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Parents concerned about district's plans on attendance boundaries
By James Hale
Special to the Times
Parents of students who could be affected by attendance boundary modifications spoke at the Katy Independent School District board meeting Wednesday on behalf of their families’ interests.
Attendance boundaries for Taylor, Cinco Ranch and Seven Lakes high schools will be studied and possibly reorganized to relieve overcrowding at Seven Lakes. The current feeder system is also being reexamined.
Some parents are worried that the boundary modifications will force some students out of schools where they have already developed connections and already become involved in extracurricular activities.
A concern for high school parents is the possibility of being rezoned to another school after deliberately choosing for their children to attend the school they are currently zoned for.
“When we chose to buy a house where we did, we looked real hard at where our kids would be going to school,” Tim Redland said. “Katy’s a fine place to bring your family, everybody’s aware of that, but some places are just a little bit finer than others.”
Concerns ranged from quality of education at the different high schools to simply giving more time for people who could be affected to be made aware of the situation.
“A lot of people don’t even know what’s going on,” Gayla Cox said. “If you would extend the amount of time for people to respond, that would give us an opportunity to make people aware.”
Several speakers referenced the possibility of a “grandfather clause,” giving students currently in a high school the choice of attending the same school or the newly zoned school. Some forms of the clause would allow younger siblings to attend the same school as their brother or sister.
Superintendent Alton Frailey responded to the concerns. saying the district was looking at small, targeted recommendations to minimize the affected areas, while addressing a population that is expected to do nothing but expand.
”Right now we’re growing tremendously quickly to the west and southwest,” Frailey said. “We’ve looked at a lot of scenarios, but we haven’t developed any recommendations yet.”
The same projection shows Cinco Ranch staying just under its capacity of 3,000 students until the 2013-14 school year, when another high school is slated to open. At that point Cinco is expected to hold 3,004 students.
Taylor, while steadily increasing enrollment, will still be 370 students shy of its capacity the same year, according to a Population and Survey Analysts demographic report.
In order to meet the district’s growing needs the board is looking at meeting school capacities, stabilizing attendance zones and community input. In determining the boundary modifications the board will not consider socioeconomics, historical feeder patterns or allegedly lowering property values.
Board action on attendance boundary modifications is scheduled for Feb. 22, after a public workshop tomorrow and possibly a follow-up workshop Feb. 12, if it is deemed necessary. The recommended attendance boundary modifications are scheduled to be released Feb. 18.
Frailey stated that no action has been decided upon yet, but warned that once a decision is made not everyone will be satisfied.
“No decision has been made except that we have to make a decision,” Frailey said. “We won’t always agree because we’re coming at it through two different lenses.”
Attendance boundaries for Taylor, Cinco Ranch and Seven Lakes high schools will be studied and possibly reorganized to relieve overcrowding at Seven Lakes. The current feeder system is also being reexamined.
Some parents are worried that the boundary modifications will force some students out of schools where they have already developed connections and already become involved in extracurricular activities.
A concern for high school parents is the possibility of being rezoned to another school after deliberately choosing for their children to attend the school they are currently zoned for.
“When we chose to buy a house where we did, we looked real hard at where our kids would be going to school,” Tim Redland said. “Katy’s a fine place to bring your family, everybody’s aware of that, but some places are just a little bit finer than others.”
Concerns ranged from quality of education at the different high schools to simply giving more time for people who could be affected to be made aware of the situation.
“A lot of people don’t even know what’s going on,” Gayla Cox said. “If you would extend the amount of time for people to respond, that would give us an opportunity to make people aware.”
Several speakers referenced the possibility of a “grandfather clause,” giving students currently in a high school the choice of attending the same school or the newly zoned school. Some forms of the clause would allow younger siblings to attend the same school as their brother or sister.
Superintendent Alton Frailey responded to the concerns. saying the district was looking at small, targeted recommendations to minimize the affected areas, while addressing a population that is expected to do nothing but expand.
”Right now we’re growing tremendously quickly to the west and southwest,” Frailey said. “We’ve looked at a lot of scenarios, but we haven’t developed any recommendations yet.”
'€śKaty's a fine place to bring your family, everybody's aware of that, but some places are just a little bit finer than others.'€ť
'€“ Tim Redland
The long range facilities plan projects that Seven Lakes will need to accommodate 4,300 students, putting it over 140 percent of its capacity the year before another high school will open in KISD.'€“ Tim Redland
The same projection shows Cinco Ranch staying just under its capacity of 3,000 students until the 2013-14 school year, when another high school is slated to open. At that point Cinco is expected to hold 3,004 students.
Taylor, while steadily increasing enrollment, will still be 370 students shy of its capacity the same year, according to a Population and Survey Analysts demographic report.
In order to meet the district’s growing needs the board is looking at meeting school capacities, stabilizing attendance zones and community input. In determining the boundary modifications the board will not consider socioeconomics, historical feeder patterns or allegedly lowering property values.
Board action on attendance boundary modifications is scheduled for Feb. 22, after a public workshop tomorrow and possibly a follow-up workshop Feb. 12, if it is deemed necessary. The recommended attendance boundary modifications are scheduled to be released Feb. 18.
Frailey stated that no action has been decided upon yet, but warned that once a decision is made not everyone will be satisfied.
“No decision has been made except that we have to make a decision,” Frailey said. “We won’t always agree because we’re coming at it through two different lenses.”
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| Parents voice concerns at facilities plan workshop | KISD receives update on Raines |
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of katytimes.com.
kmrhs basketball player wrote on Feb 3, 2010 2:28 PM:
" I dont think its fair because strake can recruited they are always going to be good because of that. It doesnt apply to me but i still dont think it is fair to the athletes that are not graduating "
Ross Raymond wrote on Feb 3, 2010 3:59 PM:
" I found one of the article"s lines of particular interest, "In determining the boundary modifications the board will not consider socioeconomics (sic), historical feeder patterns or allegedly lowering property values."
Do we have schools in KISD where parents feel if their children are rezoned to that location their property value will drop? Shame on us. I would like to know which rezoning plan is being questioned in this regard as all I have heard at this time is working out the student population issues between THS, CRHS, SLHS and maybe KHS. Is one of these schools considered inferior to the others to the point where property values will be an issue if our children are sent to that campuses? If it is, it seems we have identified an area we need to address rezoned or not.
Just wondering. "
Do we have schools in KISD where parents feel if their children are rezoned to that location their property value will drop? Shame on us. I would like to know which rezoning plan is being questioned in this regard as all I have heard at this time is working out the student population issues between THS, CRHS, SLHS and maybe KHS. Is one of these schools considered inferior to the others to the point where property values will be an issue if our children are sent to that campuses? If it is, it seems we have identified an area we need to address rezoned or not.
Just wondering. "
Motomom wrote on Feb 3, 2010 5:19 PM:
" No, the district would never give a thought to messing with KHS sports. That is why they, out of all the attendance zones, get to have their kids grow up together. Wish the rest of us could say the same. After our son graduates this year we are moving and bailing on these high taxes. If others are like minded, I wonder how long it will be before property values start dropping in the expensive neighborhoods and the district has to start selling off schools or the teacher/student ratio starts to change for the worse? The more expensive the home the higher the taxes. Seems like they should have been worried about us all along. With proper planning, even the new developments could have had what KHS has always had. "
Robert wrote on Feb 3, 2010 5:32 PM:
" I think it's funny that you still "less than finer" areas deep in south Katy that's still zoned to Katy High LMAO "
NotAboveAnyone wrote on Feb 3, 2010 7:00 PM:
" I was a bit offended about the comment concerning "finer" areas. Then I realized this person is correct and I am proud to say I happen to live in one of those "finer" areas. The area of town that doesn't look down on people who make less money or drive less expensive cars. I live in the "finer" area of town who cares about my neighbor because of who they are as a person and not who they "are" and what they do. I live in "old" Katy and have for 28 years and put 3 fine children through the wonderful Katy ISD. They are all productive, caring, loving citizens who continue our family tradition of judging people by their hearts not their social status. Thank you KISD for caring about our kids. "
FP-MOM wrote on Feb 3, 2010 10:59 PM:
" Motomom - I am sorry, but you are misinformed. My kids are zoned to KHS, and Woodcreek JH before that and start at Rylander Elementary. I believe at least 85% of the kids at our elementary go to CRJH and CRHS. All KHS kids do not come from a handful of KHS-bred feeder schools.
Otherwise, I think a little more diversity would do many kids well in life. This is an opportunity to teach students how to deal with change and disappointment if they find they are affected and are indeed disappointed. "
Otherwise, I think a little more diversity would do many kids well in life. This is an opportunity to teach students how to deal with change and disappointment if they find they are affected and are indeed disappointed. "
Katy Westsider wrote on Feb 4, 2010 8:07 AM:
" What I still do not hear is how will any of these plans with "grandfathering" provisions help reduce the currently overcrowded freshman class at Seven Lakes? Plans address potential future growth and continued overcrowding, but what about the current situation? The Administration needs to listen, but ultimately make the difficult decision which is best for the majority of the students. And leave sports out of the discussions... It's about quality of education for the majority not quality of the sports team. "
Three Tigers wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:09 AM:
" "Do we have schools in KISD where parents feel if their children are rezoned to that location their property value will drop? Shame on us."
Ross...duh!!...I know you're not new to the community, but, you must've slept through about 10 re-zonings...
When Alexander elementary was built...Cinco parent after Cinco parent came to the microphone in the Fielder auditorium and as a general summary called the people and communities that fed Cimarron Elementary and West Memorial elementary "trailer trash" that we're not fit to associate with their children. One proposal was to take every student currently at Cimarron Elementary and move them so that only Cinco Ranch children attended, that was the only acceptable compromise to not sending their children to Alexander or Fielder. Finally a Cimarron parent got to the microphone and promised that their children were going to start wearing shoes to school the next year (might of shouted it from the crowd, my memory is getting fuzzy). That quote lives today in those communities, it was mentioned to me just yesterday by a co-worker who has since moved out of the area when I told him that KISD was at it again.
I'm probably jinxing this...but, I'm attending the meeting tonight, just so I can hear a displaced Seven Laker with passion and tears protest getting moved "to that school across the tracks" Cinco!! "
Ross...duh!!...I know you're not new to the community, but, you must've slept through about 10 re-zonings...
When Alexander elementary was built...Cinco parent after Cinco parent came to the microphone in the Fielder auditorium and as a general summary called the people and communities that fed Cimarron Elementary and West Memorial elementary "trailer trash" that we're not fit to associate with their children. One proposal was to take every student currently at Cimarron Elementary and move them so that only Cinco Ranch children attended, that was the only acceptable compromise to not sending their children to Alexander or Fielder. Finally a Cimarron parent got to the microphone and promised that their children were going to start wearing shoes to school the next year (might of shouted it from the crowd, my memory is getting fuzzy). That quote lives today in those communities, it was mentioned to me just yesterday by a co-worker who has since moved out of the area when I told him that KISD was at it again.
I'm probably jinxing this...but, I'm attending the meeting tonight, just so I can hear a displaced Seven Laker with passion and tears protest getting moved "to that school across the tracks" Cinco!! "
Motomom wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:05 AM:
" Info on all 6 High Schools from the TEA Report Card. My aplogies if I have a typo or read the wrong line.
Expendiures per student:
MCHS $6499
KHS $6339
MRHS $5934
THS $5821
SLHS $5783
CRHS $5638
Student to Teacher Ratio: *
MRHS 13.6
MCHS 13.6
KHS 15.2
THS 15.6
SLHS 16.2
CRHS 16.8
*lower numbers are a better ratio
Avg SAT/ACT (% tested):
CRHS 1142/24.6 (96.5)
SLHS 1142/24.7 (91.6)
THS 1115/24.3 (94.7)
KHS 1042/22.5 (72.8)
MCHS 988/21.1 (73.2)
MRHS 982/21.1 (71.6)
CRHS had the least expenditure per student, the highest SAT/ACT scores (taking into consideration the % tested) and the worst student to teacher ratio. So the answer must be the parents and peers, it does not appear to be the district influence. I think CRHS has success because the parents push harder and the students care about school and their future. Parents who push, want their kids arounds other students who are trying just as hard. So, I think this is not a socio/economic issue, but rather an issue of desire to succeed. "
Expendiures per student:
MCHS $6499
KHS $6339
MRHS $5934
THS $5821
SLHS $5783
CRHS $5638
Student to Teacher Ratio: *
MRHS 13.6
MCHS 13.6
KHS 15.2
THS 15.6
SLHS 16.2
CRHS 16.8
*lower numbers are a better ratio
Avg SAT/ACT (% tested):
CRHS 1142/24.6 (96.5)
SLHS 1142/24.7 (91.6)
THS 1115/24.3 (94.7)
KHS 1042/22.5 (72.8)
MCHS 988/21.1 (73.2)
MRHS 982/21.1 (71.6)
CRHS had the least expenditure per student, the highest SAT/ACT scores (taking into consideration the % tested) and the worst student to teacher ratio. So the answer must be the parents and peers, it does not appear to be the district influence. I think CRHS has success because the parents push harder and the students care about school and their future. Parents who push, want their kids arounds other students who are trying just as hard. So, I think this is not a socio/economic issue, but rather an issue of desire to succeed. "
Sarah wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:29 AM:
" From what I've heard, the whining is going to come from Cinco parents who don't want their children moved to Taylor. After all, Cinco is Exemplary and Taylor is only Recognized. Of course, the overall passing rates are almost identical, the difference in label is caused by subgroups that aren't really seen at CRHS, but that's not important to the naysayers.
Motomom, teacher:student ratio and differences in spending per student don't mean much because schools with lower ratios and higher expenditures have more kids in at risk groups and the staff and money all go to those kids. The question is how much do they spend on students who don't fit any at risk group. My guess is that CRHS spends as much, if not more, on the "average" student as any other school in the district. Yes, there are differences in SAT/ACT scores, but there are also differences in populations. It doesn't necessarily reflect on the teaching at a particular school. I am willing to bet that the teachers at MRHS and MCHS are as good as the ones at CRHS and SLHS.
A school is a building where education takes place. The education that is gained, especially at the high school level, is almost entirely up to the efforts expended by the student. "
Motomom, teacher:student ratio and differences in spending per student don't mean much because schools with lower ratios and higher expenditures have more kids in at risk groups and the staff and money all go to those kids. The question is how much do they spend on students who don't fit any at risk group. My guess is that CRHS spends as much, if not more, on the "average" student as any other school in the district. Yes, there are differences in SAT/ACT scores, but there are also differences in populations. It doesn't necessarily reflect on the teaching at a particular school. I am willing to bet that the teachers at MRHS and MCHS are as good as the ones at CRHS and SLHS.
A school is a building where education takes place. The education that is gained, especially at the high school level, is almost entirely up to the efforts expended by the student. "
Katy Mom wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:44 AM:
" Motomom -How dare you tell me that just because I choose to have my kids attend a great school that my not be up to your mightier than thou standards that my kids are inferior to yours. I have put 2 kids through KHS and will put 2 more, and I push my kids every day to do good in school right through to graduation. And they are very successful college students now. You can't go off of test scores to put value on a child nor can you say every student at CRHS is more successful than students at KHS, MRHS, Mayde Creek just because they go to CRHS. I know a lot of the teachers at KHS and they are the main reason that I CHOOSE to continue putting my kids through there. I would put them up against any teacher and CRHS or SLHS as far as quality of teaching. And the reason KHS doesn't get rezoned, is not because of their sports, its because none of the other schools wants to bring in lower tax bracketed housing and interfere with their world. And Three Tigers I to have been through that type of snubbing when my children attending West Memorial and they were opening up CRHS. West Memorial subdivision was being considered along with Cimarron subdivision to be moved in order to keep the buses form having to take kids over the freeway, and the outcry could be heard all the way to Austin. No way was the parents of CRHS going to allow "those people" into their school. And look where those kids are still at today? "
MavMom2011 wrote on Feb 4, 2010 1:00 PM:
" I was under the impression that a new high school will be opening in 2012. If this is true, at that time KISD will be re-zoning again. Why not wait two more years? Bring in more portables now and deal with the rezoning at that time. "
Teresa wrote on Feb 4, 2010 1:06 PM:
" I think this absolutely crazy for everyone to be making comments how KHS is not affected. The attendance boundaries for KHS have been set for many years. That is why they are not affected again. This is the oldest school in Katy and the attendance boundaries are pretty well buuilt out, I live in a neighborhood zoned for SLHS and will be doing my best to get my youngest daughter to KHS, one reason is to get her away from the students and parents that think they are better then others. I do not want my child to ever make anyone feel inferior to her because she lives in a nice neighborhood. She will treat everyone with respect the way everyone should treat each other. IF you did not want to take the chance of rezoning then you should have bought in an area that was not growing so quickly. Deal with it. "
Ross Raymond wrote on Feb 4, 2010 1:18 PM:
" Three Tigers, I am well aware of the situation you mention. We have schools within our mist which do not perform as well as others. I for one refuse to believe it is because, "bad or stupid" kids happen to live in a particular area.
I learned long ago people (students included) have a tendency to perform UP to your expectations or in the alternative DOWN to them and from the comments on this thread I believe we can see that many agree with this as they expect their child's education to suffer if they are re-zoned.
My point is simple. Since we have schools in our district which some parents believe are so bad sending their children there will decrease the value of their property maybe we need to do something about it.
The Board will soon be taking up the IB program issue with an eye towards spending millions of dollars on this special project, and while I do not want our district to miss out on any opportunities for advancing student achievement, I have to wonder why we are not spending more time addressing the long time concerns expressed in this article about the quality of learning occurring at various campuses. Seems we only recognize we have a problem when re-zoning becomes an issue and some fear they will be sent to the "other" school. Maybe we should move this to the top of the Board agenda and ask ourselves why this is the case and what we can do about it? Just one guy's thoughts. "
I learned long ago people (students included) have a tendency to perform UP to your expectations or in the alternative DOWN to them and from the comments on this thread I believe we can see that many agree with this as they expect their child's education to suffer if they are re-zoned.
My point is simple. Since we have schools in our district which some parents believe are so bad sending their children there will decrease the value of their property maybe we need to do something about it.
The Board will soon be taking up the IB program issue with an eye towards spending millions of dollars on this special project, and while I do not want our district to miss out on any opportunities for advancing student achievement, I have to wonder why we are not spending more time addressing the long time concerns expressed in this article about the quality of learning occurring at various campuses. Seems we only recognize we have a problem when re-zoning becomes an issue and some fear they will be sent to the "other" school. Maybe we should move this to the top of the Board agenda and ask ourselves why this is the case and what we can do about it? Just one guy's thoughts. "
Ross Raymond wrote on Feb 4, 2010 4:13 PM:
" I just got word there are NO seats at this evening's parent meeting in Room 1200 at the ESC, and unless you had previously sent in your RSVP you will be turned away at the doors as there is no room.
Why is it folks can get upset enough to turn out for this event and can't make it to the polls when we elect the school board members who are responsible for making the rezoning decision? "
Why is it folks can get upset enough to turn out for this event and can't make it to the polls when we elect the school board members who are responsible for making the rezoning decision? "
Motomom wrote on Feb 4, 2010 4:28 PM:
" Katy Mom, no personal attack was intended. I am the daughter of an A/C mechanic and live in a one story, three bedroom home in one of the Kelliwoods. We too have felt the sting of not being "good enough". I can assure you I judge folks by the quality of their character rather than what they would like for me to think they have in the their bank account.
I still contend that with PROPER planning, most of the kids in the district could have enjoyed growing up with the same group of friends. I also contend that what a student gets out of school is a direct result of how much they are willing to apply themselves. Peers, in my opinion, also enter into the equation. If my son's friends are too busy studying for a test to go hang out, then my son is more likely to study as well.
The fact remains that there is a noticeable difference in the SAT/ACT scores and the number of students taking the test, from school to school within the district. It will be interesting to see how the IB Program effects these numbers. I assume the Program will only accept the brightest of the bright and that this will lower ALL of the other school's average scores. It will also make a big difference in class rank, which is another factor that COLLEGES and therefore parents, concern themselves with.
For me at least, this was about getting the best education possible for my children rather than judging families by their address. The SAT/ACT scores speak for themselves and it is unfair to judge parents for seeking those schools out as "mightier than thou". There are kids at CRHS that I would prefer my kids steer clear of as well, due to their behavior, not their parents' income or address.
I do not know enough about the "At Risk" program to speak about it. I don't even know what they are at risk of...Is it abuse or poor grades or some combination of both? I really don't know and I am not trying to be hurtful. We have a school for kids with bad behavior and will soon have one for the very bright kids. If the "At Risk" kids are just struggling with grades then perhaps we need a school for them with teachers who are qualified in that field. I bet the IB school will have some great teachers! Again, no offense was intended to anyone. "
I still contend that with PROPER planning, most of the kids in the district could have enjoyed growing up with the same group of friends. I also contend that what a student gets out of school is a direct result of how much they are willing to apply themselves. Peers, in my opinion, also enter into the equation. If my son's friends are too busy studying for a test to go hang out, then my son is more likely to study as well.
The fact remains that there is a noticeable difference in the SAT/ACT scores and the number of students taking the test, from school to school within the district. It will be interesting to see how the IB Program effects these numbers. I assume the Program will only accept the brightest of the bright and that this will lower ALL of the other school's average scores. It will also make a big difference in class rank, which is another factor that COLLEGES and therefore parents, concern themselves with.
For me at least, this was about getting the best education possible for my children rather than judging families by their address. The SAT/ACT scores speak for themselves and it is unfair to judge parents for seeking those schools out as "mightier than thou". There are kids at CRHS that I would prefer my kids steer clear of as well, due to their behavior, not their parents' income or address.
I do not know enough about the "At Risk" program to speak about it. I don't even know what they are at risk of...Is it abuse or poor grades or some combination of both? I really don't know and I am not trying to be hurtful. We have a school for kids with bad behavior and will soon have one for the very bright kids. If the "At Risk" kids are just struggling with grades then perhaps we need a school for them with teachers who are qualified in that field. I bet the IB school will have some great teachers! Again, no offense was intended to anyone. "
Taylor Mom wrote on Feb 4, 2010 9:58 PM:
" With an attitude like Tim Redland, no wonder our world is in the shape it is in. I'm glad to be in the "less finer" places so that my children don't grow up and learn that same attitude. "
Robert wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:00 PM:
" LMAO I can't believe West Memorial and Cimarron subdivisions are not zoned to CRHS.....that should tell you everything you need to know about KISD's BS school zones "
Three Tigers wrote on Feb 5, 2010 6:45 AM:
" Motomom:
Not sure the ages of your children...but, someday they'll be Junior's in High School and in March of that year they'll get their first official GPA and class rank. Just by way of analogy, lets say your kid has a very respectable 4.1 GPA, but, due to the high academic standard of your HS that is only a 20% class rank. However, your son/daughter's friends have 4.5 or better GPAs and make the Texas magic 10%. Then you notice as that Junior year goes on, his/her friends aren't around as much. Then sometime during the summer you ask why and you find out its because your son/daughter is not a 10 percenter and the parent's of his friends don't think your parenting was up to snuff and they don't think your kid takes school serious enough and they don't want their kids to associate with your kids because they don't want them to fall out of that very important Texas 10 category.
Yes this is a far fetched analogy, but, its what I'm hearing you say about the "other" kids in the community...you don't think their parent's are as good at parenting as you and yours, their kids aren't as good as yours and you don't want to associate with either and by golly you've got the stats to prove it because lord knows I never enter into any kind of association until I know how well that person did on their SAT or whatever the credential!?!?
I will say I very much appreciate the candor, in 13 years of being around y'all I think you represent very well the attitude the rest of the community has come to expect from Cinco Territory. By your Kelliwood address I'm assuming that maybe your Cinco days are numbered, please write back in a year or two as a member of the great unwashed, I'd love to hear if your a little wiser for the wear. "
Not sure the ages of your children...but, someday they'll be Junior's in High School and in March of that year they'll get their first official GPA and class rank. Just by way of analogy, lets say your kid has a very respectable 4.1 GPA, but, due to the high academic standard of your HS that is only a 20% class rank. However, your son/daughter's friends have 4.5 or better GPAs and make the Texas magic 10%. Then you notice as that Junior year goes on, his/her friends aren't around as much. Then sometime during the summer you ask why and you find out its because your son/daughter is not a 10 percenter and the parent's of his friends don't think your parenting was up to snuff and they don't think your kid takes school serious enough and they don't want their kids to associate with your kids because they don't want them to fall out of that very important Texas 10 category.
Yes this is a far fetched analogy, but, its what I'm hearing you say about the "other" kids in the community...you don't think their parent's are as good at parenting as you and yours, their kids aren't as good as yours and you don't want to associate with either and by golly you've got the stats to prove it because lord knows I never enter into any kind of association until I know how well that person did on their SAT or whatever the credential!?!?
I will say I very much appreciate the candor, in 13 years of being around y'all I think you represent very well the attitude the rest of the community has come to expect from Cinco Territory. By your Kelliwood address I'm assuming that maybe your Cinco days are numbered, please write back in a year or two as a member of the great unwashed, I'd love to hear if your a little wiser for the wear. "
Motomom wrote on Feb 5, 2010 10:06 AM:
" Three Tigers
My oldest child is in college and my youngest graduates this year from CRHS.
The dog I have in this hunt is property values. If my husband and I researched the various schools to make a decision about our largest investment, then chances are others will do the same. A person with children, in the market for a home in our district will usually research the schools. If a family likes two homes and they are the same price, they will probably purchase the home zoned to the school with a higher ranking. I have yet to find a way to research the "snob" or "bubba" factor. It has been my recent experience that you can find both in almost any zip code.
We will be moving after graduation. We want to get away from the high property taxes we were happy to pay while we had kids in school. Good luck to you. "
My oldest child is in college and my youngest graduates this year from CRHS.
The dog I have in this hunt is property values. If my husband and I researched the various schools to make a decision about our largest investment, then chances are others will do the same. A person with children, in the market for a home in our district will usually research the schools. If a family likes two homes and they are the same price, they will probably purchase the home zoned to the school with a higher ranking. I have yet to find a way to research the "snob" or "bubba" factor. It has been my recent experience that you can find both in almost any zip code.
We will be moving after graduation. We want to get away from the high property taxes we were happy to pay while we had kids in school. Good luck to you. "
MRHS Mom wrote on Feb 5, 2010 11:17 AM:
" *SARCASM* I don't know why everyone is up in arms about rezoning. Just get them transferred to the school you want them to attend. *SARCASM* That's what a majority of parents did in our neighborhood when it got rezoned from KHS to MRHS. The parents sent their kids to psychiatrists or did whatever it took to keep their kids from attending MRHS. My daughter is in her second year there and is doing just fine. It's all what you make of it. "
descovy wrote on Feb 5, 2010 12:57 PM:
" MotoMom,
You admit that you are leaving KISD as soon as you can, and YOUR property values are the only thing that matter to YOU.
So I'm sure you will understand that the rest of us don't give a flying leap about YOUR house. Because you obviously don't give a flying leap about our Long Range Growth Plan.
I guess long range growth plans are just for us *suckers* who stay behind.
Thank goodness KISD is not using "alleged decrease of property values" as a consideration. Why should all of us cater to your very selfish needs??? You aren't even going to stick around, even if you get your way... you're leaving!
My wish is that you find a competent Realtor who can sell your house, on the basis that KISD is a top-notch district even at THS.
Good luck to you. "
You admit that you are leaving KISD as soon as you can, and YOUR property values are the only thing that matter to YOU.
So I'm sure you will understand that the rest of us don't give a flying leap about YOUR house. Because you obviously don't give a flying leap about our Long Range Growth Plan.
I guess long range growth plans are just for us *suckers* who stay behind.
Thank goodness KISD is not using "alleged decrease of property values" as a consideration. Why should all of us cater to your very selfish needs??? You aren't even going to stick around, even if you get your way... you're leaving!
My wish is that you find a competent Realtor who can sell your house, on the basis that KISD is a top-notch district even at THS.
Good luck to you. "
MavMom2011 wrote on Feb 5, 2010 1:19 PM:
" MRHS Mom...I know many kids whose parents moved or had them transferred to KHS for the same reason. You know what? Almost every one of them came back to MRHS because they didn't like KHS. Every school has its bad apples. Some more than others but it's what the kids make of it. Steer clear of the bad apples, study and make good grades, and they'll be fine. As for the rest of you that are concerned about re-zoning, deal with it. You live in Katy - the 5th largest growing city in America in 2009 as reported in the news! It's inevitable that it's going to happen in our newer and fastest growing areas of Katy. "
neworleanslady wrote on Feb 5, 2010 2:34 PM:
" Moto mom said :If my husband and I researched the various schools to make a decision about our largest investment, then chances are others will do the same. A person with children, in the market for a home in our district will usually research the schools. If a family likes two homes and they are the same price, they will probably purchase the home zoned to the school with a higher ranking.:
As someone who has moved to Katy within the past 2 years, I did do a lot of research on neighborhoods and schools. Knowing we wanted either THS, CRHS, or SLHS - I looked at the Newsweek ranking of high schools and the data available on the TEA website (the TAIS stats). I studied the websites for the schools. I emailed multiple friends who had/have kids at all these schools - asking for their opinions, thoughts, concerns, etc. I even emailed a cousin who teaches at SLHS.
In the end, the "rating" of the school (Exemplary, Recognized, whatever) had no impact on our choice. The Newsweek rankings had no impact. What did have an impact were the statistics from the TEA website and the input from my friends.
We choose Taylor. In fact, by the time we came here looking for houses, we ONLY looked at houses zoned to Taylor. We just weren't interested in anything else.
And, we would make the same choice today. "
As someone who has moved to Katy within the past 2 years, I did do a lot of research on neighborhoods and schools. Knowing we wanted either THS, CRHS, or SLHS - I looked at the Newsweek ranking of high schools and the data available on the TEA website (the TAIS stats). I studied the websites for the schools. I emailed multiple friends who had/have kids at all these schools - asking for their opinions, thoughts, concerns, etc. I even emailed a cousin who teaches at SLHS.
In the end, the "rating" of the school (Exemplary, Recognized, whatever) had no impact on our choice. The Newsweek rankings had no impact. What did have an impact were the statistics from the TEA website and the input from my friends.
We choose Taylor. In fact, by the time we came here looking for houses, we ONLY looked at houses zoned to Taylor. We just weren't interested in anything else.
And, we would make the same choice today. "
Motomom wrote on Feb 5, 2010 4:07 PM:
" I attended the meeting this afternoon. There were less than 40 in attendance. All I can say is WOW! The Diistrict read their statements, then turned it over to each table to talk about their concerns. Then a spokesperson from each table gave a short talk about what was discussed. After each table spoke, a person from the district would repeat what they "heard" from that table. There were 4 people at my table and I was the only one in the group who would be rezoned. I didn't like the format of the meeting at all. I left there feeling like I had been handled. In the end, the district is going to do what they are going to do anyway. I will be here long enough to vote in the next school board / bond election, and every member of our family will be voting. I have always been amazed at the low voter turn out in our district. This is very much a case of every vote counts, for everyone, not just those who feel like I do. Everyone, even those who oppose my views, should vote. This is important stuff we are talking about.
Sorry if I sounded selfish. I speak only for myself and I have every right to be concerned about property values. I don't presume to know what others are thinking. I don't even know if my neighbors know what is going on.
Disagreeing with someone is one thing, taking it to a personal level is just not called for. "
Sorry if I sounded selfish. I speak only for myself and I have every right to be concerned about property values. I don't presume to know what others are thinking. I don't even know if my neighbors know what is going on.
Disagreeing with someone is one thing, taking it to a personal level is just not called for. "
Ross Raymond wrote on Feb 5, 2010 4:23 PM:
" Come on folks let's cut to the chase. Rezoning and school achievement are different topics and of course there are folks who say they won't send their child to a "north" side school so they live to the south of I-10. Oddly enough now it seems there are persons who say their property value will suffer if their child moves from one of the three south side high schools to the other.
Frankly, I am sick to death of all the bickering I see in our community at a time when we need to pull together to give 100% of our Katy Kids the best possible education. Many of us on these blogs graduated college, have good jobs, or own our own businesses, and it is amazing how many of us grew up much poorer than we are today.
The reason we live the good life is because we were afforded an opportunity at an appropriate education. Why not pass it along, and if a school is not "cutting it" how about spending some time there helping out via some of the volunteer programs? One truth I know is that the number of adult volunteers is "different" from north to south side campuses.
Is it because these parents don't care? I think not as many of them have both spouses at work and some of them are pulling down more than one job. In some cases a few parents do not appreciate the power of an education and in the process doom their child to follow them into lower paying careers. Whatever the reason, it is not the student's fault. How about taking a couple of those soccer mom or dad volunteer days and spending it where it can do some real good, at a school where your help is truly needed?
How about working a little harder to ensure other kids get the quality of education we needed to make it? Seems to me if all our schools were "a little finer" we would not have to worry so much about re-zoning. How about we work on that end of the problem and offer up solutions as re-zoning isn't going away anytime soon? "
Frankly, I am sick to death of all the bickering I see in our community at a time when we need to pull together to give 100% of our Katy Kids the best possible education. Many of us on these blogs graduated college, have good jobs, or own our own businesses, and it is amazing how many of us grew up much poorer than we are today.
The reason we live the good life is because we were afforded an opportunity at an appropriate education. Why not pass it along, and if a school is not "cutting it" how about spending some time there helping out via some of the volunteer programs? One truth I know is that the number of adult volunteers is "different" from north to south side campuses.
Is it because these parents don't care? I think not as many of them have both spouses at work and some of them are pulling down more than one job. In some cases a few parents do not appreciate the power of an education and in the process doom their child to follow them into lower paying careers. Whatever the reason, it is not the student's fault. How about taking a couple of those soccer mom or dad volunteer days and spending it where it can do some real good, at a school where your help is truly needed?
How about working a little harder to ensure other kids get the quality of education we needed to make it? Seems to me if all our schools were "a little finer" we would not have to worry so much about re-zoning. How about we work on that end of the problem and offer up solutions as re-zoning isn't going away anytime soon? "
Mustang Mom wrote on Feb 5, 2010 5:09 PM:
" Mr. Redland,
It is very obvious that you have not been a long-time Katy resident; anyone that has lived here at least 15 years has gone through at least one re-zoning. Unfortunately, living in a fast-growing community lends itself to uprooting children and placing them where you did not plan for them to be. As a proud former Taylor parent, I urge you to look at every aspect of what THS has to offer, then make the judgment. We have outstanding sports, fine arts and academics, especially since your children are so bright they would be in preAP/AP classes. If you still find Taylor unacceptable, please let us help you find the door—I’m sure with your status, you could find a “finer” place to live.
Mustang Mom "
It is very obvious that you have not been a long-time Katy resident; anyone that has lived here at least 15 years has gone through at least one re-zoning. Unfortunately, living in a fast-growing community lends itself to uprooting children and placing them where you did not plan for them to be. As a proud former Taylor parent, I urge you to look at every aspect of what THS has to offer, then make the judgment. We have outstanding sports, fine arts and academics, especially since your children are so bright they would be in preAP/AP classes. If you still find Taylor unacceptable, please let us help you find the door—I’m sure with your status, you could find a “finer” place to live.
Mustang Mom "
Katy Mom wrote on Feb 8, 2010 10:22 AM:
" Motomom, I appreciate your explanation, however, after all that you still come back and sound like you are judging those of use who have kids in the lower SAT schools. I have no problem having my kids attend a school that has students that my choose not to attend college because they may have family obligations that don't allow that at the moment so they chose not to take THE TEST. That is their choice, but it doesn't affect my children and their future. Neither does the school ranking. My children would be the same regardless of where he went. They work hard because I expect it of them. Would they have better technology: proabably. Would they have better supplies: probably. Would they have better equipment: probably. Would they have prettier accomodations: probably. Would that make him smarter, better or more productive. NO way. Thats my job, The teachers at all the schools go through the same educational process, must have the same degree or certificate. And so I choose to put them where I think they will appreciate what they have, and am proud of it. So good luck with the sale of your home. To bad you probably will not get what you feel you deserve. "
backhomeintexas wrote on Feb 15, 2010 12:52 AM:
" I chose this house last summer because it was zoned to a good school and the school and area are new. I was afraid that going to an older school or to an older area would subject my children to people who are less than welcoming to new folks or just already have their friendships set in stone with full play card. After listenening to some of you that been here the longest, you just sound plain mean. I was right to shelter my girls from your type of closed ranks hostility. "
backhomeintexas wrote on Feb 15, 2010 1:03 AM:
" I hope they can resist splitting up groups of children that have always gone to school together.
I remember there was one Jr high in my town that had to be split between 2 high schools each year and i felt so sorry for those kids bc they had to continue through school with only half of their old community and it was sad.
I hope they try not make any weird zones that cause kids to travel a great distance to shcool. My hyoungest has to commute a long distance to jr high and it just isn't right. She ought to be able to ride her bike there but its far and the roads are dangerous . "
I remember there was one Jr high in my town that had to be split between 2 high schools each year and i felt so sorry for those kids bc they had to continue through school with only half of their old community and it was sad.
I hope they try not make any weird zones that cause kids to travel a great distance to shcool. My hyoungest has to commute a long distance to jr high and it just isn't right. She ought to be able to ride her bike there but its far and the roads are dangerous . "
Katy Mom wrote on Feb 3, 2010 11:02 AM: