
Dr. Edna Kennedy

Burton School Trustees spent almost 2 hours in executive session Monday evening reviewing Superintendent Edna Kennedy and discussing her contract.  After their discussions, the board voted to extend Dr. Kennedy’s contract one more year, through June of 2021.  They also voted to review the salary in July when the District’s budget is discussed.  Board member Felton Cox cast the only dissenting vote.  Dr. Kennedy’s salary is currently $111,568 after she received a 3 percent increase one year ago.  She joined the District in February of 2015.

In other action, the board approved the joint election with the city of Burton for May 5th.  There will be two separate ballots for the school board election: one for the seats currently held by Ande Bostain and Brian Jaeger, and one for the final year of Ronnie Hohlt’s position.  Jeff Harmel was appointed by the board last year to fill that position when Hohlt took a job with the district and had to resign.  Candidates for the Burton School Board have until February 15th to file for the election.

Antonio Naylor and Clifton Stuckey of the Reliance Architecture firm of Austin gave the board a presentation on what their firm could do in Bond Planning.  They had recently worked with the Brady School District in developing their bond issue.  Naylor explained how they worked not only with the district, but with the community in developing what projects to invest in and what the residents could afford.  He said that if selected, they would work with the District and the community to deliver the most for every dollar.

Antonio Naylor (L) and Clifton Stuckey of the Reliance Architecture explain to the board how their firm works with the community to develop a bond issue.
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32 Comments

  1. I just wanted to pass this along to everyone since this seems to be a big deal. I talked to a board member about these comments and he gave me some interesting information that I was not aware of. I followed up on what he told me and this is a brief run down of what I found.
    What most of us don’t realize, is that a lot of this is STATE driven. State standards change, State requirements and codes change, State laws change, Property values change (State Comptrollers Office controlled the last property value increase)(Ask WC Appraisal district for facts). The School has to follow what the State tells them to do. Regardless, things have to change to meet theses standards for our school! It boils down to politics! If you recall, the State legislature did very little in regards to school funding or property tax relief. Yes, they touched it so it appeared they did something, but it is a well orchestrated agenda. Other smaller bills took up the time needed to spend on schools. If you don’t realize it, we are being squeezed until we, the tax payers, are willing to break and compromise on their solution/agenda. Turning communities against each other is part of the squeeze! The board member I talked to is up for reelection. So, I pressed a little. Since this is a hot topic, I thought I’d give him a chance and see what he knows or doesn’t know. I also asked him if I could discuss some of what he said with others and he said “yes, it’s public information”. He said he, and others, are always willing to discuss these issues, he said just call the school and leave a message. He was able to give me the facts and where I needed to be looking to support them. I must say, I did get good information. He also said that most of them read the statements on here and understand everyone’s frustrations. They too are tax payers and they don’t want there taxes to go up either. He said they are working on future plans and that there is not a plan as of now to hold a bond election, that it’s not the right time to do it. He did say that something does have to be done in the future, it’s inevitable. It’s just a matter of timing and it’s all up to the community.
    I asked about some of the issues people brought up on here about Dr Kennedy. He said there were a few issues and Dr Kennedy has done a great job addressing most of them and she’s still working hard on the rest. He said you would be surprised what she has to deal with on a daily basis. There were other things we discussed, some we agreed on and some we didn’t but we both understood where each other was coming from. I didn’t want to put too much on here, because I respect the fact that he discussed these with me and just wanted to give you a sample of what we discussed. I’m not saying he does or doesn’t have my vote either. I suggest calling the right board member though and having a discussion with them. To be fair, I have to say, another board member I talked to had a very different options, that left me with more questions than answers. Like why is that person on a school board? It gave me a better understanding and I voted against the bond because I did know all the information. That’s not to say I’d vote for the next one either, but we will see.

  2. I’ve been reading the comments and I have a solution! If you have moved into our beautiful little town and don’t like what’s going on with our school and you don’t
    like how your business doesn’t have support from parents, maybe you should just go back to wherever you came from! You don’t have to complain about our town or the local beauty shop! Keep your complaints and opinions to yourself and move on! Many of the Burton residents like it just like it is and don’t want the Round Top experience!

  3. It sounds like the Burton folks are fed up with their school system. I have an idea.

    MERGE into the Brenham ISD !!!!!
    School Supt Dr Walter Jackson is very sharp and doing a great job !!!

    Do you Burton folks agree?

    1. The same people that are against change and shutting down the school believed the same thing thinking they wouldn’t have to pay taxes. What a illogical thinking instead taxes would go up! Secondly, the old timers thought and still think their taxes would go especially those 65 and older again another untruth…taxes would be frozen. Even hearing from Dilworth stating the same thing obviously didn’t make them think. One way another Washington county and Burton Texas will change you can’t stop it. So keep on with your narrative, the lies, the bashing and ohh Burton businesses not being utilized. In fact Short Stop charges more for food but people don’t realize the prices would go down if other businesses were allowed to come in. Taxes would be lower instead of higher. The old Burton way no longer works especially management of the city and school. Band Aids only go so far but costs sore at alarming rate over time for failure to do the right thing first instead just barely making the standard….the dam will break and bubble will burst!!!

      1. The generation making these and this remark has no respect for older more mature people. Using derogatory language. Unfortunately, this generation has started breaching the money spending dam a long time ago. That is why tax dollars run out. This new generations does not know the difference between wants, needs, and simply being resourceful. Now, that is the truth.

        1. There is plenty of respect but respect goes both ways. There is no derogatory or cursing on here but expressing views under the 1st Amendment. But in Burton your not allowed unless your from Burton. As far as tax dollars bring in service generated business not antique stores and will change the trajectory of this town. You can still be small, quiet, and tranquil. Resourceful I agree but you don’t have that.

          1. People move here to Burton because they like what we have. Then, after they get here. They want the people who have been here, are happy here, to be liberal like them. They think that they are smarter and must invoke their ideas and that anybody that has been here most of their life are imbeciles. If you think you need to make all of the changes. I believe the first change you need to make is where you decided to live.

    2. They can’t afford Dr. Jackson and has $182,000 annual salary, heaven knows what we would pay him if Burton joined in!

  4. Outsider and burtonite, I’m so sorry you’re confused as to what you are!! Sounds like you’re one of those left wing liberals that drank too much koolade!! You rant and rave about moving forward, yet you give no thought as to how to pay for any of it!! You spout off about needing a change, new buildings, new atheletic facilities, etc. You say the kids deserve it, need it, worked for it. Well, at this point in life, the kids deserve a good education from the school. That’s it!! Something that’s going to get them to college to further their career. Athletics is not a career for these kids. It’s extra corricular activity. That’s it. As parents, we need to make sure they have a roof over their heads, food on their table, clothes on their backs, and are able to take them to the doctor when sick and afford the medicine they need. We shouldn’t have to choose which one of the above mentioned we can and can’t do just to pay the taxes so we can brag about our multi million dollar school!! You talk about the vacant buildings in town. Businesses closed because of lack of support from the community, as well as being taxed to death paying county, city, and school taxes. And I’ve seen the superintendent loading up a bus of teachers and taking them to lunch in Brenham, Kenney Store, Carmine, instead of patronizing a local establishment. And, I should add, these local establishments are the ones that are always being hit up for donations, advertising, and they come through and help all the time!! You’re so busy pointing fingers and blaming other people that you can’t see the forest for the trees!! The “old timers” are the ones trying to keep the school open. What is being proposed will eventually result in Burton becoming a ghost town when no one can afford to live here anymore. I guess common sense has become a thing of the past.

    1. That lunch thing happened on a in service day if I remember correctly. One day. I believe it was done to get the teachers out for a little break and something different than what they been eating all week/year. You know, supporting the towns local businesses year round. Once again, don’t let them do something different! What establishment in Burton, is open for lunch during the week that could feed, and seat, 65-80 people in an hours time anyway?
      I have also seen buses being worked on at Dale Guelkers shop. Local business.
      I have also seen the school bank in Burton. Local business.
      I have seen flowers purchased for events from Heidi. Local business.
      I believe Dr K rents a house from the Winkelmanns. Local business.
      I do believe the community center gets rented by the school for events. Local business.
      I believe meat has been purchased from Burton sausage and processing. Local businesses. Now, I think, I’m just about out of businesses to list in Burton. (OK, Short stop, Cactus, Brazos Belle, I’m positive most of the school has been to them at some point).
      I’ve also seen her have the teachers load up on a bus for a field trip to see where exactly their students live and the conditions they live in.
      It’s obvious your view is one sided. Point is people here only see what they want to see! I agree with Outsider and burtonite, And no, I’m not a “left wing liberals that drank too much koolade”. It’s just that obvious how people in this town really are and think! And that is so sad. You could have so much more for this town if you’d stop holding on to how it was. How much more supply and demand would these local businesses have? How much more revenue and sales tax would flow into this town and keep it alive? If you don’t make some compromises, someone at some point will make it for you.
      Here’s another idea, how about everyone work together!
      The school could put in it’s own water supply, thus taking over half the burden off the city system and at the same time, provide a back up for the city. Not to mention, give the kids clean, lead free, water to drink. Funding would then come from the entire community and reduce the burden on just the city, however, this is where we have to come together, it would take a bond to do so. This is just one example. There are a lot of things education wise that the school could us help with.
      You see, everything needs to work hand in hand to support one another. You need the school and they need you. It’s time to move forward. Stop living in the past. Look at the bigger picture.

      1. In the three years I’ve owned my store Flown The Coop in Burton, I’ve only had five (at the most) school parents and/or school employees walk in through my door. Events held to encourage the community to support local businesses are rarely attended by the school community. Parents pass my store twice a day to pick up their children and never stop. Until I see an effort to support my business, I don’t see how I can possibly support the school. Between the unfair inventory tax (which goes to the school district), property tax and sales taxes I can not afford another increase.

    2. Fed Up, you missed the days the faculty was taken to the White Horse (Burton business) and Burton Roadhouse (Burton business). Both places are equipped to feed and seat that many people at one time. Dale’s Automotive works on the buses for Burton ISD. The teachers use their own money to buy things for their classroom from the Dollar General (local business). School Organizations use the Burton meat businesses for their fundraisers. Burton area bakers are used to provide cakes and other goodies when needed by the School employees. Classes take field trips to the Burton Cotton Gin, Burton State Bank and just recently The Corner Store run by the Burton Bridge Ministry. The Burton Fire Department provides informational presentations to the students of Burton ISD. I would say that the school district supports and works with local businesses and community members quite well. The mayor of Burton has provided inservice for the faculty and so has County Commisioner Joy Fuchs. T-shirts are purchased from local privately owned shirt businesses. Perhaps the big problem here is that the people complaining are not informed of what is actually happening in the school district.

    3. You still post the same thing over and over again like a broken record. You have yet to provide a solution….what a minute there is no solution, you want a solution that continues down the same path. Yet the town and school suffers. Maybe having a town and school open discussion is needed. But you are quiet in discussion. Again you can’t defend your narrative until you find a solution.

  5. Well “Fed UP”, how does it feel when the shoe is on the other foot? I am considered an outsider even though I was born here, went through Burton School, and college. Your line of thinking is very out dated…..you sound just like Mr. Cox and Larry Winkleman. It is good to know your an “Old Timer” which justifies your narrative and thinking process. Burton has always lived in a Bubble and kept the outside world away that is why there are no business’s or services in this town. You have empty buildings that are not doing a thing except rotting away just like the entire foundation to support anything for the future. The debt you referring to was caused by Lack of understanding change and intelligence to better understand the future. Meaning Burton People including my relatives have let this town ruin as well as the school. Your narrative of 18M bond instead focus on academics. It is interesting you focus on that but yet the school still employs the same people of Burton that was educated at that school meaning jobs. People have ridiing the wave for a very long time….MY School, My Town, My paycheck…..me me me. Granted the teachers of the past were real educators and they enjoyed teaching……not teaching for a paycheck. Furthermore, most of the employees feel the same way as I have listed above. The taxes are high real high but that is because you didn’t keep up so the costs 40 years ago is nothing compared to now. Anything you do from hear on out and into the future……costs money. Obviously you have no idea how the real world works as you have stayed in your own little world for so long you can’t function outside of that. In regards to the facilities, the gym is over 50 years old no compliant, the football stadium is non compliant and goal posts don’t meet state specs, you have lead in the water, your showers don’t work, asbestos in the field house which is also 50 years old, you have no weight room……..you and people like you caused this issue. It is like a disease that keeps spreading generation after generation on the way you think. But at the end of the day you complain but you never come to the table to find a solution…..you just keep using the same old narrative and same old thinking. The sports and academics as well as band, AG, and so on makes a well rounded student athlete which probably you never were. But yet you want to control others and the future….You and others have no right to do that…..sounds like liberal democrats run a muck. There is no show as you state this is about the future. Lastly, you and your groupies created this inside and outside whether people of from here or not You made this happen. Why do you think most graduates over time don’t come back. It is about how you treat people, the gossip, bad mouthing, jealousness, etc. Only time will tell if it ever gets better. But yes you and people like you are responsible for downfall of this town and school. You can no longer point fingers, bad mouth people, get your groupies at church to not vote. And the list goes on.

    1. Burtonite, the start of your rant was a challenge to comprehend, but I give you credit on a strong finish. Your points about the buildings and their purpose echoed the sentiments of the Board ten years ago.

      They focused first on providing excellent classrooms and facilities for the elementary students through grade six. The elementary at the time was the old black school built in the 1950’s, a gym built in 1964, a building from the 1980’s and about seven temporary buildings. They included an activity gym. They designed it to serve the Elementary. It was not to be a competition gym. They did this on three things. One was to assure the taxpayers it was not for athletics and thus vote against it for that reason. Two was that if it was built to accommodate competition, its size would require knocking down the fieldhouse, requiring more money spent on athletics. Third was it would cost another $500,000 or more.

      They also included a new Ag Building. This was because they needed a library. The final decision was to renovate the old Ag barn built in 1972 into a library, centrally located to serve elementary and secondary. That saved square footage and avoided duplicating library staffing. That also opened three classrooms in the old HS building that had been a library. Those rooms became two classrooms, the counselors office and improved restrooms for the girls. It also allowed ventilation to be moved from passage through the girl’s restroom.

      Third they built a new maintenance barn. That is because the old barn, which had been the original Ag Building prior to 1972, was torn down to put in the elementary building and gym.

      So in 2008 we replaced 40-50 year old buildings and temporary buildings. By 2011 we tore down the JH built in 1968 and the Administration Building, built in the late 70’s. So two more 40-50 year old buildings. When built we had three empty classrooms. By 2014 those were in use. We had split the sixth grade into separate subject teachers because enrollment was requiring more staffing.

      In 2012 or so we moved into the new Administration building. Our office had been in the old Technology classroom built about 1970 and moved from beside the old Ag Building to make room for the new Junior high. That building now houses the Band.

      Two more temporary buildings built in the 1980’s and moved from the old elementary site are still in use. One houses the Burton ISD special ed Resources. The other houses disciplinary students.

      We left several items on the last approved facility plan. They are always the most difficult to get voters to approve. Because not everyone sees the need or the value in them. They include a band hall, they are in that temporary building built for another purpose over forty years ago, no storage, no acoustics. A competition gym. The current one was built in 1968. The locker rooms were built after the fire of 1998. The roof leaked, the showers do not work, the locker rooms are too small for the number of kids we have involved in athletics, little storage. The football field is in good shape, but that is the most desirable spot to add new classrooms. We want to keep the classrooms close to the others. So we have to build another one a little bit north. We can use the existing stands and even move the lighting. But when you build a new one, you have to meet new code and access for handicapped. That requires an elevator to the press ox. All new restrooms with access. Parking for access. So that is where we are. Because the voters in the past did not keep facilities update, because the best place to build is the current site of the football field we pretty much have to it all. It will also require more improved parking and addressing drainage. WIting is not going to improve conditions. Interest rates are fixing to go up. Right now the biggest taxpayers are oil, gas, telecommunications. If you wait til they are depleted, then all the landowners will have their taxes go up because they will be all there is to tax. There are no big businesses to tax. This is Burton. It is what it is. Find a way to get some of it done now. Doing nothing is falling behind.

      We improved the cafeteria, but lost two classrooms doing it.

  6. Lots of attacking going on here!! I wonder just how many “outsiders” know exactly who is an outsider and who is an “old timer”!! Well, I’m an “old timer”!! Born and raised here!! Proud of it!! One thing I don’t understand is that people move here because they like the small town atmosphere and the peaceful quiet town, but the minute they move here they want to change everything about it!! That’s why the city is in such a deep hole of debt!! Poor management!! It’s great to want to improve, change things, but you also have to consider how to pay for these changes!! Common sense tells you that spending $18,000,000 on a bond will up your already too high taxes!! Families will not be able to afford to stay here, or move in here, because taxes are too much. Do we need some improvements on certain areas of the school? Yes. But not what is being proposed here!! Educate yourself on issues of tax burdens!! We still owe around $9,000,000 on the $7,000,000 bond to build the new elementary school. And I was a big supporter of building the new school. We need to quit dreaming so big on the proposal for a state of the art football stadium and new gym, and do what we need to do on an academics level. Academics are what will give our children the future they need, not athletics!! Would it be nice? Yes!! Is it necessary? Absolutely no!! That’s what us “old timers” are thinking. It’s not all about show!! It’s about making productive youths that can one day make a difference in this world!! Sorry all you “outsiders” feel unwelcomed here!! Maybe you should ask yourself why!!

    1. Heck, two of my ancestors were founders of Round Top and Schulenberg, but my immediate family ‘came home’ to Washington county 60 years ago and never were welcomed. Eventually they all moved somewhere friendlier. I only moved back here because the community comments on KWHI are so amusing and it’s so much easier to go see the controversy for myself when I live right in the middle of it.

  7. Sniff Sniff Sniff…..I am an outsider! For a very long time burton has lived in the past and in a utopia. The state pass down the tax rates so if you want to complain like most of you do then take it up with them. Burton has more drama problems than I have ever seen. Family against Family, old Burton vs. new burton, Burton people against everyone that is not from here, not to mention Brenham. You cry all the time about everything…sniff sniff sniff. Your problem is you fail to take responsibility for your failing to keep up with old father time. But yet you complain and blame everyone tax rate, raising taxes, who did what. Your words no longer mean anything. Your town is slowly eroding away, the city pays almost 10K a month on pipes, and further more you have lead in the water that not only citizens drink and I am pretty sure the kids do too. You use the narrative of MY TAXES….well hope about a reality check everyone taxes are up not just yours. What is bad is your would through away a future versus present conditions. Your dislike of outsiders that have seen the real world makes you cringe and intimidated…..GET a LIFE! You don’t want to town to do anything but stay the same. But yet you should be concerned about the State taking over your town and school. Talk about annexation of Burton….it is coming and you are only worried about yourselves. But yet you bash everyone. Well this outsider is going to watch as the truth finally comes out. As most of the groupies have been lying to everyone in order to maintain control of not just the town but the bottom line for themselves. You keep businesses away only for yourselves. But yet you call yourselves Christian. Heck the town social gossiper does most of your hair at the beauty shop. So face you selfish selves that talk more about everyone else versus hearing the truth and denying the facts. You care more about drama of who has what or who said what or did what. You hate the fact these kids have gone on to do great things in sports but yet they have nothing. Because you say (even Mr. Cox has said) I didn’t have it why should they! I could go on but it is waste of time because you all are no longer worthy of a town or a school. I wonder how many work for the school that voted against the bond. And lastly, how is one man in this town the sole wisdom on what should be done or not done in this town or school…..The same man that years ago wanted to shut down the school and send every child to Brenham. So get over yourselves and wake up from the fog you have been in for years.

  8. Some people need to Wakk Up and Smell the Roses Old Saying Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a Fool than to open it and Remove All Doubt

  9. Thank you Mr. Cox!! Apparently you are the only one that understands that the superintendent already had a contract until 2020, 2 more years!! Why in the world would any of you add another year on it at this time? A lot can happen in the next 2-3 years, and we, the tax payers, would have to buy out the remainder of her contract!! Not a smart move!! Let’s hope we get some new members on the board at the next election, and let’s pray that the new members realize that the superintendent is already over paid, and the raise does not happen!!

    1. Yes, elect another retired old timer that doesn’t have kids in our school and hasn’t been in the school in 40 plus years, that would fix it! Seriously though watch, it is going to happen. I’d bet my next paycheck on it. That how people roll around here. Welp, schools closed kids!

  10. I wish the Brenham school district would take a more practical approach to compensation for the Superintendent like the Burton Board did. Good for Burton!

  11. Talking with many members of the Burton community, it seems that this superintendent is not exactly well-liked. So why does the school board continue to extend her contract? What has she done to deserve a pay raise? Burton tax payers are being taxed right off of their property, and all she can think about is adding more to their burden with another bond. Spend within the budget and certainly don’t give her a raise if that money is needed elsewhere. School board, wake up. Talk to community members. It’s too bad that there is only one school board member with any gumption.

    1. Okay, It’s time some of you hear the truth.
      Astonished, Can you please show us where it states she is getting a pay raise?
      Consulting with an architecture firm is planning. That’s what they are suppose to do, Plan for the future. I’d be really concerned if they weren’t planning, taking their time, and putting forth some thought. And it clearly states this firm will work with the community on what the community can afford. I remember that the community asked for more information and planning. Just by what I’ve kept up with, seems they are doing what they were asked to do. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with everything they do, and I let them hear it the right way, but from what I see, it looks like progress is being made.
      The reason a few in the community don’t like her is she’s not from here. She’s a “Move in”. And move in’s are not welcomed very well by these few. I know, it’s taken 15 years before people started welcoming me. Why is that? Possibly, because she not from here, she’s different, educated, she makes people do their jobs or move on, and she has seen how the world really is outside of Burton, and that makes her a threat to these type of people. They are scared. Some people don’t like her because she makes people do there jobs. Let me ask you, if you weren’t doing your job, what would happen? If you left during the day, to go do another job and get pain by both, what would happen if your boss found out ? It’s easier to blame someone else than to except responsibility for what you did wrong. HMMM, wonder why they would chose to quit their job and move on? It’s a very small town, and if you pay attention, you will see and hear what is going on, or maybe that’s it, just turn a blind eye away from the truth and blame someone else, like a move in. You can’t hide anything here. Is it right to pay someone tax payer dollars and let them slack off? Is it right to give them a pass? Is it right to let them break the law? Kinda sounds like she’s “Draining the swamp”! I’d bet that’s why that group doesn’t like her. So could this possibly be one way she’s saving the tax payers money?
      Have you asked, where the majority of the money from the last increase in property value went? It’s not all in the school or county budget!
      Last question, Have you ever gone and talked to her about your concerns? Or could that be another reason some people don’t like her, because they haven’t even met her.

      1. The article states that she received a 3 percent raise last year. The reason she isn’t well liked has nothing to do with where she’s from. The problem is that she won’t drain the swamp.

      2. Burton watch dog I read your note. I can understand your points and how you came to the conclusions you did. However, I do not believe her being an “outsider” holds water. Being an “outsider” you should remain transparent in your transactions to avoid suspicion. You must also be competent in your job. Evidently some question her abilities or leadership style. That is fine. Ask questions and get answers. It is up to her to prove the doubters wrong.

        I take exception with your comment of “draining the Swamp”. Burton ISD is not a Swamp. The overwhelming majority of Burton ISD employees are true to their school. They put in more hours than the minimum. They care about their students, have no problem talking to parents and in return expect to be paid a fair wage, good benefits and the support of the Board and Superintendent. The proof is in the honors and results. Recognized as one of the top schools in the state, top scores in financial ntegrity, well maintained facilities, low turnover in staff are all good examples.

        Lastly, what were you alluding to in your statement that the money from the increase in property values did not end up in the School or county budget? Are you saying the District bucket has hole in it and is being wasted or stolen?

  12. I’m in full agreement with “getreal ”
    Do they understand this is marketing at its core? I’d never let these trustees buy me a new car, I’d have the highest payments in the county. Not to mention the voters.

  13. You have an architecture firm come in to discuss how they will promote a bond. Has the superintendent led a discussion on a bond program since the last one gailed? Has the superintendent addressed the concerns of the people that voted against the last Bond? Has the superintendent used enrollment, average class size in the elementary, classroom utilization in the secondary by period, any conflicts like restrooms available, crowding in halls/lunchroom, time constraints, current bandhall, need for new buses, new computers/technology, track to support all athletics and state champion program, security, parking lots in mud that students bring into building, poor drainage, new lawncare equipment, concession stand, utilizing current lighting and stands on a new football field, shifting funds from maintenance and operations to interest and sinking funds because tax dollars there are not subject to Chapter 41, or anything else?

    You start bringing these folks in before you have answered questions from last time or gathered facts to support going theough the process and you are setting yourself for failure.

    Doing the same thing over again and expecting different results is foolish.

    The Board did GetReal on raise for Superintendent. Stop putting her raise first. Figure the budget and she gets what the hard-working teachers, principals and staff that are positively impacting our kids in the classroom everyday. Our kids are respectful, engaged in learning and self-disciplined to most extent.
    #cartbeforethehorse. #hasanythingchanged

    1. What are you reading?
      It clearly states, “They also voted to “REVIEW” the salary in July when the District’s budget is discussed.” It doesn’t say she’s getting a raise. Lets not jump to conclusions! Lets think about it, if they felt she was doing an outstanding job and addressing all the issues, wouldn’t they have just given her a raise right now?
      Second, It clearly states, “Bond Planning,” not “PROMOTING” which to me seems to be a smart move on their part. It also goes on to state ” Naylor explained how they worked not only with the district (In Brady), but with the COMMUNITY in developing what projects to invest in and what the RESIDENTS COULD AFFORD. He said that if selected, they would work with the District and the COMMUNITY to deliver the most for every dollar.” So let me understand your point, you’re upset that they are CONSIDERING bringing someone in to work with the community and prioritize what the community wants and what they can afford?? If that’s the case, then I agree with your #, and the answer is clear by your own statement, nothing has changed, in regards to reacting before you read or have all the facts. Happens a lot here.
      It also appears that the board is moving slow on this bond issue. “BOND PLANNING” isn’t something that happens within a years time. It could take 2-3 years just to develop a good plan. Which is smart, no one likes things shoved down their throat. Let them take their time and get things right. I’d be interested in seeing the long range plan before jumping to conclusions. I’m all for a new school, but there has to be a solution that the majority of the community can afford and support. I too am ready for a change, I too want better facilities, but for this area, change is hard for people to except.
      If you look back and remember all those opposed to the last bond of 2005-06, they are the same people that opposed the 2015 bond. I remember a few of them wanted to closes down our school and send our kids to Brenham, and some still do. They themselves are residents born in this area and didn’t want the change then, and they don’t want it now. What some fail to see, is that without a school, there won’t be a town for long. First the school, then businesses, then the churches. There will be no young people left in the town, and that’s just sad.
      Nothing is always never the same.

      1. She received a 3 percent raise 1 year ago. Burton has new buildings, and the old ones have been renovated. The people who supported the old bond to build a new elementary school do not necessarily support this new bond. Our property taxes sky rocketed this year, so adding any increase to our taxes would make life difficult. It’s not the old timers who want to close the school; it’s the outsiders. When you have trouble paying the bills, you shouldn’t add to your debt, you should tighten your budget and prioritize. So now the board is wasting money by hiring a firm to build a communication bridge between them and the community. The community voted no. Time to move on.

        1. Again, show me where they are spending money on this firm? It clear states “if selected” once again you’re not getting your facts straight! How can anyone take some of these comment seriously if we can’t get past what a news media post reads? Doesn’t sound like we are looking for facts though.
          There it is! Finally someone said it! The “outsider”, aka “move ins”, thanks for backing up the earlier statement. That tells it all. A local that doesn’t like outsiders. Funny two of the board members are “outsider”, aka “move ins”. Would they support you statement?
          Have you been in the school while the classes are going on? I’m not talking, just walking by, but actually inside. Tell us how many kids are in the senior class? Yes, Burton has newer buildings (now 10 years old), but not for the high school. They did remodel, not expand, because the taxpayers wanted them to. Our band is in a portable building that’s about to fall apart.
          Yes she did get a raise a year ago, and she makes the most money out of anyone in this town, well, except the landowners with mineral rights, and guess what so will the next superintendent after she’s gone. Look up the facts for Texas school superintendents pay. If you get to the right place, it gives you what superintendents make across the state and you can compare them with schools the size of Burton. You can also look at teacher salaries too while you’re there. Same thing. What I gather by looking at this information is that they are staying within the average of schools/communities our size by not giving her a raise. Which, seems logical and reasonable. We all need to get the actual facts before judging, not hear say.

      2. Well said BURTON AREA RESIDENT! As a former board member…. I’ve heard all this mess before. Sad thing is that most of those “stirring the pot” are very misinformed and ranting about things they “heard in town” or “from their neighbor”. What a lot of the community don’t understand is that the board is not to discuss closed session business outside of the meeting. I understand their has been and probably always will be a board member who thinks they are above that rule. I personally have never met the superintendent. What is IMPORTANT to me is staying informed of facts…. not gossip! Burton may not be perfect but I stand behind our school and community and if I had it to do again – my kids would attend Burton!!! As far as taxes – so many of the ones “stirring the pot” regarding their taxes going up shouldn’t have a thing to say. Their taxes are capped! If their their taxes went up – it’s because of improvements they chose to make to their property. Their tax rate remainded the same.
        My point to all this is that instead of listening to “gossip”, “coffee shop politics”…. whatever you want to call it …. take the initiative and attend board meetings. If you have something you want to ask or say …. call the office and request to be on the agenda. I think people don’t realize the “rules” that the board has to follow regarding school issues. There are things they can respond to you about and things they can’t. Don’t misinterpret a lack of response as negativity. There’s a right way and a wrong way to make your concerns known. Follow the chain of command and you’ll find out more facts and less BS!!!
        As far as new facilities – you’re correct in saying some who were born and raised here and went to school here opposed the bonds!!! What I still don’t understand is “do they think if burton schools close and kids are forced to go to Brenham – they won’t have to pay school taxes?????
        I challenge all the negative talkers in the community to put as much effort into SUPPORTING our school as you do gossiping about things you don’t know are factual. There are many ways you can support our children and I’m not talking money. Most importantly be informed not misled!!!!

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