Dear%Dallas%ISD%Board%Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Dear%Dallas%ISD%Board%Of Dear%Dallas%ISD%Board%of%Trustees,% % % In%May%2013,%The%Foundation%for%Community%Empowerment%(FCE)%prepared%a% DisCussion%Paper%outlining%our%ConCerns%about%the%direCtion%and%proCesses%of%Dallas%ISD% Superintendent%Mike%Miles.%This%paper%was%prepared%in%the%Course%of%a%few%weeks%when%the% Superintendent%targeted%the%firing%of%effeCtive%prinCipals%in%lowJincome%neighborhood%schools.% In%preparing%the%paper,%we%relied%heavily%on%interviews%with%many%eduCators,%researChers,% parents,%students%and%others,%as%well%as%books%and%artiCles%by%eduCation%professionals%on%all% sides%of%these%issues.%Since%we%are%not%professional%eduCators%or%sCholars,%and%beCause%time% was%limited,%our%aim%simply%was%to%state%our%position%in%an%informal%treatise%designed%to%spark%a% wider%Conversation%among%stakeholders%in%Dallas.% % Yet%the%Crisis%oCCurring%in%Dallas%ISD%was,%and%is,%too%serious%to%drop.%We%were%not% satisfied%with%stating%our%position%without%a%more%thorough%engagement%with%and%presentation% of%supporting%researCh.%Thus%over%the%Course%of%the%summer,%FCE%Continued%to%analyze%Dallas% ISD%and%soliCited%the%help%of%professional%eduCation%researChers%in%Texas%and%around%the% Country%to%review%and%Comment%upon%our%May%2013%“DisCussion%Paper.”%We%were%amazed%by% the%amount%of%responses%we%reCeived.%Some%of%these%sCholars%were%already%well%aware%of%the% firestorm%raging%in%Dallas%ISD,%suCh%as%renowned%eduCation%historian%Diane%Ravitch%who%posted% a%Critique%of%Miles’%first%year%on%her%blog.%Others%were%not%aware%of%what%was%oCCurring%in%Dallas% speCifiCally,%but%resonated%with%our%position%as%the%same%marketJdriven%eduCation%reforms% Championed%by%Mike%Miles%have%already%proven%to%be%damaging%to%other%distriCts%around%the% Country.%Still%others,%who%did%not%share%our%views,%helped%us%Clarify%and%sharpen%our% understanding%of%these%important%issues.%% % % In%the%course%of%engaging%these%researChers,%new%issues%Came%to%light%that%exacerbated% ConCerns%about%Mike%Miles’%leadership%and%effeCtiveness%as%Superintendent%of%Dallas%ISD.%Most% notable%is%the%investigation%into%allegations%that%Miles’%improperly%attempted%to%influenCe%the% outcome%of%a%bid%for%a%Dallas%ISD%vendor%Contract,%as%well%as%allegations%of%a%subsequent%CoverJ up%into%the%matter%and%the%bullying%of%a%Cabinet%member.%Yet%the%tenure%of%Superintendent% Miles%was%problematiC%long%before%he%beCame%the%subjeCt%of%a%speCial%investigation.% % Over%the%Course%of%his%first%year,%a%number%of%alarming%events%Called%the%effiCacy%of%his% leadership%into%question.%The%Miles%administration%faced%an%internal%audit%for%violating%distriCt% poliCies%with%respeCt%to%hiring%practiCes%used%to%assemble%his%staff.%Then,%over%the%Course%of%the% year,%an%unpreCedented%number%of%these%senior%level%staff%members%left%the%distriCt%midJyear,% in%spite%of%historiCally%high%salaries.%It%is%now%doCumented%that%many%of%the%prinCipals%who%were% pressured%to%resign%or%retire%in%light%of%Miles’%newly%adopted%PrinCipal%Evaluation%RubriC%actually% led%their%sChools%to%meet%or%exCeed%state%standards,%several%with%distinCtions.%The%news%media% reported%that%the%Miles%administration%faced%double%the%amount%of%endJofJyear%teacher% vacanCies%than%Dallas%ISD%normally%experienCes%from%year%to%year,%a%Clear%indiCation%of%the%lowJ morale%pervading%the%distriCt.%These%are%just%a%few%of%myriad%examples%of%what%prompted%us%to% seek%help%evaluating%the%Crisis%in%Dallas%ISD.% % Engaging%with%researChers%in%Texas%and%around%the%Country%yielded%fruitful%results.%We% were%able%to%revise%and%expand%upon%our%May%2013%“DisCussion%Paper,”%and%produCed%the% enclosed%report%Complete%with%Citations%and%referenCes%to%sCholarly%researCh%pertaining%to% eduCation%reform%and%pedagogy.%This%report%provides%an%overview%of%the%history%and%Current% ConstituenCy%of%Dallas%ISD,%reviews%the%researCh%and%best%practiCes%of%Competing%approaches%to% eduCate%this%population,%and%evaluates%the%reCord%of%Mr.%Miles’%administration%to%date—all%to% answer%the%Central%question%of%how%to%best%address%the%eduCational%and%soCial%needs%of%the% Children%in%our%Community.%Additionally,%sinCe%the%issues%facing%Dallas%ISD%are%so%vast,%FCE% commissioned%two%additional%reports%Completed%by%leading%sCholars%in%the%field%of%eduCation.% % Dr.%DeCoteau%J.%Irby,%of%the%University%of%WisConsin%at%Madison,%agreed%to%Complete%a% Comparative%analysis%of%the%eduCational%theories%Contained%in%Miles%Destination%2020%Plan%to% those%found%in%best%practiCes%researCh%in%eduCation.%Examining%Miles’%brand%of%eduCation% reform%he%writes:% % The$Miles’$administration$represents$a$new$wave$of$non5educators$who$are$committed$ to$reforming$schools$based$on$business$principles.$With$a$focus$almost$solely$on$the$ importance$of$training$school$leaders$to$comply$with$business$concepts$such$as$Total$ Quality$Management,$many$so5called$“transformational”$and$“innovative$reform$ strategies”$fail.$They$fail$because$they$undermine$the$very$purpose$and$nature$of$school$ leadership,$teaching,$and$student$learning.$Market5oriented$school$reform$principles$ narrow$the$curriculum$and$reduce$the$work$of$teaching$to$standardized$instruction$and$ benchmarking.$$ % Dr.%Irby’s%report%examines%the%Miles%administration’s%first%year%reform%efforts%and%Covers%five% elements%that%superintendents%must%attend%in%order%to%improve%student%learning.%These%inClude% (1)%distriCt%CultureJClimate,%(2)%sChool%CultureJClimate,%(3)%prinCipal%quality,%(4)%teacher%quality,% and%(5)%Community%engagement.%This%report%is%enClosed%in%this%package%of%materials%for%your% review.%% % % Dr.%Julian%VasquezJHeilig,%of%the%University%of%Texas%at%Austin,%Completed%a%report%that% traces%Miles’%reform%philosophy%throughout%his%Career%in%publiC%eduCation.%Examining%his%tenure% at%Harrison%DistriCt%2%in%Colorado%Springs,%doCuments%published%by%his%Consulting%firm,%and%his% affiliation%with%the%Broad%Foundation,%Dr.%VasquezJHeilig%illustrates%that%Miles%embodies%what% some%have%Called%“triCkleJdown%eduCation%reform.”%Evaluating%outcomes%of%Miles’%reform% efforts%during%his%previous%superintendenCy,%he%writes:% % There$are$several$disconcerting$data$trends$in$the$years$spanning$Mr.$Miles’$time$in$ Harrison,$specifically$the$rates$of$attrition$at$the$secondary$level$and$academic$ performance$for$minority,$Free$and$Reduced$Price$Lunch,$English$Language$Learners$ (ELLs),$Special$Education,$and$Students$“needing$to$catch$up.”$The$Harrison$data$ complicate$the$positive$spin$that$Mike$Miles$has$framed$about$student$success$during$his$ six$years$as$superintendent$in$Harrison.$$ % Dr.%Heilig’s%report%explores%the%methods,%actions,%and%results%of%triCkleJdown%reform%efforts% under%Mike%Miles%in%Dallas%ISD,%and%uses%data%and%evidenCe%to%illustrate%the%Complexities%and% ConsequenCes%of%triCkleJdown%reform%in%a%large,%urban%distriCt%setting.%This%report%is%also% enclosed%for%your%review.% % % Now%is%a%CritiCal%time%for%disCussion%and%deCision.%Superintendent%Miles’%evaluation%is% slated%for%later%this%month%and%Dallas%ISD%is%at%a%Crossroads.%Miles%and%his%leadership%team%have% substituted%Community%engagement,%researChJbased%initiatives,%and%managed%transformation% for%a%selfJdesCribed%“disruptive”%series%of%Change%initiatives.%Miles’%poliCies%were%initially% designed%to%improve%the%quality%of%instruCtion%and%inCrease%acCountability%for%eduCators.%But% after%a%year,%his%administration%has%been%marred%by%high%levels%of%turnover%in%his%Cabinet,%a% misaligned%professional%development%program,%the%fostering%of%fear%and%mistrust%among% administrators%and%teachers,%and%an%investigation%into%interferenCe%with%a%vendor%Contract%and% the%subsequent%bullying%of%a%senior%level%offiCial.%Should%our%Children%Continue%down%this%road%of% disruptive%Change%in%the%form%of%Chaos%and%Controversy?%Or,%will%the%Board%of%Trustees%advoCate% for%ConstruCtive%Change%by%doing%the%right%thing%for%our%Children?%We%hope%this%package%serves% to%bring%Clarity%to%this%deCision.% % % Very%Truly%Yours,% % The%Foundation%for%Community%Empowerment% DISRUPTIVE CHANGE: MIKE MILES AND THE CRISIS IN DALLAS ISD A Report by the Foundation for Community Empowerment Released September 2013 “So goes the public school system, so goes the city.” – Linus Wright, former Superintendent, Dallas ISD ! Table of Contents Acknowledgements! 3! Executive Summary! 4! Introduction! 5! Dallas ISD: Historical & Contextual Overview! 6! Brief History of Dallas ISD! 6! Current Demographics and the Economic Landscape of Dallas ISD! 7! Socioeconomic Status and the Achievement Gap! 8! Education Reform and Dallas ISD! 10! Market-Driven Reforms! 10! Holistic Public School Reform! 12! The Dallas Achieves Commission! 13! Comprehensive Community Efforts! 13! Early Commission Success and Results! 15! Challenges with Mike Miles’ Record, Leadership and Policies! 15! District Leadership: Strengths and Challenges! 16! Professional Background! 16! Colorado Springs Record! 17! First Year at Dallas ISD: Instability and Disruption! 18! Destination 2020: Year One! 19! Principals and Professional Development! 19! Teachers and Classroom Instruction! 21! Communication and Professional Relations! 23! Pending Investigation! 25! Recommendations! 26! Conclusion! 27! Appendix 1! 29! Appendix 2! 31! Appendix 3! 33! References! 39! ! 2! ! Acknowledgements In preparing this paper, we relied on interviews with many educators, researchers, parents, students and other stakeholders on all sides of these issues. These include conversations with current and former teachers, principals, administrators and superintendents of Dallas ISD. Additionally, we
Recommended publications
  • Bulletin Bulletin
    BULLETIN BULLETINThe Connecticut Association of Schools The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Affiliated with: National Federation of State High School Associations • National Assoc. of Secondary School Principals • National Middle School Assoc. • National Assoc. of Elementary School Principals VOL. 82 / NO. 8 MAY/JUNE 2008 MANSFIELD EDUCATOR CSAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A HIT NAMED 2008 NDP By David Maloney, Assistant Executive Director ver 300 participants from twenty tially could be life changing for their high schools descended on Wes- school communities. Everything got Oleyan University during the last started in electric fashion as national pre- weekend in March for the Connecticut senter, Keith Hawkins, kicked off the Student Activities Leadership Conference. weekend by encouraging students "not to One participant was a surprising just consider what might be good for addition. Housatonic Valley Regional themselves and their school, but to take a High School Principal Dr. Gretchen Fos- wider lens and consider what might be ter accompanied her team of student lead- good for the greater community." ers for the two-day event. Foster was not Hawkins instilled the ethos of service disappointed. "The positive energy and right from the "get go" and the students enthusiasm from these leaders kept all of responded enthusiastically to his mes- us completely focused and engaged in sage. Newly elected state president Whit- some wonderful activities. The weekend ley Dozier noted, "Keith Hawkins was was an excellent opportunity for me to phenomenal. He motivated us to take spend time and listen, not only to my own stands on several difficult issues." NORMA FISHER-DOIRON students, but to other school leaders from The break-out presenters at the con- 2008 National Distinguished Principal urban, suburban and rural schools.
    [Show full text]
  • GAME 26-Feb. 18, 7 Pm NM State (21-3, 10-0 WAC)
    8 GYM - 9001 Stockdale HWY, Bakersfield, CA 93311 | www.GoRunners.com | @CSUBAthletics Contact: Matt Turk | E-Mail: [email protected] | Cell: 515-240-0483 • Office 661-654-3071 2015-16 SCHEDULE GAME 26-Feb. 18, 7 p.m. 8-17, 5-5 WAC NM State (21-3, 10-0 WAC) at NOVEMBER CSU Bakersfield (8-17, 5-5 WAC) 13 +Pacific L, 80-74 19 at UC Santa Barbara L, 61-60 GAME 27-Feb. 13, 3 p.m. (MST) 22 %San Jose State W, 90-88 (OT) UTRGV (14-11, 6-4 WAC) at 27 #Hawai’i L, 74-60 CSU Bakersfield 28 #South Carolina L, 90-71 29 #Arizona State L, 60-47 THE ROADRUNNERS AT A GLANCE No. Name Hgt. Yr. Pos. Hometown PPG RPG MISC 0 Jerice Fears 5-9 Fr. F Dallas, Texas 1.0 1.8 5 A/7 S DECEMBER Has started 3-of-24 appearances...An All-State selection as a senior at Bryan Adams High School. 2 at Fresno State L, 57-52 5 at UCLA L, 82-68 1 Alyssa Shannon 5-2 Sr. G Bakersfield, Calif. 10.2 2.6 4.4 APG Chosen WAC Player of the Week Jan. 4...Named to the 2015 WBCA Allstate Good Works Team Dec. 2, 8 %Pepperdine L, 76-73 2015...a 2015 second team All-Conference and 2015 WAC All-Defensive team member...a first team pre- 12 at UC Riverside L, 81-61 season All-Conference selection by the media...a second team preseason All-Conference selection by WAC coaches...surpassed 300 career assist plateau with a career high 10 against Pepperdine Dec.
    [Show full text]
  • Brian Ainsworth
    Brian Ainsworth Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Mr. Ainsworth is a former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs where he was Co-CEO of the Realty Management Division. Prior to its integration into Goldman Sachs in 2013, Realty Management Division was Nnown as Archon GroXS, /.P., a diversiÀed international real estate services and advisory comSany with o΀ces located in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Prior to returning to Texas in 2010, Mr. Ainsworth resided in Paris, France, where he was the CEO of Archon Europe for nine years, which includes Archon Group France, Archon Group Italy, Archon Group Deutschland, and Archon Capital Bank Deutschland. These platforms were fully owned entities of Goldman Sachs Group and provide full service asset management services for loans (including distressed product) and real estate. Mr. Ainsworth graduated in 1985 and is a second generation Austin College graduate (Rev. Jim T. Ainsworth ’61). He enMoys Àshing, golÀng and skiing. Mr. Ainsworth resides in Dallas with his wife, Sharon, and their four children. John M. Andersen, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics Vice Chair of Clinical Operations Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology UT Southwestern Medical School Dr. Andersen received his B.A. from Austin College in 1966 and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1970. He is Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He has served on the Austin College President’s Advisory Forum and as a Leadership Institute mentor, as well as a volunteer to help place students in internships.
    [Show full text]
  • School Ratings
    DFW AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT SAT SCORES 2005-2006 This chart shows the average Scholastic Assessment Test scores for some Dallas-area school districts and the state and national averages. Included are math, verbal and cumulative totals for the 2005-06 school years. SCHOOL DISTRICT CRITICAL MATH WRITING TOTAL WEBSITE READING *ALLEN 526 541 N/A 1067 www.allenisd.org *ANNA N/A N/A N/A 1000 www.annaisd.ednet10.net ARGYLE 524 563 516 1603 www.argyleisd.com ARLINGTON 500 520 493 1513 www.arlington.k12.tx.us *AUBREY N/A N/A N/A N/A www.aubreyisd.net BURLESON 507 511 485 1503 www.burlesonisd.net CARROLL/SOUTHLAKE N/A N/A 539 1658 www.southlakecarroll.edu CARROLLTON/FARMERS BRANCH 512 547 509 1568 www.cfbisd.edu CEDAR HILL 453 450 447 1350 www.chisd.com *CELINA N/A N/A N/A N/A www.celina.k12.tx.us COPPELL 544 568 541 1653 www.coppellisd.com *DALLAS 423 429 N/A 852 www.dallasisd.org DENTON 504 510 N/A N/A www.dentonisd.org DESOTO N/A N/A N/A 1390 www.desotoisd.org *DUNCANVILLE N/A N/A N/A 979 www.duncanville.k12.tx.us EUSTACE N/A N/A N/A N/A www.eustaceisd.net *FARMERSVILLE N/A N/A N/A N/A www.farmersvilleisd.net FORNEY 490 512 585 1587 www.forney-isd.org *FORT WORTH N/A N/A N/A 937 www.fortworthisd.org FRISCO N/A N/A N/A 1528 www.friscoisd.org GARLAND 499 507 N/A 1006 www.garlandisd.net *GRAND PRAIRIE 488 508 N/A 996 www.gpisd.org GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE 541 553 531 1625 www.gcisd-k12.org *GUNTER N/A N/A N/A N/A www.gunterisd.org HIGHLAND PARK 586 602 583 1771 www.hpisd.org *HURST/EULESS/BEDFORD 511 526 N/A 1037 www.hebisd.edu IRVING N/A N/A N/A N/A
    [Show full text]
  • UNT System Or UNTS) Seeks Applications and Nominations for the Position of Vice Chancellor for Facilities
    University of North Texas System Vice Chancellor for Facilities The University of North Texas System (UNT System or UNTS) seeks applications and nominations for the position of Vice Chancellor for Facilities. University of North Texas System The three independent universities of the UNT System have combined enrollment of nearly 44,000 students across five major teaching locations, including each main campus, as well as Frisco and downtown Dallas. The UNT System also provides high-quality, innovative, and affordable legal education in Dallas at the UNT Dallas College of Law. The UNT System Administration is based in downtown Dallas and collectively the UNT System has a $1.2 billion annual consolidated budget, employs roughly 10,000 people at its various locations within the robust North Texas Region and boosts the Texas economy by nearly $5.2 billion each year. The University of North Texas System’s institutions include: • University of North Texas – Established in 1890, University of North Texas (UNT), is one of the nation's largest universities with enrollment exceeding 38,000. UNT offers 103 bachelor's, 86 master's and 38 doctoral degree programs. Led by President Neal J. Smatresk, UNT is ranked among the 115 top-tier research universities — 81 of which are public universities — in the latest Carnegie Classification list. The university has been named one of America’s 100 Best College Buys for 22 consecutive years, a ranking based on having a high-achieving freshman class and affordable tuition. The Princeton Review continually names UNT as a Best in the West school and Forbes has listed UNT as an America's Top College for nine consecutive years.
    [Show full text]
  • SCHOOL NAME TEACHER BRYAN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL Ashley
    SCHOOL NAME TEACHER BRYAN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL Ashley Albro ADAMSON HIGH SCHOOL Edmond Gomez A MACEO SMITH NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL Bridget Goree MULTIPLE CAREER CENTER Timothy Brisco MOLINA HIGH SCHOOL Shelley White HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL Katrina Annette Barry THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL Taylor Davis KIMBALL HIGH SCHOOL Mary White LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Cedric Patterson Learning Alternative Center for Empowering Youth Jason King PINKSTON HIGH SCHOOL Tracey Haynes ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL Prishna Jimenez-Cassan SAMUELL HIGH SCHOOL Marco Rodriguez SEAGOVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Lashoun Walker SOUTH OAK CLIFF HIGH SCHOOL H GRADY SPRUCE HIGH SCHOOL Anthony Benedetto SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL Rametria Smith W T WHITE HIGH SCHOOL Ralph Ross WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL Matthew Lundberg D W CARTER HIGH SCHOOL Conatance Adamu NORTH DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL Christina Herrera SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL Chenay Taylor SCHOOL OF SCIENCE/ENGINEERING Amanda Ashmead EMMETT CONRAD HIGH SCHOOL Becky Brown SCHOOL COMMUNITY GUIDANCE CENTER Earl Smith BUSINESS MAGNET Ryan Wade BOOKER T WASHINGTON SPVA MAGNET Anna Gay RANGEL ALL GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL Clifton Dillehay TOWNVIEW-HEALTH PROFESSIONS MAGNET Sharonda Williams ROSIE MC SORRELL SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SRVCS Kimberly Wilson JDG SANDERS MGNT FOR LAW AT TOWNVIEW CENTER Jennifer Barclay TAG MAGNET Judith Hromcik W H ATWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Gregory Duplessis T W BROWNE MIDDLE SCHOOL Timothy Smith E H CARY MIDDLE SCHOOL Yuridiana Lewis E B COMSTOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL Medina K. Murry YOUNG MEN'S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT FRED F FLORENCE MS Shaunissy Brown
    [Show full text]
  • Senior High School Tre'lon Graham Bryan Adams High
    Senior High School Tre'lon Graham Bryan Adams High School Tamara Lynn David W. Carter High School Yadhap Akhikari Emmett J. Conrad High School Reneisha Jimmerson Kathlyn J. Gilliam Collegiate Academy Gabriel Palacios Hillcrest High School America Rodriguez Hillcrest High School Sara Mike Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School Simone McDonald Lincoln High School Tahiria Adams James Madison High School Branlon Allen James Madison High School Antwan Dickerson James Madison High School Jaliesa Flentroy James Madison High School Tyiesha Freeman James Madison High School Benisha King James Madison High School Tichina Jones James Madison High School Willecia Miles James Madison High School Karnesha Mullings James Madison High School Sydney Penn James Madison High School Christian Shaw James Madison High School Cierra Thomas James Madison High School Kierra Thomas James Madison High School Javan Toney James Madison High School Briana Turner James Madison High School Larry Weeks James Madison High School Alexis White James Madison High School Kiona Wright James Madison High School Maricarmen Fierros North Dallas High School Kassandra Zambrano North Dallas High School Casey Daniels Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center Emely Zuniga Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center Marion Zuniga Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center Elisha Dotrey Wilmer Hutchins High School Victor Ragsdale Booker T. Washington High School.
    [Show full text]
  • Ninety-Third Annual Saturday Morning the Seventeenth of May Two Thousand and Eight at Half Past Nine
    SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY Ninety-Third Annual COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION Saturday Morning The Seventeenth of May Two Thousand and Eight at Half Past Nine MOODY COLISEUM THIS IS FLY SHEET - CURIOUS TRANSLUCENTS IRREDECENTS SILVER #27 TEXT DOES NOT PRINT GRAY THIS IS FLY SHEET - CURIOUS TRANSLUCENTS IRREDECENTS SILVER #27 TEXT DOES NOT PRINT GRAY SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY In 1911, a Methodist education commission made a commitment to establish a major Methodist university in Texas. More than 600 acres of open prairie and $300,000 pledged by a group of Dallas citizens secured the university for Dallas, and it was chartered as Southern Methodist University. In appreciation of the city’s support, the first building to be constructed on the campus was named Dallas Hall. It remains the centerpiece and symbol of SMU. When the University opened in 1915, it consisted of two buildings, 706 students, a 35-member faculty, and total assets of $636,540. The original schools of SMU were the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Theology, and the School of Music. SMU is owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The first charge of its founders, however, was that it become a great university, not necessarily a great Methodist university. From its founding, SMU has been nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to the values of academic freedom and open inquiry. Today, Southern Methodist University offers a comprehensive curriculum through Dedman College – the college of humanities and sciences – and six schools: Meadows School of the Arts, Edwin L. Cox School of Business, School of Engineering, Perkins School of Theology, Dedman School of Law, and Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.
    [Show full text]
  • Dallas County Records of Interest to the Genealogist
    Dallas County Records of Interest to the Genealogist at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Dallas Public Library System Compiled by Shirley Remnant Sloat for the Dallas Genealogical Society and the J. Erik Jonsson Public Library © 2001 Shirley Remnant Sloat Dallas, Texas First Edition September 2001 Compiled for the Dallas Genealogical Society P.O. Box 12446, Dallas, TX 75225-0446 Email: [email protected] Printed by Excel Digital Press, Inc, Carrollton, Texas Contents Introduction — iii Locations of Dallas County Records Official County sites — 1 DPL: History and Social Sciences 8th floor — 2 DPL: Genealogy 8th floor — 2 DPL: Texas/Dallas History and Archives 7th floor — 3 DPL: Government Publications 6th floor — 5 Genealogically-interesting Dallas County Records at the DPL Histories/Atlases/Directories/Maps — 6 Newspapers and Genealogical Periodicals — 12 Vital Statistics Records: General — 14 DPL Vital Records — 16 Births Delayed Births Probate Births Adoptions Marriages Divorces Deaths Inquest Records — 17 Funeral Home Records — 17 Cemetery Records — 18 Obituary Records — 24 Probate/Will Records — 24 The Court System — 26 County Courts District Courts Municipal and Justice Courts Court Records — 28 Church Records — 30 Land/Deed Records — 32 Naturalization Records — 34 Census Records — 36 Tax Records — 38 Election Records — 38 Voter Records — 38 Military Records — 39 Revolutionary War/Post Revolutionary Wars to 1846 Republic of Texas Mexican War Civil War WWI, WWII Miscellaneous Appendix A - Historical List of Dallas County Courts — 43 Appendix B – Some Official Dallas County Records in the RHRD Section of the DPL Texas/Dallas History and Archives Division — 46 Index — 48 Dallas County Records of Interest to iii the Genealogist at the J.
    [Show full text]
  • BOARD of TRUSTEES DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. Ada L. Williams Audito
    BOARD OF TRUSTEES DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Ada L. Williams Auditorium 3700 Ross Avenue, Dallas TX 75205 The Board of Trustees of the Dallas Independent School District held a Board Meeting on Thursday, August 25, 2016, in the Ada L. Williams Auditorium, at 3700 Ross Avenue, Dallas TX 75204. Members present: Lew Blackburn (presiding), Miguel Solis, Joyce Foreman, Dan Micciche, Bernadette Nutall, Edwin Flores, Audrey Pinkerton, Jaime Resendez, and Dustin Marshall. Superintendent of Schools: Michael Hinojosa was present. Meeting called to order at 6:14 p.m. 1. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1.01 Lew Blackburn, President, District 5 1.02 Pledge of Allegiance to U.S. and Texas Flags led by Eden Mason, a 4th grade student at John J. Pershing Elementary School. 1.03 Meeting Overview by Eden Mason 1.04 Students’ Performance by Tinashe McGowan, a 4th grade student from William B. Travis Middle School. 2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, ACCOLADES, AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS 2.01 Recognition of Elected/Public Officials Jon Epps – Seagoville City Council Member 2.02 Recognition of Students, Schools, and Staff 2.03 Election of Officers: President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees At the first meeting after qualification of Board members following an election, the Board is required to elect a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, and a Board Secretary from within the Board membership. Balloting for any of the four Board member offices continues until a clear majority is received for each position.
    [Show full text]
  • C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp
    Case 3:06-cv-00692-L Document 196 Filed 11/16/06 Page 1 of 108 PageID 4154 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS DALLAS DIVISION LUCRESIA MAYORGA SANTAMARIA, § on behalf of DOE Children 1-3; and § ORGANIZACION PARA EL FUTURO § DE LOS ESTUDIANTES (OFE), § § Plaintiffs, § § v. § Civil Action No. 3:06-CV-692-L § DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL § DISTRICT; DALLAS INDEPENDENT § SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF § TRUSTEES; MICHAEL HINOJOSA, § SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DALLAS § INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, § in his official capacity; and § TERESA PARKER, in her individual and § official capacity as Principal of Preston § Hollow Elementary School, § § Defendants. § MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER This lawsuit concerns allegations of unlawful segregation of Latino school children at Preston Hollow Elementary School (“Preston Hollow”), an elementary school in a predominantly Anglo neighborhood in Dallas, Texas.1 Plaintiffs are Lucresia Mayorga Santamaria (“Ms. Santamaria”) on behalf of her three Latino children (Doe Children #1, #2 and #3) and Organizacion Para El Futuro de los Estudiantes (“OFE”), a not-for-profit organization of parents on behalf of their Latino children who attend Preston Hollow (collectively, “Plaintiffs”). Plaintiffs bring this suit 1The court primarily uses the terms “Anglo,” “African-American,” and “Latino” to reference the ethnic groups discussed at trial, although the words “white,” “black,” and “Hispanic” are also used to reflect actual trial testimony. Although Plaintiffs are not seeking relief on behalf of African-American students at Preston Hollow, evidence regarding Preston Hollow’s African-American students was presented at trial with regard to the ethnic makeup of certain classes. Memorandum Opinion and Order - Page 1 Case 3:06-cv-00692-L Document 196 Filed 11/16/06 Page 2 of 108 PageID 4155 against Defendants Dallas Independent School District (“DISD” or “District”), DISD Board of Trustees (“Board of Trustees”), Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Dallas Economic Profile 2017
    City of Dallas Economic Profile 2017 City of Dallas Economic Profile 2017 (214) 670-1685 | www.dallasecodev.org TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to The City of Dallas Economic Profile 2017. This Profile introduces Dallas to prospective investors, developers, businesses, and residents. Its purpose is to support the development process by informing the private sector so that both public and private returns are maximized. The Profile’s individual pages are designed so that they can be combined in ways to support each client’s specific needs. All components are available on The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development (ECO) website at DallasEcoDev.org, where you can also stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and more. Overview: City of Dallas & DFW Area 23. Research & Development 44. Downtown Commuting and Labor Shed 3. Dallas Competitive Advantages 24. International Trade 45. Catalyst: Uptown/Greater Downtown 4. U.S. & Global Context 25. Logistics Infrastructure 46. Catalyst: Trinity River Corridor 5. Dallas is North America’s City Center 26. Public Transportation 47. Dallas Film Commission 6. Dallas and the Texas Economy 27. Water Supply 7. Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area 28. Taxes Quality of Life Comparisons 29. Utility Pricing 48. Quality of Life Overview 8. City of Dallas & Dallas-Fort Worth 30. Office Rents 49. Cost Of Living Overview 31. Industrial Rents 50. Cultural Arts 9. Dallas City and Metro Demographics 51. Sports and Recreation 10. City of Dallas Overview Map Employment in Dallas 52. Shopping and Dining 11. The Largest City in the Top U.S. 32. Career Opportunities 53. Colleges and Universities Metropolitan Economy 33.
    [Show full text]