To protest the Fort Bend Independent School District’s proposed plan to rezone the western half of New Territory from the neighborhood’s Sartartia Middle School to the new Middle School #14, many parents are planning for their children to walk or bike to school tomorrow instead of taking the bus.
The students will begin their walk at 8 a.m. tomorrow and will converge at the eastern side of the 99 underpass, right behind the Sartartia campus at 8125 Homeward Way in Sugar Land.
The students will pin a piece of paper to their shirts showing how far they live from the middle school.
“Despite a $21 million budget deficit and a recent plan to cut the bus routes as a cost saving measure, the Fort Bend Independent School District board is considering a re-zoning plan that would involved busing hundreds of student several miles away from a New Territory middle school that is literally within walking distance of many of their homes, and busing in students from other parts of Sugar Land,” wrote Kathy Morrow in a release to local media outlets.
New Territory parents filled the FBISD board room Monday night as trustees held a workshop on the rezoning, eventually choosing option 2A out of three options for the proposed zone.
The parents were obviously agitated at the district’s plans, and several times the board had to remind the crowd to keep quiet.
To view the proposed zoning plans, click here. At Monday night’s workshop, the board expressed preference for Option 2A out of three options, all of which send the western side of New Territory to MIddle School #14.
“Sartartia Middle School, built in 2001 in the very center of this master planned community, is currently at capacity with about 1,200 students,” said Morrow. “Telfair, a neighboring community to the west of New Territory, also sends middle school students there. But now the district is considering busing 471 kids from New Territory to a middle school six miles awar in Pecan Grove because it might otherwise open without students this fall.”
FBISD’s Chief Auxiliary Services Officer Ben Copeland told the board Monday night that the issue wasn’t just about filling the new school, but also about balancing out the western side of the district as some schools are getting too overcrowded.
“If you do not zone the 470 students from the west side of New Territory to the new middle school, then you can’t do any balancing on the western side – you are simply rezoning,” said Copeland. “Baines Middle School at about this point becomes a trailer park. We can’t put enough temporaries in there.”
Copeland said option 2A was the option that would hold the district long enough to build another middle school within the next decade. It would also decrease what Caldwell called the “ping-pong” effect, where a neighborhood is rezoned twice in a matter of years.
“But New Territory residents are not so willing to participate in the district’s plans to fill the new middle school,” said Morrow. “All sections of New Territory that would be zoned awar from Sartartia Middle School are within three miles of the campus.”
“We have helped build Sartartia into the awesome school that it is, thanks to out parent involvement and volunteer efforts over the years,” said resident Mireya Sigfried.
Resident Jon Sturgis said the district sees the children as more of a headcount and has “lost touch of the human element.”
“There are a dozen different ways to skin a cat,” said Copeland Monday night. “We looked at the need to zone Middle School 14, attempted to balance the western side of the district, and give us some options to relieve Baines (Middle School) over the next two to three years. If we want to go in and try to rezone First Colony, this crowd will quickly be replaced by a different crowd who feel the exact same way.”
“I know that as a parent, it is ok to move anybody as long as it’s not my kids, and that’s true, that’s how we all feel,” said Trustee Susan Hohnbaum. “But I feel strongly that equalizing our campuses is overdue, and we owe it to the people across out district.”The new attendance zones are tentatively planned to be presented to the School Board for approval in January, and will become effective with the start of the 2011-2012 school year.
The new attendance zones are tentatively planned to be presented to the School Board for approval in January, and will become effective with the start of the 2011-2012 school year.
I am sure there is a plan that FBISD can workout that will keep the communities together but there will be schools that are over crowded and some that are under populated. Middle School #14 is located near the county boundary and it will be difficult for FBISD to populate it in the first few years until most home developments are completed around that area. Overcrowding for this school is inevitable in a few years and there will be another round of re-zone once again!
Budget will be another issue and I hope that the administration have some answers for the increase transportation cost. There may not be any winners, but if the FBISD administration and board engage the communities, it will assure the parents that they were part of the process (and may be a solution, if they find one).
Rezoning will remove one of the reasons we all here have bought the property in west part New Territory for – good schools. Particularly, exemplary middle school.
FBISD is trying to remove us from school that many teachers and many families before us have put a lot of energy (and money!) into to make it one of the best in town.
FBISD is trying to leave our kids with a substitute school, that may make their life harder and more miserable.
I DON’T WANT THAT. I am against FBISD making decisions for me, where my kids have to go to school!
There are many individuals teaming together to come up with viable alternatives to the rezoning maps FBISD has preposed. We understand rezoning must occur due to the increase population in Ft. Bend but object to the fact that not one plan allowed us to stay together in one middle school and the fact that FBISD did not allow us a voice in this matter. When I heard a rumor of the rezoning, I went to FBISD’s website and input an inquiry. On 9/24 I was advised via email this process had not started. Obviously, it had. 10/11 was the first meeting to discuss rezoning issues! The maps and enrollment projections on FBISD’s website are not inclusive of some future zoning problems that were also discussed at the 10/25 meeting. The maps/ projections also do not include McAuliffe which is at 50% capacity and is expected to remain at such due to the fact it is a 7-8th grade campus only. If you look at the District’s Strategic Plan for 09-10 you will learn that area is different from the entire district because they got better test scores from students leaving the 6th graders in elementary school. I’m not saying this needs to change but am pointing out a huge waste of space and money by leaving a school half full year after year. This is a solution to the Baines issue leaving space for Telfair kids to go First Colony, NT kids to go to SMS and leaving space in MS#14 for Aliana and future developments on the far west side. Problem solved and perhaps we won’t have to build two new middle schools after all!!!!
Has anyone complaining taken the time to look at the performance level of the kids at the elementary schools in the proposed zone? This should be an excellent school.
I have read many comments, all offering angst and frustration—but no other viable alternatives have been proposed that aren’t illogical and don’t just transfer a greater deal of frustration to another area. It is too bad there isn’t an option that doesn’t split New Territory, but population and growth patterns don’t seem to facilitate avoiding it.
To those who truly believe this option is illogical for the district: Come up with a more logical alternative for the entire district and present it to the community. The board is not beholden to the administration, but thus far they are the only ones who have put forth the time, effort, and research into what serves the entire district best. However, it is not unheard of for outside groups to come up with better ideas backed by solid data and reasonable arguments–and then have those ideas adopted. However, before you put forth the cost and time investment of what is most likely a futile effort (though I guess you never know), take the time to find out what kind of educational opportunities await your child on a brand new campus full of quality kids if you can’t come up with a new plan.
Dear Anti-ignorance,
#1 – alternatives are being developed by the residents, #2 – it should be the duty of the district staff to provide alternatives that actually present different choices for the Board to make, (and I suggest this should happen in a district wide collaborative effort, not using the “process” we currently have) #3 – oddly you make the argument that we need to do all of this work for what you describe as futile effort #4 this is not a protest over the perceived quality of the new school – never has been.
“anti-ignorance league,” rest assured that opponents of the initial plans aren’t ignorant…we are thoughtfully investing the time and effort to create alternate plans that can be presented to FBISD. But to update you on an important point: we agree with you that the quality of the new Middle School will be excellent. No one is disputing that. It is the LOCATION of the middle school that is objectionable. New Territory is a close knit community full of kids that attend school together, play in sports together, and socialize together. We bought houses in New Territory and pay almost $1000 per year in HOA dues for this community. We want our children to walk or bike to school and as parents, we want to volunteer at a school that is in our own community. Pecan Grove is 6 miles away in a direction not convenient at all for most working parents. By the time I drive 6 miles there and 6 miles back, I have gone 12 miles and I am no closer to my job. It would be a significant impact on the quality of life for New Territory families with middle school children. There simply must be smarter solutions and we are working to find them.
I am sure the MS#14 school will do fine. We all take time with our kids and they will do fine. That is not the issue. The thing is that with this new rezoning plans the kids are being send quiet bit of distance from various places to meet the numbers. All we are asking is that make all the data transperent and let us come togthere to more viable and better options.
I know FBISD has to change zoning as new schools are build but they should look closely at the location of Sartartia first. I chose New Territory because it had schools within walking distance. You simply cannot ignore the fact that many people move to NT for not just schools but proximity to schools. If FBISD takes that away then kids who bike or walk to and from school are not left with any healthy alternative. FBISD simply shouldn’t neglect benefits of rich neighbourhood lives where schools play such an important role!
Anti-Ignorance,
Before NT comes up with data and alternative plans. We must remember how the human behavior react.
As a parent, we always look for the best school for our kids before home are purchase.
If you look at their community, NT is well over 17K+ resident. http://www.newterritory.org/
This is a large community. By surfin, seems like NT has ALL to offer. Especially their schools (Elementary Schools and Middle School)are Exemplary. I am sure this has to do with TEAM work between teachers, parents, kids, PTO and all neighborhood. This is an example of a CLOSE KNIT community.
You and I, we are no difference. Where we lived is based on what our community has to offer, based on what was PROMISED when purchasing our home. Promised like YES – your kids will attend our community schools.
By reading the web, FBISD propose to separate NT (East and West)BUT continues to let Telfair + another adjacent neighborhood across 90/99 to join their Middle School. There is ground for emotions and anger. The rezone plan did not allow NT stay as one.
Why not bus other neighborhood kids? Either way FBISD about to bus the kids to the new MS#14.
Would you like- if your son/daughter attend the new MS#14 while your nephew/neice continues to attend NT Middle School. Is this fair for you and your families. Why emotions? Why not!!!!
Since when our founding FATHERS base any decision by facts and data but not emotions, equality, fairness and justice…………..OOOOh I forgot this is 20th century.
Make no sense. Last year FBISD financially in the RED zone. By balancing the deficit, teachers were laid off. And now FBISD wants to bus 470+ students to a new middle school (6-7 miles away through major hwy)when there is a Middle School in their backyard. This is crazy.
FBISD needs to survey the NT community in person. WALK THE GROUND !!!!
Did they know there are bike trials within NT. These trials connect East and West side to their own Elementary and Middle Schools. I can see this thru Google Maps (was curious). The West side kids are within 1-1.5 miles distance. I am sure the developer built these trails so Jr. High kids can walk or bike to school. Kudos to the developer – I wish my neighborhood has that.
Like the comment earlier, why separate NT when they have their own community school. FBISD needs to bus Telfair + others. This is BULLY and disrespect to the NT community if FBISD allowing Telfair to attend NT Middle School while bus the West side NT kids to the new MS #14.
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/education&id=7753492&rss=rss-ktrk-article-7753492
No wonder NT residents are UPSET……….. Great job New Territory…..your voice has been heard and continues to fight to the end. This is AMERICA and everyone has a voice either you are big or small. We will pray for you.
Do remember the next FBISD elections!!!!!!!!
GO NT!!!!Go NT!!!!
Why won’t FBISD just rezone Telfair to one of the middle schools in First Colony on the other side of 59? It wouldn’t be far for them, and Fort Settlement Middle and First Colony Middle are both well under capacity.
All three proposals shows our 471 students in the west of NT MUST ZONED to MS#14 without any option. Here are 471 kids left way behind FBISD’s proposals. It’s “SIMPLY REZONED”, no other considerations for our kids. Travel kids from 7 miles away (like the other side of HWY 59)to Sartartia, and send our kids about 10 miles(this is for me, some even farer) far for FILL IN reason is UNACCEPTABLE. We need every tax payer to count how much more you will pay on transportation from next year while FBISD cut budget for these expenses. We need a REAL plan to use our money wisely, not to fill some one’s incident hole.
itpro101; The 2007 bond was planned by GOP Party leaders and developers
an set to build a FBISD 14th middle school near a prison, Ft. Bend is a red party county up todate!
That is right viewpoint
However,that was state property,the developer sold the land to FBISD for a profit,and FBISD knew that.
I have a problem with that,the state could have hand over to FBISD with no cost.
This school will be build in Aliana,and what I hear a HEB is going also.
Our friend Charlie Howard pass a bill for the developer to have a special tax for that subdivion.
.
First of all, who had the brilliant idea to build Middle School #14 next to the prison? This is not the Ghetto. Now we have to wonder every day whether our kids are safe. One prison break can devastate kids and parents for life. How many sex offenders are housed in the prison? They will have to be moved. By law, they cannot live near any schools. This is another Obama care, unwanted and a waste of tax payer money.
itpro101,
The prision is currently going under a closing process. For example, the road leading from Harlem Rd. to FM 1464 is now open to the public. The prison will not effect the operation of Middle School # 14. However, this topic was brought up at the board meeting last spring; as a result, FBISD still purchased the land in that Travis High School has not experinced any issues.
“The prision is currently going under a closing process. For example, the road leading from Harlem Rd. to FM 1464 is now open to the public.”
Are you talking about Owens Rd? Are you sure that’s open now? As far as I knew, that was still closed to the public. Maybe the sign is just temporarily down because of the widening of FM 1464.
And that prison (Jester) is not closing. The one closing is the smaller one next to Sugar Land’s airport, north of Telfair.
If you live in New Territory, then proximity to a prison is a fact of life. The prison was there long before New Territory ever existed. Since this seems to bother you, perhaps you did not make a the proper choice for yourself in opting to reside there.
Yes, get out an vote to put in some pressure on our elected official for good leadership! The hight voters turnout, the better respect for one another to improve community leadership to satisfy us all!
It’s time that someone pointed out to FBISD and the board of trustees, that our children are important and they matter – and to bus them 6 (if they go over railroad tracks) and 9 miles (if they don’t), one way, is unfair and frankly unethical. If they made wrong decisions in terms of not planning ahead and not projecting growth correctly, and need to cover their tracks, then why are our children being used as guinea pigs? Their recommendations don’t follow a SINGLE one of their so called guiding principles – this lobbying by new developers has to STOP. It has and always should be” NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS!”
I know you folks want to make a point but this needs to be done without risking the unexcused absences your kids will receive. Go before the school board, petition but don’t encourage your kid to skip.
Donna, please read the story, no one is telling kids to skip school. They are walking to school and boycotting the bus, for one day.
I know many families in New Territory and while they are very opposed to the direction this seems headed what is worse is the lack of respect and transparency by the district. For a long while the district posted on their website that the process had not started for zoning the new middle school. Then the district announced a workshop at which they announced 6 alternatives, created without resident input, that all divide New Territory and send children miles away on buses. Residents should have been engaged before any alternatives were drawn up. Yes it is more work for staff to do it that way – but that is how you build trust and credibility. Give real alternatives and give them a fair hearing. Even those who do not get what they want can then respect the process.
We completely support the boycott. Its not just a question of one community but is an issue for all. The kids are looked as numbers and not considering the safety, distance, disruption to families.
Mr Copeland did not have his facts togthere. All the options were done with skining the cat only one way.
The guiding principles were not used consistently. When asked the data was not shared.
If they want to bus west nt then same token they can bus all of telfair to sugarland middle school or any other school they choose to. Why should they and the residents all the way to dairyashford have to be bussed to Sartartia.
Copeland need to be fired for a sloppy job. The board should have atleast requested for a fourth option in the presentation that showed both sides of New Territory zoned to Sartatia. They didnt find the need to include that option as a viable option to be preseneted to the board for selection.
I hope the Bus boycott works and shows the strength of common folks against lobbyists who have worked the system towards their favour.
“Resident Jon Sturgis said the district sees the children as more of a headcount and has ‘lost touch of the human element.’”
Exactly. We learned that a few years ago. We lived in Plantation Trails at First Colony, which FBISD forced to have to have to cross FM 1092 to attend the lower-performing schools east of FM 1092, instead of the west side with the rest of First Colony and everyone else around us. Basically, they were using FM 1092 as an east/west boundary EXCEPT in the case of Plantation Trails/Settlement. It was so ridiculous. Eventually, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of the HUGE difference in the schools on that side, so we had to sell our dream home we had built, and moved. I believe that is why values have fallen in that subdivision, while they’ve risen elsewhere in First Colony.
Telfair Please comein an vote for new leadership an vote out GOP party Nov.02, GOP an developers friends tobe voted out Nov.o2 an May 2011!
Ben Copeland’s comments are patronizing and dismissive. I hope he can stop viewing parents as obstacles to bulldoze and instead see us as community partners who can find win-win solutions. Zoning the west side of New Territory to Middle School #14 is not the right solution. There is a path underneath 99 that connects the west side of New Territory to SMS so it is a walkable. Some of the Board members admitted that they didn’t know this until parents mentioned it at the workshop. FBISD, please don’t bus our children 6+ miles away, across 90, when there is a neighborhood school to which our children can walk or bike. There has to be a better way and parents will work with you to find it.