Home of Today's Common Sense

Published in the Brownsville Herald 3/9/03

Some months ago I wrote in the Brownsville Herald describing my views concerning the $10,000 that was spent by BISD for legal advice because the board didn’t like the answer it got from the local counsel concerning impending action against the Superintendent.
I asserted at that time that “It appeared that the Board cares primarily for their own egos, the ability to wield power and reward supporters and family with patronage.” And suggested that without some reform ” The taxpayer/voters may revolt and call for an appointed board rather than an elected one or Worse our children would continue to get less for more cost.”
I read the article describing the recently released Texas State Comptroller’s report concerning the activities of the Brownsville School Board in The Herald on Monday February 17 and found that what appeared to me to be misuse of power and patronage may well be much more serious.

The findings of the Comptroller could lead one to believe that the Board intentionally circumvents normal controls in order to permit opportunities to benefit themselves or their associates. While there is no absolute proof that this is the case and it may be just a series of instances of incompetence, that has led to this perception of shady dealings.
The apparent conflicts of interest certainly do not create confidence in BISD. Further, the report that Board President Powers stated that he would not read or consider its recommendations and the assertion that because he has been on the Board for years and because they were never identified in the past, is sufficient justification to overlook questionable issues. It merely supports the contention that there should be term limits to thwart more serious problems from those who have had their ethics degraded by power. This report also, would lead one to believe that the Superintendent was only being harassed to discredit him because he had discovered what misdeeds were afoot in the Board room. True or not that is the appearance!
I would suggest that: the current Board, in total, suspend itself and request that the state assign a temporary administrative board ; a in-depth investigation be conducted by an outside entity, perhaps “The Attorney General’s Office” to either clear or lay proper blame at the feet of those who deserve it. Any members who have conducted their affairs in a proper manner would be exonerated and have substantial fodder for future campaigns. At this time all the BISD Board Members are perceived as either possibly tainted or helping those that are. Should an investigation not be held or one be held by a local entity that could be influenced, I would have to presume that all are corrupt and that the local officialdom supports their actions.
I for one would like to see the best education possible for our children and to make that possible; the most efficient use of funds is critical, that does not appear to be happening. Buying off Administrators, because of personal dislikes or removal for any reason other than malfeasance or incompetence is unacceptable. The use of those funds could pay for the things we will lose in the face of announced budget cuts.