Info from Flatonia ISD - Sal Vega

Below is a sample of the Bulldog Pen that can be found on the Flatonia ISD website.  The Bulldog Pen is designed to give the community timely information about the new gym/band hall and other FISD news.  Simply log on to the Flatonia ISD website, click on Bulldog Life, find Bulldog Pen on the menu bar and click on Bulldog Pen.

Community members may also click on the Ask The Supt blog on the main website for a question and answer session.

Bulldog Pen#2
S.Vega
Superintendent
Dec. 19, 2011

I attended the elementary and secondary Christmas programs last Thursday.  Once again I walked away filled with the Christmas spirit and in awe of our students' musical ability.

The elementary kids were their typical happy, cute selves.  Additionally, I'm always amazed with the instrumental song quality expressed by all the Bulldog Band members.  I know that the community members in attendance were as impressed with the musical proficiency and talent as I.  Congratulations to Mr. Beeson and all the band students.  Instead of Mr. Holland"s Opus, it could easily become Mr. Beeson's Opus.

On another note......every time the Texas Legislature opens a new session (every two years), all Texas Superintendents hold their collective breath.  We simply don't know what law they will pass that will affect our schools' future.  The last Legislative session was no different.  They passed into law huge cuts in education funding that totaled about $5 billion. 

This current school year, Flatonia ISD cut $250,000 and is scheduled to cut another $420,000 for the 2012-13 school year.  Any time the state asks us to cut $670,000(over two years) from our small budget, it will definitely affect the way we do business.

The truth of the matter is that typically, 80-85% of the total Texas school districts' budget is in employee salaries and benefits.  School districts have responded to the mandatory budget cuts in many different ways.  Some have opted for a RIF(reduction in force), cutting teaching positions, cutting full day PK to half day for only those PK students that qualify, cutting other instructional programs and reducing various teaching/coaching stipends. 

The Board of Education and I are committed to taking on this budget challenge in a way that is least disruptive for all involved while keeping the instructional priorities in place.  So, at the Dec. 12th Board meeting, I brought forth (for discussion only) a voluntary early resignation/retirement incentive.  The discussion centered around paying 10% of the employee's state base pay and $50 per accumulated sick leave (30 days max).  The idea is to give those that are considering leaving the district an extra incentive for notifying FISD early. This is a VOLUNTARY option and a personal choice.  In no way should this be interpreted as the the Board or I "forcing" employees out.

There were several school districts that were very successful in making the necessary budget cuts without upsetting the proverbial apple cart.

At the January, 2012 Board meeting, I plan to bring an early notification incentive recommendation for the Board's consideration.

A meeting has been set for January 5, 2012 @ 3:55 pm in the War Room. All employees(retiring age or not) are invited and encouraged to attend.

Looking forward to a prosperous New Year!

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S.Vega
Superintendent Flatonia ISD

A TEA Recognized School District
361-865-2941 x511
361-865-2945 fax
"Preparing Great Students and Great People for the Future"

Flatonia Jr.-Sr High

TEA Recognized 2008-09, 2010-11

Flatonia Elementary
TEA Exemplary 2009-10, 2010-11