Author: livelyptsa

March 28, 2024
This is an advocacy opportunity for everybody!  The Lively Middle School Campus has many elements that are aging and that should be remodeled.  Principal Hodges has requested a Comprehensive Campus Needs Assessment to Upgrade the Outdated Facilities.  But the best way to make sure the AISD facilities team prioritizes the Lively Campus is for parents to send requests to AISD through the Let’s Talk Page.    Principal Hodges has asked that parents submit requests, the more people the better!    

Please click on the links below to submit a request. 

https://www.austinisd.org/letstalk
https://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/DialogueCustom.aspx?k=PR9Z88G2G5LT@WF4B4ZLT@DYXZ2B3LT

Here are some of the items that are of current concern:  

• Some classes do not have whiteboards. 
• Science classrooms have no running water/ sinks. 
• Ceiling tiles stained from leaks – leaks need to be addressed and tiles replaced.  
• Some doors need knobs/ locks upgraded to make sure they latch.
• Elevator malfunctions frequently.  
• ADA Access throughout the campus.  
• Issues with paint peeling.  
• Safety lighting, both inside the building and outdoors.  
• Exterior fencing and gates do not have adequate locks or latches.  
• New & replace window coverings.
• Building Heating/AC – not consistent, so some classrooms get stuffy, too cold, etc.

A lot of these items are typical maintenance issues, specially for an older building.   But the concern is whether Lively is being prioritized in the AISD maintenance schedule or with Bond spending.  The hope is that if enough people advocate and send requests through Let’s Talk, AISD will have to take a closer look at our campus.

If you want to learn more about the AISD 2022 Bond and the prior facilities assessment for Lively Middle School , here is some fun bedtime reading:
https://bond.austinschools.org/
https://www.austinisd.org/plans/background/previous-assessments
https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/plans-lrp/doc/esa-fca-summaries/AISD_ESA_FCA_Summary_Lively_MS.pdf

If you’re not sure what to write, here is a potential template you can use for Let’s Talk.  FYI – it’s an AI generated draft, so feel free to make changes or edits as much as you want.

Subject: Lively Middle School – Campus maintenance and improvement needs
Dear AISD Facilities management team,

I hope this message finds you well. As a concerned parent of a Lively Middle School Student, I am writing to bring to your attention several pressing issues regarding the state of our school facilities. I understand that the Lively Middle School campus will have improvements as part of the Bond spending. However, it will take a long time for this work to be implemented, and meanwhile our campus has the following pressing needs that are affecting the learning environment.

1. Whiteboards in Some Classrooms: It has come to our attention that some classrooms lack functional whiteboards, which are essential tools for instructional purposes. We kindly request an update on when these whiteboards will be repaired or replaced.
2. Lack of Running Water/Sinks in Science Classrooms: The absence of running water and sinks in our science classrooms poses a significant hindrance to conducting experiments and maintaining proper hygiene standards. We urge you to prioritize addressing this issue promptly.
3. Ceiling Leaks and Stained Tiles: The presence of stained ceiling tiles due to leaks detracts from the aesthetics of our school and is not conducive to a learning environment. The leaks seem to have been resolved, but we request updates on when the can be replaced tiles.
4. Upgrading Door Knobs/Locks: Some doors on campus require upgrades to their knobs and locks to ensure they latch securely. This is crucial for maintaining the security of our premises and safeguarding the well-being of our students and staff.
5. Frequent Elevator Malfunctions: The frequent malfunctioning of the elevator presents a significant inconvenience and safety hazard, especially for individuals with mobility challenges. We seek clarity on plans to address these recurring issues.
6. ADA Access: Ensuring ADA access throughout our campus is imperative for promoting inclusivity and accommodating individuals with disabilities. We understand that this would be more complex endeavor, but need to bring it to your attention.
7. Peeling Paint: There are several areas of the school where the paint keep peeling, even areas that have been recently repainted.
8. Safety Lighting: Adequate safety lighting, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for ensuring the security of our school premises, particularly during evening hours. We would appreciate updates on any plans to improve lighting conditions.
9. Inadequate Locks/Latches on Exterior Fencing and Gates: Securing our school perimeter with adequate locks and latches is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the safety of our students and staff. The district installed a new fence this school year, but the gates don’t have proper latches. We urge the district to prioritize this issue, as it is a safety concern due to the school location in the heart of South Congress.
10. Window Coverings: The need for new or replacement window coverings is essential for regulating light and maintaining privacy within our classrooms. We request updates on when these improvements will be made.
11. Inconsistent Heating/AC: Inconsistent heating and air conditioning systems contribute to discomfort and disrupt the learning environment. We urge you to prioritize addressing these HVAC issues to ensure optimal conditions for teaching and learning.

Given the significance of these issues, we kindly request a detailed timeline outlining the steps that will be taken to address each concern. We understand that there will be future remodeling associated with the AISD bond, but we are hoping that most of these items can be addressed sooner as part of the Lively Campus maintenance.

Nov 15, 2023
Despite more than 12 hours of in-person testimony (including Texas PTA President Jennifer Easley’s) and more than a thousand pages of public comment overwhelmingly opposed to funneling taxpayer dollars to fund private education, the Select Committee on Education Opportunity and Enrichment passed House Bill 1 (HB1) out of committee last Thursday.

The full House will now vote on a piece of legislation that includes nearly everything but the kitchen sink. 

So, please take 2-4 minutes to make your thunderous voice known!

Our questions are this:
– If ESAs (Education Savings Accounts or vouchers) are good for Texas, why not make that separate, stand-alone legislation?
– Why hold hostage funding that could begin to address the teacher shortage crisis, school safety, and the rising costs to educate all children due to inflation?

We understand private education is good for some students. However, we object to using public tax dollars for vouchers or ESAs. Here are just a few of our concerns:

• ESAs will not address our most vulnerable populations, including those in failing schools, with limited resources, or needing special education services. There is no guarantee these children will be accepted or provided appropriate resources in private schools despite the bill’s “prioritization recommendations.”

• ESAs will send public taxpayer dollars to private institutions with little to no state oversight or taxpayer accountability.

• ESAs violate the separation of church and state. The U.S. Constitution prohibits any government “establishment of religion.” Tax dollars directed toward private schools of religious origin violate this principle.

• ESAs will create a third, redundant, expensive, and unsustainable education system in Texas.

• ESAs siphon money away from children attending public schools. The Legislative Budget Bureau estimates that they will cost the state at least $2 billion within two years, while districts across the state are scrambling to make ends meet and operating out of deficit budgets.

Finally, and simply put, the proposed increase in public education funding isn’t enough. It doesn’t come close to maintaining pace with inflation since 2019. Doing so would require an increase in funding by approximately $1,200 per student.

With the state’s record surplus, it is unconscionable that such limited funding has been provided to our public schools, and even that is being held hostage to everything else in this 177-page bill. Our students, parents, and teachers deserve better.

Public Comment at AISD Board Meetings

This is an easy way to get your comments heard by the AISD Trustees! Every board meeting, the AISD Board has an hour listening session where they listen to approximately 60 comments. Items must pertain to what they are talking about during the Board Meeting.

The fine print can be found here, but here are the easy to follow steps:

1) Come up with a script that’s a minute long

2) Call 512-414-0130 to record your 60-second remarks between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m the day of the Board Meeting

That’s it! You must be one of the first 60 people to call so the closer to 7:45am you call in, the more likely you are to be heard. They take calls in English and Spanish (the Spanish is translated to English). These calls are played for everyone to hear during the board meeting.

Need a script?

Here’s the start of one for the 2023-24 budget. It’s more effective if you customize it as your own. Add a story, talk about the Lively programs, or even add how much you love AISD. Be sure you thank our Trustee because although they are elected, they are volunteers serving our community.

Thank you for your time and service. My name is xxx and I have a student at Lively Middle School. I am calling/writting regarding the AISD Budget next year. I would like to show my support for increased funding for Title 1 schools in our district. We need increased planning/learning days for teachers in the upcoming school year, more funding for ESL Teachers and Mentors, and stipends for all staff members working at Title 1 schools. Many students and staff in Title 1 schools have extra obstacles and burdens to overcome to give students an equitable education such as more ESL student populations, more individualized instruction needs, family support needs, and a high teacher turnover. We’ve seen at Lively a large increase of students which are Emergent Bilingual. They are needing ESL and other support services in order to pass the state testing. However, as AISD works to make ends meet, the students and staff members in Title 1 schools, like Lively, have seen their supports slashed. We need staffing and support back in the budget to help students. Increased planning time and more staff for our Title 1 schools help students who need it most. A staff stipend for Title 1 schools would make AISD more competitive to many other districts who already offer this for Title 1 schools and give students a more consistent learning environment. I know you have a difficult job in getting the budget balanced, but I ask to please increase funding for students and staff who desperately need the support of our district. Thanks again for your time.

Join thousands of PTA Volunteers as they descend on the Texas State Capitol to advocate for education. Interested in helping or be part of the team representing Lively? Email the Lively PTSA Advocacy Chair, Natalia Olivera for more information at advocacy@livelymiddleschoolptsa.com.

Register to Vote!

Education is on the ballot in November so we need you to register and make a plan to vote!

Tuesday, October 11th is the last day to register to vote and update your address for Election Day of Tuesday, November 7th. Don’t wait!

What’s on the Ballot?

Candidates

Candidates for Austin ISD Board of Trustees, Texas State Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and those running for Texas Legislature all will have impacts on our public school system. For those who live in South Travis County, there might be a Texas School Board Position on the ballot as well. Please choose candidates who will support and fight for public education.

Find out more about how these positions impact public education here:
https://texaseducatorsvote.com/who-does-what-in-public-education

You can find out more about what’s on your ballot at:
www.vote411.org

Bonds!

AISD has submitted $2.44 billion in bonds to this election. Almost all schools in AISD, including Lively, will get some sort of improvement from this bond. On September 15, 2022, The Lively PTSA voted to support the AISD Bonds.

Lively will benefit with over $4 million in improvements including:

• Entry Vestibule
• Security and Life Safety Improvements
• HVAC Repairs
• Kitchen/Serving Line Improvements
• Student and Staff Devices
• Classroom Presentation System Improvements
• School Mental Health Center
• Outdoor Learning Space Improvements
• Districtwide technology security, network infrastructure, and digital platform improvements and upgrades

Also, the High School we feed into, Travis Early College High School, will be getting a FULL Modernization with this bond. All of these improvements will significantly (and directly) benefit our students and/or faculty.

The goal of these bonds is to use bond dollars (which our district keeps 100%) to fund maintenance and building costs so we can continue to use the general fund to pay employees. Please register to vote and help us get the word out to support these important bonds. Find out more information about the AISD Bond Proposal at:
https://bond.austinschools.org/.

Learn more about how to support education at: 
https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org