Districts look for an outside view

Editor’s note: The following is the first part of a two-part series on local school district staffing methodologies. The Progress Times has met with school administrators and education advocates to determine how districts deal with maintaining their staffing levels and whether a standard should be required.

MISSION — In the ongoing economic uncertainty for education funding, local school districts have begun cutting excess spending anywhere they can from energy efficiency to consolidating bus routes, office supplies, equipment and general departmental budget cuts.

Read more: STUDYING SCHOOL STAFFING

MISSION — Sharyland Independent School District board members decided not to pursue open enrollment during their recent board meeting.

“Sharyland’s a school community. People come here basically for the schools,” said SISD Superintendent Scott Owings.

At a previous board meeting, officials discussed open enrollment and charging tuition based on the difference the state would give for an enrolled student and what the district actually pays for a student’s education.

Read more: SISD says no to open enrollment

Motorists should expect lane reductions on 23rd Street from US 83 to Sarah Street in south McAllen. Crews are working on an asphalt overlay operation. The work is scheduled from April 25 to May 9. 23rd Street is part of a district-wide overlay project that includes US 83, FM 1015, FM 907, FM 1926 & FM 1426. TxDOT has already completed work on FM 1015, FM 1426, and FM 907.

MISSION — Hidalgo County officials this week reminded residents that Anzalduas Park remains closed to the public and will not be available for use over the Easter holiday.

Read more: Anzalduas Park remains closed for Easter

MISSION — The Mission City Council approved hiring 10 additional police officers last Friday at an annual cost of approximately $550,000. The council adopted a budget amendment to approve $248,503 for the remaining 12 pay periods of this fiscal year. The city will pay this expenditure out of the city’s general fund, said City Manager Julio Cerda.

This action comes on the heels of the opening of a new $2.2 million police substation and Fire Station No. 5 on Military and Glasscock roads.

Read more: Mission hires more police officers

MISSION — Sharyland district officials this week questioned disciplinarian action programs for students, asking if there were better ways to help punish students without giving them a criminal record.

According to the student handbook, placement in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) is mandatory or discretionary depending on the conduct of the student. Some actions also require the action of the local police.

Read more: SISD discusses disciplinary education procedures

ALTON — The Alton City Council will proceed in condemning a parcel of land where the city needs an easement for the Shary Woods drainage project.

Assistant City Manager Steve Peña said the city was in negotiations with the former owner of the property when the property was seized by the U.S. Marshals Service. The 21.9-acre tract, located on Glasscock Road, is now owned by a bank and is being held for resale. The city cannot wait for resale of the land, Peña said.

Read more: Alton to condemn land for drainage project

The latest Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association poll, released April 14, shows Sharyland High School baseball is again ranked number 3 in the state for 5A schools, for the second week in a row.

Read more: Sharyland still ranked No. 3 in state