Rumors concerning the departure of Clements High School Principal Kevin Moran were circulating days before the district announced Moran’s “leave of absence” late last week, and rumors continue to circulate concerning the state of the school that is more than 600 students over capacity.
Some parents say there are not enough seats for students during at least one lunch period, water pressure issues have led to toilet malfunctions and shower issues after gym class, students have been told not to open their lockers between classes due to the amount of students in the hallway and that fire drills take longer than they should.
Fort Bend Independent School District Assistant Superintendent of High Schools Mike McKie has responded to these rumors. According to McKie, there are no seating issues and students have never reported toilets not flushing or water pressure issues in the showers.
McKie said students have never been told not to open their lockers and that “students open their lockers between each passing period.” As for fire drills, McKie says on average students clear the entire building in about five minutes.
The overcrowding issue was at the forefront of the recent zoning discussions for High School #11 in the Hillwood Development near Sienna Plantation, scheduled to open to freshmen and sophomore students next school year.
The FBISD Board of Trustees considered a massive rezoning across the board to address both under-enrollment and over-enrollment at district high schools, but in the end decided to hold on that matter and rezone only in the immediate area of the new school.
Currently, Clements High School is over its “functional capacity” level of 2,202 students by 607, Elkins by 414 at 2,400 students and Hightower by 681 with 2,745 students. Dulles is below functional capacity by 12 students, with an enrollment of 2,086, and Willowridge is below functional capacity by 125 students, at 1,470.
According to administrators, overcrowding has a positive side.
McKie told the board at a recent workshop that more students allow greater flexibility in scheduling, a larger array of classes and a larger pool of participants for extracurricular activities and athletics.
Moran told the board in September that Clements staff encounters “little to no problems” with the students during the day, and can offer more courses and better schedules. “Right now our kids are great,” Moran said. “We really like them – we would hate to lose any one of them.”
“The more the merrier,” said Dulles Principal Mark Foust, who said before rezoning two years ago, Dulles had around 2,400 students – almost 400 more than now. “Functionally, we were outstanding.”
McKie announced Moran’s leave of absence at an “emergency meeting” last Thursday, and the district has not commented on the reasons for the leave or if Moran will be coming back.
Barbara James will substitute for Moran during his absence, and Foust will “provide additional support.” James is retired from the district, and served as principal of Sugar Land Middle School and assistant principal of Kempner High School.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am
It seems easy to wave a red flag in front of you. Just criticize anyone in power and you go off on your paranoid rants.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
calvin wrong thread….how hard can juvenile trolling be?
November 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
haha And do try and keep track of what thread your trolling, will you? haha
November 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Keep that pot stirred well, taber.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Paranoid again ftbendconservative?
November 10th, 2009 at 11:07 am
wrong thread calvin
November 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Sounds to me like excuses coming from the mayor. Maybe they should just tell the truth about the crime wave and recession.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:05 am
any statement that has a positive connation seems to bother you…..hmmmm
November 10th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Currently, Clements High School is over its “functional capacity” level of 2,202 students by 607, Elkins by 414 at 2,400 students and Hightower by 681 with 2,745 students. Dulles is below functional capacity by 12 students, with an enrollment of 2,086, and Willowridge is below functional capacity by 125 students, at 1,470.
According to administrators, overcrowding has a positive side.
This last statement is the one that gets me.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Oh brother. *rolling eyes*
November 10th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I APOLOGIZE FOR FEEDING THE TROLL THIS MORNING.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I’m trying to dig up the attendance numbers from when I graduated from Clements back in the day. I’ll bet we were over capacity as well, our graduating class was HUGE. The
sky is not falling, people.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:51 am
People are acting like this is some sort of dire emergency. They have it under control so calm down. No need to call in the National Guard. haha
November 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am
How do you plan to get them there?
BTW, You’re supposed to be ignoring me, remember?
November 10th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Someone is missing the point again cult. Nearby schools like Dulles are under-capacity. The point is simple, to use the seats that are available.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:28 am
No crawfishing. Since you insist on calling for facts, let’s see yours that supports your claim “Many other children and families obviously are impacted or it wouldn’t be such a hot issue.”
Regarding the empty seats, what do you propose they do about it, set up a barrage of buses to take those kids over there?
Where are these buses going to come from? Where’s the $$ going to come from?
Like I said, the new high school isn’t open yet. You see that in the article, right?
November 10th, 2009 at 9:24 am
You are extremely naive. No facts were included in the MBA post, but numerous district facts were use to support the over-crowding claims of c. parent. At one point parent uses projects from the district that MBA refutes as parents facts, that is a disingenuous tactic. From the read I’m seeing, MBA is simply attacking parents arguments rather than supplying their own arguments. I would tend to agree with parent that there is a simple motive for it. As long as there are empty seats at nearby schools, the district should consider using them rather than continuing a failed policy of placation of the few. 3000+ students by next year is way too many for a school designed for 2200.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Excellent, MBA!
“Clearly there are things that can be done better in our district–ALWAYS. Clearly CHS numbers need to be dealt with. No one disagrees. But to trump up allegations to achieve this goal helps no one. The “spaghetti approach” (throw it all on the wall and see what sticks) isn’t helping.”
November 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
You too. How were the children and families you speak of ‘obviously’ impacted? Let’s hear some facts on those
instances.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:09 am
As Jack Web would’ve said: “All we want are the facts, ma’am.”
For someone that only wants the facts, your post seems very much full of conjecture and attempts at deconstructing clement parents arguments. I see many more supported “facts” in the parent posts than in yours. Not addressing the district zoning issues holistically in my opinion is a major mistake and politically expedient.
” BOT Bhuchar’s daughter was at CHS when it was 2900 and is none the worse for it.”
Making this unsupported statement is a good example. Many other children and families obviously are impacted or it wouldn’t be such a hot issue. Please support your claims with “facts” if you are going to attack others for the same. As a matter of fact, parent did provide numbers that came from the district. How are those not “facts”?
November 9th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I was in error on the 2007 statistic for Settler’s Park to Dulles. O/A 2000, they were REZONED FROM CHS to DHS, and in 2007 back to CHS again. It doesn’t change the fact that Settler’s Park (Chimney Stone, et al) had previously, historically, been zoned to CHS; geographically, they are closer to CHS. However, I do know of many in the Settler’s Park, etc area who regretted the move back to CHS in 2007; some preferred to stay at DHS.
No one for a moment will debate that the 2007 rezoning decisions defy all logic. And, for the record CParent, I don’t live in Settler’s Park. No matter where I live, I still refuse to skew facts to support my views, and I will expose it when facts are skewed by others. I make honest mistakes occasionally, but I don’t purposely skew facts to support my agenda. And I won’t state a fact I haven’t fully researched.
No argument on Riverstone, even some of the many newer sections(7?) of Heritage Colony– they are naturals for Elkins. Siphon these off CHS, move the Academy, and then you are approaching more reasonable numbers. Seems pretty simple. There are however a few 24+ year old neighborhoods “East of the Powerlines” that repeatedly have been targeted for rezoning from CHS (which again, CHS was their historical, traditional feeder pattern with the exception of the rezoning stint at EHS from 1999-2007), as Riverstone and Avalon jacked up the CHS numbers over the past 10-15 years.
Clement’s Parent says: “I know of many other problems overcrowding is causing that I have not stated because I have not had a chance to research them yet.” It’s that comment about “I know” but “not researching them yet” that is troublesome… There is such a thing as stating something as “fact” but purposely excluding or ignoring pertinent information. Then you are dealing with a half-truth. CParent made allegations in writing to the board, to Mr. Moran, and in community emails that were partial/selective truths, some emotional rantings, and all these folks recognize it for what it is. I don’t have time to go through them point by point, but I have with the board members and FBISD Officials, and members of our community, to ensure I (and they) have FULL truths.
All responsible citizens ask for is fairness and truth:
–Don’t say kids are sitting on the floor like this is an everyday occurrence; it happened at the beginning of the year as things were settling in, and those first weeks of school when traditionally kids find themselves in the “wrong class.” It was a “hiccup” that was quickly resolved. I know students who ONE day watched a movie with another class and some did sit on the floor on that particular day.
–Don’t claim kids don’t get into the electives they chose as if this is widespread. Some kids don’t get into an elective if they haven’t had the prerequisite! The majority of kids we know at CHS got what they requested, IF they had the prerequisite (i.e., there were audition dance classes and regular dance classes…).
–Don’t claim the school unsafe solely based on a teen child’s joking commentary on a fire drill– where you there? Do you have the expertise or authority to make such an allegation? Is there a precedent, was the there ever a school fire disaster in our district? Trust me, I taught in FBISD and the Fire Marshalls do not let things slip by. They are not turning their heads. Their inspections are tough, and they are making sure our schools are safe.
Clearly there are things that can be done better in our district–ALWAYS. Clearly CHS numbers need to be dealt with. No one disagrees. But to trump up allegations to achieve this goal helps no one. The “spaghetti approach” (throw it all on the wall and see what sticks) isn’t helping.
I’m sad CParent says she is laughing, because I don’t think it’s a laughing matter to say you represent the truth and then work to skew it to fit your agenda.
Numbers do not lie, and it is true CHS currently is over its functional and design capacity –IF EVERY SINGLE STUDENT WERE ON CAMPUS AT EVERY SINGLE MOMENT IN THE DAY FILLING EVERY SINGLE CLASSROOM TO CAPACITY AT THE SAME TIME–this is not the case. And CParent’s projections for future years are just that– HER personal projections. Maybe close, maybe not, but not based in facts. You’re free to state your opinions, but don’t misrepresent them as facts. But it sure does get people’s attention that somewhere they heard CHS will go to 3,000 next year, or that there are 600 extra kids PHYSICALLY in the school at a given point in time.
I don’t oppose rezoning, and few rational people do. I do oppose knee-jerk, reactionary, unstudied approaches to this issue. And like Sue Hohnbaum, I do not advocate rezoning merely to just “fill up (underutilized) schools” with kids. I am grateful that this time the board sagely did not take the “excuse” of zoning a new High School (which effectively did rezone some kids from EHS and HHS) to do a massive district-wide hatchet job on a very, very delicate issue. I am sorry it is not the result that CParent wants at THIS time. I dare any detractor here to go sit up on that school board and make rezoning decisions. Not fun and definitely not easy. And for the record, BOT Bhuchar’s daughter was at CHS when it was 2900 and is none the worse for it. So there is precedent…
As Jack Web would’ve said: “All we want are the facts, ma’am.”
November 9th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
It is too bad they don’t have the guts to really address this problem.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I’m sure that’s why they aren’t addressing this as a district-wide problem.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
several hundred? wow
November 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
The two I attended last year in First Colony in Missouri City were packed with several hundred at both sessions. I’m sure you can find them in the district minutes or if you do a search on news reports on FBISD zoning. I also believe LCISD just went through a similar event, which turned out many.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
“People all over the district are concerned about rezoning.”
Gimme some numbers/links that verify this statement.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Actually calling it a liberal issue would be a gross error on your part. People all over the district are concerned about rezoning. Maybe anyone who speaks up is a “liberal” in your book, whether it is true or not. In your book, it would seem, that all homeowners with children are “liberal”. A school built for 2200 children ending up with over 3000 is a lousy plan.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
educrats and liberals worry about overcrowding, re-zoning, what’s PC today like how to be green.
When what’s important is why aren’t kids learning about liberty, civics, math, how to write/spell,converse.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
We all know it’s over capacity. Are kids sitting on floors in the classrooms? No. Are toilets flushing? Yes. Are kids allowed to go to lockers between classes? Of course. There some more facts for ya.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Currently, Clements High School is over its “functional capacity” level of 2,202 students by 607, Elkins by 414 at 2,400 students and Hightower by 681 with 2,745 students. Dulles is below functional capacity by 12 students, with an enrollment of 2,086, and Willowridge is below functional capacity by 125 students, at 1,470.
These were the facts supplied in the article by the district. I believe tabor was providing projections, which the district uses to address growth. Why wouldn’t all these be considered facts?
November 9th, 2009 at 10:43 am
The new HS is opening up next year.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
No, it’s not a fact. But some people will believe anything obviously.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Why would you assume they are only rumors and apparently it is fact that they may be over 3000 students next year if it isn’t addressed soon.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Yes, I encourage all those who continue to spread false rumors about kids sitting on floors to show up at these meetings and get some facts.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:06 am
OMG! The school is overcrowded!! EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! OMG!!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Why don’t you go mega and speak up and tell them how happy you are about the over-crowding at Clements?
November 9th, 2009 at 9:53 am
OR sit around whining anonymously on the internet like most of you do.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:30 am
That is a good idea.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I think the zoning meetings are this week. Attend and bring up these issues.
November 8th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Sometimes I feel like the admins act like they are running a hurry-up football play before the opposing side has a chance to throw the red flag for an official review of a bad call.
That is a great analogy silencedoesnogood and you give good advice. I agree more of us need to get involved!
November 8th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Since I am just a new writer in this group… let me say…quit sniping at each other and go get on the agenda at a school board meeting. Each and everyone of you makes excellent points.
My proverbial hands are tied. Please be clever and figure out why.
We need your voices to speak up and raise these issues where they’ll shed light on the problems…from the CHS situation to the budget deficit to the ridiculous plan to build a science facility straight on through the academy system being shoved down our throats.
Sometimes I feel like the admins act like they are running a hurry-up football play before the opposing side has a chance to throw the red flag for an official review of a bad call.
The only flaw of this analogy is this — I’m not sure anyone in the “big house” even comes close to being able to “audible” in bad situation…they won’t take a step, a breath or say a word without making sure the superintendent approves first.
They’d much rather wait and make excuses for the failures later.
November 8th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
sarcasm? oic and I thought it was endless complaining. How silly of me to miss it. hahaha
November 8th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
FS, I think he missed the sarcasm, but he tends to lump anyone who doesn’t goose step into the same category and if they don’t stick their heads in the sand while the crony boyz rob us blind, then god forbid, you will see the wrath of the ignorant hill billy. lol
November 8th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
FS, I lumped you in with calvin draw your own conclusions.
I can’t tell who complains the most you or he.
November 8th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Oh, did I receive a back-hand compliment from FBCon?
My commentaries are written based upon logical thinking of what is beneficial to education and what is not. I am not in knowledge that my commentaries have had any impact in a change-agent manner for educational improvement regarding subjects we discuss or have discussed on this blog. Although, I wished they had.
I am not part of a group. I am not a political Somebody or wannabe. I am not a high roller in any famed manner. I am just a logical thinker with life experiences who was educated at a time when people could really get a fine education, ever, if you happened to be poor. I was raised well with good ethics and integrity instilled as a requirement for the development of good character desirable for all walks of life whatever your future career goals; to include being a parent to your own children and an adult role model for all children. I am also God fearing.
November 8th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
it always just a matter of time until we get the I hate HOA/FBISD/FtBendCty rants.
give it a rest you whining complaining loser.
November 8th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
See #83 link in post for more….
November 8th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
“At least they can be happy in the knowledge that they have at least 1 cheerleader in here for this gross mismanagement.”
I called that one right. When you can’t deal with facts (from the district I might add) you have to find scape-goats….they don’t call him the “village idiot” government vendor defender for nothing…
Now the facts only one still chooses to ignore:
-District academic rating is only acceptable (higher prior to 2002)
-Property taxes for the school district and ad valorem taxes raised significantly
-$9-10 million dollar first ever budget deficit last year in the districts history
-$18-20 million dollar budget deficit projected for this year (largest in district history)
-RECORD bond debt ranking the district in the top ten state-wide for the first time in district history
-2009 district survey on the GSTC duplicate museum shows little support for $30 million dollar spending project (after advertising over-whelming support)
-Current BOT inability to provide accountability to the public and exercise fidiciary responsibility
-District fails to address district-wide zoning problems (some school grossly under capacity, while others are extremely over-crowded)
-Texas Projection Measure (a project of what the districts would like scores to be in 2 years) implemented state-wide this year for the first time causing a realignment of base scores and rationale loss of comparisons on state testing
-$15 million dollars in no-bid contracts
Only the cheerleader will defend the consequences of the inaction by our elected officials with regard to their supervisory role over the superintendent and not in subordination to him or senior administration.